Genome-wide association analysis of eggshell color of an F2 generation population reveals candidate genes in chickens

Eggshell color is an important visual characteristic that affects consumer preferences for eggs. Eggshell color, which has moderate to high heritability, can be effectively enhanced through molecular marker selection. Various studies have been conducted on eggshell color at specific time points. However, few longitudinal data are available on eggshell color. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate eggshell color using the Commission International de L'Eclairage L*a*b* system with multiple measurements at different ages (age at the first egg and at 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 66, and 72 weeks) within the same individuals from an F2 resource population produced by crossing White Leghorn and Dongxiang Blue chicken. Using an Affymetrix 600 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, we estimated the genetic parameters of the eggshell color trait, performed genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and screened for the potential candidate genes. The results showed that pink-shelled eggs displayed a significant negative correlation between L* values and both a* and b* values. Genetic heritability based on SNPs showed that the heritability of L*, a*, and b* values ranged from 0.32 to 0.82 for pink-shelled eggs, indicating a moderate to high level of genetic control. The genetic correlations at each time point were mostly above 0.5. The major-effect regions affecting the pink eggshell color were identified in the 10.3-13.0 Mb interval on Gallus gallus chromosome 20, and candidate genes were selected, including SLC35C2, PCIF1, and SLC12A5. Minor effect polygenic regions were identified on chromosomes 1, 6, 9, 12, and 15, revealing 11 candidate genes, including MTMR3 and SLC35E4. Members of the solute carrier family play an important role in influencing eggshell color. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic and genetic aspects underlying the variation in eggshell color. Using GWAS analysis, we identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pink eggshell color, including a major QTL on chromosome 20. Genetic variants associated with eggshell color may be used in genomic breeding programs.

Effects of manganese glycine on eggshell quality, eggshell ultrastructure, and elemental deposition in aged laying hens

Poor eggshell quality of eggs laid by aged laying hens is the major problem affecting the length of the rearing period in the laying hen industry. Trace elements are required and play vital roles in the eggshell quality of laying hens. Appropriate dose of organic microelements is environmentally friendly and sufficient to satisfy the needs of hens because of their greater bioavailability and lower excretion than inorganic forms. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manganese (Mn) glycine (MG) on eggshell quality, elemental deposition, and eggshell ultrastructure in aged laying hens. A total of 720 Hy-Line Brown hens 70 weeks old were assigned equally to four groups with six replicates of 30 birds each. The hens were fed basal diets (without Mn supplementation) supplemented with 120 mg/kg of Mn from manganese sulfate monohydrate (MSM), or 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG for 12 weeks. Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in the greatest eggshell strength after 6 weeks of treatment (P = 0.047), and in greater eggshell strength than observed in the MSM control after 12 weeks of treatment (P = 0.025). After 12 weeks of treatment, the eggs of hens in the MG groups showed lower mammillary layer thickness in the blunt end, equator, and acute end than observed in the MSM control group (P < 0.001). With the exception of the blunt ends of eggs from hens in the 120 mg/kg MG group, the eggs of hens in the MG groups, compared with the MSM control group, exhibited a lower mammillary layer ratio, and greater palisade layer ratio and effective layer ratio in the blunt end, equator, and acute end (P < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control and 40 and 120 mg/kg MG, resulted in the greatest palisade layer thickness and effective layer thickness, and the lowest mammillary layer thickness in the equator (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG exhibited the greatest ratio of the palisade layer and effective layer, and the lowest mammillary layer ratio in the blunt end and equator (all P < 0.001). The Mn content of eggshells in hens-fed diets supplemented with 80 and 120 mg/kg Mn from MG was greater than that in the MSM control and 40 mg/kg MG groups (P = 0.035). Dietary supplementation with 80 or 120 mg/kg Mn from MG resulted in greater tibia Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG group (P = 0.019), and greater yolk Mn content than observed in the 40 mg/kg MG and MSM control groups (P = 0.018). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 80 mg/kg Mn from MG, compared with the MSM control (120 mg/kg Mn), may increase the deposition efficiency of Mn, alter eggshell elemental composition, improve eggshell ultrastructure, and enhance eggshell strength in aged laying hens.

Effects of exogenous energy on synthesis of steroid hormones and expression characteristics of the CREB/StAR signaling pathway in theca cells of laying hen

Energy and the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)/steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) signaling pathway play important roles in steroid hormone production and follicular development in hens. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous energy on the synthesis of steroid hormones and the expression characteristics of the CREB/StAR signaling pathway in theca cells of laying hen. The primary theca cells of small yellow follicles were randomly divided into 6 treatments and cultured in medium with glucose concentrations of 1, 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL for 48 h. It was found that growth was robust and cell outlines were clear when cells were cultured with 1, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mg/mL glucose, but cell viability was diminished and cell density decreased after exposure to glucose at 6 and 7.5 mg/mL for 48 h. Cell viability showed an increasing and then decreasing quadratic response to increasing glucose concentration in culture (r2 = 0.688, P < 0.001). The cell viability of theca cells cultured with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was greater than those cultured with 1, 1.5, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). The concentration of estradiol in the medium containing 3 mg/mL glucose was higher than in medium containing 1, 1.5, and 6 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between progesterone concentrations and glucose concentrations (r2 = 0.522, P = 0.002). The concentration of progesterone in medium with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was higher than in medium with 1 and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.05). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between the relative expression of CREB1 (r2 = 0.752, P < 0.001), StAR (r2 = 0.456, P = 0.002), CYP1B1 (r2 = 0.568, P < 0.001), and 3β-HSD (r2 = 0.319, P = 0.018) in theca cells of laying hens and glucose concentrations after treatment with different glucose concentrations for 48 h. After treatment with 4.5 mg/mL glucose, the expression of StAR, CYP1B1, and 3β-HSD genes were increased compared to treatment with 1, 1.5, 3, 6, and 7.5 mg/mL glucose (P < 0.001). There was an increasing and then decreasing quadratic correlation between glucose concentrations and protein expression of CREB1 (r2 = 0.819, P < 0.001), StAR (r2 = 0.844, P < 0.001), 3β-HSD (r2 = 0.801, P < 0.001), and CYP11A1 (r2 = 0.800, P < 0.001) in theca cells of laying hens. The protein expression of CREB1, StAR, and 3β-HSD in theca cells cultured with 4.5 mg/mL glucose was higher than in other groups (P < 0.001). The results indicate that the appropriate glucose concentration (4.5 mg/mL) can improve the synthesis of steroid hormones in theca cells of laying hens through the upregulation of key genes and proteins in the CREB/StAR signaling pathway.

[Nutritional status of 15 children with progeria]

Objective: To analyze the nutritional status of progeria, and to provide reference for scientific nutritional management of progeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 15 children with progeria who were treated at Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between April 2022 and May 2023. Data of medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, dietary survey and body composition were collected and analyzed. Results: Among 15 patients there were 7 males and 8 females, aged 7.8 (2.3, 10.8) years. Twelve of the 15 patients exhibited signs of malnutrition. A 24-hour dietary survey was carried out in 14 of them. The daily energy intake of 11 cases was below recommended levels. Carbohydrate intake was insufficient in 10 cases, protein intake was insufficient in 7 cases, and fat intake was insufficient in 12 cases. Deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc were noted in 13, 13, 9 and 10 cases, respectively. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 8 cases, and the bone mineral density was below average in 5 of them. Conclusions: Malnutrition, characterized by reduced energy intake, micronutrient deficiencies, and alteration in body composition, is prevalent in children with progeria. Regular routine nutritional assessment and proper interventions may benefit their long-term health status.

Hyperoside attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis via the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1-high mobility group protein 1 pathway

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been implicated in hepatic fibrosis. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities are among the pharmacological effects of hyperoside. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hyperoside on hepatic fibrosis and elucidate the underlying processes that perpetuate this relationship. The findings indicated that hyperoside significantly protects mouse livers against damage, inflammation, and fibrosis. Specifically, attenuation of hepatic fibrosis is associated with lower expression of HMGB1 protein and reduced expression of Toll-like receptor 4, PARP-1, and nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) p65 mRNA and protein. Furthermore, hyperoside inhibited the cytoplasmic translocation of HMGB1 and nuclear localization of NF-κB p65 in the hepatic tissues of mice. The results of this study indicate that hyperoside may impose a blocking or reversing effect on hepatic fibrosis; additionally, the corresponding hyperoside-dependent mechanism may be linked to PARP-1-HMGB1 pathway regulation.

[Pathological features and diagnostic significance of lung biopsy in occupational lung diseases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of occupational lung diseases, to reduce the missed diagnoses and misdiagnoses of the diseases and to help standardize the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. Methods: A total of 4 813 lung biopsy specimens (including 1 935 consultation cases) collected at the Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China from January 1st, 2017 to December 31th, 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 126 cases of occupational lung diseases were confirmed with clinical-radiological-pathological diagnosis. Special staining, PCR and scanning electron microscopy were also used to rule out the major differential diagnoses. Results: The 126 patients with occupational lung diseases included 102 males and 24 females. All of them had a history of exposure to occupational risk factor(s). Morphologically, 68.3% (86/126) of the cases mainly showed pulmonary fibrotic nodules, dust plaque formation or carbon end deposition in pulmonary parenchyma. 16.7% (21/126) of the cases mainly showed welding smoke particle deposition in the alveolar cavity and lung interstitium while 15.1% (19/126) of the cases showed granulomas with fibrous tissue hyperplasia, alveolar protein deposition or giant cell interstitial pneumonia. The qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses of residual dust components in the lung under scanning electron microscope were helpful for the diagnosis of welder's pneumoconiosis and hard metal lung disease. Conclusions: The morphological characteristics of lung biopsy tissue are important reference basis for the clinicopathological diagnosis and differential diagnosis of occupational lung diseases. Recognizing the characteristic morphology and proper use of auxiliary examination are the key to an accurate diagnosis of occupational lung diseases on biopsy specimens.

Decision-Making Time Cells in Hippocampal Dorsal CA1

Sequential neural dynamics encoded by "time cells" play a crucial role in hippocampal function. However, the role of hippocampal sequential neural dynamics in associative learning is an open question. In this manuscript, we used two-photon Ca2+ imaging of dorsal CA1 pyramidal neurons in head-fixed mice performing a go-no-go associative learning task. We found that pyramidal cells responded differentially to the rewarded or unrewarded stimuli. The stimuli were decoded accurately from the activity of the neuronal ensemble, and accuracy increased substantially as the animal learned to differentiate the stimuli. Decoding the stimulus from individual pyramidal cells that responded differentially revealed that decision-making took place at discrete times after stimulus presentation. Lick prediction decoded from the ensemble activity of cells in dCA1 correlated linearly with lick behavior indicating that sequential activity of pyramidal cells in dCA1 constitutes a temporal memory map used for decision-making in associative learning.

Partial Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in Bulky Urinary Tract Malignancy: An Update Clinical Outcomes and Dosimetric Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Patients with bulky urinary tract malignancy have poor prognosis. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) needs careful consideration in abdominopelvic bulky tumors because of dose constraints on the OARs. We reported updated clinical outcomes to evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial stereotactic ablative radiotherapy(P-SABR) in bulky urinary tract malignancy. The study also aims to investigate the feasibility of P-SABR in dose and biologic effective dose (BED) escalation inside the tumors with equivalent toxicity.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 26 patients with urinary tract malignancy underwent P-SABR radiotherapy from January 2013 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All the patients were in inoperable locally advanced or metastatic stage with tumor diameter > 4.0 cm. The P-SABR plan consisted of the SABR for gross tumor volume boost (GTVb) and following conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for planning target volume (PTV). The first SABR plan to GTVb was delivered in 15-32Gy/3-5f. The second conventionally fractionated radiotherapy plan to PTV was delivered in 40.0-58.08Gy/15-26f. The total P-SABR plan met the OARs constraints. Local control and overall survival were estimated. Acute and late toxicity were evaluated according to RTOG criteria. Paired conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) plans were re-designed for all patients, with the same OARs dose constraints and total dose of PTV margin. Dosimetric and BED parameters were compared in P-SABR and paired CFRT plans.

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 66.5 years (range, 46-90 years). The tumor treated by P-SABR had a median diameter of 8.4 cm (4.1-19.5 cm) and a median volume of 99.2 cc (23.9-631.8 cc). Median follow-up time was 19.1 months. The local control at 1 and 2 years were 83.2%, 77.3%, respectively. The overall survival at 1 and 2 years were 72.2% ,45.5%, respectively. 6 cases have no local recurrence after 36 months. 4 cases remained alive after 60 months. Local symptoms improved in 15/16 cases after P-SABR. Multivariate analysis showed tumor diameter (≥8cm vs. <8cm) was the independent factor affecting local control and overall survival (P=0.033, P=0.016). No patient was observed radiotherapy directly induced ≥grade 3 toxicity. Compared with the paired CFRT plans, the P-SABR plans had no significant difference in most OAR dose parameters, except for the small intestine/colon V15, V45 with an increase of 14.6 cc, 3.4 cc. However, P-SABR plans increased the dose of PTV Dmean, Dmax by 8.7Gy, 14.4Gy (P < 0.001), respectively. In addition, the dose and BED of GTVb had a significant escalation of 15.8Gy and 30.2Gy (P<0.001) respectively in P-SABR plans.

CONCLUSION

We had reported P-SABR is well-tolerated in bulky urinary tract malignancy in previous study. Updated outcomes showed P-SABR may have long-term local control in these people. Compared with traditional CFRT plans, P-SABR plans escalated the dose and BED inside bulky tumors with equivalent toxicity.

Identification and Validation of a Ferroptosis Prognostic Model for Prostate Cancer Patients through Screening the TCGA and scRNA-seq Datasets

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Ferroptosis is currently a common mode of programmed cell death, and the induction of ferroptosis is a new strategy and idea for current tumor therapy. Therefore, the signaling pathways and genes regulated by ferroptosis are significant markers for current malignant tumor therapy. To construct a prognostic model for predicting the survival prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa) based on the molecules and markers related to ferroptosis, we combined with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCa patients, and further analyze the correlation between this risk score and immune cell infiltration. Finally, to validate the expression of risk genes and analyze the expression and localization of risk genes in using the datasets of single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Firstly, we screened the DEGs in PCa patients by the expression profiles of TCGA database. Meanwhile, we collected the information of ferroptosis regulatory genes from FerrDb, and these two parts were intersected. Then the impact of genes on the survival and prognosis of PCa patients was confirmed and selected by LASSO regression, further screening of molecules and fitting the risk format. And the efficacy of the model was evaluated by ROC curves. The immune cell infiltration of PCa tissues was predicted using TIMER. Last, the scRNA-seq of PCa (GSM5155455, GSM3735993) were carried to reveal the expression of risk molecules in different cell types. Besides, the expression of risk molecules was validated using PCa cell lines.

RESULTS

We found a total of 259 DEGs associated with ferroptosis in PCa tissues. After LASSO regression, we screened DRD5, LINC00336, ACSF2, RRM2, NOX1, GDF15, ALB, MIOX, and NOX4 as variables to establish a prognostic model, and the specific risk scores was calculated following this format: Risk score = (-1.9465)*DRD5+(-1.6806)*LINC00336+(0.3045)*ACSF2+(0.4747)*RRM2+(-0.2815)*NOX1+(-0.1871)* GDF15+(0.1846)*ALB+(0.2676)*MIOX+(0.1648)*NOX4 (lambda.min = 0.0032), with a 10-yr AUC value of 0.751 (95% CI, 0.549-0.953). Furthermore, we discovered the higher the scores, the fewer CD8+ T cells infiltrated as predicting, showing a negative relationship. By testing the gene sets of scRNA-seq forPCa, we discovered that RRM2, GDF15, ALB, and MIOX were mainly expressed in tumor cells, T cells, B cells and neutrophils of PCa tissues, and not in endothelial cells. Finally, we detected differences in protein expression of RRM2, GDF15, and MIOX in PCa cell lines compared to normal prostate cancer epithelium by WB.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a novel prognostic model for PCa based on ferroptosis-related genes, which showed better predictive validity. And we analyzed the cellular expression of risk genes by scRNA-seq, which will be explored future in relation to prostate cancer radiotherapy.

Effects of energy restriction during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during growing phase on the productive performance of Hyline Brown laying hens aged 6 to 72 wk. A total of 720 six-week-old layer chicks were allocated equally to 3 groups with 6 replicates of 40 pullets each, and were fed 1 of 3 diets that were nutritionally similar except for the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content. At the age of 6 to 17 wk, the pullets in the control group were given diet with 2,850 kcal/kg AMEn, and were fed ad libitum. The levels of AMEn in diet of pullets in the experimental groups were 90% (2,565 [2,850 × 90%] kcal/kg) and 80% (2,280 [2,850 × 80%] kcal/kg) of that in control group, and the daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by pullets in control group. At the age of 18 to 72 wk, all the hens were fed with the same diets ad libitum. As energy restriction increased in the growing phase, body weight (BW) dropped at the ages of 12 and 15 to 23 wk (at 23 wk: P = 0.001; at other ages: P < 0.001), but it showed no significant difference at 24 wk (P = 0.071). At 20 wk, restricting energy induced a delay in the development of sexual organs, including the ovary stroma, oviduct, and small yellow follicle (P < 0.05), as well as a delay in sexual maturity (P < 0.05). Consequently, the laying rate in the first and second periods dropped linearly (P = 0.046, 0.030, and 0.038, P < 0.001, respectively). The coefficient of variation (CV) in the BW at 19, 20, and 21 wk (P = 0.040, 0.023, and 0.042, respectively), the CV of age at first egg (P < 0.001), and CV of individual egg number at age 18 to 72 wk (P < 0.001) decreased linearly. There was a linear increase in the laying rate of hens in the later periods (at age 32-72 wk, P < 0.05), as well as in the average total egg number per hen and average laying rate at the age of 18 to 72 wk (P = 0.006). The average egg mass also showed a linear increase with increasing levels of energy restriction (P < 0.001). In summary, although appropriate energy restriction during growing phase delayed sexual maturity and sexual organ development in early-laying Hyline Brown pullets, it improved uniformity of BW, age at first egg laying, and individual egg number, and increased egg number per hen, laying rate, average egg mass, and number of settable eggs from 18 to 72 wk of age.

Impact of Prophylactic Pelvic Lymph Node Irradiation in De-Novo Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the impact of prophylactic pelvic nodal irradiation in de-novo oligometastatic prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT) for both primary tumor and all metastatic lesions.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study. De novo oligometastatic prostate cancer patients with RT for both primary tumor and all metastatic lesions were included. Kaplan-Meier method, log rank test and cox regression were used to calculate OS and PFS. PFS included PSA failure, local or distant failure assessed by imaging.

RESULTS

This study analyzed 202 patients from 10/2011 to 1/2022 with median follow-up of 48 months. A total of 126 (62.4%) patients were treated with pelvic lymph node RT. The dose was 47.5 Gy with 1.9 Gy per fraction. Among them, 66 (32.7%) patients were treated with whole pelvic RT (WPRT), which the upper limit was at the aortic bifurcation. 60 (29.7%) patients were treated with mini-WPRT, which the upper limit was at the lower margin of obturator foramen. The incidence of diarrhea (P = 0.038) and leukocyte reduction (P = 0.040) in the WPRT subgroup during radiotherapy was significantly higher than that in the mini-WPRT and non-pelvic RT subgroup. For the whole cohort, the median OS and PFS were not reached. The subgroup analysis showed that the elective pelvic nodal irradiation could improve PFS (P = 0.042). However, there was no difference of PFS between standard WPRT and mini-WPRT.

CONCLUSION

The study suggests that for de-novo oligometastatic prostate cancer, elective pelvic nodal irradiation may improve PFS. For patients who cannot tolerate WPRT, mini-WPRT may be an alternative option. However, it needs to be verified in the prospective RCT study.

[Surveillance on dengue vector Aedes albopictus in Ningbo City in 2021]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the density, distribution and insecticide resistance of Aedes albopictus in Ningbo City in 2021, so as to provide insights into formulation of dengue fever control strategies.

METHODS

Four administrative villages were randomly selected from each county (district) in Ningbo City from April to November, 2021, to investigate the indoor population density of Aedes larvae, and the Breteau index (BI) was calculated. The population density of adult mosquitoes was investigated in residential areas, parks/bamboo forests, waste tire stacking sites/waste stations/construction sites in each county (district). On June 2021, larvae of the natural strain A. albopictus were collected from epidemic sites of dengue fever in Ningbo City in 2018, and raised in laboratory. Then, larvae and female mosquitoes without blood feeding were selected for insecticide resistance bioassays, while insecticide-sensitive strains of A. albopictus served as controls. The resistance of A. albopictus larvae to deltamethrin, beta-cypermethrin, propoxur, temephos and dichlorvos using the impregnation method, and the medium lethal concentration (LC50) and resistance ratio (RR) were calculated. The resistance of adult A. albopictus to beta-cypermethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, propoxur and malathion was determined using the tube bioassay, and the mosquito mortality was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 10 072 small water containers from 9 935 households were investigated in Ningbo City in 2021, and there were 1 276 containers with Aedes larvae detected, with an average BI of 12.89. Totally 1 422 mosquito nets were allocated and 954 female A. albopictus were captured, with an average net trapping index of 1.34 mosquitoes/(net·hour). Both larval and adult A. albopictus mosquitoes were found from April to November, and the density of larval A. albopictus peaked in September (BI = 21.21), while the density of adult A. albopictus peaked in August, with a net trapping index of 2.38 mosquitoes/(net·hour). The LC50 values of delta-methrin, beta-cypermethrin, propoxur, temephos and dichlorvos were 0.017 4, 0.000 9, 0.364 1, 0.038 1 mg/L and 0.001 6 mg/L against larvae of natural strains of A. albopicchus, with RRs of 49.66, 25.53, 9.65, 2.24 and 6.06, and the mortality rates of adult mosquitoes were 66.00% (66/100), 69.39% (68/98), 25.00% (25/100), 98.97% (96/97) and 100.00% (98/98) 24 hours post-treatment with 0.08% beta-cypermethrin, 0.03% deltamethrin, 0.4% permethrin, 0.05% propoxur, and 0.5% malathion for 24 h, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A. albopictus is widely distributed in Ningbo City, with a high population density and presents high-level resistance to common pyrethroid insecticides. The population density and insecticide resistance of A. albopictus requires to be reinforced.

Uniportal versus triportal video-assisted thoracic surgery in the treatment of tuberculous empyema

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of decortication to treat chronic tuberculous empyema (TE) using uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) versus conventional triport VATS.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients with stage II or III TE who underwent decortication with either uniport VATS (uniportal group) between July and December 2017, or triport VATS between January and July 2018 (triportal group), were retrospectively analysed. VATS procedures were performed under general anaesthesia with double lumen endotracheal intubation and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Clinical data were comparable between the groups (20 patients in each) regarding demographic and baseline characteristics, operative and postoperative characteristics, surgical procedure-related complications, and postoperative adverse events. No surgical procedure-related complications occurred during the perioperative period in either group. Threshold values for mechanical pain at 8 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the triportal group versus the uniportal group. Furthermore, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the uniportal versus triportal group. In the triportal group, one patient required readmission and further intervention due to recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Uniport VATS decortication for stages II and III TE may be a feasible and safe procedure in selected patients. Moreover, uniport VATS may be less painful than triport VATS.

Association of body mass index and intestinal (faecal) Streptococcus in adults in Xining city, China P.R

Body mass index (BMI) and gut microbiota show significant interaction, but most studies on the relationship between BMI and gut microbiota have been done in Western countries. Relationships that are also identified in other cultural backgrounds are likely to have functional importance. Hence here we explore gut microbiota in adults living in Xining city (China P.R.) and relate results to subject BMI. Analysis of bacterial 16s rRNA gene was performed on faecal samples from participants with normal-weight (n=24), overweight (n=24), obesity (n=11) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n=8). The results show that unweighted but not weighted Unifrac distance was significantly different when gut microbiota composition was compared between the groups. Importantly, the genus Streptococcus was remarkably decreased in both obese subjects and subjects suffering from T2D, as compared to normal-weight subjects. Accordingly, strong association was identified between the genus Streptococcus and BMI and especially Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophiles was a major contributor in this respect. As previous studies have shown that Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophiles is also negatively associated with obesity in Western cohorts, our results suggest that this species is a potential probiotic for the prevention of obesity and related disorders.

The Bone Sialoprotein RGD Domain Modulates and Maintains Periodontal Development

Bone sialoprotein (gene: Ibsp; protein: BSP) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix protein present in bone, cementum, and dentin. Accumulating evidence supports BSP as a key regulator of mineralized tissue formation via evolutionarily conserved functional domains, including a C-terminal integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) domain implicated in extracellular matrix-cell signaling. Ablation of Ibsp in mice (Ibsp-/-) results in impaired bone growth and mineralization and defective osteoclastogenesis, with effects in the craniofacial region including reduced acellular cementum formation, detachment of the periodontal ligament (PDL), alveolar bone hypomineralization, and severe periodontal breakdown. We hypothesized that BSP-RGD plays an important role in cementum and alveolar bone formation and mineralization, as well as periodontal function. This hypothesis was tested by replacing the RGD motif with a nonfunctional Lys-Ala-Glu (KAE) sequence in (IbspKAE/KAE) mice and OCCM.30 murine (IbspKAE) cementoblasts. The RGD domain was not critical for acellular or cellular cementum formation in IbspKAE/KAE mice. However, PDL volume and thickness were increased, and significantly more tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts were found on alveolar bone surfaces of IbspKAE/KAE mice versus wild type mice. PDL organization was disrupted as indicated by picrosirius red stain, second harmonic generation imaging, dynamic mechanical analysis, and decreased asporin proteoglycan localization. In vitro studies implicated RGD functions in cell migration, adhesion, and mineralization, and this was confirmed by an ossicle implant model where cells lacking BSP-RGD showed substantial defects as compared with controls. In total, the BSP-RGD domain is implicated in periodontal development, though the scale and scope of changes indicated by in vitro studies indicate that other factors may partially compensate for and reduce the phenotypic severity of mice lacking BSP-RGD in vivo.

[Protective effect of excretory-secretory proteins from Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae against myocardial injury in septic mice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the protective effect of excretory-secretory proteins from Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae (Ts-MES) on sepsis-induced myocardial injury in mice.

METHODS

Eighty male BALB/C mice were randomized equally into sham-operated group, myocardial injury group, Ts-MES treatment group and dexamethasone treatment group. In the latter 3 groups, sepsis-induced myocardial injury models were established by cecal ligation and perforation; the sham operation was performed by exposure of the cecum without ligation or perforation. Forty minutes after the operation, the mice were given intraperitoneal injections 150 μL PBS, 20 μg TS-MES or 0.3 mg/kg dexamethasone as indicated. At 12 h after the operation, 6 mice were randomly selected from each group for echocardiography, and 8 mice were used for observing the survival rate within 72 h. The remaining 6 mice were examined for myocardial pathologies with HE staining and serum levels of NTPro-BNP and cTnI with ELISA; the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β in the serum and myocardial tissue were detected using ELISA and qRT-PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham-operated mice, the septic mice showed significantly decreased cardiac function indexes (LVEF, LVFS, and E/A) with lowered survival rate within 72 h (P < 0.001) and significantly higher myocardial injury scores and serum levels of NTPro-BNP and cTnI (P < 0.01). Treatment with TS-MES significantly improved the cardiac function and 72-h survival rate (P < 0.05) and lowered the myocardial injury scores and serum levels of NTPro-BNP and cTnI (P < 0.05) in the septic mice. Compared with the sham-operated mice, the septic mice had obviously increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels in the serum and myocardial tissue (P < 0.001), which were significantly lowered by treatment with TS-MES (P < 0.05). TS-MES and dexamethasone both increased the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in the septic mice, but the changes were significant only in TS-MES-treated mice (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ts-MES are capable of protecting against myocardial injury in septic mice by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the levels of regulatory cytokines.

[Inflammatory factors in periodontitis patients and their effects toward the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study]

Objective: To explore the effects of periodontitis and inflammatory factors toward the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Pregnant women who came to the Department of Obstetrics, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital for prenatal examinations during March to November of 2021 were invited to participate in this study. Participants with GDM who met the inclusion criteria (n=100) were assigned into the case group; while healthy participants (n=100) were assigned into the control group. Information of participants from the two groups were collected by questionnaires and periodontal statuses were clinically recorded in the meantime. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and venous blood were also collected from participants of two groups to analyze the expression levels of inflammatory factors like C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-33. Factors different between the two groups were included in the multivariate regression analysis model to determine the risk factors of GDM. Results: The age of participants was (33.4±5.1) years in case group and (30.5±4.5) years in control group respectively, which had statistical differences (t=4.33,P<0.001). Besides, the body mass index of participants from case group was also significantly higher than control group [(28.11±3.85) kg/m² vs. (23.31±3.15) kg/m², t=9.65, P<0.001]. Participants with GDM had more adverse periodontal clinical parameters. Prevalence of periodontitis in GDM group was 47.0% (47/100) compared with 29.0% (29/100) in control group (χ²=6.88, P=0.009). Multivariate regression analysis results indicated that periodontitis was a critical risk factor for the occurrence of GDM (OR=1.882, P<0.001). Besides, GCF IL-8, serum TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-10 were also risk factors of GDM due to their higher expressions. Among them, TNF-α in serum (OR=2.077) and IL-8 in serum (OR=2.060) had more significant impacts (P<0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that periodontitis was associated with the occurrence of GDM. Up-regulation of serum pro-inflammatory mediators leaded by local periodontal inflammatory microenvironment might play a critical role in this pathological process.

POS0200 POST-mRNA VACCINE FLARES IN AUTOIMMUNE INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES: INTERIM RESULTS FROM THE CORONAVIRUS NATIONAL VACCINE REGISTRY FOR IMMUNE DISEASES SINGAPORE (CONVIN-SING)

Background

Published data suggest no increased rate of flare of autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination; however, the studies are limited by small sample size, short follow up or at risk of selection bias (voluntary physician reports or patient surveys).

Objectives

To study flares of AIIRD within three months of the first dose of an anti-SARS-COV2 mRNA vaccine.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive AIIRD patients ≥ 12 years old, across six public hospitals in Singapore who received at least one dose of an mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) vaccine. Data were censored at the first post-vaccine clinic visit when the patient had flared or if ≥ three months had elapsed since the first dose of the vaccine, whichever came first. Predictors of flare were determined by Cox proportional hazards analysis and time to flare was examined using a Nelson Aalen cumulative hazard estimate (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Nelson-Aalen curve of flares over time

Results

2339 patients (74% Chinese, 72% female) of median (IQR) age 64 (53, 71) years were included in the interim analysis (Table 1). 2112 (90%) had the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and 195 (8%) had Moderna, with a median (IQR) interval of 21 (21, 23) days between the two doses. The most common AIIRD diagnoses were Rheumatoid arthritis (1063, 45%), Psoriatic arthritis (296, 12.6%) and Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (288, 12.3%). 186 (8%) were treated with biologics/ targeted disease modifying agents. 2125 (91%) patients were in low disease activity or remission. Treatment was interrupted for vaccination in only 18 (0.8%) patients. Seven (0.3%) patients had previous COVID-19 infection.

Table 1.

Patient characteristics

Baseline characteristicsNo flares(n = 1887, %)Flares within 0—3 months of 1st vaccine dose (n= 272, %)Flares outside of 0 – 3 months after 1st vaccine dose (n = 180, %)Age (median years, IQR)64 (53, 71)61 (50, 69)65 (55, 71)RaceChinese1386 (73)206 (76)129 (72)Malay193 (10)28 (10)20 (11)Indian195 (10)27 (10)26 (14)GenderFemale1367 (72)200 (74)117 (65)Vaccine typePfizer/BioNTech1713 (92)239 (90)160 (90)Moderna149 (8)28 (10)18 (10)DiagnosisRheumatoid Arthritis831 (44)139 (51)93 (52)Systemic Lupus Erythematosus269 (14)20 (7)9 (5)Psoriatic Arthritis225 (12)42 (15)29 (16)Spondyloarthropathies141 (7)21 (7)17 (9)Sjogren’s Syndrome114 (6)15 (6)8 (4)Systemic sclerosis94 (5)4 (1)6 (3)Baseline Physician Disease ActivityRemission1007 (53)99 (36)63 (35)Low Disease Activity731 (39)128 (47)97 (54)Moderate Disease Activity134 (7)40 (15)20 (11)High Disease Activity15 (1)5 (2)0

452 (19%) flares were recorded during 9798.8 patient-months [4.6/100 patient-months, median (IQR) follow up duration 4.2 (3.3, 5.3) months], of which 272 (11.6%) patients flared within the 3-month period of interest and 180 (7.7%) flared outside of the 3-month period (Table 1). Median (IQR) time-to-flare was 40.5 (18, 56.6) days. 60 (22.1%) were mild and self-limiting, 170 (62.5%) were mild-moderate and 42 (15.4%) were severe. 190 (69.8%) of those who flared required escalation of treatment and 15 (5.5%) required hospital admission. 239 (10.2%) had improved disease activity after the vaccine.

On multivariate Cox regression analysis, patients in the oldest age tertile [median (IQR) 74 (71, 79) years] were less likely to flare [HR 0.80 (95% CI 0.63, 1.00), p = 0.05] Patients with inflammatory arthritis (compared with connective tissue disease, vasculitis and others) and patients with baseline active disease were more likely to flare [HR 1.72 (95% CI 1.35, 2.20), p < 0.001 and 1.82 (95% CI 1.39, 2.39), p < 0.001 respectively]

Conclusion

There was a moderately high rate of AIIRD flares after mRNA vaccination; however, there was no clustering of flares in the immediate post-vaccine period to suggest causality. Older patients were less likely to flare, while those with inflammatory arthritis and active disease at baseline were more likely to flare.

Disclosure of Interests

Margaret Ma Grant/research support from: Support grant from multiple companies for the Singapore Biologics registry, Amelia Santosa Speakers bureau: Amgen Talk, Consultant of: Pfizer ad board, Kok Ooi Kong: None declared, Chuanhui Xu: None declared, Johnston Tang Gin Xiang: None declared, Gim Gee Teng Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingleheim, Anselm Mak Speakers bureau: J&J and GSK, Grant/research support from: GSK - the supported studies programme, Sen Hee Tay: None declared, Victoria Wei Wen Ng: None declared, Joshua Zhi En Koh: None declared, Warren Fong Speakers bureau: speaker for Abbvie, DKSH, GSK, Novartis, Li-Ching Chew Speakers bureau: pfizer and Abbvie, Consultant of: Pfizer and Abbvie Advisory Board meeting, Grant/research support from: Abbvie educational grant for ultrasound conference, Andrea Low Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingeilheim, Consultant of: Consultant/steering group committee for BI and J&J, annie law: None declared, Yih Jia Poh: None declared, Siaw Ing Yeo Grant/research support from: Multiple pharmaceutical companies for the support of the National Biologics Registry, Ying Ying Leung Speakers bureau: Abbvie, DKSH, Jassen, Novartis and Pfizer, Wei-Rui Goh: None declared, Chuah Tyng Yu: None declared, Nur Emillia Roslan: None declared, Stanley Angkodjojo Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingeilheim, Consultant of: Abbvie and DKSH, Kee Fong Phang: None declared, Thaschawee Arkachaisri: None declared, Melonie Sriranganathan: None declared, Teck Choon TAN: None declared, Peter Cheung Consultant of: Ad board for Boehringer Ingleheim, novartis, janssen and abbvie, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Manjari Lahiri Speakers bureau: J&J, DSKH, Consultant of: DSKH, Gilead, Grant/research support from: Multiple pharma companies contributed to the Singapore Biologics registry

Novartis

Protection of Toll-Like Receptor 9 Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress of Pulmonary Epithelial Cells via MyD88-Mediated Pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a common, severe clinical syndrome. Injury caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in vascular endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells is a vital process in the pathogenesis of ALI. Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is highly expressed in LPS-induced ALI rats. In this study, Beas-2B human pulmonary epithelial cells and A549 alveolar epithelial cells were stimulated by LPS, resulting in the upregulation of TLR9 in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TLR9 overexpression and interference vectors were transfected before LPS administration to explore the role of TLR9 in LPS-induced ALI in vitro. The findings revealed that inhibition of TLR9 reduced inflammation and oxidative stress while suppressing apoptosis of LPS-induced Beas-2B and A549 cells, whereas TLR9 overexpression aggravated these conditions. Moreover, TLR9 inhibition resulted in downregulated protein expression of myeloid differentiation protein 88 (MyD88) and activator activator protein 1 (AP-1), as well as phosphorylation of nuclear factor-B (NF-B), c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinases 1/2 was upregulated compared to that of cells subjected to only LPS administration, and this was reversed by TLR9 overexpression. These results indicate that inhibition of TLR9 plays a protective role against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in Beas-2B and A549 cells, possibly via the MyD88/NF-B and MyD88/MAPKs/AP-1 pathways.

A226 SEX-BASED DISPARITY COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

Background

Sex-based disparity exists in liver transplantation (LT) with women being disadvantaged at every stage of the process starting from assessment to post transplantation (Bryce et al., 2009). The reasons for this are multifactorial and include biological disparities, psychosocial, and allocation inequalities (Burra et al., 2013).

Aims

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in immediate or long-term complications post-LT by sex.

Methods

We analyzed 702 patients who underwent LT at the University of Alberta from 2002 to 2015. Patients aged < 18 years or requiring a repeat or multivisceral transplant were excluded. Renal dysfunction was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined as hospitalization for or death from coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest or cerebrovascular disease.

Results

Male patients comprised 69% of the population. Time on the waitlist was similar for men (9.3 ± 11.7 months) and women (9.9 ± 12.3 months; p=0.57). Both sexes were comparable in age (males: 53 ± 10 years; females: 52 ± 11 years; p=0.19), MELD (males: 18 ± 9; females: 19 ± 10; p=0.16) and BMI (males: 27.7 ± 5.7 kg/m²; females: 27.3 ± 6.6 kg/m²; p=0.58). Women had lower creatinine pre-LT (males: 1.1 ± 0.60 mg/dL; females 0.96 ± 0.51 mg/dL; p<0.01). There were no differences in donor age, sex or BMI. Women had significantly longer hospital length of stay (males: 18 days [IQR: 11, 32]; females: 25 days [IQR: 14, 43]; p <0.001). There was no difference in risk of acute kidney injury (OR 1.4 [95% CI: 0.98, 2.1]; p=0.06), infection (OR 1.1 [95% CI: 0.8, 1.5]; p=0.52) or rejection episodes (OR 1.1 [95% CI: 0.8, 1.5]; p=0.74) following LT. Women had a higher risk of CKD post-LT (OR 2.3 [95% CI: 1.6, 3.2]; p<0.0001). There was no difference in de-novo diabetes (males: 22%; females: 16%; p=0.10), hypertension (males: 45%; females: 48%; p=0.41), dyslipidemia (males: 37%; females: 39%; p=0.67) and CVD (males: 20%; females: 19%; p=0.84) post-LT. Graft (males: 11.4 ± 0.4 years; females: 11.8 ± 0.5 years; p=0.32) and patient survival (males: 11.8 ± 0.4 years; females: 12.4 ± 0.5 years; p=0.18) were similar over a median follow up of 6.3 years [IQR: 3.5, 9.9].

Conclusions

Women spend a longer time in hospital and are at an increased risk of CKD following LT. Despite these differences, overall graft and patient survival are comparable. Our data suggest the disparity between sexes likely exists pre-LT and females that undergo LT have similar outcomes to their male counterparts.

Funding Agencies

None

A217 TREATMENT ADHERENCE OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B PATIENTS WITH HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA FROM THE CANHEPB NETWORK

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide.

Aims

The primary aim of this study is to explore the degree of treatment adherence to the American Association For The Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) HCC treatment guidelines for patients with CHB-HCC.

Methods

This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of available data (2005–2020) in patients mono-infected with CHB collected from the Canadian HBV Network; a national consortium across 8 Canadian provinces. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics along with parametric and nonparametric statistical methods with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

Of the 6500 patients, 132 (2.0%) patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 64 (IQR: 53.5- 71.5) with 101 (76%) being male. The median ALT was 40 (IQR: 26–59.5) and the median tumor number was 1(IQR: 1- 2) with a median tumor size of 2.6 cm (IQR: 1.9- 4.5). 98 (74.5%) patients were HBeAg negative with a median viral load of 3.8 logs (IQR 1.9 – 5.8). 58 (43%) patients had cirrhosis at diagnosis. 36% of patients were diagnosed with HCC on their first screening imaging whereas 39% were found to have HCC on repeated surveillance imaging. 116 (87.9%) were on treatment at the time of diagnosis or after (70 (60.3%) NA and 46 (39%) Combination therapy with double NA or NA plus interferon). Out of the 132 patients, BCLC stage 0, A, B, and C represented 30 (23%), 42 (32%), 17 (13%), and 5 (4%) patients, respectively, with 38 (28%) patients with unknown BCLC stage. The overall adherence to AASLD guidelines was 61%. The HCC treatment adherence rate for patients with BCLC stage 0, A, B were 63%, 97.5%, and 23.5%, respectively. BCLC stages C and D did not have a sufficient sample size for analysis. The adherence rate ranged from 53% (Eastern Canada) to 71% (Western Canada) across Canada.

Conclusions

In this retrospective nationwide cohort study of patients with CHB-related HCC, the overall treatment adherence rate to AASLD guidelines was low with notable regional differences. Further analysis will determine the cause of regional differences.

Funding Agencies

None

Gestational bisphenol A exposure impairs hepatic lipid metabolism by altering mTOR/CRTC2/SREBP1 in male rat offspring

Lipid metabolism is an important biochemical process in the body. Recent studies have found that environmental endocrine disruptors play an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common environmental endocrine disruptor, has adverse effects on lipid metabolism, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational BPA exposure on hepatic lipid metabolism and its possible mechanism in male offspring. The pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to BPA (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5 mg/kg/day) from day 5 to day 19 of gestation to investigate the levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), and the expression of liver lipid metabolism-related genes in male offspring rats. The results showed that compared with the control group, the TG and TC levels in serum and liver in BPA-exposed groups was increased. And the expressions of liver fatty acid oxidation related genes, such as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α (CPT1α), were down-regulated. However, the expressions of fatty acid synthesis related genes, such as sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1 (SREBP-1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), were up-regulated. The increased protein levels of mTOR and p-CRTC2 suggested that CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) might be an important mediator in the mTOR/SREBP-1 pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that mTOR/CRTC2/SREBP-1 could be affected by gestational BPA exposure, which may involve in the lipid metabolic disorders in later life.

[Controversy and prospect of transanal total mesorectal excision]

As a novel surgical technique, taTME has developed rapidly in recent years. TaTME inevitably attracts some skepticism on safety, efficacy, and indication. First, the controversies over taTME are mainly reflected on the safety and effectiveness of taTME. On one hand, the increase of surgical complications, such as urethral injury, CO2 embolism, anastomotic leakage and pelvic infection, has raised concerns about the safety of taTME. Second, the poor quality of taTME specimens, the increased local recurrence rate and the impaired anal function after taTME, also make people question the effectiveness of taTME. Third, there are more or less controversies in the selection of taTME cases, surgical procedures and cost-effectiveness. However, it can not be denied that taTME has a promising future in view of both surgical theory and clinical practice. Furthermore, taTME is a relatively safe and effective supplementary surgical procedure, especially for patients with low rectal cancer. We should attach more importance to structured training for beginners and conduct high-quality clinical studies in the future development of taTME in China, so as to ensure the safe implementation of taTME and obtain high-level evidence-based medicine evidence, and then standardize the clinical practice of taTME.

Measurement of the Cosmic Ray Helium Energy Spectrum from 70 GeV to 80 TeV with the DAMPE Space Mission

The measurement of the energy spectrum of cosmic ray helium nuclei from 70 GeV to 80 TeV using 4.5 years of data recorded by the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) is reported in this work. A hardening of the spectrum is observed at an energy of about 1.3 TeV, similar to previous observations. In addition, a spectral softening at about 34 TeV is revealed for the first time with large statistics and well controlled systematic uncertainties, with an overall significance of 4.3σ. The DAMPE spectral measurements of both cosmic protons and helium nuclei suggest a particle charge dependent softening energy, although with current uncertainties a dependence on the number of nucleons cannot be ruled out.

The role of alternative oxidase in plant hypersensitive response

The innate immune system of plants is crucial in defining the fate of a plant cell during plant-pathogen interactions. This response is often accompanied by a hypersensitive reaction leading to the death of a plant cell and restricted pathogen growth. Plant mitochondria, in this case, play a key role by maintaining a balance between cell respiration and reactive oxygen species formation. One of the key features of the hypersensitive response is the shift of the normal plant respiratory pathway to a special 'alternative' pathway. Plants contain an enzyme, alternative oxidase, for maintaining metabolic homeostasis of the cell. This energy dissipating respiration provides a branch in normal respiration by using ubiquinone to form water and heat, thus maintaining the energy status of the cell. Alternative oxidase is thought to minimize production of reactive oxygen species and can also function in 'anti-apoptotic' machinery in plant cells. In this mini review, we briefly describe the alternative respiratory pathway and explain the role of alternative oxidase in important cellular processes, such as programmed cell death and the hypersensitive response.

Effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the sexual maturation and reproductive performance of Rugao layer breeders. A total of 2,400 8-wk-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of 5 groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of 5 diets that were nutritionally similar with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AME_n) content (2,850, 2,750, 2,650, 2,550, and 2,450 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2,850 kcal AME_n per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 52 wks of age, all hens were fed basal diets ad libitum. The body weight of layer breeders at 18 wks of age decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (P < 0.001), but caught up within 3 wks of ad libitum feeding (P = 0.290). The coefficient of variation of the body weight of the hens at 18, 21, and 24 wks of age decreased linearly (P = 0.010, 0.025, and 0.041, respectively) with increasing energy restriction during rearing. Energy-restricted feeding delayed sexual organ development at 18, 20, and 22 wks of age, including the number of large yellow follicles, oviduct length, oviduct length index, oviduct index, and ovary stroma index (P < 0.05), and delayed sexual maturity, including the age at laying the first egg and the age at 5% and 50% egg production (P = 0.042, 0.004, and 0.029, respectively). Consequently, egg number from 5% to 50% egg production decreased linearly as the degree of energy restriction increased (P = 0.001) and egg production of hens in the energy-restricted feeding groups was lower than that of hens in the ad libitum feeding group (6.36, 6.43, 6.4, and 4.61% vs. 14.29%; P < 0.05) from 18 to 20 wks of age. Furthermore, egg weight increased linearly as energy restriction increased (P < 0.001) and laying hens in the most severe energy-restricted feeding group had more setting eggs (normal eggs weighing >40 g) than hens in the ad libitum feeding and lighter energy-restricted feeding groups (149.57 vs. 144.34, 142.66, 143.63, and 141.78; P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in fertility, hatchability of fertile eggs, and hatchability of setting eggs (P = 0.381, 0.790, and 0.605, respectively). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2,450 vs. 2,850 kcal AME_n/kg) from 8 to 18 wks of age increased egg weight as well as the production of setting eggs in native layer breeders throughout the laying period, without adverse effects on productive performance from 18 to 52 wks of age, or fertility and hatchability at 52 wks of age.