Evaluation of the innate immune responses to influenza and live-attenuated influenza vaccine infection in primary differentiated human nasal epithelial cells

The host innate immune response to influenza virus is a key determinant of pathogenic outcomes and long-term protective immune responses against subsequent exposures. Here, we present a direct contrast of the host responses in primary differentiated human nasal epithelial cell (hNEC) cultures following infection with either a seasonal H3N2 influenza virus (WT) or the antigenically-matched live-attenuated vaccine (LAIV) strain. Comparison of the transcriptional profiles obtained 24 and 36h post-infection showed that the magnitude of gene expression was greater in LAIV infected relative to that observed in WT infected hNEC cultures. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the antiviral and inflammatory responses were largely driven by type III IFN induction in both WT and LAIV infected cells. However, the enrichment of biological pathways involved in the recruitment of mononuclear leukocytes, antigen-presenting cells, and T lymphocytes was uniquely observed in LAIV infected cells. These observations were reflective of the host innate immune responses observed in individuals acutely infected with influenza viruses. These findings indicate that cell-intrinsic type III IFN-mediated innate immune responses in the nasal epithelium are not only crucial for viral clearance and attenuation, but may also play an important role in the induction of protective immune responses with live-attenuated vaccines.

Evaluating the effects of herbicide drift on nontarget terrestrial plants: A case study with mesotrione

Nature of exposure is a fundamental driver in nontarget terrestrial plant risk assessment for pesticides; consequently a novel study was designed to generate field-based drift exposure and evaluate corresponding biological effects of the herbicide mesotrione. The approach used a combination of US guideline drift reduction technology and vegetative vigor approaches. In each of 3 independent replicate spray application trials, 10 pots each of lettuce and tomato were placed at distances of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ft (∼3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 m) from the downwind edge of the spray boom. Each application was conducted using a commercial 60-ft (18-m) boom sprayer fitted with TeeJet^® Technologies TTI110025 nozzles, with a nominal application rate of 0.2 lb a.i./A (224 g a.i./ha). The environmental conditions required by the protocol (air temperature 10-30 °C and wind perpendicular to the swath (±30°) blowing toward the plants at a mean wind speed of ≥10 mph [≥4.5 m/s] measured at 2.0 m above the ground) were met for each application. Following exposure, plants were transferred to a greenhouse for the 21-d vegetative vigor phase of the study. Symptoms of phytotoxicity and plant height were assessed at 7, 14, and 21 d after treatment. On completion of the 21-d after treatment assessment, all plants were harvested and dried in an oven to determine shoot dry weight. The biological data indicated that no statistically significant effects were observed at a distance of 30 ft (∼9 m) from mesotrione drift at wind speeds of ≥10 mph (10.9-12.4 mph); this endpoint (30 ft) is defined as the no observed effects distance (NOED). Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2465-2475. © 2017 SETAC.

Abstract 452: Activation of Akt pathway and autophagy promotes resistance to FASN inhibition in colorectal cancer patient-derived xenograft models

Fatty Acid Synthase (FASN), a key enzyme of de novo lipogenesis, is upregulated in many cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC); increased FASN expression is associated with poor prognosis. Potent FASN inhibitors developed by 3-V Biosciences demonstrate anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo and a favorable tolerability profile in a Phase I clinical trial in solid tumor patients. However, CRC characteristics associated with responsiveness to FASN inhibition are not fully understood. The purpose of our study was: (i) to determine the effect of FASN inhibition on tumor growth in CRC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs); (ii) to identify potential biomarkers associated with CRC responsiveness to FASN inhibition; and (iii) to explore new combination strategies with FASN inhibitors. METHODS. Tumor growth was assessed in 9 PDXs established in NSG mice using freshly resected specimens. Once the xenografts grew to ~100 mm3, mice were randomized into two groups (n=5) to receive either vehicle or TVB-3664 or four groups (n=10) for TVB-3664 treatment in combination with either MK2206 or Chloroquine (CQ). Tumor volume and animal weights were measured weekly. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining were used to identify FASN-mediated changes in signaling pathways. Changes in metabolites and lipids were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry in plasma and tumor tissues. Next Generation Sequencing was used to assess the mutation profile of 198 oncogenes in patient tumors and PDXs. RESULTS. PDXs showed a wide range of sensitivity to FASN inhibition: TVB-3664 treatment attained significant response (reduced tumor volume) in 3 PDXs, significant response followed by developed resistance in one PDX, and no response in 5 PDXs. Activation of Akt and AMPK pathways was associated with resistance to FASN inhibition and combination of TVB-3664 with either MK2206 or CQ led to a significant reduction in tumor volume as compared to either drug alone. Moreover, TVB-3664 treatment significantly decreased the total palmitate level in plasma and the levels of triglycerides, diglycerides, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylcholines in tumor tissues. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the levels of AXP-1, AXP-2 and myo-Inositol-2 was observed in tumors responsive to FASN inhibition. CONCLUSIONS. Our studies demonstrate that TVB-3664 shows anti-tumor activity in CRC. Importantly, our results suggest that activation of Akt and autophagy are major mechanisms of resistance to FASN inhibition and demonstrate that combine inhibition of these pathways and FASN may be a new therapeutic approach in CRC. Ongoing studies of correlation between mutation and metabolic profiles of tumors and tumor response to FASN inhibition aim to identify a subset of CRC patients that are likely to respond to FASN-targeted therapy.

Citation Format: Yekaterina Y. Zaytseva, Piotr G. Rychahou, Anh-Thu Le, Robert M. Flight, Timothy L. Scott, Jennifer W. Harris, Sally Hodges, Brent J. Hallahan, Dana L. Napier, Jinpeng Liu, Chi Wang, Manjula Sunkara, Andrew Morris, Ji Tae Kim, Sivakumaran Theru Arumugam, Andrew Lane, Teresa W. Fan, Hunter Moseley, Tianyan Gao, Eun Y. Lee, Heidi L. Weiss, Timothy S. Heuer, George Kemble, B Mark Evers. Activation of Akt pathway and autophagy promotes resistance to FASN inhibition in colorectal cancer patient-derived xenograft models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 452. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-452

Opioid-induced hyponatremia in a patient with central diabetes insipidus: independence from ADH

Hyponatremia can be a complication of opioid therapy, which has been postulated to occur secondary to inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion [SIADH]). We report severe hyponatremia following wisdom teeth extraction with opioid analgesia in a 19-year-old female with diabetes insipidus (DI) and acquired panhypopituitarism that challenges this theory. As this patient has DI, we believe opioid treatment caused severe hyponatremia by the following mechanisms: (1) Opioids have a direct antidiuretic effect independent of changes in ADH, as demonstrated in Brattleboro rats with central DI. (2) Hydrocodone may have stimulated this patient's thirst center contributing to hyponatremia, as demonstrated in animal studies. Opioid use can cause hyponatremia in patients independent of ADH. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this so that patients can be appropriately counseled.

The injured heart: early cardiac effects of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and young adults

We hypothesized that subclinical cardiac injury in the peri-transplant period is more frequent than currently appreciated in children and young adults. We performed echocardiographic screening on 227 consecutive patients prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and 7, 30 and 100 days after transplant. We measured cardiac biomarkers cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I), and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) prior to transplant, during conditioning, and days +7, +14, +28 and +49 in 26 patients. We subsequently analyzed levels of cTn-I every 48-72 h in 15 consecutive children during conditioning. Thirty-two percent (73/227) of patients had a new abnormality on echocardiogram. New left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) occurred in 6.2% of subjects and new pericardial effusion in 27.3%. Eight of 227 (3.5%) patients underwent pericardial drain placement, and 5 (2.2%) received medical therapy for clinically occult LVSD. cTn-I was elevated in 53.0% of all samples and sST2 in 38.2%. At least one sample had a detectable cTn-I in 84.6% of patients and an elevated sST2 in 76.9%. Thirteen of fifteen patients monitored frequently during condition had elevation of cTn-I. Echocardiographic and biochemical abnormalities are frequent in the peri-HSCT period. Echocardiogram does not detect all subclinical cardiac injuries that may become clinically relevant over longer periods.

Sitagliptin Treatment After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Insulin independence after total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant (TPIAT) for chronic pancreatitis is limited by a high rate of postprocedure beta cell apoptosis. Endogenous glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, which are increased by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor therapy (sitagliptin) may protect against beta cell apoptosis. To determine the effect of sitagliptin after TPIAT, 83 adult TPIAT recipients were randomized to receive sitagliptin (n = 54) or placebo (n = 29) for 12 months after TPIAT. At 12 and 18 months after TPIAT, participants were assessed for insulin independence; metabolic testing was performed with mixed meal tolerance testing and frequent sample intravenous glucose tolerance testing. Insulin independence did not differ between the sitagliptin and placebo groups at 12 months (42% vs. 45%, p = 0.82) or 18 months (36% vs. 44%, p = 0.48). At 12 months, insulin dose was 9.0 (standard error 1.7) units/day and 7.9 (2.2) units/day in the sitagliptin and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.67) and at 18 months 10.3 (1.9) and 7.1 (2.6) units/day, respectively (p = 0.32). Hemoglobin A_1c levels and insulin secretory measures were similar in the two groups, as were adverse events. In conclusion, sitagliptin could be safely administered but did not improve metabolic outcomes after TPIAT.

Clinical management and research priorities for high-risk prostate cancer in the UK: Meeting report of a multidisciplinary panel in conjunction with the NCRI Prostate Cancer Clinical Studies Localised Subgroup

The management of high-risk prostate cancer has become increasingly sophisticated, with refinements in radical therapy and the inclusion of adjuvant local and systemic therapies. Despite this, high-risk prostate cancer continues to have significant treatment failure rates, with progression to metastasis, castrate resistance and ultimately disease-specific death. In an effort to discuss the challenges in this field, the UK National Clinical Research Institute’s Prostate Cancer Clinical Studies localised subgroup convened a multidisciplinary national meeting in the autumn of 2014. The remit of the meeting was to debate and reach a consensus on the key clinical and research challenges in high-risk prostate cancer and to identify themes that the UK would be best placed to pursue to help improve outcomes. This report presents the outcome of those discussions and the key recommendations for future research in this highly heterogeneous disease entity.

Outcome of Isolated Premature Menarche: A Retrospective and Follow-Up Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Isolated premature menarche is isolated or recurrent vaginal bleeding in a female in the absence of appropriate secondary sexual characters.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with premature menarche, followed by a telephone questionnaire. Charts of patients evaluated in the Pediatric Endocrine Clinic for premature vaginal bleeding from 1982-2013 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of 21 patients identified, 17 could be contacted. Five newly diagnosed patients were recruited during the course of the study. The median age at initial presentation was 7 years. Most patients presented with Tanner I sexual development. Some had more advanced breast staging, which regressed later. All had prepubertal baseline and stimulated gonadotropins. Most of the patients reported a single or few episodes of menses. Two reported continuation of irregular bleeding into adulthood. All reported an adult height within the midparental target height.

CONCLUSION

Premature menarche in the absence of other appropriate secondary sexual characteristics is a benign entity. Most patients have a few isolated episodes of menses that stop spontaneously; some may continue to have periods into adulthood. Unlike true puberty, these patients do not demonstrate advanced skeletal maturation, and the adult height is normal. Fertility appears to be normal.

Neighbourhood characteristics and the incidence of first-episode psychosis and duration of untreated psychosis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of psychotic disorders varies between geographical areas and it has been hypothesized that neighbourhood-level factors may influence this variation. It is also plausible that the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is associated with neighbourhood characteristics. The aims of this study were to determine whether the incidence of first-episode psychosis (FEP) and the DUP are associated with the level of social deprivation, fragmentation, social capital and population density.

METHOD

All individuals with a FEP from a geographical defined catchment area over a 5-year period were included. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated for each neighbourhood factor.

RESULTS

A total of 292 cases of FEP were included in the study and 45% had a diagnosis of a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder. The age standardized incidence rate of FEP in the most deprived area was 72.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 26.4-162.7] per 100 000 person-years compared with 21.5 (95% CI 17.6-26.0) per 100 000 person-years in the most affluent areas. This represents a 3.4-fold increase in FEP incidence in the most deprived areas. The incidence of FEP was also increased in neighbourhoods that were more socially fragmented [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.40, 95% CI 1.05-5.51, p = 0.04] and there was a trend for the incidence to be increased in neighbourhoods with lower social capital (IRR = 1.43, 95% CI 0.99-2.06, p = 0.05). The median DUP was 4 months and was higher in more socially fragmented neighbourhoods.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of psychotic disorders is related to neighbourhood factors and it may be useful to consider neighbourhood factors when allocating resources for early intervention services.

Is there a Publication Bias in Behavioural Intranasal Oxytocin Research on Humans? Opening the File Drawer of One Laboratory

The neurohormone oxytocin (OT) has been one the most studied peptides in behavioural sciences over the past two decades. Primarily known for its crucial role in labour and lactation, a rapidly growing literature suggests that intranasal OT (IN-OT) may also play a role in the emotional and social lives of humans. However, the lack of a convincing theoretical framework explaining the effects of IN-OT that would also allow the prediction of which moderators exert their effects and when has raised healthy skepticism regarding the robustness of human behavioural IN-OT research. Poor knowledge of the exact pharmacokinetic properties of OT, as well as crucial statistical and methodological issues and the absence of direct replication efforts, may have lead to a publication bias in the IN-OT literature, with many unpublished studies with null results remaining buried in laboratory drawers. Is there a file drawer problem in IN-OT research? If this is the case, it may also be true in our own laboratory. The present study aims to answer this question, document the extent of the problem and discuss its implications for OT research. For eight studies (including 13 dependent variables overall, as assessed through 25 different paradigms) performed in our laboratory between 2009 and 2014 on 453 subjects, the results obtained were too often not those that were expected. Only five publications emerged from our studies and only one of these reported a null finding. After realising that our publication portfolio has become less and less representative of our actual findings and because the nonpublication of our data might contribute to generating a publication bias in IN-OT research, we decided to retrieve these studies from our drawer and encourage other laboratories to do the same.

Professional Soccer Player Neuromuscular Responses and Perceptions to Acute Whole Body Vibration Differ from Amateur Counterparts

Acute whole body vibration (WBV) is an increasingly popular training technique amongst athletes immediately prior to performance and during scheduled breaks in play. Despite its growing popularity, evidence to demonstrate its effectiveness on acute neuromuscular responses is unclear, and suggestions that athlete ability impacts effectiveness warrant further investigation. The purpose of this study was to compare the neuromuscular effects of acute WBV and perceptions of whether WBV is an effective intervention between amateur and professional soccer players. Participants were 44 male soccer players (22 professional and 22 amateur; age: 23.1 ± 3.7 years, body mass: 75.6 ± 8.8 kg and height: 1.77 ± 0.05 m). Participants in each group were randomly assigned to either an intervention of 3 x 60 s of WBV at 40 Hz (8mm peak-to-peak displacement) or control group. Peak knee isometric force, muscle activation and post activation potentiation (PAP) of the knee extensors along with self-report questionnaire of the perceived benefits of using the intervention were collected. A three-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed professional players demonstrated a significant 10.6% increase (p < 0.01, Partial Eta(2) = 0.22) in peak knee isometric force following acute WBV with no significant differences among amateur players. A significant difference (p < 0.01, Partial Eta(2) = 0.16) in PAP amongst professional players following acute WBVT was also reported. No significant differences amongst amateur players were reported across measurements. Results also indicated professional players reported significantly stronger positive beliefs in the effectiveness of the WBV intervention (p < 0.01, Partial Eta(2) = 0.27) compared to amateur players. Acute WBV elicited a positive neuromuscular response amongst professional players identified by PAP and improvements in knee isometric peak force as well as perceived benefits of the intervention, benefits not found among amateur players. Key pointsAcute WBV improves knee extensor peak isometric force output and PAP amongst professional and not amateur soccer playersProfessional players perceived acute WBV as more beneficial to performance than amateur playersIsometric strength,vibration intensity and duration appear to influence results amongst players of different playing levels.