Multivariable model of postoperative delirium in cardiac surgery patients: proteomic and demographic contributions

Background

Delirium following cardiac surgery is common, morbid, and costly, but may be prevented with risk stratification and targeted intervention. Preoperative protein signatures may identify patients at increased risk for worse postoperative outcomes, including delirium. In this study, we aimed to identify plasma protein biomarkers and develop a predictive model for postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing cardiac surgery, while also uncovering possible pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

SOMAscan analysis of 1,305 proteins in the plasma from 57 older adults undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass was conducted to define delirium-specific protein signatures at baseline (PREOP) and postoperative day 2 (POD2). Selected proteins were validated in 115 patients using the ELLA multiplex immunoassay platform. Proteins were combined with clinical and demographic variables to build multivariable models that estimate the risk of postoperative delirium and bring light to the underlying pathophysiology.

Results

A total of 115 and 85 proteins from SOMAscan analyses were found altered in delirious patients at PREOP and POD2, respectively (p<0.05). Using four criteria including associations with surgery, delirium, and biological plausibility, 12 biomarker candidates (Tukey's fold change (|tFC|)>1.4, Benjamini-Hochberg (BH)-p<0.01) were selected for ELLA multiplex validation. Eight proteins were significantly altered at PREOP, and seven proteins at POD2 (p<0.05), in patients who developed postoperative delirium compared to non-delirious patients. Statistical analyses of model fit resulted in the selection of a combination of age, sex, and three proteins (angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2); C-C motif chemokine 5 (CCL5); and metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1); AUC=0.829) as the best performing predictive model for delirium at PREOP. The delirium-associated proteins identified as biomarker candidates are involved with inflammation, glial dysfunction, vascularization, and hemostasis, highlighting the multifactorial pathophysiology of delirium.

Conclusion

Our study proposes a model of postoperative delirium that includes a combination of older age, female sex, and altered levels of three proteins. Our results support the identification of patients at higher risk of developing postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery and provide insights on the underlying pathophysiology. ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT02546765 ).

Development of reference material for quality control of uranium analysis in marine sediments

Environmental radioactivity monitoring is strengthening due to public concerns over radioactive contamination since the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. Therefore, various research laboratories, institutes, and universities have been conducting environmental radioactivity surveys around nuclear power plants (NPPs). However, the reliability of the results continues to trigger controversy in society. This study was conducted to develop reference material (RM) for the quality control of 238U and 234U analyses in marine sediments. The RM was prepared according to ISO Guides 31, 34, and 35. A homogeneity test of the marine sediment RM was implemented by analyzing two batch samples from ten bottles using multiple acid digestion and alkali fusion, respectively. We found that the 238U and 234U reference values of the RM were 43.0 ± 1.7 Bq kg-1(k=1) and 41.5 ± 1.9 Bq kg-1(k=1), respectively. This marine sediment RM will be useful for the quality control of analytical methods for similar samples and proficiency tests.

Development of metal radioactive liquid reference material for proficiency test

This study developed liquid reference materials containing various metals, to be used for quality assurance of radiation measurements of the most common metallic wastes generated during the operation or decommissioning of nuclear power plants. The liquid reference materials were prepared by assuming the dissolution of stainless-steel using acid and melting of the major metals present in the stainless steel, namely Fe, Ni, Cr, and Mn, along with the standard sources (134Cs, 137Cs, 60Co, 90Sr). The theoretical massic activity of the standard sources added to the samples and the measured reference values of the gamma and beta emitters in the samples were compared, and they showed good agreement within a one-sigma confidence interval (k = 1). Using the developed reference materials, a proficiency test was conducted on three domestic labs, and the results were evaluated using Z-score. While the evaluation results showed good agreement between the reference values and the reported values for 137Cs and 60Co, all participating labs reported lower values than the reference value for 134Cs. For 90Sr, two out of the three labs reported significantly higher values than the reference value. Based on the results of this study, the developed metal radioactive liquid reference material is expected to be registered as certified reference material (CRM) in the future. They will be used as the CRM for measuring and ensuring the quality of radioactive metal waste.

Development of concrete reference material for quality assurance/quality control of gamma radioactivity measurement for nuclear power plant decommissioning waste

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science has developed a new concrete reference material (RM) for measuring gamma-emitting radionuclides, such as 134Cs, 137Cs, 65Zn, 241Am, and 60Co, to improve and maintain the quality assurance and quality control of the radioactivity measurement in radioactive waste generated during the decommissioning of nuclear power plants. In this study, cement, SiO2, and bentonite, which are the main components of concrete, were mixed in an appropriate ratio with radionuclides. For certification and homogeneity assessment, 10 bottles were randomly selected, two sub-samples were collected from each bottle, and radionuclides were measured via HPGe gamma spectrometry. The results of the homogeneity tests using a one-way analysis of variance on 241Am, 134Cs, 137Cs, 65Zn, and 60Co in the concrete RM fulfilled the requirements of ISO Guide 35. Coincidence summing and self-absorption correction were performed on measurement results by introducing the Monte Carlo efficiency transfer code and Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code. The reference values for five radionuclides (60Co, 65Zn, 241Am, 134Cs, and 137Cs) in the RM were in the range of 15-40 Bq/kg, and the expanded uncertainty was within 10% (k = 2). To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to develop concrete RM for measuring gamma-emitting radionuclides.

POS1060 CHANGES IN DISEASE ACTIVITY AND PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TREATED WITH IXEKIZUMAB IN A REAL-WORLD US COHORT

Background

Ixekizumab (IXE), an IL-17A inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials1-3 but real-world effectiveness (RWE) data are limited.4

Objectives

To describe changes in disease activity and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at 6 and 12 months follow-up among psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients initiating IXE in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients from the OM1 PsA Registry (OM1, Boston, MA), a linked electronic medical record and administrative claims dataset with over 50,000 patients. Eligible patients had ≥1 prescription for IXE (first = index), were ≥18 years old at index, had ≥1 diagnosis code for PsA in the 12 months before or on index, and had ≥12 months of baseline and ≥6 months of follow-up data as of June 2021. For patients with baseline and follow-up measures available, changes in Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), PROs, and other clinical outcomes from baseline to 6 and 12 months were described. For patients on IXE monotherapy, change in CDAI score from baseline to 6 and 12 months was assessed using mixed effects linear models adjusted for age, sex, and baseline CDAI score.

Results

The study population included 1,812 patients with a mean age of 53.7 years (Table 1). Psoriasis was present in 82% and enthesitis in 28%. Over 60% of patients were obese, and the mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 1.3. Most patients (84%) had prior treatment with a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) and 40% with a targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD). The mean number of bDMARDs and tsDMARDs used during all available prior history was 2.3 and 1.1, respectively. The most common prior bDMARDs were secukinumab (n=428, 24%) and adalimumab (n=245, 14%).

Table 1.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics by Therapy Status

All Patients(N=1,812)Monotherapy(N=1,485)Combination Therapy(N=327)Age (years)Mean (s.d.)53.7 (12.2)53.9 (12.3)52.9 (11.7)Median (Q1-Q3)55 (46-62)55 (46-62)54 (45-61)SexFemale1,108 (61.1%)909 (61.2%)199 (60.9%)Male704 (38.9%)576 (38.8%)128 (39.1%)Charlson Comorbidity IndexMean (s.d.)1.3 (1.6)1.3 (1.6)1.5 (1.7)Median (Q1-Q3)1 (0-2)1 (0-2)1 (0-2)BMIUnderweight: <18.510 (0.6%)10 (0.7%)0 (0.0%)Normal weight: 18.5-24.9210 (12.2%)172 (12.2%)38 (12.1%)Overweight: 25-29.9455 (26.5%)379 (27.0%)76 (24.2%)Obese: >= 301,045 (60.8%)845 (60.1%)200 (63.7%)Missing927913Domains of PsA: PsoriasisYes1,490 (82.2%)1,222 (82.3%)268 (82.0%)No322 (17.8%)263 (17.7%)59 (18.0%)Domains of PsA: EnthesitisYes510 (28.1%)409 (27.5%)101 (30.9%)No1,302 (71.9%)1,076 (72.5%)226 (69.1%)

Of patients with a baseline CDAI score, 61% had moderate or severe disease activity. For all patients, CDAI scores improved (decreased) by an average of 3.4 and 3.7 points at 6 and 12 months, respectively, from a baseline mean of 15.4. All disease activity measures and PROs improved from baseline to 6 and 12 months (Figure 1). In patients persistent with IXE, 35.3% and 33.7% were in CDAI remission or low disease activity at 6 and 12 months after initiation, respectively. For IXE monotherapy users (82% of patients), at baseline, patients had a mean CDAI of 14.3 (n=131) and 15.1 (n=105) for the 6 and 12 month analyses, respectively. Adjusted mean changes in CDAI from baseline to 6 months (-3.6 points, p < 0.0001) and 12 months (-4.9 points, p < 0.0001) were statistically significant.

Conclusion

In this cohort of PsA patients with multiple prior b/tsDMARD failures, improvements in disease activity and PROs were observed at 6 and 12 months after initiating treatment with IXE. Improvements were observed in patients overall and in the monotherapy subgroup. More real-world research on IXE and other bDMARDs are important to understand the effect of treatment choices on clinical and PROs in both bDMARD-naive and experienced PsA patients.

References

[1]Mease PJ. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2017;76(1):79-87

[2]Nash P. Lancet. 2017;389(10086):2317-2327

[3]Mease PJ. Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2020;79(1):123-131

[4]Berman J. Biologics. 2021 Nov 18;15:463-470

Disclosure of Interests

Julie Birt Shareholder of: Shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Employee of Eli Lilly and Company, William Tillett Speakers bureau: Abbvie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Novartis,, Pfizer, UCB, Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, UCB, Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Amgen, Celgene, Eli-Lilly, Janssen, UCB, Cristi Cavanaugh: None declared, Yoojin Jung: None declared, Aisha Vadhariya Shareholder of: Shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Employee of Eli Lilly and Company, Sarah Ross Shareholder of: Shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Employee of Eli Lilly and Company, Jess Paulus: None declared, Aubrey Trevelin Sprabery Shareholder of: Shareholder of Eli Lilly and Company, Employee of: Employee of Eli Lilly and Company, Ennio Lubrano: None declared

Transarterial Embolization for Sporadic Renal Angiomyolipoma: Patient Selection and Technical Considerations for Optimal Therapeutic Outcomes

Although renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a benign tumor, treatment may be necessary occasionally because it can cause potentially life-threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is a safe and effective treatment option to prevent the hemorrhagic rupture of AMLs and relieve the symptoms caused by enlarged lesions or active bleeding. However, there is no clear consensus regarding the indications for prophylactic TAE in patients with sporadic renal AMLs. In urgent TAE for bleeding AMLs, there is a likelihood of incomplete embolization when the focus is on stabilizing the clinical symptoms. This pictorial essay discusses the patient selection and technical considerations to achieve optimal therapeutic effects as well as the follow-up findings after TAE.

The sulfiredoxin-peroxiredoxin redox system regulates the stemness and survival of colon cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) initiate tumor formation and are known to be resistant to chemotherapy. A metabolic alteration in CSCs plays a critical role in stemness and survival. However, the association between mitochondrial energy metabolism and the redox system remains undefined in colon CSCs. In this study, we assessed the role of the Sulfiredoxin-Peroxiredoxin (Srx-Prx) redox system and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in maintaining the stemness and survival of colon CSCs. Notably, Srx contributed to the stability of PrxI, PrxII, and PrxIII proteins in colon CSCs. Increased Srx expression promoted the stemness and survival of CSCs and was important for the maintenance of the mitochondrial OXPHOS system. Furthermore, Nrf2 and FoxM1 led to OXPHOS activation and upregulated expression of Srx-Prx redox system-related genes. Therefore, the Nrf2/FoxM1-induced Srx-Prx redox system is a potential therapeutic target for eliminating CSCs in colon cancer.

High spatial-density, cladding-pumped 6-mode 7-core fiber amplifier for C-band operation

We present a C-band 6-mode 7-core fiber amplifier in an all-fiberized cladding-pumped configuration for space division multiplexed transmission supporting a record 42 spatial channels. With optimized fiber components (e.g. passively cooled pump laser diode, pump coupler, pump stripper), high power multimode pump light is coupled to the active fiber without any noticeable thermal degradation and an average gain of 18 dB and noise figure of 5.4 dB are obtained with an average differential modal gain of 3.4 dB.

V-Set and Immunoglobulin Domain-Containing 1 (VSIG1), Predominantly Expressed in Testicular Germ Cells, Is Dispensable for Spermatogenesis and Male Fertility in Mice

To elucidate the functional role of V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing 1 (VSIG1) in spermatogenesis and fertilization, we knocked out (KO) VSIG1 in a mouse embryo using CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated protein 9) -mediated genome editing. Reverse transcription PCR was performed using cDNA synthesized from VSIG1 KO testis RNA. Although Western blot analysis using a specific antibody to VSIG1 confirmed VSIG1 protein defects in the KO mice, hematoxylin-eosin staining analysis was similar in the KO and wild-type mice. Additionally, computer-assisted sperm analysis and in vitro fertilization experiments were conducted to confirm the activity and fertilization ability of sperm derived from the KO mouse. Mice lacking VSIG1 were viable and had no serious developmental defects. As they got older, the KO mice showed slightly higher weight loss, male mice lacking VSIG1 had functional testes, including normal sperm number and motility, and both male and female mice lacking VSIG1 were fertile. Our results from VSIG1 KO mice suggest that VSIG1 may not play essential roles in spermatogenesis and normal testis development, function, and maintenance. VSIG1 in sperm is dispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. As several genes are known to possess slightly different functions depending on the species, the importance and molecular mechanism of VSIG1 in tissues of other species needs further investigation.

Risk factors for the delayed diagnosis of extrapulmonary TB

BACKGROUND: Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) is more difficult to diagnose than pulmonary TB. The delayed management of EPTB can lead to complications and increase the socio-economic burden.METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with EPTB were retrospectively enrolled from 11 general hospitals in South Korea from January 2017 to December 2018. The basic characteristics of patients were described. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed between early and delayed diagnosis groups to identify risk factors for delayed diagnosis and treatment in EPTB.RESULTS: In total, 594 patients were enrolled. Lymph node TB (28.3%) was the predominant form, followed by abdominal (18.4%) and disseminated TB (14.5%). Concurrent lung involvement was 17.8%. The positivity of diagnostic tests showed no significant difference between the two groups. Acute clinical manifestations in disseminated, pericardial and meningeal TB, and immunosuppression were associated with early diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis was associated with outpatient clinic visits, delayed sample acquisition and diagnostic departments other than infection or pulmonology.CONCLUSION: The delay in diagnosis and treatment of EPTB was not related to differences in microbiological characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis itself; rather, it was due to the indolent clinical manifestations that cause referral to non-TB-specialised departments in the outpatient clinic and delay the suspicion of TB and diagnostic testing.

MULTIPHYSICS MODELING OF PRECURSORS IN MOLTEN SALT FAST REACTORS USING PROTEUS AND Nek5000

The goal of this work was to calculate the impact of the delayed neutron precursor drift in fast spectrum Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) using coupled solutions from the neutronics code PROTEUS and the computational fluid dynamics code Nek5000. Specifically, using a multiphysics approach to solve the effective delayed neutron fraction (βeff) or delayed neutron precursor distribution for reactors with flowing fuel salts would provide valuable information for transient simulations and safety assessments. Given the multiple options for the flux solution and geometric resolution/fidelity in PROTEUS, two approaches were developed and applied to various test cases: PROTEUS-NODAL/Nek5000 and PROTEUS-SN/Nek5000. For the former, the precursors are tracked in the built-in precursor drift model in PROTEUS-NODAL, whereas in the latter, Nek5000 directly tracks the precursors. Both approaches were used to solve a single test channel problem and showed excellent agreement in the calculated βeff. Separately, a 3D hourglass-shaped core was modeled using the PROTEUS-SN/Nek5000 approach. This problem was designed to demonstrate the capability of the discrete ordinates (SN) solver and Nek5000 to model complex core designs with axially varying geometries and the ability for Nek5000 to track the precursors and calculate the resulting βeff. In addition, the Nek5000 calculations revealed the presence of recirculation zones in the hourglass design, which could lead to significant temperatures in the fuel salt and surrounding materials. These first coupled solutions show why these approaches may be necessary for not only predicting the precursor drift effect in fast MSRs but also for reactor design and performance assessments.

Advances in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Large Vessel Occlusion

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, with functional implications for quality of life and long-term disability. The limitations of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of AIS, especially for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO), have paved the way for alternative therapies and the rapidly evolving landscape of endovascular therapy (EVT). Here, we summarize the major landmark trials that have advanced the field largely due to ongoing biomedical engineering device development that have translated into significantly improved clinical outcomes. Our review describes the clinical success of EVT, and current and future trends.

Oxytocin receptor expression in stallion testes and epididymides

Endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors orchestrate the development and physiology of the stallion reproductive system. Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the critical endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors for the male reproductive system. Previous studies have investigated OXT receptor (OXTR) expression in testes and epididymides, including humans, marmosets, macaques, swine, and sheep. This study aimed to explore (1) OXTR localization in the testes and epididymides and (2) the seasonal modification of OXTR expression in the testes. Adult stallion testis and epididymis samples were prepared using routine castration procedures. Reverse-transcription PCR was performed to detect the presence of OXTR messenger RNA (mRNA) in the testes. Western blot procedure was performed to confirm the cross-reactivity of OXTR antibody to horse OXTR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect OXTR protein expression in the testes and epididymides. Oxytocin receptor mRNA was detected in the stallion testes. The OXTR protein band was observed at 55 kDa. Interestingly, the relative intensity of the OXTR protein band varied between nonbreeding and breeding season. The OXTR protein level in the testes collected during the breeding season was higher than that during the nonbreeding season. Oxytocin receptor localization was observed in the cytoplasm of Type A spermatogonia and spermatid. Oxytocin receptor protein expression was also observed in the cytoplasmic area of Leydig cells and the membrane of the seminiferous tubules. The cytoplasm of principal and basal cells in the caput, corpus, and cauda was also immunolabeled with OXTR antibody. In conclusion, based on the expression of OXTR in tissues of testes and epididymides, OXT-OXTR system may be a critical factor for stallion testicular and epididymal function. In addition, according to the seasonal alteration of intensity, the OXT-OXTR system may be associated with seasonal changes in the reproductive system in stallions.

Establishment and Characterization of Immortalized Miniature Pig Pancreatic Cell Lines Expressing Oncogenic K-RasG12D

In recent decades, many studies on the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer have been conducted. However, pancreatic cancer remains incurable, with a high mortality rate. Although mouse models have been widely used for preclinical pancreatic cancer research, these models have many differences from humans. Therefore, large animals may be more useful for the investigation of pancreatic cancer. Pigs have recently emerged as a new model of pancreatic cancer due to their similarities to humans, but no pig pancreatic cancer cell lines have been established for use in drug screening or analysis of tumor biology. Here, we established and characterized an immortalized miniature pig pancreatic cell line derived from primary pancreatic cells and pancreatic cancer-like cells expressing K-ras^G12D regulated by the human PTF1A promoter. Using this immortalized cell line, we analyzed the gene expression and phenotypes associated with cancer cell characteristics. Notably, we found that acinar-to-ductal transition was caused by K-ras^G12D in the cell line constructed from acinar cells. This may constitute a good research model for the analysis of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in human pancreatic cancer.

Development of a New Type of Recombinant Hyaluronidase Using a Hexahistidine; Possibilities and Challenges in Commercialization

Hyaluronidases enhance therapeutic drug transport by breaking down the hyaluronan barrier to lymphatic and capillary vessels, facilitating their tissue absorption. Commercially available hyaluronidases are bovine in origin; however, they pose risks such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The present study aimed to develop a novel, highly active hyaluronidase and assess its function. Therefore, in order to find the most efficient active hyaluronidase, we produced several shortened hyaluronidases with partial removal of the N- or C-terminal regions. Moreover, we created an enzyme that connected six histidines onto the end of the hyaluronidase C-terminus. This simplified subsequent purification using Ni²⁺ affinity chromatography, making it feasible to industrialize this highly active recombinant hyaluronidase which exhibited catalytic activity equal to that of the commercial enzyme. Therefore, this simple and effective isolation method could increase the availability of recombinant hyaluronidase for research and clinical purposes.

Cerebral Ketones Detected by 3T MR Spectroscopy in Patients with High-Grade Glioma on an Atkins-Based Diet

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ketogenic diets are being explored as a possible treatment for several neurological diseases, but the physiologic impact on the brain is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of 3T MR spectroscopy to monitor brain ketone levels in patients with high-grade gliomas who were on a ketogenic diet (a modified Atkins diet) for 8 weeks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Paired pre- and post-ketogenic diet MR spectroscopy data from both the lesion and contralateral hemisphere were analyzed using LCModel software in 10 patients.

RESULTS

At baseline, the ketone bodies acetone and β-hydroxybutyrate were nearly undetectable, but by week 8, they increased in the lesion for both acetone (0.06 ± 0.03 ≥ 0.27 ± 0.06 IU, P = .005) and β-hydroxybutyrate (0.07 ± 0.07 ≥ 0.79 ± 0.32 IU, P = .046). In the contralateral brain, acetone was also significantly increased (0.041 ± 0.01 ≥ 0.16 ± 0.04 IU, P = .004), but not β-hydroxybutyrate. Acetone was detected in 9/10 patients at week 8, and β-hydroxybutyrate, in 5/10. Acetone concentrations in the contralateral brain correlated strongly with higher urine ketones (r = 0.87, P = .001) and lower fasting glucose (r = -0.67, P = .03). Acetoacetate was largely undetectable. Small-but-statistically significant decreases in NAA were also observed in the contralateral hemisphere at 8 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that 3T MR spectroscopy is feasible for detecting small cerebral metabolic changes associated with a ketogenic diet, provided that appropriate methodology is used.

CXCR3 ligands in pleural fluid as markers for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion

SETTING

A tertiary care academic medical centre.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical usefulness of C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) ligands in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE).

DESIGN

We recruited 336 patients with pleural effusion due to various causes. Concentrations of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and the CXCR3 ligands CXCL9 and CXCL11 were determined using enzyme immunoassays; adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was measured in pleural fluid and serum.

RESULTS

TPE was diagnosed in 106 patients. Non-TB conditions included lung cancer (n = 95), para-pneumonic effusion (n = 52), non-lung malignancy (n = 30), other exudate (n = 24) and transudate (n = 29) disorders. All marker levels in serum samples and pleural fluid were significantly higher in the TPE group. Analyses of receiver operating characteristic curves for differentiating TPE from non-TB effusions produced the following results for the area under the curve (AUC) for CXCL9, CXCL11, IFN-γ and ADA, respectively: 0.982, 0.952, 0.982, and 0.952. Marker AUCs in lymphocytic exudates were also high. Combining the levels of CXCL9, IFN-γ and ADA in pleural fluid improved the diagnostic performance. Serum levels of CXCL9 had the highest AUC (0.848) for diagnosing TPE.

CONCLUSION

Levels of CXR3 ligands in pleural effusion are useful for diagnosing TPE.

Characterization of Recombinant Bovine Sperm Hyaluronidase and Identification of an Important Asn-X-Ser/Thr Motif for Its Activity

Hyaluronidases are a family of enzymes that catalyse the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, which is abundant in the extracellular matrix and cumulus oocyte complex. To investigate the activity of recombinant bovine sperm hyaluronidase 1 (SPAM1) and determine the effect of the Asn-X-Ser/Thr motif on its activity, the bovine SPAM1 open reading frame was cloned into the mammalian expression vector pCXN2 and then transfected to the HEK293 cell line. Expression of recombinant bovine hyaluronidase was estimated using a hyaluronidase activity assay with gel electrophoresis. Recombinant hyaluronidase could resolve highly polymeric hyaluronic acid and also caused dispersal of the cumulus cell layer. Comparative analysis with respect to enzyme activity was carried out for the glycosylated and deglycosylated bovine sperm hyaluronidase by N-glycosidase F treatment. Finally, mutagenesis analysis revealed that among the five potential N-linked glycosylation sites, only three contributed to significant inhibition of hyaluronic activity. Recombinant bovine SPAM1 has hyaluronan degradation and cumulus oocyte complex dispersion ability, and the N-linked oligosaccharides are important for enzyme activity, providing a foundation for the commercialization of hyaluronidase.

Lysophosphatidylserine receptor P2Y10: A G protein-coupled receptor that mediates eosinophil degranulation

BACKGROUND

P2Y10, along with GPR34 and GPR174, is a G protein-coupled receptor that is activated by an endogenous lipid mediator lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS). Its expression pattern and its function are completely unknown. We have previously shown that P2Y10 is one of the highly up-regulated genes at the late differentiation stage during in vitro eosinophilopoiesis.

OBJECTIVE

We explored the expression and functions of P2Y10 in human cord blood (CB)-derived and peripheral blood (PB) eosinophils.

METHODS

Real-time PCR, FACS, Western blot, ELISA, and chemotaxis assays were performed to determine the expression and function of P2Y10.

RESULTS

As CB cells differentiated towards eosinophils, P2Y10 mRNA and protein were abundantly expressed. P2Y10 was the most highly expressed in the granulocytes from PB, to a lesser extent in monocytes, and least in lymphocytes. Further fractionation of granulocytes revealed that eosinophils express P2Y10 much more strongly than do neutrophils. PB eosinophils solely expressed P2Y10 among the three LysoPS receptors, while PB neutrophils expressed the three at comparable levels. LysoPS activated both CB and PB eosinophils to induce a robust ERK phosphorylation. Importantly, LysoPS was capable of triggering degranulation of ECP in PB eosinophils. This response was significantly reduced by pharmacological inhibitors of TNF-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and ERK1/2, which were known to be required in P2Y10-mediated signalling pathways. However, LysoPS had no effect on chemotaxis, differentiation, or eosinophil survival.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

LysoPS provokes eosinophil degranulation through P2Y10. Therefore, P2Y10 is a potential therapeutic target to control eosinophil-associated diseases.

Oral tolerance modulates the skin transcriptome in mice with induced atopic dermatitis

Defective gut immune reactions have been implicated in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas oral tolerance (OT), that is, the immune unresponsiveness induced by oral antigen administration, protects mice against AD. To investigate this protective role of OT, the transcriptomic profiles of skin were obtained by RNA sequencing from mice that were epicutaneously sensitized, orally tolerized prior to epicutaneous sensitization, or neither (control). Oral tolerance inhibited the upregulation of keratin- and allergic inflammation-associated genes that occurred in the epicutaneously sensitized group. Compared to the controls, mice that were orally tolerized and epicutaneously sensitized showed an upregulation of genes that regulate inflammation or keratinocyte differentiation. Knocking down two of those genes, SCGB1A1 and TSC22D3, upregulated Th2 inflammatory mediators and downregulated a cornified cell envelope-related gene. Based on our findings, OT may protect skin against allergic inflammation by promoting the expression of genes that regulate Th2 inflammatory responses and skin barrier function.

Role of RNA modifications in brain and behavior

Much progress in our understanding of RNA metabolism has been made since the first RNA nucleoside modification was identified in 1957. Many of these modifications are found in noncoding RNAs but recent interest has focused on coding RNAs. Here, we summarize current knowledge of cellular consequences of RNA modifications, with a special emphasis on neuropsychiatric disorders. We present evidence for the existence of an "RNA code," similar to the histone code, that fine-tunes gene expression in the nervous system by using combinations of different RNA modifications. Unlike the relatively stable genetic code, this combinatorial RNA epigenetic code, or epitranscriptome, may be dynamically reprogrammed as a cause or consequence of psychiatric disorders. We discuss potential mechanisms linking disregulation of the epitranscriptome with brain disorders and identify potential new avenues of research.

Point-by-point femtosecond laser micro-processing of independent core-specific fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber

Four 3rd order fiber Bragg gratings were inscribed into separate cores of a 7 core multi-core fiber using the point-by-point inscription technique. A 1030 nm, 206 ± 5 fs laser was used, operating at a frequency of 1 kHz and pulse energy of 2.1 ± 0.2 µJ. Independent Bragg resonances at λ_B = 1541.01 ± 0.02, 1547.82 ± 0.02, 1532.66 ± 0.02, and 1537.42 ± 0.02 nm and extinction ratios of 13.97 ± 0.4, 16.02 ± 0.4, 10.08 ± 0.4 and 13.40 ± 0.4 dB were recorded. Our data analysis shows that refractive index changes, Δn, of the order 10^-3 were induced. Core-specific inscription of fiber Bragg gratings in a multi-core fiber can provide a flexible and versatile platform to address the needs of recent space division multiplexed transmission and optical sensor networks.

Complexes of lutein with bovine and caprine caseins and their impact on lutein chemical stability in emulsion systems: Effect of arabinogalactan

Lutein is an important xanthophyll carotenoid with many benefits to human health. Factors affecting the application of lutein as a functional ingredient in low-fat dairy-like beverages (pH 6.0-7.0) are not well understood. The interactions of bovine and caprine caseins with hydrophobic lutein were studied using UV/visible spectroscopy as well as fluorescence. Our studies confirmed that the aqueous solubility of lutein is improved after binding with bovine and caprine caseins. The rates of lutein solubilization by the binding to bovine and caprine caseins were as follows: caprine α_S1-II-casein 34%, caprine α_S1-I-casein 10%, and bovine casein 7% at 100 μM lutein. Fluorescence of the protein was quenched on binding supporting complex formation. The fluorescence experiments showed that the binding involves tryptophan residues and some nonspecific interactions. Scatchard plots of lutein binding to the caseins demonstrated competitive binding between the caseins and their sites of interaction with lutein. Competition experiments suggest that caprine α_S1-II casein will bind a larger number of lutein molecules with higher affinity than other caseins. The chemical stability of lutein was largely dependent on casein type and significant increases occurred in the chemical stability of lutein with the following pattern: caprine α_S1-II-casein > caprine α_S1-I-casein > bovine casein. Addition of arabinogalactan to lutein-enriched emulsions increases the chemical stability of lutein-casein complexes during storage under accelerated photo-oxidation conditions at 25°C. Therefore, caprine α_S1-II-casein alone and in combination with arabinogalactan can have important applications in the beverage industry as carrier of this xanthophyll carotenoid (lutein).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and risk of open-angle glaucoma development in Koreans: An 11-year nationwide propensity-score-matched study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) development in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

METHODS

In this 11-year longitudinal study based on the Korean National Health Insurance research database, the data collected comprised 1,025,340 (2.2%) participants who were randomly selected from 46,605,433 Korean residents in 2002. The database was analyzed to identify participants with an initial diagnosis of T2DM in 2003-2004. The control group was composed of participants without T2DM who were propensity-score-matched, five controls per T2DM patient, according to age, gender, household income, residential area and underlying diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and thyroid disease. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to calculate the overall hazard ratios (HRs) in participants with and without T2DM for development of POAG before and after adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

There were 12,657 participants with T2DM and 63,285 propensity-score-matched controls without T2DM. POAG developed in 413 (3.3%) and 1188 (1.9%) participants in the T2DM and control groups, respectively. T2DM was associated with an increased risk of POAG development [HR: 1.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-2.04] after adjusting for age, gender, household income and other potential confounders.

CONCLUSION

T2DM was significantly associated with the development of POAG after adjusting for potential confounders in the Korean population.

Biochemical Changes in the Niche Following Tumor Cell Invasion

Metastatic cancer is the leading cause of all cancer related deaths. Prostate cancer (PCa) metastasizes preferentially to the bone marrow, specifically within the endosteal niche. Endosteal cells secrete homing molecules that may recruit PCa cells to the bone marrow. Once there, the biochemical signature of this niche regulates PCa fate including cellular dormancy or cell cycle arrest, reactivation and resistance to chemotherapeutics. Growth factors, interleukins, adhesion molecules, as well as extra-cellular matrix proteins can collectively change the phenotype of PCa cells. Understanding the biochemical signature of endosteal niche parasitism by PCa is imperative for the establishment of new and innovative therapeutic strategies. This review seeks to summarize these important niche signatures and the potential therapeutic approaches to target metastatic PCa within the bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1956-1964, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oral tolerance inhibits atopic dermatitis-like type 2 inflammation in mice by modulating immune microenvironments

BACKGROUND

Oral tolerance is immune unresponsiveness induced by oral administration of innocuous antigens. Oral administration of allergens has been shown to be effective for suppressing IgE production in allergic responses. However, whether oral tolerance has a role in protection from allergic skin inflammation has not been fully investigated. Here, we evaluated the potential protective role of oral tolerance in a murine model of atopic dermatitis (AD) and investigated the underlying immunologic mechanisms.

METHODS

Mice were fed with ovalbumin (OVA) in drinking water then epicutaneously sensitized by repeated application of OVA to tape-stripped skin. Skin biopsies were analyzed for immunohistopathologic features. Levels of antibodies in sera and intestinal washes were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry and real-time PCR analysis of the skin and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were performed to investigate the immunologic effects of oral tolerance in epicutaneous (EC) sensitization-induced allergic responses.

RESULTS

Induction of oral tolerance effectively inhibited inflammatory responses provoked by EC sensitization. Tolerogenic immune mediators were significantly increased in the skin and MLN of EC-sensitized mice following induction of oral tolerance. A marked increase in Il5 and Il13 expression and infiltration of eosinophils and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the skin of EC-sensitized mice were significantly inhibited by oral tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral tolerance plays a protective role in the development of AD in a murine model by modulating immune microenvironments to be more favorable for immune regulation. This modulation involves inhibition of ILC2 infiltration in skin lesions.