Effects of transition programmes to adulthood for adolescents and young adults with CHD: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The increased survival rate among individuals with CHD has sparked interest in their transition to adult healthcare. Although there is a general agreement on the importance of transition interventions, the empirical evidence supporting them is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of transition interventions for adult healthcare in adolescents and young adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: A literature search was conducted for studies comparing the quantitative effects of transition interventions with control groups, published up to March 15, 2023, in major databases (CENTRAL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, KISS, and KMbase), major clinical trial registries, academic journal sites related to the topic, and grey literature databases. Ten studies involving a total of 1,297 participants were identified. Transition interventions proved effective in enhancing disease-related knowledge (Hedge's g = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.29-1.48) and self-management (Hedge's g = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.38-0.95), as well as reducing loss to follow-up (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22-0.77). The certainty of evidence for the estimated values of each major outcome was low or very low. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the implementation of transition interventions by demonstrating that they can improve patients' disease knowledge and self-management, while also promoting treatment continuity. However, since the available data on transition interventions for adolescents and young adults with CHD remain limited, the widespread adoption of structured transition interventions in the future may alter the conclusions of this study. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO. Unique identifier: CRD42023399026.

Digital application of three-dimensional diagnosis and treatment with a virtual articulator.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article was to introduce a method for the digital application of three-dimensional (3D) diagnosis and treatment with a virtual articulator and 3D data. CLINICAL CONSIDERATION: With the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral and facial scans, we can create a virtual articulator and evaluate the mandibular position in maximum intercuspation and centric-related occlusion for the patient with an unstable occlusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Based on this, we treated a case using a digital mandibular position indicator (MPI) and fabricated a stabilization splint using a 3D printer. This approach eliminates the traditional impression or model mounting process and the analog face bow transfer. Furthermore, the design of the stabilization splint is accomplished using software. CONCLUSIONS: The approach outlined in this article offers the potential for a digital diagnosis and treatment process by seamlessly integrating CBCT, intraoral scans, and facial scans with a high degree of accuracy. This may enhance precision in diagnosis and treatment planning, especially for patients with complicated TMD, in addition to facilitating effective communication with orthodontic patients who require thorough attention. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Utilizing a virtual articulator and digital MPI for the occlusal evaluation of patients with TMD and unstable occlusion makes it possible to diagnose and analyze the occlusal condition accurately. This approach also allows for precision and efficiency in treatment.

Contrasting Genetic Diversity of Listeria Pathogenicity Islands 3 and 4 Harbored by Nonpathogenic Listeria spp.

Listeria monocytogenes causes the severe foodborne disease listeriosis. Several clonal groups of L. monocytogenes possess the pathogenicity islands Listeria pathogenicity island 3 (LIPI-3) and LIPI-4. Here, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 among 63 strains of seven nonpathogenic Listeria spp. from the natural environment, i.e., wildlife (black bears [Ursus americanus]) and surface water. Analysis of the whole-genome sequence data suggested that both islands were horizontally acquired but differed considerably in their incidence and genetic diversity. LIPI-3 was identified among half of the L. innocua strains in the same genomic location as in L. monocytogenes (guaA hot spot) in a truncated form, with only three strains harboring full-length LIPI-3, and a highly divergent partial LIPI-3 was observed in three Listeria seeligeri strains, outside the guaA hot spot. Premature stop codons (PMSCs) and frameshifts were frequently noted in the LIPI-3 gene encoding listeriolysin S. On the other hand, full-length LIPI-4 without any PMSCs was found in all Listeria innocua strains, in the same genomic location as L. monocytogenes and with ~85% similarity to the L. monocytogenes counterpart. Our study provides intriguing examples of genetic changes that pathogenicity islands may undergo in nonpathogenic bacterial species, potentially in response to environmental pressures that promote either maintenance or degeneration of the islands. Investigations of the roles that LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 play in nonpathogenic Listeria spp. are warranted to further understand the differential evolution of genetic elements in pathogenic versus nonpathogenic hosts of the same genus. IMPORTANCE Listeria monocytogenes is a serious foodborne pathogen that can harbor the pathogenicity islands Listeria pathogenicity island 3 (LIPI-3) and LIPI-4. Intriguingly, these have also been reported in nonpathogenic L. innocua from food and farm environments, though limited information is available for strains from the natural environment. Here, we analyzed whole-genome sequence data of nonpathogenic Listeria spp. from wildlife and surface water to further elucidate the genetic diversity and evolution of LIPI-3 and LIPI-4 in Listeria. While the full-length islands were found only in L. innocua, LIPI-3 was uncommon and exhibited frequent truncation and genetic diversification, while LIPI-4 was remarkable in being ubiquitous, albeit diversified from L. monocytogenes. These contrasting features demonstrate that pathogenicity islands in nonpathogenic hosts can evolve along different trajectories, leading to either degeneration or maintenance, and highlight the need to examine their physiological roles in nonpathogenic hosts.

Paludibacterium denitrificans sp. nov., a Novel Denitrifying Bacterium Isolated from Activated Sludge.

A Gram-reaction-negative, facultatively aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, and denitrifying bacterium, designated dN18-1T, was isolated from activated sludge, Republic of Korea. This bacterium was investigated via a polyphasic approach to reveal its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain dN18-1T belongs to the genus Paludibacterium and is most closely related to P. purpuratum KCTC 42852T (96.2% sequence similarity), P. yongneupense KACC 11601T (96.1%), and P. paludis BCRC 80514T (95.2%). The average nucleotide identity values and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values calculated between strain dN18-1T and the closely related strains were 72.5-73.1% and 19.0-19.6%. The genome comprises of 3,347,996 bp with a G + C content of 57.3 mol%. Strain dN18-1T possesses ubiquinone Q-8 as a predominant respiratory quinone, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c), summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c/C18:1 ω7c), C16:0 and C12:0, as its major fatty acids (>5%). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified aminophospholipids. The results of ANI calculation, digital DNA-DNA hybridization, physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of strain dN18-1T from rephrase other genus Paludibacterium species with validly published names. Therefore, this isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Paludibacterium denitrificans sp. nov. (type strain dN18-1T = KACC 19537T = CGMCC 1.16961T) is proposed.

Machine Learning-Aided Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis Based on Ultrasound Imaging Integrated with Computer-Extracted Measurable Features.

Although ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), image interpretation requires extensive training. High operator variability and limited image quality control of ultrasound images have made the application of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) challenging. This study assessed the effect of integrating computer-extracted measurable features with the convolutional neural network (CNN) on the ultrasound image CAD accuracy of CKD. Ultrasound images from patients who visited Severance Hospital and Gangnam Severance Hospital in South Korea between 2011 and 2018 were used. A Mask regional CNN model was used for organ segmentation and measurable feature extraction. Data on kidney length and kidney-to-liver echogenicity ratio were extracted. The ResNet18 model classified kidney ultrasound images into CKD and non-CKD. Experiments were conducted with and without the input of the measurable feature data. The performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). A total of 909 patients (mean age, 51.4 ± 19.3 years; 414 [49.5%] men and 495 [54.5%] women) were included in the study. The average AUROC from the model trained using ultrasound images achieved a level of 0.81. Image training with the integration of automatically extracted kidney length and echogenicity features revealed an improved average AUROC of 0.88. This value further increased to 0.91 when the clinical information of underlying diabetes was also included in the model trained with CNN and measurable features. The automated step-wise machine learning-aided model segmented, measured, and classified the kidney ultrasound images with high performance. The integration of computer-extracted measurable features into the machine learning model may improve CKD classification.

Dissemination and conservation of cadmium and arsenic resistance determinants in Listeria and other Gram-positive bacteria.

Metal homeostasis in bacteria is a complex and delicate balance. While some metals such as iron and copper are essential for cellular functions, others such as cadmium and arsenic are inherently cytotoxic. While bacteria regularly encounter essential metals, exposure to high levels of toxic metals such as cadmium and arsenic is only experienced in a handful of special habitats. Nonetheless, Listeria and other Gram-positive bacteria have evolved an impressively diverse array of genetic tools for acquiring enhanced tolerance to such metals. Here, we summarize this fascinating collection of resistance determinants in Listeria, with special focus on resistance to cadmium and arsenic, as well as to biocides and antibiotics. We also provide a comparative description of such resistance determinants and adaptations in other Gram-positive bacteria. The complex coselection of heavy metal resistance and other types of resistance seems to be universal across the Gram-positive bacteria, while the type of coselected traits reflects the lifestyle of the specific microbe. The roles of heavy metal resistance genes in environmental adaptation and virulence appear to vary by genus, highlighting the need for further functional studies to explain the mystery behind the array of heavy metal resistance determinants dispersed and maintained among Gram-positive bacteria.

Smoking, Smoking Cessation, and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From KNOW-CKD Study.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), studies investigating the association between smoking and deterioration of kidney function are scarce. AIMS AND METHODS: We analyzed data for 1,951 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2 enrolled in the KoreaN cohort study for Outcome in patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD) from 2011 to 2016. Patients were categorized by smoking load. Primary outcome was a composite of a ≥50% reduction in eGFR, initiation of dialysis, or kidney transplantation. RESULTS: There were 967 never-smokers and 369, 276, and 339 smokers who smoked <15, 15 to 29, ≥30 pack-years, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 3.0 years, the incidence rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) of the primary outcome were 54.3 (46.4-63.5), 46.9 (35.9-61.4), 69.2 (52.9-90.6), and 76.3 (60.7-96.0) events per 1,000 person-yr in never-, <15, 15 to 29, and ≥30 pack-year smokers. In cause-specific hazard model after adjustment of confounding factors, smokers were associated with 1.09 (0.73-1.63), 1.48 (1.00-2.18), and 1.94 (1.35-2.77) fold increased risk (95% CI) of primary outcome in <15, 15-29, and ≥30 pack-year smokers compared with never-smokers. The association of longer smoking duration with higher risk of CKD progression was evident particularly in patients with eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and proteinuria ≥ 1.0 g/g. In contrast, the risk of adverse kidney outcome decreased with longer smoking-free periods among former-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest potentially harmful effects of the degree of exposure to smoking on the progression of CKD. IMPLICATIONS: Among patients with CKD, there has been lack of studies on the association between smoking and CKD progression and studies to date have yielded conflicting results. In this prospective cohort study involving Korean CKD patients, smoking was associated with significantly higher risk of worsening kidney function. Furthermore, the risk of adverse kidney outcome was incrementally higher as smoking pack-years were higher. As the duration of smoking cessation increased, the hazard ratios for adverse kidney outcome were attenuated, suggesting that quitting smoking may be a modifiable factor to delay CKD progression.

Predictive value of mesangial C3 and C4d deposition in IgA nephropathy.

We aimed to determine the relative contribution of each complement (C3 and C4d) deposition to the progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We enrolled a total of 380 patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN. Mesangial deposition of C3(<2+ vs. ≥2+) and C4d(positive vs. negative) was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Study endpoint was the composite of a 30% decline in eGFR or ESRD. The risk of reaching the primary outcome was significantly higher in patients having C3 ≥ 2+ and C4d(+) than in corresponding counterparts. Adding C3 deposition to clinical data acquired at kidney biopsy modestly increased the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI); adding C4d increased IDI only. In conclusion, mesangial C3 and C4d deposition was an independent risk factor for progression of IgAN. C3 showed better predictability than C4d, suggesting that lectin pathway alone has limited clinical prognostic value.

Abscisic acid - an anti-angiogenic phytohormone that modulates the phenotypical plasticity of endothelial cells and macrophages.

Abscisic acid (ABA) has shown anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties in preclinical models of diabetes and inflammation. Herein, we studied the effects of ABA on angiogenesis, a strictly controlled process that, when dysregulated, leads to severe angiogenic disorders including vascular overgrowth, exudation, cellular inflammation and organ dysfunction. By using a 3D sprouting assay, we show that ABA effectively inhibits migration, growth and expansion of endothelial tubes without affecting cell viability. Analyses of the retinal vasculature in developing normoxic and hyperoxic mice challenged by oxygen toxicity reveal that exogenously administered ABA stunts the development and regeneration of blood vessels. In these models, ABA downregulates endothelial cell (EC)-specific growth and migratory genes, interferes with tip and stalk cell specification, and hinders the function of filopodial protrusions required for precise guidance of vascular sprouts. In addition, ABA skews macrophage polarization towards the M1 phenotype characterized by anti-angiogenic marker expression. In accordance with this, ABA treatment accelerates macrophage-induced programmed regression of fetal blood vessels. These findings reveal protective functions of ABA against neovascular growth through modulation of EC and macrophage plasticity, suggesting the potential utility of ABA as a treatment in vasoproliferative diseases.

Devosia ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from ginseng cultivation soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile, ivory-coloured and rod-shaped bacterium (designated Gsoil 520T) isolated from ginseng cultivation soil was characterized by using a polyphasic approach to clarify its taxonomic position. Strain Gsoil 520T was observed to grow optimally at 30 °C and pH 7.0 on Reasoner's 2A agar medium. The results of phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, indicated that Gsoil 520T belongs to the genus Devosia of the family Hyphomicrobiaceae and was most closely related to Devosia epidermidihirudinis E84T (98.0 %), Devosia yakushimensis Yak96BT (97.7 %), Devosia neptuniae J1T (97.7 %) and Devosia chinhatensis IPL18T (96.8 %). The complete genome of strain Gsoil 520T is a presumptive circular chromosome of 4 480 314 base pairs having G+C content of 63.7 mol%. A total of 4 354 genes, 4 303 CDS and 43 rRNA genes were assigned a putative function. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified aminolipids (AL1 and AL3). The predominant fatty acids of strain Gsoil 520T were C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8) supporting the affiliation of strain Gsoil 520T to the genus Devosia. The low values of DNA-DNA hybridization distinguished strain Gsoil 520T from the recognized species of the genus Devosia. Thus, the novel isolate represents a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 520T (=KACC 19440T=LMG 30329T).

Septicemia, necrotizing fasciitis, and peritonitis due to Vibrio vulnificus treated with early use of polymyxin B hemoperfusion in a patient undergoing CAPD: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Vibrio vulnificus infection is a rare but fatal foodborne illness. Here, we report a case of Vibrio vulnificus peritonitis followed by severe septicemia in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) who was treated with hemoperfusion using polymyxin B immobilized fiber. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old man undergoing CAPD was admitted to the emergency room due to general weakness, fever, and abdominal pain with hazy dialysate. Two days before admission, he had eaten raw fish. Initial laboratory tests including peritoneal fluid analysis suggested peritonitis. Despite empirical intraperitoneal antibiotic treatment, his fever did not subside, and multiple vesicles on the extremities newly appeared. The result of initial peritoneal fluid culture and blood cultures reported Vibrio vulnificus as the most likely causative pathogen. Hemoperfusion with polymyxin B immobilized fiber was performed to control gram-negative bacterial septicemia with antibiotics targeting the pathogenic organism. The patient recovered completely and was discharged without complications. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Suspicion of Vibrio vulnificus infection in susceptible immunocompromised patients is important for early diagnosis and prompt management. Peritonitis should be noted as a clinical manifestation of Vibrio vulnificus infection in CAPD patients, and polymyxin B hemoperfusion along with proper antibiotics could be considered as a treatment option.

Maternal, neonatal, and child health systems under rapid urbanization: a qualitative study in a suburban district in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Vietnam has been successful in increasing access to maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services during last decades; however, little is known about whether the primary MNCH service utilization has been properly utilized under the recent rapid urbanization. We aimed to examine current MNCH service utilization patterns at a district level. METHODS: The study was conducted qualitatively in a rural district named Quoc Oai. Women who gave a birth within a year and medical staff at various levels participated through 43 individual in-depth interviews and 3 focus group interviews. RESULTS: Primary MNCH services were underutilized due to a failure to meet increased quality needs. Most of the mothers preferred private clinics for antenatal care and the district hospital for delivery due to the better service quality of these facilities compared to that of the commune health stations (CHSs). Mothers had few sociocultural barriers to acquiring service information or utilizing services based on their improved standard of living. A financial burden for some services, including caesarian section, still existed for uninsured mothers, while their insured counterparts had relatively few difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: For the improved macro-efficiency of MNCH systems, the government needs to rearrange human resources and/or merge some CHSs to achieve economies of scale and align with service volume distribution across the different levels.

Air-quality implications of widespread adoption of cool roofs on ozone and particulate matter in southern California.

The installation of roofing materials with increased solar reflectance (i.e., "cool roofs") can mitigate the urban heat island effect and reduce energy use. In addition, meteorological changes, along with the possibility of enhanced UV reflection from these surfaces, can have complex impacts on ozone and PM2.5 concentrations. We aim to evaluate the air-quality impacts of widespread cool-roof installations prescribed by California's Title 24 building energy efficiency standards within the heavily populated and polluted South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). Development of a comprehensive rooftop area database and evaluation of spectral reflectance measurements of roofing materials allows us to project potential future changes in solar and UV reflectance for simulations using the Weather Research Forecast and Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) models. 2012 meteorological simulations indicate a decrease in daily maximum temperatures, daily maximum boundary layer heights, and ventilation coefficients throughout the SoCAB upon widespread installation of cool roofs. CMAQ simulations show significant increases in PM2.5 concentrations and policy-relevant design values. Changes in 8-h ozone concentrations depend on the potential change in UV reflectance, ranging from a decrease in population-weighted concentrations when UV reflectance remains unchanged to an increase when changes in UV reflectance are at an upper bound. However, 8-h policy-relevant ozone design values increase in all cases. Although the other benefits of cool roofs could outweigh small air-quality penalties, UV reflectance standards for cool roofing materials could mitigate these negative consequences. Results of this study motivate the careful consideration of future rooftop and pavement solar reflectance modification policies.

Changes in obese metabolic phenotypes over time and risk of incident chronic kidney disease.

AIM: To examine the association between metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and study whether changes in metabolic phenotypes over time could affect CKD risk. METHODS: A total of 8589 subjects from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were categorized into four groups based on the presence of obesity and metabolic abnormalities (MA). The primary endpoint was an onset of incident CKD defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 . Multivariable Cox analysis and time-varying Cox analysis were performed to delineate the relationship between obese metabolic phenotypes and incident CKD after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and clinical and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up duration of 9.3 years, CKD occurred in 782 (9.1%) participants. In the multivariable Cox model, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident CKD in the MHO, metabolically abnormal non-obese (MANO), and metabolically abnormal obese (MAO) groups was 1.42 (P = 0.002), 1.45 (P < 0.001), and 1.77 (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with the metabolically healthy non-obese (MHNO) group. Time-varying analysis with these four phenotypes as time-varying exposures showed the same results. Furthermore, subjects with persistent MHO through follow-up were at a 2.0-fold increased risk of CKD (P < 0.001). 41.0% of subjects experienced phenotype changes during follow-up. Over the long term, the MHO group had a higher proportion of transition to the MA phenotype and unfavourable metabolic profiles than the MHNO group. Among MHO subjects, those who transitioned to MAO were at a 4.1-fold increased risk of incident CKD than those who regressed to MHNO. In addition, transition to MHO from other groups carried a higher risk of CKD than persistent MHNO. CONCLUSION: MHO subjects are at increased risk for incident CKD.

Novel Cadmium Resistance Determinant in Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe disease (listeriosis) in susceptible individuals. It is ubiquitous in the environment and often exhibits resistance to heavy metals. One of the determinants that enables Listeria to tolerate exposure to cadmium is the cadAC efflux system, with CadA being a P-type ATPase. Three different cadA genes (designated cadA1 to cadA3) were previously characterized in L. monocytogenes A novel putative cadmium resistance gene (cadA4) was recently identified through whole-genome sequencing, but experimental confirmation for its involvement in cadmium resistance is lacking. In this study, we characterized cadA4 in L. monocytogenes strain F8027, a cadmium-resistant strain of serotype 4b. By screening a mariner-based transposon library of this strain, we identified a mutant with reduced tolerance to cadmium and that harbored a single transposon insertion in cadA4 The tolerance to cadmium was restored by genetic complementation with the cadmium resistance cassette (cadA4C), and enhanced cadmium tolerance was conferred to two unrelated cadmium-sensitive strains via heterologous complementation with cadA4C Cadmium exposure induced cadA4 expression, even at noninhibitory levels. Virulence assessments in the Galleria mellonella model suggested that a functional cadA4 suppressed virulence, potentially promoting commensal colonization of the insect larvae. Biofilm assays suggested that cadA4 inactivation reduced biofilm formation. These data not only confirm cadA4 as a novel cadmium resistance determinant in L. monocytogenes but also provide evidence for roles in virulence and biofilm formation.IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is an intracellular foodborne pathogen causing the disease listeriosis, which is responsible for numerous hospitalizations and deaths every year. Among the adaptations that enable the survival of Listeria in the environment are the abilities to persist in biofilms, grow in the cold, and tolerate toxic compounds, such as heavy metals. Here, we characterized a novel determinant that was recently identified on a larger mobile genetic island through whole-genome sequencing. This gene (cadA4) was found to be responsible for cadmium detoxification and to be a divergent member of the Cad family of cadmium efflux pumps. Virulence assessments in a Galleria mellonella model suggested that cadA4 may suppress virulence. Additionally, cadA4 may be involved in the ability of Listeria to form biofilms. Beyond the role in cadmium detoxification, the involvement of cadA4 in other cellular functions potentially explains its retention and wide distribution in L. monocytogenes.

The Arsenic Resistance-Associated Listeria Genomic Island LGI2 Exhibits Sequence and Integration Site Diversity and a Propensity for Three Listeria monocytogenes Clones with Enhanced Virulence.

In the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, arsenic resistance is encountered primarily in serotype 4b clones considered to have enhanced virulence and is associated with an arsenic resistance gene cluster within a 35-kb chromosomal region, Listeria genomic island 2 (LGI2). LGI2 was first identified in strain Scott A and includes genes putatively involved in arsenic and cadmium resistance, DNA integration, conjugation, and pathogenicity. However, the genomic localization and sequence content of LGI2 remain poorly characterized. Here we investigated 85 arsenic-resistant L. monocytogenes strains, mostly of serotype 4b. All but one of the 70 serotype 4b strains belonged to clonal complex 1 (CC1), CC2, and CC4, three major clones associated with enhanced virulence. PCR analysis suggested that 53 strains (62.4%) harbored an island highly similar to LGI2 of Scott A, frequently (42/53) in the same location as Scott A (LMOf2365_2257 homolog). Random-primed PCR and whole-genome sequencing revealed seven novel insertion sites, mostly internal to chromosomal coding sequences, among strains harboring LGI2 outside the LMOf2365_2257 homolog. Interestingly, many CC1 strains harbored a noticeably diversified LGI2 (LGI2-1) in a unique location (LMOf2365_0902 homolog) and with a novel additional gene. With few exceptions, the tested LGI2 genes were not detected in arsenic-resistant strains of serogroup 1/2, which instead often harbored a Tn554-associated arsenic resistance determinant not encountered in serotype 4b. These findings indicate that in L. monocytogenes, LGI2 has a propensity for certain serotype 4b clones, exhibits content diversity, and is highly promiscuous, suggesting an ability to mobilize various accessory genes into diverse chromosomal loci.IMPORTANCEListeria monocytogenes is widely distributed in the environment and causes listeriosis, a foodborne disease with high mortality and morbidity. Arsenic and other heavy metals can powerfully shape the populations of human pathogens with pronounced environmental lifestyles such as L. monocytogenes Arsenic resistance is encountered primarily in certain serotype 4b clones considered to have enhanced virulence and is associated with a large chromosomal island, Listeria genomic island 2 (LGI2). LGI2 also harbors a cadmium resistance cassette and genes putatively involved in DNA integration, conjugation, and pathogenicity. Our findings indicate that LGI2 exhibits pronounced content plasticity and is capable of transferring various accessory genes into diverse chromosomal locations. LGI2 may serve as a paradigm on how exposure to a potent environmental toxicant such as arsenic may have dynamically selected for arsenic-resistant subpopulations in certain clones of L. monocytogenes which also contribute significantly to disease.

A novel inhibitor of p75-neurotrophin receptor improves functional outcomes in two models of traumatic brain injury.

The p75 neurotrophin receptor is important in multiple physiological actions including neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth during development, and after central nervous system injury. We have discovered a novel piperazine-derived compound, EVT901, which interferes with p75 neurotrophin receptor oligomerization through direct interaction with the first cysteine-rich domain of the extracellular region. Using ligand binding assays with cysteine-rich domains-fused p75 neurotrophin receptor, we confirmed that EVT901 interferes with oligomerization of full-length p75 neurotrophin receptor in a dose-dependent manner. Here we report that EVT901 reduces binding of pro-nerve growth factor to p75 neurotrophin receptor, blocks pro-nerve growth factor induced apoptosis in cells expressing p75 neurotrophin receptor, and enhances neurite outgrowth in vitro Furthermore, we demonstrate that EVT901 abrogates p75 neurotrophin receptor signalling by other ligands, such as prion peptide and amyloid-ß. To test the efficacy of EVT901 in vivo, we evaluated the outcome in two models of traumatic brain injury. We generated controlled cortical impacts in adult rats. Using unbiased stereological analysis, we found that EVT901 delivered intravenously daily for 1 week after injury, reduced lesion size, protected cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes, and had a positive effect on neurological function. After lateral fluid percussion injury in adult rats, oral treatment with EVT901 reduced neuronal death in the hippocampus and thalamus, reduced long-term cognitive deficits, and reduced the occurrence of post-traumatic seizure activity. Together, these studies provide a new reagent for altering p75 neurotrophin receptor actions after injury and suggest that EVT901 may be useful in treatment of central nervous system trauma and other neurological disorders where p75 neurotrophin receptor signalling is affected.

Single and Compound Knock-outs of MicroRNA (miRNA)-155 and Its Angiogenic Gene Target CCN1 in Mice Alter Vascular and Neovascular Growth in the Retina via Resident Microglia.

The response of the retina to ischemic insult typically leads to aberrant retinal neovascularization, a major cause of blindness. The epigenetic regulation of angiogenic gene expression by miRNAs provides new prospects for their therapeutic utility in retinal neovascularization. Here, we focus on miR-155, a microRNA functionally important in inflammation, which is of paramount importance in the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularization. Whereas constitutive miR-155-deficiency in mice results in mild vascular defects, forced expression of miR-155 causes endothelial hyperplasia and increases microglia count and activation. The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy, which recapitulates ischemia-induced aberrant neovessel growth, is characterized by increased expression of miR-155 and localized areas of microglia activation. Interestingly, miR-155 deficiency in mice reduces microglial activation, curtails abnormal vessel growth, and allows for rapid normalization of the retinal vasculature following ischemic insult. miR-155 binds to the 3'-UTR and represses the expression of the CCN1 gene, which encodes an extracellular matrix-associated integrin-binding protein that both promotes physiological angiogenesis and harnesses growth factor-induced abnormal angiogenic responses. Single CCN1 deficiency or double CCN1 and miR-155 knock-out in mice causes retinal vascular malformations typical of faulty maturation, mimicking the vascular alterations of miR-155 gain of function. During development, the miR-155/CCN1 regulatory axis balances the proangiogenic and proinflammatory activities of microglia to allow for their function as guideposts for sprout fusion and anastomosis. Under ischemic conditions, dysregulated miR-155 and CCN1 expression increases the inflammatory load and microglial activation, prompting aberrant angiogenic responses. Thus, miR-155 functions in tandem with CCN1 to modulate inflammation-induced vascular homeostasis and repair.

A novel antagonist of p75NTR reduces peripheral expansion and CNS trafficking of pro-inflammatory monocytes and spares function after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in long-term neurological deficits, which may be mediated in part by pro-inflammatory responses in both the injured brain and the circulation. Inflammation may be involved in the subsequent development of neurodegenerative diseases and post-injury seizures. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) has multiple biological functions, affecting cell survival, apoptotic cell death, axonal growth, and degeneration in pathological conditions. We recently found that EVT901, a novel piperazine derivative that inhibits p75NTR oligomerization, is neuroprotective, reduces microglial activation, and improves outcomes in two models of TBI in rats. Since TBI elicits both CNS and peripheral inflammation, we used a mouse model of TBI to examine whether EVT901 would affect peripheral immune responses and trafficking to the injured brain. METHODS: Cortical contusion injury (CCI)-TBI of the sensory/motor cortex was induced in C57Bl/6 wild-type mice and CCR2(+/RFP) heterozygote transgenic mice, followed by treatment with EVT901, a selective antagonist of p75NTR, or vehicle by i.p. injection at 4 h after injury and then daily for 7 days. Brain and blood were collected at 1 and 6 weeks after injury. Flow cytometry and histological analysis were used to determine peripheral immune responses and trafficking of peripheral immune cells into the lesion site at 1 and 6 weeks after TBI. A battery of behavioral tests administered over 6 weeks was used to evaluate neurological outcome, and stereological estimation of brain tissue volume at 6 weeks was used to assess tissue damage. Finally, multivariate principal components analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the relationships between inflammatory events, EVT901 treatment, and neurological outcomes. RESULTS: EVT901 is neuroprotective in mouse CCI-TBI and dramatically reduced the early trafficking of CCR2+ and pro-inflammatory monocytes into the lesion site. EVT901 reduced the number of CD45(high)CD11b+ and CD45(high)F4/80+ cells in the injured brain at 6 weeks. TBI produced a significant increase in peripheral pro-inflammatory monocytes (Ly6C(int-high) pro-inflammatory monocytes), and this peripheral effect was also blocked by EVT901 treatment. Further, we found that blocking p75NTR with EVT901 reduces the expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes, and their response to LPS in vitro, supporting the idea that there is a peripheral EVT901 effect that blunts inflammation. Further, 1 week of EVT901 blocks the expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes in the circulation after TBI, reduces the number of multiple subsets of pro-inflammatory monocytes that enter the injury site at 1 and 6 weeks post-injury, and is neuroprotective, as it was in the rat. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings suggest that p75NTR signaling participates in the production of the peripheral pro-inflammatory response to CNS injury and implicates p75NTR as a part of the pro-inflammatory cascade. Thus, the neuroprotective effects of p75NTR antagonists might be due to a combination of central and peripheral effects, and p75NTR may play a role in the production of peripheral inflammation in addition to its many other biological roles. Thus, p75NTR may be a therapeutic target in human TBI.

Maternal Food Restriction during Pregnancy and Lactation Adversely Affect Hepatic Growth and Lipid Metabolism in Three-Week-Old Rat Offspring.

Maternal malnutrition influences the early development of foetal adaptive changes for survival. We explored the effects of maternal undernutrition during gestation and lactation on hepatic growth and function. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal or a food-restricted (FR) diet during gestation and/or lactation. We performed analyses of covariance (adjusting for the liver weight/body weight ratio) to compare hepatic growth and lipid metabolism among the offspring. Maternal FR during gestation triggered the development of wide spaces between hepatic cells and increased the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in three-week-old male offspring compared with controls (both p < 0.05). Offspring nursed by FR dams exhibited wider spaces between hepatic cells and a lower liver weight/body weight ratio than control offspring, and increased mTOR expression (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the significant decrease in expression of lipogenic-related genes was dependent on carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein, despite the increased expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated increased expression of key metabolic regulators (mTOR and SREBP1), alterations in lipid metabolism, and deficits in hepatic growth in the offspring of FR-treated dams.