Early-Life Exposure of Pigs to Topsoil Alters miRNA and mRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Exposure to less-hygienic conditions during early childhood has been associated with stimulation and development of the immune system. A recent study indicated that exposure of piglets to soil-borne microbes during lactation was related with modulation of gut microbiota and immune function. To identify the potential molecular mechanisms and pathways impacted by early-life topsoil exposure, we analyzed the messenger RNA (mRNA) and micro-RNA (miRNA) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these piglets. Total RNA was extracted from the PBMCs of piglets exposed to topsoil only from d 4–d 21 of life (mRNA n = 6; miRNA n = 5) or unexposed control pigs (mRNA n = 6; miRNA n = 8) at 11, 20, and 56 days of age. Small RNA and mRNA were sequenced with 50-bp single-end reads using Illumina chemistry. Sequence data were quality checked with FASTQC software and aligned to the Sscrofa 11.1 genome with the STAR aligner for mRNA and mirDeep2 for miRNA. Differential expression (DE) analysis was performed using PROC Glimmix of SAS to evaluate changes in expression due to topsoil exposure over time with genes declared DE at a false discovery rate (FDR) of q < 0.10. A total of 138 mRNA and 21 miRNAs were identified as DE for the treatment by age interaction. Ontology enrichment analysis of DE mRNA revealed Gene ontology (GO) terms directly involved in the connection between T-cell and antigen-presenting cells that are associated with T-cell activation. Key regulatory genes identified include PTPRJ, ITGB3, TRBV30, CD3D, mir-143, mir-29, and mir-148a. While these results require validation, this study provides data supporting the hypothesis that less-hygienic environments during early life may contribute to the development of the immune system.

Efficacy of HLA-compatible Platelet Transfusion for Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Refractory to Platelet Transfusion

Introduction/Objective

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients often require transfusion support during induction chemotherapy. Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) may develop due to HLA alloimmunization. Management of immune-refractory patients with HLA-compatible platelet transfusions is labor intensive and associated with increased costs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of HLA-compatible platelet units in AML patients.

Methods

Newly diagnosed AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy in our institute between 2015 and 2018 were identified. Platelet counts and platelet transfusion data from initiation of chemotherapy until platelet recovery (> 20K/µL and increased consistently) were extracted. A 24-hour posttransfusion corrected count increment (CCI) was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each platelet transfusion. PTR was declared if a patient had a 24-hour CCI < 4K following two consecutive transfusions. Student’s t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results were presented as mean ± SE, * if p < 0.05.

Results

We identified 39 patients with newly diagnosed AML. PTR developed in 22/39 (56%) patients during induction chemotherapy. The average CCI was higher among those without PTR compared to those with PTR (8,408 ± 585 vs. 2,923 ± 360*), and overall platelet transfusion burden (in number of units) was lower (7.29 ± 1.0 vs. 18.55 ± 1.71*). HLA antibodies were identified in 3/22 (14%) PTR patients, as 6/22 (27%) were tested. The average CCI during HLA matched transfusions for these 3 patients was higher than that with random units (2,059 ± 149 vs. -126 ± 306*). Compared to HLA-negative PTR patients receiving random units, the average CCI for HLA-compatible transfusions was still lower, though not significantly (2,059 ± 149 vs. 3,099 ± 390, p = 0.33), while the number of HLA- compatible units transfused was significantly higher (31.0 ± 3.0 vs. 16.6 ± 1.45*).

Conclusion

In a cohort of newly diagnosed AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy whose PTR was associated with detectable HLA antibodies, transfusion support with HLA-matched products did not lead to reduced overall platelet transfusion rates and CCI remains in the refractory range. This suggests that use of HLA matched platelets among newly diagnosed AML patients with PTR, even in the setting of detectable HLA antibodies, does not appear to result in reduced overall product utilization.

Degenerative effects of cobalt-chloride treatment on neurons and microglia in a porcine retina organ culture model

In order to understand the pathological processes of retinal diseases, experimental models are necessary. Cobalt, as part of the vitamin B12 complex, is important for neuronal integrity. However, it is known that high quantities of cobalt induce cytotoxic mechanisms via hypoxia mimicry. Therefore, we tested the degenerative effect of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) on neurons and microglia in a porcine retina organ culture model. Organotypic cultures of porcine retinas were cultured and treated with different concentrations of CoCl₂ (0, 100, 300 and 500 μM) for 48 h. After four and eight days, CoCl₂ induced a strong degeneration of the porcine retina, starting at 300 μM. A loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs, Brn-3a), amacrine cells (calretinin) and bipolar cells (PKCα) was observed. Additionally, a high expression of hypoxia induced factor-1a (HIF-1a) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was noted at both points in time. Also, the Caspase 3 protein was activated and P21 expression was induced. However, only at day four, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was increased. The effect of CoCl₂ was not restricted to neurons. CoCl₂ concentrations reduced the microglia amount (Iba1) and activity (Iba1 + Fc_γ-Receptor) at both points in time. These damaging effects on microglia were surprising, since CoCl₂ causes hypoxia and a pro-inflammatory environment. However, high concentrations of CoCl₂ also seem to be toxic to these cells. Similar degenerative mechanisms as in comparison to retinal ischemia animal models were observed. In summary, an effective and reproducible hypoxia-mimicking organotypic model for retinal degeneration was established, which is easy to handle and ready for drug studies.

Progressive versus Nonprogressive Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: Characteristics and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A minority of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas progress with time. We sought to determine features that predict progression and define outcomes of patients with progressive dural arteriovenous fistulas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective imaging and clinical record review of patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula evaluated at our hospital.

RESULTS

Of 579 patients with intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas, 545 had 1 fistula (mean age, 45 ± 23 years) and 34 (5.9%) had enlarging, de novo, multiple, or recurrent fistulas (mean age, 53 ± 20 years; P = .11). Among these 34 patients, 19 had progressive dural arteriovenous fistulas with de novo fistulas or fistula enlargement with time (mean age, 36 ± 25 years; progressive group) and 15 had multiple or recurrent but nonprogressive fistulas (mean age, 57 ± 13 years; P = .0059, nonprogressive group). Whereas all 6 children had fistula progression, only 13/28 adults (P = .020) progressed. Angioarchitectural correlates to chronically elevated intracranial venous pressures, including venous sinus dilation (41% versus 7%, P = .045) and pseudophlebitic cortical venous pattern (P = .048), were more common in patients with progressive disease than in those without progression. Patients with progressive disease received more treatments than those without progression (median, 5 versus 3; P = .0068), but as a group, they did not demonstrate worse clinical outcomes (median mRS, 1 and 1; P = .39). However, 3 young patients died from intracranial venous hypertension and intracranial hemorrhage related to progression of their fistulas despite extensive endovascular, surgical, and radiosurgical treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Few patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas follow an aggressive, progressive clinical course despite treatment. Younger age at initial presentation and angioarchitectural correlates to venous hypertension may help identify these patients prospectively.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of gold-supported cerium oxide nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2) have been shown to be a novel therapeutic in many biomedical applications. Gold (Au) nanoparticles have also attracted widespread interest due to their chemical stability and unique optical properties. Thus, decorating Au on CeO2 nanoparticles would have potential for exploitation in the biomedical field.

METHODS

In the present work, CeO2 nanoparticles synthesized by a chemical combustion method were supported with 3.5% Au (Au/CeO2) by a deposition-precipitation method. The as-synthesized Au, CeO2, and Au/CeO2 nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 normal cells and A549 lung cancer cells.

RESULTS

The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible measurements. The X-ray diffraction study confirmed the formation of cubic fluorite-structured CeO2 nanoparticles with a size of 10 nm. All synthesized nanoparticles were nontoxic towards RAW 264.7 cells at doses of 0-1,000 μM except for Au at >100 μM. For A549 cancer cells, Au/CeO2 had the highest inhibitory effect, followed by both Au and CeO2 which showed a similar effect at 500 and 1,000 μM. Initial binding of nanoparticles occurred through localized positively charged sites in A549 cells as shown by a shift in zeta potential from positive to negative after 24 hours of incubation. A dose-dependent elevation in reactive oxygen species indicated that the pro-oxidant activity of the nanoparticles was responsible for their cytotoxicity towards A549 cells. In addition, cellular uptake seen on transmission electron microscopic images indicated predominant localization of nanoparticles in the cytoplasmic matrix and mitochondrial damage due to oxidative stress. With regard to antibacterial activity, both types of nanoparticles had the strongest inhibitory effect on Bacillus subtilis in monoculture systems, followed by Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, while, in coculture tests with Lactobacillus plantarum, S. aureus was inhibited to a greater extent than the other bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Gold-supported CeO2 nanoparticles may be a potential nanomaterial for in vivo application owing to their biocompatible and antibacterial properties.

A quantum cascade laser-based water vapor isotope analyzer for environmental monitoring

A field-deployable mid-infrared quantum cascade laser-based spectrometer was designed and developed for measurements of H2(16)O and H2(18)O at 7.12 μm. H2(16)O and H2(18)O absorption features at 1390.52 cm(-1) and 1389.91 cm(-1), respectively, accessible within current tuning range of the laser, were targeted. The target lines were carefully selected to assure similar absorption levels and similar temperature sensitivities of the line strength due to comparable lower state energies. A real-time spectral fitting algorithm was implemented for isotopic concentration retrieval. Detection limits for H2(16)O and H2(18)O of 2.2 ppm and 7.0 ppb, respectively, were achieved at a dew point of 14 °C (volume mixing ratio of 15,766 ppm) in 1 s integration time, which resulted in a δ(18)O isotopic ratio measurement precision of 0.25‰. The ultimate minimum detection limits obtained after 160 s integration time for H2(16)O and H2(18)O, and δ(18)O measurements were 0.6 ppm, 1.7 ppb, and 0.05‰, respectively.

Impact of Pichia guilliermondii on sow, litter, and weaned pig immune performance

Three groups of gestating gilts and sows (Exp. 1; n = 98) were used to determine the effects of Pichia guilliermondii (Pg), a whole yeast product (CitriStim, ADM Alliance Nutrition), on dam and litter immune parameters. At breeding, gilts and sows were allotted to 1 of 3 treatments maintained through lactation: sow control (SC) diet or SC supplemented with 0.1 (S1) or 0.2% (S2) Pg. Pigs from groups 1 (Exp. 2) and 2 (Exp. 3) were weaned (21 d) and allotted in a 3 (SC, S1, or S2) × 2 [nursery with Pg (NPg) or without Pg (NC)] factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design. In Exp. 2 blood samples were collected on days 5 and 28 postweaning for analysis. In Exp. 3, 36 pigs were individually penned and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (25 μg/kg BW intramuscular; 0 h). Individual BW, ADFI, and rectal temperature (RT) were collected at -48, -24, 0, 24, and 48 h and blood samples were collected at 0, 5, and 24 h for analysis. In Exp. 1, total neutrophil count (NEU) and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were greater on day 110 of gestation (P < 0.05) in S1 than SC. At weaning there was a liner increase (P < 0.05) in NEU, NLR, and percentage of total leukocytes (PTL) that were NEU as level of Pg increased in sow diets. In Exp. 2, pigs from S1 had increased (P < 0.05) overall IgG than SC. The PTL that were eosinophils was greater in pigs from S2 fed NPg on day 5 than NC (P < 0.05) and increased in all pigs from S2 on day 28 (sow linear, P < 0.1). On day 28, total leukocytes and eosinophils were increased in pigs from SC [quadratic response (Q), P < 0.05]. In Exp. 3, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in ADFI was observed at -24 to 0 h, -48 to 0 h, and 24 to 48 h as the level of Pg increased in sow diets. There was a linear increase in RT at -48, -24, 0, and 5 h with increasing Pg inclusion in sow diets (P < 0.05). However, RT decreased more from 5 to 24 h in pigs from sows receiving Pg. The number of monocytes and PTL that were monocytes were higher in S2 compared to SC and S1 (P < 0.05). Also, NEU were reduced at 5 h in S1 (P < 0.05), NLR was lower in S2 at 0 h and S1 at 5 h, IL-1β concentration was greater in SC at 0 h and S1 at 5 h, and IL-6 concentration was greater in S2 at 0 h and S1 at 5 h (P < 0.05). Furthermore, blood urea N (BUN) was higher in NC at 0 and 5 h than NPg (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Pg appears to impact immune response criteria of sows and weaned pigs.

Lymphoma, thymoma and the wooden man: stiff-person syndrome post-thymoma excision and non-Hodgkin lymphoma remission

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is an uncommon yet under-diagnosed, neuromuscular disorder characterised by progressive muscle rigidity with superimposed painful muscle spasms triggered by tactile, auditory or emotional stimulation. We describe the world's first case report of typical SPS in a patient with previously excised thymoma and treated non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is of relevance because of the increasingly elucidated autoimmune aetiology of SPS.

1.12 Tb/s superchannel coherent PM-QPSK InP transmitter photonic integrated circuit (PIC)

In this work, a 10-wavelength, polarization-multiplexed, monolithically integrated InP coherent QPSK transmitter PIC is demonstrated to operate at 112 Gb/sec per wavelength and total chip superchannel bandwidth of 1.12 Tb/s. This demonstration suggests that increasing data capacity to multi-Tb/s per chip is possible and likely in the future.

The synthesis and characterization of poly(γ-glutamic acid)-coated magnetite nanoparticles and their effects on antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with sodium and calcium salts of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (NaPGA and CaPGA) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method, followed by characterization and evaluation of their antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. Superparamagnetic MNPs are particularly attractive for magnetic driving as well as bacterial biofilm and cell targeting in in vivo applications. Characterization of synthesized MNPs by the Fourier transform infrared spectra and magnetization curves confirmed the PGA coating on MNPs. The mean diameter of NaPGA- and CaPGA-coated MNPs as determined by transmission electron microscopy was 11.8 and 14 nm, respectively, while the x-ray diffraction pattern revealed the as-synthesized MNPs to be pure magnetite. Based on agar dilution assay, both NaPGA- and CaPGA-coated MNPs showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration in Salmonella enteritidis SE 01 than the commercial antibiotics linezolid and cefaclor, but the former was effective against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 10832, whereas the latter was effective against Escherichia coli O157:H7 TWC 01. An in vitro cytotoxicity study in human skin fibroblast cells as measured by MTT assay implied the as-synthesized MNPs to be nontoxic. This outcome demonstrated that both γ-PGA-modified MNPs are cytocompatible and possess antibacterial activity in vitro, and thereby should be useful in in vivo studies for biomedical applications.