Live birth of chimeric monkey with high contribution from embryonic stem cells.

A formal demonstration that mammalian pluripotent stem cells possess preimplantation embryonic cell-like (naive) pluripotency is the generation of chimeric animals through early embryo complementation with homologous cells. Whereas such naive pluripotency has been well demonstrated in rodents, poor chimerism has been achieved in other species including non-human primates due to the inability of the donor cells to match the developmental state of the host embryos. Here, we have systematically tested various culture conditions for establishing monkey naive embryonic stem cells and optimized the procedures for chimeric embryo culture. This approach generated an aborted fetus and a live chimeric monkey with high donor cell contribution. A stringent characterization pipeline demonstrated that donor cells efficiently (up to 90%) incorporated into various tissues (including the gonads and placenta) of the chimeric monkeys. Our results have major implications for the study of primate naive pluripotency and genetic engineering of non-human primates.

Generation of a humanized mesonephros in pigs from induced pluripotent stem cells via embryo complementation.

Heterologous organ transplantation is an effective way of replacing organ function but is limited by severe organ shortage. Although generating human organs in other large mammals through embryo complementation would be a groundbreaking solution, it faces many challenges, especially the poor integration of human cells into the recipient tissues. To produce human cells with superior intra-niche competitiveness, we combined optimized pluripotent stem cell culture conditions with the inducible overexpression of two pro-survival genes (MYCN and BCL2). The resulting cells had substantially enhanced viability in the xeno-environment of interspecies chimeric blastocyst and successfully formed organized human-pig chimeric middle-stage kidney (mesonephros) structures up to embryonic day 28 inside nephric-defective pig embryos lacking SIX1 and SALL1. Our findings demonstrate proof of principle of the possibility of generating a humanized primordial organ in organogenesis-disabled pigs, opening an exciting avenue for regenerative medicine and an artificial window for studying human kidney development.

Demographic, behavioural and occupational risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in UK healthcare workers: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection than the general population. This group is pivotal to healthcare system resilience during the COVID-19, and future, pandemics. We investigated demographic, social, behavioural and occupational risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: HCWs enrolled in a large-scale sero-epidemiological study at a UK university teaching hospital were sent questionnaires spanning a 5-month period from March to July 2020. In a retrospective observational cohort study, univariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. A Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator regression model was used to identify variables to include in a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Among 2258 HCWs, highest ORs associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity on multivariate analysis were having a household member previously testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (OR 6.94 (95% CI 4.15 to 11.6); p<0.0001) and being of black ethnicity (6.21 (95% CI 2.69 to 14.3); p<0.0001). Occupational factors associated with a higher risk of seropositivity included working as a physiotherapist (OR 2.78 (95% CI 1.21 to 6.36); p=0.015) and working predominantly in acute medicine (OR 2.72 (95% CI 1.57 to 4.69); p<0.0001) or medical subspecialties (not including infectious diseases) (OR 2.33 (95% CI 1.4 to 3.88); p=0.001). Reporting that adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) was 'rarely' available had an OR of 2.83 (95% CI 1.29 to 6.25; p=0.01). Reporting attending a handover where social distancing was not possible had an OR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.9; p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and potential vaccine escape continue to threaten stability of healthcare systems worldwide, and sustained vigilance against HCW infection remains a priority. Enhanced risk assessments should be considered for HCWs of black ethnicity, physiotherapists and those working in acute medicine or medical subspecialties. Workplace risk reduction measures include ongoing access to high-quality PPE and effective social distancing measures.

Spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas of mouse organogenesis using DNA nanoball-patterned arrays.

Spatially resolved transcriptomic technologies are promising tools to study complex biological processes such as mammalian embryogenesis. However, the imbalance between resolution, gene capture, and field of view of current methodologies precludes their systematic application to analyze relatively large and three-dimensional mid- and late-gestation embryos. Here, we combined DNA nanoball (DNB)-patterned arrays and in situ RNA capture to create spatial enhanced resolution omics-sequencing (Stereo-seq). We applied Stereo-seq to generate the mouse organogenesis spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas (MOSTA), which maps with single-cell resolution and high sensitivity the kinetics and directionality of transcriptional variation during mouse organogenesis. We used this information to gain insight into the molecular basis of spatial cell heterogeneity and cell fate specification in developing tissues such as the dorsal midbrain. Our panoramic atlas will facilitate in-depth investigation of longstanding questions concerning normal and abnormal mammalian development.

Rolling back human pluripotent stem cells to an eight-cell embryo-like stage.

After fertilization, the quiescent zygote experiences a burst of genome activation that initiates a short-lived totipotent state. Understanding the process of totipotency in human cells would have broad applications. However, in contrast to in mice1,2, demonstration of the time of zygotic genome activation or the eight-cell (8C) stage in in vitro cultured human cells has not yet been reported, and the study of embryos is limited by ethical and practical considerations. Here we describe a transgene-free, rapid and controllable method for producing 8C-like cells (8CLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells. Single-cell analysis identified key molecular events and gene networks associated with this conversion. Loss-of-function experiments identified fundamental roles for DPPA3, a master regulator of DNA methylation in oocytes3, and TPRX1, a eutherian totipotent cell homeobox (ETCHbox) family transcription factor that is absent in mice4. DPPA3 induces DNA demethylation throughout the 8CLC conversion process, whereas TPRX1 is a key executor of 8CLC gene networks. We further demonstrate that 8CLCs can produce embryonic and extraembryonic lineages in vitro or in vivo in the form of blastoids5 and complex teratomas. Our approach provides a resource to uncover the molecular process of early human embryogenesis.

Coagulation factor V is a T-cell inhibitor expressed by leukocytes in COVID-19.

Clotting Factor V (FV) is primarily synthesized in the liver and when cleaved by thrombin forms pro-coagulant Factor Va (FVa). Using whole blood RNAseq and scRNAseq of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, we find that FV mRNA is expressed in leukocytes, and identify neutrophils, monocytes, and T regulatory cells as sources of increased FV in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Proteomic analysis confirms increased FV in circulating neutrophils in severe COVID-19, and immunofluorescence microscopy identifies FV in lung-infiltrating leukocytes in COVID-19 lung disease. Increased leukocyte FV expression in severe disease correlates with T-cell lymphopenia. Both plasma-derived and a cleavage resistant recombinant FV, but not thrombin cleaved FVa, suppress T-cell proliferation in vitro. Anticoagulants that reduce FV conversion to FVa, including heparin, may have the unintended consequence of suppressing the adaptive immune system.

Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an industrial SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic facility.

On 11th March 2020, the UK government announced plans for the scaling of COVID-19 testing, and on 27th March 2020 it was announced that a new alliance of private sector and academic collaborative laboratories were being created to generate the testing capacity required. The Cambridge COVID-19 Testing Centre (CCTC) was established during April 2020 through collaboration between AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and the University of Cambridge, with Charles River Laboratories joining the collaboration at the end of July 2020. The CCTC lab operation focussed on the optimised use of automation, introduction of novel technologies and process modelling to enable a testing capacity of 22,000 tests per day. Here we describe the optimisation of the laboratory process through the continued exploitation of internal performance metrics, while introducing new technologies including the Heat Inactivation of clinical samples upon receipt into the laboratory and a Direct to PCR protocol that removed the requirement for the RNA extraction step. We anticipate that these methods will have value in driving continued efficiency and effectiveness within all large scale viral diagnostic testing laboratories.

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission.

Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics.

The impact of hypoxia on B cells in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Prominent early features of COVID-19 include severe, often clinically silent, hypoxia and a pronounced reduction in B cells, the latter important in defence against SARS-CoV-2. This presentation resembles the phenotype of mice with VHL-deficient B cells, in which Hypoxia-Inducible Factors are constitutively active, suggesting hypoxia might drive B cell abnormalities in COVID-19. METHODS: Detailed B cell phenotyping was undertaken by flow-cytometry on longitudinal samples from patients with COVID-19 across a range of severities (NIHR Cambridge BioResource). The impact of hypoxia on the transcriptome was assessed by single-cell and whole blood RNA sequencing analysis. The direct effect of hypoxia on B cells was determined through immunisation studies in genetically modified and hypoxia-exposed mice. FINDINGS: We demonstrate the breadth of early and persistent defects in B cell subsets in moderate/severe COVID-19, including reduced marginal zone-like, memory and transitional B cells, changes also observed in B cell VHL-deficient mice. These findings were associated with hypoxia-related transcriptional changes in COVID-19 patient B cells, and similar B cell abnormalities were seen in mice kept in hypoxic conditions. INTERPRETATION: Hypoxia may contribute to the pronounced and persistent B cell pathology observed in acute COVID-19 pneumonia. Assessment of the impact of early oxygen therapy on these immune defects should be considered, as their correction could contribute to improved outcomes. FUNDING: Evelyn Trust, Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, UKRI/NIHR, Wellcome Trust.

Applying Psychological and Educational Health Models to Determine the Effect of a Pharmacist-led Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention on Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes in Plateau State, Nigeria.

Background: The prolonged multi-drug treatment regimen for tuberculosis (TB) can lead to non-adherence and unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Educational and psychological health models can be used to design cognitive and behavioral interventions to improve adherence and treatment outcomes. Objective: To determine the effect of cognitive and behavioral interventions on TB treatment outcomes. Methods: The quasi-experimental study conducted in six TB treatment centers involved reinforced medication education and adherence counseling (MEAC), designed from a structured validated psychometric scale. Data were collected three different times during the intensive and continuation phases of treatment from 463 TB patients (232 in the control and 231 in the intervention group). Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. The generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the repeated measures by determining if treatment success was associated with the cognitive and behavioral interventions and medication adherence. Results: The males made up 290(62.6 %) of the population. The mean age was 36.75±13.9. Most of the TB patients were newly diagnosed 413(89.2%) and HIV negative 315(68%), with secondary level of education 216(46.6%). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. The intervention group was four times more likely to have treatment success (p<0.01; CI=1.5-8.4), compared to the control group. Medication-adherent TB patients were 24 times more likely to have treatment success than patients who did not adhere (p<0.001; 10.8-52.1). TB patients' emotions, attitudes, and perceptions of their medicines were predictors of treatment success (p<0.05; 1.0 - 1.1). Conclusion: The cognitive and behavioral interventions administered to TB patients improved successful treatment outcomes.

Application of the information-motivation-behavioral-skills model to validate a cognitive and behavioral intervention scale for tuberculosis patients in Jos, Nigeria.

Psychometric scales can be used to assess the cognition of and behavior toward tuberculosis (TB) disease and anti-TB medicines in TB patients by applying the Information-Motivation-Behavioral-Skills model. This study validated a psychometric scale from the responses of 115 TB patients using principal component (PCA) and reliability analyses. The Cronbach's-alpha was 0.864. The PCA identified 21 factors, with eigenvalues greater than one. Six factors, with factor loading >0.5 had more than two items loaded to a factor. Twenty-five items validated from six factors suggest that the scale can be used for cognitive and behavioral assessment and interventions in tuberculosis patients.

Corrigendum: VHL-Mediated Regulation of CHCHD4 and Mitochondrial Function.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00388.].

The HIF complex recruits the histone methyltransferase SET1B to activate specific hypoxia-inducible genes.

Hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIFs) are fundamental to cellular adaptation to low oxygen levels, but it is unclear how they interact with chromatin and activate their target genes. Here, we use genome-wide mutagenesis to identify genes involved in HIF transcriptional activity, and define a requirement for the histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferase SET1B. SET1B loss leads to a selective reduction in transcriptional activation of HIF target genes, resulting in impaired cell growth, angiogenesis and tumor establishment in SET1B-deficient xenografts. Mechanistically, we show that SET1B accumulates on chromatin in hypoxia, and is recruited to HIF target genes by the HIF complex. The selective induction of H3K4 trimethylation at HIF target loci is both HIF- and SET1B-dependent and, when impaired, correlates with decreased promoter acetylation and gene expression. Together, these findings show SET1B as a determinant of site-specific histone methylation and provide insight into how HIF target genes are differentially regulated.