Metaproteomics Analysis of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Patient Samples Reveals Presence of Potential Coinfecting Microorganisms.

In this Letter, we reanalyze published mass spectrometry data sets of clinical samples with a focus on determining the coinfection status of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. We demonstrate the use of ComPIL 2.0 software along with a metaproteomics workflow within the Galaxy platform to detect cohabitating potential pathogens in COVID-19 patients using mass spectrometry-based analysis. From a sample collected from gargling solutions, we detected Streptococcus pneumoniae (opportunistic and multidrug-resistant pathogen) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (a probiotic component) along with SARS-Cov-2. We could also detect Pseudomonas sps. Bc-h from COVID-19 positive samples and Acinetobacter ursingii and Pseudomonas monteilii from COVID-19 negative samples collected from oro- and nasopharyngeal samples. We believe that the early detection and characterization of coinfections by using metaproteomics from COVID-19 patients will potentially impact the diagnosis and treatment of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Updates on metaQuantome Software for Quantitative Metaproteomics.

metaQuantome is a software suite that enables the quantitative analysis, statistical evaluation. and visualization of mass-spectrometry-based metaproteomics data. In the latest update of this software, we have provided several extensions, including a step-by-step training guide, the ability to perform statistical analysis on samples from multiple conditions, and a comparative analysis of metatranscriptomics data. The training module, accessed via the Galaxy Training Network, will help users to use the suite effectively both for functional as well as for taxonomic analysis. We extend the ability of metaQuantome to now perform multi-data-point quantitative and statistical analyses so that studies with measurements across multiple conditions, such as time-course studies, can be analyzed. With an eye on the multiomics analysis of microbial communities, we have also initiated the use of metaQuantome statistical and visualization tools on outputs from metatranscriptomics data, which complements the metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses already available. For this, we have developed a tool named MT2MQ ("metatranscriptomics to metaQuantome"), which takes in outputs from the ASaiM metatranscriptomics workflow and transforms them so that the data can be used as an input for comparative statistical analysis and visualization via metaQuantome. We believe that these improvements to metaQuantome will facilitate the use of the software for quantitative metaproteomics and metatranscriptomics and will enable multipoint data analysis. These improvements will take us a step toward integrative multiomic microbiome analysis so as to understand dynamic taxonomic and functional responses of these complex systems in a variety of biological contexts. The updated metaQuantome and MT2MQ are open-source software and are available via the Galaxy Toolshed and GitHub.

A rigorous evaluation of optimal peptide targets for MS-based clinical diagnostics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has had a profound, lasting impact on the world's population. A key aspect to providing care for those with COVID-19 and checking its further spread is early and accurate diagnosis of infection, which has been generally done via methods for amplifying and detecting viral RNA molecules. Detection and quantitation of peptides using targeted mass spectrometry-based strategies has been proposed as an alternative diagnostic tool due to direct detection of molecular indicators from non-invasively collected samples as well as the potential for high-throughput analysis in a clinical setting; many studies have revealed the presence of viral peptides within easily accessed patient samples. However, evidence suggests that some viral peptides could serve as better indicators of COVID-19 infection status than others, due to potential misidentification of peptides derived from human host proteins, poor spectral quality, high limits of detection etc. METHODS: In this study we have compiled a list of 636 peptides identified from Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) samples, including from in vitro and clinical sources. These datasets were rigorously analyzed using automated, Galaxy-based workflows containing tools such as PepQuery, BLAST-P, and the Multi-omic Visualization Platform as well as the open-source tools MetaTryp and Proteomics Data Viewer (PDV). RESULTS: Using PepQuery for confirming peptide spectrum matches, we were able to narrow down the 639-peptide possibilities to 87 peptides that were most robustly detected and specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The specificity of these sequences to coronavirus taxa was confirmed using Unipept and BLAST-P. Through stringent p-value cutoff combined with manual verification of peptide spectrum match quality, 4 peptides derived from the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein and membrane protein were found to be most robustly detected across all cell culture and clinical samples, including those collected non-invasively. CONCLUSION: We propose that these peptides would be of the most value for clinical proteomics applications seeking to detect COVID-19 from patient samples. We also contend that samples harvested from the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity have the highest potential for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection from easily collected patient samples using mass spectrometry-based proteomics assays.

External beam accelerated partial breast irradiation versus whole breast irradiation after breast conserving surgery in women with ductal carcinoma in situ and node-negative breast cancer (RAPID): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Whole breast irradiation delivered once per day over 3-5 weeks after breast conserving surgery reduces local recurrence with good cosmetic results. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivered over 1 week to the tumour bed was developed to provide a more convenient treatment. In this trial, we investigated if external beam APBI was non-inferior to whole breast irradiation. METHODS: We did this multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial in 33 cancer centres in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Women aged 40 years or older with ductal carcinoma in situ or node-negative breast cancer treated by breast conserving surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either external beam APBI (38·5 Gy in ten fractions delivered twice per day over 5-8 days) or whole breast irradiation (42·5 Gy in 16 fractions once per day over 21 days, or 50 Gy in 25 fractions once per day over 35 days). Patients and clinicans were not masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome was ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence (IBTR), analysed by intention to treat. The trial was designed on the basis of an expected 5 year IBTR rate of 1·5% in the whole breast irradiation group with 85% power to exclude a 1·5% increase in the APBI group; non-inferiority was shown if the upper limit of the two-sided 90% CI for the IBTR hazard ratio (HR) was less than 2·02. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00282035. FINDINGS: Between Feb 7, 2006, and July 15, 2011, we enrolled 2135 women. 1070 were randomly assigned to receive APBI and 1065 were assigned to receive whole breast irradiation. Six patients in the APBI group withdrew before treatment, four more did not receive radiotherapy, and 16 patients received whole breast irradiation. In the whole breast irradiation group, 16 patients withdrew, and two more did not receive radiotherapy. In the APBI group, a further 14 patients were lost to follow-up and nine patients withdrew during the follow-up period. In the whole breast irradiation group, 20 patients were lost to follow-up and 35 withdrew during follow-up. Median follow-up was 8·6 years (IQR 7·3-9·9). The 8-year cumulative rates of IBTR were 3·0% (95% CI 1·9-4·0) in the APBI group and 2·8% (1·8-3·9) in the whole breast irradiation group. The HR for APBI versus whole breast radiation was 1·27 (90% CI 0·84-1·91). Acute radiation toxicity (grade ≥2, within 3 months of radiotherapy start) occurred less frequently in patients treated with APBI (300 [28%] of 1070 patients) than whole breast irradiation (484 [45%] of 1065 patients, p<0·0001). Late radiation toxicity (grade ≥2, later than 3 months) was more common in patients treated with APBI (346 [32%] of 1070 patients) than whole breast irradiation (142 [13%] of 1065 patients; p<0·0001). Adverse cosmesis (defined as fair or poor) was more common in patients treated with APBI than in those treated by whole breast irradiation at 3 years (absolute difference, 11·3%, 95% CI 7·5-15·0), 5 years (16·5%, 12·5-20·4), and 7 years (17·7%, 12·9-22·3). INTERPRETATION: External beam APBI was non-inferior to whole breast irradiation in preventing IBTR. Although less acute toxicity was observed, the regimen used was associated with an increase in moderate late toxicity and adverse cosmesis, which might be related to the twice per day treatment. Other approaches, such as treatment once per day, might not adversely affect cosmesis and should be studied. FUNDING: Canadian Institutes for Health Research and Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance.

Sporadic Angiomyolipomas Growth Kinetics While on Everolimus: Results of a Phase II Trial.

PURPOSE: Everolimus decreases tumor volume of renal angiomyolipomas in patients with tuberous sclerosis. No prospective data are available regarding the effect of everolimus on the growth kinetics in patients with sporadic angiomyolipomas. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of everolimus in the volumetric reduction of sporadic angiomyolipomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-institutional, prospective, phase II trial, enrolled patients with 3 cm or larger sporadic angiomyolipomas who were candidates for surgical resection or percutaneous angioembolization. Patients received 10 mg everolimus daily for 4 planned 28-day cycles. Response was defined as a 25% or greater volumetric reduction of patient angiomyolipoma. Baseline, 4, 6 and 12-month volumetric analyses were performed using magnetic resonance imaging. Everolimus was discontinued in those with less than 25% volumetric reduction after 4 cycles. Those with 25% or greater volumetric reduction received 2 additional cycles. The primary outcomes were the efficacy of everolimus in the volumetric reduction of angiomyolipomas by 25% or more, and the safety and tolerability of everolimus. RESULTS: Overall 20 patients were enrolled at 5 centers. Of these patients 11 (55%) completed 4 cycles and 7 (35%) completed 6 cycles. Efficacy was demonstrated, with 10 of 18 (55.6%) patients exhibiting a 25% or greater reduction in tumor volume at 4 months (median 58.5%) and 10 of 14 (71.4%) patients exhibiting a 25% or greater reduction in tumor volume at 6 months (median 58.2%). Four (20%) patients were withdrawn due to protocol defined toxicities and 8 (40%) self-withdrew from the study due to side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus was effective in causing volumetric reduction of angiomyolipomas by 25% or greater in most patients but was associated with a high rate of treatment discontinuation.

Experience with curative radiotherapy for cervix cancer in the Bahamas for 2006-2016.

BACKGROUND: Cervix cancer is a significant health problem. As access to quality care in Small Island Developing States improves, and cancer centers become established, providers of care can summarize local experience to benchmark system quality and look for ways to further improve value. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all cases of cervix cancer managed 2006-2016 at The Cancer Centre Bahamas, in conjunction with Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, affiliated with The University of West Indies. Seventy-two women received curative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Herein are reported presenting characteristics, treatments, waiting and overall treatment times, plus outcomes of recurrence, survival, and adverse events. RESULTS: For 68 newly diagnosed cases, median waiting time (diagnosis to commencing treatment) was 110 days. It was 90 days for those 47 cases who had no prior surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Overall, 99% of intended external radiotherapy fractions, 74% of brachytherapy sessions, and 79% of concurrent weekly chemotherapy were administered. For all 72 cases, median overall treatment time was 63 days; and for the 47 case sub-group, it was 78 days during 2006-2010 and 65 days during 2011-2016 (p = 0.005), so improving over calendar time. Four cases experienced grade 3-4 toxicities. Twelve had urological complications from disease or treatment. Five cases experienced local failure; eight experienced distant failure. Newly diagnosed stage 2B (26/72) had a 2-year survival of 71%. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates the impact of providing curative radiation-based treatments for cervical cancer in a small state. It suggests ways to further improve operations and justifies additional research.

Outcomes of treatment in men with prostate cancer at the cancer centre Bahamas.

PURPOSE: This is a first report from The Bahamas of management and long-term outcomes in men with non-metastatic prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy, with or without androgen deprivation therapy, from 2004 to 2016. METHODS: Patients were characterized by baseline factors, stratified by risk groups using tumor stage (clinical T-stage), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test result and Gleason grade, and sorted by treatment combinations (by radiation volume and use of androgen deprivation). RESULTS: Overall, 205/216 men were Afro-Caribbean. Median age was 66. There were 18 low-, 77 intermediate-, and 121 high-risk patients, treated with prostate-only versus pelvis plus prostate radiotherapy, many receiving 2 years of androgen suppression. Time to commence radiation was about 6 months from initial diagnosis. In those not relapsing, global PSA nadir was reached in 4 years and was under 1.0, reduced from a mean at baseline of 31. At 10 years, disease-free experience (32 relapses) was 68% and overall survival was 87%, although only 2/12 deaths were related to prostate cancer. This experience compares favorably with recently published outcomes from other countries using very similar treatments. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes benchmark statistics from diagnosis to long-term follow-up. Outcomes in Bahamian men are consistent with expectations from risk-stratified guidelines followed in developed countries.

A two-step database search method improves sensitivity in peptide sequence matches for metaproteomics and proteogenomics studies.

Large databases (>10(6) sequences) used in metaproteomic and proteogenomic studies present challenges in matching peptide sequences to MS/MS data using database-search programs. Most notably, strict filtering to avoid false-positive matches leads to more false negatives, thus constraining the number of peptide matches. To address this challenge, we developed a two-step method wherein matches derived from a primary search against a large database were used to create a smaller subset database. The second search was performed against a target-decoy version of this subset database merged with a host database. High confidence peptide sequence matches were then used to infer protein identities. Applying our two-step method for both metaproteomic and proteogenomic analysis resulted in twice the number of high confidence peptide sequence matches in each case, as compared to the conventional one-step method. The two-step method captured almost all of the same peptides matched by the one-step method, with a majority of the additional matches being false negatives from the one-step method. Furthermore, the two-step method improved results regardless of the database search program used. Our results show that our two-step method maximizes the peptide matching sensitivity for applications requiring large databases, especially valuable for proteogenomics and metaproteomics studies.

Dataset for reporting of prostate carcinoma in radical prostatectomy specimens: recommendations from the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting.

This project was designed to harmonise the Royal College of Pathologists, College of American Pathologists and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia datasets, checklists and structured reporting protocols for examination of radical prostatectomy specimens, with the aim of producing a common, internationally agreed, evidence-based dataset for prostate cancer reporting. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting prostate cancer expert review panel analysed the three existing datasets, identifying concordant items and classified these data elements as 'required' (mandatory) or 'recommended' (non-mandatory), on the basis of the published literature up to August 2011. Required elements were defined as those that have agreed evidentiary support at NHMRC level III-2 or above. Consensus response values were formulated for each item. Twelve concordant pathology data elements were identified, and, on review, all but one were included as required elements for tumour staging, grading, or prediction of prognosis. There was minor discordance between the three existing datasets for another eight items, with two of these being added to the required data set. Another 11 elements with a lesser level of evidentiary support were included in the recommended dataset. This process was found to be an efficient method for producing an evidence-based dataset for prostate cancer. Such internationally agreed datasets should facilitate meaningful comparison of benchmarking data, epidemiological studies, and clinical trials.

A phase 1 study of nivolumab in combination with interferon-gamma for patients with advanced solid tumors.

This phase I, dose-escalation trial evaluates the safety of combining interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and nivolumab in patients with metastatic solid tumors. Twenty-six patients are treated in four cohorts assessing increasing doses of IFN-γ with nivolumab to evaluate the primary endpoint of safety and determine the recommended phase two dose (RP2D). Most common adverse events are low grade and associated with IFN-γ. Three dose limiting toxicities are reported at the highest dose cohorts. We report only one patient with any immune related adverse event (irAE). No irAEs ≥ grade 3 are observed and no patients require corticosteroids. The maximum tolerated dose of IFN-γ is 75 mcg/m2, however based on a composite of safety, clinical, and correlative factors the RP2D is 50 mcg/m2. Exploratory analyses of efficacy in the phase I cohorts demonstrate one patient with a complete response, and five have achieved stable disease. Pre-planned correlative assessments of circulating immune cells demonstrate intermediate monocytes with increased PD-L1 expression correlating with IFN-γ dose and treatment duration. Interestingly, post-hoc analysis shows that IFN-γ induction increases circulating chemokines and is associated with an observed paucity of irAEs, warranting further evaluation. ClinicalTrials.gov Trial Registration: NCT02614456.

Deep metaproteomic analysis of human salivary supernatant.

The human salivary proteome is extremely complex, including proteins from salivary glands, serum, and oral microbes. Much has been learned about the host component, but little is known about the microbial component. Here we report a metaproteomic analysis of salivary supernatant pooled from six healthy subjects. For deep interrogation of the salivary proteome, we combined protein dynamic range compression (DRC), multidimensional peptide fractionation, and high-mass accuracy MS/MS with a novel two-step peptide identification method using a database of human proteins plus those translated from oral microbe genomes. Peptides were identified from 124 microbial species as well as uncultured phylotypes such as TM7. Streptococcus, Rothia, Actinomyces, Prevotella, Neisseria, Veilonella, Lactobacillus, Selenomonas, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and Campylobacter were abundant among the 65 genera from 12 phyla represented. Taxonomic diversity in our study was broadly consistent with metagenomic studies of saliva. Proteins mapped to 20 KEGG pathways, with carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, translation, membrane transport, and signal transduction most represented. The communities sampled appear to be actively engaged in glycolysis and protein synthesis. This first deep metaproteomic catalog from human salivary supernatant provides a baseline for future studies of shifts in microbial diversity and protein activities potentially associated with oral disease.

Workflow for analysis of high mass accuracy salivary data set using MaxQuant and ProteinPilot search algorithm.

LTQ Orbitrap data analyzed with ProteinPilot can be further improved by MaxQuant raw data processing, which utilizes precursor-level high mass accuracy data for peak processing and MGF creation. In particular, ProteinPilot results from MaxQuant-processed peaklists for Orbitrap data sets resulted in improved spectral utilization due to an improved peaklist quality with higher precision and high precursor mass accuracy (HPMA). The output and postsearch analysis tools of both workflows were utilized for previously unexplored features of a three-dimensional fractionated and hexapeptide library (ProteoMiner) treated whole saliva data set comprising 200 fractions. ProteinPilot's ability to simultaneously predict multiple modifications showed an advantage from ProteoMiner treatment for modified peptide identification. We demonstrate that complementary approaches in the analysis pipeline provide comprehensive results for the whole saliva data set acquired on an LTQ Orbitrap. Overall our results establish a workflow for improved protein identification from high mass accuracy data.

Large-scale phosphoproteomics analysis of whole saliva reveals a distinct phosphorylation pattern.

In-depth knowledge of bodily fluid phosphoproteomes, such as whole saliva, is limited. To better understand the whole saliva phosphoproteome, we generated a large-scale catalog of phosphorylated proteins. To circumvent the wide dynamic range of phosphoprotein abundance in whole saliva, we combined dynamic range compression using hexapeptide beads, strong cation exchange HPLC peptide fractionation, and immobilized metal affinity chromatography prior to mass spectrometry. In total, 217 unique phosphopeptides sites were identified representing 85 distinct phosphoproteins at 2.3% global FDR. From these peptides, 129 distinct phosphorylation sites were identified of which 57 were previously known, but only 11 of which had been previously identified in whole saliva. Cellular localization analysis revealed salivary phosphoproteins had a distribution similar to all known salivary proteins, but with less relative representation in "extracellular" and "plasma membrane" categories compared to salivary glycoproteins. Sequence alignment showed that phosphorylation occurred at acidic-directed kinase, proline-directed, and basophilic motifs. This differs from plasma phosphoproteins, which predominantly occur at Golgi casein kinase recognized sequences. Collectively, these results suggest diverse functions for salivary phosphoproteins and multiple kinases involved in their processing and secretion. In all, this study should lay groundwork for future elucidation of the functions of salivary protein phosphorylation.

A rigorous evaluation of optimal peptide targets for MS-based clinical diagnostics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic has had a profound, lasting impact on the world's population. A key aspect to providing care for those with COVID-19 and checking its further spread is early and accurate diagnosis of infection, which has been generally done via methods for amplifying and detecting viral RNA molecules. Detection and quantitation of peptides using targeted mass spectrometry-based strategies has been proposed as an alternative diagnostic tool due to direct detection of molecular indicators from non-invasively collected samples as well as the potential for high-throughput analysis in a clinical setting; many studies have revealed the presence of viral peptides within easily accessed patient samples. However, evidence suggests that some viral peptides could serve as better indicators of COVID-19 infection status than others, due to potential misidentification of peptides derived from human host proteins, poor spectral quality, high limits of detection etc. In this study we have compiled a list of 639 peptides identified from Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) samples, including from in vitro and clinical sources. These datasets were rigorously analyzed using automated, Galaxy-based workflows containing tools such as PepQuery, BLAST-P, and the Multi-omic Visualization Platform as well as the open-source tools MetaTryp and Proteomics Data Viewer (PDV). Using PepQuery for confirming peptide spectrum matches, we were able to narrow down the 639 peptide possibilities to 87 peptides which were most robustly detected and specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The specificity of these sequences to coronavirus taxa was confirmed using Unipept and BLAST-P. Applying stringent statistical scoring thresholds, combined with manual verification of peptide spectrum match quality, 4 peptides derived from the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein and membrane protein were found to be most robustly detected across all cell culture and clinical samples, including those collected non-invasively. We propose that these peptides would be of the most value for clinical proteomics applications seeking to detect COVID-19 from a variety of sample types. We also contend that samples taken from the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity have the highest potential for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection from easily collected patient samples using mass spectrometry-based proteomics assays.

Novel In Situ Collection of Tumor Interstitial Fluid from a Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Reveals a Unique Proteome with Diagnostic Potential.

INTRODUCTION: Tumors lack normal drainage of secreted fluids and consequently build up tumor interstitial fluid (TIF). Unlike other bodily fluids, TIF likely contains a high proportion of tumor-specific proteins with potential as biomarkers. METHODS: Here, we evaluated a novel technique using a unique ultrafiltration catheter for in situ collection of TIF and used it to generate the first catalog of TIF proteins from a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To maximize proteomic coverage, TIF was immunodepleted for high abundance proteins and digested with trypsin, and peptides were fractionated in three dimensions prior to mass spectrometry. RESULTS: We identified 525 proteins with high confidence. The HNSCC TIF proteome was distinct compared to proteomes of other bodily fluids. It contained a relatively high proportion of proteins annotated by Gene Ontology as "extracellular" compared to other secreted fluid and cellular proteomes, indicating minimal cell lysis from our in situ collection technique. Several proteins identified are putative biomarkers of HNSCC, supporting our catalog's value as a source of potential biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: In all, we demonstrate a reliable new technique for in situ TIF collection and provide the first HNSCC TIF protein catalog with value as a guide for others seeking to develop tumor biomarkers. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12014-010-9050-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Multi-omics Visualization Platform: An extensible Galaxy plug-in for multi-omics data visualization and exploration.

BACKGROUND: Proteogenomics integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics data to identify novel protein sequences arising from gene and transcript sequence variants. Proteogenomic data analysis requires integration of disparate 'omic software tools, as well as customized tools to view and interpret results. The flexible Galaxy platform has proven valuable for proteogenomic data analysis. Here, we describe a novel Multi-omics Visualization Platform (MVP) for organizing, visualizing, and exploring proteogenomic results, adding a critically needed tool for data exploration and interpretation. FINDINGS: MVP is built as an HTML Galaxy plug-in, primarily based on JavaScript. Via the Galaxy API, MVP uses SQLite databases as input-a custom data type (mzSQLite) containing MS-based peptide identification information, a variant annotation table, and a coding sequence table. Users can interactively filter identified peptides based on sequence and data quality metrics, view annotated peptide MS data, and visualize protein-level information, along with genomic coordinates. Peptides that pass the user-defined thresholds can be sent back to Galaxy via the API for further analysis; processed data and visualizations can also be saved and shared. MVP leverages the Integrated Genomics Viewer JavaScript framework, enabling interactive visualization of peptides and corresponding transcript and genomic coding information within the MVP interface. CONCLUSIONS: MVP provides a powerful, extensible platform for automated, interactive visualization of proteogenomic results within the Galaxy environment, adding a unique and critically needed tool for empowering exploration and interpretation of results. The platform is extensible, providing a basis for further development of new functionalities for proteogenomic data visualization.

Precursor Intensity-Based Label-Free Quantification Software Tools for Proteomic and Multi-Omic Analysis within the Galaxy Platform.

For mass spectrometry-based peptide and protein quantification, label-free quantification (LFQ) based on precursor mass peak (MS1) intensities is considered reliable due to its dynamic range, reproducibility, and accuracy. LFQ enables peptide-level quantitation, which is useful in proteomics (analyzing peptides carrying post-translational modifications) and multi-omics studies such as metaproteomics (analyzing taxon-specific microbial peptides) and proteogenomics (analyzing non-canonical sequences). Bioinformatics workflows accessible via the Galaxy platform have proven useful for analysis of such complex multi-omic studies. However, workflows within the Galaxy platform have lacked well-tested LFQ tools. In this study, we have evaluated moFF and FlashLFQ, two open-source LFQ tools, and implemented them within the Galaxy platform to offer access and use via established workflows. Through rigorous testing and communication with the tool developers, we have optimized the performance of each tool. Software features evaluated include: (a) match-between-runs (MBR); (b) using multiple file-formats as input for improved quantification; (c) use of containers and/or conda packages; (d) parameters needed for analyzing large datasets; and (e) optimization and validation of software performance. This work establishes a process for software implementation, optimization, and validation, and offers access to two robust software tools for LFQ-based analysis within the Galaxy platform.

Validation of Three-dimensional Electronic Portal Imaging Device-based PerFRACTION™ Software for Patient-Specific Quality Assurance.

PURPOSE: PerFRACTION™ is a three-dimensional (3D) in vivo electronic portal imaging device-based dosimetry software. To validate the software, three phantoms with different inserts (2D array, ionization chamber, and inhomogeneity materials) were constructed to evaluate point dose and fluence map. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phantoms underwent independent computed tomography simulation for planning and received repetitive fractions of volumetric modulated arc therapy, simulating prostate treatment. Fluence and absolute point dose measurements, PerFRACTION™ reconstructed doses, and the dose predictions of the planning system were compared. RESULTS: There was concordance between ionization chamber and PerFRACTION™ 3D absolute point dose measurements. Close agreement was also obtained between X- and Y-axis dose profiles with PerFRACTION™ calculated doses, MapCHECK measured doses, and planning system predicted doses. Setup shifts significantly influenced 2D gamma passing rates in PerFRACTION™ software. CONCLUSIONS: PerFRACTION™ appears reliable and valid under experimental conditions in air and with phantoms.