Determinants of lung function development from birth to age 5 years: an interrupted time series analysis of a South African birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Early life is a key period that determines long-term health. Lung development in childhood predicts lung function attained in adulthood and morbidity and mortality across the life course. We aimed to assess the effect of early-life lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and associated risk factors on lung development from birth to school age in a South African birth cohort. METHODS: We prospectively followed children enrolled in a population-based cohort from birth (between March 5, 2012 and March 31, 2015) to age 5 years with annual lung function assessment. Data on multiple early-life exposures, including LRTI, were collected. The effect of early-life risk factors on lung function development from birth to age 5 years was assessed using the Generalised Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape and Interrupted Time Series approach. FINDINGS: 966 children (475 [49·2%] female, 491 [50·8%] male) had lung function measured with oscillometry, tidal flow volume loops, and multiple breath washout. LRTI occurred in 484 (50·1%) children, with a median of 2·0 LRTI episodes (IQR 1·0-3·0) per child. LRTI was independently associated with altered lung function, as evidenced by lower compliance (0·959 [95% CI 0·941-0·978]), higher resistance (1·028 [1·016-1·041]), and higher respiratory rate (1·018 [1·063-1·029]) over 5 years. Additional impact on lung function parameters occurred with each subsequent LRTI. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) LRTI was associated with lower expiratory flow ratio (0·97 [0·95-0·99]) compared with non-RSV LRTI. Maternal factors including allergy, smoking, and HIV infection were also associated with altered lung development, as was preterm birth, low birthweight, female sex, and coming from a less wealthy household. INTERPRETATION: Public health interventions targeting LRTI prevention, with RSV a priority, are vital, particularly in low-income and middle-income settings. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council Grant, The Wellcome Trust, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, US National Institutes of Health Human Heredity and Health in Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Hungarian Scientific Research Fund, and European Respiratory Society.

Sequencing and Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Whole Genomes Reveals a New Viral Subgroup in West and Central Africa.

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a member of the capripoxvirus (CPPV) genus of the Poxviridae family. LSDV is a rapidly emerging, high-consequence pathogen of cattle, recently spreading from Africa and the Middle East into Europe and Asia. We have sequenced the whole genome of historical LSDV isolates from the Pirbright Institute virus archive, and field isolates from recent disease outbreaks in Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Nigeria and Ethiopia. These genome sequences were compared to published genomes and classified into different subgroups. Two subgroups contained vaccine or vaccine-like samples ("Neethling-like" clade 1.1 and "Kenya-like" subgroup, clade 1.2.2). One subgroup was associated with outbreaks of LSD in the Middle East/Europe (clade 1.2.1) and a previously unreported subgroup originated from cases of LSD in west and central Africa (clade 1.2.3). Isolates were also identified that contained a mix of genes from both wildtype and vaccine samples (vaccine-like recombinants, grouped in clade 2). Whole genome sequencing and analysis of LSDV strains isolated from different regions of Africa, Europe and Asia have provided new knowledge of the drivers of LSDV emergence, and will inform future disease control strategies.

An improved method for generating human spinal cord neural stem cells.

Neural stem cells have exhibited efficacy in pre-clinical models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and are on a translational path to human testing. We recently reported that neural stem cells must be driven to a spinal cord fate to optimize host axonal regeneration into sites of implantation in the injured spinal cord, where they subsequently form neural relays across the lesion that support significant functional improvement. We also reported methods of deriving and culturing human spinal cord neural stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells that can be sustained over serial high passage numbers in vitro, providing a potentially optimized cell source for human clinical trials. We now report further optimization of methods for deriving and sustaining cultures of human spinal cord neural stem cell lines that result in improved karyotypic stability while retaining anatomical efficacy in vivo. This development improves prospects for safe human translation.

Cell4D: a general purpose spatial stochastic simulator for cellular pathways.

BACKGROUND: With the generation of vast compendia of biological datasets, the challenge is how best to interpret 'omics data alongside biochemical and other small-scale experiments to gain meaningful biological insights. Key to this challenge are computational methods that enable domain-users to generate novel hypotheses that can be used to guide future experiments. Of particular interest are flexible modeling platforms, capable of simulating a diverse range of biological systems with low barriers of adoption to those with limited computational expertise. RESULTS: We introduce Cell4D, a spatial-temporal modeling platform combining a robust simulation engine with integrated graphics visualization, a model design editor, and an underlying XML data model capable of capturing a variety of cellular functions. Cell4D provides an interactive visualization mode, allowing intuitive feedback on model behavior and exploration of novel hypotheses, together with a non-graphics mode, compatible with high performance cloud compute solutions, to facilitate generation of statistical data. To demonstrate the flexibility and effectiveness of Cell4D, we investigate the dynamics of CEACAM1 localization in T-cell activation. We confirm the importance of Ca2+ microdomains in activating calmodulin and highlight a key role of activated calmodulin on the surface expression of CEACAM1. We further show how lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase can help regulate this cell surface expression and exploit spatial modeling features of Cell4D to test the hypothesis that lipid rafts regulate clustering of CEACAM1 to promote trans-binding to neighbouring cells. CONCLUSIONS: Through demonstrating its ability to test and generate hypotheses, Cell4D represents an effective tool to help integrate knowledge across diverse, large and small-scale datasets.

African swine fever virus NAM P1/95 is a mixture of genotype I and genotype VIII viruses.

African swine fever virus causes a lethal hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs. The NAM P1/1995 isolate was originally described as B646L genotype XVIII; however, full genome sequencing revealed that this assignment was incorrect.

Examining the Association between Punishment and Reward Sensitivity and Response Inhibition to Previously-Incentivized Cues across Development.

Processing and learning from affective cues to guide goal-directed behavior may be particularly important during adolescence; yet the factors that promote and/or disrupt the ability to integrate value in order to guide decision making across development remain unclear. The present study (N = 1046) assessed individual difference factors (self-reported punishment and reward sensitivity) related to whether previously-rewarded and previously-punished cues differentially impact goal-directed behavior (response inhibition) in a large developmental sample. Participants were between the ages of 8-21 years (Mage = 14.29, SD = 3.97, 50.38% female). Previously-rewarded cues improved response inhibition among participants age 14 and older. Further, punishment sensitivity predicted overall improved response inhibition among participants aged 10 to 18. The results highlight two main factors that are associated with improvements in the ability to integrate value to guide goal-directed behaviour - cues in the environment (e.g., reward-laden cues) and individual differences in punishment sensitivity. These findings have implications for both educational and social policies aimed at characterizing the ways in which youth integrate value to guide decision making.

Flanged males have higher reproductive success in a completely wild orangutan population.

Male orangutans (Pongo spp.) exhibit bimaturism, an alternative reproductive tactic, with flanged and unflanged males displaying two distinct morphological and behavioral phenotypes. Flanged males are larger than unflanged males and display secondary sexual characteristics which unflanged males lack. The evolutionary explanation for alternative reproductive tactics in orangutans remains unclear because orangutan paternity studies to date have been from sites with ex-captive orangutans, provisioning via feeding stations and veterinary care, or that lack data on the identity of mothers. Here we demonstrate, using the first long-term paternity data from a site free of these limitations, that alternative reproductive tactics in orangutans are condition-dependent, not frequency-dependent. We found higher reproductive success by flanged males than by unflanged males, a pattern consistent with other Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) paternity studies. Previous paternity studies disagree on the degree of male reproductive skew, but we found low reproductive skew among flanged males. We compare our findings and previous paternity studies from both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) to understand why these differences exist, examining the possible roles of species differences, ecology, and human intervention. Additionally, we use long-term behavioral data to demonstrate that while flanged males can displace unflanged males in association with females, flanged males are unable to keep other males from associating with a female, and thus they are unable to completely mate guard females. Our results demonstrate that alternative reproductive tactics in Bornean orangutans are condition-dependent, supporting the understanding that the flanged male morph is indicative of good condition. Despite intense male-male competition and direct sexual coercion by males, female mate choice is effective in determining reproductive outcomes in this population of wild orangutans.

Sex-dependence of synaptic depression induced by activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat hippocampus.

The modulation of synaptic efficacy by group I metabotropic glutamate receptors is dysregulated in several neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders impacting cognitive function. The progression and severity of these and other disorders are affected by biological sex, and differences in metabotropic glutamate receptor signalling have been implicated in this effect. In this study, we have examined whether there are any sex-dependent differences in a form of long-term depression of synaptic responses that is triggered by application of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG). We studied DHPG-induced long-term depression at the Schaffer collateral-commissural pathway in area CA1 of hippocampal slices prepared from three separate age groups of Sprague Dawley rats. In both juvenile (2-week-old) and young adult (3-month-old) rats, there were no differences between sexes in the magnitude of long-term depression. However, in older adult (>1-year-old) rats, DHPG-induced long-term depression was greater in males. In contrast, there were no differences between sexes with respect to basal synaptic transmission or paired-pulse facilitation in any age group. The specific enhancement of metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression in older adult males, but not females, reinforces the importance of considering sex as a factor in the study and treatment of brain disorders.

Lung function changes in children exposed to mine fire smoke in infancy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic, low-intensity air pollution exposure has been consistently associated with reduced lung function throughout childhood. However, there is limited research regarding the implications of acute, high-intensity air pollution exposure. We aimed to determine whether there were any associations between early life exposure to such an episode and lung growth trajectories. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children who lived in the vicinity of the Hazelwood coalmine fire. Lung function was measured using respiratory oscillometry. Z-scores were calculated for resistance (R5 ) and reactance at 5 Hz (X5 ) and area under the reactance curve (AX). Two sets of analyses were conducted: (i) linear regression to assess the cross-sectional relationship between post-natal exposure to mine fire-related particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (PM2.5 ) and lung function at the 7-year follow-up and (ii) linear mixed-effects models to determine whether there was any association between exposure and changes in lung function between the 3- and 7-year follow-ups. RESULTS: There were no associations between mine fire-related PM2.5 and any of the lung function measures, 7-years later. There were moderate improvements in X5 (ß: -0.37 [-0.64, -0.10] p = 0.009) and AX (ß: -0.40 [-0.72, -0.08] p = 0.014), between the 3- and 7-year follow-ups that were associated with mean PM2.5 , in the unadjusted and covariance-adjusted models. Similar trends were observed with maximum PM2.5 . CONCLUSION: There was a moderate improvement in lung stiffness of children exposed to PM2.5 from a local coalmine fire in infancy, consistent with an early deficit in lung function at 3-years after the fire that had resolved by 7-years.

Memantine: Updating a rare success story in pro-cognitive therapeutics.

The great potential for NMDA receptor modulators as druggable targets in neurodegenerative disorders has been met with limited success. Considered one of the rare exceptions, memantine has consistently demonstrated restorative and prophylactic properties in many AD models. In clinical trials memantine slows the decline in cognitive performance associated with AD. Here, we provide an overview of the basic properties including pharmacological targets, toxicology and cellular effects of memantine. Evidence demonstrating reductions in molecular, physiological and behavioural indices of AD-like impairments associated with memantine treatment are also discussed. This represents both an extension and homage to Dr. Chris Parson's considerable contributions to our fundamental understanding of a success story in the AD treatment landscape.

Mechanical Properties of Conducting Printed Nanosheet Network Thin Films Under Uniaxial Compression.

Thin film networks of solution processed nanosheets show remarkable promise for use in a broad range of applications including strain sensors, energy storage, printed devices, textile electronics, and more. While it is known that their electronic properties rely heavily on their morphology, little is known of their mechanical nature, a glaring omission given the effect mechanical deformation has on the morphology of porous systems and the promise of mechanical post processing for tailored properties. Here, this work employs a recent advance in thin film mechanical testing called the Layer Compression Test to perform the first in situ analysis of printed nanosheet network compression. Due to the well-defined deformation geometry of this unique test, this work is able to explore the out-of-plane elastic, plastic, and creep deformation in these systems, extracting properties of elastic modulus, plastic yield, viscoelasticity, tensile failure and sheet bending vs. slippage under both out of plane uniaxial compression and tension. This work characterizes these for a range of networks of differing porosities and sheet sizes, for low and high compression, as well as the effect of chemical cross linking. This work explores graphene and MoS2 networks, from which the results can be extended to printed nanosheet networks as a whole.

Amyloid-ß1-42 oligomers enhance mGlu5R-dependent synaptic weakening via NMDAR activation and complement C5aR1 signaling.

Synaptic weakening and loss are well-correlated with the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oligomeric amyloid beta (oAß) is considered a major synaptotoxic trigger for AD. Recent studies have implicated hyperactivation of the complement cascade as the driving force for loss of synapses caused by oAß. However, the initial synaptic cues that trigger pathological complement activity remain elusive. Here, we examined a form of synaptic long-term depression (LTD) mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) that is disrupted in rodent models of AD. Exogenous application of oAß (1-42) to mouse hippocampal slices enhanced the magnitude of mGlu subtype 5 receptor (mGlu5R)-dependent LTD. We found that the enhanced synaptic weakening occurred via both N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and complement C5aR1 signaling. Our findings reveal a mechanistic interaction between mGlu5R, NMDARs, and the complement system in aberrant synaptic weakening induced by oAß, which could represent an early trigger of synaptic loss and degeneration in AD.

Oscillometry and spirometry are not interchangeable when assessing the bronchodilator response in children and young adults born preterm.

INTRODUCTION: The European Respiratory Society Oscillometry Taskforce identified that clinical correlates of bronchodilator responses are needed to advance oscillometry in clinical practice. The understanding of bronchodilator-induced oscillometry changes in preterm lung disease is poor. Here we describe a comparison of bronchodilator assessments performed using oscillometry and spirometry in a population born very preterm and explore the relationship between bronchodilator-induced changes in respiratory function and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Participants aged 6-23 born ≤32 (N = 288; 132 with bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and ≥37 weeks' gestation (N = 76, term-born controls) performed spirometry and oscillometry. A significant bronchodilator response (BDR) to 400 µg salbutamol was classified according to published criteria. RESULTS: A BDR was identified in 30.9% (n = 85) of preterm-born individuals via spirometry and/or oscillometry, with poor agreement between spirometry and oscillometry definitions (k = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.40, p < .001). Those born preterm with a BDR by oscillometry but not spirometry had increased wheeze (33% vs. 11%, p = .010) and baseline resistance (Rrs5 z-score mean difference (MD) = 0.86, 95% CI 0.07-1.65, p = .025), but similar baseline spirometry to the group without a BDR (forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1 ] z-score MD = -0.01, 95% CI -0.66 to 0.68, p > .999). Oscillometry was more feasible than spirometry (95% success rate vs. 85% (FEV1 ), 69% (forced vital capacity) success rate, p < .001), however being born preterm did not affect test feasibility. CONCLUSION: In the preterm population, oscillometry is a feasible and clinically useful supportive test to assess the airway response to inhaled salbutamol. Changes measured by oscillometry reflect related but distinct physiological changes to those measured by spirometry, and thus these tests should not be used interchangeably.

Elevated leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane in exhaled breath condensate from preterm-born infants.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), possibly contributing to persistent respiratory morbidity after preterm birth. We aimed to assess if inflammatory markers were elevated in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of infants born very prematurely (< 32 weeks gestation) at 12-16 corrected months of age, and if increased levels were associated with BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity. METHODS: EBC samples and respiratory questionnaires were collected from 15 term-born infants and 33 preterm-born infants, 12 with a neonatal BPD diagnosis. EBC samples were analysed for leukotriene B4 (inflammation) and 8-isoprostane (oxidative stress) concentrations using enzyme-linked immune-assays. Differences between groups were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis Test with post-hoc comparisons, independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test depending on normality of the data. RESULTS: Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were elevated in exhaled breath condensate of preterm-born infants compared to those born at term (mean difference [95% CI]; 1.52 [0.45, 2.59], p = 0.02; 0.77 [0.52, 1.02], p < 0.001, respectively). Leukotriene B4 and 8-isoprostane levels were independent of BPD diagnosis and respiratory morbidity over the first year of life. CONCLUSIONS: Infants born very prematurely exhibit elevated markers of airway neutrophilic inflammation and oxidative stress beyond the first year of life, regardless of a neonatal diagnosis of chronic lung disease or respiratory morbidity during infancy. These findings may have implications for future lung health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.

Isoelectric point (pI)-based phase separation (pI-BPS) purification of elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) containing charged, biologically active fusion proteins (ELP-FPs).

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are peptide-based biomaterials with residue sequence (VPGXG)n where X is any residue except proline. ELPs are a useful modality for delivering biologically active proteins (growth factors, protease inhibitors, anti-inflammatory peptides, etc.) as fusion proteins (ELP-FP). ELP-FPs are particularly cost-effective because they can be rapidly purified using Inverse Temperature Cycling (ITC) via the reversible formation and precipitation of entropically driven aggregates above a transition temperature (Tt ). When ELP fusion proteins (ELP-FPs) contain significant charge density at physiological pH, electrostatic repulsion between them severely inhibits aggregate formation. The literature does not currently describe methods for purifying ELP-FPs containing charged proteins on either side of the ELP sequence as fusion partners without organic solvents. Here, the isoelectric point (pI) of ELP-FPs is discussed as a means of neutralizing surface charges on ELP-FPs and increasing ITC yield to dramatically high levels. We use pI-based phase separation (pI-BPS) to purify ELP-FPs containing cationic and anionic fusion proteins. We report a dramatic increase in protein yield when using pI-BPS for purification of ELP-FPs. Proteins purified by this method also retain the functional activity of the protein present in the ELP-FP. Techniques developed here enable significant diversification of possible fusion proteins delivered by ELPs as ELP-FPs by allowing them to be produced and purified at higher quantities and yields.

Correction: Label free localization of nanoparticles in live cancer cells using spectroscopic microscopy.

Correction for 'Label free localization of nanoparticles in live cancer cells using spectroscopic microscopy' by Graham L. C. Spicer et al., Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 19125-19130, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR07481J.

Through Thick and Thin: Exposure to Instagram Advertisements and Willingness to Engage in Appearance-Altering Practices.

Instagram is increasingly used in advertising, yet little is known about the unintended consequences of Instagram advertising on women's and girls' body image. Also largely unexplored is if and how curvy models (large breasts and buttocks, wide hips, and small waist) used in this advertising affect women's and girls' body image. We drew on social comparison and cultivation theories to explore if exposure to thin and curvy models through Instagram advertising is associated with late-adolescent girls' willingness to take action to be thinner or curvier, respectively. Two mediation models examined the mechanisms through which any such effects occur. A sample of 284 17-19 year old girls completed self-administered online questionnaires. Results revealed that exposure to thin and curvy models was positively associated with willingness to take action to be thinner and curvier, respectively. These associations were mediated by thin/curvy body preference (model 1), and by thin/curvy body preference, upward physical appearance comparisons, and body dissatisfaction (model 2). Results suggest that although exposure to different body types may be associated with different types of unhealthy (body-altering) actions, the processes underlying these effects are similar. This research highlights possible cultural shifts toward more diverse body ideals and informs tailored body concern interventions and media literacy programs.

Risk factors for poorer respiratory outcomes in adolescents and young adults born preterm.

RATIONALE: The respiratory outcomes for adult survivors of preterm birth in the postsurfactant era are wide-ranging with prognostic factors, especially those encountered after the neonatal period, poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To obtain comprehensive 'peak' lung health data from survivors of very preterm birth and identify neonatal and life-course risk factors for poorer respiratory outcomes in adulthood. METHODS: 127 participants born ≤32 weeks gestation (64%, n=81 with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), initially recruited according to a 2 with-BPD:1 without-BPD strategy), and 41 term-born controls completed a lung health assessment at 16-23 years, including lung function, imaging and symptom review. Risk factors assessed against poor lung health included neonatal treatments, respiratory hospitalisation in childhood, atopy and tobacco smoke exposure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Young adults born prematurely had greater airflow obstruction, gas trapping and ventilation inhomogeneity, in addition to abnormalities in gas transfer and respiratory mechanics, compared with term. Beyond lung function, we observed greater structural abnormalities, respiratory symptoms and inhaled medication use. A previous respiratory admission was associated with airway obstruction; mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity z-score was -0.561 lower after neonatal confounders were accounted for (95% CI -0.998 to -0.125; p=0.012). Similarly, respiratory symptom burden was increased in the preterm group with a respiratory admission, as was peribronchial thickening (6% vs 23%, p=0.010) and bronchodilator responsiveness (17% vs 35%, p=0.025). Atopy, maternal asthma and tobacco smoke exposure did not influence lung function or structure at 16-23 years in our preterm cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Even after accounting for the neonatal course, a respiratory admission during childhood remained significantly associated with reduced peak lung function in the preterm-born cohort, with the largest difference seen in those with BPD. A respiratory admission during childhood should, therefore, be considered a risk factor for long-term respiratory morbidity in those born preterm, especially for individuals with BPD.

No association between in utero exposure to emissions from a coalmine fire and post-natal lung function.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies linking early life exposure to air pollution and subsequent impaired lung health have focused on chronic, low-level exposures in urban settings. We aimed to determine whether in utero exposure to an acute, high-intensity air pollution episode impaired lung function 7-years later. METHOD: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children who lived in the vicinity of a coalmine fire. Respiratory function was measured using the forced oscillation technique (FOT). Z-scores for resistance at 5 Hz (R5), reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and area under the reactance curve (AX) were calculated. Two sets of analyses were conducted to address two separate questions: (1) whether mine fire exposure (a binary indicator; conceived after the mine fire vs in utero exposed) was associated with the respiratory Z-scores; (2) whether there was any dose-response relationship between fire-related PM2.5 exposure and respiratory outcomes among those exposed. RESULTS: Acceptable lung function measurements were obtained from 79 children; 25 unexposed and 54 exposed in utero. Median (interquartile range) for daily average and peak PM2.5 for the exposed children were 4.2 (2.6 - 14.2) and 88 (52-225) µg/m3 respectively. There were no detectable differences in Z-scores between unexposed and exposed children. There were no associations between respiratory Z-scores and in utero exposure to PM2.5 (daily average or peak). CONCLUSION: There was no detectable effect of in utero exposure to PM2.5 from a local coalmine fire on post-natal lung function 7-years later. However, statistical power was limited.