Long Non-Coding RNA Analysis: Severe Pathogenicity in Chicken Embryonic Visceral Tissues Infected with Highly Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus-A Comparison to the Avirulent Vaccine Virus

There are significant variations in pathogenicity among different virulent strains of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Virulent NDV typically induces severe pathological changes and high mortality rates in infected birds, while avirulent NDV usually results in asymptomatic infection. Currently, the understanding of the specific mechanisms underlying the differences in host pathological responses and symptoms caused by various virulent NDV strains remains limited. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can participate in a range of biological processes and plays a crucial role in viral infection and replication. Therefore, this study employed RNA-Seq to investigate the transcriptional profiles of chicken embryos' visceral tissues (CEVTs) infected with either the virulent NA-1 strain or avirulent LaSota strain at 24 hpi and 36 hpi. Using bioinformatic methods, we obtained a total of 2532 lncRNAs, of which there were 52 and 85 differentially expressed lncRNAs at 24 hpi and 36 hpi, respectively. LncRNA analysis revealed that the severe pathological changes and symptoms induced by virulent NDV infection may be partially attributed to related target genes, regulated by differentially expressed lncRNAs such as MSTRG.1545.5, MSTRG.14601.6, MSTRG.7150.1, and MSTRG.4481.1. Taken together, these findings suggest that virulent NDV infection exploits the host's metabolic resources and exerts an influence on the host's metabolic processes, accompanied by excessive activation of the immune response. This impacts the growth and development of each system of CEVTs, breaches the blood-brain barrier, inflicts severe damage on the nervous system, and induces significant lesions. These observations may be attributed to variations in pathology. Consequently, novel insights were obtained into the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing NDV and host interactions. This will aid in unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying both virulent and avirulent forms of NDV infection.

[The efficiency of total endoscopic surgery with preferential incision of the tendon sheath and traditional open surgery for the treatment of peroneal tendondislocation]

Objective: To compare the outcomes between the patients of peroneal tendon dislocation treated by either total endoscopic surgery with preferential incision of the tendon sheath or traditional open surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 45 patients with peroneal tendon dislocation were operated on Department of Sports Medicine and Joint Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital from July 2016 to June 2020. There were 26 males and 19 females,aged (31.2±9.3) years (range: 17 to 45 years). Among them,23 patients underwent open peroneal tendon groove deepening followed by tendon sheath repair(traditional open group), and the other 22 patients underwent similar operations but all-endoscopically with preferential incision of peroneal tendon sheath(total endoscopic group). The perioperative data of patients were collected, and pain visual analogue score (VAS) was used to evaluate the pain changes before and after surgery and during the follow-up period, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society anklehindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH), range of motion (ROM), the MOS item short form health survey (SF)-36, and the homemade questionnaire of patient satisfaction were used to evaluate the patients' outcomes after the operation, and CT scan was carried out to observe the deepening of the fibular groove and MRI to observe the status of the peroneal tendon and sheath during the follow-up. Independent sample t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and repeated measure ANOVA were used for comparison of quantitative data between groups. Chi-square test,Mann-whitney U or Fisher exact test was used for comparison of classified data, respectively;and paired sample t test was used for comparison of quantitative data before and after surgery in groups. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients in terms of gender, age, disease duration, side of injury, and injury typing (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation time((47.9±5.4)minutes vs. (47.2±6.3)minutes;t=0.402, P=0.690), but the incision length ((2.17±0.35)cm vs. 5.97±0.42)cm;t=32.892,P<0.01)and hospitalization time ((4.0±1.7)days vs. (7.6±3.6)days;t=4.249,P<0.01) were significantly shorter in the total endoscopic group than those in the traditional open group. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months, and the follow-up time was (19.2±3.9) months (range: 12 to 24 months). The total endoscopic group showed a significant increase in VAS, AOFAS scores, SF-36 scores and patient satisfaction rate at 3 months postoperatively and the last follow-up (all P<0.05). Three months after surgery, the ROM in the total endoscope group was higher than that in the traditional group ((62.14±1.46) ° vs. (53.13±1.52) °;t=20.315, P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at the last follow-up ((63.18±1.10) ° vs. (63.48±2.43) °;t=0.531, P=0.599). Conclusion: Total endoscopic surgery with preferential incision of the tendon sheath has the advantages of minimally invasivenessas compared with traditional open surgery with faster recovery and better outcome.

[Minimally invasive intelligent innovative technologies in foot and ankle surgery: development status and prospects]

The rapid development of technology has ushered in a new era of minimally invasive and intelligent surgery.Minimally invasive surgeries, such as small incision, percutaneous surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and endoscopic surgery, have contributed to less invasive surgical trauma, better cosmesis, and faster recovery. Furthermore, the recent adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced new assistances and tools for minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery. By the help of advanced AI algorithms, surgeons can accurately make diagnose and personalized treatment strategies. The application of computer-assisted navigation systems and robotics has facilitated precise surgical procedures and real-time confirmation of surgical outcomes. Foot and ankle surgery has lagged behind other surgical specialties in adopting these advancements. Currently, the integration of various forms of minimally invasive surgery and AI technology stands as the main trend in the development of foot and ankle surgery. It is believed that in the near future, intelligent minimally invasive surgery will become the mainstream in the domain of foot and ankle.

Geographic distribution and genetic diversity of Newcastle disease virus in pigeons from Pakistan

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Virulent NDV genotypes were repeatedly isolated from pigeons.Evidence of epidemiological links among viruses isolated from various locations.Distinct phylogenetic branches suggest separate, simultaneous evolution of NDVs.Study information could be helpful in the development of an effective vaccine.

[Treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in very preterm infants in China]

Objective: To describe the current status and trends in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) among very preterm infants (VPI) admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021, and to compare the differences in PDA treatment among these units. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study based on the CHNN VPI cohort, all of 22 525 VPI (gestational age<32 weeks) admitted to 79 tertiary NICU within 3 days of age from 2019 to 2021 were included. The overall PDA treatment rates were calculated, as well as the rates of infants with different gestational ages (≤26, 27-28, 29-31 weeks), and pharmacological and surgical treatments were described. PDA was defined as those diagnosed by echocardiography during hospitalization. The PDA treatment rate was defined as the number of VPI who had received medication treatment and (or) surgical ligation of PDA divided by the number of all VPI. Logistic regression was used to investigate the changes in PDA treatment rates over the 3 years and the differences between gestational age groups. A multivariate Logistic regression model was constructed to compute the standardized ratio (SR) of PDA treatment across different units, to compare the rates after adjusting for population characteristics. Results: A total of 22 525 VPI were included in the study, with a gestational age of 30.0 (28.6, 31.0) weeks and birth weight of 1 310 (1 100, 1 540) g; 56.0% (12 615) of them were male. PDA was diagnosed by echocardiography in 49.7% (11 186/22 525) of all VPI, and the overall PDA treatment rate was 16.8% (3 795/22 525). Of 3 762 VPI who received medication treatment, the main first-line medication used was ibuprofen (93.4% (3 515/3 762)) and the postnatal day of first medication treatment was 6 (4, 10) days of age; 59.3% (2 231/3 762) of the VPI had been weaned from invasive respiratory support during the first medication treatment, and 82.2% (3 092/3 762) of the infants received only one course of medication treatment. A total of 143 VPI underwent surgery, which was conducted on 32 (22, 46) days of age. Over the 3 years from 2019 to 2021, there was no significant change in the PDA treatment rate in these VPI (P=0.650). The PDA treatment rate decreased with increasing gestational age (P<0.001). The PDA treatment rates for VPI with gestational age ≤26, 27-28, and 29-31 weeks were 39.6% (688/1 737), 25.9% (1 319/5 098), and 11.4% (1 788/15 690), respectively. There were 61 units having a total number of VPI≥100 cases, and their rates of PDA treatment were 0 (0/116)-47.4% (376/793). After adjusting for population characteristics, the range of standardized ratios for PDA treatment in the 61 units was 0 (95%CI 0-0.3) to 3.4 (95%CI 3.1-3.8). Conclusions: From 2019 to 2021, compared to the peers in developed countries, VPI in CHNN NICU had a different PDA treatment rate; specifically, the VPI with small birth gestational age had a lower treatment rate, while the VPI with large birth gestational age had a higher rate. There are significant differences in PDA treatment rates among different units.

Evaluating the Effects of Bone Marrow Sparing Radiotherapy on Acute Hematologic Toxicity for Patients with Locoregionally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Prospective Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Bone marrow sparing intensity modulated radiotherapy (BMS-IMRT) can reduce the incidence of acute hematologic toxicity (HT) for locoregionally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), but the norm has been controversial. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow (BM) V40 <25% on decreasing the incidence of acute HT in a prospective clinical trial.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 242 LACC patients were recruited from May 2021 to May 2022, who were evenly randomized into BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group according to a computer-generated random number list. All patients received pelvic irradiation with concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2 weekly), followed by brachytherapy. For patients in BMS-IMRT group, the outer contour of pelvic bone, lumbar spine and left and right femur heads were additionally delineated as a surrogate for BM, and V40 <25% was prescribed. Blood counts were tested weekly, of which nadirs during external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were graded to assess acute HT as primary observation index. Second observation index were dosimetric parameters of EBRT plan from the dose volume histograms (DVHs). Binary logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for predictive value analysis.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic, disease and treatment characteristics were all balanced between BMS-IMRT group and standard IMRT group. BMS-IMRT was associated with a lower incidence of grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 acute HT, leukopenia and neutropenia (72.70% vs 90.90%, P <0.001*; 16.50% vs 65.30%, P <0.001*; 66.10% vs 85.10%, P = 0.001*; 13.20% vs 54.50%, P <0.001*; 37.20% vs 66.10%, P <0.001*; 10.70% vs 43.80%, P <0.001*). Plan target volume (PTV) for all patients satisfied the clinical requirement of V(100%) ≥95%, and conformity and homogeneity were both comparable between 2 groups. BMS also decreased dose delivered to the organs at risk (OARs) including rectum, bladder and left and right femur head. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that BM V40 was an independent risk factor for grade ≥3 acute HT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.734, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.959-3.815, P <0.001*). Cutoff value was 25.036% and area under the curve (AUC) was 0.786. The nomogram was constructed, which was rigorously evaluated and internally cross-validated, showing good predictive performance.

CONCLUSION

BM V40 <25% can reduce the risks of acute HT for LACC patients receiving CCRT while the dose delivery of target volume and other normal tissues were not compromised. With great practicality and applicability, BM V40 <25% is a promising strategy, making BMS-IMRT widespread especially in the area where application of image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) such as 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET)/CT is not popularized. Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR2200066485).

A Comparison of Two Plan Optimization Methods in Three-Dimensional Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To compare dose distributions created by using two Inverse Planning Simulated Annealing (IPSA) and Hybrid Inverse Planning Optimization (HIPO) in three-dimensional (with CT image guidance) brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Brachytherapy plans for thirty patients with cervical cancer were created using the IPSA and HIPO algorithms (The IPSA algorithm is calculated based on the anatomical structure, and the simulated annealing algorithm is used to optimize the residence time, and the HIPO algorithm is the optimization and replacement for the IPSA). To obtain a HIPO plan, a manually optimized post-loading treatment plan was applied to these 30 patients, and then the treatment plan was reoptimized using the HIPO algorithm based on the original image information. Individual patients will consider interpolation therapy according to the needs of their condition. The types of plans were compared based on a variety of dose volume parameters, including the mean dose covering 90% of high-risk clinical target volume (D90 for HR-CTV), the mean dose to 2 cm3 volume (D2cc) for bladder, rectum, intestine and sigmoid, and average treatment time were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the two groups of plans, mean value of HR-CTV D90 for the HIPO plans was (585 cGy), which was significantly higher than that for the IPSA plans (567 cGy. This difference is statistically significant (P<0.05). The HIPO plans had mean D2cc 422±47 cGy for bladder, 403±38 cGy for rectum, which were lower than those from the SA plans, i.e., 446±42 cGy for bladder and 427±31 cGy for rectum; These differences were statistically significant (t = 5.125, 4.729, P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the sigmoid D2cc doses between the two algorithms. The treatment times for delivering the two types of plans were not significant different.

CONCLUSION

Depending on patient's condition, whether conventional brachytherapy therapy or interpolation therapy is used, the use of the HIPO algorithm to design the treatment regimen without additional treatment time can provide a higher target dose than the manually optimized brachytherapy regimen. Meanwhile, the bladder and rectum doses can be reduced to a certain extent under the premise of ensuring that the target dose met the treatment requirements. There is some increasement for the intestine dose with HIPO planning group, but the dose limits required by the guidelines are still met clinical requirement.

[Predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase on prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the prognosis of patients with paraquat (PQ) poisoning, and to provide evidence for early prognosis assessment. Methods: In February 2022, 50 patients with PQ poisoning who completed serum LDH detection admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2012 to December 2021 were selected as the observation group, and 50 healthy physical examination personnel were randomly selected as the control group. Patients with PQ poisoning were divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis, and the differences of blood routine routine, liver and kidney function and other indicators in the first admission between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logisitic regression model was established, ROC curve was drawn, and the influencing factors of prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the white blood cell count (WBC), total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDH, glucose (GLU) and creatinine (Cr) in observation group were significantly increased, while albumin (ALB) and total cholesterol (TC) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that WBC, elevated LDH (>247 U/L), TBil, ALT, AST and Cr were significantly different between PQ poisoning survival group and death group (P<0.05). Multivariate logisitic regression analysis showed that elevated serum LDH was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of PQ poisoning patients (OR=9.95, 95%CI: 1.34-73.82, P=0.025). The area under the ROC curve of LDH was 0.811 (95%CI: 0.692-0.930). When the cut-off value was 340 U/L, the sensitivity was 0.889 and the specificity was 0.719. Log-rank test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in survival rate between the normal LDH group and the elevated LDH group (P=0.001) . Conclusion: Serum LDH has a good predictive value in evaluating the prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning. Elevated LDH is a risk factor for poor prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning.

[Efficacy and outcomes of shunt surgery for secondary hydrocephalus]

Records of secondary hydrocephalus patients undergoing shunt surgery in the Department of Neurosurgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2012 to April 2022 and their clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Among 121 patients who received first time shunt placement, the most common causes of secondary hydrocephalus were brain hemorrhage (55, 45.5%) and trauma (35, 28.9%). Cognition decline (106, 87.6%), abnormal gait (50, 41.3%) and incontinence (40, 33.1%) were the most prevalent manifestations. Postoperative central nervous system infection (4, 3.3%), shunt obstruction (3, 2.5%) and subdural hematoma/effusion (4, 3.3%) were the most frequent neurological complications. Overall incidence of postoperative complications was 9% (11 cases) in the current cohort. And 50.5% (54/107) of the patients receiving shunting achieved a Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score of at least 4. Shunt surgery is preferred for secondary hydrocephalus, especially for secondary normal pressure hydrocephalus. Moreover, it is recommended to complete cranioplasty in staged operation or one-stage operation for the patients with decompressive craniectomy.

Analysis of Avian Orthoavulavirus 1 Detected in the Russian Federation between 2017 and 2021

Newcastle disease virus (NDV, Avian orthoavulavirus type 1, AOAV-1) is a contagious high-impact poultry pathogen with infections detected worldwide. In the present study, 19,500 clinical samples from wild bird species and poultry collected from 28 regions of Russia between 2017 and 2021 were screened for the presence of the AOAV-1 genome. NDV RNA was detected in 15 samples from wild birds and 63 samples from poultry. All isolates were screened for a partial sequence of the fusion (F) gene that included the cleavage site. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that lentogenic AOAV-1 I.1.1, I.1.2.1, and II genotypes were dominant among vaccine-like viruses in the territory of the Russian Federation. A vaccine-like virus with a mutated cleavage site (112-RKQGR^L-117) was detected in turkeys. Among the virulent AOAV-1 strains, viruses of the XXI.1.1, VII.1.1, and VII.2 genotypes were identified. The cleavage site of viruses of the XXI.1.1 genotype had a 112-KRQKR^F-117 amino acid sequence. The cleavage site of viruses with VII.1.1 and VII.2 genotypes had a 112-RRQKR^F-117 amino acid sequence. The data collected by the present study demonstrate the distribution and dominance of the virulent VII.1.1 genotype in the Russian Federation between 2017 and 2021.

Restart Expedites Quantum Walk Hitting Times

Classical first-passage times under restart are used in a wide variety of models, yet the quantum version of the problem still misses key concepts. We study the quantum hitting time with restart using a monitored quantum walk. The restart strategy eliminates the problem of dark states, i.e., cases where the particle evades detection, while maintaining the ballistic propagation which is important for a fast search. We find profound effects of quantum oscillations on the restart problem, namely, a type of instability of the mean detection time, and optimal restart times that form staircases, with sudden drops as the rate of sampling is modified. In the absence of restart and in the Zeno limit, the detection of the walker is not possible, and we examine how restart overcomes this well-known problem, showing that the optimal restart time becomes insensitive to the sampling period.

[Characteristics and related factors of viral nucleic acid negative conversion in children infected with Omicron variant strain of SARS-CoV-2]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and associated factors of viral nucleic acid conversion in children infected with Omicron variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 in Shanghai. Methods: The clinical symptoms, laboratory results and other data of 177 children infected with SARS-CoV-2 who were hospitalized in Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (designated hospital for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Shanghai) from April 25 to June 8, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the chest imaging findings, the children were divided into mild and common type groups. According to their age, the unvaccinated children were divided into<3 years old group and 3-<18 years old group. According to the vaccination status, the children aged 3-<18 year were divided into non-vaccination group, 1-dose vaccination group and 2-dose vaccination group. Comparison between groups was performed by independent sample t-test and analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Among the 177 children infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, 96 were males and 81 were females, aged 3 (1, 6) years. The time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion was (10.3±3.1) days. The 177 children were 138 cases of mild type and 39 cases of common type. Among the children aged 3-<18 years old, 55 cases were not vaccinated, 5 cases received 1-dose and 36 cases received 2-dose vaccination. Among the 36 children who received 2 doses of vaccination, the time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion was shorter in those vaccinated within 6 months than those over 6 months ((7.1±1.9) vs. (10.8±3.0) d, t=-3.23, P=0.004). Univariate analysis showed that the time of nucleic acid negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 was associated with age, underlying diseases, gastrointestinal symptoms, white blood cell count, proportion of neutrophils, proportion of lymphocytes, and the number of doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (t=3.87, 2.55, 2.04, 4.24, 3.51, 2.92, F=16.27, all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that older age (β=-0.33, 95% CI -0.485--0.182, P<0.001) and more doses of vaccination (β=-0.79, 95% CI -1.463--0.120, P=0.021) were associated with shortened nucleic acid negative conversion time in children, while lower lymphocyte proportion (β=-0.02, 95% CI -0.044--0.002, P=0.031) and underlying diseases (β=1.52, 95% CI 0.363-2.672, P=0.010) were associated with prolonged nucleic acid negative conversion time in children. Conclusion: The children infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 with reduced lymphocyte proportion and underlying diseases may have longer time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion,while children with older age and more doses of vaccination may have shorter time of viral nucleic acid negative conversion.

Surveillance and Assessment of Risk Factors for Newcastle Disease Virus from Live Bird Retail Stalls in Lahore District of Pakistan

Live bird markets (LBMs) in Asian countries are considered hubs for the spread of several poultry viruses. In Pakistan, there is a lack of uniformity in practices used in LBMs, which leads to the spread of poultry diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June-October 2017 to determine the circulation of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens being sold in live bird retail stalls (LBRSs) and to identify potential risk factors associated with estimated prevalence. A total of 189 stalls (n = 1134 birds) distributed in eight administrative towns of Lahore were visited. A pool of six oropharyngeal swabs was collected from each stall and tested by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for the presence of NDV. Forty-two out of 189 swabs were found positive with an overall prevalence of 22.22% (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 16.88%-28.67%). Data for 11 potential risk factors acquired through questionnaires were analyzed by survey-weighted logistic regression and prevalence odds ratios (ORs) for associated risk factors were calculated. A final multivariable model identified three risk factors for NDV prevalence in LBRSs, including trading other poultry breeds alongside broilers (OR = 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-6.1), purchasing birds from mixed sources (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.4-11.9), and number of birds sold per day (OR = 6.32; 95% CI = 1.9-23.5). Additionally, 24 selected samples were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis of the complete fusion gene (1662 bp) revealed that all isolates belonged to Subgenotype VII.2. This study provides important information on the epidemiology of NDV in Pakistan and highlights the importance of implementing surveillance and biosecurity practices in LBRSs.

[Effects of low-dose photodynamic therapy on the function of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells and its mechanism]

Objective: To investigate the effects of low-dose photodynamic therapy on the proliferation, regulation, and secretion functions of human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) and the related mechanism, so as to explore a new method for the repair of chronic wounds. Methods: The experimental research methods were adopted. From February to April 2021, 10 patients (5 males and 5 females, aged 23 to 47 years) who underwent cutaneous surgery in the Department of Dermatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University) donated postoperative waste adipose tissue. The cells were extracted from the adipose tissue and the phenotype was identified. Three batches of ADSCs were taken, with each batch of cells being divided into normal control group with conventional culture only, photosensitizer alone group with conventional culture after being treated with Hemoporfin, irradiation alone group with conventional culture after being treated with red light irradiation, and photosensitizer+irradiation group with conventional culture after being treated with Hemoporfin and red light irradiation, with sample number of 3 in each group. At culture hour of 24 after the treatment of the first and second batches of cells, the ADSC proliferation level was evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining method and the migration percentage of HaCaT cells cocultured with ADSCs was detected by Transwell experiment, respectively. On culture day of 7 after the treatment of the third batch of cells, the extracellular matrix protein expression of ADSCs was detected by immunofluorescence method. The ADSCs were divided into 0 min post-photodynamic therapy group, 15 min post-photodynamic therapy group, 30 min post-photodynamic therapy group, and 60 min post-photodynamic therapy group, with 3 wells in each group. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions and calculate the phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin complex (p-mTOR)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p-p70 S6K)/p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70 S6K) ratio at the corresponding time points after photodynamic therapy. Two batches of ADSCs were taken, and each batch was divided into normal control group, photodynamic therapy alone group, and photodynamic therapy+rapamycin group, with 3 wells in each group. At culture minute of 15 after the treatment, p-mTOR/mTOR and p-p70 S6K/p70 S6K ratios of cells from the first batch were calculated and detected as before. On culture day of 7 after the treatment, extracellular matrix protein expression of cells from the second batch was detected as before. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: After 12 d of culture, the cells were verified as ADSCs. At culture hour of 24 after the treatment, the ADSC proliferation level ((4.0±1.0)% and (4.1±0.4)%, respectively) and HaCaT cell migration percentages (1.17±0.14 and 1.13±0.12, respectively) in photosensitizer alone group and irradiation alone group were similar to those of normal control group ((3.7±0.6)% and 1.00±0.16, respectively, P>0.05), and were significantly lower than those of photosensitizer+irradiation group ((34.2±7.0)% and 2.55±0.13, respectively, P<0.01). On culture day of 7 after the treatment, compared with those in normal control group, the expression of collagen Ⅲ in ADSCs of photosensitizer alone group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the expressions of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ in ADSCs of irradiation alone group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in photosensitizer alone group and irradiation alone group, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and fibronectin of ADSCs in photosensitizer+irradiation group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in 0 min post-photodynamic therapy group, the ratios of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-p70 S6K/p70 S6K of ADSCs in 15 min post-photodynamic therapy group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the ratios of p-p70 S6K/p70 S6K of ADSCs in 30 min post-photodynamic therapy group and 60 min post-photodynamic therapy group were both significantly increased (P<0.01). At culture minute of 15 after the treatment, compared with those in normal control group, the ratios of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-p70 S6K/p70 S6K of ADSCs in photodynamic therapy alone group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those in photodynamic therapy alone group, the ratios of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-p70 S6K/p70 S6K of ADSCs in photodynamic therapy+rapamycin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). On culture day of 7 after the treatment, compared with those in normal control group, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and fibronectin of ADSCs in photodynamic therapy alone group were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in photodynamic therapy alone group, the expressions of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and fibronectin of ADSCs in photodynamic therapy+rapamycin group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: Low-dose photodynamic therapy can promote the proliferation of ADSCs, improve the ability of ADSCs to regulate the migration of HaCaT cells, and enhance the secretion of extracellular matrix protein by rapidly activating mTOR signaling pathway.

[Characteristics of the alveolar bone defects evaluated by cone-beam CT in periodontitis patients with orthodontic treatment history of Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion]

Objective: To evaluate the levels of alveolar bone defects by using cone-beam CT in periodontitis patients with history of orthodontic treatment and to find the special tooth positions, sites and periodontitis stages of alveolar bone defects, so as to provide reference for the formulation of clinical personalized diagnosis and treatment plans. Methods: Thirty patients who were diagnosed as Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion, treated by using labial fixed orthodontic appliances and also diagnosed as periodontitis (orthodontic group) were recuited from January 2009 to June 2019 at the School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University in the present study. They were aged (27.0±5.4) years old (ranged 18-41 years old). Another 60 periodontitis patients without a history of orthodontic treatment matched according to age, gender and severity of periodontitis were selected as control group (non-orthodontic group). They were aged (26.7±5.2) years old (ranged 18-41 years old). Cone-beam CT images were used to measure the heights of the alveolar bone defects at each tooth position of the patients. The difference in the heights of the alveolar bone defects between the orthodontic group and the non-orthodontic group at the same position of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones were compared. The specificities of the defect heights in different positions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones and different sites of the same tooth position were analyzed among orthodontic group. The specificities of the different tooth positions of the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones of the different periodontitis stages among orthodontic group were compared. Results: The heights of the alveolar bone defects in the maxillary canine area and molar area, the mandibular incisor area, the canine area and the premolar area in the orthodontic group were higher than that in the non-orthodontic group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In orthodontic group, the most severe teeth in the maxillary and mandibular alveolar bone defects were the canine areas [(3.75±1.00), (3.83±1.10) mm]. Secondly, the more severe tooth positions of the maxillary alveolar bone height defects were the molar area [(3.67±0.84) mm] and the incisor area [(3.39±0.83) mm] and the more severe tooth positions of the mandibular alveolar bone defects were the incisor area [(3.73±1.42) mm] and the molar area [(3.54±0.81) mm]. The height of the alveolar bone defect in the mandibular incisor area was greater than that in the maxillary (P<0.05). The bone defect in the maxillary molar area was severer than that of the mandibular area (P<0.05). The alveolar bone defects in the buccal and lingual sides were mostly larger than that of the mesial and distal sides both in maxillary and mandibular positions except for the maxillary incisor area(P<0.05). The most severe alveolar bone defect position changed with the periodontitis stage. The most severe tooth position of the maxillary in stage Ⅰ periodontitis was in the molar area [(3.26±0.63) mm], whereas the incisor area was the most severe tooth of the mandible [(3.14±1.04) mm]. In addition, among maxillary incisor area, canine area, premolar area, molar area, the most severe alveolar bone defect height was the canine area in stage Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ mandibular (P<0.05). Conclusions: In periodontitis patients with a history of orthodontic treatment, the height of the alveolar bone defect was specific to the tooth positions and sites. With the periodontitis stage changing, the most severe defect position changed in both maxillary and mandibular alveolar bones. It is recommended to pay more attention to the alteration of alveolar bone in periodontitis patients with a history of orthodontic treatment and give timely targeted treatment plans.

Genomic and biological characteristics of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 strains isolated from multiple wild birds and backyard chickens in Pakistan

Circulation of the dominant sub-genotype VII.2 of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1) is affecting multiple poultry and non-poultry avian species and causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In countries where ND is endemic, continuous monitoring and characterization of field strains are necessary. In this study, genetic characteristics of eleven AOAV-1 strains were analyzed isolated from wild birds including parakeets (n = 3), lovebird parrot (n = 1), pheasant (n = 1), peacock (n = 1), and backyard chickens (n = 5) during 2015-2016. Genetic characterization (genome size [15,192 nucleotides], the presence of typical cleavage site [^112-RRQKRF^-117]) and biological assessment (HA log 2⁷ to 2⁹ and intracerebral pathogenicity index [ICPI] value ranging from 1.50 to 1.86) showed virulent AOAV-1. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the studied isolates belonged to sub-genotype VII.2 and genetically very closely related (> 98.9%) to viruses repeatedly isolated (2011-2018) from commercial poultry. These findings provide evidence for the existence of epidemiological links between poultry and wild bird species in the region where the disease is prevalent. The deduced amino acid analysis revealed several substitutions in critical domains of fusion and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase genes. The pathogenesis and transmission potential of wild bird-origin AOAV-1 strain (AW-Pht/2015) was evaluated in 21-day-old chickens that showed the strain was highly virulent causing clinical signs and killed all chickens. High viral loads were detected in different organs of the infected chickens correlating with the severity of lesions developed. The continuous monitoring of AOAV-1 isolates in different species of birds will improve our knowledge of the evolution of these viruses, thereby preventing possible panzootic.

Chimeric Newcastle Disease Virus-like Particles Containing DC-Binding Peptide-Fused Haemagglutinin Protect Chickens from Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus and H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Challenge

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and H9N2 subtype Avian influenza virus (AIV) are two notorious avian respiratory pathogens that cause great losses in the poultry industry. Current inactivated commercial vaccines against NDV and AIV have the disadvantages of inadequate mucosal responses, while an attenuated live vaccine bears the risk of mutation. Dendritic cell (DC) targeting strategies are attractive for their potent mucosal and adaptive immune-stimulating ability against respiratory pathogens. In this study, DC-binding peptide (DCpep)-decorated chimeric virus-like particles (cVLPs), containing NDV haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and AIV haemagglutinin (HA), were developed as a DC-targeting mucosal vaccine candidate. DCpep-decorated cVLPs activated DCs in vitro, and induced potent immune stimulation in chickens, with enhanced secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) secretion and splenic T cell differentiation. 40 μg cVLPs can provide full protection against the challenge with homologous, heterologous NDV strains, and AIV H9N2. In addition, DCpep-decorated cVLPs could induce a better immune response when administered intranasally than intramuscularly, as indicated by robust sIgA secretion and a reduced virus shedding period. Taken together, this chimeric VLPs are a promising vaccine candidate to control NDV and AIV H9N2 and a useful platform bearing multivalent antigens.

Evaluation of the safety and protection efficacy of an attenuated genotype vii newcastle disease virus strain as a candidate vaccine

Newcastle disease (ND) is a serious avian infectious disease, causing severe economic loss worldwide. Its prevention depends on comprehensive vaccination scheme against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). However, current vaccine strains are of different genotypes with prevalent circulating strains (genotype VII), with significant genetic distance. Our team previously generated a genotype matched attenuated NDV strain (rmNA-1). In this study, its safety and immunization efficacy were evaluated. Its lentogenic characteristic was stable for 25 generations in embryonated chicken eggs and for six generations in SPF chickens. Overdosed administration did not cause any clinical signs or pathogenic changes in chickens. As to its immunization effect, rmNA-1 stimulated a comparable serum NDV specific antibody level to a LaSota (genotype II) strain based commercial vaccine, and provided full protection against virulent genotype VII strain challenge, with significantly reduced virus shedding period.

Cellular MicroRNA Expression Profile of Chicken Macrophages Infected with Newcastle Disease Virus Vaccine Strain LaSota

Vaccines with live, low-virulence Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains are still the most accepted prevention and control strategies for combating Newcastle disease (ND), a major viral disease that hampers the development of the poultry industry worldwide. However, the mechanism underlying vaccine-mediated innate cell immune responses remains unclear. Here, a high-throughput Illumina sequencing approach was employed to determine cellular miRNA expression profiles in chicken macrophages infected with the LaSota virus, a widely used vaccine strain for mass vaccination programs against ND in poultry. Compared to the control group, 112 and 115 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were identified at 24 hpi (hours post inoculation) and 48 hpi, respectively. Meanwhile, 174 DE miRNAs were identified between 24 hpi and 48 hpi. Furthermore, 12 upregulated and 6 downregulated DE miRNAs were observed in common at 24 and 48 hpi compared with 0 hpi. In addition, target prediction and functional analysis of these DE miRNAs revealed significant enrichment for several signaling pathways, especially in the immune-related genes and pathways, such as the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Our findings not only lay the foundations for further investigating the roles and regulatory mechanisms of miRNA in vaccine-mediated innate cellular immune responses, but also extend new insights into the interactions between the host and NDV infection.

Newcastle disease virus-like particles containing the Brucella BCSP31 protein induce dendritic cell activation and protect mice against virulent Brucella challenge

Brucellosis is a widespread zoonosis that poses a substantial threat to human and animal public health due to the absence of a sufficiently safe and efficient vaccine. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been developed as novel vaccine candidates and suitable carrier platforms for the delivery of exogenous proteins. Herein, we constructed chimeric virus-like particles (cVLPs) assembled by a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) M protein and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Brucella BCSP31 protein (GPI-BCSP31). cVLPs-GPI-BCSP31 were highly efficient in murine dendritic cell (DC) activation, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, they elicited strong specific humoural immune responses detected through ELISA assay with inactivated Brucella and recombinant BCSP31 protein and by elevated cellular immune responses indicated by intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 levels in CD3+CD4+ T and CD3+CD8+ T cells. Importantly, cVLPs-GPI-BCSP31 conferred protection against virulent Brucella melitensis strain 16 M challenge, comparable to the efficacy of Brucella vaccine strain M5. In summary, this study provides a new strategy for the development of a safe and effective vaccine candidate against virulent Brucella and further extends the application of NDV VLP-based vaccine platforms.

A genotype VII Newcastle disease virus-like particles confer full protection with reduced virus load and decreased virus shedding

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most severe avian infectious disease inflicting a great loss on poultry industry worldwide. The control of ND relies on proper vaccination strategies. The vaccine strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) mainly belong to genotype I, II or III, which cannot fully prohibit virus shedding against the prevalent genotype VII virulent strain attack. To develop a safe, genotype matched vaccine candidate, we employed a bac-to-bac expression system and constructed a genotype VII NDV strain based virus-like particles (NDV VLPs). It was constructed with NDV M protein as the skeleton, and protective antigen F and HN proteins displayed on the surface. The NDV VLPs exhibited a similar appearance to the live NDV particles, but with denser F and HN proteins displayed on the surface. The immunization assay indicated that NDV VLPs stimulated a longer protection period, less tissue virus loading and shorter virus shedding period than the commercialized LaSota-formulated vaccine when challenged with genotype VII NDV strain. These results proposed the potential role of NDV VLPs as an alternative to current live genotype unmatched vaccine for the control and eliminate NDV in the avian flocks.

A novel recombinant attenuated Newcastle disease virus expressing H9 subtype hemagglutinin protected chickens from challenge by genotype VII virulent Newcastle disease virus and H9N2 avian influenza virus

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and H9 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) are two avian pathogens across the globe. Inasmuch as most poultry flocks worldwide are vaccinated with a live low-virulence or attenuated NDV vaccine, we embarked on the development of vaccine prototypes that would have dual specificities and would allow a single immunization against both avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND). Therefore, in the present work, a cloned full-length copy of the genome of the lentogenic NDV strain rmNA-1 was selected as a backbone vector to construct three chimeric NDVs that expressed (i) the ORF encoding the HA, (ii) the ectodomain of HA fused with the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail regions derived from the NDV F protein and (iii) the ectodomain of HA fused with a short GS linker and the GCN4 sequences, and designated as rmNA-H9, rmNA-H9F, and rmNA-H9 (ECTO), respectively. rmNA-H9, rmNA-H9F, and rmNA-H9 (ECTO) stably expressed the modified HA gene for 10 egg passages and the three recombinants were found innocuous to chickens. The insertion of the chimeric HA-F, rather than HA-ECTO or ORF of HA, resulted in a recombinant virus with enhanced incorporation of the HA protein into the viral surface. A single immunization of SPF chickens with the three recombinants induced NDV- and AIV H9-specific antibodies, and protected chickens against a challenge with a lethal dose of velogenic NDV or AIV H9N2. Remarkably, non-shedding of influenza virus and higher levels of H9 subtype HI titers were observed 7 days post challenge (dpc) in rmNA-H9F vaccinated chickens, than other recombinants. Furthermore, a prime-boost vaccination of chickens with rmNA-H9F induced higher levels of NDV- and H9- HI and secretory IgA, as well as reduced viral shedding and virus-induced gross lesions, compared with the commercial vaccine. Therefore, the recombinant rmNA-H9F is a promising bivalent vaccine candidate against NDV and H9 subtype AIV in chickens.

The virulence of NDV NA-1 strain regulated by the 3' leader or 5' trailer sequences

The 3' and 5' terminal regions of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genome are cis-acting regulatory elements involved in replication, transcription, and packaging of genomic and anti-genomic viral RNA. There are 6 different nucleotides (nts) at the 3' and 34 different nts at the 5' end of genome in the velogenic NA-1 strain and lentogenic LaSota strain, sharing 90.00% and 70.18% identity, respectively. We investigated the roles of 3' and 5' terminus in the NA-1 strain in viral replication, virulence and pathogenicity. Three NA-1 strain-based recombinant viruses (rNA-L, rNA-T, and rNA-LT) were generated using reverse genetics by either replacing the 3' leader or 5' trailer sequence of NA-1 strain or both with the corresponding sequences of the LaSota strain. Viral replication kinetics and pathogenicity of rNA-L and rNA-T were indistinguishable to that of the parental NA-1 strain, demonstrating that individual replacement or 3' or 5' terminal sequences had little influence. However, the synchronal replacement of both 3' and 5' terminal sequences resulted in decreased viral plaque size, reduced virulence and weaker pathogenicity in 2-week-old chickens. Therefore, our results suggest that the 3' and 5' terminal sequences of NDV genome could only influence the viral virulence when worked collaboratively, while separate replacement would not alter its biological characteristics.

Biological and phylogenetic characterization of a novel hemagglutination-negative avian avulavirus 6 isolated from wild waterfowl in China

Up to now only nine whole genome sequences of avian avulavirus 6 (AAvV‐6) had been documented in the world since the first discovery of AAvV‐6 (AAvV‐6/duck/HongKong/18/199/77) at a domestic duck in 1977 from Hong Kong of China. Very limited information is known about the regularities of transmission, genetic and biological characteristics of AAvV‐6 because of the lower isolation rate and mild losses for poultry industry. To better further explore the relationships among above factors, an AAvV‐6 epidemiological surveillance of domestic poultry and wild birds in six provinces of China suspected of sites of inter‐species transmission and being intercontinental flyways during the year 2013–2017 was conducted. Therefore, 9,872 faecal samples from wild birds and 1,642 cloacal and tracheal swab samples from clinically healthy poultry of live bird market (LBM) were collected respectively. However, only one novel hemagglutination‐negative AAvV‐6 isolate (AAvV‐6/mallard/Hubei/2015) was isolated from a fresh faecal sample obtained from mallard at a wetland of Hubei province. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of this AAvV‐6 isolate (AAvV‐6/mallard/Hubei/2015) indicated that this isolate grouping to genotype I were epidemiological intercontinentally linked with viruses from the wild birds in Europe and America. Meanwhile, at least two genotypes (I and II) are existed within serotype AAvV‐6. In additional, this novel hemagglutination‐negative AAvV‐6 isolate in chicken embryos restored its hemagglutination when pre‐treated with trypsin. These findings, together with data from other AAvV‐6, suggest potential epidemiological intercontinental spreads among AAvV‐6 transmission by wild migratory birds, and reveal potential threats to wild birds and domestic poultry worldwide.

Enhanced Replication of Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus in Chicken Macrophages Is due to Polarized Activation of Cells by Inhibition of TLR7

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by infections with virulent strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), is one of the most important infectious disease affecting wild, peridomestic, and domestic birds worldwide. Vaccines constructed from live, low-virulence (lentogenic) viruses are the most accepted prevention and control strategies for combating ND in poultry across the globe. Avian macrophages are one of the first cell lines of defense against microbial infection, responding to signals in the microenvironment. Although macrophages are considered to be one of the main target cells for NDV infection in vivo, very little is known about the ability of NDV to infect chicken macrophages, and virulence mechanisms of NDV as well as the polarized activation patterns of macrophages and correlation with viral infection and replication. In the present study, a cell culture model (chicken bone marrow macrophage cell line HD11) and three different virulence and genotypes of NDV (including class II virulent NA-1, class II lentogenic LaSota, and class I lentogenic F55) were used to solve the above underlying questions. Our data indicated that all three NDV strains had similar replication rates during the early stages of infection. Virulent NDV titers were shown to increase compared to the other lentogenic strains, and this growth was associated with a strong upregulation of both pro-inflammatory M1-like markers/cytokines and anti-inflammatory M2-like markers/cytokines in chicken macrophages. Virulent NDV was found to block toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 expression, inducing higher expression of type I interferons in chicken macrophages at the late stage of viral infection. Only virulent NDV replication can be inhibited by pretreatment with TLR7 ligand. Overall, this study demonstrated that virulent NDV activates a M1-/M2-like mixed polarized activation of chicken macrophages by inhibition of TLR7, resulting in enhanced replication compared to lentogenic viruses.

Coexistence of Eph receptor B1 and ephrin B2 in port-wine stain endothelial progenitor cells contributes to clinicopathological vasculature dilatation

BACKGROUND

Port-wine stain (PWS) is a vascular malformation characterized by progressive dilatation of postcapillary venules, but the molecular pathogenesis remains obscure.

OBJECTIVES

To illustrate that PWS endothelial cells (ECs) present a unique molecular phenotype that leads to pathoanatomical PWS vasculatures.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the ultrastructure and molecular phenotypes of PWS blood vessels. Primary culture of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and in vitro tube formation assay were used for confirmative functional studies.

RESULTS

Multiple clinicopathological features of PWS blood vessels during the development and progression of the disease were shown. There were no normal arterioles and venules observed phenotypically and morphologically in PWS skin; arterioles and venules both showed differentiation impairments, resulting in a reduction of arteriole-like vasculatures and defects in capillary loop formation in PWS lesions. PWS ECs showed stemness properties with expression of endothelial progenitor cell markers CD133 and CD166 in non-nodular lesions. They also expressed dual venous/arterial identities, Eph receptor B1 (EphB1) and ephrin B2 (EfnB2). Co-expression of EphB1 and EfnB2 in normal human dermal microvascular ECs led to the formation of PWS-like vasculatures in vitro, for example larger-diameter and thick-walled capillaries.

CONCLUSIONS

PWS ECs are differentiation-impaired, late-stage endothelial progenitor cells with a specific phenotype of CD133⁺ /CD166⁺ /EphB1⁺ /EfnB2⁺ , which form immature venule-like pathoanatomical vasculatures. The disruption of normal EC-EC interactions by coexistence of EphB1 and EfnB2 contributes to progressive dilatation of PWS vasculatures.

Dispersal and Transmission of Avian Paramyxovirus Serotype 4 among Wild Birds and Domestic Poultry

Avian paramyxovirus serotype 4 (APMV-4) is found sporadically in wild birds worldwide, and it is an economically important poultry pathogen. Despite the existence of several published strains, very little is known about the distribution, host species, and transmission of APMV-4 strains. To better understand the relationships among these factors, we conducted an APMV-4 surveillance of wild birds and domestic poultry in six provinces of China suspected of being intercontinental flyways and sites of interspecies transmission. APMV-4 surveillance was conducted in 9,160 wild birds representing seven species, and 1,461 domestic poultry in live bird markets (LMBs) from December 2013 to June 2016. The rate of APMV-4 isolation was 0.10% (11/10,621), and viruses were isolated from swan geese, bean geese, cormorants, mallards, and chickens. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of the 11 isolated viruses indicated that all the isolates belonging to genotype I were epidemiologically connected with wild bird-origin viruses from the Ukraine and Italy. Moreover, chicken-origin APMV-4 strains isolated from the LBMs were highly similar to wild bird-origin viruses from nearby lakes with free-living wild birds. In additional, a hemagglutination-negative APMV-4 virus was identified. These findings, together with recent APMV-4 studies, suggest potential virus interspecies transmission between wild birds and domestic poultry, and reveal possible epidemiological intercontinental connections between APMV-4 transmission by wild birds.

Combination of the immunization with the sequence close to the consensus sequence and two DNA prime plus one VLP boost generate H5 hemagglutinin specific broad neutralizing antibodies

Hemagglutinin (HA) head has long been considered to be able to elicit only a narrow, strain-specific antibody response as it undergoes rapid antigenic drift. However, we previously showed that a heterologous prime-boost strategy, in which mice were primed twice with DNA encoding HA and boosted once with virus-like particles (VLP) from an H5N1 strain A/Thailand/1(KAN)-1/2004 (noted as TH DDV), induced anti-head broad cross-H5 neutralizing antibody response. To explain why TH DDV immunization could generate such breadth, we systemically compared the neutralization breadth and potency between TH DDV sera and immune sera elicited by TH DDD (three times of DNA immunizations), TH VVV (three times of VLP immunizations), TH DV (one DNA prime plus one VLP boost) and TK DDV (plasmid DNA and VLP derived from another H5N1 strain, A/Turkey/65596/2006). Then we determined the antigenic sites (AS) on TH HA head and the key residues of the main antigenic site. Through the comparison of different regiments, we found that the combination of the immunization with the sequence close to the consensus sequence and two DNA prime plus one VLP boost caused that TH DDV immunization generate broad neutralizing antibodies. Antigenic analysis showed that TH DDV, TH DV, TH DDD and TH VVV sera recognize the common antigenic site AS1. Antibodies directed to AS1 contribute to the largest proportion of the neutralizing activity of these immune sera. Residues 188 and 193 in AS1 are the key residues which are responsible for neutralization breadth of the immune sera. Interestingly, residues 188 and 193 locate in classical antigen sites but are relatively conserved among the 16 tested strains and 1,663 HA sequences from NCBI database. Thus, our results strongly indicate that it is feasible to develop broad cross-H5 influenza vaccines against HA head.

Newcastle disease virus-like particles induce dendritic cell maturation and enhance viral-specific immune response

Circulating of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a great threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are increasingly being considered as potential viral vaccines due to their safety and efficacy. In this study, we analyzed in vitro the stimulatory effects of VLPs containing the matrix and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase of genotype VII NDV on dendritic cells (DCs) and evaluated their immunogenicity in mice. The results showed that immature bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) responded to stimulation with VLPs by up-regulating expressions of MHC II, CD40, CD80, and CD86 molecules and by increasing the cytokine secretions of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-12p70. Besides, VLPs enhanced the immunostimulatory capacity of DCs to stimulate autologous T cell proliferation. Furthermore, VLPs can induce efficient humoral and cellular immune responses, and recruit mature DCs to the spleen in C57BL/6 mice, as shown by an obvious increase in double-positive proliferation of splenic CD11c+CD86+ cells. These data indicate that NDV VLPs can be a valuable candidate for NDV vaccine development.

Newcastle disease virus-like particles induce DC maturation through TLR4/NF-κB pathway and facilitate DC migration by CCR7-CCL19/CCL21 axis

Newcastle disease virus-like particles (NDV VLPs) are a potential candidate vaccine, as shown by eliciting specific immune response against NDV in mice and chickens. Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is critical to initiate immune response. However, the mechanism of how NDV VLPs induce DC maturation and migration remains elusive. In this study, we found that NDV VLPs are efficient in DC activation by up-regulating surface MHC II and costimulatory molecules, and proinflammatory cytokines through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, NDV VLPs elevated CCR7 expression on DCs, resulting in DC migration towards CCL19/CCL21 both in vitro and ex vivo. As a consequence of DC maturation and migration, CD4+ T cells were also activated in vivo, demonstrating increased intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 levels. Together, these results present new insights for NDV VLPs induced DC maturation and migration, providing a better understanding of VLP-triggered innate immune responses.

Abstract P5-10-06: Race associated disparities in an urban population of adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with breast cancer

Introduction: Although only about 5-7% of breast cancers occur in women under 40 years of age, multiple studies have shown that these cancers are more aggressive. In addition issues related to genetic testing and fertility preservation are of particular importance for AYA patients with breast cancer. This retrospective analysis aims to describe various biologic and treatment related factors of an urban AYA population with breast cancer and the differences amongst these factors stratified by African American (AA) versus non-AA race. We will look at factors including stage at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations, time from diagnosis to treatment, enrollment in clinical trials, and fertility preservation.

Methods: A retrospective study of a population of AYA women with breast cancer seen at two hospitals in Washington D.C. from 2006 to 2015 was performed. Data was collected on age, BRCA1/2 test results, stage at diagnosis, hormone receptor status, time from diagnosis to treatment, enrollment in clinical trial, fertility preservation, and pregnant or breastfeeding status at time of diagnosis. Fisher exact test was used to test the association between two categorical variables. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare time to treatment and stage at presentation between AA and non-AA patients.

Results: A total of 161 AYA patients were evaluated. 54 were identified as AA and 107 as non-AA (88 Caucasians, 13 Asian, 6 Hispanics). Median age was 32 years (20-39) overall; 32 years (23-39) for AA and 33 years (20-39) for non-AA. While the rate of genetic testing was high, significantly fewer AA AYA underwent testing compared to non-AA (74% versus 87% respectively, (p=0.050)) and 10% of AA versus 22% of non-AA were found to have a BRCA1/2 deleterious mutation (p=NS). Clinical trial participation was lower for AA compared to non-AA (57% vs. 76%, p=NS) for those where clinical trials were discussed/offered. Fertility preservation was pursued by 10% of AA vs. 35% of non-AA (p=0.001). Of note, 61% of AA and 34% of non-AA had children at the time of diagnosis (p=0.001). While AA (31%) presented more often with advanced stages of cancer compared to non-AA (19%) this was not statistically significant. Triple negativity was similar in AA AYA (25%) vs. non-AA (22%). The median time to treatment initiation did not vary between AA and non-AA (37 days vs. 36 days, p=NS).

Conclusion: In this retrospective study of an urban population of AYA women with breast cancer, there were no delays in treatment initiation or significant differences between AA and non-AA. When compared to non-AA, AA had a statistically significant lower rate of genetic testing and fertility preservation, although the latest could have been affected by a higher number of nulliparous in non-AA. . Encouragingly, the clinical trial participation of AYA who had previously discussed clinical trials with their physician was very high.

Citation Format: Chitalia AA, Aqbal D, Yin R, Cai L, Isaacs CJ, Lynce FC. Race associated disparities in an urban population of adolescent and young adult (AYA) women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-10-06.

Effectiveness of telephone-based interventions on health-related quality of life and prognostic outcomes in breast cancer patients and survivors-A meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of telephone-based interventions on prognostic outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients and survivors. A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, Web of science, Medline, EMBASE, CNKI and CBM database was carried out. Randomised, controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of telephone-based intervention versus a control group receiving no telephone intervention, on prognostic outcomes and HRQoL with breast cancer were included. A meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the effects of telephone-based interventions on anxiety, depression, fatigue, self-efficiency, physiological function, social-domestic function and quality of life. In total, 14 studies involving 2002 participants were included. Due to the effect of telephone-based interventions, statistically significant results were found on anxiety (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.16, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.01, 0.30], p = .04), self-efficiency (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI [-0.34, -0.10], p = .0004), social-domestic function (SMD = 0.19, 95% CI [-0.35, -0.03], p = .02) and quality of life (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [-1.00, -0.08], p = .02). Although the effects on depression, fatigue and physiological function were in the expected direction, these effects were not statistically significant (p > .05) based on the insufficient evidence.