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

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

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

MATERIALS/METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

AIM

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Re-engineering the adenine deaminase TadA-8e for efficient and specific CRISPR-based cytosine base editing

Cytosine base editors (CBEs) efficiently generate precise C·G-to-T·A base conversions, but the activation-induced cytidine deaminase/apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like (AID/APOBEC) protein family deaminase component induces considerable off-target effects and indels. To explore unnatural cytosine deaminases, we repurpose the adenine deaminase TadA-8e for cytosine conversion. The introduction of an N46L variant in TadA-8e eliminates its adenine deaminase activity and results in a TadA-8e-derived C-to-G base editor (Td-CGBE) capable of highly efficient and precise C·G-to-G·C editing. Through fusion with uracil glycosylase inhibitors and further introduction of additional variants, a series of Td-CBEs was obtained either with a high activity similar to that of BE4max or with higher precision compared to other reported accurate CBEs. Td-CGBE/Td-CBEs show very low indel effects and a background level of Cas9-dependent or Cas9-independent DNA/RNA off-target editing. Moreover, Td-CGBE/Td-CBEs are more efficient in generating accurate edits in homopolymeric cytosine sites in cells or mouse embryos, suggesting their accuracy and safety for gene therapy and other applications.

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

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

Engineering a precise adenine base editor with minimal bystander editing

Adenine base editors (ABEs) catalyze A-to-G transitions showing broad applications, but their bystander mutations and off-target editing effects raise safety concerns. Through structure-guided engineering, we found ABE8e with an N108Q mutation reduced both adenine and cytosine bystander editing, and introduction of an additional L145T mutation (ABE9), further refined the editing window to 1-2 nucleotides with eliminated cytosine editing. Importantly, ABE9 induced very minimal RNA and undetectable Cas9-independent DNA off-target effects, which mainly installed desired single A-to-G conversion in mouse and rat embryos to efficiently generate disease models. Moreover, ABE9 accurately edited the A5 position of the protospacer sequence in pathogenic homopolymeric adenosine sites (up to 342.5-fold precision over ABE8e) and was further confirmed through a library of guide RNA-target sequence pairs. Owing to the minimized editing window, ABE9 could further broaden the targeting scope for precise correction of pathogenic single-nucleotide variants when fused to Cas9 variants with expanded protospacer adjacent motif compatibility. bpNLS, bipartite nuclear localization signals.

Blood small extracellular vesicles derived miRNAs to differentiate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from chronic pancreatitis (CP) is clinically challenging due to a lack of minimally invasive diagnosis methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) derived from small extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the blood have been reported as a promising diagnosis biomarker for various types of cancer. However, blood small EV miRNA signatures and their diagnostic value to differentiate between PDAC and CP remain to be determined.

METHODS

In this study, 107 patients with PDAC or CP were recruited, and 90 patients were finally enrolled for a training cohort (n = 48) and test cohort (n = 42). Small RNA sequencing was used to assess the expression of blood small EV miRNAs in these patients.

RESULTS

The linear model from the differentially expressed blood small EV miR-95-3p divided by miR-26b-5p showed an average sensitivity of 84.1% and an average specificity of 96.6% to identify PDAC from CP in the training cohort and the test cohort, respectively. When the model was combined with serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), the average sensitivity increased to 96.5%, and the average specificity remained at 96.4% of both cohorts, which demonstrated the best performance of all the published biomarkers for distinguishing between PDAC and CP. The causal analysis performed using the Bayesian network demonstrated that miR-95-3p was associated with a "consequence" of "cancer" and miR-26b-5p as a "cause" of "pancreatitis." A subgroup analysis revealed that blood small EV miR-335-5p/miR-340-5p could predict metastases in both cohorts and was associated with an overall survival (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that blood small EV miR-95-3p/miR-26b-5p and its combination with serum levels of CA19-9 could separate PDAC from CP, and miR-335-5p/miR-340-5p was identified to associate with PDAC metastasis and poor prognosis. These results suggested the potentiality of blood small EV miRNAs as differential diagnosis and metastases biomarkers of PDAC.

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

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

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

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

TaqMan real-time PCR for detecting bovine viral diarrhea virus

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

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Abstract GS1-02: Towards a human breast cell atlas

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

Citation Format: Seth TK, Bai S, Hu M, Sei E, Wood A, Wiley J, Chen H, Contreras A, Teshome M, Lim B, Navin NE. Towards a human breast cell atlas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr GS1-02.

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

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

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

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

Oncological and genetic factors impacting PDX model construction with NSG mice in pancreatic cancer

A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) approach, which relies on direct transplantation of tumor specimens into an immunocompromised animal, is a commonly used method for investigating tumor therapy predictions in vivo. This study evaluated influencing factors, including clinical, oncological, and genetic variables, for a pancreatic PDX model in mice. Tumor specimens were obtained from 121 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection at the Changhai Pancreatic Surgery Medical Center (Shanghai, China) between April 2016 and February 2017. Pancreatic cancer (PC) samples <3 mm³ were subcutaneously implanted into the NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull (NSG) mice. Once the xenograft reached 300-500 mm³ or reached 180 d after cell inoculation, the tumor was excised. Part of the tumor was subsequently transplanted to next-generation mice, and another part was analyzed by using immunohistochemistry. Among the 121 patients with PC, tumor xenograft was successfully generated in 86 patients (71.1%). Primary tumor >3.5 cm in size was independently associated with xenograft formation rate. In addition, several enriched mutated genes within the VEGF pathway and higher microvessel density were found in the positive group (with xenograft) compared with the negative group (without xenograft). We concluded that tumor size and mutated VEGF pathway in PC are important factors affecting PDX model construction with NSG mice.-Guo, S., Gao, S., Liu, R., Shen, J., Shi, X., Bai, S., Wang, H., Zheng, K., Shao, Z., Liang, C., Peng, S., Jin, G. Oncological and genetic factors impacting PDX model construction with NSG mice in pancreatic cancer.

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

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

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

BACKGROUND

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

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

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

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

Phosphorylation-dependent cleavage regulates von Hippel Lindau proteostasis and function

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

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

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

Woven silk fabric-reinforced silk nanofibrous scaffolds for regenerating load-bearing soft tissues

Although three-dimensional (3-D) porous regenerated silk scaffolds with outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability and low inflammatory reactions have promising application in different tissue regeneration, the mechanical properties of regenerated scaffolds, especially suture retention strength, must be further improved to satisfy the requirements of clinical applications. This study presents woven silk fabric-reinforced silk nanofibrous scaffolds aimed at dermal tissue engineering. To improve the mechanical properties, silk scaffolds prepared by lyophilization were reinforced with degummed woven silk fabrics. The ultimate tensile strength, elongation at break and suture retention strength of the scaffolds were significantly improved, providing suitable mechanical properties strong enough for clinical applications. The stiffness and degradation behaviors were then further regulated by different after-treatment processes, making the scaffolds more suitable for dermal tissue regeneration. The in vitro cell culture results indicated that these scaffolds maintained their excellent biocompatibility after being reinforced with woven silk fabrics. Without sacrifice of porous structure and biocompatibility, the fabric-reinforced scaffolds with better mechanical properties could facilitate future clinical applications of silk as matrices in skin repair.

Experimental validation of a novel compact focusing scheme for future energy-frontier linear lepton colliders

A novel scheme for the focusing of high-energy leptons in future linear colliders was proposed in 2001 [P. Raimondi and A. Seryi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 3779 (2001)]. This scheme has many advantageous properties over previously studied focusing schemes, including being significantly shorter for a given energy and having a significantly better energy bandwidth. Experimental results from the ATF2 accelerator at KEK are presented that validate the operating principle of such a scheme by demonstrating the demagnification of a 1.3 GeV electron beam down to below 65 nm in height using an energy-scaled version of the compact focusing optics designed for the ILC collider.

Coordinate phosphorylation of multiple residues on single AKT1 and AKT2 molecules

Aberrant AKT activation is prevalent across multiple human cancer lineages providing an important new target for therapy. Twenty-two independent phosphorylation sites have been identified on specific AKT isoforms likely contributing to differential isoform regulation. However, the mechanisms regulating phosphorylation of individual AKT isoform molecules have not been elucidated because of the lack of robust approaches able to assess phosphorylation of multiple sites on a single AKT molecule. Using a nanofluidic proteomic immunoassay (NIA), consisting of isoelectric focusing followed by sensitive chemiluminescence detection, we demonstrate that under basal and ligand-induced conditions that the pattern of phosphorylation events is markedly different between AKT1 and AKT2. Indeed, there are at least 12 AKT1 peaks and at least 5 AKT2 peaks consistent with complex combinations of phosphorylation of different sites on individual AKT molecules. Following insulin stimulation, AKT1 was phosphorylated at Thr308 in the T-loop and Ser473 in the hydrophobic domain. In contrast, AKT2 was only phosphorylated at the equivalent sites (Thr309 and Ser474) at low levels. Further, Thr308 and Ser473 phosphorylation occurred predominantly on the same AKT1 molecules, whereas Thr309 and Ser474 were phosphorylated primarily on different AKT2 molecules. Although basal AKT2 phosphorylation was sensitive to inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), basal AKT1 phosphorylation was essentially resistant. PI3K inhibition decreased pThr451 on AKT2 but not pThr450 on AKT1. Thus, NIA technology provides an ability to characterize coordinate phosphorylation of individual AKT molecules providing important information about AKT isoform-specific phosphorylation, which is required for optimal development and implementation of drugs targeting aberrant AKT activation.

Controllable transition of silk fibroin nanostructures: an insight into in vitro silk self-assembly process

Silk fiber is one of the strongest and toughest biological materials with hierarchical structures, where nanofibril with size <20nm is a critical factor in determining its excellent mechanical properties. Although silk nanofibrils have been found in natural and regenerated silk solutions, there is no way to actively control nanofibril formation in aqueous solution. This study shows a simple but effective method of preparing silk nanofibrils by regulating the silk self-assembly process. Through a repeated drying-dissolving process, a silk fibroin solution composed of metastable nanoparticles was first prepared and then used to reassemble nanofibrils with different sizes and secondary conformations under various temperatures and concentrations. These nanofibrils have a similar size to that of natural fibers, providing a suitable unit to further assemble the hierarchical structure in vitro. Several important issues, such as the relationships between silk nanofibrils, secondary conformations and viscosity, are also investigated, giving a new insight into the self-assembly process. In summary, besides rebuilding silk nanofibrils in aqueous solution, this study provides an important model for furthering the understanding of silk structures, properties and forming mechanisms, making it possible to regenerate silk materials with exceptional properties in the future.