Cell-Free DNA Tissue Damage Mapping in Transplant Patients Infected with COVID-19

Purpose

Patients with COVID-19 show variable clinical course; transplant patients often show worse outcomes. The effect of COVID-19 on the allograft and the sources of tissue injury that contribute to such poor outcomes are poorly defined. This study leverages cell-free DNA (cfDNA) to measure allograft injury as donor-derived cfDNA (ddcfDNA) and injury from different tissue types using tissue-specific DNA methylomic signatures.

Methods

14 consecutive COVID-19 transplant patients (8 Kidney, 3 Lung, 1 Heart, 1 Liver, and one multi-organ transplant patients) and 30 healthy controls were included. Plasma nuclear cfDNA (ncfDNA) and mitochondrial cfDNA (mtcfDNA) level were measured via digital droplet PCR, and ddcfDNA using AlloSure (CareDx). cfDNA whole-genome bisulfite sequencing was performed to identify cfDNA tissues of origin leveraging tissue specific DNA methylomes and deconvolution algorithm.

Results

75% of the COVID-19 transplant patients showed high ddcfDNA level compared to published quiescent values, including all lung, 50% of the kidney, liver and multi-organ transplant patients (8.5, 4.4, 30 and 16-X fold change, respectively). Total ncfDNA and mtcfDNA were 15X and 310X higher in COVID-19 transplant patients compared to controls, respectively; < 0.0001.The predominant tissues contributing to cfDNA were hematopoietic cells (80%) (Figure). More importantly, COVID-19 transplant patients showed 10 to 100 fold higher tissue specific cfDNA derived from monocyte, neutrophil, erythroblast, vascular endothelium, adipocyte, hepatocyte, kidney, heart and lung compared to controls. Analysis comparing cfDNA in transplant and non-transplant COVID-19 patients is on-going.

Conclusion

The allograft undergoes significant injury following COVID-19. Further, cfDNA from multiple tissue types is significantly higher in COVID-19 transplant patients. Future studies in a larger cohorts of transplant and non-transplant patients are needed to elucidate why transplant patients show worse COVID-19 outcomes.

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment of cancer: state-of-art, challenges, and future perspectives

Bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics are well-proven potential biomaterials for bone-tissue engineering applications because of their compositional flexibility. Many research groups have been focused to explore the utility of bioactive glass-ceramics beyond bone engineering to hyperthermia treatment of cancer. Hyperthermia refers to raising the temperature of tumor close to 44°C at which malignant cells perish with negligible harm to normal cells. Hyperthermia can be employed by many means such as by ultrasonic waves, electromagnetic waves, infrared radiations, alternating magnetic fields, etc. Magnetic bioactive glass-ceramics are advantageous over other potential candidates for thermoseeds such as nanofluids, superparamagnetic nanoparticles because they can bond not only to the natural bone but also with soft tissues in few cases, which helps regenerating the affected part due to its bioactive nature. Strict restrictions on clinical settings ( H × f < 5 × 10 9 ) force the research activities to be more focused on material characteristics to raise the implant temperature to required ranges. Lots of efforts have been made in past years to tackle these challenges and design best-suited glass-ceramics for hyperthermia treatment. This review aims to provide essential information on the concept of hyperthermia treatment of cancer and recent developments in the field of bioactive glass-ceramics for cancer treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of magnetic glass-ceramics over other potential thermoseed materials are highlighted. In this field, the major challenges are to develop magnetic glasses, which have fast and bulk crystallization with optimized magnetic phases with lower Curie and Neel temperatures.

Formation of Kiss1R/GPER Heterocomplexes Negatively Regulates Kiss1R-mediated Signalling through Limiting Receptor Cell Surface Expression

Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1R) is an important receptor that plays central regulatory roles in reproduction by regulating hormone release in the hypothalamus. We hypothesize that the formation of heterocomplexes between Kiss1R and other hypothalamus G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) affects their cellular signaling. Through screening of potential interactions between Kiss1R and hypothalamus GPCRs, we identified G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) as one interaction partner of Kiss1R. Based on the recognised function of kisspeptin and estrogen in regulating the reproductive system, we investigated the Kiss1R/GPER heterocomplex in more detail and revealed that complex formation significantly reduced Kiss1R-mediated signaling. GPER did not directly antagonize Kiss1R conformational changes upon ligand binding, but it rather reduced the cell surface expression of Kiss1R. These results therefore demonstrate a regulatory mechanism of hypothalamic hormone receptors via receptor cooperation in the reproductive system and modulation of receptor sensitivity.

Purification and identification of a surfactin biosurfactant and engine oil degradation by Bacillus velezensis KLP2016

Engine oil used in automobiles is a threat to soil and water due to the recalcitrant properties of its hydrocarbons. It pollutes surrounding environment which affects both flora and fauna. Microbes can degrade hydrocarbons containing engine oil and utilize it as a substrate for their growth. Our results demonstrated that cell-free broth of Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 (Gram + ve, endospore forming; Accession number KY214239) recorded an emulsification index (E₂₄%) from 52.3% to 65.7% against different organic solvents, such as benzene, pentane, cyclohexane, xylene, n-hexane, toluene and engine oil. The surface tension of the cell-free broth of B. velezensis grown in Luria–Bertani broth at 35 °C decreased from 55 to 40 mN m⁻¹at critical micelle concentration 17.2 µg/mL. The active biosurfactant molecule of cell-free broth of Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 was purified by Dietheylaminoethyl-cellulose and size exclusion chromatography, followed by HPLC (RT = 1.130), UV–vis spectrophotometry (210 nm) and thin layer chromatography (R_f = 0.90). The molecular weight of purified biosurfactant was found to be ~ 1.0 kDa, based on Electron Spray Ionization-MS. A concentration of 1980 × 10^–2 parts per million of CO₂ was trapped in a KOH solution after 15 days of incubation in Luria–Bertani broth containing 1% engine oil. Our results suggest that bacterium Bacillus velezensis KLP2016 may promise a new dimension to solving the engine oil pollution problem in near future.

Practical consensus recommendations on Her2 +ve breast cancer with solitary brain mets

Breast cancer is a common cause of brain metastases, with metastases occurring in at least 10-16% of patients. Longer survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer and the use of better imaging techniques are associated with an increased incidence of brain metastases. Current therapies include surgery, whole-brain radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapies. However, the timing and appropriate use of these therapies is controversial and careful patient selection by using available prognostic tools is extremely important. Expert oncologist discussed on the mode of treatment to extend the OS and improve the quality of life ofHER2-positivebreast cancer patients with Solitary brain metastases. This expert group used data from published literature, practical experience and opinion of a large group of academic oncologists to arrive at this practical consensus recommendations for the benefit of community oncologists.

Separation of HCl/water mixture using air gap membrane distillation, Taguchi optimization and artificial neural network

The aim of this paper is to analyze the performance of the air gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process for the separation of HCl/Water mixture first by applying Taguchi optimization approach and second by developing an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The experimental data which are fed as input to the above approaches are collected from the fabricated AGMD lab-scale setup using poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene membrane of 0.22 µm pore size. The process input variables considered are bulk feed temperature, feed flow rate, air gap thickness, cooling water temperature and cooing water flow rate and AGMD performance index is the total permeate flux. The optimum operating condition is found to be at feed temperature 50 °C, air gap thickness 7 mm, cooling water temperature 5 °C and feed flow rate 10 lpm. Analysis of variance test is carried out for both Taguchi and ANN models. Regression model has also been developed for the comparison between experimental and model predicted data. The developed ANN model has been found well fitted with experimental data having R 2 value of 0.998. Based on the calculated percentage of contribution of each input parameter on the AGMD permeate flux, it can be concluded that feed temperature and air gap thickness have highest weightage whereas feed flow rate and cooling water temperature have moderate effects. Predictive ability of the developed ANN model is further checked with 2D contour plot. The distinctive feature of the paper is the development of the Taguchi experimental design and ANN model and then consequently integration of both Taguchi and ANN has been carried out to optimized the developed ANN model parameters.

Associations Between Religious/Spiritual Practices and Well-Being in Indian Elderly Rural Women

Religion and spirituality (R/S) are embedded in all aspects of life in India, a predominantly rural economy. The aim of this mixed methods study was to assess the associations between a culturally tailored intervention and preexisting religious/spiritual (R/S) practices with indicators of well-being and factors which contribute to happiness among elderly rural women from Haryana state, India. The study consisted of three groups: field experimental group (FEG; n = 24); practitioners of preexisting R/S practices for at least 6 weeks Satsang (SG, n = 54), Brahma Kumaris (BKG, n = 54), and Radha Soami (RSG, n = 30), and non-practitioners of R/S practices (n = 64). All groups completed self-report measures of overall happiness and life satisfaction, global health, quality of life, and health status and physical health. Results revealed that FEG participants improved significantly on physical health, body balancing, and self-care; no changes were observed on the other well-being measures following the intervention. Practitioners of preexisting R/S practices were found significantly different from the non-practitioners on some indicators of health, quality of life, and well-being. Qualitative measures pointed to the importance of R/S and family and interpersonal relationships among elderly rural women.

The Mars 2020 Engineering Cameras and Microphone on the Perseverance Rover: A Next-Generation Imaging System for Mars Exploration

The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is equipped with a next-generation engineering camera imaging system that represents an upgrade over previous Mars rover missions. These upgrades will improve the operational capabilities of the rover with an emphasis on drive planning, robotic arm operation, instrument operations, sample caching activities, and documentation of key events during entry, descent, and landing (EDL). There are a total of 16 cameras in the Perseverance engineering imaging system, including 9 cameras for surface operations and 7 cameras for EDL documentation. There are 3 types of cameras designed for surface operations: Navigation cameras (Navcams, quantity 2), Hazard Avoidance Cameras (Hazcams, quantity 6), and Cachecam (quantity 1). The Navcams will acquire color stereo images of the surface with a 96 ∘ × 73 ∘ field of view at 0.33 mrad/pixel. The Hazcams will acquire color stereo images of the surface with a 136 ∘ × 102 ∘ at 0.46 mrad/pixel. The Cachecam, a new camera type, will acquire images of Martian material inside the sample tubes during caching operations at a spatial scale of 12.5 microns/pixel. There are 5 types of EDL documentation cameras: The Parachute Uplook Cameras (PUCs, quantity 3), the Descent stage Downlook Camera (DDC, quantity 1), the Rover Uplook Camera (RUC, quantity 1), the Rover Descent Camera (RDC, quantity 1), and the Lander Vision System (LVS) Camera (LCAM, quantity 1). The PUCs are mounted on the parachute support structure and will acquire video of the parachute deployment event as part of a system to characterize parachute performance. The DDC is attached to the descent stage and pointed downward, it will characterize vehicle dynamics by capturing video of the rover as it descends from the skycrane. The rover-mounted RUC, attached to the rover and looking upward, will capture similar video of the skycrane from the vantage point of the rover and will also acquire video of the descent stage flyaway event. The RDC, attached to the rover and looking downward, will document plume dynamics by imaging the Martian surface before, during, and after rover touchdown. The LCAM, mounted to the bottom of the rover chassis and pointed downward, will acquire 90 ∘ × 90 ∘ FOV images during the parachute descent phase of EDL as input to an onboard map localization by the Lander Vision System (LVS). The rover also carries a microphone, mounted externally on the rover chassis, to capture acoustic signatures during and after EDL. The Perseverance rover launched from Earth on July 30th, 2020, and touchdown on Mars is scheduled for February 18th, 2021.

GIP receptor suppresses PAC1receptor-mediated neuronal differentiation via formation of a receptor heterocomplex

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) receptor (PAC1R) is a class B Gprotein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is widely expressed in the human body and is involved in neuronal differentiation. As class B GPCRs are known to form heterocomplexes with family members, we hypothesized that PAC1R mediates neuronal differentiation through interaction with a class B GPCR. We used the BRET assay to identify potential interactions between PAC1R and 11 class B GPCRs. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor (GIPR) and secretin receptor were identified as putative binding partners of PAC1R. The effect of heterocomplex formation by PAC1R on receptor activation was evaluated with the cyclic (c)AMP, luciferase reporter, and calcium signaling assays; and the effects on receptor internalization and subcellular localization were examined by confocal microscopy. The results suggested he PAC1R/GIPR heterocomplex suppressed signaling events downstream of PAC1R, including cAMP production, serum response element and calcium signaling, and β-arrestin recruitment. Protein-protein interaction was analyzed in silico, and induction of neuronal differentiation by the PAC1R heterocomplex was assessed in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells by measure the morphological changes and marker genes expression by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. Over-expression of GIPR suppressed PACAP/PAC1R-mediated neuronal differentiation and the differentiation markers expression in SH-SY5Y cells. GIPR regulates neuronal differentiation through heterocomplex formation with PAC1R.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the cervix in teenagers - Is fertility preservation a feasible option?

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Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the cervix.

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Subtypes of embryonal RMS.

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Disease of adolescence.

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Fertility preservation.

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Lack of standard treatment.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the cervix is a rare entity, encountered mainly in the first two decades of life. The literature consists mainly of case reports and few small case series, and no standard treatment guidelines are available. As this is a disease of adolescence, fertility preservation in well selected cases is of paramount importance. We report 3 cases of cervical RMS, in adolescents highlighting the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management.

Effect of a multicomponent intervention on achievement and improvements in quality-of-care indices among people with Type 2 diabetes in South Asia: the CARRS trial

AIMS

To evaluate whether and what combinations of diabetes quality metrics were achieved in a multicentre trial in South Asia evaluating a multicomponent quality improvement intervention that included non-physician care coordinators to promote adherence and clinical decision-support software to enhance physician practices, in comparision with usual care.

METHODS

Using data from the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) trial, we evaluated the proportions of trial participants achieving specific and combinations of five diabetes care targets (HbA_1c <53 mmol/mol [7%], blood pressure <130/80 mmHg, LDL cholesterol <2.6 mmol/L, non-smoking status, and aspirin use). Additionally, we examined the proportions of participants achieving the following risk factor improvements from baseline: ≥11-mmol/mol (1%) reduction in HbA_1c , ≥10-mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure, and/or ≥0.26-mmol/l reduction in LDL cholesterol.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in the intervention and usual care arms. Overall, 12.3%, 29.4%, 36.5%, 19.5% and 2.2% of participants in the intervention group and 16.2%, 38.3%, 31.6%, 11.3% and 0.8% of participants in the usual care group achieved any one, two, three, four or five targets, respectively. We noted sizeable improvements in HbA_1c , blood pressure and cholesterol, and found that participants in the intervention group were twice as likely to achieve improvements in all three indices at 12 months that were sustained over 28 months of the study [relative risk 2.1 (95% CI 1.5,2.8) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.5,2.3), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention was associated with significantly higher achievement of and greater improvements in composite diabetes quality care goals. However, among these higher-risk participants, very small proportions achieved the complete group of targets, which suggests that achievement of multiple quality-of-care goals is challenging and that other methods may be needed in closing care gaps.

Significance of host heparanase in promoting tumor growth and metastasis

Heparanase, the sole heparan sulfate degrading endoglycosidase, regulates multiple biological activities that enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Much of the impact of heparanase on tumor progression is related to its function in mediating tumor-host crosstalk, priming the tumor microenvironment to better support tumor growth and metastasis. We have utilized mice over-expressing (Hpa-tg) heparanase to reveal the role of host heparanase in tumor initiation, growth and metastasis. While in wild type mice tumor development in response to DMBA carcinogenesis was restricted to the mammary gland, Hpa-tg mice developed tumors also in their lungs and liver, associating with reduced survival of the tumor-bearing mice. Consistently, xenograft tumors (lymphoma, melanoma, lung carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma) transplanted in Hpa-tg mice exhibited accelerated tumor growth and shorter survival of the tumor-bearing mice compared with wild type mice. Hpa-tg mice were also more prone to the development of metastases following intravenous or subcutaneous injection of tumor cells. In some models, the growth advantage was associated with infiltration of heparanase-high host cells into the tumors. However, in other models, heparanase-high host cells were not detected in the primary tumor, implying that the growth advantage in Hpa-tg mice is due to systemic factors. Indeed, we found that plasma from Hpa-tg mice enhanced tumor cell migration and invasion attributed to increased levels of pro-tumorigenic factors (i.e., RANKL, SPARC, MIP-2) in the plasma of Hpa-Tg vs. wild type mice. Furthermore, tumor aggressiveness and short survival time were demonstrated in wild type mice transplanted with bone marrow derived from Hpa-tg but not wild type mice. These results were attributed, among other factors, to upregulation of pro-tumorigenic (i.e., IL35+) and downregulation of anti-tumorigenic (i.e., IFN-γ+) T-cell subpopulations in the spleen, lymph nodes and blood of Hpa-tg vs. wild type mice and their increased infiltration into the primary tumor. Collectively, our results emphasize the significance of host heparanase in mediating the pro-tumorigenic and pro-metastatic interactions between the tumor cells and the host tumor microenvironment, immune cells and systemic factors.

Fetal myelomeningocele diagnosed in the antenatal period: Maternal-fetal characteristics and their relationship with pregnancy decision-making

BACKGROUND

Spina bifida is the most common fetal anomaly of the central nervous system, which affects approximately 1:1000 live births in the United States. Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common presentation of spina bifida, representing half of these cases. Given the deformation to the spinal cord and the nerve roots, this defect may result in significant morbidity to infants and major life-long disabilities. In this study we aimed to identify maternal and fetal characteristics associated with expectant management or termination of pregnancy in the setting of antenatally diagnosed MMC. We hypothesized that the level of the defect would correlate with patient's decision to continue the pregnancy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed with patients who had presented to the Cleveland Clinic Fetal Care Center between 2005-2017.

RESULTS

Our data showed 36% of patients with antenatal diagnosis of MMC elected for second trimester terminations versus 64% who chose to continue their pregnancy and deliver either by cesarean section or vaginal delivery. Based on ultrasound findings, there were no significant differences between these two groups. Maternal body mass index was significantly higher in those who continued pregnancies (p = 0.036). In addition, the fetal diagnostic methods chosen by patients were significantly different. Those who elected to terminate were more likely to pursue amniocentesis (p = 0.03) and less likely to opt for MRI characterization of the fetus (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

We conclude, in the setting of fetal MMC diagnosed during pregnancy, patients often rely less on the associated ultrasonographic findings. Personal decisions likely influence the choice of other fetal diagnostic modalities. Other than BMI, we did not see an association between maternal factors and decisions regarding second trimester pregnancy termination.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

SAT0319 SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN INDIAN PATIENTS WITH SCLERODERMA – CLINICAL AND SEROLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONS

Background:

Scleroderma has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, however,studies on this from India are sparse.We evaluated clinical and serological factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in Indian patients with scleroderma, in a cross-sectional design.

Objectives:

To compare carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT, mean value of both carotids) as a measure of subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) between patients with scleroderma (n=61) fulfilling 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria, and healthy controls (n=41).

- To compare clinical (body mass index – BMI, waist-hip ratio – WHR, fasting lipid profile) and serological factors (microparticles, endothelial microparticles, inflammatory cytokines associated with increased cardiovascular risk) between patients with scleroderma and healthy controls.

- To identify factors associated with SCA in scleroderma patients.

Methods:

Subclinical atherosclerosis(SCA) was defined by presence of carotid plaques, or increased CIMT >2 standard deviations compared with Indian reference standards for age and sex. Total microparticles (TMP) were measured of plasma after ultracentrifugation as per previously described protocol using microbeads of 3 μm size (TMP were of size 0.1-1 μm); of these, microparticles positive for CD31 and CD142 were endothelial microparticles (EMP). Serum cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17) were measured by ELISA using manufacturer instructions. Linear regression was used to identify the determinants of CIMT in scleroderma. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with subclinical athersclerosis in scleroderma.

VariablePatients with scleroderma (n=61)Healthy controls (n=41)p valueAge37.8 ± 11.9235.37 ± 6.690.2375Gender (M:F)11:506:350.6516Diabetes/Hypertension/Tobacco use1/2/00/0/0NSBody mass index (kg/m2)20.11 ± 3.8224.38 ± 4.45<0.0001Waist-hip ratio0.86 ± 0.110.89 ± 0.070.1251Total cholesterol (mg/dL)142.5 ± 30.7147.3 ± 39.50.4948Triglycerides (mg/dL)99.4 ± 37121.4 ± 460.0087HDL cholesterol (mg/dL)46.9 ± 4.946.1 ± 4.20.4029LDL cholesterol (mg/dL)93.6 ± 10.593.3 ± 7.50.8520VLDL cholesterol (mg/dL)19.9 ± 7.424.7 ± 9.70.0057Carotid intima-medial thickness (mm)0.68 ± 0.100.53 ± 0.03<0.0001Total microparticles (per±L)12913 ± 24936272 ± 1533<0.0001Endothelial microparticles (per±L)2623 ± 1032829 ± 439.5<0.0001Serum IL-1±(pg/mL)38.19 ± 13.4631.38 ± 18.290.0326IL-6 (pg/mL)176.6 ± 85.74128.9 ± 53.610.0020IL-17 (pg/mL)56.3 ± 20.4553.89 ± 20.510.5611TNF±(pg/mL)49.65 ± 26.7142.09 ± 30.410.1879

Results:

Despite lower BMI, triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol, CIMT was significantly higher in patients with scleroderma. Patients with scleroderma had significantly higher total microparticles and endothelial microparticles in plasma, and serum IL-1± and IL-6 (Table 1). On multivariable regression, age was the only significant determinant of CIMT. 28 (45.9%) patients had SCA; 13 (21.3%) had carotid plaques. Patients with SCA had higher proportion of males (9/28 in those with SCA vs 2/33 in those without SCA). Binomial logistic regression did not identify any other significant predictors of SCA.

Table 1

Comparison between patients with scleroderma and healthy controls

Serum IL-1± (pg/mL)38.19 ± 13.4631.38 ± 18.290.0326IL-6 (pg/mL)176.6 ± 85.74128.9 ± 53.610.0020IL-17 (pg/mL)56.3 ± 20.4553.89 ± 20.510.5611TNF± (pg/mL)49.65 ± 26.7142.09 ± 30.410.1879

Conclusion:

Patients with scleroderma had significant burden of subclinical atherosclerosis, which could not be explained by traditional or novel cardiovascular risk factors.

References:

[1]Psarras A, Soulaidopoulos S, Garyfallos A, Kitas G, Dimitroulas T. A critical view on cardiovascular risk in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int. 2017 Jan; 37(1):85-95.

[2]Jung C, Drummer K, Oelzner P, Figulla HR, Boettcher J, Franz M, et al. The association between endothelial microparticles and inflammation in patients with systemic sclerosis and Raynaud’s phenomenon as detected by functional imaging. Clin HemorheolMicrocirc. 2015; 61(3):549-557.

Acknowledgments:

Supported by IRA(Indian Rheumatology Association) Research Grant to DP Misra.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Plant genetic resources in India: management and utilization

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are the foundation of agriculture as well as food and nutritional security. The ICAR-NBPGR is the nodal institution at national level for management of PGR in India under the umbrella of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. India being one of the gene-rich countries faces a unique challenge of protecting its natural heritage while evolving mutually beneficial strategies for germplasm exchange with other countries. The Bureaus activities include PGR exploration, collection, exchange, characterization, evaluation, conservation and documentation. It also has the responsibility to carry out quarantine of all imported PGR including transgenics meant for research purposes. The multifarious activities are carried out from ICAR-NBPGR headquarters and its 10 regional stations located in different agro-climatic zones of India. It has linkages with international organizations of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and national crop-based institutes to accomplish its mandated activities. NBPGR collects and acquires germplasm from various sources, conserves it in the Genebank, characterizes and evaluates it for different traits and provides ready material for breeders to develop varieties for farmers. ICAR-NBPGR encompasses the National Genebank Network and at present, the National Genebank conserves more than 0.40 million accessions. NBPGR works in service-mode for effective utilization of PGR in crop improvement programmes which depends mainly on its systematic characterization and evaluation, and identification of potentially useful germplasm. NBPGR is responsible for identifying trait-specific pre-adapted climate resilient genotypes, promising material with disease resistance and quality traits which the breeders use for various crop improvement programmes. The system has contributed immensely towards safeguarding the indigenous and introducing useful exotic PGR for enhancing the agricultural production. Presently, our focus is on characterization of ex situ conserved germplasm and detailed evaluation of prioritized crops for enhanced utilization; assessment of impact of on-farm conservation practices on genetic diversity; genome-wide association mapping for identification of novel genes and alleles for enhanced utilization of PGR; identification and deployment of germplasm/landraces using climate analog data; validation of trait-specific introduced germplasm for enhanced utilization. Key words: plant genetic resources; gene banks; wild relatives; biotic and abiotic stresses; marker-assisted selection.

IL-35 producing antigen presenting cells in type 1 diabetes

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), the insulin producing β cells are damaged by unknown factors. Antigen presenting cells (APCs) are believed to present autoantigens to T cells, thus initiating the immune attacks to β cells. However, several types of APCs also possess regulatory functions by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-35. We found the proportions of IL-35+ cells among both CD11c+CD123− dendritic cells (DCs) and CD11c−CD123+ DCs were decreased in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from T1D patients than healthy controls. Multiple low dose streptozotocin (MLDSTZ) mouse model of T1D was used to study the immune response of IL-35 producing APCs. Male CD-1 mice were injected with STZ for five consecutive days to induce experimental T1D. We found the proportions of IL-35 expressing MHC-II+CD11b−CD11chigh conventional DCs (cDCs) were decreased in the spleens of MLDSTZ mice than in control mice on day 21 after the first STZ injection. We next investigated which subtype of cDCs contribute to the IL-35 production, and found that it is CD8+XCR1+ cDC1s that produce IL-35 while cDC2s do not. After the five day STZ injections, male CD-1 mice further received recombinant mouse IL-35 injection or PBS daily for 8 days. We found increased proportions of IL-35+ cells among cDC1s in IL-35 treated mice than PBS treated mice. Only a minority of plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) produce IL-35, and IL-35 treatment did not increase the proportion of IL-35+ pDCs. We further investigated macrophage polarization, finding that IL-35 treatment increased Arg1+ M2 proportions and decreased TNF-α+ M1 proportions. Our results illustrate that the decrease in IL-35 producing APCs may contribute to the development of T1D.