Banteng (Bos javanicus) embryos and pregnancies produced by interspecies nuclear transfer

The banteng (Bos javanicus), a member of the bovidae family, is currently listed as threatened by the IUCN Red List and it is estimated the total world population is <10,000 animals. In exotic or endangered species, the lack of oocytes and recipients precludes the use of traditional somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT), and an approach such as interspecies NT may be the only alternative to produce embryos and offspring. A total of 348 enucleated domestic bovine oocytes were reconstructed with either male (Treatment A) or female (Treatment B) adult banteng fibroblasts and a total of 103 bovine oocytes were parthenogenically activated as a control (Treatment C). There was no significant difference in fusion rate (68 versus 77%) between Treatments A and B. Of fused couplets, those in Treatment A had greater (P < 0.05) cleavage (67 versus 51%) and blastocyst (28 versus 15%) rate than Treatment B. Of a total of 24 blastocysts transferred into 12 domestic cattle recipients from Treatment A, two pregnancies (17%) were established with heart beats detectable at 30 day by rectal ultrasonography. No pregnancies resulted from the transfer of 14 blastocysts from Treatment B. Both pregnancies were subsequently lost, one between 30 and 60 days and the second between 60 and 90 days of gestation. The bovine cytoplast supported mitotic cleavage of banteng karyoplasts, and was capable of reprogramming the nucleus to achieve blastocyst stage embryos and pregnancies in exotic bovids.

Effect of dietary folic acid supplementation on egg folate content and the performance and folate status of two strains of laying hens

Enrichment of eggs with folate is possible when dietary folic acid levels are increased. However, development of optimal strategies for the production of folate-enriched eggs requires knowledge as to differences due to strain of bird and a greater understanding of the factors limiting egg folate deposition. To this end, a study was designed to determine the response of two leghorn strains that differ in production performance. Hyline W36 and W98 hens (n = 6 per diet) received a barley-based ration containing 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 mg/kg of crystalline folic acid for 21 d. Response criteria included production parameters, measures of blood folate status, and egg folate content. Significant (P < 0.05) main effects of folate supplementation were observed for egg folate content and plasma folate, which increased, and homocysteine concentrations, which decreased with supplementation; performance, however, was not affected. The Hyline W98 strain had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total egg and yolk weights and feed consumption when compared with the W36. Significant (P < 0.05) ration x strain interactions were observed for egg and yolk weight, egg folate content, and plasma homocysteine. The higher egg mass producing strain, Hyline W98, benefited from increased folic acid through a reduction in plasma homocysteine concentrations, suggesting that this strain has a higher requirement for folate than the W36 strain. Overall, egg folate content is maximized when crystalline folic acid is supplemented to the diet at 2 mg/kg or higher. Higher levels of egg folate are not achieved due to the saturation of the precursor pool for egg folate deposition.

Prevalence and severity of Doppler-detected valvular regurgitation and estimation of right-sided cardiac pressures in patients with normal two-dimensional echocardiograms

To assess the prevalence and severity of Doppler-detected valvular regurgitation, as assessed by multiple Doppler modalities, in patients with structurally normal hearts, we analyzed Doppler echocardiograms in a consecutive sample of 206 referred patients who were found to have completely normal M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiograms. Valvular regurgitation was detected by Doppler in 94 percent, and 56 percent had regurgitation in at least two valves (mitral, tricuspid, and/or aortic). Mitral, tricuspid, and aortic regurgitation was detected in 73 percent, 68 percent, and 12 percent, respectively, with moderate regurgitation occurring in 6 percent, 5 percent, and 2 percent, respectively. The presence of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation was not related to age, although the prevalence of moderate regurgitation was three times more prevalent (p < 0.05) in those > 50 years old compared with those < or = 50 years. Aortic regurgitation was two to three times more prevalent (p < 0.01) in patients > 50 years compared with younger subjects, and moderate aortic regurgitation was three times more prevalent in older patients. Of those with measurable right-sided cardiac pressures, estimated right atrial pressure was < 10 mm Hg in 93 percent of patients, and estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure was < or = 30 mm Hg in 57 percent of patients. Estimated right atrial pressure was > 10 mm Hg in only 7 percent, and only 13 percent had estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure > or = 40 mm Hg. These data indicate a very high prevalence of trivial and mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation in patients with otherwise "normal" hearts, suggesting that these findings are physiologically normal. These data should be considered when addressing management in patients with Doppler-detected valvular regurgitation in order to prevent "iatrogenic heart disease."

Abnormal von Willebrand factor secretion, factor VIII stabilization and thrombus dynamics in type 2N von Willebrand disease mice

Essentials Type 2N von Willebrand disease involves impaired von Willebrand factor to factor VIII binding. Type 2N von Willebrand disease mutations exhibit qualitative and mild quantitative deficiencies. Type 2N von Willebrand disease mice exhibit unstable venous hemostatic thrombi. The factor VIII-binding ability of von Willebrand factor regulates arteriole thrombosis dynamics.

SUMMARY

Background von Willebrand factor (VWF) and factor VIII (FVIII) circulate as a non-covalent complex, with VWF serving as the carrier for FVIII. VWF indirectly influences secondary hemostasis by stabilizing FVIII and transporting it to the site of primary hemostasis. Type 2N von Willebrand disease involves impaired binding of VWF to FVIII, resulting in decreased plasma levels of FVIII. Objectives In these studies, we characterize the impact of three type 2N VWD variants (R763A, R854Q, R816W) on VWF secretion, FVIII stabilization and thrombus formation in a murine model. Methods Type 2N VWD mice were generated by hydrodynamic injections of mutant murine VWF cDNAs and the influence of these variants on VWF secretion and FVIII binding was evaluated. In vivo hemostasis and the dynamics of thrombus formation and embolization were assessed using a murine tail vein transection hemostasis model and an intravital thrombosis model in the cremaster arterioles. Results Type 2N VWD variants were associated with decreased VWF secretion using cell and animal-based models. FVIII-binding to type 2N variants was impaired in vitro and was variably stabilized in vivo by expressed or infused 2N variant VWF protein. Both transgenic type 2N VWD and FVIII knockout (KO) mice demonstrated impaired thrombus formation associated with decreased thrombus stability. Conclusions The type 2N VWD phenotype can be recapitulated in a murine model and is associated with both quantitative and qualitative VWF deficiencies and impaired thrombus formation. Patients with type 2N VWD may have normal primary hemostasis formation but decreased thrombus stability related to ineffective secondary hemostasis.

Successful emergency department interventions that reduce time to antibiotics in febrile pediatric cancer patients

Children with cancer and fever are at high risk for sepsis related death. Rapid antibiotic delivery (< 60 minutes) has been shown to reduce mortality. We compared patient outcomes and describe interventions from three separate quality improvement (QI) projects conducted in three United States (US) tertiary care pediatric emergency departments (EDs) with the shared aim to reduce time to antibiotic (TTA) to < 60 minutes in febrile pediatric oncology patients (Temperature > 38.0 C). A secondary objective was to identify interventions amenable to translation to other centers. We conducted a post project analysis of prospectively collected observational data from children < 18 years visiting these EDs during independently conducted QI projects. Comparisons were made pre to post intervention periods within each institution. All interventions were derived independently using QI methods by each institution. Successful as well as unsuccessful interventions were described and common interventions adopted by all sites identified. A total of 1032 ED patient visits were identified from the three projects. Improvement in median TTA delivery (min) pre to post intervention(s) was 118.5-57.0 at site 1, 163.0-97.5 at site 2, and 188.0-111.5 at site 3 (p<.001 all sites). The eight common interventions were 1) Triage application of topical anesthetic 2) Rapid room placement & triage 3) Resuscitation room placement of ill appearing children 4) Close proximity to central line equipment 5) Antibiotic administration before laboratory analyses 6) Consensus clinical practice guideline establishment 7) Family pre-ED education for fever and 8) Staff project updates. This core set of eight low cost, high yield QI interventions were developed independently by the three ED's which led to substantial reduction in time to antibiotic delivery in children with cancer presenting with fever. These interventions may inform future QI initiatives in other settings caring for febrile pediatric oncology patients.

Targeting CaMKK2 Inhibits Actin Cytoskeletal Assembly to Suppress Cancer Metastasis

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) tend to become invasive and metastatic at early stages in their development. Despite some treatment successes in early-stage localized TNBC, the rate of distant recurrence remains high, and long-term survival outcomes remain poor. In a search for new therapeutic targets for this disease, we observed that elevated expression of the serine/threonine kinase calcium/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) is highly correlated with tumor invasiveness. In validation studies, genetic disruption of CaMKK2 expression or inhibition of its activity with small molecule inhibitors disrupted spontaneous metastatic outgrowth from primary tumors in murine xenograft models of TNBC. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), a high-risk, poor prognosis ovarian cancer subtype, shares many features with TNBC, and CaMKK2 inhibition effectively blocked metastatic progression in a validated xenograft model of this disease. Mechanistically, CaMKK2 increased the expression of the phosphodiesterase PDE1A, which hydrolyzed cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) to decrease the cGMP-dependent activity of protein kinase G1 (PKG1). Inhibition of PKG1 resulted in decreased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), which in its hypophosphorylated state binds to and regulates F-actin assembly to facilitate cell movement. Together, these findings establish a targetable CaMKK2-PDE1A-PKG1-VASP signaling pathway that controls cancer cell motility and metastasis by impacting the actin cytoskeleton. Furthermore, it identifies CaMKK2 as a potential therapeutic target that can be exploited to restrict tumor invasiveness in patients diagnosed with early-stage TNBC or localized HGSOC.

SIGNIFICANCE

CaMKK2 regulates actin cytoskeletal dynamics to promote tumor invasiveness and can be inhibited to suppress metastasis of breast and ovarian cancer, indicating CaMKK2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to arrest disease progression.

The Utility of Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Genotype Detection in the Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Children

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common serious bacterial infection in children with significant morbidity with delayed diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is very accurate in detecting bacteria and widely available, but has never been evaluated to detect UTIs in children. To assess the utility of PCR as a rapid diagnostic tool, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 193 urine samples from children younger than 36 months undergoing evaluation for UTI in the emergency department over a 10-month period. A quantification cycle (Cq) threshold of 26.15 identified all Escherichia coli positive samples with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 99.5%, respectively (95% CI = 71.5%-100% and 97.9%-99.5%, respectively). A Cq threshold of 19.03 identified E coli infections >100 000 colony forming units/mL with sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI = 72.2%-100% and 98.6%-100%, respectively). PCR is very accurate in diagnosing E coli UTIs in young children and could be useful as a rapid diagnostic tool.

LKB1 Signaling and Patient Survival Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The liver is a major organ that is involved in essential biological functions such as digestion, nutrient storage, and detoxification. Furthermore, it is one of the most metabolically active organs with active roles in regulating carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a cancer of the liver that is associated in settings of chronic inflammation such as viral hepatitis, repeated toxin exposure, and fatty liver disease. Furthermore, liver cancer is the most common cause of death associated with cirrhosis and is the 3^rd leading cause of global cancer deaths. LKB1 signaling has been demonstrated to play a role in regulating cellular metabolism under normal and nutrient deficient conditions. Furthermore, LKB1 signaling has been found to be involved in many cancers with most reports identifying LKB1 to have a tumor suppressive role. In this review, we use the KMPlotter database to correlate RNA levels of LKB1 signaling genes and hepatocellular carcinoma patient survival outcomes with the hopes of identifying potential biomarkers clinical usage. Based on our results STRADß, CAB39L, AMPKα, MARK2, SIK1, SIK2, BRSK1, BRSK2, and SNRK expression has a statistically significant impact on patient survival.

Abstract P5-02-03: Phenotypic analysis for TNBC using a novel breast cancer microphysiological system

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and is the leading cause of malignant death in U.S. women. The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. Patient derived xenografts (PDX), human tumors transplanted and grown in mice, are a newer, better model of TNBC. However, there are barriers when using mouse models: mice stroma can take over the PDX tumors, using immunocompromised mice can prevent immune responses and site-specific interaction, and mice are expensive. To overcome these barriers, a translational microphysiological system (MPS) was developed that is capable of maintaining the primary, human breast microenvironment in vitro. By seeding these MPS with breast cancer cell lines or tumor explants, we produce breast cancer MPS (BC-MPS). Here, we show the model’s capabilities of supporting PDX tumor viability through flow cytometry on multiple PDX models as well as effects of human breast tissue on TNBC cell lines viability and proliferation. After showing the BC-MPS’ stability ex vivo, the effects on the cancer stem cell (CSC) population and lipid accumulation were explored through flow cytometry. Tu-BcX-4IC was seeded alone and in BC-MPS. After 7 days of incubation, the tumor was removed and the CSC population and lipid accumulation was measured through flow cytometry, showing an increase in CSC population and lipid accumulation when the PDX tumor was cultured in BC-MPS compared to cultured in 2D. Architectural changes that occur with the PDX explants when placed in BC-MPS were also monitored. The TNBC PDX model, Tu-BcX-4IC, was excised and seeded alone or in the BC-MPS system. The human breast tissue (HBT) and a PDX tumor piece was initially fixed in formalin before placed into BC-MPS (Day 0). After 4, 7, and 14 days of incubation, the 4IC PDX tumor explants seeded alone and in BC-MPS were fixed in formalin, paraffin embedded, and sectioned for H&E staining to determine the effect of the surrounding HBT on the PDX tumor. In additions to demonstrating the model’s capabilities of supporting PDX tumor viability and examining tumor architectural changes, assays were performed to test experimental capabilities of BC-MPS. Different BC cell lines were placed into the system and treated with chemotherapeutics to determine if the microphysiological system is capable of pharmaceutical studies. Here, we focus on the TNBC cell lines which were seeded alone and in the BC-MPS, and their response to the chemotherapeutic drugs, Paclitaxel, Romidepsin, and Cobimetinib. The proliferation response was monitored by luciferase imaging, demonstrating that BC-MPS can be used for drug studies.BC-MPS is a promising new translational microphysiological system that facilitates studying long term interactions between real human breast tissue and cancer cells as well as the native tumor environment in HBT. The BC-MPS system’s ability to support the growth of established cell lines as well as PDXs has been demonstrated. Future studies will focus on showing human tumor viability in BC-MPS, developing the model for personalized medicine.

Citation Format: Katherine Hebert, Khoa Nguyen, Thomas Cheng, Madlin Alzoubi, Bridgette Collins-Burow, Elizabeth Martin, Frank Lau, Matthew Burow. Phenotypic analysis for TNBC using a novel breast cancer microphysiological system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-02-03.

Abstract 3200: Examining the role of obesity and leptin signaling in triple negative breast cancer

Individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) have an increased risk of developing many adult cancers, including breast cancer. In triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a clinically aggressive subtype of breast cancer, increased BMI is associated with more aggressive tumor types and a higher risk of recurrence. The differences in outcomes between obese and non-obese breast cancer patients is a consequence of the complex interplay between social, environmental, and physiological factors that contribute to the etiology of breast cancer. Therefore, understanding the complex signaling events in the obese tumor microenvironment is essential. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are a component of the breast microenvironment, and are a subset of mesenchymal stem cells. ASCs from obese patients (obASCs) secrete higher levels various cytokines and adipokines that induce a more invasive phenotype in triple negative breast cancer cells compared to ASCs from lean individuals. Leptin, an adipokine that is expressed proportionally to fat mass, has been implicated in many cancers. Increased leptin and leptin receptor expression is associated with worse prognosis. This study seeks to examine the role of leptin signaling in triple negative breast cancer.

Previous work in conjunction with a collaborating lab has shown that leptin signaling promotes metastasis and increased expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in triple negative breast cancer. This project expands upon this work through using both patient-derived cell lines and and patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and examines the role of leptin signaling both in vitro and in vivo. To determine the effects of obesity upon a PDX model, a high fat diet was used to induce obesity in vivo. Exposure to conditioned media harvested from obASCs increased the percentage of TNBC cells that expressed cancer stem cell markers, whereas exposure to a small peptide antagonist of the leptin receptor decreased the percentage of cells with CSC markers. PDX tumors implanted into diet-induced obesity mice had an increased volume compared to tumors implanted into lean controls. Conclusions: These molecular differences may contribute to the differences in cancer outcomes between obese and lean individuals with breast cancer, and further study of the crosstalk between obASCs and TNBC is critical.

Citation Format: Courtney Brock, Maryl Wright, Khoa Nguyen, Katherine Hebert, Madlin Alzoubi, Thomas Cheng, Bridgette Collins-Burow, Matthew Burow. Examining the role of obesity and leptin signaling in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3200.

Abstract PS8-20: Bc mps a novel breast cancer microphysiological system

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women and is the leading cause of malignant death in U.S. women. The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype is more aggressive and has a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. Few treatments exist for TNBC, partially due to limitations of current preclinical models. Current approaches to drug development in TNBC rely on simple, in vitro models. However, TNBCs are marked by cellular heterogeneity and complex interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical data from models that do not capture this complexity have yielded poor translational results. Patient derived xenografts (PDX), human tumors transplanted and grown in mice, are a newer, better model of TNBC. However, there are barriers when using mouse models: mice stroma can take over the PDX tumors, using immunocompromised mice can prevent immune responses and site-specific interaction, and mice are expensive. To overcome these barriers, a translational microphysiological system (MPS) was developed that is capable of maintaining the primary, human breast microenvironment in vitro. By seeding these MPS with breast cancer cell lines or tumor explants, we produce breast cancer MPS (BC-MPS).Here, we demonstrate BC-MPS’ stability ex vivo; the models remain healthy and viable for at least 2 weeks. This allows for long term studies on breast cancer and human breast tissue interactions. Different BC cell lines have been studied in the system. Initial comparisons between TNBC and ER+ cell lines showed a more aggressive remodeling of the human breast tissue (HBT) ECM by MDA-231 compared to MCF7. These cell lines have remained viable up to 14 days within the system. To examine the ability of BC-MPS to support PDX explant viability ex vivo, the TNBC PDX models 4QAN and 4IC were excised and seeded alone or in the BC-MPS system. After 6 days of incubation, viability was assessed by flow cytometry. Live/dead staining demonstrated that the 4QAN and the4IC PDX tumor explants have better viability in the BC-MPS model compared to being cultured in only media.After demonstrating the model’s capabilities of supporting PDX tumor viability, assays were performed to test experimental capabilities of BC-MPS. In addition to tumor architectural changes, cells in the system were treated with paclitaxel, and their response was monitored by luciferase imaging, demonstrating that BC-MPS can be used for drugstudies. BC-MPS is a promising new translational microphysiological system that facilitates studying long term interactions between real human breast tissue and cancer cells as well as the native tumor environment in HBT. The BC-MPS system’s ability to support the growth of established cell lines as well as PDXs has been demonstrated. Future studies will focus on developing the model for drug discovery studies.

Citation Format: Katherine Hebert, Loren Brown, Khoa Nguyen, Madlin Alzoubi, Margarite Matossian, Bridgette Collins-Burow, Matthew Burow, Frank Lau. Bc mps a novel breast cancer microphysiological system [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS8-20.

Abstract PS16-11: Potential therapeutic effects of HDACi FK228 on TNBC using various models

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. Most breast cancers are hormone sensitive, however triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), a more aggressive subtype of breast cancer is characterized by its negative expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and lack of Her2/NEU amplification. Because of its receptor status, hormone receptor targeted treatments are ineffective against TNBC making it difficult to treat. FK228, known as Romidepsin, is a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that specifically targets the enzymes HDACs 1 and 2, tumor suppressor and other proteins exerting epigenetic changes on tumor cells resulting in anticancer activity. FK228 has not been studied in TNBC, but has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), where the mechanism of action has demonstrated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [1,2]. To assess the preliminary role of FK228 in breast cancer, a number of TNBC cell lines were treated with the drug and analyzed for suppression of cell cycle genes. Similar to PTCL, TNBC cell lines showed an increase in cell cycle arrest genes such as p21 and others subsequent to treatment. Moving forward, to recapitulate the tumor microenvironment we have utilized 2D and 3D culture, while PDXs (patient derived xenografts), an excellent translational tool. We first identified changes in morphology and migration in 2k1, MDA-MB 231 and HS-578t cell lines treated with FK228 under in-vitro conditions. Additional molecular studies also show a reversal of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in FK228 treated BC cell lines; specifically in relation to EMT genes CDH1 and ZEB2, both directly connected to HDAC1/2 activity. To further study the effects of FK228, PDXs are implanted into mice to study growth patterns, recurrence, metastatic potential and response to FK228 in different patient tumor models. FK228 showed a drastic suppression in tumorigenesis in model TU-BCX-2O0, prompting the study of several other models in tumorigenesis including TU-BX-4IC, 4M4 and 4QX. Metastasis was also monitored by H&E staining lung and liver tissue for analysis for each model, and using an in vivo model consisting of GFP/luciferase transfected breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 and SUM-159 to monitor both the proliferation and spread of disease in mice. Ultimately this study aims to characterize the FK228 alteration of pathways involved in tumorigenesis, metastasis and resistance within TNBC.

Citation Format: Madlin Alzoubi, Khoa Nguyen, Katherine Hebert, Margarite Matossian, Hope Burks, Bridgette Collins-Burow, Matthew Burow. Potential therapeutic effects of HDACi FK228 on TNBC using various models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Virtual Symposium; 2020 Dec 8-11; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS16-11.

Combinations of Bacteriophage Are Efficacious against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enhance Sensitivity to Carbapenem Antibiotics

The Gram-negative ESKAPE bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a pathogen of serious concern due its extensive multi-drug resistance (MDR) profile, widespread incidences of hospital-acquired infections throughout the United States, and high occurrence in wound infections suffered by warfighters serving abroad. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has received renewed attention as an alternative therapeutic option against recalcitrant bacterial infections, both as multi-phage cocktails and in combination with antibiotics as synergistic pairings. Environmental screening and phage enrichment has yielded three lytic viruses capable of infecting the MDR P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. Co-administration of each phage with the carbapenem antibiotics ertapenem, imipenem, and meropenem generated enhanced overall killing of bacteria beyond either phage or drug treatments alone. A combination cocktail of all three phages was completely inhibitory to growth, even without antibiotics. The same 3× phage cocktail also disrupted PAO1 biofilms, reducing biomass by over 75% compared to untreated biofilms. Further, the phage cocktail demonstrated broad efficacy as well, capable of infecting 33 out of 100 diverse clinical isolate strains of P. aeruginosa. Together, these results indicate a promising approach for designing layered medical countermeasures to potentiate antibiotic activity and possibly overcome resistance against recalcitrant, MDR bacteria such as P. aeruginosa. Combination therapy, either by synergistic phage-antibiotic pairings, or by phage cocktails, presents a means of controlling mutations that can allow for bacteria to gain a competitive edge.

Expression of Novel Kinase MAP3K19 in Various Cancers and Survival Correlations

Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) kinases are a category of serine/threonine kinases that have been demonstrated to regulate intracellular events including stress responses, developmental processes, and cancer progression Although many MAP kinases have been extensively studied in various disease processes, MAP3K19 is an understudied kinase whose activities have been linked to lung disease and fibroblast development. In this manuscript, we use bioinformatics databases starBase, GEPIA, and KMPlotter, to establish baseline expressions of MAP3K19 in different tissue types and its correlation with patient survival in different cancers.