A disulfide molecule-vancomycin nanodrug delivery system efficiently eradicates intracellular bacteria

Intracellular bacteria often lead to chronic and recurrent infections; however, most of the known antibiotics have poor efficacy against intracellular bacteria due to their poor cell membrane penetration efficiency into the cytosol. Here, a thiol-mediated nanodrug delivery system, named Van-DM NPs, was developed to improve vancomycin's penetration efficiency and intracellular antibacterial activities. Van-DM NPs were prepared through self-assembly of vancomycin (Van) and the disulfide molecule (DM) in NaOH buffer solution. On the one hand, the disulfide exchange reaction between Van-DM NPs and the bacterial surface enhances vancomycin accumulation in bacteria, increasing the local concentration of vancomycin. On the other hand, the disulfide exchange reaction between Van-DM NPs and the mammalian cell membrane triggered the translocation of Van-DM NPs across the mammalian cell membrane into the cell cytosol. These dual mechanisms promote antibacterial activities of vancomycin against both extracellular and intracellular bacteria S. aureus. Furthermore, in an intravenous S. aureus infection mouse model, Van-DM NPs exhibited high antibacterial capability and efficiently reduced the bacterial load in liver and spleen, where intracellular bacteria tend to reside. Altogether, the reported Van-DM NPs would be highly promising against intracellular pathogenic infections.

Natural polymer-based bioadhesives as hemostatic platforms for wound healing

Medical adhesives are advanced but challenging alternatives to wound closure and repair, especially in mitigating uncontrolled hemorrhage. Ideal hemostatic adhesives need to meet good biocompatibility and biodegradability, adequate mechanical strength, and strong tissue adhesion functionality under wet and dynamic conditions. Considering these requirements, natural polymers such as polysaccharide, protein and DNA, attract great attention as candidates for making bioadhesives because of their distinctive physicochemical performances and biological properties. This review systematically summarizes the advances of bioadhesives based on natural polysaccharide, protein and DNA. Various physical and chemical cross-linking strategies have been introduced for adhesive synthesis and their hemostatic applications are introduced from the aspect of versatility. Furthermore, the possible challenges and future opportunities of bioadhesives are discussed, providing insights into the development of high-performance hemostatic materials.

Hybrid Immuno-RT for Bulky Tumors: Standard Fractionation with Partial Tumor SBRT

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Bulky tumors remain challenging to be treated. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective against radioresistant tumor cells and can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) that leads to T-cell-mediated antitumor effects. Low-dose radiation (LDRT) can inflame the tumor microenvironment (TME) by recruiting T cells. We designed a novel radiotherapy technique (RT, ERT) whose dose distribution map resembles the "eclipse" by concurrently delivering LDRT to the whole tumor, meanwhile SBRT to only a part of the same tumor. This study examined the safety and efficacy of ERT to bulky lesions with PD-1 inhibitors in mice and patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

In mice with CT26 colon or LLC1 lung bulky tumors (400 - 500 cm3), the whole tumor was irradiated by LDRT (2 Gy x 3), meanwhile the tumor center was irradiated by SBRT (10 Gy x 3); αPD-1 was given weekly. The dependence of therapeutic effects on CD8+ T cells was determined using depleting antibodies. Frequencies of CD8+ T cells and M1 macrophages (Mφ) were determined by flow cytometry. Multiplex Immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was applied to analyze the number and the location of CD8+ T cells and their subpopulations, as well as the phospho-eIF2α level (the ICD marker) of tumor cells in TME. Patients with advanced lung or liver bulky tumors who failed standard treatment or with oncologic emergencies were treated. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to estimate patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

ERT/αPD-1 is superior to SBRT/αPD-1 or LDRT/αPD-1 in controlling bulky tumors in both mouse models in a CD8+ T-cell dependent manner. In the CT26 model, ERT/αPD-1 resulted in complete tumor regression in 3/11 mice and induced more CD8+ T cells and M1 Mφ in TME compared to other groups. mIHC analysis showed that ERT/αPD-1 induced higher bulk, stem-like (TCF1+ TIM3- PD-1+), and more differentiated (TCF1- TIM3+ PD-1+) CD8+ T cells infiltration into the tumor center and periphery compared to other groups. Compared to untreated or LDRT-treated tumor centers, tumor centers irradiated with ERT or SBRT showed elevated phospho-eIF2α accompanied by higher dendritic cell infiltration. In total, 39 advanced cancer patients were treated with ERT/αPD-1 or plus chemotherapy. Radiation-induced pneumonitis occurred in 1 of 26 patients receiving thoracic ERT. There were two cases of grade III toxicity associated with PD-1 inhibitors. No toxicity above grade III was observed. The objective response rate was 38.5%. The median PFS was 5.6 months and median OS was not reached at a median follow-up of 11.7 months.

CONCLUSION

ERT/αPD-1 showed superior efficacy in controlling bulky tumor in two mouse models. The hybrid immuno-RT (ERT) combing PD-1 inhibitors was safe and effective in patients with bulky tumors. Further clinical trials in combination with bioimaging to identify the optimal SBRT target region for the bulky tumor are warranted.

The association between mammographic density and breast cancer molecular subtypes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the whether high mammographic density (MD) is differentially associated with all subtypes of breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched systematically in October 2022 to include all studies that investigated the association between MD and breast cancer subtype. Aggregate data of 17,193 breast cancer cases from 23 studies were selected, including five cohort/case-control and 18 case-only studies. The relative risk (RR) of MD were combined using random/fixed effects models for case-control studies, and for case-only studies, relative risk ratios (RRRs) were a combination of luminal A, luminal B, and HER2-positive versus triple-negative tumours.

RESULTS

Women in the highest density category in case-control/cohort studies had a 2.24-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53, 3.28), 1.81-fold (95% CI 1.15, 2.85), 1.44-fold (95% CI 1.14, 1.81), and 1.59-fold (95% CI 0.89, 2.85) higher risk of triple-negative, HER-2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive, luminal A, and luminal B breast cancer compared to women in the lowest density category. RRRs for breast tumours being luminal A, luminal B, and HER-2 positive versus triple-negative in case-only studies were 1.62 (95% CI 1.14, 2.31), 1.81 (95% CI 1.22, 2.71) and 2.58 (95% CI 1.63, 4.08), respectively, for BIRADS 4 versus BIRADS 1.

CONCLUSION

The evidence indicates MD is a potent risk factor for the majority of breast cancer subtypes to different degrees. Increased MD is more strongly linked to HER-2-positive cancers compared to other breast cancer subtypes. The application of MD as a subtype-specific risk marker may facilitate the creation of personalised risk prediction models and screening procedures.

Biomimetic multifunctional hybrid sponge via enzymatic cross-linking to accelerate infected burn wound healing

Preparing sponge dressings with stable wet adhesion remains difficult in wound repair, especially in burn wounds with bleeding and large amounts of exudate. In this work, a multifunctional hybrid sponge dressing (DHGT+PHMB+TiO₂NPs) with good wet adhesion was developed by combining biomimetic and enzymatic cross-linking reactions. The sponge dressing matrix (DHGT) was prepared by tyrosinase-catalyzed cross-linking of dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid (DOPA-HA) and gelatin. The multifunctional hybrid sponge dressing was obtained by loading polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs) onto the DHGT matrix. The newly developed sponge dressing exhibited high mechanical properties, good wet adhesion, antibacterial activity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, biocompatibility, and excellent hemostasis ability. In vivo studies showed that the multifunctional hybrid sponge dressing could significantly accelerate the healing of infected full-thickness burn wounds by inhibiting bacterial growth, accelerating skin tissue reepithelialization, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, as well as regulating the expression of inflammatory factors and cytokines.

Silk Fibroin-Based Tough Hydrogels with Strong Underwater Adhesion for Fast Hemostasis and Wound Sealing

Rapid and strong adhesion of hydrogel adhesives is required for instant wound closure and hemostasis. However, in situ hydrogel formation and sufficient adhesion at target tissue sites in biological environments are severely compromised by the presence of blood and body fluids. In this work, an underwater adhesive hydrogel (named SHCa) is fabricated with rapid in situ gelation, enhanced mechanical toughness, and robust underwater adhesion. The SHCa can undergo rapid UV irradiation-induced gelation under water within 5 s and adhere firmly to underwater surfaces for 6 months. The synergistic effects of crystalline β-sheet structures and dynamic energy-dissipating mechanisms enhance the mechanical toughness and cohesion, supporting the balance between adhesion and cohesion in wet environments. Importantly, the SHCa can achieve rapid in situ gelation and robust underwater adhesion at various tissue surfaces in highly dynamic fluid environments, substantially outperforming the commercially available tissue adhesives. The lap shear adhesion strength and wound closure strength of SHCa on blood-covered substrates are 7.24 and 12.68 times higher than those of cyanoacrylate glue, respectively. Its fast hemostasis and wound sealing performance are further demonstrated in in vivo animal models. The proposed hydrogel with strong underwater adhesion provides an effective tool for fast wound closure and hemostasis.

[Analysis on the status quo of the awareness rate of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment and its influencing factors among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021]

Objective: To analyze the status quo of the knowledge and related factors of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province in 2021. Methods: From August to November 2021, through network sampling method, 17 474 permanent residents aged 15-69 years in Liaoning Province were surveyed. The WeChat public account was used to collect information such as demographic characteristics and core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment. The Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of the level of the cancer prevention and treatment knowledge among different groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors. Results: Among the 17 474 subjects, 43.1% (7 528) were male and 58.7% (10 262) were urban residents. The overall awareness rate was 72.3%, and the awareness rate of cancer cognition, prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, cancer management and rehabilitation were 71.4%, 67.6%, 72.7%, 83.4% and 63.5%, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the residents who were man (OR: 0.850, 95%CI: 0.781-0.925), in rural areas (OR: 0.753, 95%CI: 0.694-0.817), 55-59 years old (OR: 0.851, 95%CI: 0.751-0.963), quitters (OR: 0.721, 95%CI: 0.640-0.813) and smoker (OR: 0.724, 95%CI: 0.654-0.801) had lower awareness rates, while the residents who were 35-54 years old (OR: 1.312, 95%CI: 1.202-1.432), with an educational level of junior high school/senior high school/college degree or above (OR: 1.834-5.130, 95%CI: 1.575-6.047), technical personnel (OR: 1.592, 95%CI: 1.367-1.854), civil servant/institution staff (OR: 1.282, 95%CI: 1.094-1.503), enterprise/business/service staff (OR: 1.218, 95%CI: 1.071-1.385), retired (OR: 1.324, 95%CI: 1.114-1.573) and with family history of cancer (OR: 1.369, 95%CI: 1.266-1.481) had higher awareness rates. Conclusion: The level of the awareness of core knowledge of cancer prevention and treatment among residents in Liaoning Province has met the requirements of the Healthy China Action. Region, gender, education level, age, family history of cancer and smoking are relevant factors.

Advanced Bioactive Hydrogels for On-Demand Treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading causes of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Local ischemia and cardiomyocyte death lead to a series of pathological remodeling of infarcted extracellular matrix (ECM) that are...

[Immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine for 4-6 years old children]

Objective: To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of a boost dose of measles, mumps, and rubella combined vaccine (MMR) for children 4 to 6 years old. Methods: Children, aged 4 to 6 years old, had vaccinated with 1 dose of measles and rubella combined vaccine(MR) at the age of 8 months and 1 dose of MMR vaccine at 18-months, were recruited in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Beijing, respectively. All children were assigned into 4, 5 and 6-year-old group. The children who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were vaccinated with 1 dose MMR vaccine, and were collected blood samples before vaccination and 35 to 42 d after the vaccination. During the study period, adverse events were collected at 30 min, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4-12 d, and 13 to 42 days after vaccination. Serum was tested for IgG antibodies against measles, mumps and rubella. Geometric mean concentrations (GMC) of measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies were compared among groups by analysis of variance or non-parametric test. Seropositive rates and adverse event rates were compared among groups by Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Results: A total of 500 children were included in immunogenicity analysis and 535 children were included in safety analysis. The overall adverse event rate was 20.37%, the most of severity for adverse events was mild. The rates of local and systemic adverse events were 0.37% and 20.00%, respectively. Symptoms of local adverse events were redness. The main systemic adverse events were fever, followed by cough, rash and runny nose. Received a dose of MMR vaccine for booster immunization, the seropositive rates of measles antibody, mumps antibody and rubella antibody were above 99% for all 3 age groups, and there was no significant difference between groups. There were significant differences in mumps antibody GMC among groups (P=0.042), but no significant differences in measles and rubella antibodies GMC. Conclusion: The immunogenicity and safety of a boosted MMR vaccintion in children aged 4, 5 and 6 years were all similar good.

Three-dimensional morphological analysis of neocondyle bone growth after fibula free flap reconstruction

The aim of this retrospective study was to verify the three-dimensional morphological change in neocondyle bone growth after fibula free flap (FFF) reconstruction. The independent variables were age, sex, and diagnosis. Outcome variables included the direction and volume of neocondyle bone growth, and the time to a stable neocondyle following bone growth. The outcome variables were measured on postoperative computed tomography scans using iPlan 3.0. Of the 35 patients included, 25 showed neocondyle bone growth. The direction of neocondyle bone growth included the direction of lateral pterygoid traction (DLPT) and the direction towards the glenoid fossa (DGF). The bone growth of the neocondyle showed three patterns: only DLPT (eight patients), only DGF (two patients), and a combination of DLPT and DGF (15 patients). The average volume of bone growth in the 25 patients was 0.479 ± 0.380 cm³. The average volume of neocondyle bone growth was significantly greater in patients aged <18 years (0.746 ± 0.346 cm³) than in patients aged >18 years (0.219 ± 0.191 cm³) (P < 0.001). The time to a stable neocondyle following bone growth was 5.6 months postoperatively. In conclusion, neocondyle bone growth after FFF reconstruction occurred in two different directions, DLPT and DGF. Osteogenesis of the lateral pterygoid muscle affects neocondyle growth with DLPT. Neocondyle bone growth is more marked in paediatric patients than in adults.

A mussel-inspired supramolecular hydrogel with robust tissue anchor for rapid hemostasis of arterial and visceral bleedings

In recent years, the developed hemostatic technologies are still difficult to be applied to the hemostasis of massive arterial and visceral hemorrhage, owing to their weak hemostatic function, inferior wet tissue adhesion, and low mechanical properties. Herein, a mussel-inspired supramolecular interaction-cross-linked hydrogel with robust mechanical property (308.47 ± 29.20 kPa) and excellent hemostatic efficiency (96.5% ± 2.1%) was constructed as a hemostatic sealant. Typically, we combined chitosan (CS) with silk fibroin (SF) by cross-linking them through tannic acid (TA) to maintain the structural stability of the hydrogel, especially for wet tissue adhesion ability (shear adhesive strength = 29.66 ± 0.36 kPa). Compared with other materials reported previously, the obtained CS/TA/SF hydrogel yielded a lower amount of blood loss and shorter time to hemostasis in various arterial and visceral bleeding models, which could be ascribed to the synergistic effect of wound closure under wet state as well as intrinsic hemostatic activity of CS. As a superior hemostatic sealant, the unique hydrogel proposed in this work can be exploited to offer significant advantages in the acute wound and massive hemorrhage with the restrictive access of therapeutic moieties.

High-Strength and High-Toughness Silk Fibroin Hydrogels: A Strategy Using Dynamic Host-Guest Interactions

Natural polymer-based hydrogels attract great attention because of their inherent biocompatibility and controllable biodegradability. However, the broad applications of these hydrogels require a combination of high mechanical strength, high toughness, fatigue resistance, as well as self-healing. The integration of this combination into one natural polymer-based hydrogel remains challenging. Here, a molecular design strategy was proposed to fabricate mechanically robust silk fibroin-based hydrogels using host-guest interactions. Silk fibroin molecules was chemically modified with cholesterol (Chol, guest) or β-cyclodextrin (β-CD, host), and host-guest interaction between Chol and β-CD moieties drove the supramolecular assemblies of hydrogels. The dissociation/reassociation behavior of host-guest complexation, serving as sacrificial bonds, endowed hydrogels with effective energy dissipation and rapid self-healing ability. The prepared silk fibroin-based hydrogels exhibited high mechanical strength, high toughness, and remarkable fatigue resistance, superior to conventional silk fibroin hydrogels. Moreover, due to reversible host-guest interactions, hydrogels achieved facile functional recovery after damage without any external stimuli. This design strategy provides an avenue to develop natural polymer-based materials with robust mechanical properties, thus broadening current hydrogel applications.

Biologically Responsive Plasmonic Assemblies for Second Near-Infrared Window Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Concurrent Chemo-Immunotherapy

We developed dual biologically responsive nanogapped gold nanoparticle vesicles loaded with immune inhibitor and carrying an anticancer polymeric prodrug for synergistic concurrent chemo-immunotherapy against primary and metastatic tumors, along with guided cargo release by photoacoustic (PA) imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. The responsive vesicle was prepared by self-assembly of nanogapped gold nanoparticles (AuNNPs) grafted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dual pH/GSH-responsive polyprodug poly(SN₃₈-co-4-vinylpyridine) (termed AuNNP@PEG/PSN₃₈VP), showing intense PA signal in the NIR-II window. The effect of the rigidity of hydrophobic polymer PSN₃₈VP on the assembled structures and the formation mechanism of AuNNP@SN₃₈ Ve were elucidated by computational simulations. The immune inhibitor BLZ-945 was encapsulated into the vesicles, resulting in pH-responsive release of BLZ-945 for targeted immunotherapy, followed by the dissociation of the vesicles into single AuNNP@PEG/PSN₃₈VP. The hydrophilic AuNNP@PEG/PSN₃₈VP nanoparticles could penetrate deep into the tumor tissues and release the anticancer drug SN₃₈ under the reductive environment. A PA signal in the NIR-II window in the deep tumor region was obtained. The BLZ-945-loaded vesicle enabled enhanced PA imaging-guided concurrent chemo-immunotherapy efficacy, inhibiting the growth of both primary tumors and metastatic tumors.

TaqMan real-time PCR for detecting bovine viral diarrhea virus

The present study was aimed to establish a novel TaqMan real-time PCR (RTm-PCR) for detecting and typing bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and also to develop a diagnostic protocol which simplifies sample collection and processing. Universal primers and TaqMan-MGB probes were designed from the known sequences of conserved 5' - and 3'-untranslated regions (5'UTR, 3'UTR) of the NADL strain of BVDV. Prior to optimizing the assay, cDNAs were transcribed in vitro to make standard curves. The sensitivity, specificity and stability (reproducibility) were evaluated. The RTm-PCR was tested on the 312 feces specimens collected from persistently infected (PI) calves. The results showed the optimum conditions for RTm-PCR were 17.0 μmol/L primer, 7.5 μmol/L probe and 51.4°C annealing temperature. The established TaqMan RTm-PCR assay could specially detect BVDV without detecting any other viruses. Its detection limit was 1.55×100 copies/μL for viral RNA. It was 10000-fold higher than conventional PCR with excellent specificity and reproducibility. 312 samples were tested using this method and universal PCR from six dairy farms, respectively. Positive detections were found in 49 and 44 feces samples, respectively. The occurrence rate was 89.80%. In conclusion, the established TaqMan RTm-PCR could rapidly detect BVDV and effectively identify PI cattle. The detection limit of RTm-PCR was 1.55 copies/μL. It will be beneficial for enhancing diagnosis and therapy efficacy and reduce losses in cattle farms.

A systematic review and computational modelling analysis of unilateral montages in electroconvulsive therapy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical outcomes of ECT unilateral placements compared in prior studies and apply insights from computational modelling to understand differences between placements.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus and PsycINFO and reference lists were systematically searched for studies of depressed patients where two unilateral placements were compared and clinical outcomes were reported. Computational modelling was done to generate electric field maps for each unilateral placement identified in the systematic review.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies met criteria for inclusion. Eight studies reported efficacy outcomes and 23 studies reported cognitive outcomes. Most studies found no significant difference in efficacy between right unilateral (RUL) and left unilateral (LUL) ECT, and no difference was found between temporo-parietal and fronto-temporal ECT. For the majority of studies, RUL placements had better verbal anterograde memory outcomes compared with the LUL placements. There was some evidence suggestive of cognitive advantages for fronto-frontal and fronto-parietal placements relative to temporo-parietal ECT.

CONCLUSIONS

For efficacy, studies mainly focused on the comparison of right vs. left hemispheric stimulation, with the available evidence suggesting no substantive difference. RUL placements tended to have better verbal anterograde memory outcomes relative to LUL placements, though limited differences were found between the RUL placements.

Abstract GS1-02: Towards a human breast cell atlas

The human breast tissue consists of lobules connected to a complex network of ducts that are evolutionarily designed to produce and transport milk to nourish offspring. Histopathology has identified 10 major cell types based on morphological features but have provided limited information on cell states - the transcriptional programs of cell types that reflect different biological functions. In this study, we have generated an unbiased 'cell atlas' of the normal human breast to define the cell types and cell states using single cell RNA sequencing methods. We performed 3' microdroplet based single cell RNA sequencing of 31,442 stromal cells from 11 women with pathologically normal breast tissues that were collected from mastectomies. Unbiased expression analysis identified three major cell types: epithelial cells (luminal and basal), fibroblasts and endothelial cells, in addition to several minor cell types: macrophages, T-cells, natural killer cells, pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Analysis of cell states of these cell types revealed different transcriptional programs in luminal epithelial cells (hormone receptor positive and secretory), basal epithelial cells (myoepithelial or basement-like), endothelial cells (lymphatic or vascular), macrophages (M1 or M2) and fibroblasts (three subgroups) and provided insight into progenitors of each cell types. These data provide a valuable reference for the research community and will provide new insights into how normal cell types are transformed in the tumor microenvironment to promote or inhibit the progression of breast cancer.

Citation Format: Seth TK, Bai S, Hu M, Sei E, Wood A, Wiley J, Chen H, Contreras A, Teshome M, Lim B, Navin NE. Towards a human breast cell atlas [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 GS1-02.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protected vanadium-induced eggshell depigmentation via P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in laying hens

It has been demonstrated that tea polyphenol (TP) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can confer protection against vanadium (V) toxicity in laying hens; however, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms beyond this effect are still limited. In this study, 360 hens were randomly assigned to the 3 groups to study whether the potential mechanism P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is involved in the protective effect of EGCG on eggshell pigmentation in vanadium challenged laying hens. Treatments included a control group, a 10 mg/kg V (V10), and a V10 plus 130 mg/kg of EGCG group (V10+EGCG130). Both eggshell color and protoporphyrin IX were decreased in the V10 group compared with the control diet, while EGCG130 treatment partially improved shell color and protoporphyrin IX (P < 0.05). The V10 exposure induced higher cell apoptosis rate and oxidative stress in birds as evidenced by the histological apoptosis status, decreased uterine glutathione-S transferase (GST) and high abundance of malondialdehyde (MDA) compared with the control group, whereas EGCG130 markedly alleviated oxidative stress via reducing MDA generation (P < 0.05). Dietary vanadium reduced ferrochelatase, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA expression, while EGCG up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression (P < 0.05). Protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and phospho-p38 (P-P38) MAPK were reduced in V10 group, while dietary supplementation with 130 mg/kg EGCG markedly increased Nrf2, HO-1 and P-P38 MAPK protein levels in the uterus compared with the V10 group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, EGCG improved eggshell color and antioxidant system in V10-challenged hens, which seems to be associated with P38MAPK-Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

ELF3 is an antagonist of oncogenic-signalling-induced expression of EMT-TF ZEB1

Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the transformation of epithelial cells into migratory and invasive tumour cells. Intricate positive and negative regulatory processes regulate EMT. Many oncogenic signalling pathways can induce EMT, but the specific mechanisms of how this occurs, and how this process is controlled are not fully understood. Methods: RNA-Seq analysis, computational analysis of protein networks and large-scale cancer genomics datasets were used to identify ELF3 as a negative regulator of the expression of EMT markers. Western blotting coupled to siRNA as well as analysis of tumour/normal colorectal cancer panels was used to investigate the expression and function of ELF3. Results: RNA-Seq analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing mutant and wild-type β-catenin and analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing inducible mutant RAS showed that ELF3 expression is reduced in response to oncogenic signalling and antagonizes Wnt and RAS oncogenic signalling pathways. Analysis of gene-expression patterns across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and protein localization in colorectal cancer tumour panels showed that ELF3 expression is anti-correlated with β-catenin and markers of EMT and correlates with better clinical prognosis. Conclusions: ELF3 is a negative regulator of the EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF) ZEB1 through its function as an antagonist of oncogenic signalling.

Association of a 4-Locus Gene Model Including IL13, IL4, FCER1B, and ADRB2 With the Asthma Predictive Index and Atopy in Chinese Han Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease. We found gene-gene interactions between IL13 rs20541, IL4 rs2243250, ADRB2 rs1042713, and FCER1B rs569108 in asthmatic Chinese Han children. This 4-locus set constituted an optimal statistical interaction model. We examined associations between the 4-gene model (IL13, IL4, FCER1B, and ADRB2) and the Asthma Predictive Index (API) and atopy in Chinese Han children.

METHODS

Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 4 genes were genotyped in 385 preschool children with wheezing symptoms using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The t test and x2 tests were used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Significant correlations were found between the 4-locus gene model and a stringent and loose API (both P<.0001). Additionally, a high-risk asthma genotype was a risk factor for a positive API (stringent API, OR=4.08; loose API, OR=2.36). We also found a statistically significant association between the 4-locus gene model and atopy (P<.01, OR=2.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that the 4-locus gene model consisting of L13 rs20541, IL4 rs2243250, ADRB2 rs1042713, and FCER1B rs569108 was associated with the API and atopy. These findings provide evidence that this gene model can be used to determine a high risk of developing asthma and atopy in Chinese Han children.

Computational models of Bitemporal, Bifrontal and Right Unilateral ECT predict differential stimulation of brain regions associated with efficacy and cognitive side effects

BACKGROUND

Extensive clinical research has shown that the efficacy and cognitive outcomes of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are determined, in part, by the type of electrode placement used. Bitemporal ECT (BT, stimulating electrodes placed bilaterally in the frontotemporal region) is the form of ECT with relatively potent clinical and cognitive side effects. However, the reasons for this are poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study used computational modelling to examine regional differences in brain excitation between BT, Bifrontal (BF) and Right Unilateral (RUL) ECT, currently the most clinically-used ECT placements. Specifically, by comparing similarities and differences in current distribution patterns between BT ECT and the other two placements, the study aimed to create an explanatory model of critical brain sites that mediate antidepressant efficacy and sites associated with cognitive, particularly memory, adverse effects.

METHODS

High resolution finite element human head models were generated from MRI scans of three subjects. The models were used to compare differences in activation between the three ECT placements, using subtraction maps.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

In this exploratory study on three realistic head models, Bitemporal ECT resulted in greater direct stimulation of deep midline structures and also left temporal and inferior frontal regions. Interpreted in light of existing knowledge on depressive pathophysiology and cognitive neuroanatomy, it is suggested that the former sites are related to efficacy and the latter to cognitive deficits. We hereby propose an approach using binarised subtraction models that can be used to optimise, and even individualise, ECT therapies.

Influence of dietary rapeseed meal levels on growth performance, organ health and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in meat ducks from 15 to 35 days of age

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary rapeseed meal (RSM) inclusion levels on growth performance, organ health and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) in meat ducks from 15 to 35 days of age. Six hundred and eighty 15-days-old ducks were randomly allotted to five treatments based on body weight. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated on a digestible amino acid basis by replacing 0% (the control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% (based on fresh) of protein from soya bean meal (SBM) with protein from RSM. The corresponding levels of RSM in experimental diets were 0%, 6.66%, 13.32%, 19.98% and 26.64% respectively. With increasing dietary RSM levels, body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) linearly decreased (p < 0.001), whereas feed-to-gain ratio (F: G) linearly increased (p = 0.0078). Ducks fed the diets with 13.32% or more RSM had significantly lower (p < 0.05) BW, ADG and ADFI, or higher F: G than ducks fed the control diet. The maximum limit of dietary RSM supplementation was estimated to range from 4.27% to maximize ADG for 15 to 35 days to 11.69% to maintain feed intake for 15 to 35 days on the basis of a broken-line model. At day35, the 4th primary wing feather length and SIAAD (except for Met, Thr and Val) linearly decreased (p < 0.001), and the thyroid glands weight (% of BW) linearly increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary RSM levels. Ducks fed the RSM inclusion diets had significantly lower (p < 0.0001) serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities than ducks fed the control diet. These results suggested that the maximum limit of dietary RSM containing 7.57 μmol/g glucosinolates was estimated to be 4.27% to avoid growth reduction.

Phosphorylation-dependent cleavage regulates von Hippel Lindau proteostasis and function

Loss of von Hippel Lindau (VHL) protein function is a key driver of VHL diseases, including sporadic and inherited clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Modulation of the proteostasis of VHL, especially missense point-mutated VHL, is a promising approach to augmenting VHL levels and function. VHL proteostasis is regulated by multiple mechanisms including folding, chaperone binding, complex formation and phosphorylation. Nevertheless, many details underlying the regulations of VHL proteostasis are unknown. VHL is expressed as two variants, VHL30 and VHL19. Furthermore, the long-form variant of VHL was often detected as multiple bands by western blotting. However, how these multiple species of VHL are generated and whether the process regulates VHL proteostasis and function are unknown. We hypothesized that the two major species are generated by VHL protein cleavage, and the cleavage regulates VHL proteostasis and subsequent function. We characterized VHL species using genetical and pharmacological approaches and showed that VHL was first cleaved at the N-terminus by chymotrypsin C before being directed for proteasomal degradation. Casein kinase 2-mediated phosphorylation at VHL N-terminus was required for the cleavage. Furthermore, inhibition of cleavage stabilized VHL protein and thereby promoted HIF downregulation. Our study reveals a novel mechanism regulating VHL proteostasis and function, which is significant for identifying new drug targets and developing new therapeutic approaches targeting VHL deficiency in VHL diseases.

Silk scaffolds with tunable mechanical capability for cell differentiation

Bombyx mori silk fibroin is a promising biomaterial for tissue regeneration and is usually considered an "inert" material with respect to actively regulating cell differentiation due to few specific cell signaling peptide domains in the primary sequence and the generally stiffer mechanical properties due to crystalline content formed in processing. In the present study, silk fibroin porous 3D scaffolds with nanostructures and tunable stiffness were generated via a silk fibroin nanofiber-assisted lyophilization process. The silk fibroin nanofibers with high β-sheet content were added into the silk fibroin solutions to modulate the self-assembly, and to directly induce water-insoluble scaffold formation after lyophilization. Unlike previously reported silk fibroin scaffold formation processes, these new scaffolds had lower overall β-sheet content and softer mechanical properties for improved cell compatibility. The scaffold stiffness could be further tuned to match soft tissue mechanical properties, which resulted in different differentiation outcomes with rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells toward myogenic and endothelial cells, respectively. Therefore, these silk fibroin scaffolds regulate cell differentiation outcomes due to their mechanical features.

CT and MRI findings of radiation-induced external auditory canal carcinoma in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the radiological and clinical features of radiation-induced external auditory canal carcinomas (RIEACCs) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs) after radiation therapy.

METHODS

CT, MRI and clinical features in 16 patients with histologically proven RIEACCs were retrospectively reviewed. There were 2 females and 14 males, with a median age of 52.5 years at the time of diagnosis of RIEACC. Imaging parameters including lesion extent, size, margin, shape, bone destruction, adjacent structure invasion, density/signal intensity, and pattern and degree of enhancement were assessed. Clinical features including clinical staging, histological type, treatment and radiation dose (RD) of primary NPC as well as the histological type, staging of radiation-induced tumour and the latent period between NPC and RIT were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients had a single RIEACC. The lesions had a size of 3.5 ± 1.4 cm and were localized (n = 7) or extensive (n = 9). Most of the lesions were partially or ill defined with an irregular shape and had an intermediate density/signal pattern and moderate homogeneous enhancement. The latent period of RIEACCs ranged from 10 to 20 years in nine patients with a RD of 68-70 Gy; from 2 to 10 years in five patients with a RD of 68-74 Gy; and more than 20 years in two patients with a RD of 70 or 72 Gy.

CONCLUSION

An external auditory canal (EAC) mass with homogeneous, intermediate CT density or signal intensity in patients with NPC after radiotherapy is highly suggestive of RIEACC, which should be included in the routine surveillance for patients with NPC after radiotherapy.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

RIEACCs could occur as short as 2 years after radiotherapy in patients with NPC and have distinct features from otitis media and sarcomas. This EAC malignancy should be included in routine surveillance for patients with NPC after radiotherapy.

Reversible hydrogel-solution system of silk with high beta-sheet content

Silkworm silk has been widely used as a textile fiber, as biomaterials and in optically functional materials due to its extraordinary properties. The β-sheet-rich natural nanofiber units of about 10-50 nm in diameter are often considered the origin of these properties, yet it remains unclear how silk self-assembles into these hierarchical structures. A new system composed of β-sheet-rich silk nanofibers about 10-20 nm in diameter is reported here, where these nanofibers formed into "flowing hydrogels" at 0.5-2% solutions and could be transformed back into the solution state at lower concentrations, even with a high β-sheet content. This is in contrast with other silk processed materials, where significant β-sheet content negates reversibility between solution and solid states. These fibers are formed by regulating the self-assembly process of silk in aqueous solution, which changes the distribution of negative charges while still supporting β-sheet formation in the structures. Mechanistically, there appears to be a shift toward negative charges along the outside of the silk nanofibers in our present study, resulting in a higher zeta potential (above -50 mV) than previous silk materials which tend to be below -30 mV. The higher negative charge on silk nanofibers resulted in electrostatic repulsion strong enough to negate further assembly of the nanofibers. Changing silk concentration changed the balance between hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic repulsion of β-sheet-rich silk nanofibers, resulting in reversible hydrogel-solution transitions. Furthermore, the silk nanofibers could be disassembled into shorter fibers and even nanoparticles upon ultrasonic treatment following the transition from hydrogel to solution due to the increased dispersion of hydrophobic smaller particles, without the loss of β-sheet content, and with retention of the ability to transition between hydrogel and solution states through reversion to longer nanofibers during self-assembly. These reversible solution-hydrogel transitions were tunable with ultrasonic intensity, time, or temperature.