Refining shape and size of silver nanoparticles using ion irradiation for enhanced and homogeneous SERS activity

We present green synthesis of silver nanoparticles in water using unirradiated and Ag15 + ion irradiated phytoextracts of Bergenia Ciliata leaf, Eupatorium adenophorum leaf, Rhododendron arboreum leaf and flower. The use of different plant extracts and their subsequent ion irradiation allow for successful refinement of nanoparticle size and morphology. Due to changes in reducing and capping agents the nanoparticle surface functionalization also varies which not only controls the morphology but also allows for surface oxidation and aggregation processes. In this work, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles which exhibit sizes in the range from 13 to 24 nm and having shapes like spherical, quasispherical, trigonal, hexagonal, cylindrical, dendritic assemblies, and porous nanoparticles. Owing to changes in the size and shape of the nanoparticles, their direct bandgap (2.05 eV - 2.48 eV) and local surface plasmon resonance (420 nm - 490 nm) could also be tuned. These nanoparticles are examined as SERS substrates, where their enhancement factors, limit of detection for methylene blue, and SERS substrate homogeneity have been tested. It has been observed the nanoparticles synthesized using unirradiated plant extracts present an enhancement factor of 106 with a limit of detection 10- 8 M. Whereas nanoparticles with refined morphology and shapes upon irradiation present high enhancement factors of >107 and detection limit down to 10- 9 M. In addition, uniformity in Raman spectra over the SERS substrates has been obtained for selected Ag NPs substrates synthesized using irradiated extracts with minimum relative standard deviation in enhancement factor < 12%.

An appraisal of traditional knowledge of plant poisoning of livestock and its validation through acute toxicity assay in rats

Background: Kashmir Himalaya hosts the most diverse and rich flora in the world, which serves as grazing land for millions of small ruminants in the area. While most plant species are beneficial, some can be poisonous, causing economic losses and animal health issues for livestock. Consequently, this study is the first comprehensive report on the traditional phyto-toxicological knowledge in District Muzaffarabad and the assessment of its authenticity through experimental studies in rats. Methods: The data regarding traditional knowledge was gathered from 70 key respondents through semi-structured interviews, which was quantitatively analyzed and authenticated through plant extract testing on Wistar female rats and comparison with published resources. Results: A total of 46 poisonous plant species belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported to be poisonous in the study area. Results revealed that leaves were the most toxic plant parts (24 species, 52.1%), followed by the whole plant (18 species, 39.1%), stem (17 species, 36.9%), and seeds (10 species, 21.7%). At the organ level, liver as most susceptible affected by 13 species (28.2%), followed by the gastrointestinal tract (15 species, 32.6%), nervous system (13 species, 8.2%), dermis (8 species, 17.3%), renal (7 species, 15.2%), respiratory (4 species, 8.7%), cardiovascular system (3 species, 6.5%), and reproductive system (2 species, 4.3%). The poisonous plant species with high Relative frequency citation (RFC) and fidelity level (FL) were Nerium oleander (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), Lantana camara (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100), and Ricinus communis (RFC, 0.6; FL, 100). Experimental assessment of acute toxicity assay in rats revealed that Nerium oleander was the most toxic plant with LD50 of (4,000 mg/kg), trailed by Ricinus communis (4,200 mg/kg), L. camara (4,500 mg/kg), and Datura stramonium (4,700 mg/kg); however, other plants showed moderate to mild toxicity. The major clinical observations were anorexia, piloerection, dyspnea, salivation, tachypnea, constipation, diarrhea, tremor, itchiness, and dullness. Conclusion: This study showed that numerous poisonous plants pose a significant risk to the livestock industry within Himalayan territory, leading to substantial economic losses. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to conduct further comprehensive studies on the phytotoxicity of plants.

Molecular mechanisms of resistance and treatment efficacy of clofazimine and bedaquiline against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Clofazimine (CFZ) and bedaquiline (BDQ) are currently used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains. In recent years, adding CFZ and BDQ to tuberculosis (TB) drug regimens against MDR Mtb strains has significantly improved treatment results, but these improvements are threatened by the emergence of MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb strains. Recently, CFZ and BDQ have attracted much attention for their strong clinical efficacy, although very little is known about the mechanisms of action, drug susceptibility test (DST), resistance mechanisms, cross-resistance, and pharmacokinetics of these two drugs. In this current review, we provide recent updates on the mechanisms of action, DST, associated mutations with individual resistance and cross-resistance, clinical efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of CFZ and BDQ against Mtb strains. Presently, known mechanisms of resistance for CFZ and/or BDQ include mutations within the Rv0678, pepQ, Rv1979c, and atpE genes. The cross-resistance between CFZ and BDQ may reduce available MDR-/XDR-TB treatment options. The use of CFZ and BDQ for treatment in the setting of limited DST could allow further spread of drug resistance. The DST and resistance knowledge are urgently needed where CFZ and BDQ resistance do emerge. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of clinical efficacy, DST, cross-resistance, and pharmacokinetics for CFZ and BDQ against Mtb can provide new ideas for improving treatment outcomes, reducing mortality, preventing drug resistance, and TB transmission. Along with this, it will also help to develop rapid molecular diagnostic tools as well as novel therapeutic drugs for TB.

Plummeting toxic contaminates from water through phycoremediation: Mechanism, influencing factors and future outlook to enhance the capacity of living and non-living algae

Freshwater habitats hold a unique role in the survival of all living organisms and supply water for drinking, irrigation, and life support activities. In recent decades, due to anthropogenic activities, deterioration in the water quality has been a long-lasting problem and challenge to the scientific fraternity. Although, these freshwater bodies have a bearable intrinsic capacity for pollution load however alarming increase in pollution limits the intrinsic capacities and requires additional technological interventions. The release of secondary pollutants from conventional interventions further needs revisiting the existing methodologies and asking for green interventions. Green interventions such as phycoremediation are natural, eco-friendly, economic, and energy-efficient alternatives and provide additional benefits such as nutrient recovery, biofuel production, and valuable secondary metabolites from polluted freshwater bodies. This systemic review in a nut-shell comprises the recent research insights on phycoremediation, technological implications, and influencing factors, and further discusses the associated mechanisms of metal ions biosorption by living and non-living algae, its advantages, and limitations. Besides, the article explores the possibility of future research prospects for applicability at a field scale that will help in the efficient utilization of resources, and improved ecological and health risks.

Impact of nonmalignant ascites on outcomes of open inguinal hernia repair in the USA

PURPOSE

Studies on inguinal hernia repair in patients with ascites are limited, small, and inconsistent, exacerbating a challenging clinical dilemma for surgeons. To fill this gap in the literature, this retrospective cohort study used a national US database to examine the impact of ascites on the outcomes of open inguinal herniorrhaphy.

METHODS

Patients who underwent open inguinal herniorrhaphy between 2005 and 2019 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Two groups were defined by the presence or absence of nonmalignant preoperative ascites. Ascites patients were propensity matched 1:10 with non-ascites patients. Surgical outcomes at 30 days for the matched groups, stratified by electiveness of procedure, were compared, with the primary end points of mortality and the NSQIP composite outcome "serious complication".

RESULTS

The study included 682 patients with ascites. Compared to matched controls, those with ascites had significantly increased odds of mortality (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.5-7.0) after elective repair, but not after nonelective repair. Ascites was associated with increased odds of serious complication after both elective (OR 1.7, 1.2-2.3) and nonelective (OR 2.0, 1.3-3.0) surgery. Among ascites patients, age ≥ 65 years was associated with increased mortality (risk-adjusted OR 3.8, 1.2-14.4) and serious complication (OR 2.2, 1.2-3.9).

CONCLUSION

In this largest study to date on patients with ascites undergoing open inguinal herniorrhaphy, ascites increased the odds of mortality after elective repair and of serious complication after elective and nonelective repair. Age ≥ 65 was a risk factor for poor outcome. Inguinal herniorrhaphy is fraught with complications in this population.

Immunity against Delta and Omicron variants elicited by homologous inactivated vaccine booster in kidney transplant recipients

Background

A third mRNA vaccine booster is recommended to improve immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). However, the immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Ancestral strain and Delta and Omicron variants elicited by the third dose of inactivated booster vaccine in KTRs remains unknown.

Methods

The blood parameters related to blood cells count, hepatic function, kidney function, heart injury and immunity were explored clinically from laboratory examinations. SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody IgG titer was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cellular immunity was analyzed using interferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay.

Results

The results showed that there were no severe adverse effects and apparent changes of clinical laboratory biomarkers in KTRs and healthy volunteers (HVs) after homologous inactivated vaccine booster. A third dose of inactivated vaccine booster significantly increased anti-Ancestral-spike-trimer-IgG and anti-Ancestral-receptor binding domain (RBD)-IgG titers in KTRs and HVs compared with the second vaccination. However, the anti-Delta-RBD-IgG and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG titers were significantly lower than anti-Ancestral-RBD-IgG titer in KTRs and HVs after the third dose. Notably, only 25.6% (10/39) and 10.3% (4/39) of KTRs had seropositivity for anti-Delta-RBD-IgG and anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG after booster, which were significantly lower than HVs (anti-Delta-RBD-IgG: 100%, anti-Omicron-RBD-IgG: 77.8%). Ancestral strain nucleocapsid protein and spike specific T cell frequency after booster was not significantly increased in KTRs compared with the second dose, significantly lower than that in HVs. Moreover, 33.3% (12/36), 14.3% (3/21) and 14.3% (3/21) of KTRs were positive for the Ancestral strain and Delta and Omicron spike-specific T cells, which were significantly lower than HVs (Ancestral: 80.8%, Delta: 53.8%, and Omicron: 57.7%).

Conclusions

A third dose of inactivated booster vaccine may significantly increase humoral immunity against the Ancestral strain in KTRs, while humoral and cellular immunity against the Delta and Omicron variants were still poor in KTRs.

Omicron variants breakthrough infection elicited higher specific memory immunity than third dose booster in healthy vaccinees

Homologous booster, heterologous booster, and Omicron variants breakthrough infection (OBI) could improve the humoral immunity against Omicron variants. Questions concerning about memory B cells (MBCs) and T cells immunity against Omicron variants, features of long-term immunity, after booster and OBI, needs to be explored. Here, comparative analysis demonstrate antibody and T cell immunity against ancestral strain, Delta and Omicron variants in Omicron breakthrough infected patients (OBIPs) are comparable to that in Ad5-nCoV boosted healthy volunteers (HVs), higher than that in inactivated vaccine (InV) boosted HVs. However, memory B cells (MBCs) immunity against Omicron variants was highest in OBIPs, followed by Ad5-nCoV boosted and InV boosted HVs. OBIPs and Ad5-nCoV boosted HVs have higher classical MBCs and activated MBCs, and lower naïve MBCs and atypical MBCs relative to both vaccine boosted HVs. Collectively, these data indicate Omicron breakthrough infection elicit higher MBCs and T cells against SARS-CoV-2 especially Omicron variants relative to homologous InV booster and heterologous Ad5-nCoV booster.

In-vivo (Albino Mice) and in-vitro Assimilation and Toxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Food Materials

Purpose

Recent advances in nanotechnology have given rise to the potential utilization of nanoparticles as food, nano-medicine/biomedicines.

Patient

The study aimed to investigate the effects of nano-zinc oxide (nano-zinc) on the bio-assimilation of mineral (Zn) in mice, aged 3-6 weeks.

Methods

ZnO nanoparticles were added to the basal diet as a supplement at amounts of 0.07, 0.14 and 0.21 mg/kg. The synthesized material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, particle size, scanning electron microscope, Thermogravimetric Analysis Thermal, X-ray diffraction spectrophotometer and Zeta potential.

Results

In-vitro bioavailability of synthesized group ZnO (120 nm) was 43%, whereas for standard group ZnO (50 nm) was reported as 55%. In-vivo bioavailability of zinc oxide illustrated the maximum absorption level compared with the control. In-vivo toxicity was characterized as damage done to the liver and spleen tissues with a high dose of 0.21 mg/kg, while smaller doses indicated no toxic effects.

Conclusion

The study provided important insights on the toxicological effects of ZnO nanoparticles, depending on dose rate and bio-assimilation, as well as particles, under various conditions (in-vitro and in-vivo). These findings will motivate further detailed research on nano-based medicine for alleviating malnutrition conditions.

A first principles study of a van der Waals heterostructure based on MS2 (M = Mo, W) and Janus CrSSe monolayers

The strategy of stacking two-dimensional materials for designing van der Waals heterostructures has gained tremendous attention in realizing innovative device applications in optoelectronics and renewable energy sources. Here, we performed the first principles calculations of the geometry, optoelectronic and photocatalytic performance of MS₂-CrSSe (M = Mo, W) vdW heterostructures. The mirror asymmetry in the Janus CrSSe system allows the designing of two models of the MS₂-CrSSe system by replacing S/Se atoms at opposite surfaces in CrSSe. The feasible configurations of both models of the MS₂-CrSSe system are found energetically, dynamically and thermally stable. The studied heterobilayers possess an indirect type-I band alignment, indicating that the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes in the CrSSe monolayer is hence crucial for photodetectors and laser applications. Remarkably, a red-shift in the optical absorption spectra of MS₂-CrSSe makes them potential candidates for light harvesting applications. More interestingly, all heterobilayers (except W(Mo)S₂-CrSSe of model-I(II)) reveal appropriate band edge positions of the oxidation and reduction potentials of the photocatalysis of water dissociation into H⁺/H₂ and O₂/H₂O at pH = 0. These results shed light on the practical design of the MS₂-CrSSe system for efficient optoelectronic and photocatalytic water splitting applications.

Phytotoxicological study of selected poisonous plants from Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Poisonous plants cause tremendous economic losses to the livestock industry. These economic losses are deterioration in their health, decreased productivity, deformed offspring, and reduced longevity. The current study is the first comprehensive report on poisonous plants of Azad Jammu and Kashmir which systematically documents the phytotoxicological effect and mode of action in livestock. The information was gathered from 271 informants including 167 men and 104 women through semi-structured interviews and literature search through available databases. The data collected through interviews was analyzed with quantitative tools viz. the factor informant consensus and fidelity level. A total of 38 species of flowering plants belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported. Family Asteraceae (5 spp) was the most dominant, followed by Solanaceae (4 spp), Fabaceae (4 spp), Euphorbiaceae (4 spp) and Convolvulaceae (3 spp). Among all the species collected, herbs were the dominant life form (22 spp, 57.89%), trailed by shrubs (11 spp, 28.95%), and trees (5 spp, 13.16%). Whole plant toxicity was reported to be the highest (15 spp, 39.47%), followed by leaf toxicity (12 spp, 31.58%), seed toxicity (4 spp, 7.89%), fruit toxicity (3 spp, 10.53%), latex toxicity (2 spp, 5.26%), flowers toxicity (1 spp, 2.63%), and berries toxicity (1 spp, 2.63%). The most toxic route of administration was found oral (39 spp, 40.63%), followed by intraperitoneal (24 spp, 25%), and intravenous (21 spp, 21.88%). The most commonly affected organ was found liver (20.41%), followed by gastrointestinal tract (20.341%), CNS (16.33%), skin (14.29%), kidneys (12.24%), lungs (4.04%), reproductive organs (2.04%), spleen (1.75%), blood (1.75%), heart (1.75%), urinary tract (1.75%), and pancreas (1.75%). The maximum Fic value was found for dermatological disorders (0.91), followed by the endocrine system (0.90), gastrointestinal (0.82), neurology (0.77), nephrology (0.67), cardiovascular (0.67), urinary (0.67), respiratory (0.60), sexual (0.60) disorders. Senecio vulgaris, and Ageratum conyzoides were the most important plants with fidelity level (0.95) and (0.87). Nerium oleander, Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, and Ricinus communis were the important poisonous plant with maximum fidelity level (100%). Ricinus communis with reported lowest LD50 (<20 mg/kg) was the top-ranked poisonous plant followed by Lantana camara and Justicia adhatoda (25-50 mg/kg), Nerium Oleander (157.37 mg/kg), and Datura innoxia (400 mg/kg). We found that knowledge about poisonous plants is less prevailing in the rural areas of Azad Kashmir compared to the knowledge about medicinal plants and poisonous nature of reported plants is due to production of toxic substances and presence of essential oils.

Variability in indigenous Pakistani tomato lines and worldwide reference collection for Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) infection

Local and exotic germplasm of tomato remains a major source for genetic improvement. Assessment of such lines for biotic stresses particularly viral diseases are the most important criteria for selection in Pakistan, where Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV) are the major diseases/viruses. A set of 40 accessions (including indigenous Pakistani lines and exotic germplasm from Europe, the United States, and Asia) were evaluated for their resistance/infection response to ToMV with artificial inoculation under greenhouse conditions. Infection response was quantified through disease scoring and DAS-ELISA test (for ToMV). A subset of 24 lines, was further screened for TYLCV using disease scoring and TAS-ELISA. The tested lines showed significant variability for resistance to ToMV. Only one accession (Acc-17878) was resistant to the ToMV whereas seven accessions i.e. Acc-17890, AVR-261, CLN-312, AVR-321, EUR-333, CLN-352, and CLN-362 expressed resistance to TYLCV. Correlation between phenotypic evaluation was confirmed by the ELISA results in both diseases, although both tools complemented to assess the viral infection status. In future, tomato breeding programs must consider breeding for ToMV and TYLCV resistance (using identified germplasm in our study) so as to deliver virus resistant tomato varieties.

Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill on exploratory behavior of mice-model

Increased anxiety and depressive symptoms have reported to be its association with long term illness. Because of having unwanted effects of newly available drugs, patients administering anxiolytic drugs usually discontinue the treatment before they are completely recovered. Therefore, there is a serious need to develop new anxiolytic drugs. The anxiolytic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei in animal models was assessed. 24 male mice (Mus musculus genus) were included in the study. Four groups were prepared and each group contained six animals. The groups were vehicle control, positive control (diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.) as well as two treatment groups receiving Agaricus blazei hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.50 mg/kg and 273.0 mg/kg orally. The Marble burying test, Nestlet shredding test and Light and Dark box test used to assess anxiolytic activity. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. while hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) was administered via oral route which exhibited marked reduction in number of marbles-burying as compared to vehicle control group. Mice administered with diazepam 1.0 mg/kg, i.p. and Oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of AbM (136.50 and 273.0 mg/kg, respectively) exhibited significant decrease in nestlet shredding in comparison to vehicle control group. The oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract at a dose of 136.5mg/kg and 273mg/kg showed elevation in time spent in light box and was comparable to standard treated group while time spent by mice following oral administration of hydro-alcoholic extract of Agaricus blazei at a dose of 273.0 mg/kg also showed elevation and was found to be more near to standard treated group (diazepam 1 mg/kg, i.p.).

Can a virtual microbiology simulation be as effective as the traditional Wetlab for pharmacy student education?

BACKGROUND

Pharmacy practice education requires the development of proficiencies and an understanding of clinical microbiology. Learning in this area could be delivered using practical laboratory exercises, or potentially, simulation-based education. Simulation has previously successfully enhanced learning in health professional education. The current global climate due to COVID-19 has further highlighted the important role of technology-enhanced learning in delivering outcomes that meet the requisite learning objectives of a course. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of a commercially available virtual microbiology simulation (VUMIE™) with a traditional wet laboratory (wetlab) on learner knowledge, skills and confidence in a second-year integrated pharmacotherapeutics course for Bachelor of Pharmacy students.

METHODS

A randomised, crossover study was employed to determine whether the simulation intervention (VUMIE™) improves learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and confidence) of pharmacy students, when compared to a traditional wetlab intervention. Each student completed three 1-2 h length sessions, for both the wetlab and VUMIE™ interventions (6 sessions total). Data was collected using surveys deployed at baseline (pre-interventions), post-intervention 1 or 2 (VUMIE™ or wetlab) and endpoint (post-interventions 1 and 2). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Statistics 25 and Instat™ software.

RESULTS

Response rates were approximately 50% at initial survey and approximately 25% at endpoint survey. VUMIE™ produced higher post-intervention knowledge scores for the multiple-choice questions compared to the wetlab, however, the highest score was achieved at endpoint. Both interventions produced statistically significant differences for mean scores compared to baseline (pre-VUMIE™ and wetlab) across the domains of knowledge, skills and confidence. VUMIE™ produced higher post-intervention mean scores for knowledge, skills and confidence compared to post-intervention mean scores for the wetlab, however there was no statistical significance between the mean score for the two interventions, thus the VUMIE™ activity produced learning outcomes comparable to the wetlab activity.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest VUMIE™ provides similar effects on students' knowledge, skills, and confidence as a wetlab. The simulation's implementation was not cost-prohibitive, provided students with a physically and psychologically safe learning environment, and the benefit of being able to repeat activities, supporting deliberate practice.

Body composition, growth performance and enzyme activities of Labeo rohita fed different commercial fish feeds

We have evaluated the effects of different fish feeds on the body composition, growth, and enzyme activities of Labeo rohita (Rohu). In total, 240 fishes between the average weights of 24.77±2.15g were studied. The treatments were applied in a completely randomized design, with 4 treatments of 60 fishes each. Treatments consisted of four different fish feeds [Oryza (T1), AMG (T2), Aqua (T3), and Supreme (T4)]. Body composition, growth performance, and enzyme activities were evaluated. There was a significant variation in performance of fishes fed with different type of feed; as fishes having Oryza feed showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and best feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to other groups that were considered to be significant (P ≤ 0.05). High net weight gain was obtained in T4 when compared with T2 and T3. FCR value of T4 was less than T1 but higher than T2, T3 and T2, which showed the lowest values. The specific growth rate was recorded as average in T4, but T2 led a high SGR than T3. Similarly, crude protein level and digestive enzymes activity was recorded significantly highest in fed with Oryza (T1) as compared to AMG (T2), Aqua (T3), and Supreme (T4). Water quality parameters were recorded significant in all treatments except pH and DO of treatment (T1), significantly different from other treatments. It was concluded that Rohu (Labeo rohita) could show a promising growth rate and protease enzyme activity when fed with the Oryza feed of 25% protein.

A recombinant selective drug-resistant M. bovis BCG enhances the bactericidal activity of a second-line anti-tuberculosis regimen

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a new threat to global health; to improve the treatment outcome, therapeutic vaccines are considered the best chemotherapy adjuvants. Unfortunately, there is no therapeutic vaccine approved against DR-TB. Our study assessed the therapeutic efficacy of a recombinant drug-resistant BCG (RdrBCG) vaccine in DR-TB. We constructed the RdrBCG overexpressing Ag85B and Rv2628 by selecting drug-resistant BCG strains and transformed them with plasmid pEBCG or pIBCG to create RdrBCG-E and RdrBCG-I respectively. Following successful stability testing, we tested the vaccine's safety in severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice that lack both T and B lymphocytes plus immunoglobulins. Finally, we evaluated the RdrBCG's therapeutic efficacy in BALB/c mice infected with rifampin-resistant M. tuberculosis and treated with a second-line anti-TB regimen. We obtained M. bovis strains which were resistant to several second-line drugs and M. tuberculosis resistant to rifampin. Notably, the exogenously inserted genes were lost in RdrBCG-E but remained stable in the RdrBCG-I both in vitro and in vivo. When administered adjunct to a second-line anti-TB regimen in a murine model of DR-TB, the RdrBCG-I lowered lung M. tuberculosis burden by 1 log10. Furthermore, vaccination with RdrBCG-I adjunct to chemotherapy minimized lung tissue pathology in mice. Most importantly, the RdrBCG-I showed almost the same virulence as its parent BCG Tice strain in SCID mice. Our findings suggested that the RdrBCG-I was stable, safe and effective as a therapeutic vaccine. Hence, the "recombinant" plus "drug-resistant" BCG strategy could be a useful concept for developing therapeutic vaccines against DR-TB.

Role of Intraperitoneal Normal Saline Instillation in Relieving Post-operative Pain Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Quasi Experimental Study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly become the procedure of choice for the treatment of calculus cholecystitis for having clear advantage over open method in reducing surgical morbidity, postoperative pain and complication. But still patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy complain of considerable pain especially on first post-operative day necessitating use of better methods for postoperative analgesia. This quasi experimental study was done in Surgery Unit III, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2016 to June 2017 to assess the role of intraperitoneal normal saline instillation following laparoscopic cholecystectomy in relieving postoperative pain. In this study total 200 patients of calculus cholecystitis were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned equally into two groups by non-equivalent control group design. Both the control group and experimental group were managed according to the standard protocol and operated in routine operation theater. The experimental group (n=100) was additionally instilled with 25-30ml/kg body weight of normal saline at 37°C at the gallbladder bed and subdiaphragmatic space at the end of surgery and all the data were recorded in individual case record form. Among the sample most of the patients were between 25-60 years of ages with the peak age being between 43-51 years. Eighty one percent (81%) of the total patients were female with male female ratio being 1:5.25 in Control group and 1:3.54 in Experimental group. The VAS scores for visceral pain in experimental group were significantly less than that of control group at 6 hours (p<0.001), 12 hours (p<0.001), 24 hours (p<0.001) and 48 hours (p=0.026). The VAS scores for shoulder tip pain in experimental group were also significantly less than that of control group at 6 hours (p<0.001), 12 hours (p<0.018) and 24 hours (p=0.004). The administration of analgesics was also significantly less in the experimental group than in control group at 6 hours (p<0.001), 12 hours (p<0.001), 24 hours (p=0.313) and 48 hours (p=0.297) with no significant differences at 72 hours. The mean hospital stay in this study was 2.2±0.7 days in the control group and 2.1±0.8 days in the experimental group showing no significant difference (p>0.05). Intraperitoneal normal saline instillation following laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be an eminent choice for reducing postoperative pain improving patient's experience.

Genotyping for Dombrock blood group alleles in Northern Pakistani blood donors

Genotyping can be used to identify rare blood group antigens and to solve suspected blood group discrepancies, particularly when serologic methods are limited. Unfortunately, only a few such studies have been performed in Pakistan. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of Dombrock blood group alleles by genotyping samples from blood donors from the north of Pakistan. Blood samples were taken with consent from 300 blood donors; DNA was extracted and tested for DO*01 and DO*02 alleles by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), followed by gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies were calculated. The observed and expected genotype frequencies were compared using the χ² test. The allele frequencies for DO*01 and DO*02 were 0.40 and 0.60, respectively. Genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This study in Pakistani blood donors provides Dombrock blood group allele frequencies by PCR-SSP. This approach is efficient and economical and can be applied in developing countries. The findings can contribute to the development of in-house red blood cell panels, identification of rare blood types, and establishment of a national rare blood donor program.

Genotyping can be used to identify rare blood group antigens and to solve suspected blood group discrepancies, particularly when serologic methods are limited. Unfortunately, only a few such studies have been performed in Pakistan. The present study was conducted to determine the frequency of Dombrock blood group alleles by genotyping samples from blood donors from the north of Pakistan. Blood samples were taken with consent from 300 blood donors; DNA was extracted and tested for DO*01 and DO*02 alleles by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), followed by gel electrophoresis. Allele frequencies were calculated. The observed and expected genotype frequencies were compared using the χ² test. The allele frequencies for DO*01 and DO*02 were 0.40 and 0.60, respectively. Genotype frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. This study in Pakistani blood donors provides Dombrock blood group allele frequencies by PCR-SSP. This approach is efficient and economical and can be applied in developing countries. The findings can contribute to the development of in-house red blood cell panels, identification of rare blood types, and establishment of a national rare blood donor program.

Enterotoxigenic methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination in salted fish from Gwadar Balochistan

Staphylococcus aureus is an important foodborne pathogen associated to food intoxication and other multiple infections in human being. Its presence in salted food is a serious issue due to its salt tolerance potential. A study was conducted to analyze the presence of enterotoxins producing drug resistance S. aureus in salted sea fish from Gwadar. Freshly persevered samples (n=50) of salted fish were subjected to analyze the presence of S. aureus using 16S rRNA and Nuc genes primers. The isolates were then evaluated for drug resistance and enterotoxins producing potential using specific primers for MecA (methicillin resistance gene), (SEA) staphylococcal enterotoxin A and (SEB) staphylococcal enterotoxin B genes. Total 13/50 (26%) of the samples were found positive for the presence of S. aureus, preliminary confirmed with biochemical profiling and finally with the help of target genes presence. The isolates were found showing 100% resistant to methicillin, which were molecularly confirmed by the presence of MecA gene present in genome. The isolates 5/13 (38%) were positive for SEA and 3/13 (23%) for SEB genes, whereas 2/13 (15%) were confirmed having both SEA and SEB genes in its genome. It was also confirmed that all the isolates were capable to form biofilm over the glass surfaces. It was concluded that the study confirmed the presence of enterotoxigenic methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aurous (MRSA) in salted fish product, that poses gross food safety concern. Preventive and control measures are necessary to handle this serious food safety concern.

Elucidating antiviral activity of Curcuma longa against H9 N2 influenza virus using embryonated chicken egg model

Curcumin is a potent antimicrobial herb used traditionally as a spice in culinary. This study was designed to evaluate the antiviral effects of curcuma longa extract against H₉ influenza virus. A total of 60 embryonated eggs were equally divided into 5 groups with 12 eggs in each group. Group 1 (G1) served as uninfected negative control. Whereas Group 2 (G2) was kept as positive control infected with known virus @ 0.2 ml with 10^-9.3 EID₅₀. Group 3 (G3) was offered Curcuma longa @ 0.2 mg/0.2 ml and H₉N₂ virus (@ 0.2 ml with 10^-9.3 EID₅₀. Similarly, Group 4 (G4) was inoculated with extract of Curcuma longa @ 0.2 mg/0.2 ml per egg, whereas Group 5 (G5) was given Ribazole @ 0.2 ml/ egg. The crude extract and virus were administered on the 15^th day of incubation and were checked after every 24 hours up to 96th hour post inoculation by random selection of 3 eggs. Death and survival rate were noted in all groups. Gross and histopathological lesions were also observed. Results revealed that Curcuma longa extract had significantly (p<0.05) reduced the mortality rate of embryos infected with H₉N₂ virus. In G3, increased lymphocytes and mild fatty changes were seen in liver. Whereas, mature RBCs, plasma cells and some lymphoblast's were observed in Spleen. Similarly, the bursa follicles were with lymphocytic aggregation. The G4 (Curcuma longa) and G5 (Ribazole) were with maximum embryo survival after 48 and 72 h post inoculation. This study revealed potential antiviral activity of Curcuma longa against H9N2 influenza viruses and can be opted as alternative to antibiotics and antiviral drugs to minimize the antimicrobial resistance in human and animal population.

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in different poultry breeds of Abbottabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The poultry sector in Pakistan is contributing mainly in bridging gap between demand and supply for protein. Mycoplasma gallisepticum is an emerging bacterium causing serious problems in poultry industry of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the M. gallisepticum load in poultry populated regions of Pakistan. Total 600 serum and 600 swab samples were collected, 200 from each broiler, layers and breeders poultry in Rawalpindi and Abbottabad districts. Serum samples were analyzed through ELISA for seroprevalence. Swabs were cultured on Frey's medium followed by PCR and partial mgc2 gene sequencing. Results of seroprevalence of M. gallisepticum showed that layers (75%, n=150) are more positive as compared to breeders (70%, n=140) and broilers (50%, n=100). Typical colonies of the M. gallisepticum were observed in breeder (26.5%), followed by layer (21%) and broilers (9%). A total of 37.1% (n=42) samples were identified positive through PCR out of total 113 cultured based positive samples. A total of six M. gallisepticum isolates of current study showed 98-99 percent similarity with previously reported isolates on the basis of mgc2 gene partial sequencing. The M. gallisepticum was found highly prevalent in different poultry breads. Results of this study would add into basic data and provide a direction for livestock sector to strengthen a control strategy for mycoplasmosis in poultry farms.

The impact of fluence dependent 120 MeV Ag swift heavy ion irradiation on the changes in structural, electronic, and optical properties of AgInSe2 nano-crystalline thin films for optoelectronic applications

Swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation in thin films significantly modifies the structure and related properties in a controlled manner. In the present study, the 120 MeV Ag ion irradiation on AgInSe₂ nanoparticle thin films prepared by the thermal evaporation method and the induced modifications in the structure and other properties are being discussed. The ion irradiation led to the suppression of GIXRD and Raman peaks with increasing ion fluence, which indicated amorphization of the AgInSe₂ structure along the path of 120 MeV Ag ions. The Poisson's fitting of the ion fluence dependence of the normalized area under the GIXRD peak of AgInSe₂ gave the radius of the ion track as 5.8 nm. Microstructural analysis using FESEM revealed a broad bi-modal distribution of particles with mean particle sizes of 67.5 nm and 159 nm in the pristine film. The ion irradiation led to the development of uniform particles on the film surface with a mean size of 36 nm at high ion fluences. The composition of the film was checked by the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The UV-visible spectroscopy revealed the increase of the electronic bandgap of AgInSe₂ films with an increase in ion fluence due to quantum confinement. The Hall measurement and EDXRF studies showed that the unirradiated and irradiated AgInSe₂ films have n-type conductivity and vary with the ion fluence. The changes in the films were tuned with different ion fluence and are favorable for both optical and electronic applications.

Swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation in thin films significantly modifies the structure and related properties in a controlled manner.

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to telemedicine among young doctors and nursing staff at the King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital Jeddah, KSA

Objective

To investigate the knowledge, perceptions, and attitude of young doctors and nurses at Kind Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) Jeddah, KSA, regarding the effectiveness of telemedicine in dealing with the patients for either follow-up or continuous monitoring of chronic diseases.

Material and Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out on the young doctors and nursing staff at KAUH. An online questionnaire addressing all the required fields, i.e., background essential demography, perceptions, acceptance, and knowledge regarding telemedicine's utility, was sent to the targeted population of health care workers. Completed responses were analyzed statistically as per study objectives.

Results

The response rate in our study was 85%. A total of 335 participants responded to our questionnaire. One hundred seventy-one (51.1%) were doctors, whereas one hundred sixty-four (48.9%) were the nursing staff. Among doctors, 50 (29.4%) were recent graduates, whereas, in the nursing side, 77 (46.7%) were the senior nursing students. The knowledge and attitude of the young nursing staff were relatively better than the senior staff taking part in the study and the trends were found statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study participants, being young, were enthusiastic, had good knowledge regarding the advantages and limitations of telemedicine in managing the selected groups of patients. Their perception and attitude were quite positive. This is an encouraging trend in the promotion of telemedicine as an established way of managing patients with special requirements in an effective way. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of telemedicine in emergencies to protect both patients and health care workers by reducing chronic patients' avoidable hospital visits.

Molecular typing and genomic characteristic of human adenoviruses in Datong, Northern China

The molecular prevalence of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) in Datong city and molecular evolution of HAdV-C species is still obscure. Here, we explored the molecular prevalence of HAdVs by simultaneous sequencing of hexon and fiber. Then, the penton gene fragments of HAdV-C species were determined by sequencing. Finally, genomic and proteotyping analysis were performed for exploration of molecular evolution of unique HAdV-6. Our results showed that dominant molecular types of HAdVs were HAdV-3, HAdV-2, and HAdV-1 based on the hexon and fiber genotype. Among H2F2 isolates, P1H2F2 was most common, followed by P2H2F2 and HAdV-89. The clinical symptoms of HAdV-1 or HAdV-2 infected patients were more severe than HAdV-3 infected patients, the prognosis of HAdV-1, HAdV-2, and HAdV-3 infected patients was indifference. Genomic and proteotyping analysis demonstrated that DT15 was different from HAdV-6 prototype, with high-discrepant sequences localized in the E3 region. In conclusion, HAdV-1 and HAdV-2 have a high affinity to infect younger children and cause more severe symptoms than HAdV-3. The E3 gene of HAdV-C species was considered as highly recombination and mutation region.

Detection of COVID-19: A review of the current literature and future perspectives

The rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic. This unprecedented situation has garnered worldwide attention. An effective strategy for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic is to develop highly accurate methods for the rapid identification and isolation of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Many companies and institutes are therefore striving to develop effective methods for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA), antibodies, antigens, and the virus. In this review, we summarize the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its genome and gene expression characteristics, and the current progression of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, antibodies, antigens, and virus detection. Further, we discuss the reasons for the observed false-negative and false-positive RNA and antibody detection results in practical clinical applications. Finally, we provide a review of the biosensors which hold promising potential for point-of-care detection of COVID-19 patients. This review thereby provides general guidelines for both scientists in the biosensing research community and for those in the biosensor industry to develop a highly sensitive and accurate point-of-care COVID-19 detection system, which would be of enormous benefit for controlling the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Probing the Effects of Strong Electromagnetic Fields with Charge-Dependent Directed Flow in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The first measurement at the LHC of charge-dependent directed flow (v_{1}) relative to the spectator plane is presented for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Results are reported for charged hadrons and D^{0} mesons for the transverse momentum intervals p_{T}>0.2  GeV/c and 3<p_{T}<6  GeV/c in the 5%-40% and 10%-40% centrality classes, respectively. The difference between the positively and negatively charged hadron v_{1} has a positive slope as a function of pseudorapidity η, dΔv_{1}/dη=[1.68±0.49(stat)±0.41(syst)]×10^{-4}. The same measurement for D^{0} and D[over ¯]^{0} mesons yields a positive value dΔv_{1}/dη=[4.9±1.7(stat)±0.6(syst)]×10^{-1}, which is about 3 orders of magnitude larger than the one of the charged hadrons. These measurements can provide new insights into the effects of the strong electromagnetic field and the initial tilt of matter created in noncentral heavy ion collisions on the dynamics of light (u, d, and s) and heavy (c) quarks. The large difference between the observed Δv_{1} of charged hadrons and D^{0} mesons may reflect different sensitivity of the charm and light quarks to the early time dynamics of a heavy ion collision. These observations challenge some recent theoretical calculations, which predicted a negative and an order of magnitude smaller value of dΔv_{1}/dη for both light flavor and charmed hadrons.

Evidence of Spin-Orbital Angular Momentum Interactions in Relativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The first evidence of spin alignment of vector mesons (K^{*0} and ϕ) in heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is reported. The spin density matrix element ρ_{00} is measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) of 2.76 TeV with the ALICE detector. ρ_{00} values are found to be less than 1/3 (1/3 implies no spin alignment) at low transverse momentum (p_{T}<2  GeV/c) for K^{*0} and ϕ at a level of 3σ and 2σ, respectively. No significant spin alignment is observed for the K_{S}^{0} meson (spin=0) in Pb-Pb collisions and for the vector mesons in pp collisions. The measured spin alignment is unexpectedly large but qualitatively consistent with the expectation from models which attribute it to a polarization of quarks in the presence of angular momentum in heavy-ion collisions and a subsequent hadronization by the process of recombination.

Rapid, serial, non-invasive quantification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in live mice with a selectable marker-free autoluminescent strain

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an increasingly prevalent pathogen that has become a serious health concern due to an increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) hospital-acquired infections. The emergence of MDR-P. aeruginosa coupled with shrinking antibiotic pipelines has increased the demand for new antimicrobials and therapeutics. An effective tool for drug screening both in vitro and in vivo can facilitate the discovery of drugs and regimens for treating P. aeruginosa infection. Here, for the first time, we combined the mini-Tn7 system and Xer/dif recombinase system to construct a stable and selectable marker-free autoluminescent P. aeruginosa (SfAlPa) by one step. Afterwards, in vitro and in vivo activities of several antibiotics including amikacin, biapenem, levofloxacin and polymyxin B were assessed using SfAlPa. This study demonstrated that the use of SfAlPa could significantly facilitate rapid real-time evaluating the activities of compounds. Compared to prevailing methods, this method reduces the time, effort, animals and costs consumed in the discovery of new drugs against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the methodology described in this study could be easily modified for construction of selectable marker-free reporter strain in other Gram-negative bacteria.

In vitro Impact of Yeast Expressed Hybrid Peptide CATH-2TP5 as a Prophylactic Measure Toward Sepsis and Inflammation

CATH-2TP5 is a linear cationic hybrid peptide, consequent from naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide (AMPs) Cathelicidin-2 (CATH-2) and Immunomodulatory peptide Thymopentin (TP5) having dynamic and potent anti-inflammatory activities without hemolytic effect. The biocompatible mechanism of CATH-2TP5 is favored to explore new methodologies in the direction of biomedical applications. In this retrospectively study, an antiendotoxin and anti-inflammatory hybrid peptide CATH-2TP5 was emulated into pPICZα-A and successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). The recombinant CATH-2TP5 was purified through the Ni-affinity column and reversed-phase HPLC. The purified CATH-2TP5 peptide exhibited robust anti-endotoxin activity and significantly (p < 0.05) neutralized the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Furthermore, the down-regulated effect of CATH-2TP was more pronounced (p < 0.05) on LPS-induced cytotoxic effects, nitric oxide secretion and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. As associated to control and parental peptide the number of apoptotic cells was also contracted with the treatment of CATH-2TP5. Thus, we concluded that CATH-2TP5 peptide may be used in various biomedical applications as a therapeutic drug.

A Hybrid Peptide DEFB-TP5 Expressed in Methylotrophic Yeast Neutralizes LPS With Potent Anti-inflammatory Activities

DEFB-TP5 is a novel auspicious health-beneficial peptide derivative from two naturally occurring peptides, β-Defensin (DEFB) and thymopentin (TP5), and shows strong anti-inflammatory activity and binds to LPS without cytotoxicity and hemolytic effect. Furthermore, the application of DEFB-TP5 peptide is inadequate by its high cost. In the current study, we developed a biocompatible mechanism for expression of the DEFB-TP5 peptide in Pichia pastoris. The transgenic strain of hybrid DEFB-TP5 peptide with a molecular weight of 6.7kDa as predictable was obtained. The recombinant DEFB-TP5 peptide was purified by Ni-NTA chromatography, estimated 30.41 mg/L was obtained from the cell culture medium with 98.2% purity. Additionally, The purified DEFB-TP5 peptide significantly (p< 0.05) diminished the release of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. This study will not only help to understand the molecular mechanism of expression that can potentially be used to develop an anti-endotoxin peptide but also to serve as the basis for the development of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents as well, which also provides a potential source for the production of recombinant bioactive DEFB-TP5 at the industrial level.

Scattering Studies with Low-Energy Kaon-Proton Femtoscopy in Proton-Proton Collisions at the LHC

The study of the strength and behavior of the antikaon-nucleon (K[over ¯]N) interaction constitutes one of the key focuses of the strangeness sector in low-energy quantum chromodynamics (QCD). In this Letter a unique high-precision measurement of the strong interaction between kaons and protons, close and above the kinematic threshold, is presented. The femtoscopic measurements of the correlation function at low pair-frame relative momentum of (K^{+}p⊕K^{-}p[over ¯]) and (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) pairs measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=5, 7, and 13 TeV are reported. A structure observed around a relative momentum of 58  MeV/c in the measured correlation function of (K^{-}p⊕K^{+}p[over ¯]) with a significance of 4.4σ constitutes the first experimental evidence for the opening of the (K[over ¯]^{0}n⊕K^{0}n[over ¯]) isospin breaking channel due to the mass difference between charged and neutral kaons. The measured correlation functions have been compared to Jülich and Kyoto models in addition to the Coulomb potential. The high-precision data at low relative momenta presented in this work prove femtoscopy to be a powerful complementary tool to scattering experiments and provide new constraints above the K[over ¯]N threshold for low-energy QCD chiral models.

Abstract ES3-2: Sooner or later: considering risk over time, and implications for management

Cancer risk management revolves around the following important areas: genetic evaluation, surveillance recommendations, risk-reducing options, and lifestyle modification. Aspects of time are important for all of these areas, with the possible exception of lifestyle modification. For genetic evaluation, age at onset of affected individuals is a key parameter. Decisions about surveillance and risk-reducing strategies are based on age, and time-dependent estimates of cancer risk, with the most commonly-used time-frames being 5 years, 10 years, and remaining lifetime (to age 85 or 90). However, little attention is generally given to the time-frame of the benefit. For example, surveillance recommendations are based on lifetime risk when in fact the benefit (as defined by cancer detection success) cannot exceed the lead-time of the test. On the other hand, risk reduction (particularly with medication) is often presented based on risk estimated over the next 5 years. As more women are designated high risk, given increased prevalence of MRI surveillance and subsequent biopsies, and increased use of genetic testing with identification of moderate penetrance genetic variants, the question of risk thresholds that should be used for recommendations related to risk management become increasingly important. Surveillance recommendations: Remaining lifetime risk (RLR) estimates for women in their 40s generally project over 40 years or more. However, validation of these very long-term projections remains questionable, and validation is most robust for the 10-year time-frame (PMID 25956172). The lead-time gained with MRI surveillance has been estimated at 1-2 years for carriers of BRCA 1/2 mutations, and 4 years for non-carriers with positive family history of breast cancer (PMID 25820931) The predicted mean preclinical detectable phase (i.e. the time during which a cancer is screen-detectable) is estimated to be 1 to 4 years for BRCA1 and 2 to 7 years for BRCA2 (PMID 22744338). Similar estimates for non-carrier women at increased familial risk are unlikely to be longer than 10 years. Therefore, given the greater reliability of 10-year risk estimates, it appears most reasonable to make recommendations for intensified screening based on 10-year risk rather than RLR. Recommendations for use of risk-reducing medications (RR-meds): In contrast to screening, have been made to non-carrier high risk women based on 5-year risk estimates of 1.7% or greater. Acceptance of medications has been low for a variety of reasons, one of which is the seemingly small risk conveyed by a 5-year risk estimates. Here, it would seem reasonable to extend the time-frame over which risk is calculated, since the protective benefit of tamoxifen is known to extend to ~15 years, and is likely to be in the same range for aromatase inhibitors. New ASCO guidelines on use of RR-meds now includes 10-year estimates of 3% with the NCI BCRAT, or 5% with the Tyrer-Cuzick. In summary, the use of 10-year risk estimates would simplify the management counseling of women at increased risk of breast cancer for both practitioner and patient, and place it on a better evidence base than the use of RLR or the 5-year interval.

Citation Format: SA Khan. Sooner or later: considering risk over time, and implications for management [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES3-2.

Measurement of ϒ(1S) Elliptic Flow at Forward Rapidity in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first measurement of the ϒ(1S) elliptic flow coefficient (v_{2}) is performed at forward rapidity (2.5<y<4) in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The results are obtained with the scalar product method and are reported as a function of transverse momentum (p_{T}) up to 15  GeV/c in the 5%-60% centrality interval. The measured ϒ(1S)v_{2} is consistent with 0 and with the small positive values predicted by transport models within uncertainties. The v_{2} coefficient in 2<p_{T}<15  GeV/c is lower than that of inclusive J/ψ mesons in the same p_{T} interval by 2.6 standard deviations. These results, combined with earlier suppression measurements, are in agreement with a scenario in which the ϒ(1S) production in Pb-Pb collisions at LHC energies is dominated by dissociation limited to the early stage of the collision, whereas in the J/ψ case there is substantial experimental evidence of an additional regeneration component.

Evaluation of bioherbicidal potential of Carica papaya leaves

Due to increased number of herbicide resistant weeds, it is needed to explore the allelopathic potential of plants as an alternative. The research was conducted to investigate allelopathic effects of Carica papaya L. leaf powder and aqueous extract on seeds as well as pre-germinated seeds of Avena fatua L., Helianthus annuus L., Rumex dentatus L., Zea mays L. and Triticum aestivum L. on filter paper and soil in Weed Management Program Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection at PARC Institute of Advanced Studies in Agriculture, National Agriculture Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan. Germination percentage (%), radicle length (cm) and plumule length (cm) were parameters observed for 'Plant leaf powder bioassay' and 'Aqueous extract method'. Most significant growth inhibition was observed in A. fatua seedlings in filter paper method. A. fatua radicle length was reduced by C. papaya aqueous extract (80%) and leaf powder (89%) bioassays. Plumule length was reduced under the influence of aqueous extract (57-73%) and powdered material (59-77%). The inhibitory effects on other test species were in sequence of H. annuus followed by Z. mays and R. dentatus. The aqueous extract showed non-significant effect on wheat seed germination, radicle and plumule growth. It is suggested that C. papaya aqueous extract can be used as source of weed management in wheat crop.

An outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in a non-endemic region of north-east India

Background There are few comprehensive reports of epidemic Japanese encephalitis in a previously unaffected region. We report our experience of a first-ever outbreak of it in Sonitpur District, Assam, India, with 45 laboratorycon confirmed cases at a single hospital. Method Between 2 July and 11 August 2008, patients meeting the WHO definition of acute encephalitis syndrome were assessed in a single hospital and had tests including blood and cerebrospinal fluid for Japanese encephalitis antibody titres. Results Ninety-six cases meeting the definition of acute encephalitis syndrome were identified with 45 cases of Japanese encephalitis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid or blood results. For Japanese encephalitis positive patients, mean age was 36 (range 4-80). Of the 45, 11 (24%) died and a further 21 (47%) had significant residual deficits. Focal neurological signs (40%) and seizures (25%) were common. Conclusion An effective Japanese encephalitis vaccine is the key intervention for limiting the population impact of this disease. Identification of these cases led to a district-wide mass vaccination campaign.

Investigations of Anisotropic Flow Using Multiparticle Azimuthal Correlations in pp, p-Pb, Xe-Xe, and Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

Measurements of anisotropic flow coefficients (v_{n}) and their cross-correlations using two- and multiparticle cumulant methods are reported in collisions of pp at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, p-Pb at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, Xe-Xe at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.44  TeV, and Pb-Pb at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with the ALICE detector. The multiplicity dependence of v_{n} is studied in a very wide range from 20 to 3000 particles produced in the midrapidity region |η|<0.8 for the transverse momentum range 0.2<p_{T}<3.0  GeV/c. An ordering of the coefficients v_{2}>v_{3}>v_{4} is found in pp and p-Pb collisions, similar to that seen in large collision systems, while a weak v_{2} multiplicity dependence is observed relative to nucleus-nucleus collisions in the same multiplicity range. Using a novel subevent method, v_{2} measured with four-particle cumulants is found to be compatible with that from six-particle cumulants in pp and p-Pb collisions. The magnitude of the correlation between v_{n}^{2} and v_{m}^{2}, evaluated with the symmetric cumulants SC(m,n) is observed to be positive at all multiplicities for v_{2} and v_{4}, while for v_{2} and v_{3} it is negative and changes sign for multiplicities below 100, which may indicate a different v_{n} fluctuation pattern in this multiplicity range. The observed long-range multiparticle azimuthal correlations in high multiplicity pp and p-Pb collisions can neither be described by pythia 8 nor by impact-parameter-Glasma, music, and ultrarelativistic quantum molecular dynamics model calculations, and hence, provide new insights into the understanding of collective effects in small collision systems.

First Observation of an Attractive Interaction between a Proton and a Cascade Baryon

This Letter presents the first experimental observation of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a multistrange baryon (hyperon) Ξ^{-}. The result is extracted from two-particle correlations of combined p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} pairs measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC with ALICE. The measured correlation function is compared with the prediction obtained assuming only an attractive Coulomb interaction and a standard deviation in the range [3.6, 5.3] is found. Since the measured p-Ξ^{-}⊕p[over ¯]-Ξ[over ¯]^{+} correlation is significantly enhanced with respect to the Coulomb prediction, the presence of an additional, strong, attractive interaction is evident. The data are compatible with recent lattice calculations by the HAL-QCD Collaboration, with a standard deviation in the range [1.8, 3.7]. The lattice potential predicts a shallow repulsive Ξ^{-} interaction within pure neutron matter and this implies stiffer equations of state for neutron-rich matter including hyperons. Implications of the strong interaction for the modeling of neutron stars are discussed.

Assessing a thermal spike model of swift heavy ion-matter interactions via Pd1-xNix/Si interface mixing

The thermal spike model (TSM), a widely accepted mechanism of swift heavy ion (SHI)-matter interactions, provides explanation for various SHI induced effects, including mixing across interfaces. We assess the validity of the model via tuning the electron-phonon coupling strength (G) by taking a series Pd_1-xNi_x of a completely solid soluble binary, and then observing Pd_1-xNi_x/Si interface mixing induced by a combination of 100 MeV Au ion irradiation and 4 keV Ar ion sputtering. If the TSM truly describes the SHI-matter interaction mechanism, any non-linearity in x-variation of G must also result in a similar non-linearity in the x-dependence of mixing. Experimentally, the extent of mixing has been parametrized by the irradiation induced change Δσ² in variances of Pd and Ni depth profiles derived from XPS. Computationally, G determined using density functional theory has been used to solve the equations appropriate to the TSM, and then an equivalent quantity L², proportional to Δσ², has been calculated. Both Δσ²(x) and L²(x) show non-linearities, albeit in slightly dissimilar ways, leading to a conjecture that the present work at least does not invalidate the TSM.

Azimuthal Anisotropy of Heavy-Flavor Decay Electrons in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

Angular correlations between heavy-flavor decay electrons and charged particles at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) are measured in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. The analysis is carried out for the 0%-20% (high) and 60%-100% (low) multiplicity ranges. The jet contribution in the correlation distribution from high-multiplicity events is removed by subtracting the distribution from low-multiplicity events. An azimuthal modulation remains after removing the jet contribution, similar to previous observations in two-particle angular correlation measurements for light-flavor hadrons. A Fourier decomposition of the modulation results in a positive second-order coefficient (v_{2}) for heavy-flavor decay electrons in the transverse momentum interval 1.5<p_{T}<4  GeV/c in high-multiplicity events, with a significance larger than 5σ. The results are compared with those of charged particles at midrapidity and those of inclusive muons at forward rapidity. The v_{2} measurement of open heavy-flavor particles at midrapidity in small collision systems could provide crucial information to help interpret the anisotropies observed in such systems.

Abstract P6-21-12: Local transdermal therapy (LTT): Drug permeation and distribution of telapristone acetate (TPA) in a pre-surgical window study of women undergoing mastectomy

Background: Low uptake and poor adherence to oral drugs for breast cancer prevention and ductal carcinoma in situ has led to an interest in local routes of delivery with the intent of decreasing systemic exposure and reducing toxicity. LTT has emerged as a possible alternative; previous studies have shown selectively higher concentrations in the breast than in the serum with this delivery route. A question related to LTT is whether or not the drug will permeate and distribute throughout the breast, as is expected with oral delivery.

Methods: We conducted a double-blind study of oral versus LTT delivery of the selective progesterone receptor modulator, telapristone acetate (TPA), in a presurgical window setting, enrolling 82 women planning therapeutic or prophylactic mastectomy. We randomized 67 women 1:1, to oral TPA 12 mg daily, or gel TPA applied to both breasts daily (12 mg/breast), for 4 weeks ±1 week. Mastectomy specimens were sampled at 5 non-tumor locations as well as the tumor and lymph node when available. Samples were split in two: drug concentration (conc.) assay using LC-MS/MS and histological evaluation of tissue composition (fat, fibrous stroma, epithelium). The primary endpoint was mean drug conc. across all breast locations (anticipating that the gel would deliver a mean concentration that was &gt;50% of the mean in the oral group). A secondary endpoint was the drug distribution pattern across the breast, expecting that the distribution would be similar. The tumor sample was saved for biomarker assays related to TPA action; these are ongoing, for a pre-planned pooled analysis of data with NCT01800422 (reported in SABCS abstract 851863).

Results: Of 63 evaluable women (33 oral and 30 gel group), 27 had unilateral and 36 had bilateral mastectomy. The mean drug conc. in the oral group was 166.3 ng/G (SE 11.7), and in the gel group was 10.6 ng/G (SE 10.8), (p&lt;.0001). The conc. was variable across the 7 locations tested in both groups. High concentrations were found in the superficial and deep central locations, retroareolar and lateral locations ranked in the middle, and the medial location was discrepant, being high in the oral and low in the gel group. The variation in drug concentration across all locations was not significantly different between groups (Kolmogorov-Smirnov p=0.99). Among women with bilateral mastectomy, drug concentrations were similar between breasts in both oral and gel groups. In the gel group, despite low TPA concentrations, there was evidence of drug metabolism. The major metabolite, CDB 4453 was detectable in 192/193 samples with detectable parent drug. Analysis of drug concentration adjusted for tissue composition is ongoing.

Conclusions: The gel formulation of TPA did not permeate the skin well. However, the drug delivered to the breast was distributed throughout the breast, similar to the oral delivery route, with the highest concentration in the deep central location. These drug distribution data are novel; drug distribution at multiple locations throughout the breast has not previously been shown. Further work is needed to understand breast distribution with formulations known to have good dermal permeation.

Citation Format: Lee O, Pilewskie M, Xu Y, Benante K, Blanco L, Helenowski I, Tull MB, Muzzio M, Jovanovic B, Karlan S, Hansen N, Bethke K, Kulkarni S, Perloff M, Dimond EP, Heckman-Stoddard BM, Khan SA. Local transdermal therapy (LTT): Drug permeation and distribution of telapristone acetate (TPA) in a pre-surgical window study of women undergoing mastectomy [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 P6-21-12.

Abstract OT1-04-01: A phase IIB pre-surgical trial of oral tamoxifen (TAM) versus transdermal 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) in women with DCIS of the breast

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is diagnosed in 60,000 women annually in the US. TAM is proven to reduce risk of local recurrence and new primary breast cancer in women with estrogen receptor (ER) positive DCIS. However, acceptance of TAM has been low, primarily because of toxicity related to systemic exposure. Local delivery to the breast is an attractive alternative since low systemic levels could minimize toxicity. 4-OHT is an active metabolite of TAM. When formulated as a gel and applied to the breast skin, it is well tolerated, and results in 4-OHT breast tissue drug levels comparable oral TAM. In small pilot studies, its anti-proliferative effects on invasive breast tumors and DCIS are also similar to oral TAM [Lee O, et al. PMID 25028506]. The goal of our study is to validate these results in preparation for a Phase III trial of 4-OHT gel in comparison to oral TAM.

Methods

We are conducting a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, Phase IIB pre-surgical trial to demonstrate that daily application of 4-OHT gel will result in a reduction in the Ki-67 labeling index of DCIS lesions that is not inferior to that seen in women receiving daily oral TAM 20 mg daily. Ki-67 of the base-line diagnostic core needle biopsy will be compared to that of the therapeutic surgical excision sample after oral TAM or 4-OHT gel for 8 ± 2 weeks. Secondary endpoints include changes in Oncotype DCIS-Score, IHC markers (CD68, COX2, p16), hormone levels, coagulation markers, drug concentration in the plasma and breast tissue, the fraction of women with no residual DCIS in the surgical sample, and experienced symptoms. 100 women (assuming 20% non-evaluable samples or compliance issues) with DCIS (10% ER-positive) will be enrolled across six institutions into two intervention arms: oral TAM 20 mg daily, placebo gel and 4-OHT gel 4mg daily (2mg/breast), placebo capsule. All participants will be evaluable for toxicity from their first dose. All samples from all participants who receive drug will be evaluated and included in the primary analysis, which will be based on intent to treat principle. To date 15 of 100 participants have been enrolled across six institutions including: Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, KY, Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY, and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Since study open, 69 potential participants have been contacted, 52 did not consent for screening, 17consented for screening, 2 are pending consent, and 15 have started study intervention. The most common reasons potential participants chose not to consent are wanting to schedule surgery as soon as possible, attitudes toward medical research, and current use of a prohibited concomitant medication such as a potent inhibitor of tamoxifen metabolism or exogenous sex steroid.

Funding Source: NCI Contract # HHSN2612201200035I.

Citation Format: Benante KA, Xu Y, Tull MB, Segura AJ, Alber KM, Kalinichenko K, Hou L, Jovanovic B, Perloff M, Heckman-Stoddard B, Dimond E, Khan SA. A phase IIB pre-surgical trial of oral tamoxifen (TAM) versus transdermal 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) in women with DCIS of the breast [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 OT1-04-01.

Abstract P3-09-02: CRISPR-Cas9 mediated BRCA1 mutation in primary cells: Mutation efficiency and effects

Background: Germline mutations in Breast Cancer Associated (BRCA) 1 or 2 genes confer an increased risk of the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Germline mutation is followed by somatic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) resulting in biallelic inactivation. BRCA1 is involved in multiple homeostatic functions including control of chromatin organization, gene transcription, protein stability and cell division. Recent studies have demonstrated heterogeneity in LOH within and between premalignant and malignant breast tissues of BRCA1 mutation carriers. We hypothesize that LOH does not have a unitary effect on phenotype but differs by the function that is abrogated.

Methods: To test our hypothesis, we adopted CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. The guide RNAs for targeting the exon sequence in the RING finger, nuclear export signal (NES), nuclear localization signal (NLS) and BRCA1 C Terminus (BRCT) domain/motif of BRCA1 were designed and synthesized. MCF10A cells were transfected with a complex of guide RNA and Cas9 protein (RNP) to cause in/del mutation. The mutation was analyzed by both T7E1 assay, and an innovative and more precise method developed in our lab that utilizes linked nucleic acids (LNA) and qPCR. Proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed using the transfected cells. Organoids prepared from BRCA1 mutation carriers also were transfected with RNPs and the mutation burden determined.

Results: Since single cell clones of the transfected MCF10A cells could not be selected and expanded, a pool of transfected cells was used for the analyses. T7E1 assay and qPCR analysis using LNAs demonstrated the presence of the mutations. A standard curve was created to enable the calculation of the mutation burden. IncuCyte analysis revealed increased proliferation and apoptosis, induced by irradiation, in cells with the mutation in Exon 10, where the extent of increase varied from 11% to 48% depending on the degree of mutation. In contrast, cells with the mutation in Exon 5 displayed diminished proliferation with no change in apoptosis. That mutations in exon10 and 5 have distinct biological effects when compared to the mutations in other exons is intriguing, and modification of binding proteins will be investigated. Organoids generated from BRCA1 mutation carriers (primary and nonmalignant cells) were able to be successfully transfected using the NEON electroporation system. Mutations were introduced by the CRISPR-Cas9 system and their extent quantified by our LNA-mediated qPCR method.

Conclusions: CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing of BRCA1 in MCF10A resulted in a change in the proliferation rate and the extent of apoptosis that is dependent on the location of the de novo mutation within the gene. The development of a novel method, LNA-mediated qPCR, provides quantitative information regarding the mutations that may be used to correlate mutation burden with biological functional change. Successful establishment of this BRCA1 tumorigenesis model has provided us with a method to test other putative tumor suppressors.

Citation Format: Choi MR, Yadav S, Shidfar A, Khan SA, Clare SE. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated BRCA1 mutation in primary cells: Mutation efficiency and effects [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 P3-09-02.

Abstract P3-06-06: Novel breast cancer mutational signatures

Background: Our understanding of the biological processes that generate somatic mutations in breast cancer has increased markedly over the past five years. Using the catalog of somatic mutations present in cancer genomes, over 30 “mutational signatures” have been produced. While these provide important insights into the processes responsible for somatic mutation, gaps remain, and the etiology of several signatures remains unknown.

Methods: We have developed a new method in which the specific nucleotide change (e.g., C&gt;T), the codon that each mutation falls in (e.g., GCT), the position in the codon (e.g., 2), and the nucleotides immediately 5' and 3' of the mutation (e.g., 5': C; 3': G) are all considered. The summary of these mutation characteristics forms a mutational profile for each tissue sample. Putting multiple samples' profiles together forms a sparse matrix with the number of samples as rows and the mutation characteristics as columns. Nonsmooth nonnegative matrix factorization was then applied to enable the discovery of intrinsic patterns in this sparse matrix.

Results: Using somatic mutations identified in 1017 breast cancer tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we have identified four mutational signatures. Signature A correlates with the well-defined APOBEC signatures and signature B with the “aging” signature, which is the result 5-methylcytosine hydrolysis. Signature C and signature D are potentially new signatures. Signature D is enriched with C:G&gt;A:T mutations; these mostly occur in the middle position of codons, and are enriched with GG(CC) either 5' or 3' of the mutation's sequence context. G&gt;T mutations are known to occur as a consequence of oxidative damage that is not repaired. Guanines are vulnerable as they have the highest vertical oxidation potential of the nucleobases. The 5' guanines in GG sites are especially reactive. We hypothesize that Signature D results from oxidative mutagenesis.

When correlated with clinical phenotypes, the basal subtype is clearly enriched for tumors with the Signature D mutation pattern (exposure level is in 169 basal tumors and in 797 non-basal tumors, p=&lt;0.01), suggesting an etiologic link with basal-like breast cancer. G&gt;T somatic mutations in breast cancer mainly take place during cell replication rather than during transcription. In the normal breast, epithelial cell replication occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, primarily under the direction of progesterone (P). P binds to its receptor (PR) in a subpopulation of PR positive cells where it initiates the transcription of genes including RANKL, with resultant paracrine stimulation (through RANK), of the NF-κB signaling pathway in neighboring cells. The four RANKL genes (TOP2A, MKI67, PBK, CDK1), defined by Nolan et al., are all positively associated with the signature D (P-values &lt; 0.05), suggesting that this type of mutagenesis is associated with RANKL pathway upregulation.

Conclusions: We have identified a potentially new somatic mutational signature, which we have designated as Signature D, which appears to result from exposure of DNA to oxidative stress during replication. It is associated with the basal subtype of breast cancer as well as RANKL- NF-κB pathway upregulation.

Citation Format: Zeng Z, Vo AH, Luo Y, Khan SA, Clare SE. Novel breast cancer mutational signatures [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 P3-06-06.

Abstract P2-02-06: Deregulated lipid metabolism fuels the genesis of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer

Background:

There are no targeted pharmacologic interventions currently available for the prevention of hormone receptor negative breast cancer. Primary prevention with endocrine agents decreases the risk of ER positive disease with no effect against ER negative (ER-) disease. Thus, there is a compelling need to identify women at high risk for ER-negative breast cancer and to uncover the molecular mechanisms involved in its genesis. Our recent observation that a set of lipid metabolism (LiMe) genes are over-expressed in the contralateral unaffected breasts of women with unilateral ER- breast cancer suggests the novel hypothesis that specific lipid metabolism pathways in the breast produce a physiological milieu favoring the development of ER- breast cancer. We are now testing the specific hypothesis that lipids are the source of the acetyl-coA that is utilized to acetylate histones, an epigenetic modification that reprograms transcription.

Methods:

We developed an in-vitro model that relies on octanoic acid, a medium chain fatty acid that freely diffuses though the plasma and mitochondrial membranes. MCF-10A cells were plated and allowed to adhere overnight and then exposed to an increasing dose of sodium octanoate for 24 hours in complete media. Acetylation of Lysine 9 of Histone 3 (H3K9) was analyzed by Western blot and RNA was extracted for qPCR and RNA-seq. Chromatin packing density at the nanoscale was quantified bypartial wave spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy. Mammary organoids were prepared from breast tissue by collagenase digestion and similarly treated.

Results:

We found a striking, dose-dependent increase of H3K9 acetylation in octanoate treated MCF-10A cells. The acetylation is specific to the lipids as no acetylation was observed in cells treated with the same concentration of the alcohol 1,4-Cyclohexanedimethanol. RNA-Seq revealed the differential expression of LiMe genes together with a significant upregulation of Hedgehog and Notch signaling pathways. Individual genes from various pathways were further verified by qPCR which revealed, for example, a four-fold increase in SHH expression and 25-fold increase in DLL4. The expression of two of the previously identified LiMe genes, HMGCS2 and ACSL3, was increased four-fold in the octanoate treated MCF10A cells. We repeated the octanoate treatment in organoids and found similar effects. PWS in live cells showed a dose-dependent increase in chromatin packing scaling (D) in cells exposed to octanoate, suggesting that accessibility of chromatin to transcription factors is increased upon fatty acid treatment.

Conclusion:

A lipid rich microenvironment affects metabolism in ER- MCF10A cells and stimulates pro-neoplastic signaling via histone modifications. This supports our hypothesis that perturbed lipid metabolism plays an important role in the development of ER- breast cancer. Further mechanistic studies will determine if the genes differentially expressed in cell culture are also differentially expressed in antecedent benign breast biopsies from women eventually diagnosed with ER+ and ER- cancer.

Citation Format: Yadav S, Choi M, VanDerway D, Bauer G, Backman V, Khan SA, Clare SE. Deregulated lipid metabolism fuels the genesis of estrogen receptor negative 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 P2-02-06.

Abstract P5-04-02: Progesterone receptor (PR) antagonism by telapristone acetate (TPA): A randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIB pre-surgical window trial in women with stage 0-II breast cancer

Background: In vitro and preclinical data indicate that TPA, a selective PR modulator, has activity against hormone-sensitive early breast cancer. We conducted a pre-surgical window trial of oral TPA in Stage 0-II breast cancer to assess the effect of TPA on suppression of cell proliferation (Ki67), and on differential gene expression in responsive and non-responsive tumors.

Methods: We enrolled 70 pre and postmenopausal women into a 1:1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral TPA 12mg (Repros Therapeutics Inc.) for 2-10 weeks. The primary endpoint was Ki67 labelling, comparing diagnostic core needle biopsy to post-therapy surgical specimens. Ki67 changes were quantitated by dual immunohistochemistry (Ki67/pan-cytokeratin) and image analysis (Aperio ImageScope and Definiens Tissue Studio®). RNA-sequencing (using RNA extracted from the paraffin blocks) was performed with Illumina TruSeq RNA Coding Access method. Differential gene expression pre-post therapy was assessed, followed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis for pathway analysis. Ki67 changes from baseline were tested with Paired signed-rank test. For gene expression analysis, p values were calculated by Wald test and adjusted for multiple comparisons by Benjamini-Hochberg method (adjusted p &lt;0.05 and 2-fold gene expression cut-off).

Results: Among 61 evaluable women, (29 placebo and 32 TPA) 97% of tumors were ER or PR positive and 91% were ER and PR positive (balanced across arms). A significant 6% decrease in mean %Ki67 was seen in the TPA arm (p= 0.003). When stratified by menopause, the significance held in premenopausal women (n= 22, p= 0.03) but not in postmenopausal women (n=10, p= 0.08). However, a Ki67 decrease (4%) was also observed in placebo group (p = 0.04); this was non-significant after pre- postmenopausal stratification. Overall, differential gene expression analysis showed no significant modulation of genes in either group. Using a pre-specified response parameter (50% relative reduction in Ki67), we identified 12/32 (38%) “responders” in the TPA, and 9/29 (31%) in the placebo arm. In sub-group analysis of these responders, we found 103 genes to be significantly modulated by treatment in the TPA “responders”, but saw no significant change in any gene expression in placebo “responders”. Gene set enrichment analysis for the 103 genes showed that TPA blocked the progression of cell cycle genes (PTTG1, PLK1, UBE2C, HIST1H3F, PSMD3, and etc.) and suppressed PGR and ERBB2 expression. In a pre-planned pooled analysis, these results will be combined with NCT02314156, reported in SABCS abstract 851790.

Conclusions: An anti-proliferative (Ki67) signal of TPA was observed in early stage breast cancer patients, but interpretation was limited by placebo group changes. The TPA group demonstrated differential suppression of proliferation-related genes among Ki67 responders, but the placebo group did not. Ongoing analysis will examine signatures related to stemness, metastasis, and immune suppression (potentially better endpoints in trials targeting P signaling). These analyses may help us select the right population and the right biomarkers for future trials.

Citation Format: Lee O, Sullivan ME, Xu Y, Shidfar A, Ivancic D, Zeng Z, Singhal H, Helenowski I, Jovanovic B, Hansen N, Bethke K, Gann P, Gradishar WJ, Clare SE, Khan SA. Progesterone receptor (PR) antagonism by telapristone acetate (TPA): A randomized, placebo-controlled phase IIB pre-surgical window trial in women with stage 0-II 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 P5-04-02.

Dietary quercetin maintains the semen quality in rabbits under summer heat stress

This study focused to determine beneficial impact of feeding quercetin supplemented diet on semen quality in summer heat imposed rabbits. Twelve heat stressed (HS) adult rabbits bucks were either fed with basal diet (HS; n = 06) or quercetin supplemented diet (QU-HS; n = 06) for a period of 56 days. Semen samples were collected and evaluated for volume, osmolality, morphology, concentration, motility, motion kinetics, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial potential, and seminal plasma MDA level. Semen volume, concentration, motility and sperm kinetics parameters were affected by diet supplementation. Diet affected the sperm mitochondrial potential and day of treatment affected the viable sperm percentage. There was an effect of diet, day of treatment and diet by day interaction on acrosome reaction rate. Sperm head abnormalities were influenced by diet provision, sperm mid-piece abnormalities were affected by diet and day of treatment, whereas, the effect of diet and diet by day of treatment interaction were observed for total sperm abnormalities. There was an effect of diet and diet by day interaction for seminal plasma MDA level. In conclusions, quercetin reduces the damaging effects of HS and maintains the semen quality by lowering the oxidative stress in rabbits.

Adiposity Results in Metabolic and Inflammation Differences in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women Consistent with the Difference in Breast Cancer Risk

Obesity is associated with increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal but not in premenopausal women. Many factors may be responsible for this difference. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which the genes related to the AMPK pathway, inflammation, and estrogen actions are affected by adiposity in breast tissue with the objective of identifying differences that may explain the different breast cancer risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Random fine needle aspirates (rFNAs) of breast tissue were collected from 57 premenopausal and 55 postmenopausal women and were classified as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Expression levels of 21 target genes were determined using a TaqMan Low Density Array procedure. Breast tissue estradiol levels were measured by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry procedure, and serum estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by a radioimmunoassay and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We found that in postmenopausal women, serum and tissue estradiol levels were increased in those who were overweight, and serum FSH levels were decreased in obese status. Interestingly, RPS6KB1, an AMPK downstream-responsive gene for protein synthesis and cell growth, and estrogen receptor α (encoded by the ESR1 gene) and its target gene GATA3 were significantly decreased in rFNA of premenopausal, obese women. In postmenopausal women, RPS6KB1, ESR1, and GATA3 expression remained unchanged in relation to adiposity. However, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and another ESR1 target gene, TFF1, were elevated in rFNA of obese postmenopausal women. Thus, as bodyweight increases, gene expression is indicative of increased proliferation in postmenopausal women but decreased proliferation in premenopausal women. Overall, our data reveal a novel process by which obesity promotes the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal but not premenopausal women.