Machine learning to identify endometrial biomarkers predictive of pregnancy success following artificial insemination in dairy cows†.

The objective was to identify a set of genes whose transcript abundance is predictive of a cow's ability to become pregnant following artificial insemination. Endometrial epithelial cells from the uterine body were collected for RNA sequencing using the cytobrush method from 193 first-service Holstein cows at estrus prior to artificial insemination (day 0). A group of 253 first-service cows not used for cytobrush collection were controls. There was no effect of cytobrush collection on pregnancy outcomes at day 30 or 70 or on pregnancy loss between days 30 and 70. There were 2 upregulated and 214 downregulated genes (false discovery rate < 0.05, absolute fold change >2-fold) for cows pregnant at day 30 versus those that were not pregnant. Functional terms overrepresented in the downregulated genes included those related to immune and inflammatory responses. Machine learning for fertility biomarkers with the R package BORUTA resulted in identification of 57 biomarkers that predicted pregnancy outcome at day 30 with an average accuracy of 77%. Thus, machine learning can identify predictive biomarkers of pregnancy in endometrium with high accuracy. Moreover, sampling of endometrial epithelium using the cytobrush can help understand functional characteristics of the endometrium at artificial insemination without compromising cow fertility. Functional characteristics of the genes comprising the set of biomarkers is indicative that a major determinant of cow fertility, at least for first insemination after calving, is immune status of the uterus, which, in turn, is likely to reflect the previous history of uterine disease.

Polyamine Pathway Inhibitor DENSPM Suppresses Lipid Metabolism in Pheochromocytoma Cell Line.

Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are tumors arising from chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla, and paragangliomas (PGLs) are tumors derived from extra-adrenal sympathetic or parasympathetic paraganglia; these tumors are collectively referred to as PPGL cancer. Treatment for PPGL primarily involves surgical removal of the tumor, and only limited options are available for treatment of the disease once it becomes metastatic. Human carriers of the heterozygous mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) gene are susceptible to the development of PPGL. A physiologically relevant PCC patient-derived cell line hPheo1 was developed, and SDHB_KD cells carrying a stable short hairpin knockdown of SDHB were derived from it. An untargeted metabolomic approach uncovered an overactive polyamine pathway in the SDHB_KD cells that was subsequently fully validated in a large set of human SDHB-mutant PPGL tumor samples. We previously reported that treatment with the polyamine metabolism inhibitor N1,N11-diethylnorspermine (DENSPM) drastically inhibited growth of these PCC-derived cells in culture as well as in xenograft mouse models. Here we explored the mechanisms underlying DENSPM action in hPheo1 and SDHB_KD cells. Specifically, by performing an RNAseq analysis, we have identified gene expression changes associated with DENSPM treatment that broadly interfere with all aspects of lipid metabolism, including fatty acid (FA) synthesis, desaturation, and import/uptake. Furthermore, by performing an untargeted lipidomic liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based analysis we uncovered specific groups of lipids that are dramatically reduced as a result of DENSPM treatment. Specifically, the bulk of plasmanyl ether lipid species that have been recently reported as the major determinants of cancer cell fate are notably decreased. In summary, this work suggests an intersection between active polyamine and lipid pathways in PCC cells.

Functional Selection of Tau Oligomerization-Inhibiting Aptamers.

Pathological hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of microtubule-associated Tau protein contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other related tauopathies. Currently, no cure exists for Alzheimer's Disease. Aptamers offer significant potential as next-generation therapeutics in biotechnology and the treatment of neurological disorders. Traditional aptamer selection methods for Tau protein focus on binding affinity rather than interference with pathological Tau. In this study, we developed a new selection strategy to enrich DNA aptamers that bind to surviving monomeric Tau protein under conditions that would typically promote Tau aggregation. Employing this approach, we identified a set of aptamer candidates. Notably, BW1c demonstrates a high binding affinity (Kd=6.6 nM) to Tau protein and effectively inhibits arachidonic acid (AA)-induced Tau protein oligomerization and aggregation. Additionally, it inhibits GSK3ß-mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cell-free systems and okadaic acid-mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cellular milieu. Lastly, retro-orbital injection of BW1c tau aptamer shows the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and gain access to neuronal cell body. Through further refinement and development, these Tau aptamers may pave the way for a first-in-class neurotherapeutic to mitigate tauopathy-associated neurodegenerative disorders.

Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin Can Promote Antibiotic Resistance in Biosolids and Biosolids-Amended Soils.

Spread of biosolids-borne antibiotic resistance is a growing public and environmental health concern. Herein, we conducted incubation experiments involving biosolids, which are byproducts of sewage treatment processes, and biosolids-amended soil. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess responses of select antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile elements to environmentally relevant concentrations of two biosolids-borne antibiotics, azithromycin (AZ) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). Additionally, we examined sequence distribution of gyrA (encoding DNA gyrase; site of action of CIP) to assess potential shifts in genotype. Increasing antibiotic concentrations generally increased the transcriptional activities of qnrS (encoding CIP resistance) and ermB and mefE (encoding AZ resistance). The transcriptional activity of intl1, a marker of class 1 integrons, was unaffected by CIP or AZ concentrations, but biosolids amendment increased intl1 activity in the soil by 4 to 5 times, which persisted throughout incubation. While the dominant gyrA sequences found herein were unrelated to known CIP-resistant genotypes, the increasing CIP concentrations significantly decreased the diversity of genes encoding the DNA gyrase A subunit, suggesting changes in microbial community structures. This study suggests that biosolids harbor transcriptionally active ARGs and mobile elements that could survive and spread in biosolids-amended soils. However, more research is warranted to investigate these trends under field conditions. IMPORTANCE Although previous studies have indicated that biosolids may be important spreaders of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in environments, the potential activities of ARGs or their responses to environmental parameters have been understudied. This study highlights that certain biosolids-borne antibiotics can induce transcriptional activities of ARGs and mobile genetic elements in biosolids and biosolids-amended soil, even when present at environmentally relevant concentrations. Furthermore, these antibiotics can alter the structure of microbial populations expressing ARGs. Our findings indicate the bioavailability of the antibiotics in biosolids and provide evidence that biosolids can promote the activities and dissemination of ARGs and mobile genes in biosolids and soils that receive contaminated biosolids, thus, underscoring the importance of investigating anthropogenically induced antibiotic resistance in the environment under real-world scenarios.

Mice lacking uterine enhancer of zeste homolog 2 have transcriptomic changes associated with uterine epithelial proliferation.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a histone methyltransferase that suppresses gene expression. Previously, we developed a conditional null model where EZH2 is knocked out in uterus. Deletion of uterine EZH2 increased proliferation of luminal and glandular epithelial cells. Herein, we used RNA-Seq in wild-type (WT) and EZH2 conditional knockout (Ezh2cKO) uteri to obtain mechanistic insights into the gene expression changes that underpin the pathogenesis observed in these mice. Ovariectomized adult Ezh2cKO mice were treated with vehicle (V) or 17ß-estradiol (E2; 1 ng/g). Uteri were collected at postnatal day (PND) 75 for RNA-Seq or immunostaining for epithelial proliferation. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to link uterine gene expression patterns and epithelial proliferation. In V-treated mice, 88 transcripts were differentially expressed (DEG) in Ezh2cKO mice, and Bmp5, Crabp2, Lgr5, and Sprr2f were upregulated. E2 treatment resulted in 40 DEG with Krt5, Krt15, Olig3, Crabp1, and Serpinb7 upregulated in Ezh2cKO compared with control mice. Transcript analysis relative to proliferation rates revealed two module eigengenes correlated with epithelial proliferation in WT V vs. Ezh2cKO V and WT E2 vs. Ezh2cKO E2 mice, with a positive relationship in the former and inverse in the latter. Notably, the ESR1, Wnt, and Hippo signaling pathways were among those functionally enriched in Ezh2cKO females. Current results reveal unique gene expression patterns in Ezh2cKO uterus and provide insight into how loss of this critical epigenetic regulator assumingly contributes to uterine abnormalities.

Uterine infection alters the transcriptome of the bovine reproductive tract three months later.

Infection of the postpartum uterus with pathogenic bacteria is associated with infertility months later in dairy cattle. However, it is unclear whether these bacterial infections lead to long-term changes in the reproductive tract that might help explain this infertility. Here we tested the hypothesis that infusion of pathogenic bacteria into the uterus leads to changes in the transcriptome of the reproductive tract 3 months later. We used virgin Holstein heifers to avoid potential confounding effects of periparturient problems, lactation, and negative energy balance. Animals were infused intrauterine with endometrial pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes (n = 4) and compared with control animals (n = 6). Three months after infusion, caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium, isthmus and ampulla of the oviduct, and granulosa cells from ovarian follicles >8 mm diameter were profiled by RNA sequencing. Bacterial infusion altered the transcriptome of all the tissues when compared with control. Most differentially expressed genes were tissue specific, with 109 differentially expressed genes unique to caruncular endometrium, 57 in intercaruncular endometrium, 65 in isthmus, 298 in ampulla, and 83 in granulosa cells. Surprisingly, despite infusing bacteria into the uterus, granulosa cells had more predicted upstream regulators of differentially expressed genes than all the other tissues combined. In conclusion, there were changes in the transcriptome of the endometrium, oviduct and even granulosa cells, 3 months after intrauterine infusion of pathogenic bacteria. These findings imply that long-term changes throughout the reproductive tract could contribute to infertility after bacterial infections of the uterus.

The ctenophore genome and the evolutionary origins of neural systems.

The origins of neural systems remain unresolved. In contrast to other basal metazoans, ctenophores (comb jellies) have both complex nervous and mesoderm-derived muscular systems. These holoplanktonic predators also have sophisticated ciliated locomotion, behaviour and distinct development. Here we present the draft genome of Pleurobrachia bachei, Pacific sea gooseberry, together with ten other ctenophore transcriptomes, and show that they are remarkably distinct from other animal genomes in their content of neurogenic, immune and developmental genes. Our integrative analyses place Ctenophora as the earliest lineage within Metazoa. This hypothesis is supported by comparative analysis of multiple gene families, including the apparent absence of HOX genes, canonical microRNA machinery, and reduced immune complement in ctenophores. Although two distinct nervous systems are well recognized in ctenophores, many bilaterian neuron-specific genes and genes of 'classical' neurotransmitter pathways either are absent or, if present, are not expressed in neurons. Our metabolomic and physiological data are consistent with the hypothesis that ctenophore neural systems, and possibly muscle specification, evolved independently from those in other animals.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Aedes aegypti Innate Immune System in Response to Ingestion of Chikungunya Virus.

Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of emergent mosquito-borne viruses, including chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses. To understand how these viruses interact with their mosquito vectors, an analysis of the innate immune system response was conducted. The innate immune system is a conserved evolutionary defense strategy and is the dominant immune system response found in invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as plants. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to compare target transcriptomes of two Florida Ae. aegypti strains in response to chikungunya virus infection. We analyzed a strain collected from a field population in Key West, Florida, and a laboratory strain originating from Orlando. A total of 1835 transcripts were significantly expressed at different levels between the two Florida strains of Ae. aegypti. Gene Ontology analysis placed these genes into 12 categories of biological processes, including 856 transcripts (up/down regulated) with more than 1.8-fold (p-adj (p-adjust value) ≤ 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis and q-PCR data indicated that the members of the AaeCECH genes are important for chikungunya infection response in Ae. aegypti. These immune-related enzymes that the chikungunya virus infection induces may inform molecular-based strategies for interruption of arbovirus transmission by mosquitoes.

Identification of Gene Candidates Associated with Huanglongbing Tolerance, Using 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' Flagellin 22 as a Proxy to Challenge Citrus.

The 22-amino acid (flg22) pathogen-associated molecular pattern from the flagellin of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri has been shown to induce defense responses correlated with citrus canker resistance. Here, flg22 of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus', the putative causal agent of Huanglongbing (HLB), elicited differential defense responses that were weaker than those from Xcc-flg22, between those of the HLB-tolerant mandarin cultivar Sun Chu Sha and susceptible grapefruit cultivar Duncan. Transcriptomics was used to compare the effect of CLas-flg22 and Xcc-flg22 between the citrus genotypes and identified 86 genes induced only by CLas-flg22 in the tolerant mandarin. Expression of 16 selected genes was validated, by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and was evaluated in citrus during 'Ca. L. asiaticus' infection. Differential expression of a number of genes occurred between tolerant and susceptible citrus infected with 'Ca. L. asiaticus', suggesting their involvement in HLB tolerance. In addition, several genes were similarly regulated by CLas-flg22 and 'Ca. L. asiaticus' treatments, while others were oppositely regulated in the tolerant mandarin, suggesting similarity and interplay between CLas-flg22 and 'Ca. L. asiaticus'-triggered defenses. Genes identified are valuable in furthering the study of HLB tolerance mechanisms and, potentially, for screening for HLB-tolerant citrus using CLas-flg22 as a pathogen proxy.

The murine Pbx1-d lupus susceptibility allele accelerates mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and impairs their immunosuppressive function.

Pre­B cell leukemia homeobox 1 (Pbx1)-d is a dominant-negative splice isoform of the gene Pbx1 that corresponds to the NZM2410 lupus susceptibility locus Sle1a1. Pbx1 is required to maintain stem cell self-renewal, including that of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have immunosuppressive functions that require stem cell maintenance. We tested the hypothesis that the expression of Pbx1-d favors MSC differentiation and impairs their immunosuppressive functions. We demonstrate that Sle1a1 MSCs express high levels of Pbx1-d as compared with congenic C57BL/6J (B6) MSCs. Sle1a1 MSCs grew faster and differentiated significantly more rapidly into osteoblasts than did B6 MSCs. This corresponded to a significant decrease in the expression of genes associated with stemness and an increase in the expression of genes associated with differentiation. Additionally, Sle1a1 MSCs express a gene expression profile associated with an enhanced innate immunity and inflammation. Suppression of Ig production from TLR-activated B6 B cells and IL-2 secretion from activated B6 CD4+ T cells was significantly impaired in Sle1a1 MSCs as compared with B6 MSCs. B6.Sle1a1 MSCs showed intermediate activity in suppressing lupus immunophenotypes in three different mouse models. Taken together, these data suggest that the expression of the lupus susceptibility allele Pbx1-d isoform impairs MSC functions, which may contribute to lupus pathogenesis both through a defective immunosuppression and the promotion of a proinflammatory environment.

In vitro selection with artificial expanded genetic information systems.

Artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGISs) are unnatural forms of DNA that increase the number of independently replicating nucleotide building blocks. To do this, AEGIS pairs are joined by different arrangements of hydrogen bond donor and acceptor groups, all while retaining their Watson-Crick geometries. We report here a unique case where AEGIS DNA has been used to execute a systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) experiment. This AEGIS-SELEX was designed to create AEGIS oligonucleotides that bind to a line of breast cancer cells. AEGIS-SELEX delivered an AEGIS aptamer (ZAP-2012) built from six different kinds of nucleotides (the standard G, A, C, and T, and the AEGIS nonstandard P and Z nucleotides, the last having a nitro functionality not found in standard DNA). ZAP-2012 has a dissociation constant of 30 nM against these cells. The affinity is diminished or lost when Z or P (or both) is replaced by standard nucleotides and compares well with affinities of standard GACT aptamers selected against cell lines using standard SELEX. The success of AEGIS-SELEX relies on various innovations, including (i) the ability to synthesize GACTZP libraries, (ii) polymerases that PCR amplify GACTZP DNA with little loss of the AEGIS nonstandard nucleotides, and (iii) technologies to deep sequence GACTZP DNA survivors. These results take the next step toward expanding the power and utility of SELEX and offer an AEGIS-SELEX that could possibly generate receptors, ligands, and catalysts having sequence diversities nearer to that displayed by proteins.

The Arabidopsis elongator complex subunit2 epigenetically regulates plant immune responses.

The Arabidopsis thaliana Elongator complex subunit2 (ELP2) genetically interacts with NONEXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES1 (NPR1), a key transcription coactivator of plant immunity, and regulates the induction kinetics of defense genes. However, the mechanistic relationship between ELP2 and NPR1 and how ELP2 regulates the kinetics of defense gene induction are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ELP2 is an epigenetic regulator required for pathogen-induced rapid transcriptome reprogramming. We show that ELP2 functions in a transcriptional feed-forward loop regulating both NPR1 and its target genes. An elp2 mutation increases the total methylcytosine number, reduces the average methylation levels of methylcytosines, and alters (increases or decreases) methylation levels of specific methylcytosines. Interestingly, infection of plants with the avirulent bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000/avrRpt2 induces biphasic changes in DNA methylation levels of NPR1 and PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4), which encodes another key regulator of plant immunity. These dynamic changes are blocked by the elp2 mutation, which is correlated with delayed induction of NPR1 and PAD4. The elp2 mutation also reduces basal histone acetylation levels in the coding regions of several defense genes. Together, our data demonstrate a new role for Elongator in somatic DNA demethylation/methylation and suggest a function for Elongator-mediated chromatin regulation in pathogen-induced transcriptome reprogramming.

A strategy to capture and characterize the synaptic transcriptome.

Here we describe a strategy designed to identify RNAs that are actively transported to synapses during learning. Our approach is based on the characterization of RNA transport complexes carried by molecular motor kinesin. Using this strategy in Aplysia, we have identified 5,657 unique sequences consisting of both coding and noncoding RNAs from the CNS. Several of these RNAs have key roles in the maintenance of synaptic function and growth. One of these RNAs, myosin heavy chain, is critical in presynaptic sensory neurons for the establishment of long-term facilitation, but not for its persistence.

Morphological and genetic characterization of the muscadine fruit abscission zone.

Muscadines face limitations to fresh market production due to high manual labor costs. Mechanical harvesting holds promise for reducing the costs associated with muscadine production but requires cultivars with easily detached fruit at maturity. This study aimed to determine muscadine fruit and pedicel characteristics influencing fruit detachment force (FDF) and to unravel the genes, hormones, and regulatory networks governing muscadine abscission. We characterized the FDF of muscadine fruit across 18 genotypes and at four developmental stages. Following this, we performed a transcriptome analysis using the mature pedicel tissue of two genotypes, a genotype with high FDF at maturity and a genotype with low FDF at maturity, to identify differentially expressed and uniquely expressed genes contributing to fruit detachment. We found that pedicel length, pedicel-fruit junction area, and fruit diameter positively correlated with FDF. This study also identified novel candidate genes, transcription factor families, and pathways associated with muscadine fruit abscission. These findings provide valuable knowledge on the progression of fruit abscission and insights for reducing FDF, particularly in developing machine-harvestable muscadine cultivars and fostering sustainability and efficiency in muscadine production.

Spaceflight effects on human vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function.

The cardiovascular system is strongly impacted by the hazards of spaceflight. Astronauts spending steadily increasing lengths of time in microgravity are subject to cardiovascular deconditioning resulting in loss of vascular tone, reduced total blood volume, and diminished cardiac output. Appreciating the mechanisms by which the cells of the vasculature are altered during spaceflight will be integral to understanding and combating these deleterious effects as the human presence in space advances. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq analysis coupled with review by QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software on human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) cultured for 3 days in microgravity and aboard the International Space Station to assess the transcriptomic changes that occur during spaceflight. The results of our RNA-Seq analysis show that SMCs undergo a wide range of transcriptional alteration while in space, significantly affecting 4422 genes. SMCs largely down-regulate markers of the contractile, synthetic, and osteogenic phenotypes including smooth muscle alpha actin (αSMA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Additionally, components of several cellular signaling pathways were strongly impacted including the STAT3, NFκB, PI3K/AKT, HIF1α, and Endothelin pathways. This study highlights the significant changes in transcriptional behavior SMCs exhibit during spaceflight and puts these changes in context to better understand vascular function in space.

Examining preharvest genetic and morphological factors contributing to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) shelf-life.

Lettuce is a highly perishable horticultural crop with a relatively short shelf-life that limits its commercial value and contributes to food waste. Postharvest senescence varies with influences of both environmental and genetic factors. From a larger pool of romaine lettuce genotypes, we identified three genotypes with variable shelf lives and evaluated their leaf morphology characteristics and transcriptomic profiles at preharvest to predict postharvest quality. Breeding line 60184 had the shortest shelf-life (SSL), cultivar 'Manatee' had an intermediate shelf-life (ISL), and 'Okeechobee' had the longest shelf-life (LSL). We observed significantly larger leaf lamina thickness and higher stomatal index in the SSL genotypes relative to the LSL cultivar. To identify molecular indicators of shelf-life, we used a transcriptional approach between two of the contrasting genotypes, breeding line 60184 and cultivar 'Okeechobee' at preharvest. We identified 552 upregulated and 315 downregulated differentially expressed genes between the genotypes, from which 27% of them had an Arabidopsis thaliana ortholog previously characterized as senescence associated genes (SAGs). Notably, we identified several SAGs including several related to jasmonate ZIM-domain jasmonic acid signaling, chlorophyll a-b binding, and cell wall modification including pectate lyases and expansins. This study presented an innovative approach for identifying preharvest molecular factors linked to postharvest traits for prolonged shelf.

Dissection of transcriptional events in graft incompatible reactions of "Bearss" lemon (Citrus limon) and "Valencia" sweet orange (C. sinensis) on a novel citrandarin (C. reticulata × Poncirus trifoliata) rootstock.

Citrus is commercially propagated via grafting, which ensures trees have consistent fruit traits combined with favorable traits from the rootstock such as soil adaptability, vigor, and resistance to soil pathogens. Graft incompatibility can occur when the scion and rootstock are not able to form a permanent, healthy union. Understanding and preventing graft incompatibility is of great importance in the breeding of new fruit cultivars and in the choice of scion and rootstock by growers. The rootstock US-1283, a citrandarin generated from a cross of "Ninkat" mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and "Gotha Road" #6 trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata), was released after years of field evaluation because of its superior productivity and good fruit quality on "Hamlin" sweet orange (C. sinensis) under Florida's growing conditions. Subsequently, it was observed that trees of "Bearss" lemon (C. limon) and "Valencia" sweet orange (C. sinensis) grafted onto US-1283 exhibited unhealthy growth near the graft union. The incompatibility manifested as stem grooving and necrosis underneath the bark on the rootstock side of the graft. Another citrandarin rootstock, US-812 (C. reticulata "Sunki" × P. trifoliata "Benecke"), is fully graft compatible with the same scions. Transcriptome analysis was performed on the vascular tissues above and below the graft union of US-812 and US-1283 graft combinations with "Bearss" and "Valencia" to identify expression networks associated with incompatibility and help understand the processes and potential causes of incompatibility. Transcriptional reprogramming was stronger in the incompatible rootstock than in the grafted scions. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in US-1283, but not the scions, were associated with oxidative stress and plant defense, among others, similar to a pathogen-induced immune response localized to the rootstock; however, no pathogen infection was detected. Therefore, it is hypothesized that this response could have been triggered by signaling miscommunications between rootstock and scion either through (1) unknown molecules from the scion that were perceived as danger signals by the rootstock, (2) missing signals from the scion or missing receptors in the rootstock necessary for the formation of a healthy graft union, (3) the overall perception of the scion by the rootstock as non-self, or (4) a combination of the above.

Evaluation of fear, willingness to seek care, and healthcare delivery preferences for patients with nephrolithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Although minimal is known about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)'s impact on patient healthcare perceptions, improved understanding can guide healthcare providers to adequately address patient concerns. This cross-sectional study investigated how fear induced by COVID-19 impacted nephrolithiasis patients' perceptions, decision-making, and preferences for care delivery. Methods: Utilizing the validated Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), patients were surveyed at a single stone clinic during part of the COVID-19 pandemic, 03/2021-04/2022. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression evaluated the effect of sociodemographics on responses. Results: Two hundred and four surveys were completed. Mean age was 58±16 years, and 112 (54.9%) were women. Mean FCV-19S was 14.8±5.8 points (range, 7-33). Women and non-Caucasian races were associated with higher fear scores (P<0.01 and P=0.01 respectively). Stone prevention effort was not associated with fear (P=0.38). Poorer self-assessed health status was associated with increased stone prevention efforts (P=0.04). Preference for in-person care was reported in 89% of patients. Willingness to seek care varied by age and education, with decreased likelihood to seek care for middle-aged patients (P=0.04) and increased education (P=0.01). Conclusions: Perceived fear during the COVID-19 pandemic was highly variable in nephrolithiasis patients, with higher fear scores in women and non-Caucasians. Willingness to seek care during the pandemic varied with age, education level, symptom severity, COVID-19 fear, current stone status, and health status. Stone patients greatly preferred in-person medical care over telemedicine during COVID-19. Future studies are needed to further evaluate these health disparities, discrepancies in fear, and comfort in seeking stone-related healthcare to help us better inform health policymakers and provide patient-centered care.

Ovarian hyperplasia linked to a mutation in MAN1A2 in a cow with excessive follicular growth and functional oocytes.

Here we report the case of a cow with two ovaries that each exhibited hyperplasia but that otherwise had normal gross morphology. Both ovaries had a large number of tertiary follicles on the ovarian surface. Oocytes from one ovary were studied in more detail. The transcriptome was largely similar to other oocytes. Oocytes could undergo cleavage at a rate consistent with other oocytes and result in blastocyst-stage embryo formation after in vitro maturation and fertilization. Review of the literature from cattle and other species did not reveal reports of a similar type of spontaneous ovarian abnormality. Whole genome sequencing revealed many single nucleotide polymorphisms with predicted large effects on protein structure that could potentially be causative for the phenotype. The variant considered most likely to cause the observed alteration in ovarian function was a mutation in the glycoprotein-modifying enzyme MAN1A2.

Custom microarray construction and analysis for determining potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure in the Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki).

BACKGROUND: The eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) has the potential to become a bioindicator organism of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to its androgen-driven secondary sexual characteristics. However, the lack of molecular information on G. holbrooki hinders its use as a bioindicator coupled with biomarker data. While traditional gene-by-gene approaches provide insight for biomarker development, a holistic analysis would provide more rapid and expansive determination of potential biomarkers. The objective of this study was to develop and utilize a mosquitofish microarray to determine potential biomarkers of subchronic androgen exposure. To achieve this objective, two specific aims were developed: 1) Sequence a G. holbrooki cDNA library, and 2) Use microarray analysis to determine genes that are differentially regulated by subchronic androgen exposure in hepatic tissues of 17ß-trenbolone (TB) exposed adult female G. holbrooki. RESULTS: A normalized library of multiple organs of male and female G. holbrooki was prepared and sequenced by the Illumina GA IIx and Roche 454 XLR70. Over 30,000 genes with e-value ≤ 10⁻4 were annotated and 14,758 of these genes were selected for inclusion on the microarray. Hepatic microarray analysis of adult female G. holbrooki exposed to the vehicle control or 1 µg/L of TB (a potent anabolic androgen) revealed 229 genes upregulated and 279 downregulated by TB (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05, FDR α = 0.05, fold change > 1.5 and < -1.5). Fifteen gene ontology biological processes were enriched by TB exposure (Fisher's Exact Test, p < 0.05). The expression levels of 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 and zona pellucida glycoprotein 2 were validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (Student's t-test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Coupling microarray data with phenotypic changes driven by androgen exposure in mosquitofish is key for developing this organism into a bioindicator for EDCs. Future studies using this array will enhance knowledge of the biology and toxicological response of this species. This work provides a foundation of molecular knowledge and tools that can be used to delve further into understanding the biology of G. holbrooki and how this organism can be used as a bioindicator organism for endocrine disrupting pollutants in the environment.