Effect of infectious bursal disease virus infection on energy metabolism in embryonic chicken livers

1. The purpose of this study was to investigate ATP levels and the activities of important enzymes involved in glycolysis and TCA cycle in livers of embryonated chicken eggs infected by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV).2. Embryonated chicken eggs (9 days) were randomly divided into two groups (50 eggs per group). The first group was inoculated with a very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) isolate into the chorioallantoic membrane. The second group was maintained as uninfected control eggs and inoculated with physiological saline. Embryo survival was assessed daily, and six embryos were sacrificed at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hpi for examining livers. Viral loads in the livers were evaluated by qRT-PCR. A comparative analysis of markers associated with the regulation of energy metabolism across several functional classes (ATP, pyruvic and lactic acids, mitochondrial protein, NAD+/NADH ratios, and enolase, lactic acid dehydrogenase and the respiratory chain complex I activities) were examined in the context of IBDV infection.3. The results indicated that increases in the enzymatic activities associated with glycolytic metabolism in turn affected the synthesis and cytoplasmic concentrations of ATP at early timepoints in infected chicken embryos. Subsequently, energy metabolism was inhibited through the pathological perturbations of metabolic enzymes and mitochondrial damage, as inferred from reduced ATP generation.4. These results suggested impaired bioenergetics, which may lead to liver dysfunction consequent to IBDV infection, contributing to the disease pathogenesis.

Effects of AIF-1 inflammatory factors on the regulation of proliferation of breast cancer cells

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1) on the regulation of proliferation of breast cancer cells. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), cell culture and counting, and mass spectrometry were performed. The biologically active high-purity recombinant protein rhAIF-1 was obtained by optimizing the rhAIF-1 protein purification system, and MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361 breast cancer cell lines were used. After adding to the culture medium, rhAIF-1 was found to promote cell proliferation in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. The purified protein rhAIF-1 was marked with rhodamine and incubated with the cells. Confocal imaging analysis revealed that the foreign protein was localized in the cytoplasm, and rhAIF-1 was unevenly distributed in the cytoplasm. Although AIF-1 accumulates around the nucleus, it can not enter the nucleus, suggesting that other factors might be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. In order to find the possible interacting protein of rhAIF-1, protein immunoprecipitation technique and mass spectrometry were employed, and it was indicated that ADAM28m was the possible interacting protein of rhAIF-1. The interaction between rhAIF-1 and ADAM28m was validated by immunoprecipitation along with Western blotting. It was found that rhAIF-1 could precipitate ADAM28m protein by immunoprecipitation. The results indicated that IF-1 participates in the development of breast cancer by interacting with ADAM28m and activating downstream signaling pathways. It was concluded that AIF-1 provides a new idea for the molecular mechanism of breast cancer cell proliferation and acts as a new target for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in the future.

Ferric citrate, nitrate, saponin and their combinations affect in vitro ruminal fermentation, production of sulphide and methane and abundance of select microbial populations

AIMS

This study investigated the effects of ferric citrate, nitrate and saponin, both individually and in combination, on sulphidogenesis, methanogenesis, rumen fermentation and abundances of select microbial populations using in vitro rumen cultures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ferric citrate (50 mg l^-1 ), Quillaja saponin (0·6 g l^-1 ) and sodium nitrate (5 mmol l^-1 ) were used in in vitro ruminal fermentation. Ferric citrate alone, its combination with saponin and/or nitrate lowered the aqueous sulphide concentration and total sulphide production. Methane production was suppressed by nitrate alone (by up to 32·92%), its combination with saponin (25·04%) and with both saponins with nitrate (25·92%). None of the treatments adversely affected feed digestion or rumen fermentation. The population of sulphate-reducing bacteria was increased by nitrate and saponin individually, while that of total Archaea was decreased by nitrate alone and the combination of the three inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitrate and its combination with saponin or both ferric citrate and saponin substantially decreased methane production. Most importantly, the decreased methane production was not at the expense of feed digestion or fermentation. Sulphidogenesis from the sulphate present in the high-sulphur diets can be suppressed competitively by ferric citrate, although it was elevated by saponin and nitrate.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this study demonstrated that combinations of certain methane inhibitors, which have different mechanisms of antimethanogenic actions or inhibit different guilds of microbes involved in methane production and sulphate reduction, can be more effective and practical than individual inhibitors, not only in mitigating enteric methane emission but also in lowering the risk of sulphur-associated polioencephalomalacia in feedlot cattle fed high sulphur diets.

Assessment of microbial communities on freshly killed wild boar meat by MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing

Wild boars (Sus scrofa) are the most widely distributed large mammals and recent increase in consumption of wild boar meat urges the need of microbiological quality criteria. The aim of the study was to characterize the initial bacterial contamination on freshly-killed wild boar meat using a culture-dependent approach with ISO-methods combined with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Moreover, the presence of foodborne pathogens was examined using Real-Time-PCR and confirmed by classical isolation. Analysing 22 unrelated wild boar meat samples showed a higher bacterial contamination level compared to pork, with Salmonella present in almost one third of the samples. A great variability of the microbial contamination between the samples was recorded, as well as complementary results between culturing and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing as frequently isolated genera were not always detected, and vice versa. Furthermore, the foodborne pathogen Salmonella was never detected with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, demonstrating the necessity for a cautious approach in the implementation of new analysis techniques in food safety. The present work determines that attention should be paid to the trade of non-inspected meat directly to retail or consumers.

Invited review: Nitrogen in ruminant nutrition: A review of measurement techniques

Nitrogen is a component of essential nutrients critical for the productivity of ruminants. If excreted in excess, N is also an important environmental pollutant contributing to acid deposition, eutrophication, human respiratory problems, and climate change. The complex microbial metabolic activity in the rumen and the effect on subsequent processes in the intestines and body tissues make the study of N metabolism in ruminants challenging compared with nonruminants. Therefore, using accurate and precise measurement techniques is imperative for obtaining reliable experimental results on N utilization by ruminants and evaluating the environmental impacts of N emission mitigation techniques. Changeover design experiments are as suitable as continuous ones for studying protein metabolism in ruminant animals, except when changes in body weight or carryover effects due to treatment are expected. Adaptation following a dietary change should be allowed for at least 2 (preferably 3) wk, and extended adaptation periods may be required if body pools can temporarily supply the nutrients studied. Dietary protein degradability in the rumen and intestines are feed characteristics determining the primary AA available to the host animal. They can be estimated using in situ, in vitro, or in vivo techniques with each having inherent advantages and disadvantages. Accurate, precise, and inexpensive laboratory assays for feed protein availability are still needed. Techniques used for direct determination of rumen microbial protein synthesis are laborious and expensive, and data variability can be unacceptably large; indirect approaches have not shown the level of accuracy required for widespread adoption. Techniques for studying postruminal digestion and absorption of nitrogenous compounds, urea recycling, and mammary AA metabolism are also laborious, expensive (especially the methods that use isotopes), and results can be variable, especially the methods based on measurements of digesta or blood flow. Volatile loss of N from feces and particularly urine can be substantial during collection, processing, and analysis of excreta, compromising the accuracy of measurements of total-tract N digestion and body N balance. In studying ruminant N metabolism, nutritionists should consider the longer term fate of manure N as well. Various techniques used to determine the effects of animal nutrition on total N, ammonia- or nitrous oxide-emitting potentials, as well as plant fertilizer value, of manure are available. Overall, methods to study ruminant N metabolism have been developed over 150 yr of animal nutrition research, but many of them are laborious and impractical for application on a large number of animals. The increasing environmental concerns associated with livestock production systems necessitate more accurate and reliable methods to determine manure N emissions in the context of feed composition and ruminant N metabolism.

[Clinical features and risk factors of hemorrhagic cystitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Objective: To explore the relative risk factors, clinical intervention and prognosis of hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: From January 1 2010 to May 31 2017, 425 patients with allo-HSCT received a retrospective analysis. Results: ①Among the 425 patients, 262 were male and 163 were female. The median age was 26 (2-56) years old. There were 138 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) , 96 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) , 29 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) , 98 cases of severe aplastic anemia (SAA) and 64 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . 221 cases of sibling match transplantation, 89 cases of unrelated donor transplantation and 115 cases of haplotype transplantation. ②108 patients (25.41%) developed HC, with the median time of onset of 32 (3-243) days and the median duration of 20 (3-93) days; 33 cases (30.56%) were grade Ⅰ, 49 cases of grade Ⅱ (45.36%) , 21 cases (19.44%) of grade Ⅲ, and 5 cases (4.63%) of grade Ⅳ. ③103 cases of HC were cured, 5 patients were ineffective, 12 patients died and died of transplantation related complications (infection, recurrence, severe acute GVHD, secondary implant failure) . ④Univariate analysis showed that age < 30, type of transplantation, CMV and acute GVHD were associated with the occurrence of HC after allo-HSCT. Multivariate analysis showed that acute GVHD was an independent risk factor for HC after allo-HSCT. Conclusion: Prognosis of HC after allo-HSCT was better after timely treatment.

[Impact on platelet recovery of recombinant human thrombopoietin in severe aplastic anemia patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

目的

分析重组人血小板生成素（rhTPO）促进重型再生障碍性贫血（SAA）患者异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT）后血小板恢复的疗效及安全性。

方法

对2010年1月至2017年3月期间85例接受allo-HSCT治疗的SAA患者进行回顾性分析。根据移植后升血小板药物的使用情况，将85例患者分为rhTPO组（29例）、rhIL-11组（27例）和空白组（29例），比较三组PLT≥20×10⁹/L、PLT≥50×10⁹/L、PLT≥100×10⁹/L的恢复时间以及移植后（25±5）d骨髓巨核细胞计数、移植期间血小板输注量，观察药物不良反应。

结果

rhTPO、rhIL-11、空白组粒细胞植入和PLT≥20×10⁹/L的中位时间差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。rhTPO组PLT≥50×10⁹/L时间短于空白组[16.5（11~39）d对22（14~66）d，P<0.05]；rhTPO组PLT≥100×10⁹/L时间[23（12~51）d]短于rhIL-11组[28（12~80）d]及空白组[35（18~86）d]（P<0.05）。rhTPO组移植期间血小板输注量少于rhIL-11组及空白组[分别为20（10~30）、30（10~50）、35（10~70）U，P<0.05]。rhTPO、rhIL-11、空白组移植后（25±5）d骨髓巨核细胞中位计数分别为31.5（0~200）、12（0~142）、11（0~187）个，rhTPO组与rhIL-11组比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05），rhIL-11组与空白组比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。多因素分析显示，应用rhTPO是影响血小板恢复的独立影响因素[HR=4.01（95%CI 1.81~8.97），P=0.010]。rhTPO组未见明显不良反应。

结论

rhTPO可以促进SAA患者allo-HSCT后血小板恢复、减少血小板输注量，并且安全性较好。

Abstract P4-13-02: Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 inhibits the growth of endocrine-resistant breast cancer models with defined genetic backgrounds

Estrogen receptor α-positive (ER+) breast cancer is routinely treated with therapies targeting the ER axis. However, de novo and acquired resistance to the standard-of-care treatment occur in a significant subset of patients. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for the resistance, among which genetic alterations to the coding gene of ERα, ESR1, have been extensively studied. Notably, ESR1 hotspot mutations within the ligand binding domain (LBD), novel fusion proteins consisting of the N-terminal domain of ER and the C-terminal domain of a partner gene, and ESR1 gene amplification have been found to be enriched in endocrine-resistant, metastatic breast cancers. Together these ER gene alterations present new challenges in the management of ER+ breast cancer and call for the development of new agents to supplement the current standard-of-care. Around 90% of the ER+ breast cancer cases are also androgen receptor (AR) positive (AR+). Mounting preclinical evidence has demonstrated that AR agonists suppress AR and ER positive (AR/ER+) breast cancer cell growth, in line with clinical activity of androgens. We recently reported the oral selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) RAD140 is a potent, tissue-selective AR agonist in breast cancer cells which significantly inhibited the growth of AR/ER+ patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, partly via inhibiting ESR1 gene expression and ER signaling. It also elicited enhanced tumor growth inhibition when combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor.

Here we further examine the activity of RAD140 in AR/ER+ breast cancer models that are endocrine-independent with a spectrum of ESR1 genetic alterations. In PDX models harboring ESR1 amplification or fusion, RAD140 inhibited tumor growth to a greater degree than fulvestrant, a standard-of-care selective ER degrader (SERD). These results are consistent with the clinical history of the donor patients whose diseases relapsed from or progressed rapidly on fulvestrant. In PDX models with ESR1 Y537S mutation, RAD140 showed anti-tumor activity comparable to that of fulvestrant. Notably, RAD140 treatment also led to substantial reduction of proliferation and colony formation in cell line models recapitulating resistance to the combination of estrogen deprivation and CDK4/6 inhibition.

In summary, RAD140 showed marked anti-tumor activity in AR/ER+, endocrine-resistant breast cancer models with defined genetic background. Importantly, in models with ESR1 amplification and fusion, the AR-targeting RAD140 exhibited more profound inhibitory activity compared with fulvestrant. In models with an ESR1 mutation, the efficacy of RAD140 and fulvestrant was comparable. These results lend support to a clinical hypothesis that AR/ER+, endocrine-resistant tumors with these genetic backgrounds may benefit from AR agonist-based treatment. RAD140 is currently being evaluated in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer patients (NCT03088527).

Citation Format: Yu Z, He S, Miller C, Saeh J, Hattersley G, O'Neill A. Selective androgen receptor modulator RAD140 inhibits the growth of endocrine-resistant breast cancer models with defined genetic backgrounds [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-13-02.

Significant Efficacy of Apatinib in a Patient With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lung Metastases After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

Antiangiogenesis therapy plays an important role in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, treatment options for HCC recurrence after liver transplantation are currently limited. Apatinib is a small tyrosine kinase inhibitor molecule targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. Here, we report for the first time one case of a patient with advanced HCC who received apatinib after occurring lung metastasis 7 months after liver transplantation. He took 500 mg of apatinib daily for one month, which was decreased to 250 mg daily because of side effects. The patient was confirmed to have a partial response, according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, for 10 months, and the progression-free survival time was greater than 21 months. Our data and experience have indicated that apatinib may be a good choice for HCC recurrence after liver transplantation.

The Implementation of ISO 9001:2015 to Improve the Supportive Care Services for the Cancer Survivors

Background and context: Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Taiwan since 1982. According the most updated cancer registry published by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, a total of 105,156 new cases (302/100,000 population) were diagnosed and 46,829 people (128/100,000 population) died of cancer which accounted for 28.6% of all deaths. Currently, around 500,000 people live with cancers in Taiwan. The Formosa Cancer Foundation (FCF) operates two Cancer Survivor Supportive Care Centers in Taipei and Kaohsiung cities which provide comprehensive, professional services to cancer survivors and their families. These centers regularly offer free medical, nutritional and psychological counseling, nutrition and transportation subsidies for low-income survivor households, critical emergency relief as well as hold a regular courses of body and mind rehabilitation to help cancer survivors successfully navigate their road to optimal recovery. As the number of cancer survivors needed supportive care services are rapidly increasing, the resources allocated for the services is not proportionately increased. Therefore, how to improve both the quantity and quality for the survivors' supportive care services becomes an essential issue. Aim: To ensure service standardization as well as to improve the quantity and quality of the supportive care services for the cancer survivors. Strategy/Tactics: FCF began the process necessary to certify its Survivor Supportive Care Service Quality Management System under ISO 9001 since 2015. Program/Policy process: To certify the FCF Survivor Supportive Care Service Quality Management System under ISO 9001:2015 by (1) Clearly defining the assessment and service goals (2) Systemized management and control of service delivery procedures (3) Regular collection and utilization of client-satisfaction data and comments (4) Systemized tracking and management of documents (5) Standard method for records storage and maintenance (6) Standardized procedures for managing and maintaining service facilities; and (7) Standardized procedures for evaluating and training staff. Outcomes: After implementation of the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, FCF's overall service capacity has increased by 18-20%. Each service now covered by a standardized procedure, high levels of service quality and teamwork have been well maintained even under reduced staffing conditions. Survivors’ satisfaction with FCF services has risen significantly from an average of 4.0 prior to implementation of the quality management system to 4.7 afterward (full score: 5). The survivor´s family members also indicate strong satisfaction with FCF services. What was learned: Implementing the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system in the cancer survivor supportive care service has assisted FCF not only to increase the quality and quantity of its service deliveries but also to enhance the effectiveness of its professional team.

Cryo-EM analysis of the T3S injectisome reveals the structure of the needle and open secretin

The bacterial type III secretion system, or injectisome, is a syringe shaped nanomachine essential for the virulence of many disease causing Gram-negative bacteria. At the core of the injectisome structure is the needle complex, a continuous channel formed by the highly oligomerized inner and outer membrane hollow rings and a polymerized helical needle filament which spans through and projects into the infected host cell. Here we present the near-atomic resolution structure of a needle complex from the prototypical Salmonella Typhimurium SPI-1 type III secretion system, with local masking protocols allowing for model building and refinement of the major membrane spanning components of the needle complex base in addition to an isolated needle filament. This work provides significant insight into injectisome structure and assembly and importantly captures the molecular basis for substrate induced gating in the giant outer membrane secretin portal family.

Electro-acupuncture at ST37 and ST25 induce different effects on colonic motility via the enteric nervous system by affecting excitatory and inhibitory neurons

BACKGROUND

On the basis of the importance of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in gastrointestinal motility, we hypothesized that the ENS may mediate the therapeutic efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) in constipation by regulating the mechanisms underlying the effects of EA on gastrointestinal function.

METHODS

Model mice with constipation were generated by gastric instillation of 0-4°C normal saline. Defecation time and stool (form and wet and dry weight) were assessed. The effect of EA at ST37 or ST25 on colorectal motility and proximal colonic motility was assessed using a water-filled balloon. The expression of protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), the cholinergic neuron marker acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the anticholinergic neuron marker nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was detected by immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis.

KEY RESULTS

ST37 and ST25 improved colorectal pressure; however, ST37 but not ST25 improved proximal colonic pressure. In the proximal colon, the expression of PGP9.5 returned to normal after EA at ST 37, while EA at ST25 did not have this effect. In addition, qPCR and western blot analysis showed that ST37 could downregulate the expression of nNOS and upregulate the expression of ChAT to normal levels, while ST25 could only downregulate the expression of nNOS to normal levels.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Electro-acupuncture at specific acupoints can improve intestinal motility in constipation by altering the ENS and differentially affecting excitatory and inhibitory neurons, restoring the coordination between contraction and relaxation muscles, and working in concert with the central nervous system and peripheral neural pathways.