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Asif S, Das D, Basu S, Morgan D, Datta A, Sen K. Generating luminescent Graphene quantum Dots from Tryptophan: Fluorosensors for hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 323:124887. [PMID: 39096676 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we report a single step synthesis of highly fluorescent Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) using tryptophan and glycerol as precursors via pyrolysis. The morphological and functional characterization of the prepared GQDs was performed using PXRD, FTIR, TEM, XPS and zeta potential measurements. The prepared GQDs found their practical application in ultrasensitive detection of an emerging potential cancer biomarker, H2O2, by exploiting the fluorescence quenching behaviour of H2O2. To evaluate the detection sensitivity, a series of various concentrations of H2O2 was spiked to biomatrices like, serum and MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) cell lysate medium. A remarkably low limit of detection (LOD) was found in serum medium (139.5 pM) which further improved in MCF-7 cell lysate medium (LOD 61.43 pM). Moreover, the sensing capacity of the GQDs was further validated in presence of various physiological variables such as glucose, cholesterol, insulin and nitrite. Sensing assay was also carried out in HaCaT (human keratinocyte cell line) cell lysate medium to compare the performance of our prepared sensor but the non-linearity of the F0/F versus H2O2 concentration plot pointed towards the conduciveness of the MCF-7 cell lysate medium for sensitive detection of H2O2.The mechanism behind the sensing was also explored using spectroscopic methods.
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Ostridge HJ, Fontsere C, Lizano E, Soto DC, Schmidt JM, Saxena V, Alvarez-Estape M, Barratt CD, Gratton P, Bocksberger G, Lester JD, Dieguez P, Agbor A, Angedakin S, Assumang AK, Bailey E, Barubiyo D, Bessone M, Brazzola G, Chancellor R, Cohen H, Coupland C, Danquah E, Deschner T, Dotras L, Dupain J, Egbe VE, Granjon AC, Head J, Hedwig D, Hermans V, Hernandez-Aguilar RA, Jeffery KJ, Jones S, Junker J, Kadam P, Kaiser M, Kalan AK, Kambere M, Kienast I, Kujirakwinja D, Langergraber KE, Lapuente J, Larson B, Laudisoit A, Lee KC, Llana M, Maretti G, Martín R, Meier A, Morgan D, Neil E, Nicholl S, Nixon S, Normand E, Orbell C, Ormsby LJ, Orume R, Pacheco L, Preece J, Regnaut S, Robbins MM, Rundus A, Sanz C, Sciaky L, Sommer V, Stewart FA, Tagg N, Tédonzong LR, van Schijndel J, Vendras E, Wessling EG, Willie J, Wittig RM, Yuh YG, Yurkiw K, Vigilant L, Piel A, Boesch C, Kühl HS, Dennis MY, Marques-Bonet T, Arandjelovic M, Andrés AM. Local genetic adaptation to habitat in wild chimpanzees. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.09.601734. [PMID: 39026872 PMCID: PMC11257515 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.601734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
How populations adapt to their environment is a fundamental question in biology. Yet we know surprisingly little about this process, especially for endangered species such as non-human great apes. Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are particularly interesting because they inhabit diverse habitats, from rainforest to woodland-savannah. Whether genetic adaptation facilitates such habitat diversity remains unknown, despite having wide implications for evolutionary biology and conservation. Using 828 newly generated exomes from wild chimpanzees, we find evidence of fine-scale genetic adaptation to habitat. Notably, adaptation to malaria in forest chimpanzees is mediated by the same genes underlying adaptation to malaria in humans. This work demonstrates the power of non-invasive samples to reveal genetic adaptations in endangered populations and highlights the importance of adaptive genetic diversity for chimpanzees.
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Silva H, Stonier P, Chopra P, Coots J, Criscuolo D, Guptha S, Jones S, Kerpel-Fronius S, Kesselring G, Luria X, Morgan D, Power E, Salek S, Silva G, Suto T, Thakker K, Vandenbroucke P. Blended e-learning and certification for medicines development professionals: results of a 7-year collaboration between King's College, London and the GMDP Academy, New York. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1417036. [PMID: 38966556 PMCID: PMC11223568 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1417036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The field of Medicines Development faces a continuous need for educational evolution to match the interdisciplinary and global nature of the pharmaceutical industry. This paper discusses the outcomes of a 7-year collaboration between King's College London and the Global Medicines Development Professionals (GMDP) Academy, which aimed to address this need through a blended e-learning program. Methods The collaboration developed a comprehensive curriculum based on the PharmaTrain syllabus, delivered through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous e-learning methods. The program targeted a diverse range of professionals serving in areas related to Medical Affairs. Results Over seven annual cohorts, 682 participants from eighty-six countries were enrolled in the program. The program's effectiveness was assessed using Kirkpatrick's model, showing elevated levels of satisfaction (over 4.0 on a five-point scale), suggesting significant gains in competence at the cognitive level and leveraged performance. Notably, 70% of responding alumni reported significant improvement in their functions, corroborated by 30% of their supervisors. The further long-term impact of the program on their respective organization has not been established. Discussion The GMDP Academy's program has significantly contributed to life-long learning in Medicines Development, addressing educational gaps and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Its success highlights the importance of continuous education in keeping pace with the industry's evolving demands and underscores the potential of blended learning in achieving educational objectives in pharmaceutical medicine.
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Shohdy K, Pillai M, Abbas K, Allison J, Waddell T, Darlington E, Mohammad S, Hood S, Atkinson S, Simpson K, Morgan D, Nathan P, Kilgour E, Dive C, Thistlethwaite F. Immune biomarker evaluation of sequential tyrosine kinase inhibitor and nivolumab monotherapies in renal cell carcinoma: the phase I TRIBE trial. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2024; 22:100712. [PMID: 38694705 PMCID: PMC11059457 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2024.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint blockade in the second-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) are lacking. Materials and methods Patients with histologically confirmed RCC who started nivolumab after at least 4 months of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were recruited for this study. Serial tissue and blood samples were collected for immune biomarker evaluation. The primary endpoint was to determine the association of specific T-cell subsets with clinical outcomes tested using Wilcoxon rank sum for clinical benefit rate (CBR) and log-rank test for progression-free survival (PFS). Results Twenty patients were included in this trial with a median age of 64 years and followed-up for a median of 12 months. The median PFS for patients who received TKI was 13.8 months, while for those subsequently treated with nivolumab following TKI therapy, the median PFS was 2.6 months. CBR of nivolumab was 20% with two partial responses. Functionally active programmed cell death protein 1+ CD4+ T cells were enriched in non-responders (q = 0.003) and associated with worse PFS on nivolumab (P = 0.04). Responders showed a significant reduction in the effector CD4+T-cell (TEF) fraction compared to non-responders at 3 months on nivolumab (0.40 versus 0.80, P = 0.0005). CD127+CD4+ T cells were enriched in patients who developed immune-related adverse effects (q = 0.003). Using in-house validated multiplex immunohistochemistry for six markers, we measured tumour-associated immune cell densities in tissue samples. Responders to nivolumab showed a significantly higher mean of immune cell densities in tissue samples compared to non-responders (346 versus 87 cells/mm2, P = 0.04). Conclusions In this small study, analysis of tissue-based and peripheral blood immune cell subsets predicted clinical outcomes of nivolumab. Further studies are warranted with larger populations to validate these observations.
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James C, Colombo F, Morgan D, Vammalle C. Finance and health dialogue needed to build resilient health systems. Bull World Health Organ 2024; 102:368-369. [PMID: 38680469 PMCID: PMC11046157 DOI: 10.2471/blt.24.291539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
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Finneran DJ, Desjarlais T, Henry A, Jackman BM, Gordon MN, Morgan D. Induction of tauopathy in a mouse model of amyloidosis using intravenous administration of adeno-associated virus vectors expressing human P301L tau. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2024; 10:e12470. [PMID: 38689599 PMCID: PMC11058624 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease in which extracellular aggregates of the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide precede widespread intracellular inclusions of the microtubule-associated protein tau. The autosomal dominant form of AD requires mutations that increase production or aggregation of the Aβ peptide. This has led to the hypothesis that amyloid deposition initiates downstream responses that lead to the hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of tau. METHODS Here we use a novel approach, somatic gene transfer via intravenous adeno-associated virus (AAV), to further explore the effects of pre-existing amyloid deposits on tauopathy. APP+PS1 mice, which develop amyloid deposits at 3 to 6 months of age, and non-transgenic littermates were injected at 8 months of age intravenously with AAV-PHP.eB encoding P301L human tau. Tissue was collected at 13 months and tauopathy was assessed. RESULTS Total human tau expression was observed to be relatively uniform throughout the brain, reflecting the vascular route of AAV administration. Phospho-tau deposition was not equal across brain regions and significantly increased in APP+PS1 mice compared to non-transgenic controls. Interestingly, the rank order of phospho-tau deposition of affected brain regions in both genotypes paralleled the rank order of amyloid plaque deposits in APP+PS1 mice. We also observed significantly increased MAPT RNA expression in APP+PS1 mice compared to non-transgenic despite equal AAV transduction efficiency between groups. DISCUSSION This model has advantages over prior approaches with widespread uniform human tau expression throughout the brain and the ability to specify the stage of amyloidosis when the tau pathology is initiated. These data add further support to the amyloid cascade hypothesis and suggest RNA metabolism as a potential mechanism for amyloid-induced tauopathy.
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Palma-Duran SA, Morgan D, Combet E. Quantification of Vitamin A in Edible Oils: Comparison of Portable Device iCheck Chroma3 to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2024; 17:847-854. [PMID: 38765762 PMCID: PMC11101343 DOI: 10.1007/s12161-024-02613-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Fortification of edible oil with vitamin A is a widely adopted intervention to minimize the effects of vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable groups and mitigate some of its deleterious consequences. Regulatory monitoring is an important prerequisite to ensure that the fortification program is implemented effectively. Standard laboratory analysis methods for vitamin A in oils to assess adequate addition levels remain expensive and time-consuming. Portable testing devices are relatively less expensive in terms of capital investment and cost per test. However, the reliability of results needs to be assured to ensure acceptability and confidence. This study compared a portable device to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in terms of quantification of vitamin A in both spiked and commercially fortified oils. Nine oils (soybean, palm, cottonseed, rapeseed, corn, peanut, coconut, sunflower, and rice bran oils) were selected and spiked with retinyl palmitate at six different concentrations, and 112 commercially fortified oils were quantified for their vitamin A content using both methods. A good indicator of intra-day and inter-day repeatability (< 10% CV) was obtained for the measurement of vitamin A in the spiked oils for both methods, which denotes a high agreement between them. Vitamin A recoveries were 97-132% for HPLC and 74-127% for the portable device. A strong positive correlation, r = 0.88, is observed between the two methods for the quantification of vitamin A in the commercially fortified oils. The portable device provides a relatively low-cost, quick, and user-friendly alternative to HPLC.
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Wang X, Bakulski KM, Karvonen‐Gutierrez CA, Park SK, Morgan D, Albin RL, Paulson HL. Blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive function from mid- to late life. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:1807-1814. [PMID: 38126555 PMCID: PMC10984504 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated associations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) serum biomarkers with longitudinal changes in cognitive function from mid- to late life among women. METHODS The study population included 192 women with the median age of 53.3 years at baseline, from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation Michigan Cohort, followed up over 14 years. Associations between baseline serum amyloid β (Aβ)42, the Aβ42/40 ratio, phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181), and total tau with longitudinal changes in cognition were evaluated using linear mixed effects models. RESULTS After adjusting for confounders, lower Aβ42/40 ratios were associated with faster declines in the Digit Span Backward Test. Higher p-tau181 also showed a borderline statistically significant association with more rapid decline in the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that mid-life serum AD biomarkers could be associated with accelerated cognitive decline from mid- to late life in women. Future studies with larger samples are needed to validate and extend our findings. HIGHLIGHTS This study investigates midlife serum AD biomarkers on longitudinal cognitive function changes in women. Mid-life serum AD biomarkers are associated with accelerated cognitive decline. A decrease in the Aβ42/40 ratio was associated with a faster decline in the DSB score. A higher p-tau181 concentration was associated with a faster decline in the SDMT score.
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Judson K, Sanz C, Ebombi TF, Massamba JM, Teberd P, Abea G, Mbebouti G, Matoumona JKB, Nkoussou EG, Zambarda A, Brogan S, Stephens C, Morgan D. Socioecological factors influencing intraspecific variation in ranging dynamics of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Ndoki Forest. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23586. [PMID: 38151775 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Ranging dynamics are physical and behavioral representations of how different socioecological factors affect an organism's spatial decisions and space use strategies. Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are a model species to investigate the drivers of spatial dynamics based on both the natural variation in socioecological factors within the species and compared with their mountain gorilla counterparts. In this study, we evaluate the influences of resource seasonality and social dynamics on variation in home range size, utilization, and intergroup overlap among multiple gorilla groups over an 8-year study period in the northern Republic of Congo. This study shows that western lowland gorillas can have small home ranges comparable to mountain gorillas, rather than universally larger home ranges as previously supposed, and that home ranges are stable through time. The largest source of variation in space use was the degree of intergroup home range overlap. The study groups did not demonstrate intraspecific variation in range size nor changes in intergroup overlap with respect to seasonality of fruit resources, but all groups demonstrated expansion of monthly range and core area with group size, matching predictions of intragroup feeding competition. These findings highlight the potential impact of intergroup relationships on space use and prompt further research on the role of social dynamics in ranging strategies. In this study, we reveal a greater degree of variability and flexibility in gorilla ranging behavior than previously realized which is relevant to improving comparative studies and informing conservation strategies on behalf of these endangered primates.
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Dahal A, Chang WC, Almasri C, Johansson E, Eversole M, Velasquez V, Grashel B, Spagna D, Jenkins S, Morgan D, Satish L, Martin LJ, Biagini JM, Khurana Hershey GK. Temporal relationships between Staphylococcus aureus colonization, filaggrin expression, and pediatric atopic dermatitis. Allergy 2024; 79:104-115. [PMID: 37650296 PMCID: PMC11190941 DOI: 10.1111/all.15871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) colonization. Longitudinal early life data delineating relationships of S. aureus colonization, barrier function, and AD outcomes are lacking. We define longitudinal S. aureus endotypes and AD pathogenesis in early life. METHODS We defined longitudinal S. aureus skin colonization phenotypes across two annual visits (non-colonized: V1- V2- , early transient: V1+ V2- , late-onset: V1- V2+ , persistent: V1+ V2+ ) in the Mechanisms of Progression of Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma in Children cohort. We analyzed AD severity, sensitization, and skin barrier function across phenotypes, and performed mediation analyses between colonization and FLG expression. RESULTS Persistent S. aureus colonization was associated with increased SCORAD at V1 (33.5 vs. 19.0, p = .004) and V2 (40.1 vs.16.9, p < .001), and lower non-lesional (NL) FLG at V2 (1.77 vs. 4.09, p = .029) compared to the non-colonized phenotype, with early transient and late-onset colonization as intermediate phenotypes. Children colonized at V2 demonstrated a decrease in NL-FLG expression from V1 to V2 compared to those non-colonized at V2 (p = .0012), who maintained expression. This effect remained significant even after adjusting for V1 colonization and SCORAD (p = .011). CONCLUSIONS Our findings are the first to present longitudinal quantitative FLG expression and S. aureus skin colonization in early life and suggest that a decrease in NL-FLG drives later colonization. Hence, therapies to maintain NL-FLG expression may prevent S. aureus colonization. Further, a longitudinal AD endotype of persistent colonization is characterized by increased AD severity, sensitization, and decreasing NL-FLG.
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Teberd P, Sanz C, Zambarda A, Kienast I, Ebombi TF, Abea G, Mengoga D, Makisso JN, Kunz J, Judson K, Stephens C, Morgan D. Correction: Path To Acceptance and Refined Practices for Habituating Western Lowland Gorillas. Primates 2023:10.1007/s10329-023-01101-9. [PMID: 38157092 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01101-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
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Musgrave S, Koni D, Morgan D, Sanz C. Planning abilities of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in tool-using contexts. Primates 2023:10.1007/s10329-023-01106-4. [PMID: 38103142 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01106-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Planning is a type of problem solving in which a course of future action is devised via mental computation. Potential advantages of planning for tool use include reduced effort to gather tools, closer alignment to an efficient tool design, and increased foraging efficiency. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) in the Goualougo Triangle use a variety of different types of tools. We hypothesized that procurement strategy (brought to the termite nest, manufactured or acquired at the termite nest, or borrowed from others) reflects planning for current needs, with tool transport behavior varying by tool type and by age and sex class. It is also possible that chimpanzees anticipate the need for tools at future times, which would be evidenced by transporting multiple tool types for a sequential task. One year of video recordings at termite nests were systematically screened for tool procurement; data comprised 299 tool procurement events across 66 chimpanzees. In addition, we screened video recordings of leaf sponging and honey gathering, which resulted in another 38 procurement events. Fishing probes, which are typically used during a single visit, were typically transported to termite nests, while puncturing tools, which are durable and remain on site, were more often acquired at termite nests. Most tools transported in multiples were fishing probes, perhaps in anticipation that a single probe might not last through an entire foraging bout or might be transferred to another chimpanzee. We further documented that chimpanzees transported tool sets, comprising multiple different tool types used in sequence. Mature chimpanzees transported tools more often than did immatures. These observations suggest that chimpanzees plan tool use flexibly, reflecting the availability of raw materials and the likelihood that specific tool types will be needed for particular tasks. Developmental studies and further integration of behavioral, spatial, and archaeological data will help to illuminate the decision making and time depth of planning associated with tool technologies in living primates and hominin ancestors.
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Basu S, Das D, Ansari Z, Rana N, Majhi B, Patra D, Kanungo A, Morgan D, Dutta S, Sen K. A multispectroscopic approach for ultra-trace sensing of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by iron nanocomposite fabricated on graphene nanoplatelet. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2023; 301:122955. [PMID: 37301032 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2023.122955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Herein we report an easy, rapid and cost-effective method for spectroscopic sensing of a prostate cancer biomarker prostate specific antigen (PSA) using a novel nanocomposite. The material is a synthetic quinoxaline derivative-based iron nanocomposite fabricated on graphene nanoplatelet surface (1d-Fe-Gr). Presence of graphene enhanced the efficacy of synthesized 1d-Fe-Gr to sense PSA in serum medium with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.878 pg/mL compared to 1d-Fe alone (LOD 17.619 pg/mL) using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. LOD of PSA by 1d-Fe-Gr using Raman spectroscopy is even more impressive (0.410 pg/mL). Moreover, presence of interfering biomolecules like glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin and insulin in serum improves the detection threshold significantly in presence of 1d-Fe-Gr which otherwise cause LOD values of PSA to elevate in control sets. In presence of these biomolecules, the LOD values improve significantly as compared to healthy conditions in the range 0.623-3.499 pg/mL. Thus, this proposed detection method could also be applied efficiently to the patients suffering from different pathophysiological disorders. These biomolecules may also be added externally during analyses to improve the sensing ability. Fluorescence, Raman and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to study the underlying mechanism of PSA sensing by 1d-Fe-Gr. Molecular docking studies confirm the selective interaction of 1d-Fe-Gr with PSA over other cancer biomarkers.
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Buzas D, Bunzel AH, Staufer O, Milodowski EJ, Edmunds GL, Bufton JC, Vidana Mateo BV, Yadav SKN, Gupta K, Fletcher C, Williamson MK, Harrison A, Borucu U, Capin J, Francis O, Balchin G, Hall S, Vega MV, Durbesson F, Lingappa S, Vincentelli R, Roe J, Wooldridge L, Burt R, Anderson RJL, Mulholland AJ, Bristol UNCOVER Group, Hare J, Bailey M, Davidson AD, Finn A, Morgan D, Mann J, Spatz J, Garzoni F, Schaffitzel C, Berger I. In vitro generated antibodies guide thermostable ADDomer nanoparticle design for nasal vaccination and passive immunization against SARS-CoV-2. Antib Ther 2023; 6:277-297. [PMID: 38075238 PMCID: PMC10702856 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Due to COVID-19, pandemic preparedness emerges as a key imperative, necessitating new approaches to accelerate development of reagents against infectious pathogens. Methods Here, we developed an integrated approach combining synthetic, computational and structural methods with in vitro antibody selection and in vivo immunization to design, produce and validate nature-inspired nanoparticle-based reagents against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Results Our approach resulted in two innovations: (i) a thermostable nasal vaccine called ADDoCoV, displaying multiple copies of a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding motif derived epitope and (ii) a multivalent nanoparticle superbinder, called Gigabody, against SARS-CoV-2 including immune-evasive variants of concern (VOCs). In vitro generated neutralizing nanobodies and electron cryo-microscopy established authenticity and accessibility of epitopes displayed by ADDoCoV. Gigabody comprising multimerized nanobodies prevented SARS-CoV-2 virion attachment with picomolar EC50. Vaccinating mice resulted in antibodies cross-reacting with VOCs including Delta and Omicron. Conclusion Our study elucidates Adenovirus-derived dodecamer (ADDomer)-based nanoparticles for use in active and passive immunization and provides a blueprint for crafting reagents to combat respiratory viral infections.
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Morgan D, Spiess C, Millington G, Schmidt A, Smith H, Okwuone DDD, Berggren K, Lominska CE, Markiewicz MA, Yelder T, Gao H, Wang J, Gan GN. Investigating the Role of MK2 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth, Metastasis and STING Pathway Activation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:S159. [PMID: 37784399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.06.587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Our prior work demonstrated that inhibition of MAPKAPK2 (MK2) can enhance radiation (RT)-mediated in vivo head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor control and survival in preclinical immune incompetent models. The cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS) and its downstream adaptor protein, stimulator of interferon genes (STING), are conserved proteins within the innate immune signaling pathways and are important for mediating host defense against microbial infection and can play a role in anti-cancer immunity. We hypothesized that loss of MK2 enhances radiation-induced cGAS-STING pathway activation leading to improved tumor control and survival. MATERIALS/METHODS MK2 shRNA knockdown human (Tu167, CAL27) and MK2 Cas9/CRISPR knockout (KO) syngeneic murine (Ly2, MLM3) HNSCC cell lines were treated with 10 Gy irradiation. Micronuclei were quantitated by DAPI-immunofluorescence (IF). Protein changes in cGAS-STING were evaluated by immunoblot. Inflammatory cytokine production including Type I IFNβ1 were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Ly2 and MLM3 cells were orthotopically or flank engrafted into immune competent mice (Balb/c, C57Bl/6, respectively) for animal tumor control-survival studies. Tumor immune cell infiltrate was examined using FACS and immunohistochemistry. Selected drug studies using the MK2 inhibitor, ATI-450, were performed with RT. RESULTS Loss of MK2 in HNSCC (Tu167, CAL27, Ly2, MLM3) treated with RT led to a significant increase in micronuclei formation compared to control cells. MK2-enhanced micronuclei generation following RT could be inhibited with the actin filament polymerization inhibitor, cytochalasin B. RT treatment of MK2 shRNA cells led to increased cGAS and phospho-STING levels compared to either treatment alone. IFNβ1 levels were significantly higher in HNSCC cell lines treated with RT and with MK2 inhibited by an MK2 inhibitor (ATI-450) or genetic reduction compared to either treatment alone. In-vivo implantation of MLM3 cells into C57Bl/6 comparing control vs MK2 KO tumors treated with ±8 Gy RT demonstrated improved mouse survival favoring RT+MK2 KO over RT, MK2 KO or parental (63, 58, 58.5, 35 days, respectively). FACS analysis of MLM3 WT v KO tumors 3 days post RT showed an overall increase in the number of CD3/CD8 T-cells infiltrating into the tumor in all groups except for parental tumors. Further analysis demonstrated that loss of MK2 reversed CD8 T-cell exhaustion and when combined with radiotherapy led to increased CD8 T-cell activation. Furthermore, activated CD4 and CD8 T cells were reduced in WT+RT cells compared to WT tumors whereas no reduction was seen in the KO or KO+RT. CONCLUSION HNSCC tumor MK2 inhibition enhances RT-mediated micronuclei formation and subsequent cGAS-STING-IFNβ1 levels. Loss of HNSCC MK2 leads to increased CD4-CD8 T-cell infiltration into the tumor and this effect is enhanced following RT. Targeting tumor MK2 may facilitate improved tumor control.
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Morgan D, Strindberg S, McElmurray P, Zambarda A, Singono I, Huskisson S, Musgrave S, Ayina CE, Funkhouser J, Hellmuth H, Joshi P, Cassidy R, Sanz C. Extending the conservation impact of great ape research: Flagship species sites facilitate biodiversity assessments and land preservation. Primates 2023:10.1007/s10329-023-01080-x. [PMID: 37682371 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01080-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
To inform regional conservation planning, we assessed mammalian and avian biodiversity in the Djéké Triangle, which is an intact forest with long-term research and tourism focused on western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). This critical region serves as a conservation conduit between the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (NNNP) in the Republic of Congo and the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park in Central African Republic. Wildlife inventories were conducted to determine if biodiversity in the Djéké Triangle (initially part of a logging concession) was equivalent to the NNNP. Camera traps (CTs) were deployed to estimate species richness, relative abundance, naïve occupancy, and activity patterns of medium-to-large species in mixed species and monodominant Gilbertiodendron forests that comprise the majority of regional terra firma. Species inventories were collected from CTs positioned on a grid and at termite nests throughout the Djéké Triangle and compared to CTs placed in the Goualougo Triangle located within the NNNP. From 10,534 camera days at 65 locations, we identified 34 mammal and 16 bird species. Allaying concerns of wildlife depletion, metrics of species richness in the Djéké Triangle surpassed those of the Goualougo Triangle. Many species were observed to occur across habitats, while others showed habitat specificity, with termite mounds indicated as an important microhabitat feature. Our comparisons of animal activity budgets in different habitat types provide important reference information for other populations and contexts. In conclusion, this study provided empirical evidence of the high conservation value of this region that contributed to increasing the protected status of the Djéké Triangle.
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Teberd P, Sanz C, Zambarda A, Kienast I, Ebombi TF, Abea G, Mengoga D, Makisso JN, Kunz J, Judson K, Stephens C, Morgan D. Path To Acceptance and Refined Practices for Habituating Western Lowland Gorillas. Primates 2023:10.1007/s10329-023-01086-5. [PMID: 37656335 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-023-01086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Although western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are the most numerous and widespread gorilla subspecies, they have remained relatively unstudied. International tourism has been initiated at several sites in the Congo Basin, which necessitates habituation of gorillas to human presence. However, habituation has proven difficult due to several obstacles, including relatively low population densities, small group sizes, and thick understory vegetation. In this article, we propose refinements to current approaches to habituating western lowland gorillas that maximize safety and emphasize adaptive responses based on empirical evidence. In addition to reviewing published reports, our approach is informed by the recent habituation of the Mététélé group in the Djéké Triangle, an area that was recently included in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in Republic of Congo. We evaluate progress in habituation according to time spent in the presence of the gorillas and their reactions to humans. The Mététélé group is composed of 14 individuals and has a home range that overlaps with two habituated gorilla groups. Early in the habituation process, we discovered that three of Mététélé's group members were individuals who had previously been habituated as members of other groups. The presence of these individuals expedited the habituation process. Familiarity with humans may have also reduced aggressive responses during the habituation process. The overall result is a refined step-by-step approach to the habituation of western lowland gorillas that includes procedures and assessments to meet best-practice guidelines and ensure the wellbeing of both gorillas and humans.
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Catalino MP, Buss E, Chamberlin G, Trembath D, Morgan D, Krebs M, Ewend MG, Jaikumar S. Tumor sound, auditory cues, and tissue pathology in glioma surgery: a proof-of-concept study. J Neurosurg 2023; 139:414-422. [PMID: 36585869 DOI: 10.3171/2022.11.jns222114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Visual, tactile, and auditory cues are used during surgery to differentiate tissue type. Auditory cues in glioma surgery have not been studied previously. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate the feasibility of recording sound generated by the suction device during glioma surgery in matched tissue samples, and 2) to characterize the acoustic variation that occurs in different tissue samples. METHODS This was a prospective observational proof-of-concept study. Recordings were attempted in 20 patients in order meet the accrual target of 10 patients with matched sound and tissue data. For each patient, three 30- to 60-second recordings were made at these sites: normal white matter, infiltrative margin, and tumor. Tissue samples at each site were then reviewed by experienced neuropathologists, and agreement with surgical identification was estimated with the kappa statistic. Acoustic parameters were characterized for each sample. RESULTS Data from 20 patients were analyzed. Patient-related or technical issues resulted in missing data for 10 patients, but the final 10 patients had both audio and tissue data for analysis. Among all tissue samples, fair agreement was observed between surgeon identification and actual pathology (κ = 0.24, standard error 0.096, p = 0.006). Acoustic data suggested that 1) the acoustic stimulus is broadband, 2) acoustic features are somewhat consistent within cases, 3) high-entropy values indicate irregularity of sound over time, and 4) bimodal pitch distributions could differentially reflect cues of interest. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the feasibility of collecting intraoperative data on acoustic features during glioma surgery, and it provides an example of how an analysis could be performed to compare different types of tissues.
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McMullan JC, Rainey L, Morgan D, Johnston L. The effect of COVID-19 on the cervical screening programme within a Northern Irish Health and Social care trust. THE ULSTER MEDICAL JOURNAL 2023; 92:84-88. [PMID: 37649920 PMCID: PMC10464633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Precis COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the waiting times for cervical screening and colposcopy but no impact on the severity of disease outcomes. Abstract Objectives/Purposes of the study:: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cervical screening programme and colposcopy services in Northern Ireland.Methods: All new patients referred to colposcopy following an abnormal cervical smear result from September to November 2019 and 2020 were included. Review patients and those referred to colposcopy for another indication in the same time frame were excluded. Data collected included the presenting smear result and the time to report, time interval to colposcopy review, cervical biopsy method, result and the time to report. Statistical analysis was performed using JASP (JASP V.0.16.1, 2022) and included Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Mann-Whitney U test to compare means.Results: There was an 11% reduction in the number of presenting cervical smears (7155 vs 6379) in 2020 with a 46% reduction (158 vs 85) in the number of colposcopy referrals. In 2020 there was a mean increase of 6 days to report the presenting smear (P<0.01), mean decrease of 49 days to attend colposcopy (P<0.01) and a mean decrease of 36 days to report the cervical biopsy result (P<0.01). An increase of 14 days (P= 0.01) and 15 days (P=0.01) respectively to attend colposcopy for moderate and severe dyskaryosis in 2020. No statistical difference was seen in the frequency of presenting smear results, method of cervical biopsy and cervical biopsy results in 2020.Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the number of patients referred to colposcopy and the time intervals in cervical screening but no significant short term impact on the severity of disease outcomes.
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Tezenas du Montcel S, Petit E, Olubajo T, Faber J, Lallemant-Dudek P, Bushara K, Perlman S, Subramony SH, Morgan D, Jackman B, Figueroa KP, Pulst SM, Fauret-Amsellem AL, Dufke C, Paulson HL, Öz G, Klockgether T, Durr A, Ashizawa T. Baseline Clinical and Blood Biomarkers in Patients With Preataxic and Early-Stage Disease Spinocerebellar Ataxia 1 and 3. Neurology 2023; 100:e1836-e1848. [PMID: 36797067 PMCID: PMC10136009 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In spinocerebellar ataxia, ataxia onset can be preceded by mild clinical manifestation, cerebellar and/or brainstem alterations, or biomarker modifications. READISCA is a prospective, longitudinal observational study of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and 3 (SCA3) to provide essential markers for therapeutic interventions. We looked for clinical, imaging, or biological markers that are present at an early stage of the disease. METHODS We enrolled carriers of a pathologic ATXN1 or ATXN3 expansion and controls from 18 US and 2 European ataxia referral centers. Clinical, cognitive, quantitative motor, neuropsychological measures and plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL) measurements were compared between expansion carriers with and without ataxia and controls. RESULTS We enrolled 200 participants: 45 carriers of a pathologic ATXN1 expansion (31 patients with ataxia [median Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia: 9; 7-10] and 14 expansion carriers without ataxia [1; 0-2]) and 116 carriers of a pathologic ATXN3 expansion (80 patients with ataxia [7; 6-9] and 36 expansion carriers without ataxia [1; 0-2]). In addition, we enrolled 39 controls who did not carry a pathologic expansion in ATXN1 or ATXN3. Plasma NfL levels were significantly higher in expansion carriers without ataxia than controls, despite similar mean age (controls: 5.7 pg/mL, SCA1: 18.0 pg/mL [p < 0.0001], SCA3: 19.8 pg/mL [p < 0.0001]). Expansion carriers without ataxia differed from controls by significantly more upper motor signs (SCA1 p = 0.0003, SCA3 p = 0.003) and by the presence of sensor impairment and diplopia in SCA3 (p = 0.0448 and 0.0445, respectively). Functional scales, fatigue and depression scores, swallowing difficulties, and cognitive impairment were worse in expansion carriers with ataxia than those without ataxia. Ataxic SCA3 participants showed extrapyramidal signs, urinary dysfunction, and lower motor neuron signs significantly more often than expansion carriers without ataxia. DISCUSSION READISCA showed the feasibility of harmonized data acquisition in a multinational network. NfL alterations, early sensory ataxia, and corticospinal signs were quantifiable between preataxic participants and controls. Patients with ataxia differed in many parameters from controls and expansion carriers without ataxia, with a graded increase of abnormal measures from control to preataxic to ataxic cohorts. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03487367.
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Cho JM, Park SK, Kwon OS, Taylor La Salle D, Cerbie J, Fermoyle CC, Morgan D, Nelson A, Bledsoe A, Bharath LP, Tandar M, Kunapuli SP, Richardson RS, Anandh Babu PV, Mookherjee S, Kishore BK, Wang F, Yang T, Boudina S, Trinity JD, Symons JD. Activating P2Y1 receptors improves function in arteries with repressed autophagy. Cardiovasc Res 2023; 119:252-267. [PMID: 35420120 PMCID: PMC10236004 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The importance of endothelial cell (EC) autophagy to vascular homeostasis in the context of health and disease is evolving. Earlier, we reported that intact EC autophagy is requisite to maintain shear-stress-induced nitric oxide (NO) generation via glycolysis-dependent purinergic signalling to endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Here, we illustrate the translational and functional significance of these findings. METHODS AND RESULTS First, we assessed translational relevance using older male humans and mice that exhibit blunted EC autophagy and impaired arterial function vs. adult controls. Active hyperaemia evoked by rhythmic handgrip exercise-elevated radial artery shear-rate similarly from baseline in adult and older subjects for 60 min. Compared with baseline, indexes of autophagy initiation, p-eNOSS1177 activation, and NO generation, occurred in radial artery ECs obtained from adult but not older volunteers. Regarding mice, indexes of autophagy and p-eNOSS1177 activation were robust in ECs from adult but not older animals that completed 60-min treadmill-running. Furthermore, 20 dyne • cm2 laminar shear stress × 45-min increased autophagic flux, glycolysis, ATP production, and p-eNOSS1177 in primary arterial ECs obtained from adult but not older mice. Concerning functional relevance, we next questioned whether the inability to initiate EC autophagy, glycolysis, and p-eNOSS1177in vitro precipitates arterial dysfunction ex vivo. Compromised intraluminal flow-mediated vasodilation displayed by arteries from older vs. adult mice was recapitulated in vessels from adult mice by (i) NO synthase inhibition; (ii) acute autophagy impairment using 3-methyladenine (3-MA); (iii) EC Atg3 depletion (iecAtg3KO mice); (iv) purinergic 2Y1-receptor (P2Y1-R) blockade; and (v) germline depletion of P2Y1-Rs. Importantly, P2Y1-R activation using 2-methylthio-ADP (2-Me-ADP) improved vasodilatory capacity in arteries from (i) adult mice treated with 3-MA; (ii) adult iecAtg3KO mice; and (iii) older animals with repressed EC autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Arterial dysfunction concurrent with pharmacological, genetic, and age-associated EC autophagy compromise is improved by activating P2Y1-Rs.
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Copeland CS, Wallman P, Morgan D, Owen E, Taylor D. A case-control study of antipsychotic use and pneumonia-related mortality in the United Kingdom. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 147:301-313. [PMID: 36651563 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM There is increasing evidence linking antipsychotic use with pneumonia, but limited evidence of an effect on pneumonia-related outcomes such as mortality. In this study, we aimed to examine the association of pneumonia-related death with specific antipsychotic exposure. METHOD Deaths analysed were those reported to a UK-based drug-related deaths database, the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (NPSAD), between 1997 and September 2020. We conducted a case-control study with cases defined as pneumonia-related deaths and controls as cases with alternative causes of death. Cases were analysed by considering drugs detected at post-mortem (PM) and by drugs prescribed to the deceased at the time of their death with calculated odds ratios (ORs) adjusted to account for confounders. RESULTS There were 2467 PM cases and 40,128 controls; 1818 prescribed cases and 28,018 controls. Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were robustly associated with an increased risk of pneumonia-related death compared with those not prescribed or taking antipsychotics (PM detection adjusted OR [AOR] 1·34 [95% CI 1·15-1·55]; prescribed AOR 1·28 [95% CI 1·11-1·49]). First generation antipsychotics had no clear association with death from pneumonia (PM detection AOR 1·06 [95% CI 0·77-1·47]; prescribed AOR 0·91 [95% CI 0·71-1·17]). Amongst SGAs, olanzapine was associated with an increased risk of death due to pneumonia (PM detection AOR 1·49 [95% CI 1·22-1·82]; prescribed AOR 1·44 [95% CI 1·18-1·76]) as was quetiapine (PM detection AOR 1·34 [95% CI 1·07-1·66]; prescribed AOR 1·28 [95% CI 1·01-1·64]). CONCLUSION Olanzapine and quetiapine were found to increase the risk of pneumonia-related death in this NPSAD sample to a clinically important extent.
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Ramchandren R, Johnson P, Ghosh N, Ruan J, Ardeshna KM, Johnson R, Verhoef G, Cunningham D, de Vos S, Kassam S, Fayad L, Radford J, Bailly S, Offner F, Morgan D, Munoz J, Ping J, Szafer-Glusman E, Eckert K, Neuenburg JK, Goy A. The iR 2 regimen (ibrutinib plus lenalidomide and rituximab) for relapsed/refractory DLBCL: A multicentre, non-randomised, open-label phase 2 study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 56:101779. [PMID: 36618900 PMCID: PMC9813677 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This phase 1b/2 PCYC-1123-CA study evaluated efficacy and safety of the combination of ibrutinib, lenalidomide, and rituximab (iR2 regimen) in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) ineligible for stem cell transplantation. METHODS In phase 2, patients with relapsed/refractory non-germinal centre B-cell-like DLBCL received oral ibrutinib 560 mg once daily and oral lenalidomide 20 mg or 25 mg once daily on Days 1-21 of each 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity and intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m2 on Day 1 of Cycles 1-6. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) in the response-evaluable population (received any study treatment and had ≥1 post-baseline disease assessment). The study was done at 24 academic and community hospitals in Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, and USA. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02077166. FINDINGS Between March 13, 2014 and October 2, 2018, 89 patients were enrolled with a median time on study of 35.0 months. Best ORR in the response-evaluable population (n = 85) was 49% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38-61) across dose cohorts and 53% (95% CI, 39-67) and 44% (95% CI, 26-62) in the 20 mg and 25 mg lenalidomide cohorts, respectively, with complete responses in 24/85 (28%), 17/53 (32%), and 7/32 (22%) patients, respectively. Grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 81/89 patients (91%), most frequently neutropenia (36/89; 40%), maculopapular rash (16/89; 18%), anaemia (12/89; 13%), and diarrhoea (9/89; 10%). Serious adverse events occurred in 57/89 patients (64%). Fatal AEs occurred in 12/89 patients (13%); causes of death were worsening of DLBCL (n = 7), pneumonia (n = 3), sepsis (n = 1), and cardiac arrest (n = 1). INTERPRETATION The most frequent AEs (diarrhoea, neutropenia, fatigue, cough, anaemia, peripheral oedema, and maculopapular rash) were consistent with known safety profiles of the individual drugs. The iR2 regimen demonstrated antitumour activity with durable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. FUNDING Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company.
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Gräßle T, Crockford C, Eichner C, Girard‐Buttoz C, Jäger C, Kirilina E, Lipp I, Düx A, Edwards L, Jauch A, Kopp KS, Paquette M, Pine K, Haun DBM, McElreath R, Anwander A, Gunz P, Morawski M, Friederici AD, Weiskopf N, Leendertz FH, Wittig RM, Albig K, Amarasekaran B, Angedakin S, Anwander A, Aschoff D, Asiimwe C, Bailanda L, Beehner JC, Belais R, Bergman TJ, Blazey B, Bernhard A, Bock C, Carlier P, Chantrey J, Crockford C, Deschner T, Düx A, Edwards L, Eichner C, Escoubas G, Ettaj M, Fedurek P, Flores K, Francke R, Friederici AD, Girard‐Buttoz C, Fortun JG, GoneBi ZB, Gräßle T, Gruber‐Dujardin E, Gunz P, Hartel J, Haun DBM, Henshall M, Hobaiter C, Hofman N, Jaffe JE, Jäger C, Jauch A, Kahemere S, Kirilina E, Klopfleisch R, Knauf‐Witzens T, Kopp KS, Kouima GLM, Lange B, Langergraber K, Lawrenz A, Leendertz FH, Lipp I, Liptovszky M, Theron TL, Lumbu CP, Nzassi PM, Mätz‐Rensing K, McElreath R, McLennan M, Mezö Z, Moittie S, Møller T, Morawski M, Morgan D, Mugabe T, Muller M, Müller M, Njumboket I, Olofsson‐Sannö K, Ondzie A, Otali E, Paquette M, Pika S, Pine K, Pizarro A, Pléh K, Rendel J, Reichler‐Danielowski S, Robbins MM, Forero AR, Ruske K, Samuni L, Sanz C, Schüle A, Schwabe I, Schwalm K, Speede S, Southern L, Steiner J, Stidworthy M, Surbeck M, Szentiks C, Tanga T, Ulrich R, Unwin S, van de Waal E, Walker S, Weiskopf N, Wibbelt G, Wittig RM, Wood K, Zuberbühler K. Sourcing high tissue quality brains from deceased wild primates with known socio‐ecology. Methods Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.14039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Cooksey KE, Sanz C, Massamba JM, Ebombi TF, Teberd P, Abea G, Mbebouti G, Kienast I, Brogan S, Stephens C, Morgan D. Predictors of respiratory illness in western lowland gorillas. Primates 2023:10.1007/s10329-022-01045-6. [PMID: 36653552 PMCID: PMC9849104 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-022-01045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Infectious disease is hypothesized to be one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in wild great apes. Specific socioecological factors have been shown to influence incidences of respiratory illness and disease prevalence in some primate populations. In this study, we evaluated potential predictors (including age, sex, group size, fruit availability, and rainfall) of respiratory illness across three western lowland gorilla groups in the Republic of Congo. A total of 19,319 observational health assessments were conducted during daily follows of habituated gorillas in the Goualougo and Djéké Triangles over a 4-year study period. We detected 1146 incidences of clinical respiratory signs, which indicated the timing of probable disease outbreaks within and between groups. Overall, we found that males were more likely to exhibit signs than females, and increasing age resulted in a higher likelihood of respiratory signs. Silverback males showed the highest average monthly prevalence of coughs and sneezes (Goualougo: silverback Loya, 9.35 signs/month; Djéké: silverback Buka, 2.65 signs/month; silverback Kingo,1.88 signs/month) in each of their groups. Periods of low fruit availability were associated with an increased likelihood of respiratory signs. The global pandemic has increased awareness about the importance of continuous monitoring and preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks, which are also known to threaten wild ape populations. In addition to the strict implementation of disease prevention protocols at field sites focused on great apes, there is a need for heightened vigilance and systematic monitoring across sites to protect both wildlife and human populations.
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