Effects of photoperiod on broodiness, egg-laying and endocrine responses in native laying hens

1. The effects of photoperiod on broodiness, egg-laying and endocrine responses in native laying hens were investigated. A total of 648, 18-week-old native laying hens (Beijing You Chicken, BYC) were randomly allocated to 6 groups with 3 replicates. The birds were exposed to 1 of 6 different photoperiods, including 16L:8D (06:00 to 22:00 h) for group 1; 12L:2D:4L:6D for group 2; 8L:4D:4L:8D for group 3; 16L:8D (03:00 to 19:00 h) for group 4; 14L:10D for group 5; and 18L:6D for group 6. 2. The broodiness rate and egg-laying rate for weeks 20-26, 27-33, 34-40, 41-47, 48-54 and 55-61 were calculated, and serum prolactin (PRL), luteinising hormone (LH), 17-beta-oestradiol (E2), melatonin (Mel) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured at the end of each stage. 3. Significant effects were observed on the rate of broodiness by the photoperiod and stage, but the interaction of photoperiod and stage was not significant. The rate of broodiness for group 3 (5.9%) was significantly higher than other groups, with group 2 being the lowest (2.8%). Broodiness rate was the highest for weeks 41-47 (9.9%). Significant effects were observed on average egg-laying rate by photoperiod and stage: the rate of egg-laying of groups 2 and 5 were significantly higher than groups 1, 4 and 6. 4. There were no significant effects of photoperiod on PRL, LH and Mel concentrations at 26, 33, 40 and 54 weeks of age (P > 0.05), but at 47 weeks of age, PRL and LH concentrations of group 1 were significantly lower than those in other groups. 5. The study suggests that the photoperiod of group 2 (12L:2D:4L:6D) is optimal for the birds' performance to give the lowest broodiness rate and the highest egg-laying rate during the whole laying period, and 41-47 weeks may be a key stage for the photomodulation of broodiness.

Constraints on cosmic strings from the LIGO-Virgo gravitational-wave detectors

Cosmic strings can give rise to a large variety of interesting astrophysical phenomena. Among them, powerful bursts of gravitational waves (GWs) produced by cusps are a promising observational signature. In this Letter we present a search for GWs from cosmic string cusps in data collected by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave detectors between 2005 and 2010, with over 625 days of live time. We find no evidence of GW signals from cosmic strings. From this result, we derive new constraints on cosmic string parameters, which complement and improve existing limits from previous searches for a stochastic background of GWs from cosmic microwave background measurements and pulsar timing data. In particular, if the size of loops is given by the gravitational backreaction scale, we place upper limits on the string tension Gμ below 10(-8) in some regions of the cosmic string parameter space.

Overexpression of hCLP46 enhances Notch activation and regulates cell proliferation in a cell type-dependent manner

OBJECTIVES

Human CAP10-like protein 46 kDa (hCLP46), also known as Poglut1, has been shown to be an essential regulator of Notch signalling. hCLP46 is overexpressed in primary acute myelogenous leukaemia, T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia samples and other leukaemia cell lines. However, effects of hCLP46 overexpression, up to now, have remained unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we established stable 293TRex cell lines inducibly overexpressing hCLP46, and knocked down hCLP6 with a specific small interfering RNA to explore function of the protein in Notch signalling and cell proliferation.

RESULTS

hCLP46 overexpression enhanced Notch1 activation in 293Trex cells in a ligand-dependent manner, with increased Notch signalling enhancing Hes1 expression. We further verified that overexpression of hCLP46 inhibited proliferation of 293TRexs and was correlated with increases in cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27, whereas reduced hCLP46 expression moderately increased cell proliferation. In addition, p21 and p27 protein levels were higher when Notch signalling was activated by EDTA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, hCLP46 enhanced Notch activation and inhibited 293TRex cell proliferation through CDKI signalling.

Consensus guidelines from The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies on standardizing the delivery of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in colorectal cancer patients in the United States

BACKGROUND

The American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies (ASPSM) is a consortium of cancer centers performing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). This is a position paper from the ASPSM on the standardization of the delivery of HIPEC.

METHODS

A survey was conducted of all cancer centers performing HIPEC in the United States. We attempted to obtain consensus by the modified method of Delphi on seven key HIPEC parameters: (1) method, (2) inflow temperature, (3) perfusate volume, (4) drug, (5) dosage, (6) timing of drug delivery, and (7) total perfusion time. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Response rates for ASPSM members (n = 45) and non-ASPSM members (n = 24) were 89 and 33 %, respectively. Of the responders from ASPSM members, 95 % agreed with implementing the proposal. Majority of the surgical oncologists favored the closed method of delivery with a standardized dual dose of mitomycin for a 90-min chemoperfusion for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin.

CONCLUSIONS

This recommendation on a standardized delivery of HIPEC in patients with colorectal cancer represents an important first step in enhancing research in this field. Studies directed at maximizing the efficacy of each of the seven key elements will need to follow.

A clinical case-control study on the association between mannose-binding lectin and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection among northern Han Chinese population

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key molecule of the innate immune system and a competent to bind carbohydrates of a variety of microorganisms, resulting in complement activation and opsonophagocytosis against various pathogens. However, there is no systemic investigation on the MBL's role in innate immune responses against HIV-1 infection among northern Han Chinese. This study investigated the association between MBL and HIV-1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. A total of 91 HIV-1 infected patients and 91 HIV-1 seronegative healthy individuals were recruited. Six polymorphisms of MBL2 gene were genotyped by pyrosequencing. The quantitative measurement of serum MBL concentration and MBL complex activity were performed by ELISA. The CD4+ T-cell counts were determined by flow cytometry. The plasma viral loads of 91 HIV-1 infected patients were determined by bDNA method. The results show that there is an association between MBL and HIV-1 infection susceptibility among northern Han Chinese. The individuals with B variant, low serum MBL concentration and low MBL complex activity are more susceptible to HIV-1 infection.

Early results of a PMH Phase II Consortium trial of AZD0530 in advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS)

10579

Background: AZD0530 is a novel oral anilino quinazoline that is selective for c-Src, c-Yes, Lck, and Bcr-Abl through ATP competitive and reversible inhibition of the target enzyme. Src kinases play a role in tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis as well as being part of the signaling cascade for angiogenesis and growth factors. Advanced STS have limited therapeutic options; therefore we tested the efficacy of AZD0530 in advanced STS. Methods: The study utilized a Simon Two stage design with the primary endpoint be objective tumor response + prolonged stable disease rate (defined as partial/complete response by RECIST, or stable disease >4 months). Patients with measurable advanced STS with up to one prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease were eligible for study participation following informed consent. Patients were excluded for cardiac dysfunction, poorly controlled hypertension, inability to swallow or absorb medication. Patients had pulmonary function tests at baseline that were repeated within the first 4 weeks of therapy. Results: 17 patients (11 F, 6M) with advanced STS (leiomyosarcoma 5, rhabdomyosarcoma 3, MFH/carcinosarcoma/Fibrosarcoma 2, endometrial stromal sarcoma/liposarcoma/non-rhabdoSTS 1 each) were enrolled, the majority of whom had prior therapy (14 chemo and 9 xrt). Five continue on study. Nine discontinued therapy for progressive disease, 2 for toxicity and 1 patient request. Median time to progression in the 13 patients was 1.7 months. Possibly related severe adverse events (all grade 3) included fatigue (2), anemia/lymphopenia/hypokalemia (1 each). To date no confirmed responses have been seen. No drug related pulmonary toxicity has been observed. Conclusions: AZD0530 can be administered safely as a single agent in patients with a variety of advanced STS. To date, tumor responses have not been noted; however patients were not selected based on tumor target expression. Further testing may be warranted in selected tumors in combination with chemotherapy given pre-clinical synergy data or in tumors pre-selected for target expression.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Overexpression of chemokine receptor CXCR4 in cancer specimens following neoadjuvant chemotherapy predicts outcome in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC)

10578

Background: Despite significant advances made in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a significant number of patients continue to die. A molecular predictor to identify those who are at an increased risk for relapse is sorely needed. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that has been linked to breast cancer invasion and metastasis. We postulate that CXCR4 overexpression levels in cancer specimens following neoadjuvant chemotherapy predict cancer outcome in patients with LABC. Methods: 54 patients with LABC were prospectively accrued and analyzed. All had neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by definitive surgical and adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy. Study homogeneity was maintained by standardized treatment, surveillance, and compliance protocols. A 1 cm 3 cancer from the surgical specimens of each patient was retrieved for analysis. CXCR4 levels were detected using Western blots and results were quantified against 1 μg of HeLa cells (positive controls). CXCR4 expression was defined as low (<6.6 fold) or high (= 6.6 fold). Primary endpoints were cancer recurrence and death. Statistical analysis performed included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: With a median follow-up of 30 months, patients whose tumors had high CXCR4 overexpression (= 6.6 fold) had a statistically significantly higher incidence of recurrence (p= 0.0009) and cancer-related death (p= 0.0168) than those in the low CXCR4 group (< 6.6 fold). After adjusting for tumor size, nodal status, ER, PR and HER-2 status, the relative risk for recurrence and death in the high CXCR4 group was 27.3-fold (p=0.001; 95% CI: 6.2 to 120.8) and 4.8-fold (p=0.0076; 95% CI: 1.5 to 15.0) higher than those in the low CXCR4 group, respectively. Conclusion: High CXCR4 overexpression in cancer specimens following neoadjuvant chemotherapy was highly predictive of cancer recurrence and cancer death in patients with LABC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I evaluation of a 24-h infusion of TAS-106 every 3 weeks (wks) in patients (pts) with solid tumors

2513

Background: The nucleoside 3’-C-ethynylcytidine (TAS-106) is metabolized in cancer cells to ethynylcytidine triphosphate (ECTP), an inhibitor of RNA polymerases I, II, and III. TAS-106 has potent anticancer activity in broad range of human tumor xenografts. In prior clinical studies, bolus intravenous (IV) TAS-106 caused reversible dose-limiting peripheral neuropathy and the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was 4.21 mg/m2 every 3 wks. Myelosuppression, asthenia, and mild nausea and vomiting were also common. In rats, 24-h TAS-106 infusions are better tolerated with equivalent efficacy. Therefore, a Phase I study of 24-h infusions of TAS-106 was initiated. Methods: Escalating doses TAS-106 infused over 24-h every 3 wks were administered to cancer patients with pharmacokinetic (PK) monitoring during the initial cycle. Toxicity and response were assessed using NCI CTC (v2) grade (gr) and RECIST, respectively. Plasma and urine TAS-106 concentrations were monitored using LC/MS/MS methods. Results: Overall, 33 pts were treated at the following dose levels: 2.82 (4 pts), 3.5 (5 pts), 4.38 (6 pts), 5.48 (4 pts) 6.85 (6 pts) and 8.56 mg/m2 (8 pts). At 8.56 mg/m2, 2 of 5 pts experienced neutropenic DLTs (febrile neutropenia and gr 4 neutropenia lasting greater than or equal to 3 days) No neuropathy DLTs were observed. At 6.85 mg/m2, gr 3 peripheral neuropathy in cycle 1 was observed in 1 patient, but no other DLTs occurred in 5 patients. Other common drug related toxicities occurring in any cycle included gr 1–2 fatigue (13 pts), gr 3–4 neutropenia (10 pts), gr 1 hand/foot syndrome (9 pts), gr 2–3 anemia (9 pts) gr 1 rash/skin exfoliation (10 pts), and peripheral neuropathy gr 1–2 (5 pts). No objective responses were seen; although 3 pts with parotid, adenoid cystic, and breast cancers demonstrated stable disease for 5, 6, and 7 months, respectively. Plasma concentrations increased with increasing dose, and at 6.85 mg/m2, the Cmax was 77.4±7.3 ng/mL, AUC 1,892±54 ng·h/mL, CL 102±13 mL/h/kg, VDss 1.37±.05 L/kg, and t1/2 was 9.85±1.47 h. Over 48 h, 62.1% of the administered dose of TAS-106 was excreted into the urine. Conclusions: Compared with bolus dosing, 24-h infusions of TAS-106 are better tolerated with less peripheral neuropathy. The RP2D for TAS-106 infused over 24-h every 3 wks is 6.85 mg/m2.

[Table: see text]

Phase I and pharmacokinetics (PK) study of sequential paclitaxel and trabectedin every 2 weeks in patients with advanced solid tumors

2029

Background: Trabectedin (ET-743) is a DNA minor-groove intercalating agent that blocks transcription factor activity, elicits G2/M cell cycle arrest, and induces apoptosis. Single agent activity has been demonstrated in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), breast, prostate and ovarian cancer. In preclinical studies sequential exposure of paclitaxel (P) followed by trabectedin (T) 24 hrs later resulted in synergy. The objectives of this phase I study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RD) of sequential P and T administered every 2 weeks in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods: Escalating doses of P (80–120 mg/m2) over 1hr iv on day 1 and T ( 525–775 μg/m2) as 3 hrs iv day 2 every 2 weeks were administered. To evaluate drug:drug interactions, P was administered alone on day -7 in course 1 and PK studies performed courses 1 & 2. MTD was defined as ≥ 2/3 pts with dose limiting toxicity (DLT) in the 1st 2 courses. Results: 29 pts were enrolled and 27 were evaluable: median age was 48 yrs (19–82). M/F 16/13. Pts were treated over 5 dose levels: I 80/525 (n = 3), II 80/580 (n = 3), III 120/580 (n = 6), IV 120/650 (n = 11), V 120/775 (n = 4). A total of 213 courses of therapy were given, median number of course was 4 (range 1–28). There were 4 DLTs due to neutropenia delaying therapy > 1 week; one each at 120/580 (Grade 2) and 120/650 (Grade 4) and 2 at the MTD of 120/775 (Grade 4). Most common toxicities observed for P+T were neutropenia (24%), nausea (51%), vomiting (24%), transaminitis (23%), myalgia (24%) and alopecia (20%). One pt with PNET has an ongoing CR 16 months, one breast cancer pt (prior P failure) has PR 12 mo+ and 8 pts (6 STS) had SD > 3 mo (range 4–15 mo). There appear to be no marked drug:drug interactions for P and T. Preliminary non-compartmental PK results [geometric mean (CV%)] for T include t1/2 52.4 hr (43.6%); Cl l/hr/m2 31.6 (57.3%); Vss l/m2 1382 (69%) and for P are t1/2, 29.2 hr (39.1%); Cl l/hr/m2 15.3 (44.1%); Vss 213 l/m2 (72%). Conclusions: The recommended dose for this combination is paclitaxel 120 mg/m2 day 1 and trabectedin 650 μg/m2 day 2 administered every 2 weeks. Antitumor activity in STS and breast cancer, predictable PK parameters, and tolerable toxicity warrants further study of this combination.

[Table: see text]

Phase I pharmacokinetic(PK)/food effect and safety study of satraplatin in patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors

12014

Background: Satraplatin (S) is a novel oral platinum analog that has demonstrated preliminary activity in hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). A large (950 pts) worldwide, randomized phase III trial evaluating S as 2nd line therapy for HRPC recently completed enrollment. The current study was designed to determine the PKs of S under fasted and fed conditions, as well as treatment efficacy and toxicity. Methods: S was administered orally at 80 mg/m2/day (d) on d1–5 q 35 days, with prophylactic antiemetics. For the 1st cycle, pts were randomized to receive d1 and d5 doses of S in either the fed or fasted state when PK sampling was performed. The fed/fasted state was reversed for the 2nd cycle. Subsequent doses of S were given in the fasted state. Results: 17 pts were enrolled (9M/8F), median age 62 (range 33–78) and tumor types: HRPC (7), breast (3), 1 each with anal, parotid, leiomyosarcoma, Merkel cell, ovarian, mesothelioma, and neuroendocrine tumor. The median no. of prior regimens was 3 (range 1–8). A total of 58 cycles of S were given. Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities (1st 2 cycles) included: neutropenia (11%), thrombocytopenia (24%) and anemia (24%). The hematologic nadir occurred during week 4. There was no grade 3–4 nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. No significant cardiac, renal, hepatic, or neurologic toxicity was observed. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) for platinum in plasma ultrafiltrate (PUF) was decreased by 20% when S was administered following a high fat meal compared to the fasting condition. There was no effect of food on AUC0–24 hr. The time of Cmax (Tmax) was delayed in the fed state. Table shows PK parameters. One PR (HRPC) and 4 SD ≥ 5 months (breast, ovarian, parotid and HRPC) were confirmed. Conclusions: There is an effect of food on the Cmax, however the clinical implications are unknown at this time. For this reason, it is recommended that S be administered to pts in the fasting state. At the dose of 80 mg/m2/day, S was well tolerated in this group of heavily pretreated patients.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]