Fenofibrate reduces glucose-induced barrier dysfunction in feline enteroids

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common chronic metabolic disease in humans and household cats that is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. DM is associated with dysfunction of the intestinal barrier. This barrier is comprised of an epithelial monolayer that contains a network of tight junctions that adjoin cells and regulate paracellular movement of water and solutes. The mechanisms driving DM-associated barrier dysfunction are multifaceted, and the direct effects of hyperglycemia on the epithelium are poorly understood. Preliminary data suggest that fenofibrate, An FDA-approved peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist drug attenuates intestinal barrier dysfunction in dogs with experimentally-induced DM. We investigated the effects of hyperglycemia-like conditions and fenofibrate treatment on epithelial barrier function using feline intestinal organoids. We hypothesized that glucose treatment directly increases barrier permeability and alters tight junction morphology, and that fenofibrate administration can ameliorate these deleterious effects. We show that hyperglycemia-like conditions directly increase intestinal epithelial permeability, which is mitigated by fenofibrate. Moreover, increased permeability is caused by disruption of tight junctions, as evident by increased junctional tortuosity. Finally, we found that increased junctional tortuosity and barrier permeability in hyperglycemic conditions were associated with increased protein kinase C-α (PKCα) activity, and that fenofibrate treatment restored PKCα activity to baseline levels. We conclude that hyperglycemia directly induces barrier dysfunction by disrupting tight junction structure, a process that is mitigated by fenofibrate. We further propose that counteracting modulation of PKCα activation by increased intracellular glucose levels and fenofibrate is a key candidate regulatory pathway of tight junction structure and epithelial permeability.

P–141 Artificial intelligence system for the automation of the blastocyst morphology evaluation in GERI Time-lapse Incubator

Study question

Can an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system (hand-crafted vs. deep learning techniques) based on single embryo image analysis from a GERI time-lapse incubator (TL) evaluate the blastocyst morphology?

Summary answer

Our hand-crafted method trained with blastocyst images from Geri-TL evaluated and classified parameters regarding to embryo quality with a global precision of 63.7% in blind-test.

What is known already

Recent studies have shown that AI can improve automatic grading and embryo selection. The approaches that have been carried out are very different, but all they conclude that there is a great potential (Rad2019, Manoj2020, Thirumalaraju2020). As we know, conventional embryo evaluation is performed manually based on the morphology of the blastocyst, therefore, it should be possible to replicate this process. In this study, we implemented different methods to analyse the behaviour and performance of an AI doing embryology tasks.

Study design, size, duration

Our study consisted of a retrospective analysis for the automatization of embryo evaluation with different approaches. We developed our models based on 715 images extracted from GERI TL Videos (Genea, Australia) from a single IVF center. Database was divided into 3 classes depending on the quality of the embryo according to ASEBIR morphology criteria (high; medium and low-quality). All the images were divided into 70% for training, 15% for validating and 15% for testing.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

We developed an automated AI algorithm to extract and classify features from images at 111,5 hpi of embryos cultured in GERI TL. Hand-crafted features from texture information are extracted to feed the classification algorithm. A statistical analysis is carried out to select the more discriminative variables. Parallelly, a deep neural network was built to compare performance of automatic and hand-crafted features. Additionally, we trained a model to detect embryo in the well.

Main results and the role of chance

High-quality, medium-quality and low-quality sensitivity were 73%, 56% and 72% for hand-crafted method and 76%, 53% and 22% for deep learning approach, respectively. High-quality, medium-quality and low-quality precision were 66%, 56% and 76% for hand-crafted method and 40%, 60% and 55% for deep learning approach, respectively. The global accuracy associated with each method was 64% and 50%. Also, we noticed that results were higher when we applied our embryo masks that avoid irrelevant information. In this initial attempt, our results showed that it is possible to replicate the embryo evaluation process.

Limitations, reasons for caution

The low results obtained in our deep learning model due to the absence of an extent dataset did not allow to obtain a model applicable to the clinic. However, the preliminary study let us to conclude the high potential of the approach.

Wider implications of the findings: Our results showed a potential automatization of the embryo evaluation process in Geri TL where the available software for embryo selection does not provide such option. Our findings leaded to an increase in objectification, a reduction of the workload of the embryologist and the research of new unknown morphological variables.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Development of the place-based Adelante social marketing campaign for prevention of substance use, sexual risk and violence among Latino immigrant youth

Immigrant Latino youth represent a high-risk subgroup that should be targeted with health promotion efforts. However, there are considerable barriers to engagement in health-related programming. Little is known about the engagement possibilities of social marketing campaigns and digital strategies for traditionally 'hard-to-reach' immigrants, underscoring the importance of testing these techniques with immigrant Latino adolescents. We developed and piloted a place-based social marketing campaign in coordination with the branded, Positive Youth Development-based (PYD) Adelante intervention targeting risk factors for co-occurring youth substance abuse, sexual risk and violence. Building on prior research, we conducted a four-phase formative research process, and planned the Adelante social marketing campaign based on findings from one group interview and ongoing consultation with Adelante staff (n=8) and four focus groups with youth (n=35). Participants identified four overarching campaign themes, and suggested portrayal of resilient, proud youth who achieved goals despite adversity. Youth guided selection of campaign features and engagement strategies, including message/visual content, stylistic elements, and a mixed language approach. We developed a 12-month campaign to be delivered via print ads, multi-platform social media promotion, contests, youth-generated videos, blog posts, and text messaging. We describe the process and outcome of campaign development and make recommendations for future campaigns.

Prevalence and Penetrance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Germline Mutations in Colombian Breast Cancer Patients

Pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline mutations confer high risks of breast and ovarian cancer to women of European ancestry. Characterization of BRCA1/2 mutations in other ethnic groups is also medically important. We comprehensively screened 68 Colombian breast/ovarian cancer families for small-range mutations, 221 families for large-genomic rearrangements, and 1,022 unselected breast cancer cases for Colombian founder mutations in BRCA1/2. The risk of cancer among relatives of mutation carriers and the mutation penetrance were estimated by survival analysis. Identified BRCA2 mutations included 6310delGA and the recurrent 1991del4 mutations. A novel large BRCA2 deletion was found in 0.9% of the screened families. Among unselected breast cancer cases, 3.3% tested positive for BRCA1/3450del4, 2.2% for BRCA1/A1708E, 1.1% for BRCA2/3034del4, and 0.4% for BRCA2/1991del4. Female relatives of carriers of BRCA1/2 founder mutations showed a 5.90 times higher risk of breast cancer, when the woman herself carried a BRCA1 mutation compared to a non-carrier (95% CI 2.01–17.3). The estimated cumulative risk of breast cancer by age 70 years for BRCA1 mutations carriers was 14% (95% CI 5–38) compared to 3% for the general Colombian population (relative risk of breast cancer 4.05). Together with known founder mutations, reported novel variants may ease a cost-effective BRCA1/2 screening in women with Colombian ancestry.

Pressure effects on the vibrational properties of α-Bi(2)O(3): an experimental and theoretical study

We report an experimental and theoretical high-pressure study of the vibrational properties of synthetic monoclinic bismuth oxide (α-Bi(2)O(3): ), also known as mineral bismite. The comparison of Raman scattering measurements and theoretical lattice-dynamics ab initio calculations is key to understanding the complex vibrational properties of bismite. On one hand, calculations help in the symmetry assignment of phonons and to discover the phonon interactions taking place in this low-symmetry compound, which shows considerable phonon anticrossings; and, on the other hand, measurements help to validate the accuracy of first-principles calculations relating to this compound. We have also studied the pressure-induced amorphization (PIA) of synthetic bismite occurring around 20 GPa and showed that it is reversible below 25 GPa. Furthermore, a partial temperature-induced recrystallization (TIR) of the amorphous sample can be observed above 20 GPa upon heating to 200°C, thus evidencing that PIA at room temperature occurs because of the inability of the α phase to undergo a phase transition to a high-pressure phase. Raman scattering measurements of the TIR sample at room temperature during pressure release have been performed. The interpretation of these results in the light of ab initio calculations of the candidate phases at high pressures has allowed us to tentatively attribute the TIR phase to the recently found high-pressure hexagonal HPC phase and to discuss its lattice dynamics.

Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (FIRSSt4): a self-completed 24-h dietary recall for children

The Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (firsst4), is a web-based 24-h dietary recall (24 hdr) self-administered by children based on the Automated Self-Administered 24-h recall (ASA24) (a self-administered 24 hdr for adults). The food choices in firsst4 are abbreviated to include only those reported by children in US national surveys; and detailed food probe questions are simplified to exclude those that children could not be expected to answer (e.g. questions regarding food preparation and added fats). ASA24 and firsst4 incorporate 10 000+ food images, with up to eight images per food, to assist in portion size estimation. We review the formative research conducted during the development of firsst4. When completed, firsst4 will be hosted and maintained for investigator use on the National Cancer Institute's ASA24 website.

Clinical and ultrasound examination of the leeds enthesitis index in psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To compare scores for the Leeds enthesitis index in psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis using clinical assessment and ultrasonography (US). Design. Swelling and tenderness of the enthesis was assessed at six sites: lateral epicondyles of humerus (LE), medial condyles of femur (MC), and the insertion of the Achilles tendon (AT). US assessed “inflammatory activity” (power Doppler signal, oedema, tendon thickening, and bursal swelling) and “damage” (erosions and enthesophytes). Results. 94 patients were included, 71 with PsA and 23 with RA. The patients with RA were significantly older (PsA 47.6 years; RA 62.6 years; (mean difference in ages =15.0 years, 95% CI 9.3–20.7 years)). US scores were higher in RA at the LE, significantly so for the “damage” scores. No differences between RA and PsA were seen at the other sites. As a result, the odds ratio for PsA, given an US score above the median, was 0.41 (0.13–1.03). However, using the clinical score, the odds ratio for PsA was 2.16 (0.81–5.70). Conclusions. Although clinical scores of enthesitis are greater in PsA compared to RA, US enthesitis scores did not distinguish between RA and PsA. This may in part be due to more frequent juxta-articular involvement in RA and in part due to the older age of the subjects with RA.

Soft Hydrothermal Synthesis of New Microporous Materials Based on Phosphate-Like Species

Factors controlling hydrothermal synthetic procedures are not well understood. A good knowledge of the solution chemistry of precursor species is the best reference for the design of rational procedures. Examples of the predictive character of simple models in order to rationalize complex syntheses are discussed in detail.

Novel Phases in the V-P-O Catalytic System from Oxovanadium Hydrogenphosphate Precursors

Several biphasic VOP04/(VO)2P2O7 redox partners seem to be active in the catalytic cycles involved in the mild oxidation of simple hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride. The present X-ray time resolved thermal-diffractometric study reveals the existence of a new anhydrous variety of the oxidized form, ω-VOPO4, which may appear as an intermediate in the formation of the well known β-VOPO4. This new phase only remains well crystallized at relatively high temperatures, and when it is allowed to cool down in wet air VOPO4·2H2O results. In turn, another well defined phase, VOPO4·1.58H2O, can be recognized in the course of the hydration process.

EMX2 is epigenetically silenced and suppresses growth in human lung cancer

Lung cancer is a common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Aberrant activation of WNT signaling is implicated in lung carcinogenesis. EMX2, a human homologue of the Drosophila empty spiracles gene is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor. The function of EMX2 has been linked to the WNT signaling pathway during embryonic patterning in mice. However, little is known about the role of EMX2 in human tumorigenesis. In this study, we found that EMX2 was dramatically downregulated in lung cancer tissue samples and this downregulation was associated with methylation of the EMX2 promoter. Restoration of EMX2 expression in lung cancer cells lacking endogenous EMX2 expression suppressed cell proliferation and invasive phenotypes, inhibited canonical WNT signaling, and sensitized lung cancer cells to the treatment of the chemo cytotoxic drug cisplatin. On the other hand, knockdown of EMX2 expression in lung cancer cells expressing endogenous EMX2 promoted cell proliferation, invasive phenotypes and canonical WNT signaling. Taken together, our study suggests that EMX2 may have important roles as a novel suppressor in human lung cancer.

Synthesis and application of a carbamazepine-imprinted polymer for solid-phase extraction from urine and wastewater

A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) designed to enable the selective extraction of carbamazepine (CBZ) from effluent wastewater and urine samples has been synthesised using a non-covalent molecular imprinting approach. The MIP was evaluated chromatographically in the first instance and its affinity for CBZ also confirmed by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The optimal conditions for SPE consisted of conditioning of the cartridge using acidified water purified from a Milli-Q system, loading of the sample under basic aqueous conditions, clean-up using acetonitrile and elution with methanol. The attractive molecular recognition properties of the MIP gave rise to good CBZ recoveries (80%) when 100 mL of effluent water spiked with 1 microg L(-1) was percolated through the polymer. For urine samples, 2 mL samples spiked with 2.5 microg L(-1) CBZ were extracted with a recovery of 65%. For urine, the linear range was 0.05-24 mg L(-1), the limit of detection was 25 microg L(-1) and precision, expressed as relative standard deviation at 0.5 mg L(-1) (n=3), was 3.1% and 12.6% for repeatability and reproducibility between days, respectively.

Re-activation of a dormant tumor suppressor gene maspin by designed transcription factors

The controlled and specific re-activation of endogenous tumor suppressors in cancer cells represents an important therapeutic strategy to block tumor growth and subsequent progression. Other than ectopic delivery of tumor suppressor-encoded cDNA, there are no therapeutic tools able to specifically re-activate tumor suppressor genes that are silenced in tumor cells. Herein, we describe a novel approach to specifically regulate dormant tumor suppressors in aggressive cancer cells. We have targeted the Mammary Serine Protease Inhibitor (maspin) (SERPINB5) tumor suppressor, which is silenced by transcriptional and aberrant promoter methylation in aggressive epithelial tumors. Maspin is a multifaceted protein, regulating tumor cell homeostasis through inhibition of cell growth, motility and invasion. We have constructed artificial transcription factors (ATFs) made of six zinc-finger (ZF) domains targeted against 18-base pair (bp) unique sequences in the maspin promoter. The ZFs were linked to the activator domain VP64 and delivered in breast tumor cells. We found that the designed ATFs specifically interact with their cognate targets in vitro with high affinity and selectivity. One ATF was able to re-activate maspin in cell lines that comprise a maspin promoter silenced by epigenetic mechanisms. Consistently, we found that this ATF was a powerful inducer of apoptosis and was able to knock down tumor cell invasion in vitro. Moreover, this ATF was able to suppress MDA-MB-231 growth in a xenograft breast cancer model in nude mice. Our work suggests that ATFs could be used in cancer therapeutics as novel molecular switches to re-activate dormant tumor suppressors.

Arterial compliance abnormalities in isolated systolic hypertension

Arterial compliance measurements using intraarterial pulse contour analysis and a modified Windkessel model were carried out in 19 patients with isolated systolic hypertension (> or = 160/< or = 90 mm Hg) and compared to measurements in 29 patients with essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure [BP] > or = 95 mm Hg) and 47 normotensive control subjects. Arterial capacitive compliance was significantly lower in isolated systolic hypertension than in essential hypertension (P < .0002) and significantly lower in essential hypertension than in normotensive control subjects (P < .0001). Although the isolated systolic hypertension group was older than the essential hypertension group, the reduction of capacitive compliance in isolated systolic hypertension persisted even when comparison was made with a more nearly age-matched group of essential hypertension. In contrast, oscillatory compliance was reduced similarly in isolated systolic hypertension and essential hypertension compared to normotensive control subjects (P < .0001). Although pulse pressure was greater in isolated systolic hypertension than in essential hypertension, only a weak correlation (r = -0.34) existed between pulse pressure and capacitive compliance. These data indicate that both essential hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension patients exhibit comparably abnormal structure or tone of the small vessels that are the site of oscillations or reflections in the arterial vasculature. In isolated systolic hypertension there is a profound reduction in large artery or capacitive compliance that accounts for the increase in systolic BP and decrease in diastolic BP. This abnormality cannot be accurately assessed by pulse pressure alone.

Frequent exposure of mice to crude Brucella abortus proteins down-regulates immune response

Mice repeatedly immunized via the intraperitoneal route with a Brucella abortus antigen lost their ability to develop a strong in vitro lymphoproliferative response. This result correlates with a decreased tendency of the lymphoid population to produce interferon-gamma when stimulated in culture with the immunizing antigen. With respect to the humoral response, as the number of immunizations increased, the animals produced more specific immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G1 antibodies. It is postulated that the long-term exposure of an animal to Brucella antigen changes the nature of the immune response from a T-cell-mediated response to a humoral response favouring the establishment of the disease.

Fast partial-differential synthesis of the matching polynomial of C72-100

The Thesis algorithm uses partial-differential edge operators and a grammatical structure to generate and avoid expanding the Matching Polynomial. To run the algorithm efficiently, the vertexes of fullerene graphs C60-100 were sorted into three-dimensional sectors.

Osteosarcoma of the jaw

BACKGROUND

Osteogenic sarcoma of the jaw has clinical and prognostic differences from that of long bones.

METHODS

We reviewed 23 confirmed cases of osteosarcoma of the jaw seen at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia of Mexico between 1972 and 1990.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven percent of the patients were women. Median age for all patients was 28 years. In 52% of cases, the neoplasm involved the maxilla. Tumor size ranged from 5 to 24 cm (median 10 x 7 cm) and 87% of the neoplasms were grade III or IV (Broder's). Twenty one (91%) patients were treated with surgery (s); radiotherapy (Rt) was administered to 14 (61%) and chemotherapy (Ct) to 11 (48%) patients. Clear (negative) surgical margins were obtained in 43% of surgically treated patients. Median follow-up for 20 patients eligible for evaluation was 16.5 months. Survival at 5 years was 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that tumor size and surgical margins were significant prognostic factors. Early diagnosis of these tumors is mandatory to improve survival; the role of Ct and Rt is still unknown.

Bicompartmental analysis of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. Theory and clinical applications

A new model for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation is proposed. Specific activity/time curves for CSF kinetics determined after intraventricular injection of a radiotracer were produced by fitting a biexponential function to data points and developing a two-compartmental model. Calculation of kinetic parameters of the model provides quantitative data about CSF dynamics. The study of each compartment separately and of the intercompartmental relationship is possible with this model. Sequential scan images and graphic plots of the variations of radioactivity in both compartments, derived from this model, add supplementary information in the evaluation of patients. Ventriculography was performed in 80 patients, who fell into four groups: those with normal CSF circulation, hydrocephalus, infantile hydrocephalus, and functioning ventricular shunts. Normal and hydrocephalic patients showed significant differences between the two groups in the means of some numerical parameters calculated from the new model. An increase of intraventricular radioactivity at 24 hours (p less than 10(-4)) and of the volume of Compartment 1 (p less than 0.01) with decreased volume of Compartment 2 (p less than 10(-4)) and total flow outside the system (p less than 10(-3)) were found in patients with hydrocephalus. The limiting values for normal patients were also estimated. Communicating and obstructive hydrocephalus could be differentiated by this method; however, no differences in mean values were found relating to the etiology or clinical course of the hydrocephalus. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus and cerebral atrophy produced significantly different mean values for the volume of Compartment 2 (p less than 0.01), flow out of the system (p less than 0.01), and intercompartmental flow (p less than 0.01).