A Retrospective Analysis of Azvudine in Patients with COVID-19 and Pre-existing Cancer

Objectives: Azvudine has been recommended as a potential treatment for the recently discovered Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in 2019. However, the effectiveness of Azvudine in individuals who have both COVID-19 and pre-existing cancer remains uncertain. Consequently, we undertook a retrospective analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Azvudine therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and pre-existing cancer. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, selected from patients admitted to a specialist oncology hospital between June 1, 2022 to June 31, 2023 with positive RT-PCR and pre-existing cancer. After exclusion and propensity score matching, patients in the test group treated with Azvudine and control patients treated with standard antiviral therapy were included. The primary outcome is the interval time from the first dose of Azvudine to the attainment of the first negative result for nucleic acid. Secondary outcomes included the rate of nucleic acid conversion, the duration of hospitalization, and the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the hazard ratio (HR) of event outcomes and to assess whether cancer types and Azvudine treatment will affect the course of COVID-19, specifically the time it takes for primary symptoms to alleviate. Results: In this study, a total of 84 patients were included for analysis. Among them, 42 patients received Azvudine treatment after hospitalization, and the rest were treated with standard antiviral therapy. The results expressed that the time taken for the first negative nucleic acid test was significantly shorter in the Azvudine group compared to the control group [5 (IQR3-7) d vs 12 (IQR9-15) d], p<0.0001. This difference was statistically significant. Furthermore, a multivariate COX analysis indicated that Azvudine treatment could effectively reduce the time required for nucleic acid conversion in cancer patients (HR 1.994, 95% CI 1.064-3.736, p=0.031). And the type of cancer also had an impact on the course of COVID-19 in patients. (HR 3.442, 95%CI 1.214-9.756, p=0.020; HR 3.246, 95% CI 1.925-7.209, p=0.036). Conclusion: Azvudine was correlated with a reduced duration for achieving nucleic acid conversion in individuals diagnosed with cancer. And different types of cancer have a certain impact on the course of COVID-19 for patients.

Bacterial antibiotic resistance among cancer inpatients in China: 2016-20

BACKGROUND

The incidence of infections among cancer patients is as high as 23.2-33.2% in China. However, the lack of information and data on the number of antibiotics used by cancer patients is an obstacle to implementing antibiotic management plans.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance in Chinese cancer patients to provide a reference for the rational use of antibiotics.

DESIGN

This was a 5-year retrospective study on the antibiotic resistance of cancer patients.

METHODS

In this 5-year surveillance study, we collected bacterial and antibiotic resistance data from 20 provincial cancer diagnosis and treatment centers and three specialized cancer hospitals in China. We analyzed the resistance of common bacteria to antibiotics, compared to common clinical drug-resistant bacteria, evaluated the evolution of critical drug-resistant bacteria and conducted data analysis.

FINDINGS

Between 2016 and 2020, 216 219 bacterial strains were clinically isolated. The resistance trend of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam and imipenem was relatively stable and did not significantly increase over time. The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains to all antibiotics tested, including imipenem and meropenem, decreased over time. In contrast, the resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii strains to carbapenems increased from 4.7% to 14.7%. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) significantly decreased from 65.2% in 2016 to 48.9% in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

The bacterial prevalence and antibiotic resistance rates of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, S. aureus and MRSA were significantly lower than the national average.

Response of microbial community and biological nitrogen removal to the accumulation of nonylphenol in sequencing batch reactor

The widespread existence of nonylphenol in the environmental rendered from wastewater discharge has become a growing concern for its endocrine disrupting effects on microorganisms. In this study, the performance of nitrifying and denitrifying microbial community in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was investigated under different nonylphenol concentrations. The SBR was shown to be less effective in nitrogen removal at higher concentration of nonylphenol. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were characterized by 454 pyrosequencing as the dominant bacteria, nitrogen removal functional bacteria in these three phyla were inhibited by nonylphenol, and Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were more sensitive to nonylphenol. With the accumulation of nonylphenol, the population of the most abundant denitrifying bacteria (Thauera spp.) and nitrifying bacteria (Nitrosomonas spp.) significantly reduced. Microbial diversity increased due to nonylphenol perturbation, which is indicated by the changes in microbial alpha diversity. Principal component analysis showed high similarity between microbial community in low and high concentration of nonylphenol, and the core genera involved in nitrogen removal had a low correlation with other genera shown in co-occurrence network. Moreover, linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis revealed intergroup differences in microorganisms. The mechanism of accumulated NP on the diversity and metabolism of the microbial community was examined. This paper established a theoretical foundation for the treatment of NP-containing wastewater and provided hints for further research about NP impact on biological nitrogen removal.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04825-9.

Current census of oncology critical care medicine in China

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this survey were to show the current situation of oncology critical care medicine in China by questionnaire, to understand the resource distribution of oncology critical care medicine and to analyze and evaluate the existing resources and reserve capacity of oncology critical care medicine in China.

METHODS

We conducted the survey mainly in the form of an online questionnaire. The Committee of Cancer Critical Care Medicine of the Chinese Anticancer Association (CACA) initiated the survey on 1 November 2017, and 36 member hospitals nationwide participated in the survey. The questionnaire included 10 items: investigator information, hospital information, general information of oncology critical care department, staffing of oncology critical care department, management in oncology critical care department, technical skills in oncology critical care department, patient source in oncology critical care department, equipment configuration in oncology critical care department, special skills in oncology critical care department and summary of the information.

RESULTS

The survey results included information from 28 member units, all of which were tertiary hospitals, distributed in 20 provinces and 4 direct-controlled municipalities. The results are as follows. (i) The total ratio of beds in the oncology critical care department to hospital beds was 1.06%, and the average number of beds in the oncology critical care department was 16.36. (ii) The ratio of physicians in the oncology critical care department to beds was ∼0.62:1, and the ratio of nurses to beds was ∼1.98:1. (iii) According to the census of the population and gross domestic product (GDP) of different regions conducted by the State Statistics Bureau in 2017, the ratio of beds in the oncology critical care department for tumor patients to the population was 4.55 beds per 10 million people, and the ratio of beds in the oncology critical care department to GDP was 8.00 beds per RMB 100 billion, on average. (iv) According to the requirements of the guidelines for the development and management of critical care medicine in China, the facilities in departments of oncology critical care medicine meet the requirements, and the technical skills of medical staff are competent.

CONCLUSION

The development of oncology critical care in China is becoming better, but there is still a certain gap compared with the intensive care unit standards in China and the average level of the nationwide. The development of oncology critical care medicine is urgent.

Overall survival in the OlympiA phase III trial of adjuvant olaparib in patients with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 and high risk, early breast cancer

BACKGROUND

The randomized, double-blind OlympiA trial compared 1 year of the oral poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitor, olaparib, to matching placebo as adjuvant therapy for patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 (gBRCA1/2pv) and high-risk, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative, early breast cancer (EBC). The first pre-specified interim analysis (IA) previously demonstrated statistically significant improvement in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and distant disease-free survival (DDFS). The olaparib group had fewer deaths than the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance for overall survival (OS). We now report the pre-specified second IA of OS with updates of IDFS, DDFS, and safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One thousand eight hundred and thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to olaparib or placebo following (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy if indicated. Endocrine therapy was given concurrently with study medication for hormone receptor-positive cancers. Statistical significance for OS at this IA required P < 0.015.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 3.5 years, the second IA of OS demonstrated significant improvement in the olaparib group relative to the placebo group [hazard ratio 0.68; 98.5% confidence interval (CI) 0.47-0.97; P = 0.009]. Four-year OS was 89.8% in the olaparib group and 86.4% in the placebo group (Δ 3.4%, 95% CI -0.1% to 6.8%). Four-year IDFS for the olaparib group versus placebo group was 82.7% versus 75.4% (Δ 7.3%, 95% CI 3.0% to 11.5%) and 4-year DDFS was 86.5% versus 79.1% (Δ 7.4%, 95% CI 3.6% to 11.3%), respectively. Subset analyses for OS, IDFS, and DDFS demonstrated benefit across major subgroups. No new safety signals were identified including no new cases of acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

With 3.5 years of median follow-up, OlympiA demonstrates statistically significant improvement in OS with adjuvant olaparib compared with placebo for gBRCA1/2pv-associated EBC and maintained improvements in the previously reported, statistically significant endpoints of IDFS and DDFS with no new safety signals.

Longitudinal investigations of anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract in goats from colostrum to postweaning

The digestive tract development in goat kids around weaning is vital to the establishment of digestion and absorption function, growth, and health of adults. The objective was to explore the effects of age and solid feed on the anatomical and morphological development of the gastrointestinal tract of Laiwu Black goat kids. Forty-eight female Laiwu Black goats at 8 ages (1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84 d; 6 goats per group) were selected and killed for anatomical and morphological analysis. The goats experienced the following 4 diet phases: maternal colostrum (MC; d 1, d 7), maternal milk (MM; d 14, d 28), maternal milk plus solid diet (MMSD; d 42, d 56) and only solid diet (OSD; d 70, d 84). The body and carcass weights were not significantly changed during MC and MM phases but changed during the MMSD phase. The absolute growth of body and carcass weights were higher in the MMSD phase than in MM phase. In addition, the dressing percentage was the highest in the MMSD phase. The body size indices evolved progressively and increased over time. The percentage of internal and external organs to body weight decreased over time, whereas the percentage to complex stomach percentage increased. The rumen and omasum weight experienced synchronous absolute growth over time, especially in the OSD phase. In contrast, the absolute growth of the reticulum and abomasum was the highest in MMSD and MC phases, respectively. After weaning, the goats showed the highest papillae height, lamina propria, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness. The OSD phase showed the highest colonic mucosa thickness, ileal villus height, and ileal muscle layer thickness. The crypt depth was higher in the MMSD phase than in the MM phase. Moreover, the crypt depth and muscle layer thickness of jejunum increased over time. Furthermore, duodenal crypt depth, muscle layer thickness, and epithelial thickness increased in the OSD phase compared with other stages. In conclusion, the histological investigation supports the improvement of the morphological development of the digestive tract and the growth performance in the solid feed phase. It is recommended to add solid food as early as 4 wk old.

A multivariate analysis identifies genetic loci associated with atherosclerotic plaque composition and cardiovascular disease trajectory

Background

From cross-sectional studies we have learned that composition of atherosclerotic plaques differs between individuals, and this contributes to the inter-individual differences in susceptibility to incident coronary and cerebral events. In pathological studies the extent and type of atherosclerosis is commonly assessed based on histological plaque characteristics that are linked to plaque rupture and erosion. A better understanding of the biology underlying variability in plaque composition will provide insights into the progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Objectives

We investigated the genetics of the plaque through multivariate and integrative genome-wide analyses (GWAS) of individual plaque characteristics.

Methods

We included carotid endarterectomy patients from the Athero-Express Biobank Study (n=2,124) with high-density imputed data and extensive histochemical plaque phenotyping available. We used slideToolKit to quantify the number of endothelial cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and manually assessed the number of intraplaque vessels, the amount of collagen and calcification, the atheroma size, and the presence of plaque hemorrhage. We ran GWAS on all traits correcting for age, sex, array used, and genetic ancestry.

Results

We identified 3 loci that significantly associate with CD68+ macrophages and ACTA2+ SMCs, p&lt;5x10–8. Statistical finemapping revealed 9 variants in the 95% credible set and functional annotation linked these to genes associated with malignant neoplasms, circulating cholesterol, and transmembrane proteins, suggesting an effect on cellular proliferation and cholesterol metabolism.

Conclusions

We provide evidence for 3 loci that modulate plaque composition through macrophages and smooth muscle cell plaque proliferation and cell-cell interactions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): European Research Area Network on Cardiovascular Diseases (ERA-CVD, druggable-MI-genes),China Scholarship Council

Effect of Polyphenols on Cognitive Function: Evidence from Population-Based Studies and Clinical Trials

Due to progressive population aging, a new dementia case occurs at every 3 seconds, placing a heavy burden of disease. Identifying potential risk or preventive factors is emphasized owing to a lack of effective treatment for dementia. There has been emerging evidence on the link of certain dietary components, particularly polyphenols, to brain wellness and cognitive outcomes. Findings from animal and in vitro studies appear more consistent and conclusive. However, such an association has not been investigated in depth in human beings. In this review, we examined studies on the effect of dietary polyphenols (including flavonoids, curcumin, and resveratrol) on cognitive function. Intervention in early stages of dementia/Alzheimer's disease might be a target to slow down age-related cognitive decline before disease onset. We summarized 28 epidemiological studies (8 cross-sectional and 20 cohort studies) and 55 trials in this review. Preliminary evidence from epidemiological data provides the necessity for intervention trials, even though the measures of polyphenol intake tend to be less precise. Clinical trials are in favor of the role of some polyphenols in benefiting specific domains of cognition. This review also describes the divergence of results and current limitations of research in this field.

MiR-483 suppresses cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis by targeting SOX3 in breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism underlying the effect of microRNA-483 (miR-483) in the progression of breast cancer (BC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MiR-483 expression was detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) in both BC cells and tissue samples. The associations between miR-483 expression level and patients' overall survival rate were explored. Furthermore, cell proliferation assay and cell apoptosis assay were conducted, respectively. In addition, Western blot analysis and Luciferase assay were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

The expression level of miR-483 was significantly decreased in tumor samples compared to that in adjacent tissues, which was also associated with patients' overall survival time. Moreover, cell growth was promoted, and cell apoptosis was inhibited after miR-483 was knocked down in vitro. Furthermore, SOX3 acted as a direct target of miR-483, and the expression of SOX3 was negatively correlated with the expression of miR-483 in tumor tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that miR-483 could suppress BC cell proliferation and promote BC cell apoptosis via targeting SOX3, which might be a potential therapeutic target in BC.

[Significance of microRNA 216a, 324-5p and 29a expression in peripheral blood in patients with acute pancreatitis and their correlation with liver injury]

Objective: To investigate the significance of microRNA (miR)-216a, miR-324-5p, miR-29a expression in peripheral blood in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and their correlation with liver injury. Methods: It was a case-control study design. To select 130 AP patients admitted from June 2017 to May 2019 in the First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, and the patients were divided into mild AP group (MAP group) and moderately severe AP group (SAP group) according to the disease severity, or 54 patients in the liver injury group (20 were MAP and 34 were SAP) and 76 in the non-liver injury group(all were MAP) according to liver injury. And another 40 healthy volunteers were selected as the healthy group. The expressions of miR-216a, miR-324-5p and miR-29a in peripheral blood of MAP group, SAP group, healthy group and liver injury group, non-liver injury group were compared, and the correlation between the miRNA levels and clinical indexes was analyzed. The predictive value of miRNA levels in peripheral blood for AP complicated with liver injury was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in MAP group and SAP group were higher than those in healthy group, and the level of miR-324-5p was lower than that in healthy group (all P<0.01). The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in SAP group were higher than those in MAP group, and the level of miR-324-5p was lower than that in healthy group (all P<0.01). Balthazar CT Score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluations (APACHE Ⅱ) score, C-reactive protein level, length of hospital stay were positively correlated with the levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in peripheral blood (all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the levels of miR-324-5p (P<0.05). The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in the peripheral blood in the liver injury group were higher than those in the non-liver injury group, and they were higher inSAP patients than those in MAP patients in the liver injury group (all P<0.05). The level of miR-324-5p in the peripheral blood in the liver injury group was lower than that in the non-liver injury group, and it was lower in SAP patients than that in MAP patientsin the liver injury group (all P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of miR-216a, miR-324-5p, and miR-29a in peripheral blood to predicate the AP complicated with liver damage was 0.694, 0.750 and 0.814, respectively. Conclusions: The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a increase in peripheral blood and the level of miR-324-5p decreases in patients with AP, and they are closely related to Balthazar CT score, APACHEⅡ score, C-reactive protein and length of hospital stay. The levels of miR-216a, miR-324-5p, miR-29a has certain predictive value for AP with liver injury, of which miR-29a has the highest predictive value.

[Mechanism of androgen in improving erectile dysfunction in castrated rats by regulating androgen receptor/vascular endothelial growth factor]

Objective: To explore the mechanism of androgen in improving erectile dysfunction in castrated rats. Methods: Forty 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:normal control group (Group A); castration group (Group B, in which rats were castrated); intervention groups (group C and D), in which rats were treated with different concentrations of testosterone undecanoate orally every day at 10 mg/kg (low dose) and 20 mg/kg (high dose), respectively after being castrated. Animals in group A and B were given 0.9% NS instead. After 8-week treatment, the level of serum testosterone, intra cavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were detected, and the expression of androgen receptor (AR)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected in the penis by Immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results: The level of serum testosterone was significantly lower in group B [(1.3±0.6) nmol/L] than in group A [(17.1±1.5) nmol/L] (P<0.05).After testosterone supplementation, serum testosterone levels in group C [(8.7±1.2) nmol/L] and group D [(15.5±1.6) nmol/L] were higher than that in group B (all P<0.05). Max ICP/MAP of group C and D were higher than that in group B (all P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that the expression levels of AR and VEGF in group B were significantly lower than those in group A, C and D, and group D > group C (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Androgen replacement therapy with testosterone undecanoate can improve the erectile function of castrated rats by protecting the integrity of endothelial cells through AR/VEGF pathway.

[Association between resting heart rate trajectory pattern and risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases]

Objective: To examine whether the long-term resting heart rate (RHR) pattern can predict the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). Methods: This prospective cohort study included 63 040 participants who took part in the health examination in 2006 and one of the health examinations on 2008 or 2010 and were free of myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia, cancer and not treated with β-recepter blocker. The outcomes were the first occurrence of myocardial infarction and stroke during the follow up ended on December 31, 2015. RHRs were measured in 2006, 2008, and 2010. We used latent mixture modeling SAS Proc procedure to identify RHR trajectories. We identified 4 distinct RHR trajectory patterns based on the data derived from 2006 and on the pattern change during 2006 to 2010 (low-stable, moderate-stable, moderate-increasing, elevated-decreasing). Collected the general clinical data of the patients. Cox regression model was used to determine the association between RHR trajectory patterns and the risk of CVDs during follow up. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox regression modeling. Results: There were statistical significance among the 4 distinct RHR trajectory patterns on the following variables: age, gender, smoking status, drinking status, physical activity, education status, history of use antihypertensive drugs, history of hypertension,history of diabetes, body mass index, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (all P<0.01). The moderate-increasing pattern experienced the highest risk of developing stroke and CVDs among all 4 patterns. The cumulative incidence of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and CVDs in the order of low-stable trajectory, moderate-stable trajectory and moderate-increasing trajectory. The cumulative incidences of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and CVDs in elevated-decreasing trajectory group were significantly lower than those in moderate-increasing trajectory group, but higher than those in moderate-stable trajectory group. Compared to the low-stable pattern, adjusted HR was 1.3 (95%CI 1.0-1.6) for the moderate-increasing pattern after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusion: Our study finds that individuals with moderate-increasing RHR trajectory pattern are associated with higher risk of cardiovascular and CVDs.

Abstract P6-21-06: Target N-Ras for degradation by flunarizine to treat basal-like breast cancer

Background:Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that are usually triple negative for ER, PR, and HER2. There is no effective targeted therapy for BLBC due to the lack of a druggable driver. Ras GTPases are powerful drivers for tumorigenesis. We have shown that wild type N-Ras, but not K- or H-Ras, is overexpressed in BLBC and driving itsgrowth and transforming activities. However, there is currently no treatment that directly target Ras. This study thus screened existing pharmacologically active and approved compounds for the new ability to induce N-Ras degradation in BLBC.

Methods:Compounds in the LOPAC library were screened by an automated microscopy system for the ability to reduce GFP-N-Ras signals in the cells. Isolated compounds were then examined to identify those that can degrade endogenous N-Ras in BLBC cells without impacting levels of other Ras proteins. Final candidate compounds were further examined to determine by which proteolytic pathway N-Ras is induced to be degraded. The potentials of the identified compound to treat BLBC were assessed by examining cell growth and soft agar colony formation in vitroand tumor growth in vivo.

Results:We identified flunarizine (FLN), previously approved for treating migraine and epilepsy. The FLN-induced N-Ras degradation was not affected by a 26S-proteasome inhibitor. Rather, it was blocked by autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, N-Ras can be seen co-localized with active autophagosomes upon FLN treatment, suggesting that FLN alters the autophagy pathway to degrade N-Ras. Importantly, FLN treatment recapitulated the effect of N-RASsilencingin vitroby selectively inhibiting the growth of BLBC cells, but not that of breast cancer cells of other subtypes. In addition, in vivoFLN inhibited tumor growth of a BLBC xenograft model.

Conclusion:This proof-of-principle study presents evidence that the autophagy pathway can be coerced by small molecule inhibitors, such as FLN, to degrade Ras as a strategy to treat cancer. FLN has low toxicity and should be further investigated to enrich the toolbox of cancer therapeutics against BLBC.

Citation Format: Zheng Z-Y, Li J, Li F, Zhu Y, Cui K, Wong ST, Chang EC, Liao Y-h. Target N-Ras for degradation by flunarizine to treat basal-like breast cancer [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 P6-21-06.

Effects of dietary methionine deficiency followed by replenishment on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of lambs

Twelve pairs of male twin lambs were used to assess the effects of dietary methionine (Met) deficiency followed by replenishment on lamb growth performance and carcass characteristics. All lambs were weaned at 7 days of age and divided into the Control (CON) group and Met deficiency (MD) group. From 8 to 56 days of age, the lambs in the CON group were fed a milk replacer and starter feed containing 0.91% and 0.60% Met, respectively, whereas the lambs in the MD group were fed with a milk replacer and starter feed containing 0.21% and 0.20% Met, respectively. All lambs were fed a starter feed containing 0.60% Met from 57 to 84 days of age. Six twin pairs were slaughtered at 56 and 84 days of age, and their organ weights and carcass traits were measured. During 8 to 56 days of age, the Met-deficient diet decreased (P &lt; 0.05) Met intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, shrunk bodyweight, empty bodyweight, hot carcass weight, and the apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and neutral detergent fibre; however, no differences were detected in dressing percentage or in the percentage of visceral organ weight to shrunk bodyweight between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). During the follow-up Met replenishment stage, no differences in growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and percentages of visceral organs to shrunk bodyweight were found between the groups (P &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary Met deficiency in early life retarded the growth and development of lambs. Growth rate was not retarded during the 28 days of subsequent Met replenishment, but the difference in bodyweight between the groups remained.

Free electrons excited SPASER

Surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (SPASER) is discovered and used for realizing lasers at nanometer scale. The conventional gain media that are applied in SPASER are solid materials, such as organic dye or semiconductor, which limits the frequency range of SPASER. The free electrons could be considered as a kind of gain medium for emitting radiation. Here, we investigate theoretically the SPASER, which is excited by free electrons. We also demonstrate the tunable, deep-ultraviolet, and ultracompact laser numerically by having free electrons interact with surface plasmon polariton mode supported on metal surface. The output power density could reach about 30 W/μm² and the wavelength in deep ultraviolet could be widely tuned by varying the electron energy. This work offers a way of realizing integrated free electron laser in the ultraviolet frequency region.

Effects of dietary protein restriction followed by realimentation on growth performance and liver transcriptome alterations of lamb

The present study aimed to investigate the compensatory effect of early protein restriction followed by a realimentation on growth performance of lamb and to explore the transcriptomic changes in liver. Thirty-two lambs with an initial birth weight of 2.3 ± 0.20 kg that were weaned on day 15 were randomly divided into two groups. The lambs were fed a basal diet with normal protein level (NPL, protein level in the milk replacer and starter, 25 and 21%, respectively) or low protein level (LPL, protein level in the milk replacer and starter, 19 and 15%, respectively) from 15 to 60 d, after which all lambs consumed the same diet with a normal protein level from 61 to 90 d. Protein restriction led to a significant decrease in average daily gain (ADG), body weight and liver weight (P < 0.05). Transcriptome analysis showed that 302 or 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified during the restriction or recovery periods, respectively (P < 0.05). The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that DEGs enriched in nutrient metabolism and antioxidant capacity were down-regulated, while vessel development and immunity response-related genes up-regulated. The genes involved in metabolism of tyrosine were still down-regulated in the realimentation phase. Studies in this area indicated the accelerated growth effect of early protein restriction followed by a realimentation on growth performance of lambs and explored the transcriptomics change of liver which can help to develop feeding strategies to optimize the use of feedstuffs and in providing a new perspective for the study of early nutrition and epigenetics in later life.

[The influence of Thymidine Phosphorylase genetic variation on clinical outcomes and safety of colorectal cancer patients received adjuvant chemotherapy after R0 resection]

Objective: To study the association between Thymidine Phosphorylase (TYMP) genetic variation and clinical outcomes and safety of postoperative colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: A total of 235 patients with colorectal cancer underwent surgical treatment were included in this retrospective analysis. Peripheral blood and the postoperative tissue specimen of the CRC patients were collected for the genotyping of polymorphism and TYMP mRNA expression, respectively. The correlation between polymorphism and clinical outcomes and safety of postoperative CRC patients were analysed. Results: Located in the upstream, 5633C>T was of clinical significance. The prevalence of 5633C>T in TYMP among the CRC patients were as follows: CC genotype 149 cases (63.40%), CT genotype 73 cases (31.06%), TT genotype 13 cases (5.54%), minor allele frequency of 5633C>T is 0.21. The distribution of three genotypes was in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (P=0.313). CT genotype and TT genotype patients were merged in the comparison of prognosis. The survival analysis of patients with different genotypes found that the median Overall Survival (OS) of CT/TT genotype and CC genotype were 5.8 and 4.5 year, which was statistically significant (P=0.009). Adjusted in multivariate Cox regression analysis, CT/TT genotype was an independent favorable factor for OS (HR=0.67, P=0.015). Additionally, of the 87 postoperative tissue specimens, the results showed that the expression of TYMP in cancer tissues of the patients with CT or TT genotypes were significantly higher than those of the wild type CC genotype patients (P=0.019). And the safety analysis showed that the incidence of grade 3 hand-foot syndrome among CT/TT genotype patients were higher than that of CC genotype patients (33.72% vs 20.13%, OR=1.68, P=0.021). Conclusion: The polymorphism 5633C>T of TYMP may impact the prognosis of CRC patients received adjuvant chemotherapy by influencing the mRNA expression of TYMP.

Human tissue kallikrein 1 ameliorates erectile function via modulation of macroautophagy in aged transgenic rats

Previously, we have demonstrated that human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) improves age-related erectile dysfunction (ED). Autophagy has been implicated in age-related diseases, including ED. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying hKLK1-mediated amelioration of age-related ED via regulation of autophagy remains unknown. To explore the potential mechanism, male wild-type Sprague-Dawley rats (WTR) and transgenic rats harboring human KLK1 (TGR) were bred till 4 or 18 months of age and divided into three groups: young WTR (yWTR) as the control group, aged WTR (aWTR) group, and aged TGR (aTGR) group. The erectile function of each rat was evaluated using cavernous nerve electrostimulation. The ratio of intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) and total ICP were also measured. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect the levels of autophagy. The expression levels of related signaling pathways were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We found that hKLK1 improved the impaired erectile function of aged rats. Compared to the yWTR and aTGR groups, the aWTR group showed reduced smooth muscle/collagen ratio, fewer autophagosomes, and lower expression of Beclin 1 and LC3-II, which indicate impaired smooth muscle function and low level of autophagy in the smooth muscle cells. Moreover, the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which is considered to be a negative regulator of autophagy, was upregulated in the aWTR group. hKLK1 may partially restore erectile function in aged transgenic rats by upregulating protective autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These observations indicate that hKLK1 is a potential gene therapy candidate for age-related ED.

Quality evaluation of ultra-thin samples: Application to graphene

Many new materials emerging are strictly two dimensional (2D), often only one or two monolayers thick. They include transition metal dichalcogenides, such as MoS₂ , and graphene. Graphene in particular appears to have many potential applications. Typically the crystalline film without contamination is of interest. Therefore, a reliable method is needed to routinely evaluate the quality of the synthesized samples. Here, we present one such candidate method that utilizes standard electron diffraction and low/medium magnification imaging in a rudimentary transmission electron microscope. The electron irradiation dose is very low thus reducing electron irradiation damage of the investigated samples. As an example, the method was applied to the evaluation of as-grown graphene sample quality and a study on heating-induced change in graphene. It can be used to evaluate the volume and areal ratio of crystalline to noncrystalline component. The method is amiable to automated film quality evaluation.

Continuous blood purification treatment for endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

This study aimed to explore the effects of continuous blood purification (CBP) treatment in pigs affected with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A total of 12 healthy male pigs, weighing 12±1.8 kg, were randomly and equally assigned to the control and experimental groups. The ARDS pig model was prepared by intravenous injections of endotoxin (20 µg/kg). The control group was given conventional supportive therapy, while the experimental group was given continuous veno-venous hemofiltration therapy. During the treatment process, the variations in dynamic lung compliance, oxygenation index, hemodynamics, and urine volume per hour at different times (Baseline, 0, 2, 4, and 6 h) were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The histomorphological changes of the lung, heart, and kidney were visualized using a light microscope. The nuclear factor κB p65 protein content of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues was also detected using western blot. The experimental group outperformed the control group in both respiratory and hemodynamic events. CBP treatment cleared TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 partially from serum and BALF. The pathological examination of the heart, lung, and kidney tissues revealed that the injury was less severe in the experimental group. CBP treatment can improve the organ functions of pigs affected with endotoxin-induced ARDS and protect these organs to some extent.

Effects of a limited period of iron supplementation on the growth performance and meat colour of dairy bull calves for veal production

The effects of restricting iron intake for the final 60 days of a 180-day growth trial on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, slaughter performance and meat quality of dairy bull calves used in veal production were evaluated in this study. Twenty-four newborn Holstein bull calves with an average weight of 41.0 ± 1.62 kg were randomly assigned to two groups of n = 12 calves/group. Calves in the Control group were fed a basal diet that included a milk replacer and pellet feed for 180 days. The iron level in the basal diet was 50 mg/kg. Calves in the Treatment group received the basal diet supplemented with 70 mg/kg iron for the first 120 days, then received the basal diet for the remaining 60 days. Five calves from each group were slaughtered at the end of the trial, and samples of the M. longissimus dorsi and rumen fluid were collected. No differences were found in dry matter intake, growth performance or digestibility and metabolism of nutrients between the two groups (P > 0.05). The dietary iron regimen did not affect the concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, total protein, albumin, or glucose (P > 0.05); however, the haemoglobin content increased with the supplementation of iron in the diet (P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, increasing dietary iron increased the meat percentage (P < 0.05) rather than the meat nutritional composition or quality of veal.

[Mechanism of RhoA/Rho-kinase signal pathway-induced erectile dysfunction in hyperlipidemic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) in penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscles in rats of hyperlipidemia-induced erectile dysfunction and its molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and experimental groups using a random number table. Rats in the control group (n=20) were fed with regular diet for 24 weeks and those in the experimental group (n=20) with high-fat diet for the same period of time. The serum lipids profile was detected before and after the diet treatment. The ratio of intracavernosal pressure (ΔICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of total RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 in penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscles, and RhoA protein in cell membrane and cytoplasm of smooth muscles after 24 weeks.

RESULTS

After 24 weeks, the levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein were significantly higher in the experimental group compared with those before diet treatment and the control group (all P<0.01). ΔICP/MAP in the experimental group was greatly lower than in the control group (P<0.01). The protein expression of ROCK2 in penile corpus cavernosum smooth muscles was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (0.77±0.10 vs 0.27±0.08, P<0.01) after 24 weeks, while no statistically significant differences were observed in total RhoA and ROCK 1 protein expression between the two groups (both P>0.05). RhoA expression in cytoplasm was lower in the experimental than in the control group (1.66±0.09 vs 1.79±0.15, P<0.05). The ratio of RhoA expression in menmbrane/cytoplasm was higher in the experimental than in the control group (0.33±0.09 vs 0.26±0.07, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Up-regulation of RhoA/ROCK may be involved in hyperlipidemia-induced erectile dysfunction in rats.

Exogenous Estradiol Benzoate Induces Spermatogenesis Disorder through Influencing Apoptosis and Oestrogen Receptor Signalling Pathway

As the exact role for exogenous oestrogen in spermatogenesis is not fully understood, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of estradiol benzoate (EB) exposure to male mice on their spermatogenesis and fertility. Sixty male mice aged 4 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, including a control group and two treatment groups. The mice of the control group were injected with 250 μl paraffin oil only by every other day subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks. Meantime, the mice of the treatment groups were injected with EB at the concentration of 5 or 10 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that EB slowed down the body weight gains and generated testicular atrophy with spermatogenesis disorder compared with that of the control mice, and consequently induced their infertility. Moreover, the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the testis of EB-treated mice was significantly increased with the EB concentration rise. In comparison with controls, the mRNA expression level of pro-apoptosis factors (Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Apaf1, Chop, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9 and Caspase-12) and key genes in oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling pathway (ER α, ER β, Erk1/2, Hsp90 and DAX-1) were upregulated in the testes of the treatment groups. Furthermore, Western blotting results proved the protein expression level of Fas, TNF, Cytochrome C, Chop, Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Erk1/2 and Hsp90 were upregulated, and the phosphorylation level of Erk1/2 was also increased. These results indicate that EB may impair spermatogenesis through influencing the apoptosis and ER signalling pathway.

Effect of dietary supplementation of rutin on lactation performance, ruminal fermentation and metabolism in dairy cows

The effect of long-term dietary supplementation with rutin on the lactation performance, ruminal fermentation and metabolism of dairy cows were investigated in this study. Twenty multiparous Chinese Holstein cows were randomly divided into four groups, and each was offered a basal diet supplemented with 0, 1.5, 3.0 or 4.5 mg rutin/kg of diet. The milk yield of the cows receiving 3.0 and 4.5 mg rutin/kg was higher than that of the control group, and the milk yield was increased by 10.06% and 3.37% (p < 0.05). On the basis of that finding, the cows supplemented with 0 or 3.0 mg rutin/kg of diet were used to investigate the effect of rutin supplementation on blood metabolites and hormone levels. Compared with the control group, the serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration of the 3.0 mg rutin/kg group is significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In another trial, four adult cows with permanent rumen fistula and duodenal cannulae were attributed in a self-control design to investigate the peak occurrence of rutin and quercetin in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, ruminal fermentation and microbial population in dairy cows. The cows supplemented with 3.0 mg rutin/kg in the diet differed from the control period. Samples of rumen fluid, duodenal fluid and blood were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 h after morning feeding. Compared to the control group, the pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration, number and protein content of rumen protozoa and blood urea nitrogen were lower, but the concentration of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), microbial crude protein (MCP) and serum lysozyme content were higher for the cows fed the rutin diets. The addition of 3.0 mg rutin/kg to diets for a long term tended to increase the milk yield and improve the metabolism and digestibility of the dairy cows.

Association of the TNF-α+489 G/A polymorphism with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk in Asians: meta-analysis

The association between the TNF-α +489 G/A polymorphism and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial because of small group size and varied design among different studies. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between the +489 G/A polymorphism and COPD risk. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify articles that have reported an association between the TNF-α +489 G/A polymorphism and COPD risk. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated under both dominant (AA+GA vs GG genotypes) and allele (A vs G) models. Heterogeneity was assessed, as well as publication bias. Nine articles with ten eligible studies were included in this analysis. Significant association between the +489 G/A polymorphism and COPD was identified in Asians under the allele model (OR = 1.582, 95%CI = 1.035-2.419). However, no significant difference was found in the Caucasian groups. Strong evidence for between-study heterogeneity was identified under both models, and no publication bias was detected. Our results indicated a potential role of the A allele of the TNF-α +489 G/A polymorphism in increasing COPD risk in Asians, but not in Caucasians. Additional studies will be necessary to verify this conclusion.

Generation of Foxo3-targeted Mice by Injection of mRNAs Encoding Transcription Activator-like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) into Zygotes

In this study, for exploring the mechanism of forkhead box O3(Foxo3) participating in regulation of the activation of primordial oocytes, Foxo3-targeted mice were generated by injection of mRNAs encoding transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) into mouse zygotes. The TALEN sites were designed with high conservative homologous region among pig, bovine, buffalo and mouse by commercial bio-companies. The TALENs mutagenic non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair activity were determined to be 31.3% in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK-293T) cells by dual luciferase reporter assay system. Then, we firstly injected TALEN-mRNAs into the cytoplasm of mouse zygotes by micromanipulation, and four of 48 mouse blastocysts were identified as mutation by sequencing. Subsequently, by the method of TALEN-mRNAs injected into the zygotes with pronucleus micromanipulation technique, we obtained seven Foxo3 mutants of 20 FVB/NJ backgrounds mice which were Foxo3-independent alleles with frameshift and deletion mutations. It was very interesting that all seven were heterozygous mutants (Foxo3(-/+) ), and the gene mutagenesis rates of the mice reached 35%. The five Foxo3 mutant females were all infertile in the following 6 months after birth. The histological examination results showed that there were rare primordial follicles and primary follicles in the ovary of Foxo3 mutant compared to that of wide-type female mice. Moreover, one of two mutant males was subfertile and another was fertile normally. Those results suggested that the mutant of Foxo3 severely affected the fertile ability of female and perhaps male in some degree; furthermore, an even more efficient TALENs-based gene mutation method has been established to be poised to revolutionize the study of mouse and other species genetics.