Nonclinical safety assessment and immunogenicity of rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in rabbits

The worldwide health, economic, and societal consequences of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have been devastating. The primary strategy to prevent new infectious diseases is to vaccinate the majority of people worldwide. However, the significant hurdles that are faced include vaccine safety concerns and vaccine reluctance. Among the various types of vaccines, the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) is a promising candidate owing to its safety and efficacy. Therefore, we investigated the toxicity, immunogenicity, and local tolerance of the rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were administered single or three repeated intramuscular injections of rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc every 2 weeks, followed by a 4-week recovery period. Male and female rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: a control group and two dose-level groups (1 × 109 and 4 × 109 PFU/mL). Treatment-related changes included a temporary increase in body temperature and local inflammation at the injection site. These findings indicated recovery or a trend toward recovery, with no overt systemic toxicity. Immunogenicity analysis results suggested that rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc elicited a robust dose-dependent immune response in terms of neutralizing antibodies and IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In addition, the immune response intensity was increased by repeated vaccine administration. In conclusion, both the approximate lethal dose and the no observed adverse effect level for rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc exceeded 4 × 109 PFU/mL in NZW rabbits. Overall, rVSVInd(GML)-mspSGtc induced no adverse effects at the maximum dosage tested; however, its efficacy warrants further clinical evaluation.

Correction: A vesicular stomatitis virus-based prime-boost vaccination strategy induces potent and protective neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010092.].

Safety of macitentan for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension: Real‐world experience from the OPsumit® USers Registry (OPUS) and OPsumit® Historical USers cohort (OrPHeUS)

Macitentan is an oral endothelin receptor antagonist for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The OPsumit® USers Registry (OPUS) and the OPsumit® Historical USers cohort (OrPHeUS) medical chart review provide real‐world data for patients newly initiating macitentan. This study aims to describe the characteristics, safety profile, and clinical outcomes of PAH patients newly treated with macitentan in the combined OPUS/OrPHeUS data set. OPUS was a prospective, multicenter, long‐term, observational drug registry from April 2014 to June 2020. OrPHeUS was a retrospective, US, multicenter chart review: observation period October 2013 to March 2017. All analyses were descriptive. At registry closure in June 2020, the combined population consisted of 5654 patients, of whom 81.9% were diagnosed with PAH. For these 4626 patients, median duration of macitentan exposure observed was 14.5 (Q1 = 5.2, Q3 = 29.0) months; idiopathic PAH (54.8%) was the most common form of PAH; macitentan was initiated as monotherapy (37.9%), or as part of double (48.0%) or triple therapy (14.1%); discontinuation due to nonhepatic/hepatic adverse events occurred in 17.1%/0.3% of patients; 9.9% of patients experienced ≥1 hepatic adverse events; Kaplan–Meier estimates showed that at 1 year 59.9% (95% confidence interval: 58.3, 61.5) of patients were free from hospitalization and survival was 90.4% (89.3, 91.3). This analysis of real‐world data from the combined OPUS and OrPHeUS populations demonstrated that macitentan is well tolerated in a large, diverse population of PAH patients, with overall and hepatic safety profiles consistent with previous macitentan clinical trials.

Concomitant initiation of combination therapy with macitentan and tadalafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients with comorbidities: real-world data from OPUS and OrPHeUS

Background

Guidelines for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) recommend early combination therapy of an endothelial receptor antagonist (ERA) and a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) [1]. There is, however, limited guidance about the management of PAH patients with comorbidities.

Purpose

To describe the demographics, clinical characteristics, safety, tolerability, and outcomes associated with initiation of the ERA macitentan and the PDE5i tadalafil in patients with comorbidities in the US OPsumit® USers (OPUS) and the OPsumit® Historical USers cohort (OrPHeUS) combined dataset.

Methods

This analysis reports data from the OPUS registry (Apr 2014–Jun 2020) and OrPHeUS medical chart review (Oct 2013–Mar 2017) on PAH patients initiating macitentan and tadalafil (M+T) combination therapy, in any order, as concomitant initiation (≤60 days apart, concomitant initiation group). The index date was defined as the start date of the second therapy (i.e., the start of combination therapy). Patients were further grouped by the number of comorbidities present prior to or at macitentan initiation: systemic hypertension, diabetes, renal insufficiency, BMI ≥30 kg/m2, other signs of right heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Results are presented descriptively alongside results for all PAH patients receiving M+T combination therapy (overall M+T group).

Results

Of the 1336 PAH patients that received M+T combination therapy, 431 (32%) were in the concomitant initiation group. In the concomitant initiation and overall M+T groups, respectively: 72% and 68% had ≥1 comorbidity, and the most common were systemic hypertension (47% and 47%), obesity (32% and 26%) and diabetes (23% and 22%). Patients were more likely to be older, male and have idiopathic/heritable PAH with increasing comorbidity burden (Table 1). Patients in the concomitant initiation group were more likely to be incident (median time from diagnosis: 1–2 months vs 9–24 months in the overall M+T group; Table 1). Most patients had ≥1 adverse event (AE); in both groups, patients with a high comorbidity burden (≥3) were more likely to have had an AE and to have discontinued treatment (Table 2). The incidence rate of first all-cause hospitalisation and mortality by comorbidity was comparable between the concomitant initiation and overall M+T groups.

Conclusions

In the real-world, concomitant initiation of M+T is used in PAH patients with comorbidities, usually shortly after diagnosis. Patient characteristics were similar for the concomitant initiation and overall M+T groups, with the exception of time from diagnosis. At index date, age, gender proportion, and PAH aetiology differed between the comorbidity groups. The safety profile of M+T combination therapy in the concomitant initiation group was consistent with that in the overall M+T group.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a Janssen Pharmaceutical Company of Johnson & Johnson

A vesicular stomatitis virus-based prime-boost vaccination strategy induces potent and protective neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

The development of safe and effective vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections remains an urgent priority worldwide. We have used a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)-based prime-boost immunization strategy to develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine candidate. We have constructed VSV genomes carrying exogenous genes resulting in the production of avirulent rVSV carrying the full-length spike protein (S_F), the S1 subunit, or the receptor-binding domain (RBD) plus envelope (E) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Adding the honeybee melittin signal peptide (msp) to the N-terminus enhanced the protein expression, and adding the VSV G protein transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic tail (Gtc) enhanced protein incorporation into pseudotype VSV. All rVSVs expressed three different forms of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, but chimeras with VSV-Gtc demonstrated the highest rVSV-associated expression. In immunized mice, rVSV with chimeric S protein-Gtc derivatives induced the highest level of potent neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses, and rVSV harboring the full-length msp-S_F-Gtc proved to be the superior immunogen. More importantly, rVSV-msp-S_F-Gtc vaccinated animals were completely protected from a subsequent SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Overall, we have developed an efficient strategy to induce a protective response in SARS-CoV-2 challenged immunized mice. Vaccination with our rVSV-based vector may be an effective solution in the global fight against COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had unprecedented global health, economic and societal impact globally. Vaccinating the majority of the world’s population is the best way to help prevent new infections. Many vaccines have been developed to prevent various viral diseases that are currently in use around the world. This has generated a high demand for these vaccines, putting a strain on production capacity and delivery. With new variants of concern starting to dominate the human pandemic, new derivatives of the current vaccines may be necessary for continued protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have developed a vaccine that uses a safe vesicular stomatitis virus-based delivery vehicle to present a key SARS-CoV-2 protein to our immune system in order to train it to recognize and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our vaccine completely protected vaccinated animals from SARS-CoV-2 infection and significantly reduced lung damage, a major hallmark of COVID-19.

Induction of protective immune responses against a lethal Zika virus challenge post-vaccination with a dual serotype of recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus carrying the genetically modified Zika virus E protein gene

The development of a vaccine to prevent Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been one of the priorities in infectious disease research in recent years. There have been numerous attempts to develop an effective vaccine against ZIKV. It is imperative to choose the safest and the most effective ZIKV vaccine from all candidate vaccines to control this infection globally. We have employed a dual serotype of prime-boost recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vaccine strategy, to develop a ZIKV vaccine candidate, using a type 1 IFN-receptor knock-out (Ifnar ^-/-) mouse model for challenge studies. Prime vaccination with an attenuated recombinant VSV Indiana serotype (rVSV_Ind) carrying a genetically modified ZIKV envelope (E) protein gene followed by boost vaccination with attenuated recombinant VSV New Jersey serotype (rVSV_NJ) carrying the same E gene induced robust adaptive immune responses. In particular, rVSV carrying the ZIKV E gene with the honeybee melittin signal peptide (msp) at the N terminus and VSV G protein transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail (Gtc) at the C terminus of the E gene induced strong protective immune responses. This vaccine regimen induced highly potent neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses in the absence of an adjuvant and protected Ifnar ^-/- mice from a lethal dose of the ZIKV challenge.

P3671Selexipag dosing and titration in the first 500 patients enrolled in SPHERE (SelexiPag: tHe UsErs dRug rEgistry)

Introduction

SPHERE is an ongoing US-based, multicentre, prospective, registry collecting data on use of the oral selective IP prostacyclin receptor agonist selexipag in real-world settings. Here, we report selexipag dosing and titration in the first 500 patients.

Methods

SPHERE, initiated in November 2016, will enrol 800 patients newly initiated on or already treated with selexipag at enrolment who have a documented titration regimen. Patients are followed for up to 18 months. Patients were considered “newly initiated” on selexipag if they were enrolled in SPHERE ≤60 days after starting selexipag and were considered “previously initiated” if they enrolled >60 days after starting selexipag. The highest dose is the maximum dose reached during up-titration within 6 months since initiation. Selexipag “maintenance dose” is defined as the first dose received for ≥14 days without interruption or change; “titration speed” is defined as the highest dose reached within the first 6 months after initiation divided by the time (in weeks) to reach it.

Results

The data cut-off for this analysis was December 20, 2018. Most patients had Group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH) (95.4%), which was primarily idiopathic (49.6%) or connective tissue disease associated (26.0%). At selexipag initiation 49.8% of patients had functional class III symptoms. At the time of selexipag initiation, 19.2% of patients were on PH therapy containing a prostacyclin pathway agent (PPA) (8.5% with a parenteral PPA). The median maintenance dose of selexipag was 1200 μg BID (IQR: 800–1600 μg BID) and the median time to reach it was 8.1 wks (IQR: 5.3–11.0 wks). Low (≤400 μg BID), medium (600–1000 μg BID), and high (≥1200 μg BID) maintenance doses were attained by 15.1%, 30.8%, and 49.5% of patients, respectively (and in 23.2%, 31.2%, and 36.2%, respectively, in GRIPHON). The median titration speed was 175 μg BID/wk (IQR: 110.5–195.3 μg BID/wk), slower than the protocol-outlined 200 μg BID/wk in GRIPHON. In SPHERE, most patients titrated at speeds <200 μg BID/wk, regardless of whether they were newly (175 μg BID/wk; IQR 118.6, 195.3) or previously (175 μg BID/wk; IQR 109.8, 195.3) initiated. As expected, more patients discontinued due to adverse events in the newly (29.0%) versus previously (14.1%) initiated groups. The most common adverse events leading to selexipag discontinuation were worsening pulmonary hypertension (2.2%), headache (2.0%), myalgia (1.4%), and nausea (1.0%).

Conclusion

The median maintenance selexipag dose in SPHERE was 1200 μg BID. While the median titration speed was 175 μg BID/wk, there was marked variation and the vast majority of patients titrated slower than 200 μg BID/wk. No new safety signals were observed.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc.

P2540Sex-specific differences in the clinical presentation, surgical complications, and course of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background

Women are more susceptible to develop several forms of pulmonary hypertension, but they may have better survival rates than men. Sparse data are available concerning sex-specific differences in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Purpose and methods

We investigated sex-specific differences in the clinical presentation of CTEPH, functional parameters, exposure to pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), and survival.

Results

Women constituted half of the study population (N=679 treatment-naïve patients from the European CTEPH registry) and were characterized by a lower prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. prior acute coronary syndrome, smoking habit, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but more prevalent obesity, cancer, and thyroid diseases. Median age was 62 (IQR 50–73) years in women and 63 (IQR 53–70) in men. Women underwent PEA less often than men (54% vs 65%; Figure 1, Panel A) and were exposed to fewer additional cardiac procedures, notably coronary artery bypass graft surgery (0.5% vs. 9.5%). The prevalence of specific reasons for not being operated, including the patient's refusal and the proportion of proximal vs. distal lesions, did not differ between sexes. A total of 57 (17.0%) deaths in women and 70 (20.7%) in men were recorded over long-term follow-up. Female sex was positively associated with long-term survival (adjusted Hazard Ratio 0.66; 95% Confidence Interval 0.46–0.94). Short-term mortality was identical in the two groups (Figure 1, Panel B).

Conclusions

Women with CTEPH had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and underwent PEA less frequently than men, who, in turn, were more often exposed to additional major cardiac surgery procedures. Women had more favorable long-term survival.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The CTEPH registry is supported by a research grant from Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Fermented Garlic Extract Increases Oxygen Consumption and UCP-1 mRNA Expression in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Fermented garlic, often called black garlic, is a traditional food ingredient used in Asian cuisine and possesses various health benefits including anti-obesity activity. The anti-obesity effects of fermented garlic might, in part, might be mediated through direct actions of its components on adipocytes. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether fermented garlic extract might stimulate the metabolic activity of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in culture. Cell viability measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assay exhibited a complex dose- response relationship. The lowest concentration (0.4 mg/ml) reduced cell viability (P<0.05 compared to no extract, Bonferroni’s multiple comparison), whereas higher concentrations (0.8 and 1.0 mg/ml) resulted in higher cell viability (P<0.05 as compared to 0.4 mg/ml). However, the extract at concentrations >2 mg/ml markedly decreased cell viability. Higher cell viability observed following treatment with 0.8~1.0 mg/ml might be associated with raised oxygen consumption. Fluorescent dye-based measurement revealed that the garlic extract at 1.0 mg/ml significantly increased oxygen consumption. We also detected a significant increase in mRNA expression levels of uncoupling protein-1 (UCP- 1). These findings suggest that fermented garlic stimulates the basal metabolic activity of human ADSCs.

Abstract P1-08-21: Association of depression and anxiety disorder with the risk of mortality in breast cancer: A national health insurance service study in South Korea

PURPOSE: To examine whether depression, anxiety disorder and their co-occurrence would increase the risk of mortality in patients with breast cancer, and whether antidepressant treatment would reduce the same.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved from the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Of 145,251 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2007 and 2014, 20,870 patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder one year before breast cancer diagnosis were excluded. Thus, data of 124,381 patients were included in this study.

RESULTS: Anxiety disorder was more prevalent than depression in patients with breast cancer, and similar factors were associated with both depression and anxiety disorder. Overall, female sex, older age, residence in metropolitan areas, lower income, higher comorbidity, carcinoma in situ, and the receipt of any type of cancer therapies were associated with an increased risk of depression or anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety disorder were associated with an increased risk of mortality (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% CI=1.18–1.36; HR=1.14, 95% CI=1.08–1.22, respectively) and their co-occurrence further increased the risk (HR=1.38, 95% CI=1.24–1.54). Antidepressant treatment was related to a reduced risk of mortality. Compared to patients with no depression, among those with depression, the risk of mortality was 2.18 times higher (95% CI=1.69–2.81) in patients who did not receive antidepressant treatment and 1.25 times higher (95% CI =1.17–1.32) in those who received antidepressant treatment.

CONCLUSION: The current findings suggest that psychiatric comorbidities are markers of increased mortality risk in patients with breast cancer. This underscores the need for screening and treating depression and anxiety disorders to improve survival in breast cancer.

Citation Format: Kim YS, Shim E-J, Lee JW, Cho J, Jung HK, Kim NH, Lee JE, Min J, Noh WC, Park S-H. Association of depression and anxiety disorder with the risk of mortality in breast cancer: A national health insurance service study in South Korea [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 P1-08-21.

Factors Affecting Microbiological Quality of Vegetable- and Meat-Based Meals Served at Cafeterias in the Republic of Korea

A total of 364 samples of vegetable- and meat-based meals were collected at three processing steps: step I, preparation of raw ingredients; step II, processing and cooking; and step III, finished meals. Microbiological quality was evaluated by using data for the prevalence and concentration of the aerobic plate counts, total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and Escherichia coli. The data were analyzed for differences between cafeterias, seasons, raw materials, and processing steps. Fourteen (15.2%) of the 92 finished meal samples were microbiologically unsatisfactory. Neither cafeteria nor season was significantly associated with microbiological quality ( P > 0.05). However, the type of raw ingredients and processing steps were significantly associated with differences in microbiological quality. Vegetable-based meals had higher TC concentrations than meat-based meals because salad and seasoned and fermented vegetables are not cooked, unlike heat-processed meat products. Microbial counts tended to decrease through the processing steps, and E. coli, which could only be enumerated on uncooked chicken breast (1.6 log CFU/g) and sliced pork (2.6 log CFU/g), was totally eliminated by boiling and roasting. However, the presence of FC was not completely eliminated, even by cooking, and so this group of organisms should be considered as an important indicator of hygienic meal preparation in cafeterias. Although pathogenic E. coli was not isolated in this study, continuous microbiological monitoring of composite foods served in cafeterias should be performed as the presence of TC and FC in finished meals indicates the potential for contamination by pathogenic E. coli.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use and risk of diabetic retinopathy: A population-based study

AIMS

This study examined whether dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor use is beneficial or harmful to diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared with other glucose-lowering agents in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

From a population-based cohort provided by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea, 67,743 adults with T2D were identified as having been treated with oral glucose-lowering agents between 2008 and 2013. Matching (1:1) was performed for two groups comparing ever-use (cases) and never-use (controls) of DPP-4 inhibitors (n=14,522 in each group). Cox regression analyses were used to assess risk of the following DR events: vitreous haemorrhage; vitrectomy or photocoagulation; intravitreal agent use; and blindness.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 28.4 (14.0-45.2) months, there were 305 (in controls) and 342 (in cases) composite DR events. DPP-4 inhibitor ever-use was not associated with overall risk of composite DR events [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.08, 95% CI: 0.93-1.26] compared with never-use, nor was the risk of each DR outcome increased with DPP-4 inhibitor therapy either. However, DPP-4 inhibitor administration for<12 months was associated with a greater risk of composite DR events (adjusted HR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.09-1.57) compared with other glucose-lowering agents over the same treatment period.

CONCLUSION

In comparison to other oral glucose-lowering agents, DPP-4 inhibitor treatment did not increase overall risk of DR. However, DPP-4 inhibitors may be associated with an increased risk of retinopathy events early in the treatment phase.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Amur hedgehog Erinaceus amurensis (Erinaceidae) and higher phylogeny of the family Erinaceidae

We sequenced and characterized the complete mitogenome (KX964606) of the Amur hedgehog Erinaceus amurensis to provide more data for comparative mitogenomics of the genus Erinaceus (Erinaceidae). The mitogenome of E. amurensis is a circular molecule 16,941 bp long, consisting of a control region and a conserved set of 37 genes containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA). The mitogenome of E. amurensis is AT-biased, with a nucleotide composition of 33.9% A, 21.1% C, 32.6% T, and 12.4% G. The mitogenomes of E. amurensis and the closely related hedgehog species E. europaeus, excluding the control region (66.7%), share over 90% sequence similarity. According to the inter-generic relationship based on six mitogenomes described from five genera of Erinaceidae, the subfamilies Erinaceinae and Galericinae are strongly supported as monophyletic groups, with each genus well placed within its own subfamily. Within the subfamily Erinaceinae, E. amurensis is a sister species to E. europaeus, and the relationship between Hemiechinus and Erinaceus is strongly supported. Within the subfamily Galericinae, the clade of Hylomys + Neotetracus was sister to that of Echinosorex, with clades supported by high values. Our findings will help to understand the codon usage pattern and molecular evolution of E. amurensis, and provide insight into inter-generic relationships within the family Erinaceidae. In future studies, the inclusion of mitogenomes from other genera would greatly enhance our understanding of higher phylogeny within the Erinaceidae.

Destruction of Bacillus cereus spores in a thick soy bean paste (doenjang) by continuous ohmic heating with five sequential electrodes

This study selected spores from Bacillus cereus FSP-2 strain (the isolate from a commercial doenjang processing line) as the test strain which showed significantly higher thermal resistance (P < 0·05) than B. cereus reference strain (ATCC 27348). The spores in doenjang were subjected to ohmic heating (OH) at 95, 105, 115 and 125°C for 30, 60 or 90 s using a five sequential electrode system (electrical field: 26·7 V cm(-1) ; alternating current frequency: 25 kHz). OH at 105°C for 30-90 s reduced the B. cereus spore count in doenjang samples to <4 log CFU g(-1) . Since OH treatment at 115 and 125°C caused a perceivable colour change in the product (>1·5 National Bureau of Standards units), treatment at 105°C for 60 s was selected and applied on a large scale (500 kg of product). Reliable and reproducible destruction of B. cereus spores occurred; the reductions achieved (to < 4 log CFU g(-1) ) met the Korean national standards. Scanning electron microscopy revealed microstructural alterations in the spores (shrinkage and a distorted outer spore coat). OH is an effective method for destroying B. cereus spores to ensure the microbiological quality and safety of a thick, highly viscous sauce.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study shows that an ohmic heating (OH) using a five sequential electrode system can effectively destroy highly heat-resistant Bacillus cereus spores which have been frequently found in a commercial doenjang processing line without perceivable quality change in the product. In addition, it may demonstrate high potential of the unique OH system used in this study that will further contribute to ensure microbiological quality and safety of crude sauces containing high levels of electrolyte other than doenjang as well.

Post-Transcriptional Regulation of the GASC1 Oncogene with Active Tumor-Targeted siRNA-Nanoparticles

Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) accounts for the most aggressive types of breast cancer, marked by high rates of relapse and poor prognoses and with no effective clinical therapy yet. Therefore, investigation of new targets and treatment strategies is more than necessary. Here, we identified a receptor that can be targeted in BLBC for efficient and specific siRNA mediated gene knockdown of therapeutically relevant genes such as the histone demethylase GASC1, which is involved in multiple signaling pathways leading to tumorigenesis. Breast cancer and healthy breast cell lines were compared regarding transferrin receptor (TfR) expression via flow cytometry and transferrin binding assays. Nanobioconjugates made of low molecular weight polyethylenimine (LMW-PEI) and transferrin (Tf) were synthesized to contain a bioreducible disulfide bond. siRNA complexation was characterized by condensation assays and dynamic light scattering. Cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, and the targeting specificity of the conjugates were investigated in TfR positive and negative healthy breast and breast cancer cell lines by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, RT-PCR, and Western blot. Breast cancer cell lines revealed a significantly higher TfR expression than healthy breast cells. The conjugates efficiently condensed siRNA into particles with 45 nm size at low polymer concentrations, showed no apparent toxicity on different breast cancer cell lines, and had significantly greater transfection and gene knockdown activity on mRNA and protein levels than PEI/siRNA leading to targeted and therapeutic growth inhibition post GASC1 knockdown. The synthesized nanobioconjugates improved the efficiency of gene transfer and targeting specificity in transferrin receptor positive cells but not in cells with basal receptor expression. Therefore, these materials in combination with our newly identified siRNA sequences are promising candidates for therapeutic targeting of hard-to-treat BLBC and are currently further investigated regarding in vivo targeting efficacy and biocompatibility.

Targeted delivery of siRNA to activated T cells via transferrin-polyethylenimine (Tf-PEI) as a potential therapy of asthma

Asthma is a worldwide health problem. Activated T cells (ATCs) in the lung, particularly T helper 2 cells (Th2), are strongly associated with inducing airway inflammatory responses and chemoattraction of inflammatory cells in asthma. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a promising anti-sense molecule can specifically silence inflammation related genes in ATCs, however, lack of safe and efficient siRNA delivery systems limits the application of siRNA as a therapeutic molecule in asthma. Here, we designed a novel pulmonary delivery system of siRNA, transferrin-polyethylenimine (Tf-PEI), to selectively deliver siRNA to ATCs in the lung. Tf-PEI polyplexes demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties such as size, distribution, zeta-potential, and siRNA condensation efficiency. Moreover, in vitro studies showed significantly enhanced cellular uptake and gene knockdown mediated by Tf-PEI polyplexes in human primary ATCs. Biodistribution of polyplexes in a murine asthmatic model confirmed that Tf-PEI polyplexes can efficiently and selectively deliver siRNA to ATCs. In conclusion, the present work proves the feasibility to target ATCs in asthma via Tf receptor. This strategy could potentially be used to design an efficient siRNA delivery system for asthma therapy.

Inactivation of Bacillus cereus spores in a tsuyu sauce using continuous ohmic heating with five sequential elbow-type electrodes

AIMS

The effect of ohmic heating (OH) in a pilot plant system which had a zig-zag shaped (elbow-type) ohmic heater with five sequential voltage electrodes was investigated on Bacillus cereus spores in a commercial tsuyu sauce.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The electrical field was fixed at 26·7 V cm(-1) with an alternating current frequency of 25 kHz. Raw tsuyu sauce (50 l) inoculated with B. cereus spores was submitted in a 4 × 3 factorial design to the OH system and heated at 95, 105, 115, and 125°C each for 30, 60, and 90 s. Survival of B. cereus spores and colour change in the commercial tsuyu sauce were both measured before and after treatment. As the treatment temperature and time increased, the number of surviving B. cereus spores decreased. The OH treatment in a bath-type process at 105°C for more than 30 s resulted in the total inactivation of the inoculated B. cereus spores (average 5·4 log reductions to undetectable levels after treatment). The OH protocol of heating at 105°C for 60 s which ensure complete eradication of the inoculated spores without compromising product quality was chosen and investigated for its suitability for commercial application on bulk quantities of samples (500 l). Reliable and reproducible reductions in B. cereus spore counts of 4·7-5·5 log CFU ml(-1) (mean ± standard deviation = 5·1 ± 0·3 CFU ml(-1) ) were achieved by the selected protocol of the continuous OH treatment (105°C for 60 s).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that OH treatment with five sequential elbow-type electrodes has great potential as an industrial sterilizing method for liquid food contaminated with B. cereus spores.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This procedure will enhance the microbiological quality of liquid foods while minimizing quality deterioration.

Changes in the Microbial Composition of Microbrewed Beer during the Process in the Actual Manufacturing Line

This study investigated changes in the microbial composition of microbrewed beer during the manufacturing processes and identified potential microbial hazards, effective critical quality control points, and potential contamination routes. Comprehensive quantitative (aerobic plate count, lactic acid bacteria, fungi, acetic acid bacteria, coliforms, and Bacillus cereus) and qualitative (Escherichia coli and eight foodborne pathogens) microbiological analyses were performed using samples of raw materials (malt and manufacturing water), semiprocessed products (saccharified wort, boiled wort, and samples taken during the fermentation and maturation process), and the final product obtained from three plants. The initial aerobic plate count and lactic acid bacteria counts in malt were 5.2 and 4.3 log CFU/g, respectively. These counts were reduced to undetectable levels by boiling but were present at 2.9 and 0.9 log CFU/ml in the final product. Fungi were initially present at 3.6 log CFU/g, although again, the microbes were eliminated by boiling; however, the level in the final product was 4.6 log CFU/ml. No E. coli or foodborne pathogens (except B. cereus) were detected. B. cereus was detected at all stages, although it was not present in the water or boiled wort (total detection rate ¼ 16.4%). Results suggest that boiling of the wort is an effective microbial control measure, but careful management of raw materials and implementation of effective control measures after boiling are needed to prevent contamination of the product after the boiling step. The results of this study may constitute useful and comprehensive information regarding the microbiological quality of microbrewed beer.

Metabolic stress induces a Wnt-dependent cancer stem cell-like state transition

Reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment drive multiple clinically significant behaviors including dormancy, invasion, and metastasis as well as therapy resistance. These microenvironment-dependent phenotypes share typical characteristics with cancer stem cells (CSC). However, it is poorly understood how metabolic stress in the confined tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and maintenance of CSC-like phenotypes. Here, we demonstrate that chronic metabolic stress (CMS) in a long-term nutrient deprivation induces a Wnt-dependent phenoconversion of non-stem cancer cells toward stem-like state and this is reflected in the transcriptome analysis. Addition of Wnt3a as well as transfection of dominant-negative Tcf4 establishes an obligatory role for the Wnt pathway in the acquisition of CSC-like characteristics in response to metabolic stress. Furthermore, systematic characterization for multiple single cell-derived clones and negative enrichment of CD44+/ESA+ stem-like cancer cells, all of which recapitulate stem-like cancer characteristics, suggest stochastic adaptation rather than selection of pre-existing subclones. Finally, CMS in the tumor microenvironment can drive a CSC-like phenoconversion of non-stem cancer cells through stochastic state transition dependent on the Wnt pathway. These findings contribute to an understanding of the metabolic stress-driven dynamic transition of non-stem cancer cells to a stem-like state in the tumor metabolic microenvironment.

Design and characterization of novel recombinant listeriolysin O-protamine fusion proteins for enhanced gene delivery

To improve the efficiency of gene delivery for effective gene therapy, it is essential that the vector carries functional components that can promote overcoming barriers in various steps leading to the transport of DNA from extracellular to ultimately nuclear compartment. In this study, we designed genetically engineered fusion proteins as a platform to incorporate multiple functionalities in one chimeric protein. Prototypes of such a chimera tested here contain two domains: one that binds to DNA; the other that can facilitate endosomal escape of DNA. The fusion proteins are composed of listeriolysin O (LLO), the endosomolytic pore-forming protein from Listeria monocytogenes, and a 22 amino acid sequence of the DNA-condensing polypeptide protamine (PN), singly or as a pair: LLO-PN and LLO-PNPN. We demonstrate dramatic enhancement of the gene delivery efficiency of protamine-condensed DNA upon incorporation of a small amount of LLO-PN fusion protein and further improvement with LLO-PNPN in vitro using cultured cells. Additionally, the association of anionic liposomes with cationic LLO-PNPN/protamine/DNA complexes, yielding a net negative surface charge, resulted in better in vitro transfection efficiency in the presence of serum. An initial, small set of data in mice indicated that the observed enhancement in gene expression could also be applicable to in vivo gene delivery. This study suggests that incorporation of a recombinant fusion protein with multiple functional components, such as LLO-protamine fusion protein, in a nonviral vector is a promising strategy for various nonviral gene delivery systems.

Screening nylon-3 polymers, a new class of cationic amphiphiles, for siRNA delivery

Amphiphilic nucleic acid carriers have attracted strong interest. Three groups of nylon-3 copolymers (poly-β-peptides) possessing different cationic/hydrophobic content were evaluated as siRNA delivery agents in this study. Their ability to condense siRNA was determined in SYBR Gold assays. Their cytotoxicity was tested by MTT assays, their efficiency of delivering Alexa Fluor-488-labeled siRNA intracellularly in the presence and absence of uptake inhibitors was assessed by flow cytometry, and their transfection efficacies were studied by luciferase knockdown in a cell line stably expressing luciferase (H1299/Luc). Endosomal release was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy and colocalization with lysotracker. All polymers efficiently condensed siRNA at nitrogen-to-phosphate (N/P) ratios of 5 or lower, as reflected in hydrodynamic diameters smaller than that at N/P 1. Although several formulations had negative zeta potentials at N/P 1, G2C and G2D polyplexes yielded >80% uptake in H1299/Luc cells, as determined by flow cytometry. Luciferase knockdown (20–65%) was observed after transfection with polyplexes made of the high molecular weight polymers that were the most hydrophobic. The ability of nylon-3 polymers to deliver siRNA intracellularly even at negative zeta potential implies that they mediate transport across cell membranes based on their amphiphilicity. The cellular uptake route was determined to strongly depend on the presence of cholesterol in the cell membrane. These polymers are, therefore, very promising for siRNA delivery at reduced surface charge and toxicity. Our study identified nylon-3 formulations at low N/P ratios for effective gene knockdown, indicating that nylon-3 polymers are a new, promising type of gene delivery agent.

Enhanced bactericidal action of acidified sodium chlorite caused by the saturation of reactants

AIMS

Factors affecting the antibacterial action of acidified sodium chlorite (ASC), a widely used disinfectant, have not been determined. This study investigated the significant factors suggesting efficient production method to maximize bactericidal action of ASC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effects of (i) preparation procedures (total three methods); (ii) initial concentrations of reactants: sodium chlorite (SC) and citric acid (CTA) (up to maximum solubility of each reactant) and (iii) final pH values (3·0 and 2·5) to the bactericidal action of ASC were investigated with a fixed final concentration of SC (10 ppm) using various foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus). The antimicrobial compounds produced and the bactericidal effects depended on the preparation procedure and the initial concentrations of the reactants. The ASC prepared by premixing highly concentrated reactants (in particular > 40%) followed by dilution (dilution after reaction, DAR) was more effective in inactivating foodborne pathogens, and it produced higher antimicrobial compound (Cl(2) and ClO(2)) yields than the other procedures. A 5-min treatment with ASC, produced using the other procedures, resulted in a reduction of < 3·5 log CFU ml(-1) (Gram positive = 0·18-0·78; Gram negative = 0·03-3·49 log CFU ml(-1)), whereas ASC produced with the DAR procedure using the saturated reactants completely inactivated all of the test pathogens within 5 min without recovery (initial concentration = 6·94-7·08 log CFU ml(-1)).

CONCLUSION

The ASC production with the DAR procedure using the saturated reactants maximizes both the antimicrobial compound yields and bactericidal effects of the ASC solutions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study will contribute to increase the efficiency of ASC treatments for disinfections reducing the effective SC concentrations for industrial use.

Influence of oligospermines architecture on their suitability for siRNA delivery

Spermines are naturally abundant polyamines that partially condense nucleic acids and exhibit the proton-sponge effect in an acidic environment. However, spermines show a limited efficiency for transfecting nucleic acids because of their low molecular weight. Therefore, spermines need to be modified to be used as nonviral vectors for nucleic acids. Here, we synthesized linear bisspermine as well as a linear and dendritic tetraspermine with different molecular architectures. These oligospermines were self-assembled into polyplexes with siRNA. The structure–activity relationship of the oligospermines was evaluated in terms of their efficiency for delivering siRNA into a nonsmall cell lung carcinoma cell line. Oligospermines displayed minimal cytotoxicity but efficient siRNA condensation and showed better stability against polyanions than polyethylenimine. The morphology of the polyplexes was strongly affected by the oligospermine architecture. Linear tetraspermine/siRNA polyplexes showed the best gene-silencing efficiency among the oligospermines tested at both the mRNA and protein expression levels, indicating the most favorable structure for siRNA delivery.

Survival of foodborne pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes) and Bacillus cereus spores in fermented alcoholic beverages (beer and refined rice wine)

Only limited information is available on the microbiological safety of fermented alcoholic beverages because it is still a common belief that such beverages do not provide a favorable environment for bacterial growth and survival. Thus, in this study, we examined the survival of major foodborne pathogens and spores in fermented alcoholic beverages. Foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus) and B. cereus spores (initial population, 3 to 4 log CFU/ml) were inoculated separately into three types of beer and refined rice wine, which were then stored at 5 and 22°C. Bacterial counts were assayed periodically for up to 28 days. Vegetative B. cereus counts decreased rapidly, whereas B. cereus spore counts remained constant (P > 0.05) for a long period of time in all beverages. Vegetative B. cereus cells formed spores in beer at 5 and 22°C, and the spores survived for long periods. Among vegetative cells, E. coli O157:H7 had the highest survival (only 1.49 to 1.56 log reduction during 28 days in beer at 5°C). Beer and refined rice wine supported microbial survival from several days to several weeks. Our results appear to contradict the common belief that pathogens cannot survive in alcoholic beverages. Long-term survival of pathogens (especially B. cereus and E. coli O157:H7) in beer and refined rice wine should be taken into consideration by the manufacturers of these beverages. This study provides basic information that should help further research into microbial survival in alcoholic beverages and increase the microbiological safety regulation of fermented alcoholic beverages.

A new modified cut standard straw vitrification technique reduces the apoptosis of mouse blastocysts and generates more live mouse offspring

Effects of freezing on apoptosis and autophagy in embryos are poorly understood. This study introduces a simple and successful method (modified cut standard straw, M-CSS) for cryopreservation of mouse zygotes. Apoptosis and autophagy were investigated in cultured mouse blastocysts derived from vitrified zygotes using two vitrification containers (M-CSS vs 0.25-ml straw). The percentages of zygotes that survived and developed into blastocysts and the number of cells per blastocyst were higher in the M-CSS group than in the 0.25 ml straw group; whereas the rate of apoptosis in blastocysts was significantly lower in the M-CSS group than in the 0.25-ml straw group. The expression of the apoptosis-related gene Caspase 3 in blastocysts was higher in the 0.25-ml straw group than in the M-CSS group; however, there were no significant differences in autophagy between these two groups. Vitrified-thawed mouse zygotes were transferred into recipients. The percentage of recipients that became pregnant and the percentage of transferred zygotes that developed into live offspring were significantly lower in the 0.25-ml straw group than in the M-CSS (10.2% vs. 17.5%). In conclusion, the novel M-CSS procedure improves oocyte and embryo vitrification. The standard 0.25-ml straw vitrification procedure induces mitochondrial apoptosis in zygotes in an autophagy-independent manner.

Factors affecting unmet healthcare needs of older people in Korea

BACKGROUND

Despite the fact that the National Health Insurance programmes have ensured universal coverage for Koreans, disparities in access to health care and unmet healthcare needs still exist in Korea.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to analyse factors affecting unmet healthcare needs of older people in Korea.

METHODS

This study had a cross-sectional, descriptive design using secondary data taken from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted in 2007-2009. A complex sampling design was used, and the participants included a nationally representative sample of 3943 people older than 64 years. Socio-demographic variables, subjective health, existence of chronic diseases, quality of life and unmet healthcare needs were included in the study instruments. Logistic regression analyses were performed in order to examine the relationship between unmet healthcare needs and independent variables.

RESULTS

According to the results, 29.4% of older women and 14.0% of older men had not visited clinics or hospitals when they needed to obtain healthcare services (unmet healthcare needs) during the past 12 months. Older women [odds ratio (OR) = 1.831, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.428-2.347] and those with poor subjective health (OR = 1.708, 95% CI = 1.371-2.126) and arthritis (OR = 1.278, 95% CI = 1.029-1.586) were more likely to have unmet healthcare needs than their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to decrease unmet healthcare needs, targeting high-risk groups (especially for older women), are needed in order to prevent disability, decrease mortality and promote the quality of life of older people.

Short communication: retinoic acid plus prolactin to synergistically increase specific casein gene expression in MAC-T cells

Mammary alveolar (MAC-T) cells, an established bovine mammary epithelial cell line, are frequently used to investigate differentiation. A lactogenic phenotype in these cells is induced by treatment with a combination of hydrocortisone, insulin, and prolactin (PRL). The effect of the vitamin A derivative retinoic acid (RA), which induces differentiation in many cells, has not been studied in MAC-T cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differentiation potential of RA (1 μM) in MAC-T cells and to examine the effect of combined treatment with RA (1 μM) and PRL (5 μg/mL). Although RA treatment alone inhibited MAC-T cell proliferation, co-treatment of RA with PRL increased cell growth compared with the control group (treated with 1 μg/mL hydrocortisone and 5 μg/mL insulin). The ratio of Bcl to Bax mRNA was decreased in the RA treatment compared with RA+PRL or control. Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of MAC-T cells was associated with an increase in the mRNA expression of αS1-casein (3.9-fold), αS2-casein (4.5-fold), and β-casein (4.4-fold) compared with the control group. Expression of αS1-casein, αS2-casein, and β-casein was increased 12.9-fold, 11.9-fold, and 19.3-fold, respectively, following treatment with RA and PRL combined compared with the control group. These results demonstrate that RA induces differentiation of MAC-T cells and acts synergistically with PRL to increase specific casein gene expression.

Immune modulation effect of porcine placenta extracts in weaned the pig

In a previous study, we established a collection of appropriate porcine placental extracts using PBS at 80°C (PE-PBS80) as a food supplement to increase immune activities in a mice model. In this study, piglets were treated with 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% PE-PBS80 for 3 wk after weaning. Experiments were performed at 2 separate farms using 2 different pig varieties. Composition of white blood cells, lymphocyte activation, and cytokine concentrations were analyzed to assess the immune modulation effect. In Exp. 1, the number of white blood cells increased significantly in the PE-PBS80 treatment and T- and B-cell activation increased as well (P < 0.01). Interestingly, piglets in all treatments in Exp. 2 were naturally infected by a rotavirus at the third day of the experiment but recovered after d 10. Increased lymphocyte activation was observed in the PE-PBS80 treatment (P < 0.01) regardless of viral infection. Additionally, unlike in Exp. 1, the percentage of granulocytes and concentrations of interferon-γ, IL-1β, and IgG increased in the PE-PBS80 treatment (P < 0.01) and were more active in the 0.3% PE-PBS80 treatment compared with the control and the other treatment. In conclusion, 0.3% PE-PBS80 treatment modulated immune activities in antigen-infected piglets. Therefore, the PE-PBS80 pig placental extract, particularly the 0.3% supplement to the normal diet, could be useful as an alternative feed supplement to modulate immune activity during the early piglet period.

Identification of triple-negative and basal-like canine mammary carcinomas using four basal markers

Molecular-based classification of canine mammary carcinomas (CMCs) has been a recent research focus. In human breast cancer, triple-negative and basal-like phenotypes are distinct molecular subgroups that are known for their poor prognosis, but these tumours are not yet well defined in the dog. The aim of this study was to determine whether CMCs include triple-negative and basal-like phenotypes by immunohistochemical assessment of expression of the oestrogen receptor (OR), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and four basal markers, cytokeratin (CK) 14, CK5/6, p63 and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In this study of 241 CMCs, 45 triple-negative tumours (OR(-), PR(-) and HER2(-)) were identified and this phenotype was associated with an unfavourable prognosis. In these tumours, the expression of CK14, CK5/6 and EGFR was related to clinicopathological parameters, while the expression of p63 was not relevant. The majority of the triple-negative tumours were of the basal-like phenotype, given that 75.6% of them expressed more than two basal markers. However, three of the basal markers were not uniformly expressed; therefore, the proportion of the basal-like phenotype was altered on the basis of the selection of the markers. Although both triple-negative and basal-like phenotypes are distinct entities in CMC, further study is needed to differentiate one from the other.

Infiltrating Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and histopathological features in canine classical and spermatocytic seminomas

In humans, regulatory T (T reg) cells are known to play a critical role in both the regulation of immune homoeostasis and the progression of cancer. However, there is little information about the identification, characterization and the function of T reg cells in canine tumours. We identified T reg cells in 28 canine seminoma samples using a Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) antibody and investigated the relationship between T reg cell infiltration and histopathological features of classical and spermatocytic seminomas (SE and SS, respectively). The Foxp3 protein showed nuclear immunostaining in infiltrating lymphocytes, and Foxp3+ cells were diffused or focally distributed in seminoma tissues. Foxp3+ cells were frequently present in the SS histotype, in seminomas that showed no evidence of tumour cell invasion into the vessels and in seminomas showing a diffuse growth pattern with three cell types. Neither the SE/SS histotype nor the histopathological features of the tumour correlated with Foxp3+ cell counts. These results indicate that Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with a less malignant histological phenotype or may not play a critical role in the immune response of canine seminomas. Moreover, Foxp3+ T reg cells may be associated with SS seminoma, but further studies, involving a larger number of samples, are required to better understand whether these cells play a critical role in the immune response in canine seminomas. This is the first report to demonstrate the characteristics of T reg cell infiltration in canine seminoma.

Risk factors for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a form of pulmonary hypertension caused by obstruction and vascular remodelling of pulmonary arteries following pulmonary embolism. Risk factors that predispose patients to CTEPH include the size of the initial thrombus and numerous associated host or medical conditions. Haemostatic risk factors include elevated levels of factor VIII and phospholipid antibodies or intrinsic abnormalities in fibrinogen. Medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of CTEPH include a history of splenectomy, cancer, ventriculoatrial shunt, chronic inflammatory disease, antiphospholipid antibodies and hypothyroidism. Although CTEPH is potentially curable by pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), up to 40% of patients evaluated for PEA may be denied surgery depending on the level of surgical experience and disease accessibility after pre-operative assessment. Furthermore, an estimated 10-15% of patients are at risk for residual pulmonary hypertension following PEA surgery, due to significant concomitant small-vessel disease. However, pre-operative identification of small-vessel involvement remains a challenge. The current medications effective in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension have not demonstrated efficacy in CTEPH. Accordingly, identification of CTEPH, followed by early referral for evaluation and treatment by an experienced PEA centre, is recommended.

Classification of Cryptococcus neoformans and yeast-like fungus isolates from pigeon droppings by colony phenotyping and ITS genotyping and their seasonal variations in Korea

Cryptococcus neoformans (C neoformans) is a frequent cause of invasive fungal disease in immunocompromised human hosts. Ninety-eight samples of pigeon droppings were collected from the pigeon shelters in Seoul, and cultured on birdseed agar (BSA) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). One hundred yeast-like colonies were selected and identified via phenotype characteristics, such as colony morphology and biochemical characteristics. This was then followed with genotyping via sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. The colonies were classified into four kinds of colony color types: brown type (BrT), beige type (BeT), pink type (PT), and white type (WT). Numbers of isolated BrT, BeT, PT, and WT colonies were 22 (22%), 30 (30%), 19 (19%), and 39 (39%), respectively. All BrT colonies were identified as C neoformans. BeT were identified as 19 isolates of Cryptococcus laurentii, 10 isolates of Malassezia furfur, and 1 isolate of Cryptococcus uniguttulatus. PT was divided into two colony color types: light-PT (l-PT) and deep-PT (d-PT). Eighteen of l-PT and one of d-PT were identified as Rhodotorula glutinis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, respectively. WT were identified as 34 isolates of Cryptococcus guilliermondii, 3 isolates of Cryptococcus zeylanoides, 1 isolate of Cryptococcus sake, and 1 isolate of Stephanoascus ciferrii. Most strains were classified identically with the use of either phenotype or genotyping techniques, but C uniguttulatus and C sake classified by phenotyping were Pseudozyma aphidis and Cryptococcus famata by genotyping. This rapid screening technique of pathogenic yeast-like fungi by only colony characteristics is also expected to be very useful for primary yeast screening. Additionally, we investigated the seasonal variations of C neoformans and other yeast-like fungi from 379 pigeon-dropping samples that were collected from February 2011 to March 2011. We isolated 685 yeast-like fungi from the samples. Almost all C neoformans and yeast-like fungi were isolated in the fall (298 strains, 43.5%) and spring (244 strains, 35.6%). A few yeast-like fungi were isolated in winter (98 strains, 14.3%) and summer (45 strains, 6%). These results would be used as an important indicator related to epidemiology and prevention of pathogenic yeast-like fungi infections transmitted through pigeon droppings.

Correlation of Foxp3 positive regulatory T cells with prognostic factors in canine mammary carcinomas

Regulatory T cells (Treg) cells play a crucial role in tumor progression by suppressing anti-tumor immunity, but are not well-documented in veterinary oncology. To identify the characteristics of Treg cells in tumor microenvironments, the numbers of Treg cells were analyzed and compared with histological prognostic factors and molecular biomarkers in canine mammary carcinoma (MC) tissues (n=37). Abundant Treg cells were associated with high histological grade and lymphatic invasion. The numbers of Treg cells infiltrating intratumoral areas markedly increased in tumors with poor prognostic factors, such as high histological grade, lymphatic invasion, and necrosis. These findings suggest that Treg cells play a role in canine MC progression. Furthermore, Treg cell numbers in intratumoral compartments may provide a potential prognostic factor when assessing canine MCs, which may in turn lead to the development of new immunologic therapeutics.

Prevalence and classification of toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus isolated from refrigerated ready-to-eat foods (sushi, kimbab and California rolls) in Korea

AIMS

To investigate the presence of toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus in ready-to-eat (RTE) Korean foods and determine the distribution of genes related to various types of toxin production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 3293 commercial RTE refrigerated foods (sushi, n = 1882; kimbab, n = 975; California rolls, n = 436) were collected from Korean grocery stores, department stores and convenience stores between January 2006 and June 2007. Of these, 197 (5.98%) RTE samples were contaminated with coagulase-positive Staph. aureus, that is, 61 (6.26%) kimbab, 110 (5.84%) sushi and 26 (5.96%) California rolls. Multiplex PCR determined the presence of 12 toxigenic genes: sea, seb, sec, sed, see, seg, seh, sei, sej, tst-1, eta and etb. Approximately half (49.75%) of the Staph. aureus isolates had toxigenic properties, and most of the toxigenic isolates possessed genes coding for the simultaneous production of two or more types of toxin. The most frequent toxigenic types found in Korean RTE foods were as follows: seg = sei > sea > tst-1 > etb > seh > eta > sec > sej.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided a comprehensive analysis of toxigenic S. aureus isolates from Korean RTE foods and their toxigenicity types. This emphasizes the potential risk of various types of toxigenic Staph. aureus in refrigerated RTE food products, which should be better managed to establish safer food chains in global food markets.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This result may contribute to an extended database on Staph. aureus food contamination and mitigate the lack of available information on microbiological hazards in Southeast Asian Nations.

Serum selenoprotein P levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes: implications for insulin resistance, inflammation, and atherosclerosis

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

The dysregulation of hepatokines may be associated with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. A recent study has suggested that selenoprotein P (SeP), a novel hepatokine, may play a role in the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. We examined the relationship between circulating SeP levels and clinical parameters associated with insulin resistance in humans.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We compared serum SeP concentrations in 100 subjects with diverse glucose tolerance statuses. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between SeP and cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin resistance, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and carotid intima-media thickness.

RESULTS

Serum SeP concentrations were significantly higher in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes than those with normal glucose tolerance (all P < 0.01) and decreased in a stepwise manner [1032.4 (495.9-2149.4) vs. 867.3 (516.3-1582.7) vs. 362.0 (252.5-694.5), P = 0.004]. In addition, overweight and obese subjects had significantly increased SeP levels compared with lean subjects (P = 0.002). Spearman's partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender showed a significant relationship between SeP and cardiometabolic factors including body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, aspartate aminotransferase, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, in multiple regression analyses, SeP showed an independent association with carotid intima-media thickness as well as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, even after adjustment for other confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating SeP concentrations were elevated in patients with glucose metabolism dysregulation and were related to various cardiometabolic parameters including insulin resistance, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.

Expression of HER-2 and nuclear localization of HER-3 protein in canine mammary tumors: histopathological and immunohistochemical study

HER-2 and HER-3 are transmembrane receptor proteins that are considered to be important but poorly understood biomarkers in canine tumors. In this study, the expression and the localization of HER-2 and HER-3 were evaluated immunohistochemically in canine mammary tumors (n=64; 12 benign, 52 malignant). HER-2 overexpression was identified in 2/12 (16.7%) benign and in 18/51 (35.3%) malignant cases. HER-3 was expressed in a non-nuclear localization in 11/12 (91.7%) benign and 18/52 (34.6%) malignant tumors. In contrast, HER-3 was expressed in the nucleus of neoplastic cells in 0/12 (0%) benign and 22/52 (42.3%) malignant tumors. Nuclear HER-3 expression was higher in neoplastic epithelial cells compared to myoepithelial cells, and positively correlated with high histological grade and lymphatic vessel invasion. These results suggest that nuclear HER-3 expression is significantly associated with tumor progression and metastasis and may serve as a useful prognostic biomarker in canine malignant mammary tumors.

Role of CK1 in GSK3beta-mediated phosphorylation and degradation of snail

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs during embryonic development has begun to attract attention as a potential mechanism for tumor cell metastasis. Snail is a well-known Zn-finger transcription factor that promotes EMT by repressing E-cadherin expression. It is known that Snail is phosphorylated by GSK3beta and degraded by beta-TrCP-mediated ubiquitination. Here we described another protein kinase, CK1, whose phosphorylation of Snail is required for the subsequent GSK3beta phosphorylation. Specific inhibition or depletion of CK1varepsilon inhibits the phosphorylation and degradation of Snail and promotes cell migration, suggesting a central role of CK1varepsilon in the EMT process. Furthermore, our study uncovered distinct roles and steps of Snail phosphorylation by CK1varepsilon and GSK3beta. Taken together, we identified CK1varepsilon as a new component of the Snail-mediated EMT process, providing insight into the mechanism of human cancer metastasis.

Auranofin promotes retinoic acid- or dihydroxyvitamin D3-mediated cell differentiation of promyelocytic leukaemia cells by increasing histone acetylation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To investigate the molecular mechanism for the effect of auranofin on the induction of cell differentiation, the cellular events associated with differentiation were analysed in acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The APL blasts from leukaemia patients and NB4 cells were cotreated with auroanofin and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) at suboptimal concentration. The HL-60 cells were treated with auroanofin and a subeffective dose of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 vit D3) in combination. The effect of auroanofin was investigated on histone acetylation at the promoter of differentiation-associated genes and expression of cell cycle regulators.

KEY RESULTS

Treatment with auroanofin and ATRA cooperatively induced granulocytic differentiation of fresh APL blasts isolated from patients and NB4 cells. The combined treatment also increased reorganization of nuclear PML bodies and histone acetylation at the promoter of the RARbeta2 gene. Auroanofin also promoted monocytic differentiation of the HL-60 cells triggered by subeffective concentration of 1,25(OH)2 vit D3. The combined treatment of auroanofin and 1,25(OH)2 vit D3 stimulated histone acetylation at p21 promoters and increased the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase. Consistent with this, the expressions of p21, p27 and PTEN were increased and the levels of cyclin A, Cdk2 and Cdk4 were decreased. Furthermore, the hypophosphorylated form of pRb was markedly increased in cotreated cells.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings indicate that auroanofin in combination with low doses of either ATRA or 1,25(OH)2 vit D3 promotes APL cell differentiation by enhancing histone acetylation and the expression of differentiation-associated genes.

Serum retinol-binding protein 4 levels are elevated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a recently identified adipokine that is elevated in the serum in several insulin-resistant states. We investigated the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum RBP4 in nondiabetic adults.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-nine nondiabetic, non-alcoholic subjects (95 males and 64 females) participated in this study. Division of subjects into a NAFLD group (n = 73; 45 males and 28 females) or a normal group (n = 86; 50 males and 36 females) was based on the presence of fatty liver disease determined by sonography.

RESULTS

Serum RBP4 levels in the NAFLD group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (62.8 +/- 16.0 mg/l vs. 51.7 +/- 14.6 mg/l, P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the RBP4 level was an independent factor associated with NAFLD (P = 0.0042). In addition, serum RBP4 levels were positively correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) levels. The significant association between serum RBP4 and GGT levels remained even after adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) value and the presence of NAFLD (r = 0.3097, P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

Serum RBP4 levels are significantly associated with NAFLD and liver enzymes.

Respiratory rate detection algorithms by photoplethysmography signal processing

Photoplethysmography (PPG) offers the clinically meaningful parameters, such as, heart rate, and respiratory rate. In this study, we presented three respiratory signal detection algorithms using photoplethysmography raw data generated from commercial PPG sensor: (1)Min-Max (2)Peak-to-Peak (3)Pulse Shape. As reference signal, nasal sensor signal was acquired simultaneously and compared and analyzed. We used two types of moving average filtering technique to process three PPG parameters. In laboratory experiment, 6 subjects' PPG signals were measured when they respire ten and fifteen, and arbitrary times per minute. From the results, following conclusions were drawn. Min-Max and Peak-to-Peak algorithms perform better than Pulse shape algorithm. They can be used to detect respiratory rate. But, Pulse Shape algorithm was accurate for subject 4 only. More experimental data is necessary to improve the accuracy and reliability.

Germinal vesicle chromatin configuration and meiotic competence is related to the oocyte source in canine

This study investigated the effect of deriving oocytes from different stages of the estrous cycle on oocyte diameter, germinal vesicle (GV) chromatin configuration, and in vitro meiotic competence in canine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from both ovaries during anestrous, follicular, and luteal phases and in vivo ovulated oocytes. The diameter of canine oocyte was compared with or without the zona pellucida (ZP) before in vitro maturation (IVM). Also, GV chromatin configuration was evaluated before (0 h) or 72 h after IVM by fixation with 3.7% formaldehyde supplemented with 10 microg/ml Hoechst 33342 for 30 min. COCs were matured in TCM199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 0.6 mM cysteine, 0.2 mM pyruvic acid, 50 microg/ml gentamycin sulfate, and 20 microg/ml 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) at 39 degrees C and 5% CO(2) in air for 72 h. The diameter of in vivo ovulated oocytes with the ZP (167.5+/-12.7 microm) or without ZP (133.9+/-5.3 microm) was significantly greater (p<0.05) than those of anestrous, follicular, and luteal oocytes (with ZP, 151.2+/-7.4, 153.1+/-8.8 and 152.8+/-5.4 microm, respectively; without ZP, 115.3+/-7.6, 122.1+/-4.9 and 114.3+/-6.6 microm, respectively). At 0 h, the GV-II configuration was more prevalent in oocytes from anestrual ovaries than from follicular or luteal ovaries or in vivo ovulated oocytes (63.6% versus 14.8%, 33.0%, and 0.0%; p<0.05), whereas the proportion of oocytes with the GV-V configuration was higher in follicular phase and ovulated oocytes than in oocytes from anestrus and luteal phase (57.4% and 100% versus 2.0% and 22.7%; p<0.05). However, oocytes in luteal phase exhibited diverse GV configurations (10.3%, 33.0%, 16.5%, 13.4%, and 22.7% in GV-I, GV-II, GV-III, GV-IV, and GV-V, respectively). After 72 h post-IVM, a greater percentage of in vivo ovulated oocytes progressed to MII than those oocytes collected during anestrous, follicular, and luteal phases (50.0% versus 5.5%, 11.5%, and 9.1%; p<0.05). In conclusion, the oocyte diameter, GV chromatin configuration, and meiotic maturation of canine COCs are related to the oocyte source. These results indicated that the oocyte source could be critical to nuclear progression to MII stage in canines.