Distribution and roles of Ligilactobacillus murinus in hosts

Ligilactobacillus murinus, a member of the Ligilactobacillus genus, holds significant potential as a probiotic. While research on Ligilactobacillus murinus has been relatively limited compared to well-studied probiotic lactic acid bacteria such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus gasseri, a mounting body of evidence highlights its extensive involvement in host intestinal metabolism and immune activities. Moreover, its abundance exhibits a close correlation with intestinal health. Notably, beyond the intestinal context, Ligilactobacillus murinus is gaining recognition for its contributions to metabolism and regulation in the oral cavity, lungs, and vagina. As such, Ligilactobacillus murinus emerges as a potential probiotic candidate with a pivotal role in supporting host well-being. This review delves into studies elucidating the multifaceted roles of Ligilactobacillus murinus. It also examines its medicinal potential and associated challenges, underscoring the imperative to delve deeper into unraveling the mechanisms of its actions and exploring its health applications.

Changes in the TCR repertoire of T cell subsets during culture of cytokine-induced killer cells

Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells are a group of highly heterogeneous T cells expressing diverse T cell antigen receptors (TCRs), but possessing wide major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted anti-tumor activity, which have been used in the treatment of many tumors. However, the clonal diversity of different T cell subsets and whether there is a certain clonal preference during CIK culture remains to be clarified. We found that the proportion of oligoclones seen in some subfamilies of freshly isolated T cells decreased in varying degrees after culturing. This indicates that the diversity of T cell clones had been restored to a certain extent. The diversity differed among different T cell subsets, as some TCR subfamily oligoclones mainly appeared in CD3+CD56+ cells, which also indicates the heterogeneity of the CIK cell composition.

miR-150 promotes progressive T cell differentiation via inhibiting FOXP1 and RC3H1

T cells used in immune cell therapy, represented by T cell receptor therapy (TCR-T), are usually activated and proliferated in vitro and are induced to a terminally differentiated phenotype, with limited viability after transfusion back into the body. T cells exhibited a robust proliferative potential and in vivo viability in the early stages of progressive differentiation. In this study, we identified microRNAs that regulate T cell differentiation. After microRNA sequencing of the four subsets: Naïve T cells (T_N), stem cell-like memory T cells (T_SCM), central memory T cells (T_CM）, and effector memory T cells (T_EM), miR-150 was identified as the most highly expressed miRNA among the four subsets and was lowly expressed in the T_SCM cells. We predicted the target genes of miR-150 miRNA and performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. We observed that the target genes of miR-150 were enriched in pathways associated with T-cell differentiation. FOXP1 and RC3H1 were identified as key target genes of miR-150 in the regulation of T-cell function. We examined the effects of miR-150 on the differentiation and function of healthy donor T-cells. We observed that miR-150 overexpression promoted T-cell differentiation to effector T-cells and effector memory T-cells, enhanced apoptosis, inhibited cell proliferation and increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α. In addition, the expressions of early differentiation-related genes (ACTN1, CERS6, BCL2, and EOMES), advanced differentiation-related genes (KLRG1), and effector-function-related genes (PRF1 and GZMB) were significantly decreased after overexpression of miR-150. Collectively, our results suggested that miR-150 can promote progressive differentiation of T cells and the downmodulation of miR-150 expression while performing adoptive immunotherapy may inhibit T-cell differentiation and increase the proliferative potential of T cells.

Visualization of pulmonary vein reconnections using dynamic mapping in redo procedures for patients with atrial fibrillation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is commonly associated with recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after the initial catheter ablation procedure. Visualization and identification of PV reconnections are critical during repeat procedures.

Purpose

To examine the use of dynamic mapping (LiveView) in combination with a high-density mapping catheter (HD Grid) in the recognition of PV reconnections in redo AF ablation procedures.

Methods

Acute procedure data from 81 patients were prospectively collected. Mapping catheter selection and the use of LiveView was determined at the physician’s discretion. For cases where LiveView was used, the location and number of gaps from the previous procedure were identified using both standard mapping and dynamic mapping separately.

Results

Most of the patients included in the analysis were treated for paroxysmal AF (PAF: n=63/81, 77.8%). Dynamic mapping data was incorporated in 50 PAF cases and 15 persistent AF cases. Within these 65 cases, standard mapping identified a total of 120 PV gaps whereas LiveView identified a total of 138 PV gaps; gaps were most frequently identified on the right PVs, especially in the anterior region (Table1). A contact force-sensing ablation catheter was commonly (n=64/81, 79%) used by the operators. The right anterior region was ablated with an average contact force of 13.8±3.1g and Lesion index (LSI) of 5.2±0.7 at a power of 35.8±8.4W. Non-PV ablation was performed in 38 (46.9%) patients; the most common lesion sets were roofline, cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) line, and mitral isthmus line. Acute PV isolation was achieved in all patients at the end of the procedure.

Conclusion

Data from this analysis suggest the incorporation of dynamic mapping data may help reveal more PV reconnections compared to standard mapping. Additional study is needed to assess the long-term clinical outcomes when regional dynamic mapping data is used to identify PV reconnections in repeat procedures.

Bactericidal efficacy of low concentration of vaporized hydrogen peroxide with validation in a BSL-3 laboratory

BACKGROUND

Highly infective pathogens are cultured and studied in biosafety laboratories. It is critical to thoroughly disinfect these laboratories to prevent laboratory infection. A whole-room, non-contact, reduced corrosion disinfection strategy using hydrogen peroxide was proposed and evaluated.

AIM

To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of 8% and 10% vaporized hydrogen peroxide( VHP) in a laboratory setting with spores and bacteria as bioindicators.

METHODS

Spores of B. atrophaeus and B. stearothermophilus, along with bacteria E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis were placed in pre-selected locations in a sealed laboratory and an OXY-PHARM NOCOSPRAY2 vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator was applied. Spore killing efficacy was qualitatively evaluated, and bactericidal efficacy was quantitatively analyzed, and the mean log10 reduction was determined. Finally, the optimized disinfection strategy was verified in a BSL-3 laboratory.

FINDINGS

Significant reductions in microbial load were obtained for each of the selected spores and bacteria when exposed to VHP in concentrations of 8% and 10% for 2～3 h. S. aureus was found to be more resistant than E. coli and S. epidermidis. Tests with 8% hydrogen peroxide and exposure for more than 3 h completely killed B. atrophaeus on surfaces and equipment in the BSL-3 laboratory.

CONCLUSION

The vaporized hydrogen peroxide generator is superior in terms of good diffusivity and low corrosiveness and is time-effective in removing the disinfectant residue. This study provides reference for the precise disinfection of air and object surfaces in biosafety laboratories under varying conditions.

Combined overexpression of four transcription factors promotes effector T cell dedifferentiation toward early phenotypes

Effector T cells, which are abundant but are short-lived after reinfusion into the body, are generally used for T-cell therapy, and antitumor immunity is typically not maintained over the long term. Genetic modification by early differentiated T cells and reinfusion has been shown to enhance antitumor immunity in vivo. This study overexpressed the characteristic transcription factors of differentiated early T cells by transfecting effector T cells with transcription factor recombinant lentivirus (S6 group: BCL6, EOMES, FOXP1, LEF1, TCF7, KLF7; S1 group: BCL6, EOMES, FOXP1, KLF7; S3 group: BCL6, EOMES, FOXP1, LEF1) to induce a sufficient number of effector T cells to dedifferentiate and optimize the transcription factor system. The results revealed that overexpression of early characteristic transcription factors in effector T cells upregulated the expression of early T cell differentiation markers (CCR7 and CD62L), with the S1 group having the highest expression level, while the rising trend of late differentiation marker (CD45RO) expression was suppressed. Moreover, the expression of early differentiation-related genes (ACTN1, CERS6, BCL2) was significantly increased, while the expression of late differentiation-related genes (KLRG-1) and effector function-related genes (GNLY, GZMB, PRF1) was significantly decreased; this difference in expression was more significant in the S1 group than in the other two experimental groups. The antiapoptotic ability of each experimental group was significantly enhanced, while the secretion ability of TNF-α and IFN-γ was weakened, with the effector cytokine secretion ability of the S1 group being the weakest. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the gene expression profile of each experimental group was significantly different from that of the control group, with differences in the gene expression pattern and number of differentially expressed genes in the S1 group compared with the other two experimental groups. The differentially expressed gene enrichment pathways were basically related to the cell cycle, cell division, and immune function. In conclusion, overexpression of early characteristic transcription factors in effector T cells induces their dedifferentiation, and induction of dedifferentiation by the S1 group may be more effective.

Equine chorionic gonadotropin pretreatment 15 days before fixed-time artificial insemination improves the reproductive performance of replacement gilts

Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) technology uses exogenous reproductive hormones to regulate the sexual cycle and ovulation of sows without oestrus identification, which improves the sow breeding utilisation rate, reduces the number of non-productive days, and elevates the efficiency of pig farm management. In this study, we aimed to optimise FTAI procedures. Healthy 190-day-old and about 90 kg Large White × Landrace crossing breed replacement gilts (n = 166) which were of unknown reproductive status were randomly selected and divided into three groups: a control group (n = 62), an eCG-15D group in which the gilts were pretreated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) injection 15 days before starting FTAI (n = 50), and an eCG-20D group pretreated with eCG injection 20 days before starting FTAI (n = 54). All three groups were then subjected to the same conventional FTAI procedure. Pigs were orally administered Altrenogest (ALT, 20 mg per pig per day) for 18 days and then 42 h after ALT feeding was stopped, they were injected with 1 000 IU eCG followed by 100 μg GnRH 80 h later. The gilts were inseminated for the first time 24 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection and then again 16 h later. After 42 h of ALT feeding, gilts in the eCG-15D group displayed a higher follicular diameter until artificial insemination (AI) than those from the other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the ovulation times were the most synchronised in the eCG-15D group, with 100% of the gilts ovulating before the second AI on day 25 of FTAI. Furthermore, the gilts in the eCG-15D group achieved the highest pregnancy rate (92%), farrowing rate (90%), total pigs born (11.59), and pigs born alive (11.18). Together, the findings of this study demonstrate that reproductive performance can be optimised by pretreating gilts with eCG 15 days before conventional FTAI.

Global upper-atmospheric heating on Jupiter by the polar aurorae

Jupiter's upper atmosphere is considerably hotter than expected from the amount of sunlight that it receives1-3. Processes that couple the magnetosphere to the atmosphere give rise to intense auroral emissions and enormous deposition of energy in the magnetic polar regions, so it has been presumed that redistribution of this energy could heat the rest of the planet4-6. Instead, most thermospheric global circulation models demonstrate that auroral energy is trapped at high latitudes by the strong winds on this rapidly rotating planet3,5,7-10. Consequently, other possible heat sources have continued to be studied, such as heating by gravity waves and acoustic waves emanating from the lower atmosphere2,11-13. Each mechanism would imprint a unique signature on the global Jovian temperature gradients, thus revealing the dominant heat source, but a lack of planet-wide, high-resolution data has meant that these gradients have not been determined. Here we report infrared spectroscopy of Jupiter with a spatial resolution of 2 degrees in longitude and latitude, extending from pole to equator. We find that temperatures decrease steadily from the auroral polar regions to the equator. Furthermore, during a period of enhanced activity possibly driven by a solar wind compression, a high-temperature planetary-scale structure was observed that may be propagating from the aurora. These observations indicate that Jupiter's upper atmosphere is predominantly heated by the redistribution of auroral energy.

Comparison of geographic workflow preferences with real-time dynamic regional mapping data during catheter ablation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

The clinical benefit of multielectrode high-density (HD) mapping during catheter ablation has been an area of active research. One advantage of HD mapping is improved sensitivity which can lead to better visualization and substrate delineation during the procedure. In addition to the advantages offered by the multielectrode grid mapping catheter (HD Grid), a novel software enable the display of beat-to-beat, dynamic regional mapping data from the current location of HD Grid in real-time (LiveView). The optimal settings and workflows to incorporate the dynamic data into routine ablation procedures have not been explored.

Purpose

To examine the common settings and workflow patterns among operators from different geographies when using dynamic mapping.

Methods

Observational procedural data including procedure time, total RF time, workflow preference, and fluoroscopy time, were prospectively collected from operators across Europe, the U.S., and Asia Pacific countries from May to September 2020. Cases from both catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were included in the analysis.

Results

A total of 754 cases were collected (428, 133, and 193 cases from Europe, the U.S., and the Asia Pacific region, respectively). The most commonly reported indication across all three geographies was de novo paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (223/754, 30.0%). A steerable sheath was more frequently used with the mapping catheter in Europe and U.S. compared to Asia Pacific countries. Contrary to cases from the U.S. and Asia Pacific countries where the double transseptal approach was the preferred technique for left atrial procedures (78.8% and 55.3%, respectively), the single transseptal approach was more commonly observed in European cases (233/428, 54.4%). Visualization of real-time mapping data after creation of traditional full-chamber maps were commonly observed in all three geographies. Regardless of geography, the CS catheter was commonly used a reference electrode; and the most common map appearance settings for interior projection, exterior projection, and interpolation was 7, 7, and 7 respectively. Voltage cutoff of 0.1 mV, range from 0.01 to 1.5 mV, was most frequently observed for delineating scar in atrial arrhythmia cases analyzed in this dataset.

Conclusions

While there is a geographical difference in ablation workflow, common settings and patterns can be observed in all three regions. This data suggests that minimal workflow changes are required to incorporate the use of dynamic data into routine procedures. Adaptation of LiveView can help improve procedure efficiency and efficacy by reducing the need for full chamber maps, identifying areas that were under ablated, and confirming ablation endpoints. Further control study examining procedure efficiency and efficacy associated with dynamic mapping may be warranted.

Workflows and clinical utilization of dynamic mapping data in radiofrequency catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Previous publications suggest that the use of high-density (HD) mapping leads to better substrate visualization and may lead to improved procedural outcomes. A novel dynamic mapping software, utilizes the HD grid mapping catheter (HD Grid) to display beat-to-beat, dynamic regional mapping data (LiveView). Incorporation of real-time dynamic mapping data into routine mapping/ablation workflows may further enhance the clinical benefits of HD mapping during radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation procedures.

Purpose

 To examine the clinical utility and common workflows when dynamic mapping data was used during RF ablation procedures among operators with various experience levels.

Methods

Observational procedural data including procedure time, total RF time, and workflow preference were prospectively collected in catheter ablation cases utilizing LiveView from May to September 2020. Mapping and ablation strategies were determined at the operator’s discretion. Total percentage exceed 100% when multiple usage were reported.

Results

A total of 428 cases were collected from over 25 operators in 11 European countries. LiveView was used in a variety of cases including atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal and persistent), atrial flutter (typical and atypical), and VT (ischemic, non-ischemic, and idiopathic). Visualization of real-time mapping data from the current location of the HD Grid was commonly used after creation of traditional full-chamber maps (319/428, 74.5%). While operators in over 55% of the cases indicated that the use of dynamic display during mapping helped identify areas that were under ablated (238/428, 55.6%), using LiveView did not affect the lesion delivery strategies in those regions. LiveView was also used as a primary method for confirmation of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in 213 cases (49.8%). The most common reported usage of LiveView among the 428 cases analyzed was PVI confirmation/gap identification (75.2%), ablation line gap identification (41.1)%, and identification of breakthrough activation (23.6%)

Conclusions

This initial analysis demonstrated the diverse clinical utilization of LiveView dynamic display during RF catheter ablation procedures, including atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Without causing significant changes to normal workflow, dynamic display of regional signals allows for rapid identification of ablation targets. When used during RF delivery, real-time assessment of regional activation patterns helped improve outcomes by rapidly identifying critical ablation location and ensuring successful lesion delivery. A further study that examines the impact of dynamic display on procedure efficacy may be warranted.

European early experience with a novel 3D mapping system

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Catheter navigation and 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac mapping are critical for successful electrophysiological ablation procedures. A novel 3D mapping system received CE Mark in July 2020. The system offers two imaging modalities: magnetic-based (VoXel) and impedance-based (NavX). Real-time display of 3D location and catheter movements is achieved via a magnetic field frame and magnetic sensors with supplemental impedance data when operating in VoXel mode or primarily via an impedance field generated from surface electrodes in NavX mode. To address limitations in data collection commonly experienced during 3D mapping, a new respiratory compensation algorithm, patient movement detection module, and metal compensation algorithm have been developed to enable consistent data collection throughout the full respiratory cycle even in challenging cases and lab environments.

Purpose

To examine the clinical utility and procedural characteristics associated with the use of this novel 3D mapping system among participating centers.

Methods

Procedural data was collected in cases utilizing the newly cleared mapping system during the initial evaluation phase in Europe. Procedural characteristics recorded included indication for mapping and ablation, rhythm mapped, chambers mapped, and procedure time.

Results

Procedural data was collected from over 250 cases across 12 European centers. A total of 12 indications for mapping and ablation were represented including de novo and redo atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent), ventricular tachycardia (ischemic, non-ischemic) or premature ventricular contraction, and supraventricular arrhythmias (typical and atypical atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia). Over 70% of the cases were performed in VoXel mode. Impedance mode was mostly used in SVT cases or when the case was intended to be completed with minimal fluoroscopy. The most commonly mapped rhythms were sinus rhythm during voltage mapping and atrial tachycardia. The majority of cases (over 65%) were completed under conscious sedation; general anesthesia was used in 20% of the cases (15% not reported). The respiratory compensation algorithm was utilized in over 90% of the cases. For cases in which pre-procedural computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were available, operators indicated that the model shape was accurate when compared to pre-procedural imaging in 96% of the cases performed in VoXel mode.

Conclusions

Initial European experience with this novel 3D mapping system included a wide variety of arrhythmias in the atria and ventricles. This new mapping system offered operators the flexibility to tailor to specific procedure needs with two imaging modalities which were both widely utilized.

A Correlation Analysis between the Nutritional Status and Prognosis of COVID-19 Patients

PURPOSE

The present study investigated the correlation between the nutritional status and prognosis of COVID-19 patients, and analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients with different nutritional status.

METHODS

429 patients who were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2019 to March 2020 were selected and divided into different groups based on Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score (0-4: the low CONUT score group; 5-12: the high CONUT score group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate the effects of CONUT score on prognosis.

RESULTS

The total score of admission status of patients with higher CONUT score was higher than that of those with lower CONUT score (χ2 = 7.152, P = 0.007). The number of adverse outcomes of female was higher than that of male (χ2 = 10.253, P = 0.001). The number of adverse outcomes was higher for patients with smoking history (P = 0.004) or hypertension (χ2 = 11.240, P = 0.001) than those without. Also, the number of adverse outcomes was higher for older patients than younger ones (χ2 = 15.681, P < 0.001). Patients with adverse outcomes had lower urine red blood cell count than patients without adverse outcomes (χ2 = 5.029, P = 0.025). However, BMI, drinking history and diabetes did not show correlation with the prognosis of COVID-19 (P > 0.05).Among patients ≥ 61 years old, the risk of adverse outcomes in the high CONUT score group was 6.191 times that of the low CONUT score group (OR = 6.191, 95% CI: 1.431-26.785).Among the non-diabetic patients, the risk of adverse outcomes in the high CONUT group was 11.678 times that of the low CONUT group (OR = 11.678, 95% CI: 2.754-49.41).For the patients who had a total score of admission status < 6, the risk of adverse outcomes in the high CONUT score group was 8.216 times that of the low CONUT score group (OR = 8.216, 95% CI: 2.439-27.682).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients with good nutritional status showed a small chance to have adverse outcomes. Gender, age, hypertension, the number of urine red blood cell count and CONUT score affected the adverse outcomes of patients.

Effect of AKT1 (p. E17K) Hotspot Mutation on Malignant Tumorigenesis and Prognosis

The substitution of the seventeenth amino acid glutamate by lysine in the homologous structural domain of the Akt1 gene pleckstrin is a somatic cellular mutation found in breast, colorectal, and ovarian cancers, named p. Glu17Lys or E17K. In recent years, a growing number of studies have suggested that this mutation may play a unique role in the development of tumors. In this review article, we describe how AKT1(E17K) mutations stimulate downstream signals that cause cells to emerge transformed; we explore the differential regulation and function of E17K in different physiological and pathological settings; and we also describe the phenomenon that E17K impedes tumor growth by interfering with growth-promoting and chemotherapy-resistant AKT1^lowQCC generation, an intriguing finding that mutants may prolong tumor patient survival by activating feedback mechanisms and disrupting transcription. This review is intended to provide a better understanding of the role of AKT1(E17K) in cancer and to inform the development of AKT1(E17K)-based antitumor strategies.

Point mutation screening of tumor neoantigens and peptide-induced specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes using The Cancer Genome Atlas database

The aim of the present study was to use The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to identify tumor neoantigens, combined with a bioinformatics analysis to design and analyze antigen epitope peptides. Epitopes were screened using immunogenicity tests to identify the ideal epitope peptides to target tumor neoantigens, which can specifically activate the immune response of T cells. The high-frequency mutation loci (top 10) of colorectal, lung and liver cancer genes were screened using TCGA database. The antigenic epitope peptides with high affinity for major histocompatibility complex molecules were selected and synthesized using computer prediction algorithms, and were subsequently detected using flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) on peptide-loaded T2 cells was initially verified using interferon IFN-γ detection and a calcein-acetoxymethyl (Cal-AM) release assay. Tumor cell lines expressing point mutations in KRAS, TP53 and CTNNB1 genes were constructed respectively, and the cytotoxicity of peptide-induced specific CTLs on wild-type and mutant tumor cells was verified using a Cal-AM release assay and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester-propidium iodide staining. The high-frequency gene mutation loci of KRAS proto-oncogene (KRAS) G12V, tumor protein p53 (TP53) R158L and catenin β1 (CTNNB1) K335I were identified in TCGA database. A total of 3 groups of wild-type and mutant peptides were screened using a peptide prediction algorithm. The CTNNB1 group had a strong affinity for the human leukocyte antigen-A2 molecule, as determined using flow cytometry. The IFN-γ secretion of specific CTLs in the CTNNB1 group was the highest, followed by the TP53 and the KRAS groups. The killing rate of mutant peptide-induced specific CTLs on peptide-loaded T2 cells in the CTNNB1 group was higher compared with that observed in the other groups. The killing rate of specific CTLs induced by mutant peptides present on tumor cells was higher compared with that induced by wild-type peptides. However, when compared with the TP53 and KRAS groups, specific CTLs induced by mutant peptides in the CTNNB1 group had more potent cytotoxicity towards mutant and wild-type tumor cells. In conclusion, point mutant tumor neoantigens screened in the three groups improved the cytotoxicity of specific T cells, and the mutant peptides in the CTNNB1 group were more prominent, indicating that they may activate the cellular immune response more readily.

Danggui Buxue Tang restores antibiotic-induced metabolic disorders by remodeling the gut microbiota

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) has been used to promote hematopoiesis and relieve myelosuppression in China. Antibiotics can cause myelosuppression through gut microbiota disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the way of DBT to alleviate the metabolic disorder caused by antibiotics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to detect the change of gut microbiota, metabolomics to analyze the change of metabolites. Correlation analysis was used to establishment the correlation between gut microbiota and metabolites. PICRUST 2 was used to predict the function of gut microbiota.

RESULTS

Results showed that eighty-two genera of gut microbiota were affected by antibiotic, while twelve were significantly restored after DBT. Seventy-four potential metabolites were significantly different from the antibiotics and DBT. We found significant recovery by the Bacteroides and Rikenellaceae RC9 after DBT. The metabolic pathways influenced by the antibiotic treatment included primary and secondary bile biosynthesis, etc. The metabolic pathways that could be restored after DBT included the primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathway, etc. Through correlation analysis, we found a correlation between the Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and other potential differential metabolisms such as those of taurodeoxycholic acid, N-phenylacetyl glycine, etc. The functional prediction showed that the biosynthesis of primary bile acid, secondary bile acid was significantly affected.

CONCLUSIONS

DBT can restore the gut and reverse the metabolic disorder caused by antibiotics through Bacteroides, and it provides a new medical idea regarding the gut microbiota balance.

Effects of the prebiotic inulin-type fructans on post-antibiotic reconstitution of the gut microbiome

AIMS

Interventions using prebiotic inulin-type fructans (ITFs) are widely prescribed to modulate the gut microbiota composition and activity to promote health. However, the impacts of ITFs on post-antibiotic reconstitution of the gut microbiome remain incompletely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ITFs supplementation on intestinal inflammation, the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the colonic transcriptome after antibiotic treatment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male BALB/c mice were subjected to an antibiotic cocktail (ABx) treatment for 7 days, and their microbiomes were then reconstituted either spontaneously or with ITFs supplementation (5%) for 14 days. Our data showed that ITFs supplementation delayed the recovery of antibiotic-induced colitis compared with the spontaneous recovery. Neither ITFs supplementation nor spontaneous recovery could restore the microbial community composition at the genus level back to its initial composition. ITFs supplementation increased the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria and butyrate levels, but resulted in selective blooms of some opportunistic pathogens and elevated the pathways associated with diseases linked to gut microbiota function. Both ITFs supplementation and spontaneous recovery could restore the colonic transcriptome nearly to the initial profile to a certain extent; however, ITFs supplementation delayed the restoration of the immunoglobulin genes compared to spontaneous recovery.

CONCLUSION

These data showed that post-antibiotic ITFs consumption did not always lead to beneficial effects but might lead to potential adverse effects in the context of dysbiosis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These findings highlighted that caution is required when supplementing ITFs to restore intestinal homeostasis in the context of dysbiosis resulting from broad-spectrum antibiotics.

P1383Procedural differences during de novo paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation with a contact force-sensing ablation catheter between Europe and U.S

Background

Although pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is considered the standard approach of atrial fibrillation ablation worldwide, procedural practice during the ablation varies by geographical region. Using the same magnetic sensor enabled contact force-sensing ablation catheter for the treatment of de novo paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a comparison of procedural detail between Europe and U.S operators can provide insights into geographic specific clinical practices. 

Purpose

To characterize and compare procedural differences during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation performed with a magnetic sensor enabled contact force-sensing catheter across European and U.S. centers. 

Methods

Procedural data were prospectively collected in clinical cases performed with a new magnetic sensor enabled, contact force ablation catheter within the first 6 months of use at participating centers in Europe and the U.S. Procedure time, PVI time, PVI confirmation method, fluoroscopy usage and lesion delivery parameters were analyzed based on geographies. 

Results

A total of 131 cases across 35 centers in 11 European countries, and 95 cases across 26 U.S. centers were analyzed. Target geometry was created with the ablation catheter in 94 out of 131 (71.8%) European cases, while only 5 out of 95 U.S. cases (5.3%) reported the use of the ablation catheter for model creation. Although a steerable sheath (64.1% and 67.3%) was commonly used with the ablation catheter in both geographies, difference in the utilization of bidirectional contact force catheter (52.7% and 90.5%) and the automated lesion marking module (76.3% and 81.1%) were observed in European and U.S. cases, respectively. The use of adenosine or isoproterenol to confirm PVI was reported in 25% and 64% of the European and U.S. cases. Average waiting periods were 18.2 minutes and 26.5 minutes from reported European and U.S. cases. Total procedural time, mapping time, and fluoroscopy time were similar between European and U.S. cases. (Table). First pass PVI were 66.4% and 72.6% for European and U.S. cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Total procedural time and RF time were similar between European and U.S. cases during de novo paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation using the same ablation catheter. Differences in workflow including the use of a mapping catheter for geometry creation and waiting period were observed between the two geographies.

Summary of procedural details De novo PAF N Procedural time(min) Mapping time (min) PVI time (min) Total RF time (min) Fluoro time( min) Europe 131 144.0 ± 56.9 16.6 ± 17.1 69.8 ± 35.0 33.2 ± 15.6 11.6 ± 10.1 U.S. 95 137.6 ± 64.8 18.1 ± 23.5 58.8 ± 31.5 32.3 ± 22.2 12.0 ± 15.8

P981Comparison of automark utilization and lesion metric target during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation with a contact force-sensing ablation catheter: European and U.S. multicenter Experiences

Background

Accurate delivery of transmural lesion is associated with improved durability of pulmonary vein isolation and reduced reconduction. Lesion quality depends on multiple parameters such as radiofrequency power, tissue-catheter contact, duration of energy application, and catheter tip temperature. Consequently, energy delivery parameters vary based on individual operators’ preferences and procedural needs.

Purpose

To characterize and compare the utilization of automated lesion marking feature and lesion delivery parameters used during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation performed with a magnetic sensor enabled contact force-sensing catheter across European and U.S. centers.

Methods

Procedural data were prospectively collected in clinical cases performed with a new magnetic sensor enabled, contact force ablation catheter within the first 6 months of use at participating centers in Europe and the U.S. Use of bidirectional CF catheters, steerable sheaths, automated lesion marking software and associated lesion delivery parameters during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation were evaluated.

Results

A total of 149 cases across 37 centers in 11 European countries, and 112 cases across 31 U.S. centers were analyzed. A bidirectional contact force catheter (56.4% and 90.2%), a steerable sheath (65.8% and 69.6%), and the automated lesion marking module (77.9% and 90.2%) were used in most European and U.S. cases, respectively. The most commonly reported energy delivery parameters were: lesion index (LSI), Force-Time Integral (FTI), and time from European cases; LSI, average force, and FTI for U.S. cases (Table). Target LSI values were recorded for 126 cases in Europe and 34 in the U.S, ranging from 3 to 6. In anterior/roof segments, most common LSI target values for anterior/roof and posterior/inferior segments were 6 (42.9%) and 5 (51.2%) in Europe, and 5.5 (44.1%) and 5 (54.5%) in the U.S. PVI was confirmed with an average of 20.3 minutes waiting period (69.1%) for European cases and exit block (57.1%) in U.S. cases. First pass PVI were 67.1% and 74.4% for European and U.S. cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Energy delivery parameters and PVI confirmation method varied considerably by geography during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation using the magnetic sensor enabled, contact force ablation catheter. Further study on efficacy implication on these differences in practice should be examined.

Energy delivery parameters used Paroxysmal AF N LSI FTI Time Imp Drop Avg Force Other N/A Europe 149 44.0 % 13.4 % 7.0 % 6.0 % 2.4 % 1.0 % 26.2 % U.S. 112 31.2% 17.9 % 6.2 % 8.0 % 23.2 % 11.7 % 1.8 % Energy delivery parameters used in paroxysmal AF ablation in Europe and U.S.

Discovery and characterization of a novel splice variant of the p53 tumor suppressor gene in a human T cell leukemia cellline

Alternative splicing produces multiple mRNA variants of TP53 which have diverse biologic functions. In this study, we identified a novel splice variant of TP53 lacking a 200 nt portion of exon 4 (p53ΔE4p) from a human leukemia T cell line. No protein product of p53ΔE4p was identifiable by western blot; however, forced expression of the variant in HEK-293T cells expressing wild-type p53 could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell death. Interestingly, this novel variant also significantly enhances the expression of reporter genes. Moreover, transcriptome analysis showed that genes related to DNA binding and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II function were significantly upregulated following p53ΔE4p transfection, suggesting a role for this variant in the regulation of gene expression.

The effect of antibiotic cocktails on host immune status is dynamic and does not always correspond to changes in gut microbiota

The disruption of the gut microbiota by treatment with an antibiotic cocktail (ABx) can trigger an imbalance in immune homeostasis. However, whether the changes in the intestinal microbiota always correspond to the changes in the physiology and immune homeostasis of the host remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the effects of ABx on immune homeostasis by analyzing the colonic transcriptome with 16S rRNA analysis of the gut microbiota on the 7th and 21st days of continuous treatment with ABx. Our results showed that the composition profile of the gut microbiota was similar after 7 and 21 days of ABx treatment. However, after 21 days of ABx treatment, the intestinal inflammation did not deteriorate further. Instead, the inflammation of the host was relieved, and half of the differentially expressed genes in the colon were restored compared with the 7 days of ABx treatment. Furthermore, the enrichment and network analysis of these restored genes indicated that expression of regenerating islet-derived protein 3β (Reg3b) and expression of regenerating islet-derived protein 3γ (Reg3g), especially Reg3b, may participate in the regulation of the inflammatory response and affect the changes in host immune homeostasis during continuous ABx treatment. Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the expression of Reg3b is correlated with the growth of Escherichia-Shigella. Our data demonstrated that even though the disruption of the gut microbiota profile induced by ABx treatment is similar, the host response and immune status will be different at different times.Key Points• Host immune status can change in different ABx treatment times.• Gut microbiota showed same exhaustion state in different ABx treatment times.• Host tried to revert to a certain extent after long-term ABx treatment.• Reg3b may affect the changes in host immune homeostasis during continuous ABx treatment.• The expression of Reg3b correlated with the growth of Escherichia-Shigella.

Effects of AKT1 E17K mutation hotspots on the biological behavior of breast cancer cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the AKT1 gene mutation hotspot E17K on the growth, proliferation, survival, and migration of breast cancer cells, based on the survival and prognosis of breast cancer patients with the AKT1 E17K mutation shown in TCGA database.

METHODS

The survival and incidence rates of AKT1 E17K mutation hotspots in breast cancer and other cancers were extracted from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid AKT1 E17K-pIRES2-EGFP was constructed and transfected into breast cancer MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were randomly divided into blank control groups, empty plasmid groups, and recombinant plasmid groups. The growth curve was drawn using the cell counting method. The proliferation and division of breast cancer cells were detected by CFSE fluorescent dye tracking. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI double labeling and cell vitality was detected using MTT assays, and cell migratory ability was detected by cell scratch and transwell chamber tests.

RESULTS

In breast cancer, and other cancers, the overall survival rate of patients with an AKT E17K mutation was higher than that of patients with non-point mutation, and this mutation was the most common found in breast cancer. Compared with the wild type, the growth function of mutant MCF-7 cells was inhibited (P < 0.05), as was the proliferation of MCF-7 cells expressing the AKT1 E17K mutation gene (P < 0.001). The late apoptosis rate of mutant breast cancer cells increased (P < 0.05) and the viability was lower than that of wild-type cells (P < 0.05). Mutant MDA-MB-231 cells showed increased migration ability when compared to wild-type MDA-MB-231 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of the AKT1 E17K mutation hotspot can inhibit the growth, proliferation, and survival ability of breast cancer cells, and promote apoptosis, while it also improves their migratory ability. The survival and prognosis of breast cancer patients with this mutation are good, which may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

The H3+ ionosphere of Uranus: decades-long cooling and local-time morphology

The upper atmosphere of Uranus has been observed to be slowly cooling between 1993 and 2011. New analysis of near-infrared observations of emission from H3+ obtained between 2012 and 2018 reveals that this cooling trend has continued, showing that the upper atmosphere has cooled for 27 years, longer than the length of a nominal season of 21 years. The new observations have offered greater spatial resolution and higher sensitivity than previous ones, enabling the characterization of the H3+ intensity as a function of local time. These profiles peak between 13 and 15 h local time, later than models suggest. The NASA Infrared Telescope Facility iSHELL instrument also provides the detection of a bright H3+ signal on 16 October 2016, rotating into view from the dawn sector. This feature is consistent with an auroral signal, but is the only of its kind present in this comprehensive dataset. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Advances in hydrogen molecular ions: H3+, H5+ and beyond'.

Antimicrobial activity and toxicity of gold nanoparticles: research progress, challenges and prospects

Gold nanoparticles are emerging materials that exhibit characteristics distinct from those of traditional materials and that have promising potential for application in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology and medicine. During the past decades, numerous studies on the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of gold nanoparticles have been published. With respect to antimicrobial activity, gold nanoparticles conjugated with small molecules, such as antibiotics, drugs, vaccines and antibodies, are more efficient than individual nanoparticles and molecules. Regarding the toxicity effects, results are often unclear and conflicting because of the lack of a standard experimental method; various studies have used different approaches, administration routes and doses, and similar experiments may lead to different conclusions. To provide a systematic overview of and insight in the current knowledge for researchers committed to this filed, we discuss the recent research advances related to the antimicrobial activity and toxicity of gold nanoparticles, both in vitro and in vivo, and identify major issues that require further study. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This paper discusses the recent research progress on antimicrobial activity and toxicity of gold nanoparticles and provides general insights into the field for researchers committed to this field.

Suppression of tumor cell proliferation and migration by human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: A possible role for apoptosis and Wnt signaling

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) represent potential therapeutic tools for solid tumors. However, there are numerous inconsistent results regarding the effects of hUCMSCs on tumors, and the mechanisms underlying this remain poorly understood. The present study further examined this controversial issue by analyzing the molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of hUCMSCs on the proliferation and migration of the human lung cancer A549 cell line and the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) BEL7402 cell line in vitro. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that hUCMSCs arrested tumor cells in specific phases of the cell cycle and induced the apoptosis of tumor cells by using the hUCMSC-conditioned medium (hUCMSC-CM). The hUCMSC-CM also attenuated the migratory abilities of the two tumor cell types. Furthermore, the expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), the pro-form of caspase-7 (pro-caspase-7), β-catenin and c-Myc was downregulated, while that of ephrin receptor (EphA5), a biomarker of cancer cell dormancy, was slightly increased in these two tumor cell lines treated with hUCMSC-CM. Specifically, when co-cultured via direct cell-to-cell contact, hUCMSCs were able to spontaneously fuse with any of the two types of solid tumor cells. These observations suggested that hUCMSCs may be a promising candidate for the biological therapy of lung cancer and HCC. Future studies should focus on detailed evidence for cell fusion, as well as other mechanisms proposed in the present study, by introducing additional experimental approaches and models.

γδTCR immunoglobulin constant region domain exchange in human αβTCRs improves TCR pairing without altering TCR gene-modified T cell function

The adoptive genetic transfer of T cell receptors (TCRs) has been shown to be overall feasible and offer clinical potential as a treatment for different types of cancer. However, this promising clinical approach is limited by the serious potential consequence that exogenous TCR mispairing with endogenous TCR chains may lead to the risk of self-reactivity. In the present study, domain-exchange and three-dimensional modeling strategies were used to create a set of chimeric TCR variants, which were used to exchange the partial or complete constant region of αβTCR with corresponding γδTCR domains. The expression, assembly and function of the chimeric TCR variants were examined in Jurkat T cells and peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). Genetically-encoded chimeras were fused with a pair of fluorescent proteins (ECFP/EYFP) to monitor expression and the pairing between chimeric TCRα chains and TCRβ chains. The fluorescence energy transfer based on confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the introduction of γδTCR constant sequences into the αβTCR did not result in a global reduction of mispairing with endogenous TCR. However, the TCR harboring the immunoglobulin-like domain of the γδTCR constant region (i.e., TCR∆IgC), showed a higher expression and preferential pairing, compared with wild-type (wt)TCR. The function analysis showed that TCR∆IgC exhibited the same levels of interferon-γ production and cytotoxic activity, compared with wtTCR. Furthermore, these modified TCR-transduced T cells retained the classic human leukocyte antigen restriction of the original TCR. The other two chimeric TCRs, had either exchange of the cp+tm+ic domain or exchange of the whole C domain (Fig. 1). Ultimately, exchange of these domains demonstrated defective function in the transduced T cells. Taken together, these findings may provide further understanding of the γδTCR constant domain with implications for the improvement of TCR gene transfer therapy.

Identification of Zygosaccharomyces mellis strains in stored honey and their stress tolerance

To screen yeast with high sugar tolerance and evaluate their stress tolerance, six yeast strains were selected from 17 stored honey samples. The species were identified through 26S rRNA sequencing. Their stress tolerance was determined via the Durham fermentation method and ethanol production ability was determined via flask fermentation. The results demonstrated that all the six strains were Zygosaccharomyces mellis. Their sugar, ethanol, and acid tolerance ranges were 500-700 g/L, 10-12% (v/v), and pH 2.5-4.5, respectively. The SO₂ tolerance was 250 mg/L. Among the six strains, 6-7431 had the best stress tolerance with sugar tolerance of 700 g/L, ethanol tolerance of 12% (v/v), and acid tolerance of pH 2.5. Furthermore, the strain of 6-7431 had the highest percentage of ethanol production at the same initial sugar content as the other strains. Therefore, the selected six yeast strains would be promising fermentation yeasts for wine-making, ethanol production, or other fermentation purposes.

Managing interoperability and complexity in health systems

In recent years, we have witnessed substantial progress in the use of clinical informatics systems to support clinicians during episodes of care, manage specialised domain knowledge, perform complex clinical data analysis and improve the management of health organisations' resources. However, the vision of fully integrated health information eco-systems, which provide relevant information and useful knowledge at the point-of-care, remains elusive. This journal Focus Theme reviews some of the enduring challenges of interoperability and complexity in clinical informatics systems. Furthermore, a range of approaches are proposed in order to address, harness and resolve some of the many remaining issues towards a greater integration of health information systems and extraction of useful or new knowledge from heterogeneous electronic data repositories.

[Homology modeling and eukaryotic expression of a modified αβ TCR harboring the immunoglobulin-like domain of γδ TCR]

Objective To design, construct and express a chimeric αβ TCR harboring the immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domain of γδ TCR in Jurkat T cells. Methods The fusion sites of TCR δIg were determined by bioinformatics analysis. Then the protein structures of TCR α δIg and TCR β δIg were predicted by homology modeling. Furthermore, the structures of TCR α δIg and TCR β δIg were compared with the wild type (wt) TCR α and TCR β respectively by combinatorial extension (CE). After that, the TCR α δIg and TCR β δIg were fused to fluorescent protein ECFP and EYFP respectively via the overlap PCR, and then the fusion genes (TCR α δIg-ECFP and TCR β δIg-EYFP) were cloned into pIRES2-EGFP vector and respectively located at the upstream and downstream of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). The recombinant prokaryotic expression vector pIRES-TCR βδIg-EYFP/TCR αδIg-ECFP was transferred into Jurkat T cells. Finally, the expression of TCR δIg in Jurkat T cells was monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results The variable region structure of the TCR δIg did not change and the antigen recognition active regions remained stable compared to the wtTCR. The recombinant expression plasmid was successfully constructed as confirmed by PCR identification and sequencing analysis. CLSM showed that TCR δIg was expressed and located at the plasma membrane of Jurkat T cells. Conclusion The design of TCR δIg was reasonable and the TCR δIg could be expressed on Jurkat T cell surface.

14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid promotes production of brain derived neurotrophic factor from astrocytes and exerts neuroprotective effects during ischaemic injury

AIMS

14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET) is abundantly expressed in brain and exerts protective effects against ischaemia. 14,15-EET is hydrolysed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). sEH^-/- mice show a higher level of 14,15-EET in the brain. Astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal survival under ischaemic conditions. However, it is unclear whether the neuroprotective effect of 14,15-EET is associated with astrocytes.

METHODS

A mouse model of focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) was performed on cultured murine astrocytes, neurons and a human cell line. Cell viabilities were measured by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mRNA expressions were quantified by real-time PCR. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration was measured by ELISA. Protein expressions were quantified by Western blotting. BDNF and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expressions were analysed by confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

Decreased infarct volumes, elevated BDNF expression and increased numbers of BDNF/GFAP Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein double-positive cells were observed in the ischaemic penumbra of sEH^-/- mice. The decreased infarct volumes of sEH^-/- mice were diminished by intracerebroventricular injection of a blocker of BDNF receptor. 14,15-EET increases BDNF expression and cell viability of murine astrocytes and U251 cells by BDNF-TrkB Tyrosine receptor kinase-B-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 signalling during OGD/R. 14,15-EET protects neurons from OGD/R by stimulating the production of astrocyte-derived BDNF. 14,15-EET stimulates the production of astrocyte-derived BDNF through PPAR-γ/p-cAMP-response element binding protein signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the importance of 14,15-EET-mediated production of astrocyte-derived BDNF for enhancing viability of astrocytes and protecting neurons from the ischaemic injury and provides insights into the mechanism by which 14,15-EET is involved in neuroprotection.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in the neuroplastin locus associates with cortical thickness and intellectual ability in adolescents

Despite the recognition that cortical thickness is heritable and correlates with intellectual ability in children and adolescents, the genes contributing to individual differences in these traits remain unknown. We conducted a large-scale association study in 1583 adolescents to identify genes affecting cortical thickness. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n=54,837) within genes whose expression changed between stages of growth and differentiation of a human neural stem cell line were selected for association analyses with average cortical thickness. We identified a variant, rs7171755, associating with thinner cortex in the left hemisphere (P=1.12 × 10(-)(7)), particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes. Localized effects of this SNP on cortical thickness differently affected verbal and nonverbal intellectual abilities. The rs7171755 polymorphism acted in cis to affect expression in the human brain of the synaptic cell adhesion glycoprotein-encoding gene NPTN. We also found that cortical thickness and NPTN expression were on average higher in the right hemisphere, suggesting that asymmetric NPTN expression may render the left hemisphere more sensitive to the effects of NPTN mutations, accounting for the lateralized effect of rs7171755 found in our study. Altogether, our findings support a potential role for regional synaptic dysfunctions in forms of intellectual deficits.

Differences in TCR-Vβ repertoire and effector phenotype between tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes increase with age

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) reflect the host's anti-tumor immune response, and can be a valuable predictor of prognosis. However, many properties of TIL are not fully understood. In the present study, TCR-Vβ repertoires of cancer patients were primarily analyzed by flow cytometry. Abnormally expressed TCR-Vβ subfamilies were generally found in both TIL and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of each patient. Of note, increased patient age was associated with increasingly biased TCR-Vβ repertoire in TIL but not in PBL, and the dispersion degree of the differences of TCR-Vβ subfamilies between TIL and PBL correlated positively with age (P = 0.007). Utilizing immunoscope analysis, we identified the age-related reduction in TCR-Vβ diversity, but polyclonal pattern was predominant in significantly expanded TCR-Vβ subfamilies. In addition, we found that older patients possessed a decreased ratio of CD8+CD62L+ non-effector cells in TIL compared to PBL, implying age-related increase of CD8+CD62L- effector cells in TIL. The colocalization analysis of CD8 and CD3, however, suggested the suppressed activity of these effector cells in tumor microenvironment. These findings further elucidate the properties of TIL, showing an increasing difference between TIL and PBL with age, which may provide insight for the development of effective immunotherapies for cancer patients of different ages.

A rapid one-step immunochromatographic test strip for rabies detection using canine serum samples

We developed an immunochromatographic test strip using colloidal gold-coated staphylococcal protein A (SPA) for the detection of rabies antibody in canine serum samples. The recombinantly expressed rabies virus phosphoprotein (RV-P) and the anti-staphylococcal protein A (anti-SPA) polyclonal antibody were coated on the test (T) and control (C) lines on a nitrocellulose membrane, respectively. This layout is designed such that the polyclonal antibody in canine serum is captured by the colloidal gold-SPA conjugates, before the rabies antibody complex is specifically selected by the RV-P deposited on the T line, forming a 'sandwich' pattern. Unbound excess colloidal SPA then proceeds to the control line where SPA specifically interacts with the anti-SPA antibody, producing a red precipitation at the C line, indicating the validity of the strip. We tested 165 canine serum samples with the strips, and the results were compared with those obtained using ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity of ICTS were found to be 93·1 and 92·2%, respectively. As a rapid technique, not demanding expensive instrumentation, the strip offers potential in disease monitoring, especially in rabies-endemic developing countries.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Simple and cheap techniques to detect rabies virus or monitor immunity against it are central in maintaining epidemiological control over the disease, particularly in endemic developing countries. While many techniques meet this requirement, they are confined to this usage as they are time-consuming and demand expensive instrumentation. Our immunochromatographic test strip can detect rabies antibody with high specificity and sensitivity; the output can be measured with naked eye. It allows safe and quick detection that will be of value in the surveillance of the immunization status of potential targets in rabies-endemic regions and will aid disease control.