Multidimensional Spectral Phasors of LAURDAN's Excitation-Emission Matrices: The Ultimate Sensor for Lipid Phases?

The impact of lipid diversity on the lateral organization of biological membranes remains a topic of debate. While the existence of domains in lamellar membranes is well-established, the nonlamellar phases occurring in biological systems are less explored due to technical constraints. Here, we present the measurement of the excitation-emission matrices (EEM) of LAURDAN in several lipid structures. LAURDAN is a fluorescence probe widely used for characterizing lipid assemblies. The EEMs were analyzed by multidimensional spectral phasors (MdSP), an approach that seizes information from both the excitation and emission spectra. We developed a computer algorithm to construct EEM data based on a model for LAURDAN's photophysics. The MdSP calculated from the simulated EEMs reveals that all feasible possibilities lie inside a universal triangle in the phasor's plot. We use this triangle to propose a ternary representation for the phasors, allowing a better assessment of LAURDAN's surroundings in terms of hydration, water mobility, and local electronic environment. Building upon this foundation, we constructed a theoretical "phase map" that can assess both lamellar and nonlamellar membranes. We thoroughly validated this theory using well-known lipid mixtures under different phase-state conditions and enzymatically generated systems. Our results confirm that the use of MdSP is a powerful tool for obtaining quantitative information on both lamellar and nonlamellar structures. This study not only advances our understanding of the impact of lipid diversity on membrane organization but also provides a robust and general framework for the assessment of fluorescence properties that can be further extended to other probes.

Hippocampal subfield transcriptome analysis in schizophrenia psychosis.

We have previously demonstrated functional and molecular changes in hippocampal subfields in individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) psychosis associated with hippocampal excitability. In this study, we use RNA-seq and assess global transcriptome changes in the hippocampal subfields, DG, CA3, and CA1 from individuals with SZ psychosis and controls to elucidate subfield-relevant molecular changes. We also examine changes in gene expression due to antipsychotic medication in the hippocampal subfields from our SZ ON- and OFF-antipsychotic medication cohort. We identify unique subfield-specific molecular profiles in schizophrenia postmortem samples compared with controls, implicating astrocytes in DG, immune mechanisms in CA3, and synaptic scaling in CA1. We show a unique pattern of subfield-specific effects by antipsychotic medication on gene expression levels with scant overlap of genes differentially expressed by SZ disease effect versus medication effect. These hippocampal subfield changes serve to confirm and extend our previous model of SZ and can explain the lack of full efficacy of conventional antipsychotic medication on SZ symptomatology. With future characterization using single-cell studies, the identified distinct molecular profiles of the DG, CA3, and CA1 in SZ psychosis may serve to identify further potential hippocampal-based therapeutic targets.

Mechanisms Linking COPD to Type 1 and 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Is There a Relationship between Diabetes and COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients frequently suffer from multiple comorbidities, resulting in poor outcomes for these patients. Diabetes is observed at a higher frequency in COPD patients than in the general population. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with pulmonary complications, and similar therapeutic strategies are proposed to treat these conditions. Epidemiological studies and disease models have increased our knowledge of these clinical associations. Several recent genome-wide association studies have identified positive genetic correlations between lung function and obesity, possibly due to alterations in genes linked to cell proliferation; embryo, skeletal, and tissue development; and regulation of gene expression. These studies suggest that genetic predisposition, in addition to weight gain, can influence lung function. Cigarette smoke exposure can also influence the differential methylation of CpG sites in genes linked to diabetes and COPD, and smoke-related single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with resting heart rate and coronary artery disease. Despite the vast literature on clinical disease association, little direct mechanistic evidence is currently available demonstrating that either disease influences the progression of the other, but common pharmacological approaches could slow the progression of these diseases. Here, we review the clinical and scientific literature to discuss whether mechanisms beyond preexisting conditions, lifestyle, and weight gain contribute to the development of COPD associated with diabetes. Specifically, we outline environmental and genetic confounders linked with these diseases.

Implementing hospital-based peer recovery support services for substance use disorder.

BACKGROUND: The rise in drug overdose deaths in the United States necessitates novel approaches to reduce harms. In response, peer recovery support services for substance use disorder have been implemented in clinical and community settings in several states. OBJECTIVES: This descriptive analysis aimed to describe the implementation of hospital-based peer recovery support services for substance use disorder. METHODS: We describe the implementation of the Peer Recovery Program, which delivers recovery support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for patients with substance use disorder in emergency departments and inpatient settings across 20 hospitals. We report program, patient, and referral characteristics and program process measures. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, Recovery Specialists received referrals during 30,263 patient visits. In 2019, 65.4% (n = 7,564) of patients were male. Across three subsamples of referrals, patient acceptance of continued recovery support services ranged from 74.8% to 83.0%. At affiliated hospitals in 2019, the median response time from referral to Recovery Specialist arrival at patient bedside was eight minutes (interquartile range = 4-16), and the median duration of initial bedside consultation was 35 minutes (interquartile range = 25-45). In 2019, Recovery Specialists and Patient Navigators attempted 113,442 follow-up contacts, and patients accepted 4,696 referrals provided by Patient Navigators to substance use disorder treatment and other medical, social, and recovery services and supports. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes peer recovery support services for substance use disorder delivered in emergency departments and inpatient settings. Evidence of improved patient outcomes is needed prior to widespread adoption.

Leadership in Healthcare: Transitioning From Clinical Professional to Healthcare Leader.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Clinical professionals may not have the necessary evidence-based knowledge regarding specific leadership styles to succeed in a leadership role. This article examines the various leadership styles that can be adopted by a clinical professional who transitions into a leadership role. The Path-Goal theory developed by Robert House in 1971 was used as the theoretical lens for this study. Twenty scholarly, peer-reviewed articles written in English and published between 2015 and 2020 were analyzed and synthesized to develop the findings. The findings showed that employee retention was positively associated with transformational and authentic leadership styles; organizational commitment was positively associated with transformational, transactional, and authentic leadership styles; and job satisfaction was positively associated with transformational and authentic leadership styles. In particular, a transformational leadership style demonstrated higher rates of employee retention and job satisfaction than did transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles. The authentic and transformational leadership styles each saw increased job satisfaction and commitment, but a correlation between the authentic leadership style and those benefits was less evident. Clinical professionals should apply the transformational leadership style to become effective leaders.

Therapeutic Potential of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) has established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but there is increasing evidence of its role in other inflammatory and immune-mediated conditions, like diabetes mellitus (DM). AAT activity is altered in both developing and established type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as well in established type 2 DM (T2DM). Augmentation therapy with AAT appears to favorably impact T1DM development in mice models and to affect ß-cell function and inflammation in humans with T1DM. The role of AAT in T2DM is less clear, but AAT activity appears to be reduced in T2DM. This article reviews these associations and emerging therapeutic strategies using AAT to treat DM.

Label-free optical biomarkers detect early calcific aortic valve disease in a wild-type mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) pathophysiology is a complex, multistage process, usually diagnosed at advanced stages after significant anatomical and hemodynamic changes in the valve. Early detection of disease progression is thus pivotal in the development of prevention and mitigation strategies. In this study, we developed a diet-based, non-genetically modified mouse model for early CAVD progression, and explored the utility of two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF) microscopy for early detection of CAVD progression. TPEF imaging provides label-free, non-invasive, quantitative metrics with the potential to correlate with multiple stages of CAVD pathophysiology including calcium deposition, collagen remodeling and osteogenic differentiation. METHODS: Twenty-week old C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control or pro-calcific diet for 16 weeks and monitored via echocardiography, histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative polarized light imaging. Additionally, TPEF imaging was used to quantify tissue autofluorescence (A) at 755 nm, 810 nm and 860 nm excitation, to calculate TPEF 755-860 ratio (A860/525/(A755/460 + A860/525)) and TPEF Collagen-Calcium ratio (A810/525/(A810/460 + A810/525)) in the murine valves. In a separate experiment, animals were fed the above diets till 28 weeks to assess for later-stage calcification. RESULTS: Pro-calcific mice showed evidence of lipid deposition at 4 weeks and calcification at 16 weeks at the valve commissures. The valves of pro-calcific mice also showed positive expression for markers of osteogenic differentiation, myofibroblast activation, proliferation, inflammatory cytokines and collagen remodeling. Pro-calcific mice exhibited lower TPEF autofluorescence ratios, at locations coincident with calcification, that correlated with increased collagen disorganization and positive expression of osteogenic markers. Additionally, locations with lower TPEF autofluorescence ratios at 4 and 16 weeks exhibited increased calcification at later 28-week timepoints. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the potential of TPEF autofluorescence metrics to serve as a label-free tool for early detection and monitoring of CAVD pathophysiology.

Phosphorylation of the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase ITCH diminishes binding to its cognate E2 ubiquitin ligase.

Heightened and extended inflammation underlies the pathogenesis of many disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, and inflammatory arthritis. Ubiquitin networks help dictate the strength and duration of inflammatory signaling. In innate immunity, the itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (ITCH)-A20 ubiquitin-editing complex inhibits receptor-interacting Ser/Thr kinase (RIPK) activation by removing Lys-63-linked polyubiquitinated chains from key proteins in the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The complex then attaches polyubiquitinated chains to these proteins to target them for lysosomal or proteasomal destruction. ITCH is phosphorylated and thereby inhibited by inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase subunit beta (IKKß) to fine-tune the inflammatory response to the strength of the offending signal. However, the biochemical mechanism by which E3 ubiquitination is impaired by IKK-driven phosphorylation remains unclear. Here, we report that this phosphorylation impedes ITCH binding to its cognate E2 ubiquitin ligase, UbcH7. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genetic knockout to mimic the ITCH-UbcH7-inhibited state, we further show that genetic UbcH7 deficiency phenocopies ITCH phosphorylation in regulating RIPK2 ubiquitination. We conclude that phosphorylation can disrupt the binding of an E3 ubiquitin ligase to an E2-conjugating enzyme, leading to prolonged inflammatory signaling. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E3 ubiquitin ligase phosphorylation inhibiting E3 ligase activity by impairing E2-E3 complex formation.

Redefining synchronous colorectal cancers based on tumor clonality.

To analyze the possible clonal origin of a part of Synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC), we studied 104 paired-SCRCs from 52 consecutive patients without hereditary forms of CRC. We used a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism array to characterize the genomic profiles, and subsequently used a statistical application to define them according to clonality within the same individual. We categorized the ensuing groups according to colonic location to identify differential phenotypes. The SCRC Monoclonal group (M) (19 cases) was divided into Monosegmental (MM) and Pancolonic (MP) groups. The SCRC Polyclonal group (P) (33 cases) was also divided into Monosegmental (PM) and Pancolonic (PP), the first exhibiting preference for left colon. The MM group showed a high rate of mucinous tumors, the lowest mean-number of tumors and associated-polyps, and the worst prognosis. The MP group included the largest mean-number of associated-polyps, best prognosis and familial cancer component. The PM group seemed to be a "frontier" group. Finally, the PP group also exhibited a mucin component, the highest mean-number of tumors (4.6) compared with the mean-number of polyps (7.7), poor prognosis and sporadic cases. Most relevant differential genomic regions within M groups were gains on 1q24 and 8q24, and deletions on 1p21 and 1p23 for MM, while within P were the gains on 7q36 and deletions on 1p36 for PM. The statistical application employed seems to define clonality more accurately in SCRC -more likely to be polyclonal in origin-, and together with the tumor locations, helped us to configure a classification with prognostic and clinical value.

Microbiota dispersion in the Uyuni salt flat (Bolivia) as determined by community structure analyses.

Soil microbial communities are an important component of biological diversity and terrestrial ecosystems which is responsible for processes such as decomposition, mineralization of nutrients, and accumulation of organic matter. One of the factors that provide information on the mechanisms regulating biodiversity is spatial scaling. We characterized the microbial communities using 16S rRNA gene sequences from DNA isolated from halite at various locations and correlated these to geographic distance in the Uyuni salt flat (Bolivia). Sequences from each site were analyzed to determine any spatial patterns of diversity, as well as to describe the microbial communities. Results suggest that different taxa are able to disperse over Uyuni's surface crust regardless of distance. As expected, ubiquitous taxa included members of Halobacteriaceae such as Haloarcula, Halorubrum, Halorhabdus, Halolamina, and halophilic bacteria Salinibacter, Halorhodospira, and unclassified members of the Gammaproteobacteria. Archaeal communities were homogeneous across the salt flat. In contrast, bacterial communities present strong local variations which could be attributed to external factors. Likely sources for these variations are the Rio Grande river influent in the south shore and the Tunupa volcano influencing the northern area.

Clinical and Molecular Comparative Study of Colorectal Cancer Based on Age-of-onset and Tumor Location: Two Main Criteria for Subclassifying Colorectal Cancer.

Our aim was to characterize and validate that the location and age of onset of the tumor are both important criteria to classify colorectal cancer (CRC). We analyzed clinical and molecular characteristics of early-onset CRC (EOCRC) and late-onset CRC (LOCRC), and we compared each tumor location between both ages-of-onset. In right-sided colon tumors, early-onset cases showed extensive Lynch syndrome (LS) features, with a relatively low frequency of chromosomal instability (CIN), but a high CpG island methylation phenotype. Nevertheless, late-onset cases showed predominantly sporadic features and microsatellite instability cases due to BRAF mutations. In left colon cancers, the most reliable clinical features were the tendency to develop polyps as well as multiple primary CRC associated with the late-onset subset. Apart from the higher degree of CIN in left-sided early-onset cancers, differential copy number alterations were also observed. Differences among rectal cancers showed that early-onset rectal cancers were diagnosed at later stages, had less association with polyps, and more than half of them were associated with a familial LS component. Stratifying CRC according to both location and age-of-onset criteria is meaningful, not only because it correlates the resulting categories with certain molecular bases, but with the confirmation across larger studies, new therapeutical algorithms could be defined according to this subclassification.

Translation system engineering in Escherichia coli enhances non-canonical amino acid incorporation into proteins.

The ability to site-specifically incorporate non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into proteins has made possible the study of protein structure and function in fundamentally new ways, as well as the bio synthesis of unnatural polymers. However, the task of site-specifically incorporating multiple ncAAs into proteins with high purity and yield continues to present a challenge. At the heart of this challenge lies the lower efficiency of engineered orthogonal translation system components compared to their natural counterparts (e.g., translation elements that specifically use a ncAA and do not interact with the cell's natural translation apparatus). Here, we show that evolving and tuning expression levels of multiple components of an engineered translation system together as a whole enhances ncAA incorporation efficiency. Specifically, we increase protein yield when incorporating multiple p-azido-phenylalanine(pAzF) residues into proteins by (i) evolving the Methanocaldococcus jannaschii p-azido-phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase anti-codon binding domain, (ii) evolving the elongation factor Tu amino acid-binding pocket, and (iii) tuning the expression of evolved translation machinery components in a single vector. Use of the evolved translation machinery in a genomically recoded organism lacking release factor one enabled enhanced multi-site ncAA incorporation into proteins. We anticipate that our approach to orthogonal translation system development will accelerate and expand our ability to site-specifically incorporate multiple ncAAs into proteins and biopolymers, advancing new horizons for synthetic and chemical biotechnology. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1074-1086. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cannabis and development of dual diagnoses: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: The use of cannabis has garnered more attention recently with ongoing efforts at marijuana legalization. The consequences of cannabis use are not clearly understood and remain a concern. OBJECTIVES: To review the acute and persistent effects of cannabis use and associations with psychiatric disorders. METHODS: Using Pubmed and PsychInfo, we conducted a narrative review of the literature on cannabis and psychiatric comorbidity using the keywords cannab*, marijuana, schizo*, psychosis, mood, depression, mania, bipolar, and anxiety. RESULTS: There is substantial evidence of cannabis use leading to other illicit drug use and of an association between cannabis use and psychosis. A few reports suggest an association with bipolar disorder while the association with depression and anxiety disorders is mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Whenever an association is observed between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders, the relationship is generally an adverse one. Age at the time of cannabis use appears to be an important factor with stronger associations observed between adolescent onset cannabis use and later onset of psychiatric disorders. Additional studies taking into account potential confounds (such as withdrawal symptoms, periods of abstinence, and other substance use) and moderators (such as age of initiation of cannabis use, the amount and frequency of drug use, prior history of childhood maltreatment, and gender) are needed to better understand the psychiatric consequences of cannabis use.

DNA copy number profiling reveals different patterns of chromosomal instability within colorectal cancer according to the age of onset.

Chromosomal instability resulting in copy number alterations is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, few studies have attempted to characterize the chromosomal changes occurring in early-onset CRC in order to compare them with those taking place within the more extensively studied late-onset CRC subset. Our aim was to characterize the genomic profiles of these two groups of colorectal tumors and to compare them to each other. Array comparative genomic hybridization profiling of 146 colorectal tumors (60 early-onset and 86 late-onset) in combination with an unsupervised analysis was used to define common and specific copy number alterations. We found a number of important differences between the chromosomal instability profiles of each age subset. Thus, losses at 1p36, 1p12, 1q21, 9p13, 14q11, 16p13, and 16p12 were significantly more frequent in younger patients, whereas gains at 7q11 and 7q22 were more frequent in older patients. Moreover, the unsupervised analysis stratified the tumors into two clusters, each one of which was enriched in patients from one of the age subsets. Our findings confirm the existence of substantial differences between the chromosomal instability profiles of the two groups which are more important from a qualitative point of view. Further studies are needed to understand the clinicopathological implications of these dissimilarities.

Synaptic failure and α-synuclein.

Although the physiological function of α-synuclein is not fully understood, it has been suggested to primarily localize to the presynaptic terminals of mature neurons, where it fulfills roles in synaptic function and plasticity. Based on current knowledge, α-synuclein (αSYN) is thought to be involved in maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis by regulating synaptic vesicle fusion, clustering, and trafficking between the reserve and ready-releasable pools, as well as interacting with neurotransmitter membrane transporters. In this review, we focus on evidence proposing synapses as the main site of αSYN pathology and its propagation in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, which belong to a group of neurodegenerative diseases known as α-synucleinopathies. We provide an overview of the evidence supporting presynaptic dysfunction as the primary event in the pathogenesis of these conditions.

MAP2K3 is associated with body mass index in American Indians and Caucasians and may mediate hypothalamic inflammation.

To identify genes that affect body mass index (BMI) in American Indians who are predominately of Pima Indian heritage, we previously completed a genome-wide association study in 1120 American Indians. That study also included follow-up genotyping for 9 SNPs in 2133 additional subjects. A comprehensive follow-up study has subsequently been completed where 292 SNPs were genotyped in 3562 subjects, of which 128 SNPs were assessed for replication in 3238 additional subjects. In the combined subjects (n = 6800), BMI associations for two SNPs, rs12882548 and rs11652094, approached genome-wide significance (P = 6.7 × 10(-7) and 8.1 × 10(-7), respectively). Rs12882548 is located in a gene desert on chromosome 14 and rs11652094 maps near MAP2K3. Several SNPs in the MAP2K3 region including rs11652094 were also associated with BMI in Caucasians from the GIANT consortium (P = 10(-2)-10(-5)), and the combined P-values across both American Indians and Caucasian were P = 10(-4)-10(-9). Follow-up sequencing across MAP2K3 identified several paralogous sequence variants indicating that the region may have been duplicated. MAP2K3 expression levels in adipose tissue biopsies were positively correlated with BMI, although it is unclear if this correlation is a cause or effect. In vitro studies with cloned MAP2K3 promoters suggest that MAP2K3 expression may be up-regulated during adipogenesis. Microarray analyses of mouse hypothalamus cells expressing constitutively active MAP2K3 identified several up-regulated genes involved in immune/inflammatory pathways and a gene, Hap1, thought to play a role in appetite regulation. We conclude that MAP2K3 is a reproducible obesity locus that may affect body weight via complex mechanisms involving appetite regulation and hypothalamic inflammation.

Role of Toll-like receptor-4 in renal graft ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) has been increasingly recognized as playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) of renal grafts. This review provides a detailed overview of the new understanding of the involvement of TLR-4 in ischemia-reperfusion injury of renal grafts and its clinical significance in renal transplantation. TLR-4 not only responds to exogenous microbial motifs but can also recognize molecules which are released by stressed and necrotic cells, as well as degraded products of endogenous macromolecules. Upregulation of TLR-4 is found in tubular epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, and infiltrating leukocytes during renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is induced by massive release of endogenous damage-associated molecular pattern molecules such as high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1. Activation of TLR-4 promotes the release of proinflammatory mediators, facilitates leukocyte migration and infiltration, activates the innate and adaptive immune system, and potentiates renal fibrosis. TLR-4 inhibition serves as the target of pharmacological agents, which could attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury and associated delayed graft function and allograft rejection. There is evidence in the literature showing that targeting TLR-4 could improve long-term transplantation outcomes. Given the pivotal role of TLR-4 in ischemia-reperfusion injury and associated delayed graft function and allograft rejection, inhibition of TLR-4 using pharmacological agents could be beneficial for long-term graft survival.

Does genital herpes symptom history predict herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody positivity?

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with genital ulcer disease due to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality. Serologic screening for HSV-2 is recommended only for individuals with genital herpes symptom history. However, no validated symptom screening tool currently exists. METHODS: Currently asymptomatic adults presenting for routine care at STI clinics in Lima, Peru completed a survey of prior genital herpes symptoms and received HSV-2 serological testing with the Euroimmun Anti-HSV-2 (gG2) ELISA IgG (Lubeck, Germany). A sub-sample of indeterminate results were sent for Western blot confirmatory testing. We assessed associations between past symptoms and anti-HSV-2 positivity and corrected the HSV-2 prevalence by re-classifying indeterminates per Western Blot results. RESULTS: We enrolled 131 participants between July and October 2022. HSV-2 antibody test results found 21.4% positive, 41.2% indeterminate, and 37.4% negative. Excluding indeterminate results, 36.4% were positive. Of participants with no prior symptoms 31.2% tested positive, compared to 35.7% with one prior symptom, 50.0% with 2, and 50.0% with 3+ prior symptoms. Among the sub-sample of indeterminates, 92.6% were confirmed positive by Western Blot, bringing the total estimated proportion of participants with HSV-2 antibodies to 59.5%. Either based on the original classification of HSV-2 antibody status or after incorporation of confirmatory testing results, there was no significant association between symptom history and HSV-2 antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS: With currently available tests, recommendations to screen individuals based on genital herpes symptom history may not be useful. More discriminatory symptom screening tools or HSV-2 antibody tests with better performance are needed.

Ocular Surface Characteristics in Pugs with Pigmentary Keratitis in the Canary Islands, Spain.

This study investigated the prevalence of pigmentary keratitis (PK) in Pug-breed dogs and described the ocular surface characteristics associated with this disease. A total of 219 eyes from 110 dogs were examined, with 94.5% of them affected by PK. Age, previous ocular diseases, corneal vascularization, and corneal sensitivity were significantly associated with the presence of PF and the severity of corneal pigmentation. The study also found that low tear production and blinks incomplete with tear signs, as well as reduced corneal sensitivity, were linked to more severe forms of corneal pigmentation. The Tear Ferning Test (TFT) was identified as a valuable tool for evaluating tear quality in dogs, with worse test results indicating a higher risk of severe PK. A lower mean Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) test was observed in dogs with PK. Additionally, the study observed a statistically significant difference in corneal thickness between the nasal and temporal zones, with the nasal zone being thicker. It was also suggested that sex and fertility status may influence the incidence of PK and the severity of corneal pigmentation. Overall, these findings provide insight into the underlying causes of PK in Pugs and can inform future treatment strategies for this breed.

Ethnoracial Disparities in Perinatal Outcomes among Women Veterans.

Objective: Non-Hispanic Black women have increased rates of preterm birth and low infant birth weight. However, we do not know if these disparities replicate in women veterans, a population that may be at further risk for poor perinatal outcomes. This study sought to examine ethnoracial differences in preterm birth and low infant birth weight in veterans. Methods: A national sample of randomly chosen women veterans (i.e., oversampled for residency in high crime neighborhoods) reported information about all pregnancies they have had in their life, demographic characteristics, and history of childhood trauma exposures. The analytic sample was limited to individuals who identified as Hispanic/Latinx, Black, or White (n = 972). Mixed-effects regression models were used to examine ethnoracial differences in gestational age at delivery and infant birth weight, controlling for age at pregnancy, childhood trauma exposure, pregnancy during military service, income, and education. Results: Both Black and Hispanic/Latinx veterans were significantly more likely to have an infant born at lower gestational age (B = -1.04 and B = -1.11, respectively) and lower infant birth weight (B = -195.83 and B = -144.27, respectively) as compared with White veterans in covariate-adjusted models. Black (odds ratio = 3.24, confidence interval = 1.16, 9.09) veterans were more likely to meet the clinical definition of preterm birth as compared with White veterans. Conclusions: Results align with what is seen in the general population regarding ethnoracial disparities in gestational age at delivery and infant birth weight. Findings highlight the critical need for more research on mechanisms and prevention efforts for ethnoracial disparities in perinatal outcomes.