Metabolite monitoring concept for the biometric identification of individuals from the skin surface

This study aims at proof of concept that constant monitoring of the concentrations of metabolites in three individuals' sweat over time can differentiate one from another at any given time, providing investigators and analysts with increased ability and means to individualize this bountiful biological sample. A technique was developed to collect and extract authentic sweat samples from three female volunteers for the analysis of lactate, urea, and L-alanine levels. These samples were collected 21 times over a 40-day period and quantified using a series of bioaffinity-based enzymatic assays with UV-vis spectrophotometric detection. Sweat samples were simultaneously dried, derivatized, and analyzed by a GC-MS technique for comparison. Both UV-vis and GC-MS analysis methods provided a statistically significant MANOVA result, demonstrating that the sum of the three metabolites could differentiate each individual at any given day of the time interval. Expanding upon previous studies, this experiment aims to establish a method of metabolite monitoring as opposed to single-point analyses for application to biometric identification from the skin surface.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Examination of a Tiered Training Model to Increase School Psychology Graduate Students' Behavior Specific Praise

Several strategies (e.g., performance feedback, video models, tactile prompting) have been found to be effective for improving preservice teachers’ use of foundational behavior management skills. However, there is limited research examining these training strategies for promoting preservice clinicians’ use of evidence-based behavior management skills. Furthermore, when these strategies are utilized, personnel receiving training often respond differentially. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a tiered training model that incorporated performance feedback, video models, and tactile prompts to increase school psychology graduate students’ rates of behavior specific praise during one-to-one sessions with child clients. Results indicated that rates of behavior specific praise increased and maintained across time. Findings, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

Determination of Time since Deposition of Fingerprints via Colorimetric Assays

Past investigations involving fingerprints have revolved heavily around the image of the fingerprint-including the minutiae, scarring, and other distinguishing features-to visually find a match to its originator. Recently, it has been proven that the biochemical composition can be used to determine originator attributes, such as sex, via chemical and enzymatic cascades. While this provides pertinent information about the originator's identity, it is not the only piece of information that can be provided. This research was designed with three goals in mind: (1) identify how long it would take before an aged female fingerprint could no longer be differentiated from a male fingerprint, (2) identify a correlation between the data collected and a specific time since deposition (TSD) time point, and (3) identify if a specific amino acid could be contributing to the decreasing response seen for the aging fingerprints. Using ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, aged fingerprints were evaluated over the course of 12 weeks via three chemical assays previously used for fingerprint analysis-the ninhydrin assay, the Bradford assay, and the Sakaguchi assay. As fingerprints age, the conditions they are exposed to cause the biochemical composition to decompose. As this occurs, there is less available to be detected by analytical means. This results in a less intense color production and, thus, a lower measured absorbance. The results displayed here afforded the ability to conclude that all three goals set forth for this research were accomplished-a female fingerprint can be differentiated from a male fingerprint for at least 12 weeks, UV-vis data collected from aged fingerprints can be correlated to a TSD range but not necessarily a specific time point, and the decomposition of at least a single amino acid can afford the ability to estimate the TSD of the fingerprint.

Methanol-based fixation is superior to buffered formalin for next-generation sequencing of DNA from clinical cancer samples

BACKGROUND

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumour samples is a critical component of personalised cancer treatment, but it requires high-quality DNA samples. Routine neutral-buffered formalin (NBF) fixation has detrimental effects on nucleic acids, causing low yields, as well as fragmentation and DNA base changes, leading to significant artefacts.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have carried out a detailed comparison of DNA quality from matched samples isolated from high-grade serous ovarian cancers from 16 patients fixed in methanol and NBF. These experiments use tumour fragments and mock biopsies to simulate routine practice, ensuring that results are applicable to standard clinical biopsies.

RESULTS

Using matched snap-frozen tissue as gold standard comparator, we show that methanol-based fixation has significant benefits over NBF, with greater DNA yield, longer fragment size and more accurate copy-number calling using shallow whole-genome sequencing (WGS). These data also provide a new approach to understand and quantify artefactual effects of fixation using non-negative matrix factorisation to analyse mutational spectra from targeted and WGS data.

CONCLUSION

We strongly recommend the adoption of methanol fixation for sample collection strategies in new clinical trials. This approach is immediately available, is logistically simple and can offer cheaper and more reliable mutation calling than traditional NBF fixation.

From molecular activities and processes to biological function

This paper describes how biological function can be represented in terms of molecular activities and processes. It presents several key features of a data model that is based on a conceptual description of the network of interactions between molecular entities within the cell and between cells. This model is implemented in the aMAZE database that presently deals with information on metabolic pathways, gene regulation, sub- or supracellular locations, and transport. It is shown that this model constitutes a useful generalisation of data representations currently implemented in metabolic pathway databases, and that it can furthermore include multiple schemes for categorising and classifying molecular entities, activities, processes and localisations. In particular, we highlight the flexibility offered by our system in representing multiple molecular activities and their control, in viewing biological function at different levels of resolution and in updating this view as our knowledge evolves.

CD14-dependent airway neutrophil response to inhaled LPS: role of atopy

BACKGROUND

Inhaled endotoxin (LPS) is associated with airway neutrophilic (PMN) inflammation in both asthmatic and control subjects, with asthmatic subjects demonstrating possibly higher sensitivity. CD14 is the principal receptor mediating LPS responses in vivo. It is unknown whether constitutive CD14 can predict the magnitude of the PMN response after LPS inhalation and whether atopy plays a role in this response.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine associations between constitutive airway CD14 expression and LPS-induced PMNs after 5 microg of LPS inhalation and to examine associations between markers of atopy (eosinophils and eosinophil cationic protein) and CD14 expression and LPS-induced PMNs.

METHODS

Ten atopic asthmatic subjects and 8 healthy control subjects inhaled 0.9% saline and LPS (Escherichia coli 026:B6, 5 microg) separated by 3 weeks. Induced sputum was collected at 24 hours before and 6 hours after inhalation. Induced sputum was analyzed for total and differential cell counts and soluble markers (soluble [s]CD14, eosinophil cationic protein, IL8, and total protein). Flow cytometry was used to analyze membrane-bound CD14 expression.

RESULTS

Significant associations were found between the LPS-induced PMN response (PMNs per milligram of sputum) and both constitutive sCD14 (R = 0.7, P =.005) and membrane-bound CD14 (R = 0.9, P =.01). Asthmatic subjects demonstrated significantly higher levels of constitutive sCD14 compared with control subjects, and baseline eosinophils were significantly associated with baseline sCD14 (R = 0.7, P =.01) and LPS-induced PMNs (R = 0.6, P =.03).

CONCLUSION

Constitutive airway CD14 expression can predict the magnitude of the PMN response after inhaled LPS. Atopy appears to play a role in the level of CD14 expression and may contribute to LPS sensitivity in asthmatic subjects.

Representing and analysing molecular and cellular function using the computer

Determining the biological function of a myriad of genes, and understanding how they interact to yield a living cell, is the major challenge of the post genome-sequencing era. The complexity of biological systems is such that this cannot be envisaged without the help of powerful computer systems capable of representing and analysing the intricate networks of physical and functional interactions between the different cellular components. In this review we try to provide the reader with an appreciation of where we stand in this regard. We discuss some of the inherent problems in describing the different facets of biological function, give an overview of how information on function is currently represented in the major biological databases, and describe different systems for organising and categorising the functions of gene products. In a second part, we present a new general data model, currently under development, which describes information on molecular function and cellular processes in a rigorous manner. The model is capable of representing a large variety of biochemical processes, including metabolic pathways, regulation of gene expression and signal transduction. It also incorporates taxonomies for categorising molecular entities, interactions and processes, and it offers means of viewing the information at different levels of resolution, and dealing with incomplete knowledge. The data model has been implemented in the database on protein function and cellular processes 'aMAZE' (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/research/pfbp/), which presently covers metabolic pathways and their regulation. Several tools for querying, displaying, and performing analyses on such pathways are briefly described in order to illustrate the practical applications enabled by the model.

Karyotype and nuclear DNA content of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Ceratodidae: Dipnoi)

The karyotype of the lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, is described as 2n = 54, comprising 3 pairs of very large metacentrics, 1 pair of large submetacentrics, 13 pairs of smaller acrocentrics, and 10 pairs of microchromosomes. In addition to centromeric constitutive heterochromatin, C-bands were located on the arms of almost all of the macrochromosomes. The nuclear DNA content of N. forsteri was confirmed as being high (98.6-111.9 pg/nucleus).

Evidence for two distinct azurins in Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (NCIMB 11015): potential electron donors to nitrite reductase

We have isolated two type 1 copper-containing proteins (M(r) approximately 13K) from Alcaligenes xylosoxidans (NCIMB 11015) grown under denitrifying conditions. Amino acid sequence analysis of these two proteins shows one to be the previously identified azurin (Ambler, 1971), which we shall call azurin I, and the other to be a related, but previously undescribed, blue copper protein which we show to also be an azurin and propose to call azurin II. Thus, NCIMB 11015 becomes the second system where two distinct azurins are found, the other being Methylomonas J (Ambler & Tobari, 1989). On isoelectric focusing, azurin I migrates very similarly to the previously identified azurin from this organism while azurin II migrates similarly to azurin purified from Alcaligenes denitrificans NCTC 8582. The sequence of azurin II is 33% different than the azurin I sequence but is only 11% different than the azurin from Alcaligenes denitrificans NCTC 8582. Optical spectra for the two proteins are very similar with epsilon mM values of 6.27 and 5.73 mM-1 cm-1 for azurin I and II, respectively, at lambda max approximately 620 nm. The 291 nm shoulder normally ascribed to the hydrophobic nature of tryptophan 48 is clearly observed in azurin I but is missing in azurin II. Amino acid analysis confirms that this tryptophan is missing in azurin II. Azurin I and azurin II show essentially the same redox potential of 305 +/- 10 mV at pH 7.5 and are equally effective electron donors to the purified dissimilatory nitrite reductase of Alc. xylosoxidans in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically induce NO synthase in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Cytokine-inducible nitric oxide (NO) production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock. The present study was designed to determine which cytokines induce expression of the NO synthase gene in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro and whether NO synthase gene expression is inducible in vivo. NO synthase mRNA appeared after 4-h exposure to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and levels continued to increase up to 24 h. Levels of NO synthase transcripts were greatest in VSMC treated with IL-1 beta (1 nM), lower in VSMC treated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 micrograms/ml), and just detectable in VSMC treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; 1 nM). IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and LPS each induced NO synthase activity, assessed by release of nitrite, conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline, and increased levels of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, whereas IL-2, IL-6, and interferon-gamma were ineffective. IL-1 beta was more potent and effective than TNF-alpha; however, submaximal concentrations of TNF-alpha acted synergistically with IL-1 beta to induce NO synthase gene expression and activity. Inducible NO synthase mRNA was present in aorta from rats 6 h after treatment with LPS (5 mg/kg), but not at 24 h. Synergistic activation of NO synthase gene expression in VSMC by IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha may contribute to hypotension in sepsis.

Iron absorption in hypotransferrinemic mice

We used a unique animal model, the hypotransferrinemic (Htx) mouse, to examine the role of transferrin (Tf) in gastrointestinal iron uptake. Despite the absence of Tf, Htx animals hyperabsorb iron. Transfusion of red blood cells sufficient to normalize the hematocrit and reticulocyte count resulted in a return of iron absorption to normal values. These studies indicate that Tf does not play an obligate role in iron absorption, either as a carrier or as a humoral signal regulating absorption. Transfer of plasma or whole blood from Htx mice or from other animal models of iron hyperabsorption to normal mice did not cause an increase in iron absorption in recipient animals. Using the plasma or blood transfer approach, we have been unable to detect a humoral regulator of gastrointestinal iron absorption.

Effect of chest wall oscillation on mucus clearance: comparison of two vibrators

This study was designed to investigate the effect of an experimental low-energy chest wall oscillator and of a commercial chest percussor on central airway mucociliary clearance. Five normal dogs were anesthetized, intubated, and placed supine in a trough to which the oscillator or percussor was mounted. Tracheal mucus velocity (TMV) was measured by radiopaque particle or charcoal spot movement. The commercial percussor (a fixed sinusoidal device) used at its minimum frequency of 40 Hz, produced a mean (+/- SE) maximum expiratory flow rate of 0.25 +/- 0.04 L/sec at the airway opening, and had no measurable effect on TMV. The experimental oscillator, when operated at a level sufficient to generate flows of 2-3 L/sec, and with an unbiased 13-Hz sine wave (estimated energy, 150 W), increased mean TMV to 204 +/- 13% of control (P less than 0.003); the percent increase was independent of baseline TMV. We conclude that moderate oscillatory power applied to the chest wall can enhance mucus clearance in central airways, but that currently available commercial percussors may not meet the mechanical requirements for this effect.

Nedocromil sodium in allergen-induced bronchial responses and airway hyperresponsiveness in allergic sheep

We examined the effects of nedocromil sodium, a new drug developed for the treatment of reversible obstructive airway disease, on allergen-induced early and late bronchial responses and the development of airway hyperresponsiveness 24 h after challenge in nine allergic sheep. On occasions greater than 2 wk apart the sheep were treated with 1) placebo aerosol (buffered saline) before and 3 h after antigen challenge, 2) an aerosol of nedocromil sodium (1 mg/kg in 3 ml buffered saline) before antigen challenge and placebo 3 h after challenge, and 3) placebo aerosol before and nedocromil sodium aerosol 3 h after challenge. Early and late bronchial responses were determined by measuring specific lung resistance (sRL) before and periodically after challenge. Airway responsiveness was assessed by determining from dose-response curves the carbachol concentration (in % wt/vol) that increased sRL to 5 cmH2O/s. In the placebo trial, antigen challenge resulted in early and late increases in sRL over a base line of 353 +/- 32 and 131 +/- 17% (SE), respectively. Both early and late increases in sRL were blocked (P less than 0.05) when the sheep were pretreated with nedocromil sodium. When nedocromil was given after the early response, the late response was reduced significantly. Eight of nine sheep developed airway hyperresponsiveness 24 h after antigen challenge. In these eight sheep, carbachol concentration before antigen challenge was 2.6 +/- 0.3%, 24 h later carbachol concentration was significantly lower (1.8 +/- 0.3%). Both nedocromil sodium treatments blocked (P less than 0.05) this antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nitrogenase of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Rhodanese-catalysed restoration of activity of the inactive 2Fe species of the Fe protein

The inactive 2Fe species of the Fe protein of the nitrogenase of Klebsiella pneumoniae was generated by treating oxidized Fe protein (Kp2) with MgATP and chelator. Incubation of the 2Fe species of Kp2 with the sulphurtransferase rhodanese in the presence of thiosulphate, ferric citrate and reduced lipoate reproducibly restored activity. The extent of restoration of activity depended on the molar ratio of 2Fe Kp2 to rhodanese and was time-dependent. Re-activation did not occur in the reaction mixture lacking rhodanese.

Tissue distribution and clearance kinetics of non-transferrin-bound iron in the hypotransferrinemic mouse: a rodent model for hemochromatosis

Genetically hypotransferrinemic mice accumulate iron in the liver and pancreas. A similar pattern of tissue iron accumulation occurs in humans with hereditary hemochromatosis. In both disorders, there is a decreased plasma concentration of apotransferrin. To test the hypothesis that nontransferrin-bound iron exists and is cleared by the parenchymal tissues, the tissue distribution of 59Fe was studied in animals lacking apotransferrin. Two groups of animals were used: normal rats and mice whose transferrin had been saturated by an intravenous injection of nonradiolabeled iron, and mice with congenital hypotransferrinemia. In control animals, injected 59Fe was found primarily in the bone marrow and spleen. In the transferrin iron-saturated animals, injected 59Fe accumulated in the liver and pancreas. Gastrointestinally absorbed iron in hypotransferrinemic or transferrin iron-saturated mice was deposited in the liver. This indicates that newly absorbed iron is released from mucosal cells not bound to transferrin. Clearance studies demonstrated that transferrin-bound 59Fe was removed from the circulation of rats with a half-time of 50 min. In transferrin iron-saturated animals, injected 59Fe was removed with a half-time of less than 30 s. Analysis of the distribution of 59Fe in serum samples by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of 59Fe not bound to transferrin. These results demonstrate the existence of and an uptake system for non-transferrin-bound iron. These observations support the hypothesis that parenchymal iron overload is a consequence of reduced concentrations of apotransferrin.

Effect of patent ductus arteriosus on lower extremity blood flow velocity patterns in preterm infants

We used a 20-MHz, range-gated, pulsed Doppler device to measure noninvasively femoral artery blood flow velocity patterns in 24 preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Mean spatial flow velocity and its temporal average were recorded by illumination of the entire flow stream. Peak systolic forward flow velocity (Vs), peak diastolic retrograde flow velocity (VD), mean flow velocity (Vf), and the peak to peak-mean velocity ratio, (VS-VD)/Vf, were determined serially in each patient. The changes in the femoral flow velocity pattern preceded or coincided with other evidence of ductal left to right shunting. Prior to PDA closure, (VS-VD)/Vf averaged 14.1 and Vf averaged 4.4 cm/sec; after ductal closure, (VS-VD)/Vf fell to 3.7 (P less than .001) and Vf rose to 9.1 cm/sec, more than twice the preclosure value (P less than .001). Large diastolic reverse flow velocity vectors and low mean velocity correlated with large left to right PDA shunts estimated from other methods of assessment. The noninvasive femoral artery Doppler approach detects patency of the ductus early in life, reflects left to right shunting in diastole, and emphasizes the impact of the PDA on systemic blood flow.

Noninvasive pulsed Doppler determination of cardiac output in neonates and children

Mean blood flow velocity (VAo) in the ascending aorta was measured noninvasively in 33 children, ages 3 days to 17 years, by pulsed Doppler technique at the time of cardiac catheterization. Measurements were made from a suprasternal approach with a portable, range-gated device. The ascending aortic diameter was determined echocardiographically and aortic cross sectional area calculated (A = pi d2/4 cm2). Aortic flow (QAo) was computed from Doppler recordings: QAo (ml/minute) = VAo (cm/second) X A (cm2) X 60 (second/minute). Values were compared with cardiac outputs determined according to the Fick principle, using measured oxygen consumption calculated oxygen capacity, and oxygen saturation. Subjects with aortic valve abnormalities or left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were excluded from study. Agreement between the two methods was excellent (linear regression r = 0.98, slope = 1.07, y-intercept = -4.5 ml, range 403 to 5.540 ml/minute). The Doppler technique is a quick, noninvasive, and accurate method of determining ascending aortic blood flow in neonates and children.

Hemodynamics after microsurgical anastomosis: the effects of topical lidocaine

The hemodynamics in the femoral arteries of 30 rats were measured with a 20-MHz pulsed Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM) in an attempt to define the changes resulting from anastomosis and to assess the effects of 1% lidocaine on those changes. Control values were obtained, the arteries were severed and anastomosed, and either physiologic saline or 1% lidocaine was applied topically to the vessels in a randomized blind study. Velocity measurements, derivations of vessel lumen diameters, and calculations of blood flow then were made with the velocity meter at intervals of 1,2,3,5, and 10 minutes after the addition of the experimental fluid. The measurements obtained indicated that calculated blood flow through the anastomoses was reduced 36% at the 10-minute interval in the group treated with physiologic saline but only 5% in the group treated with 1% lidocaine. These results demonstrate that microsurgical anastomosis adversely effects normal hemodynamic variables, but these effects are minimized by the application of a bolus of 1% lidocaine, a topical vasodilator. These results also suggest that the 20-MHz PUDVM has sufficient resolution and sensitivity to provide the measurements of blood velocity necessary for reproducible calculations of blood flow distal to a microsurgical anastomosis in small vessels.