Randomized phase III study of docetaxel plus bavituximab in previously treated advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

Bavituximab is a monoclonal antibody that targets phosphatidylserine in the presence of β2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GP1) to exert an antitumor immune response. This phase III trial determined the efficacy of bavituximab combined with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and methods

Key eligibility criteria included advanced non-squamous NSCLC with disease progression after treatment with platinum-based doublet chemotherapy, evidence of disease control after at least two cycles of first-line therapy, presence of measurable disease, ECOG performance status 0 or 1, adequate bone marrow and organ function, and no recent history of clinically significant bleeding. Eligible patients were randomized 1 : 1 to receive up to six 21-day cycles of docetaxel plus either weekly bavituximab 3 mg/kg or placebo until progression or toxicity. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 597 patients were enrolled. Median OS was 10.5 months in the docetaxel + bavituximab arm and was 10.9 months in the docetaxel + placebo arm (HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.88-1.29; P = 0.533). There was no difference in progression-free survival (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.82-1.22; P = 0.990). Toxicities were manageable and similar between arms. In subset analysis, among patients with high baseline serum β2GP1 levels ≥200 µg/ml, a nonsignificant OS trend favored the bavituximab arm (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.63-1.06; P = 0.134). Among patients who received post-study immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, OS favored the bavituximab arm (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.81; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

The combination of bavituximab plus docetaxel is not superior to docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. The addition of bavituximab to docetaxel does not meaningfully increase toxicity. The potential benefit of bavituximab observed in patients with high β2GP1 levels and in patients subsequently treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors requires further investigation.

Clinical trial number

NCT01999673.

Oxygen-induced circRNA profiles and coregulatory networks in a retinopathy of prematurity mouse model

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. At present, the molecular mechanisms underlying ROP are still far from being clearly understood. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of noncoding RNAs, have been reported to serve vital regulatory roles in several human diseases. However, it is still unclear how circRNAs are involved in ROP. In the present study, oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) murine retinal samples and paired normal tissues were chosen for high-throughput transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. As a result, a total of 236 differentially expressed circRNAs, 14 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 9,756 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in the OIR samples. Gene ontology analysis showed that angiogenesis ranked in the top five upregulated biological processes associated with differential mRNA expression. Then, 66 co-expression pairs of circRNA-mRNA were predicted according to the mRNAs that were enriched in angiogenesis. Furthermore, coregulation prediction was separately performed to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs that targeted angiogenesis-associated circRNAs or mRNAs. Finally, nine differentially expressed circRNAs were predicted to be competing endogenous RNAs by constructing a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network followed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR validation. The results of the present study suggest that the identified set of circRNA transcripts and the potential regulatory mechanisms for the development of ROP are worthy of functional studies.

Comparison of size-resolved hygroscopic growth factors of urban aerosol by different methods in Tianjin during a haze episode

Size-resolved hygroscopic growth factors of urban aerosol during a haze episode were measured using a Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) (g_m(RH)). These factors were also derived from size-resolved particulate chemical composition combined with the κ-Köhler theory (g_κ(RH)) and the thermodynamic model ISORROPIA-II running in forward mode (g_iso-f(RH)) and reverse mode (g_iso-r(RH)), respectively. In terms of agreement among these hygroscopic growth factors, g_κ(RH) matched g_m(RH) best, followed by g_iso-r(RH). In contrast, g_iso-f(RH) demonstrated a poorer agreement with g_m(RH). The good consistency among g_m(RH), g_κ(RH), and g_iso-r(RH) was because they only focus on the physical hygroscopic process, whereas g_iso-f(RH) contains not only the direct influence of relative humidity (RH) on particle size but also the influence of gaseous precursor on the particle chemical composition, which indirectly affects the hygroscopicity of the particles. In this sense, size-resolved g_κ(RH) and g_iso-r(RH) in a wide size range are more adequate to investigate the impact of RH on light scattering and aerosol radiative forcing. At RH = 80%, g_κ(RH) for accumulation mode particles was 1.30-1.45 on polluted days and higher than that on clean days (1.2-1.3). Whereas on both polluted and clean days, g_κ(RH) of ultrafine and coarse mode particles were generally lower than 1.25. The strong hygroscopicity of accumulation mode particles observed on polluted days can deteriorate visibility due to their high extinction efficiency.

Grafted optical vortex with controllable orbital angular momentum distribution

In an optical vortex (OV) field, the orbital angular momentum (OAM) distribution strongly depends on the intensity, which results in difficulty in OAM independent modulation. To overcome this limitation, we propose a grafted optical vortex (GOV) via spiral phase reconstruction of two or more OVs with different topological charges (TCs). To remain the annular shape of the GOV's intensity, the Dirac δ-function is employed to restrict the energy in a ring. Theoretical analysis and manipulation experiments of polystyrene microspheres show that the magnitude and direction of the GOV's local OAM are controllable by modulating the grafted TCs while the intensity remains constant. The results of this work provide an ingenious method to control the local tangential force on the light ring, which will promote potential applications in optical trapping and rotating micro-particles.

Morphine contributed to the deterioration of cancer via miR-543/MARCKS/FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway

OBJECTIVES

It has been confirmed that morphine was detrimental to patients with cancers. Hence, we aimed to reveal a certain mechanism of morphine in cancer development.

METHODS

Microarray and GSEA analysis were utilized to seek for differently expressed genes and pathway.

KEY FINDINGS

Bioinformatics analysis identified that downregulation of MARCKS and upregulation of miR-543 in samples treated with morphine. FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway was illustrated to be upregulated in the control. PANC-1 and DU145 cell viability was increased but apoptosis was declined as morphine concentration went up from 10^-8 to 10^-6  mol/l. On the other curve, the viability was reduced and apoptosis was elevated from 10^-6 to 10^-5  mol/l. The expression of miR-543 ran the same trend as cell viability. Assays in vivo and in vitro validated that miR-543 facilitated cell viability, tumour growth, levels of CA199 and PSA, whereas inhibited apoptosis. MARCKS could target and inhibit miR-543 expression, which exhibited an opposite effect on cancer progression. MiR-543 blocked but MARCKS activated FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Morphine at 10^-6  mol/l could benefit miR-543 expression to inhibit MARCKS expression, consequently, blocking FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway, which contributed to the cancer progression in vitro and in vivo.

The bHLH Protein Nulp1 is Essential for Femur Development Via Acting as a Cofactor in Wnt Signaling in Drosophila

Background:

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein families are a large class of transcription factors, which are associated with cell proliferation, tissue differentiation, and other important development processes. We reported that the Nuclear localized protein-1 (Nulp1) might act as a novel bHLH transcriptional factor to mediate cellular functions. However, its role in development in vivo remains unknown.

Methods:

Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants are generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal. Expression of Wg target genes are analyzed by qRT-PCR. We use the Top-Flash luciferase reporter assay to response to Wg signaling.

Results:

Here we show that Drosophila Nulp1 (dNulp1) mutants, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the Domain of Unknown Function (DUF654) in its C terminal, are partially homozygous lethal and the rare escapers have bent femurs, which are similar to the major manifestation of congenital bent-bone dysplasia in human Stuve-Weidemann syndrome. The fly phenotype can be rescued by dNulp1 over-expression, indicating that dNulp1 is essential for fly femur development and survival. Moreover, dNulp1 overexpression suppresses the notch wing phenotype caused by the overexpression of sgg/GSK3β, an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt cascade. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analyses show that seven target genes positively regulated by Wg signaling pathway are down-regulated in response to dNulp1 knockout, while two negatively regulated Wg targets are up-regulated in dNulp1 mutants. Finally, dNulp1 overexpression significantly activates the Top-Flash Wnt signaling reporter.

Conclusion:

We conclude that bHLH protein dNulp1 is essential for femur development and survival in Drosophila by acting as a positive cofactor in Wnt/Wingless signaling.

Optical vortex shaping via a phase jump factor

Topological charge (TC) of an optical vortex (OV) is a crucial parameter. We propose two factors, namely, the phase jump factor and the phase gradient factor, to replace the parameter of TC through unwrapping the TC definition integral. Based on these two factors, we report on a novel OV, referred to as the remainder-phase optical vortex (ROV). The properties of the ROV are studied in depth by adjusting these two factors. Results show that the phase gradient factor determines the total orbital angular momentum (OAM), whereas the phase jump factor decides the number of split unit vortices and reshapes the structure of the OAM distribution. This work provides a novel OV with controllable OAM distribution, which will open up new applications such as particle manipulation, beam shaping, and micro-fabrication.

Intensive vertical orientation Smith-Purcell radiation from the 2D well-array metasurface

We present an intensive vertical orientation Smith-Purcell radiation with the 2D well-array metasurface. It is shown that the moving electrons can induce three induced surface currents at the well-array metasurface, where a strong coupling among them takes place. The coupling significantly improves the radiated field intensity and shapes the radiation angle-distribution. The theoretical results show that the Smith-Purcell radiation's field intensity is 3 times larger than the one within a conventional grating structure with directional radiation at 90 degree. Therefore, much stronger intensity and more centralized directional radiation will provide a promising way to develop electron beam driven THz sources.

[Research progress of oral anticoagulants in patients with liver diseases]

Patients with liver disease are at an increased risk of both embolism and bleeding. The optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unclear when associated with venous thromboembolic disease. Moreover, currently approved oral anticoagulant drugs undergo metabolism and elimination in the liver with varying degrees of hepatic dysfunction. Thus, impaired liver function may lead to increased risk of bleeding, making anticoagulant therapy more intricate. This article summarizes the risk of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with liver disease, and the clinical research progress of oral anticoagulants in patients with liver disease to facilitate evidence for choosing oral anticoagulants therapy when required.

Five alternative splicing variants of the TYR gene and their different roles in melanogenesis in the Muchuan black-boned chicken

1. The TYR gene encodes tyrosinase, a multifunctional enzyme that is essential for melanin biosynthesis in melanocytes. This experiment involved the cloning and characterisation of the TYR gene in chicken. Five alternative splice variants were identified in the black feather bulb and designated as TYR-AS1, TYR-AS2, TYR-AS3, TYR-AS4 and TYR-AS5. 2. Among the 11 chicken tissues examined, the feather bulb, comb and skin showed higher levels of all TYR variants. All TYR variants were expressed at significantly different levels in black and white feather bulbs (P < 0.05) and may be involved in melanin formation in plumage. Only TYR-AS1, which plays an important role in muscle melanogenesis, was significantly differentially expressed between black and white muscle (P < 0.01). All TYR variants were expressed at significantly different levels in black and white skin (P < 0.01). 3. The mRNA expression levels of the 5 variants were closely associated with skin melanogenesis in the chicken. These findings provide new clues to the molecular mechanism of melanin formation in the Muchuan black-boned chicken.

[Visceral parasitic migration of liver: a clinicopathologic analysis of seven cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological and pathological features of visceral parasitic migration of the liver. Methods: Seven cases of visceral parasitic migration of liver were identified at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University from January 2008 to July 2017. Clinical data, enhanced CT image and pathological features were analyzed, combining with literature review. Results: There were 5 male and 2 female patients. Five patients presented with abdominal pain or discomfort as the first symptom. Two patients were admitted to the hospital for physical examination with liver nodule. Blood eosinophils were mildly to moderately increased in 4 cases. Enhanced CT showed the liver irregular beaded nodules that showed no significant enhancement of arterial phase. Mild enhancement of round lesions (ring lesion) was seen in a few cases before surgery. By histopathology, the lesions showed central geographic necrosis, surrounded by epithelioid granuloma and inflammatory cell bands. A large number of eosinophils and scattered multinucleated giant cells were found, especially at the peripheral of the lesion. Charcot-Leyden crystals were present in all case and parasitic migrans was found in one case. Conclusions: Visceral parasitic migration of liver is a rare liver disease and is easily misdiagnosed as other benign or malignant liver tumors. Combining clinical data, enhanced CT images and pathological examination can improve the preoperative and postoperative diagnosis of the disease.

Close-packed optical vortex lattices with controllable structures

As a spatial structured light field, the optical vortex (OV) has attracted extensive attention in recent years. In practice, the OV lattice (OVL) is an optimal candidate for applications of orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based optical communications, microparticle manipulation, and micro/nanofabrication. However, traditional methods for producing OVLs meet a significant challenge: the OVL structures cannot be adjusted freely and form a close-packed arrangement, simultaneously. To overcome these difficulties, we propose an alternative scheme to produce close-packed OVLs (CPOVLs) with controllable structures. By borrowing the concept of the close-packed lattice from solid-state physics, CPOVLs with versatile structures are produced by using logical operations of expanding OV primitive cells combined with the technique of phase mask generation. Then, the existence of OAM states in the CPOVLs is verified. Furthermore, the energy flow and OAM distribution of the CPOVLs are visualized and analyzed. From a light field physics viewpoint, this work increases the adjustment dimensions and extends the fundamental understanding of the OVL, which will introduce novel applications.

Comparative Proteomics of Chromium-Transformed Beas-2B Cells by 2D-DIGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF MS

Chromium (Cr) is a highly toxic, common heavy metal used in industrial production. There are two types of Cr in nature: hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and chromium trichloride (Cr(III)). Cr(III) is involved in the metabolism of sugars and lipids, whereas Cr(VI) is absorbed through the respiratory tract and skin and generates free radicals that result in secondary toxicity. Cr(VI) leads to cancer in the occupational population and is therefore recognized as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The specific mechanism underlying Cr-induced carcinogenesis is complex. In this study, two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based techniques were performed to analyze differentially expressed proteins between Beas-2B human bronchial epithelial cells and Cr(VI)-transformed Beas-2B cells. Many differentially expressed proteins were identified in the cells after malignant transformation, including serine/threonine kinase 11, endothelial nitric oxide synthase 3, apolipoprotein A1, vinculin, and lamin A/C. These proteins are involved in many signaling and metabolic pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion, cell motility, and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement.

[Clinical results of Mei mini maze procedure for atrial fibrillation patients with previously failed catheter ablation]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Mei mini maze procedure for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with previously failed catheter ablation. Methods: Between August 2010 and May 2016, 48 AF (8 proximal AF, 15 persistent AF and 25 long-standing persistent AF) patients (29 males, 19 females, mean age: (62.5±7.3) years old) with previously 1-3 failed catheter ablation results were treated with Mei mini maze procedure in our department. Under thoracoscopic assistance, the procedure was performed through three ports on left chest wall, pulmonary vein isolation and ablations of the roof and posterior wall of left atrium was made by bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Ganglionic plexus ablation was made by the ablation pen. Left atrial appendage was excluded. Patients were followed at outpatient clinic and per telephone. Electrocardiogram, CT and echocardiography examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post operation. The success rate of the procedure was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves and evaluated by the log-rank test. Results: Mean AF history was (8.1±6.3) years and left atria dimension was (44.1±6.2) mm in this patient cohort. All procedures were performed successfully in these 48 patients. Pericardial adhesions were dissected in 21 patients. Durations of the procedures were (142.3±35.6) minutes.There were no serious complications. The hospital stay was (9.3±1.8) days. Sinus rhythm was documented in 44 patients (91.7%) at discharge. The mean follow-up duration was (28.0±17.2) months. Thirty-eight patients (82.6%) were in sinus rhythm. There was no stroke, thrombus in the left atrium and stenosis of pulmonary vein during the follow-up. Sinus rhythm was achieved in 7 out of 8 paroxysmal AF patients, in 31 out of 38 non-paroxysmal AF patients, and in 13 out of 15 persistent AF patients. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the success rate in the long-standing persistent AF group was lower than in the other two groups, but there was no statistical difference. Conclusions: Mei mini maze procedure has a high success rate for AF patients with previously failed catheter ablation history, which could completely isolate the bilateral pulmonary vein and left atrial posterior wall with good quality and integrity of ablation line, and left atrial appendage is also resected during the procedure.

Biocompatible protamine sulfate@silicon nanoparticle-based gene nanocarriers featuring strong and stable fluorescence

The development of biocompatible and fluorescent gene carriers is of particular importance in the gene-delivery field. Taking advantage of the unique optical properties (e.g., strong and robust fluorescence) of silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), as well as the excellent biocompatibility of silicon and protamine sulfate (PS, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use), we herein present a type of PS-modified SiNP (PS@SiNP)-based gene carrier. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) with negative charges can be effectively bound onto the surface of the as-prepared fluorescent PS@SiNP-based gene carriers via electrostatic interactions. In particular, such resultant gene carriers possess stable and high fluorescence (photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY): ∼25%). In addition, the PS@SiNP-based gene carriers show minimal toxic effects on normal mitochondrial metabolic activity (e.g., human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells preserve ∼90% of their cell viability after a 48 h incubation with the resultant carriers). Based on tracking the strong and stable fluorescence signals of SiNPs, the dynamic behavior of the PS@SiNP-based gene carriers in live cells (e.g., clathrin-mediated endocytosis, lysosomal escape, pDNA release, etc.) is investigated in a long-term manner, providing valuable information for understanding the intracellular behavior of gene vectors and designing high-efficacy gene carriers.