Ride-hailing technology mitigates effects of driver racial discrimination, but effects of residential segregation persist.

We assess racial disparities in the service quality of app-based ride-hailing services, like Uber and Lyft, by simulating their operations in the city of Chicago using empirical data. To generate driver cancellation rate disparities consistent with controlled experiments (up to twice as large for Black riders as for White riders), we estimate that more than 3% of drivers discriminate by race. We find that the capabilities of ride-hailing technology to rapidly rematch after a cancellation and prioritize long-waiting customers heavily mitigates the effects of driver discrimination on rider wait times, reducing average discrimination-induced disparities to less than 1 min-an order of magnitude less than traditional taxis. However, our results suggest that even in the absence of direct driver discrimination, Black riders in Chicago wait about 50% longer, on average, than White riders because of historically informed geographic residential patterns. We estimate that if Black riders in the city had the same wait times as White riders, the collective travel time saved would be worth $4.2 million to $7.0 million per year.

Near-infrared voltage-sensitive dyes based on chromene donor.

Voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs) are used to image electrical activity in cells and tissues with submillisecond time resolution. Most of these fast sensors are constructed from push-pull chromophores whose fluorescence spectra are modulated by the electric field across the cell membrane. It was found that the substitution of naphthalene with chromene produces a 60 to 80 nm red-shift in absorption and emission spectra while maintaining fluorescence quantum efficiency and voltage sensitivity. One dye was applied to ex vivo murine heart with excitation at 730 nm, by far the longest wavelength reported in voltage imaging. This VSD resolves cardiac action potentials in single trials with 12% ΔF/F per action potential. The well-separated excitation spectra between these long-wavelength VSDs and channelrhodopsin (ChR2) enabled monitoring of action potential propagation in ChR2 hearts without any perturbation of electrical dynamics. Importantly, by employing spatially localized optogenetic manipulation, action potential dynamics can be assessed in an all-optical fashion with no artifact related to optical cross-talk between the reporter and actuator. These new environmentally sensitive chromene-based chromophores are also likely to have applications outside voltage imaging.

Absolute lung cancer risk increases among individuals with >15 quit-years: Analyses to inform the update of the American Cancer Society lung cancer screening guidelines.

BACKGROUND: This report quantifies counteracting effects of quit-years and concomitant aging on lung cancer risk, especially on exceeding 15 quit-years, when the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends curtailing lung-cancer screening. METHODS: Cox models were fitted to estimate absolute lung cancer risk among Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO) and National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) participants who ever smoked. Absolute lung cancer risk and gainable years of life from screening for individuals aged 50 to 80 in the US-representative National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2015-2018 who ever smoked were projected. Relaxing USPSTF recommendations to 20/25/30 quit-years versus augmenting USPSTF criteria with individuals whose estimated gain in life expectancy from screening exceeded 16.2 days according to the Life Years From Screening-CT (LYFS-CT) prediction model was compared. RESULTS: Absolute lung cancer risk increased by 8.7%/year (95% CI, 7.7%-9.7%; p < .001) as individuals aged beyond 15 quit-years in the PLCO, with similar results in NHIS and NLST. For example, mean 5-year lung cancer risk for those aged 65 years with 15 quit-years = 1.47% (95% CI, 1.35%-1.59%) versus 1.76% (95% CI, 1.62%-1.90%) for those aged 70 years with 20 quit-years in the PLCO. Removing the quit-year criterion would make 4.9 million more people eligible and increase the proportion of preventable lung cancer deaths prevented (sensitivity) from 63.7% to 74.2%. Alternatively, augmentation using LYFS-CT would make 1.7 million more people eligible while increasing the lung cancer death sensitivity to 74.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Because of aging, absolute lung cancer risk increases beyond 15 quit-years, which does not support exemption from screening or curtailing screening once it has been initiated. Compared with relaxing the USPSTF quit-year criterion, augmentation using LYFS-CT could prevent most of the deaths at substantially superior efficiency, while also preventing deaths among individuals who currently smoke with low intensity or long duration.

Fire Impacts on the Soil Metabolome and Organic Matter Biodegradability.

Global wildfire activity has increased since the 1970s and is projected to intensify throughout the 21st century. Wildfires change the composition and biodegradability of soil organic matter (SOM) which contains nutrients that fuel microbial metabolism. Though persistent forms of SOM often increase postfire, the response of more biodegradable SOM remains unclear. Here we simulated severe wildfires through a controlled "pyrocosm" approach to identify biodegradable sources of SOM and characterize the soil metabolome immediately postfire. Using microbial amplicon (16S/ITS) sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, heterotrophic microbes (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Protobacteria) and specific metabolites (glycine, protocatechuate, citric cycle intermediates) were enriched in burned soils, indicating that burned soils contain a variety of substrates that support microbial metabolism. Molecular formulas assigned by 21 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry showed that SOM in burned soil was lower in molecular weight and featured 20 to 43% more nitrogen-containing molecular formulas than unburned soil. We also measured higher water extractable organic carbon concentrations and higher CO2 efflux in burned soils. The observed enrichment of biodegradable SOM and microbial heterotrophs demonstrates the resilience of these soils to severe burning, providing important implications for postfire soil microbial and plant recolonization and ecosystem recovery.

Radiolytic evaluation of a new technetium redox control reagent for advanced used nuclear fuel separations.

Technetium is a problematic radioisotope for used nuclear fuel (UNF) and subsequent waste management owing to its high environmental mobility and coextraction in reprocessing technologies as the pertechnetate anion (TcO4-). Consequently, several strategies are under development to control the transport of this radioisotope. A proposed approach is to use diaminoguanidine (DAG) for TcO4- and transuranic ion redox control. Although the initial DAG molecule is ultimately consumed in the redox process, its susceptibility to radiolysis is currently unknown under envisioned UNF reprocessing conditions, which is a critical knowledge gap for evaluating its overall suitability for this role. To this end, we report the impacts of steady-state gamma irradiation on the rate of DAG radiolysis in water, aqueous 2.0 M nitric acid (HNO3), and in a biphasic solvent system composed of aqueous 2.0 M HNO3 in contact with 1.5 M N,N-di-(2-ethylhexyl)isobutyramide (DEHiBA) dissolved in n-dodecane. Additionally, we report chemical kinetics for the reaction of DAG with key transients arising from electron pulse radiolysis, specifically the hydrated electron (eaq-), hydrogen atom (H˙), and hydroxyl (˙OH) and nitrate (NO3˙) radicals. The DAG molecule exhibited significant reactivity with the ˙OH and NO3˙ radicals, indicating that oxidation would be the predominant degradation pathway in radiation environments. This is consistent with its role as a reducing agent. Steady-state gamma irradiations demonstrated that DAG is readily degraded within a few hundred kilogray, the rate of which was found to increase upon going from water to HNO3 containing solutions and solvents systems. This was attributed to a thermal reaction between DAG and the predominant HNO3 radiolysis product, nitrous acid (HNO2), k(DAG + HNO2) = 5480 ± 85 M-1 s-1. Although no evidence was found for the radiolysis of DAG altering the radiation chemistry of the contacted DEHiBA/n-dodecane phase in the investigated biphasic system, the utility of DAG as a redox control reagent will likely be limited by significant competition with its degradation by HNO2.

Cross-sectional, comparative study of health-related quality of life across the adult lifespan in multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: This study examines the independent and interactive effects of age and multiple sclerosis (MS) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample included persons with MS (n = 207) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 99) divided into three age groups (young, middle-aged, and older adults) who completed a battery of questionnaires, including the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) as a measure of HRQOL. The SF-36 yielded scores for the Physical Component Summary (PCS) (i.e. physical HRQOL) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) (i.e. mental HRQOL). The data were analyzed using two-way MANOVA. RESULTS: There was no interaction between age and disease status on HRQOL, but there were significant main effects of age and disease status on HRQOL. HRQOL was significantly lower in participants with MS than HCs, regardless of age. Physical HRQOL was lower, whereas mental HRQOL was higher across age groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that future research should develop behavioral and rehabilitation approaches that are applicable for improving HRQOL across the lifespan in persons with MS, particularly for physical HRQOL in older adults with MS.

Optical mapping of cardiac electromechanics in beating in vivo hearts.

Optical mapping has been widely used in the study of cardiac electrophysiology in motion-arrested, ex vivo heart preparations. Recent developments in motion artifact mitigation techniques have made it possible to optically map beating ex vivo hearts, enabling the study of cardiac electromechanics using optical mapping. However, the ex vivo setting imposes limitations on optical mapping such as altered metabolic states, oversimplified mechanical loads, and the absence of neurohormonal regulation. In this study, we demonstrate optical electromechanical mapping in an in vivo heart preparation. Swine hearts were exposed via median sternotomy. Voltage-sensitive dye, either di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA or di-5-ANEQ(F)PTEA, was injected into the left anterior descending artery. Fluorescence was excited by alternating green and amber light for excitation ratiometry. Cardiac motion during sinus and paced rhythm was tracked using a marker-based method. Motion tracking and excitation ratiometry successfully corrected most motion artifact in the membrane potential signal. Marker-based motion tracking also allowed simultaneous measurement of epicardial deformation. Reconstructed membrane potential and mechanical deformation measurements were validated using monophasic action potentials and sonomicrometry, respectively. Di-5-ANEQ(F)PTEA produced longer working time and higher signal/noise ratio than di-4-ANEQ(F)PTEA. In addition, we demonstrate potential applications of the new optical mapping system including electromechanical mapping during vagal nerve stimulation, fibrillation/defibrillation. and acute regional ischemia. In conclusion, although some technical limitations remain, optical mapping experiments that simultaneously image electrical and mechanical function can be conducted in beating, in vivo hearts.

Current Practices in LC-MS Untargeted Metabolomics: A Scoping Review on the Use of Pooled Quality Control Samples.

Untargeted metabolomics is an analytical approach with numerous applications serving as an effective metabolic phenotyping platform to characterize small molecules within a biological system. Data quality can be challenging to evaluate and demonstrate in metabolomics experiments. This has driven the use of pooled quality control (QC) samples for monitoring and, if necessary, correcting for analytical variance introduced during sample preparation and data acquisition stages. Described herein is a scoping literature review detailing the use of pooled QC samples in published untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomics studies. A literature query was performed, the list of papers was filtered, and suitable articles were randomly sampled. In total, 109 papers were each reviewed by at least five reviewers, answering predefined questions surrounding the use of pooled quality control samples. The results of the review indicate that use of pooled QC samples has been relatively widely adopted by the metabolomics community and that it is used at a similar frequency across biological taxa and sample types in both small- and large-scale studies. However, while many studies generated and analyzed pooled QC samples, relatively few reported the use of pooled QC samples to improve data quality. This demonstrates a clear opportunity for the field to more frequently utilize pooled QC samples for quality reporting, feature filtering, analytical drift correction, and metabolite annotation. Additionally, our survey approach enabled us to assess the ambiguity in the reporting of the methods used to describe the generation and use of pooled QC samples. This analysis indicates that many details of the QC framework are missing or unclear, limiting the reader's ability to determine which QC steps have been taken. Collectively, these results capture the current state of pooled QC sample usage and highlight existing strengths and deficiencies as they are applied in untargeted LC-MS metabolomics.

Oxygen cost of walking and its relationship with body composition in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the oxygen (O2) cost of walking and body composition metrics, while considering potential covariates such as disability status, step length, and cadence, in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The sample included 63 persons with MS across a wide distribution of body mass index (BMI). O2 cost of walking was assessed using portable, indirect calorimetry, and percent body fat (%Fat), fat-free mass (FFM), bone mineral content, bone mineral density (BMD), and weight/FFM were determined from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Other outcome measures included step length, cadence, physical activity, and disability status. RESULTS: The O2 cost of walking had small-to-moderate associations with BMI (rs = -31, p = 0.015), %Fat (rs = -0.26, p = 0.041), and BMD (rs = -0.31, p = 0.013). O2 cost of walking was significantly associated with these outcomes even after controlling for age, sex, disability status, and gait outcomes. The O2 cost of walking was further significantly associated with shorter step length (rs = -0.40, p = 0.001), slower cadence (rs = -0.38, p = 0.002), and higher disability status (rs = 0.44, p < 0.001), but not physical activity. Body composition metrics were not associated with gait parameters, physical activity or disability status in our sample of persons with mild-to-moderate MS. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that higher O2 cost of walking was associated with lower fat and worse bone health after taking factors such as disability status into consideration. Researchers may focus on interventions that change body composition, or perhaps gait profiles, as possible approaches for changing O2 cost of walking and its consequences such as disability status in persons with MS.

Binding of active Ras and its mutants to the Ras binding domain of PI-3-kinase: A quantitative approach to KD measurements.

Ras family GTPases (H/K/N-Ras) modulate numerous effectors, including the lipid kinase PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase) that generates growth signal lipid PIP3 (phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate). Active GTP-Ras binds PI3K with high affinity, thereby stimulating PIP3 production. We hypothesize the affinity of this binding interaction could be significantly increased or decreased by Ras mutations at PI3K contact positions, with clinical implications since some Ras mutations at PI3K contact positions are disease-linked. To enable tests of this hypothesis, we have developed an approach combining UV spectral deconvolution, HPLC, and microscale thermophoresis to quantify the KD for binding. The approach measures the total Ras concentration, the fraction of Ras in the active state, and the affinity of active Ras binding to its docking site on PI3K Ras binding domain (RBD) in solution. The approach is illustrated by KD measurements for the binding of active H-Ras and representative mutants, each loaded with GTP or GMPPNP, to PI3Kγ RBD. The findings demonstrate that quantitation of the Ras activation state increases the precision of KD measurements, while also revealing that Ras mutations can increase (Q25L), decrease (D38E, Y40C), or have no effect (G13R) on PI3K binding affinity. Significant Ras affinity changes are predicted to alter PI3K regulation and PIP3 growth signals.

Gamma Radiation-Induced Degradation of Acetohydroxamic Acid (AHA) in Aqueous Nitrate and Nitric Acid Solutions Evaluated by Multiscale Modelling.

Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) has been proposed for inclusion in advanced, single-cycle, used nuclear fuel reprocessing solvent systems for the reduction and complexation of plutonium and neptunium ions. For this application, a detailed description of the fundamental degradation of AHA in dilute aqueous nitric acid is required. To this end, we present a comprehensive, multiscale computer model for the coupled radiolytic and hydrolytic degradation of AHA in aqueous sodium nitrate and nitric acid solutions. Rate coefficients for the reactions of AHA and hydroxylamine (HA) with the oxidizing nitrate radical were measured for the first time using electron pulse radiolysis and used as inputs for the kinetic model. The computer model results are validated by comparison to experimental data from steady-state gamma ray irradiations, for which the agreement is excellent. The presented model accurately predicts the yields of the major degradation products of AHA: acetic acid, HA, nitrous oxide, and molecular hydrogen.

Secreted metabolome of porcine blastocysts encapsulated within in vitro 3D alginate hydrogel culture systems undergoing morphological changes provides insights into specific mechanisms involved in the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation.

CONTEXT: The exact mechanisms regulating the initiation of porcine conceptus elongation are not known due to the complexity of the uterine environment. AIMS: To identify contributing factors for initiation of conceptus elongation in vitro , this study evaluated differential metabolite abundance within media following culture of blastocysts within unmodified alginate (ALG) or Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD)-modified alginate hydrogel culture systems. METHODS: Blastocysts were harvested from pregnant gilts, encapsulated within ALG or RGD or as non-encapsulated control blastocysts (CONT), and cultured. At the termination of 96h culture, media were separated into blastocyst media groups: non-encapsulated control blastocysts (CONT); ALG and RGD blastocysts with no morphological change (ALG- and RGD-); ALG and RGD blastocysts with morphological changes (ALG+ and RGD+) and evaluated for non-targeted metabolomic profiling by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) techniques and gas chromatography-(GC-MS). KEY RESULTS: Analysis of variance identified 280 (LC-MS) and 1 (GC-MS) compounds that differed (P <0.05), of which 134 (LC-MS) and 1 (GC-MS) were annotated. Metabolites abundance between ALG+ vs ALG-, RGD+ vs RGD-, and RGD+ vs ALG+ were further investigated to identify potential differences in metabolic processes during the initiation of elongation. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified changes in phospholipid, glycosphingolipid, lipid signalling, and amino acid metabolic processes as potential RGD-independent mechanisms of elongation and identified changes in lysophosphatidylcholine and sphingolipid secretions during RGD-mediated elongation. IMPLICATIONS: These results illustrate changes in phospholipid and sphingolipid metabolic processes and secretions may act as mediators of the RGD-integrin adhesion that promotes porcine conceptus elongation.

Machine learning prediction for COVID-19 disease severity at hospital admission.

IMPORTANCE: Early prognostication of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who may require mechanical ventilation and have worse outcomes within 30 days of admission is useful for delivering appropriate clinical care and optimizing resource allocation. OBJECTIVE: To develop machine learning models to predict COVID-19 severity at the time of the hospital admission based on a single institution data. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We established a retrospective cohort of patients with COVID-19 from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center from May 2020 to March 2022. Easily accessible objective markers including basic laboratory variables and initial respiratory status were assessed using Random Forest's feature importance score to create a predictive risk score. Twenty-five significant variables were identified to be used in classification models. The best predictive models were selected with repeated tenfold cross-validation methods. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Among patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital, severity was defined by 30-day mortality (30DM) rates and need for mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: This was a large, single institution COVID-19 cohort including total of 1795 patients. The average age was 59.7 years old with diverse heterogeneity. 236 (13%) required mechanical ventilation and 156 patients (8.6%) died within 30 days of hospitalization. Predictive accuracy of each predictive model was validated with the 10-CV method. Random Forest classifier for 30DM model had 192 sub-trees, and obtained 0.72 sensitivity and 0.78 specificity, and 0.82 AUC. The model used to predict MV has 64 sub-trees and returned obtained 0.75 sensitivity and 0.75 specificity, and 0.81 AUC. Our scoring tool can be accessed at https://faculty.tamuc.edu/mmete/covid-risk.html . CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this study, we developed a risk score based on objective variables of COVID-19 patients within six hours of admission to the hospital, therefore helping predict a patient's risk of developing critical illness secondary to COVID-19.

Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Affect Markers of Muscle Damage or Inflammation After an Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Protocol in Resistance-Trained Males.

ABSTRACT: Waldman, HS, Bryant, AR, Parten, AL, Grozier, CD, and McAllister, MJ. Astaxanthin supplementation does not affect markers of muscle damage or inflammation after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol in resistance-trained males. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): e413-e421, 2023-It is well documented that exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) decreases exercise performance by elevated inflammation and subjective discomfort. Due to its potent antioxidative properties, astaxanthin (AX) may serve as a potential dietary supplement strategy for mitigating delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and enhancing recovery and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AX on markers of muscle damage, inflammation, DOMS, and anaerobic performance and substrate metabolism. Thirteen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD , age, 23.4 ± 2.1 years) completed a double-blind, counterbalanced, and crossover design with a 1-week washout period between 2, 4-week supplementation periods at 12 mg·d -1 of AX or placebo. After each supplementation period, subjects completed 2 trials, with trial 1 including a graded exercise test (GXT) and a 30-second Wingate and trial 2 including an EIMD protocol followed by the collection of fasting blood samples (pre-post) to measure creatine kinase, advanced oxidative protein products, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, insulin, and cortisol. Astaxanthin supplementation had no statistical effects on markers of substrate metabolism during the GXT, Wingate variables, or markers of muscle damage, inflammation, or DOMS when compared with placebo (all p > 0.05). However, 4 weeks of AX supplementation did significantly lower oxygen consumption during the final stage of the GXT (12%, p = 0.02), as well as lowered systolic blood pressure (∼7%, p = 0.04), and significantly lowered baseline insulin values (∼24%, p = 0.05) when compared with placebo. Collectively, these data suggest that 4 weeks of AX supplementation at 12 mg·d -1 did not affect markers of muscle damage, inflammation, or DOMS after an EIMD protocol in a resistance-trained male cohort.

A Self-Selected 16:8 Time-Restricted Eating Protocol Improves Fat Oxidation Rates, Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, and 10-km Cycling Performance in Middle-Age Male Cyclists.

ABSTRACT: Witt, CR, Grozier, CD, Killen, LG, Renfroe, LG, O'Neal, EK, and Waldman, HS. A self-selected 16:8 time-restricted eating protocol improves fat oxidation rates, markers of cardiometabolic health, and 10-km cycling performance in middle-age male cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1117-1123, 2023-The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 4 weeks, 16:8 time restricted eating (TRE) on markers of metabolic health and 10-km time trial (TT) performance in middle-age male cyclists. Subjects ( n = 12; age, 40-60 years; V̇ o2 peak, 41.8 ± 5.6 ml·kg -1 ·min -1 ) consisting of individuals following a habitual Western diet completed a familiarization and 2 experimental trials [PRE] and [POST]. Following habitual Western diet without TRE, anthropometric measures were assessed, followed by completion of a graded exercise test and 10-km TT. Subjects then adhered to a 4-week TRE protocol where all calories had to be consumed within a self-selected 8-hour window and then returned for repeat testing. Although self-reported caloric intake did not statistically change PRE to POST, body mass (PRE, 83.2 ± 13.4 vs. POST, 80.7 ± 12.6 kg), fat mass (∼2.5 kg), and blood pressure (systolic, 8 mm Hg; diastolic, 4 mm Hg) were all significantly lower POST (all p < 0.05), with no changes in fat-free mass. Furthermore, fat oxidation significantly increased (PRE, 0.36 ± 0.03 vs. POST, 0.42 ± 0.03 g·min -1 ; p = 0.04) following the TRE intervention and 10-km TT performance improved by ∼2 minutes POST (PRE, 29.7 ± 7.3 vs. POST, 27.4 ± 5.5 minutes; p = 0.02). Overall, our data demonstrated that middle-age male cyclists adhering to a 4-week TRE protocol can improve their body composition profile and 10-km TT performance without detriments to fat-free mass.

Inducible hepatic expression of CREBH mitigates diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis in mice.

Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein H (CREBH encoded by Creb3l3) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes that control lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation. CREBH is upregulated in the liver under conditions of overnutrition, and mice globally lacking the gene (CREBH-/-) are highly susceptible to diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. The net protective effects of CREBH have been attributed in large part to the activities of fibroblast growth factor (Fgf)-21 (Fgf21), a target gene that promotes weight loss, improves glucose homeostasis, and reduces hepatic lipid accumulation. To explore the possibility that activation of the CREBH-Fgf21 axis could ameliorate established effects of high-fat feeding, we generated an inducible transgenic hepatocyte-specific CREBH overexpression mouse model (Tg-rtTA). Acute overexpression of CREBH in livers of Tg-rtTA mice effectively reversed diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. These changes were associated with increased activities of thermogenic brown and beige adipose tissues in Tg-rtTA mice, leading to reductions in fat mass, along with enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Genetically silencing Fgf21 in Tg-rtTA mice abrogated the CREBH-mediated reductions in body weight loss, but only partially reversed the observed improvements in glucose metabolism. These findings reveal that the protective effects of CREBH activation may be leveraged to mitigate diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities in both Fgf21-dependent and Fgf21-independent pathways.

Synthesis and In Vivo Evaluation of a Site-specifically Labeled Radioimmunoconjugate for Dual-Modal (PET/NIRF) Imaging of MT1-MMP in Sarcomas.

Bone sarcomas are devastating primary bone cancers that mostly affect children, young adults, and the elderly. These aggressive tumors are associated with poor survival, and surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Surgical planning is increasingly informed by positron emission tomography (PET), and tumor margin identification during surgery is aided by near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, yet these investigations are confounded by probes that lack specificity for sarcoma biomarkers. We report the development of a dual-modal (PET/NIRF) immunoconjugate ([89Zr]Zr-DFO-anti-MT1-MMP-IRDye800CW) that targets MT1-MMP, a matrix metalloproteinase overexpressed in high-grade sarcomas. [89Zr]Zr-DFO-anti-MT1-MMP-IRDye800CW was synthesized via site-specific chemoenzymatic glycan modification, characterized, and isolated in high specific activity and radiochemical purity. Saturation binding and immunoreactivity assays indicated only minor perturbation of binding properties. A novel mouse model of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma based on intrafemoral inoculation of HT1080 WT or KO cells (high and low MT1-MMP expression, respectively) was used to evaluate target binding and biodistribution. Fluorescence and Cerenkov luminescence images of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-anti-MT1-MMP-IRDye800CW showed preferential uptake in HT1080 WT tumors. Ex vivo gamma counting revealed that uptake in MT1-MMP-positive tumors was significantly higher than that in control groups. Taken together, [89Zr]Zr-DFO-anti-MT1-MMP-IRDye800CW is a promising dual-modal sarcoma imaging agent for pre-operative surgical planning and intraoperative surgical guidance.

Oocyte metabolic function, lipid composition, and developmental potential are altered by diet in older mares.

Dietary supplementation is the most feasible method to improve oocyte function and developmental potential in vivo. During three experiments, oocytes were collected from maturing, dominant follicles of older mares to determine whether short-term dietary supplements can alter oocyte metabolic function, lipid composition, and developmental potential. Over approximately 8 weeks, control mares were fed hay (CON) or hay and grain products (COB). Treated mares received supplements designed for equine wellness and gastrointestinal health, flaxseed oil, and a proprietary blend of fatty acid and antioxidant support (reproductive support supplement (RSS)) intended to increase antioxidant activity and lipid oxidation. RSS was modified for individual experiments with additional antioxidants or altered concentrations of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids. Oocytes from mares supplemented with RSS when compared to COB had higher basal oxygen consumption, indicative of higher aerobic metabolism, and proportionately more aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. In the second experiment, oocytes collected from the same mares prior to (CON) and after approximately 8 weeks of RSS supplementation had significantly reduced oocyte lipid abundance. In the final experiment, COB was compared to RSS supplementation, including RSS modified to proportionately reduce n-3 fatty acids and increase n-6 fatty acids. The ability of sperm-injected oocytes to develop into blastocysts was higher for RSS, regardless of fatty acid content, than for COB. We demonstrated that short-term diet supplementation can directly affect oocyte function in older mares, resulting in oocytes with increased metabolic activity, reduced lipid content, and increased developmental potential.

Predictors and outcomes of respiratory failure among lung transplant patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the predictors and outcomes of new or worsening respiratory failure among lung transplant (LT) patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: We included all the LT patients diagnosed with COVID-19 during a 1-year period (March 2020 to February 2021; n = 54; median age: 60, 20-73 years; M:F 37:17). Development of new or worsening respiratory failure (ARF) was the primary outcome variable. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ARF was 48.1% (n = 26). More than 20% of patients (n = 11) needed intubation and mechanical ventilation. Body mass index > 25 Kg/m2 (adjusted OR: 5.7, .99-32.93; P = .05) and peak D-dimer levels > .95 mcg/ml (adjusted OR: 24.99, 1.77-353.8; P = .017) were independently associated with ARF while anticoagulation use prior to COVID-19 was protective (adjusted OR: .024, .001-.55; P = .02). Majority patients survived the acute illness (85.2%). Pre-infection chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) was an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted HR: 5.03, 1.14-22.25; P = .033). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among LT patients. Patients on chronic anticoagulation seem to enjoy favorable outcomes, while higher BMI and peak D-dimer levels are associated with development of ARF. Pre-infection CLAD is associated with an increased risk of death from COVID-19.

Characteristics and outcomes among vaccinated lung transplant patients with breakthrough COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Despite multiple studies evaluating the immunological responsiveness to vaccines, the clinical effectiveness of the two-dose mRNA vaccine schedule among lung transplant (LT) patients has not been evaluated. METHODS: We included LT patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on a nasopharyngeal swab between March 1, 2020, and August 25, 2021 (n = 70). The study group was divided based on their vaccination status. RESULTS: During the study period, 14 fully vaccinated LT patients with one of the mRNA vaccines tested positive for COVID-19 (median age 54, range 30-62 years, M:F 9:5). The vaccinated cohort was younger with bilateral LT, have suppurative conditions as the transplant indication, and present with milder symptoms. However, pulmonary parenchymal involvement was seen among all 12 patients where computed tomography (CT) of chest was available. The laboratory profile indicated a more subdued inflammatory response among the vaccinated group. A lower proportion of vaccinated patients developed respiratory failure, needed ICU admission or ventilator support, although none of the differences achieved statistical significance. None of the vaccinated patients succumbed to COVID-19 during the study period, while the 4-week mortality among unvaccinated patients was nearly 15% (8/56). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of vaccinated LT patients who developed breakthrough COVID-19, the clinical course, risk of complications, and outcomes trended better than unvaccinated patients. However, universal involvement of the allograft demonstrates the continued vulnerability of these patients to significant sequelae from COVID-19. Future studies may evaluate the incremental protection of vaccination after the completion of the third dose of mRNA vaccines among LT patients.