Transgenic ferret models define pulmonary ionocyte diversity and function.

Speciation leads to adaptive changes in organ cellular physiology and creates challenges for studying rare cell-type functions that diverge between humans and mice. Rare cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-rich pulmonary ionocytes exist throughout the cartilaginous airways of humans1,2, but limited presence and divergent biology in the proximal trachea of mice has prevented the use of traditional transgenic models to elucidate ionocyte functions in the airway. Here we describe the creation and use of conditional genetic ferret models to dissect pulmonary ionocyte biology and function by enabling ionocyte lineage tracing (FOXI1-CreERT2::ROSA-TG), ionocyte ablation (FOXI1-KO) and ionocyte-specific deletion of CFTR (FOXI1-CreERT2::CFTRL/L). By comparing these models with cystic fibrosis ferrets3,4, we demonstrate that ionocytes control airway surface liquid absorption, secretion, pH and mucus viscosity-leading to reduced airway surface liquid volume and impaired mucociliary clearance in cystic fibrosis, FOXI1-KO and FOXI1-CreERT2::CFTRL/L ferrets. These processes are regulated by CFTR-dependent ionocyte transport of Cl- and HCO3-. Single-cell transcriptomics and in vivo lineage tracing revealed three subtypes of pulmonary ionocytes and a FOXI1-lineage common rare cell progenitor for ionocytes, tuft cells and neuroendocrine cells during airway development. Thus, rare pulmonary ionocytes perform critical CFTR-dependent functions in the proximal airway that are hallmark features of cystic fibrosis airway disease. These studies provide a road map for using conditional genetics in the first non-rodent mammal to address gene function, cell biology and disease processes that have greater evolutionary conservation between humans and ferrets.

Decoding the Human Face: Progress and Challenges in Understanding the Genetics of Craniofacial Morphology.

Variations in the form of the human face, which plays a role in our individual identities and societal interactions, have fascinated scientists and artists alike. Here, we review our current understanding of the genetics underlying variation in craniofacial morphology and disease-associated dysmorphology, synthesizing decades of progress on Mendelian syndromes in addition to more recent results from genome-wide association studies of human facial shape and disease risk. We also discuss the various approaches used to phenotype and quantify facial shape, which are of particular importance due to the complex, multipartite nature of the craniofacial form. We close by discussing how experimental studies have contributed and will further contribute to our understanding of human genetic variation and then proposing future directions and applications for the field.

Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol access, adherence and adverse event in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Experience at one center in the United States.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (PB-TURSO) was recently approved for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Third-party payors' coverage policies are evolving, and adverse events are just being fully assessed. The goals of this study were to evaluate patients' experiences in obtaining and continuing PB-TURSO and assess adverse events and medication adherence. METHODS: Medical records of 109 ALS patients who were considered PB-TURSO candidates by the treating physician at a tertiary ALS clinic from October 2022 to May 2023 were reviewed. Data was recorded for demographics, clinical, and insurance information. A survey was e-mailed to patients asking about out-of-pocket expenses for PB-TURSO, financial assistance, medication start and (if applicable) stop dates, and reasons for discontinuation. RESULTS: Insurance information was available for 91 patients [57 males (62%); mean age 64.8 years (range 25.7-88)]. Of 79 who applied for insurance approval, 71 (90%) were approved; however, 19 required 1-3 appeals. Among 73 patients with available data about medication status, 54 started PB-TURSO and 19 did not, most commonly due to personal choice or out-of-pocket expenses. About 44% of patients (24/54) stopped taking PB-TURSO, primarily due to adverse events. Monthly out-of-pocket expenses varied from $0 to $3500 and 36 patients qualified for financial assistance. Administrative and nursing staff devoted 7.2 hours/week to the insurance authorization process. DISCUSSION: Most patients received insurance approval for PB-TURSO, but one-fourth required appeals. Some out-of-pocket costs were very high. Investment of staff time was substantial. These findings have implications for insurance coverage of, and adherence to, future ALS treatments.

3D facial phenotyping by biometric sibling matching used in contemporary genomic methodologies.

The analysis of contemporary genomic data typically operates on one-dimensional phenotypic measurements (e.g. standing height). Here we report on a data-driven, family-informed strategy to facial phenotyping that searches for biologically relevant traits and reduces multivariate 3D facial shape variability into amendable univariate measurements, while preserving its structurally complex nature. We performed a biometric identification of siblings in a sample of 424 children, defining 1,048 sib-shared facial traits. Subsequent quantification and analyses in an independent European cohort (n = 8,246) demonstrated significant heritability for a subset of traits (0.17-0.53) and highlighted 218 genome-wide significant loci (38 also study-wide) associated with facial variation shared by siblings. These loci showed preferential enrichment for active chromatin marks in cranial neural crest cells and embryonic craniofacial tissues and several regions harbor putative craniofacial genes, thereby enhancing our knowledge on the genetic architecture of normal-range facial variation.

Genome scans of facial features in East Africans and cross-population comparisons reveal novel associations.

Facial morphology is highly variable, both within and among human populations, and a sizable portion of this variation is attributable to genetics. Previous genome scans have revealed more than 100 genetic loci associated with different aspects of normal-range facial variation. Most of these loci have been detected in Europeans, with few studies focusing on other ancestral groups. Consequently, the degree to which facial traits share a common genetic basis across diverse sets of humans remains largely unknown. We therefore investigated the genetic basis of facial morphology in an East African cohort. We applied an open-ended data-driven phenotyping approach to a sample of 2,595 3D facial images collected on Tanzanian children. This approach segments the face into hierarchically arranged, multivariate features that capture the shape variation after adjusting for age, sex, height, weight, facial size and population stratification. Genome scans of these multivariate shape phenotypes revealed significant (p < 2.5 × 10-8) signals at 20 loci, which were enriched for active chromatin elements in human cranial neural crest cells and embryonic craniofacial tissue, consistent with an early developmental origin of the facial variation. Two of these associations were in highly conserved regions showing craniofacial-specific enhancer activity during embryological development (5q31.1 and 12q21.31). Six of the 20 loci surpassed a stricter threshold accounting for multiple phenotypes with study-wide significance (p < 6.25 × 10-10). Cross-population comparisons indicated 10 association signals were shared with Europeans (seven sharing the same associated SNP), and facilitated fine-mapping of causal variants at previously reported loci. Taken together, these results may point to both shared and population-specific components to the genetic architecture of facial variation.

Confronting Adversity: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Receiving Difficult News in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE: In neonatal intensive care, the communication of difficult news can have lingering repercussions throughout the lives of those receiving such information. Uncertainty and stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively influence this sensitive yet essential communication process. PURPOSE: To analyze the communication of difficult news during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of parents of newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive research study was completed in a hospital in Brazil. Individual and semistructured interviews were conducted with 21 parents of newborns hospitalized in an intensive care unit and submitted to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were built: "Tools and strategies to manage difficult news," "What makes difficult news hard to listen," and "The importance of being prepared to receive difficult news." When comparing these findings with prepandemic literature, the COVID-19 period changed communication dynamics, including coping tools and altered family dynamics. Additionally, assessing healthcare providers' positive and negative behaviors by parents could clarify essential skills to support the family's hospitalization process during a crisis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Applying and investing in skills training such as spirituality assessment, providing clear and straightforward information, and empathy can reduce the impact of difficult news and, thus, requires both recognition and action from healthcare professionals. Knowing some of the effects COVID-19 had on the communication process for parents with critically ill infants, healthcare providers can better prepare themselves for communication in several scenarios and establish successful interactions.

ILIAD: a suite of automated Snakemake workflows for processing genomic data for downstream applications.

BACKGROUND: Processing raw genomic data for downstream applications such as imputation, association studies, and modeling requires numerous third-party bioinformatics software tools. It is highly time-consuming and resource-intensive with computational demands and storage limitations that pose significant challenges that increase cost. The use of software tools independent of one another, in a disjointed stepwise fashion, increases the difficulty and sets forth higher error rates because of fragmented job executions in alignment, variant calling, and/or build conversion complications. As sequencing data availability grows, the ability for biologists to process it using stable, automated, and reproducible workflows is paramount as it significantly reduces the time to generate clean and reliable data. RESULTS: The Iliad suite of genomic data workflows was developed to provide users with seamless file transitions from raw genomic data to a quality-controlled variant call format (VCF) file for downstream applications. Iliad benefits from the efficiency of the Snakemake best practices framework coupled with Singularity and Docker containers for repeatability, portability, and ease of installation. This feat is accomplished from the onset with download acquisitions of any raw data type (FASTQ, CRAM, IDAT) straight through to the generation of a clean merged data file that can combine any user-preferred datasets using robust programs such as BWA, Samtools, and BCFtools. Users can customize and direct their workflow with one straightforward configuration file. Iliad is compatible with Linux, MacOS, and Windows platforms and scalable from a local machine to a high-performance computing cluster. CONCLUSION: Iliad offers automated workflows with optimized time and resource management that are comparable to other workflows available but generates analysis-ready VCF files from the most common datatypes using a single command. The storage footprint challenge of genomic data is overcome by utilizing temporary intermediate files before the final VCF is generated. This file is ready for use in imputation, genome-wide association study (GWAS) pipelines, high-throughput population genetics studies, select gene candidate studies, and more. Iliad was developed to be portable, compatible, scalable, robust, and repeatable with a simplistic setup, so biologists that are less familiar with programming can manage their own big data with this open-source suite of workflows.

Using data-driven phenotyping to investigate the impact of sex on 3D human facial surface morphology.

The effects of sex on human facial morphology have been widely documented. Because sexual dimorphism is relevant to a variety of scientific and applied disciplines, it is imperative to have a complete and accurate account of how and where male and female faces differ. We apply a comprehensive facial phenotyping strategy to a large set of existing 3D facial surface images. We investigate facial sexual dimorphism in terms of size, shape, and shape variance. We also assess the ability to correctly assign sex based on shape, both for the whole face and for subregions. We applied a predefined data-driven segmentation to partition the 3D facial surfaces of 2446 adults into 63 hierarchically linked regions, ranging from global (whole face) to highly localized subparts. Each facial region was then analyzed with spatially dense geometric morphometrics. To describe the major modes of shape variation, principal components analysis was applied to the Procrustes aligned 3D points comprising each of the 63 facial regions. Both nonparametric and permutation-based statistics were then used to quantify the facial size and shape differences and visualizations were generated. Males were significantly larger than females for all 63 facial regions. Statistically significant sex differences in shape were also seen in all regions and the effects tended to be more pronounced for the upper lip and forehead, with more subtle changes emerging as the facial regions became more granular. Males also showed greater levels of shape variance, with the largest effect observed for the central forehead. Classification accuracy was highest for the full face (97%), while most facial regions showed an accuracy of 75% or greater. In summary, sex differences in both size and shape were present across every part of the face. By breaking the face into subparts, some shape differences emerged that were not apparent when analyzing the face as a whole. The increase in facial shape variance suggests possible evolutionary origins and may offer insights for understanding congenital facial malformations. Our classification results indicate that a high degree of accuracy is possible with only parts of the face, which may have implications for biometrics applications.

Gazing at translocation in the mitochondrion.

Most mitochondrial proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and imported into the mitochondrion via molecular machines called translocons on the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. Alder et al. (2008b) examine protein translocation into intact mitochondria by adapting fluorescent techniques first used to study translocation in the endoplasmic reticulum.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Pulse Checks in Pediatric Cardiac Arrest: Two Illustrative Cases.

ABSTRACT: Cardiac arrest is an infrequent but high-stakes scenario in pediatrics. Manual central pulse checks are unreliable. Point-of-care ultrasound is a noninvasive technique to visualize the heart and central vessels during resuscitation. We describe 2 cases in which point-of-care ultrasound helped aid management decisions in pediatric cardiac arrest.

Real-time tissue perfusion assessment using fluorescence imaging topography scanning system: A preclinical investigation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We previously developed a real-time fluorescence imaging topography scanning (RFITS) system for intraoperative multimodal imaging, image-guided surgery, and dynamic surgical navigation. The RFITS can capture intraoperative fluorescence, color reflectance, and surface topography concurrently and offers accurate registration of multimodal images. The RFITS prototype is a promising system for multimodal image guidance and intuitive 3D visualization. In the current study, we investigated the capability of the RFITS system in intraoperative fluorescence vascular angiography for real-time assessment of tissue perfusion. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted ex vivo imaging of fluorescence perfusion in a soft casting life-sized human brain phantom. Indocyanine green (ICG) solutions diluted in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and human serum were injected into the brain phantom through the vessel simulating tube (2 ± 0.2 mm inner diameter) by an adjustable flow peristaltic pump. To demonstrate the translational potential of the system, an ICG/DMSO solution was perfused into blood vessels of freshly harvested porcine ears (n = 9, inner diameter from 0.56 to 1.27 mm). We subsequently performed in vivo imaging of fluorescence-perfused vascular structures in rodent models (n = 10). 5 mg/ml ICG solutions prepared in sterile water were injected via the lateral tail vein. All targets were imaged by the RFITS prototype at a working distance of 350-400 mm. RESULTS: 3D visualization of 10 µg/ml ICG-labeled continuous moving serum in the brain phantom was obtained at an average signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of 1.74 ± 0.03. The system was able to detect intravenously diffused fluorescence in porcine tissues with an average SBR of 2.23 ± 0.22. The RFITS prototype provided real-time monitoring of tissue perfusion in rats after intravenous (IV) administration of ICG. The maximum fluorescence intensity (average SBR = 1.94 ± 0.16, p < 0.001) was observed at Tpeak of ~30 seconds after the ICG signal was first detected (average SBR = 1.19 ± 0.13, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We have conducted preclinical studies to demonstrate the feasibility of applying the RFITS system in real-time fluorescence angiography and tissue perfusion assessment. Our system provides fluorescence/color composite images for intuitive visualization of tissue perfusion with 3D perception. The findings pave the way for future clinical translation.

Determining the need for a breast cancer awareness educational intervention for women with mild/moderate levels of intellectual disability: A qualitative descriptive study.

OBJECTIVE: Following a review of the existing body of literature, this study aimed to explore the need for a breast cancer awareness intervention specifically targeted at women with mild/moderate levels of intellectual disability (ID) and provide perspectives on the preferred processes and content underpinning an intervention. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive design using semi-structured, individual (n = 5) and focus group (n = 5) interviews were used to engage with a non-probability, purposive sample of key stakeholders (n = 25) including women with mild/moderate levels of ID, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Findings highlighted that an educational intervention should focus on breast awareness as opposed to breast cancer awareness. Additionally, findings identified that a combined breast awareness and healthy living intervention could be effective. However, the intervention needs to have a multimodal, hands-on, person-centred approach to learning which is underpinned by theory. Furthermore, integrating the caregivers and healthcare professionals into the intervention is recommended. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study provide a foundation for developing and implementing a theoretically underpinned, multimodal, breast awareness and healthy living educational intervention for women with mild/moderate levels of ID.

A Telehealth Initiative to Decrease No-Show Rates in a Pediatric Asthma Mobile Clinic.

BACKGROUND/PROBLEM: Failed patient care appointments (no-shows) can lead to negative patient health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. There is evidence that telehealth is a safe, effective, and a cost-efficient option for those unable to attend in-person visits. No-show rates in pediatrics are unique due to reliance on caregivers to attend appointments. A pediatric asthma mobile van, which provides specialty care to children at schools in low-income communities in Chicago, was experiencing a high no-show rate. METHODS/INTERVENTIONS: Building on evidence that the use of telehealth technology improves access to care, the purpose of this quality improvement initiative was to implement a new telehealth option for off-site parents to attend their child's on-site appointment. The designed initiative followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act model with three small phases of change. The first phase assessed telehealth interest using a Likert-scale questionnaire. The second phase designed and implemented a telehealth option and collected no-show rates pre- and post- implementation. The final phase assessed parental satisfaction using a Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. RESULTS: Over 50% of participants stated interest in the parent off-site telehealth option for their child's appointment. No-show rates decreased from 36% to 7.9%-18% per month over a 10-month implementation period. Post-telehealth surveys completed by parents revealed this version of telehealth improved access to care for their child, saved them time, and was simple to use. CONCLUSION: No-show rates decreased after successful implementation of an innovative approach to telehealth. This parent off-site telehealth model can be another approach toward increasing pediatric healthcare access.

Defining breast cancer awareness and identifying barriers to breast cancer awareness for women with an intellectual disability: A review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence rates for developing breast cancer are similar for women regardless of intellectual ability. However, women with an intellectual disability present with advanced breast cancers, which often have a poor prognosis. METHOD: A structured narrative review of the literature was performed to explore the concepts of breast awareness and breast cancer awareness and subsequently, identify barriers to breast cancer awareness encountered by women with an intellectual disability. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies involving people with varying levels of intellectual disability informed this review. The barriers to breast cancer awareness encountered by women with an intellectual disability include: lack of their understanding, the role of the carer and literacy issues. CONCLUSION: Identifying the barriers to breast cancer awareness for women with an intellectual disability will help to facilitate breast cancer awareness which has the potential to result in better long-term outcomes through an early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies identifies 8 novel loci involved in shape variation of human head hair.

Shape variation of human head hair shows striking variation within and between human populations, while its genetic basis is far from being understood. We performed a series of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and replication studies in a total of 28 964 subjects from 9 cohorts from multiple geographic origins. A meta-analysis of three European GWASs identified 8 novel loci (1p36.23 ERRFI1/SLC45A1, 1p36.22 PEX14, 1p36.13 PADI3, 2p13.3 TGFA, 11p14.1 LGR4, 12q13.13 HOXC13, 17q21.2 KRTAP, and 20q13.33 PTK6), and confirmed 4 previously known ones (1q21.3 TCHH/TCHHL1/LCE3E, 2q35 WNT10A, 4q21.21 FRAS1, and 10p14 LINC00708/GATA3), all showing genome-wide significant association with hair shape (P < 5e-8). All except one (1p36.22 PEX14) were replicated with nominal significance in at least one of the 6 additional cohorts of European, Native American and East Asian origins. Three additional previously known genes (EDAR, OFCC1, and PRSS53) were confirmed at the nominal significance level. A multivariable regression model revealed that 14 SNPs from different genes significantly and independently contribute to hair shape variation, reaching a cross-validated AUC value of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62-0.70) and an AUC value of 0.64 in an independent validation cohort, providing an improved accuracy compared with a previous model. Prediction outcomes of 2504 individuals from a multiethnic sample were largely consistent with general knowledge on the global distribution of hair shape variation. Our study thus delivers target genes and DNA variants for future functional studies to further evaluate the molecular basis of hair shape in humans.

Hayes Yard virus: a novel ephemerovirus isolated from a bull with severe clinical signs of bovine ephemeral fever is most closely related to Puchong virus.

Bovine ephemeral fever is a vector-borne disease of ruminants that occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. The disease is caused by a rhabdovirus, bovine ephemeral fever virus (BEFV), which occurs as a single serotype globally. Although several other closely related ephemeroviruses have been isolated from cattle and/or arthropods, only kotonkan virus from Nigeria and (tentatively) Mavingoni virus from Mayotte Island in the Indian Ocean have been previously associated with febrile disease. Here, we report the isolation of a novel virus (Hayes Yard virus; HYV) from blood collected in February 2000 from a bull (Bos indicus) in the Northern Territory of Australia. The animal was suffering from a severe ephemeral fever-like illness with neurological involvement, including recumbency and paralysis, and was euthanised. Histological examination of spinal cord and lung tissue identified extensive haemorrhage in the dura mata with moderate perineuronal oedema and extensive emphysema. HYV displayed cone-shaped morphology, typical of rhabdoviruses, and was found to be most closely related antigenically to Puchong virus (PUCV), isolated in 1965 from mosquitoes in Malaysia. Analysis of complete genome sequences of HYV (15 025 nt) and PUCV (14 932 nt) indicated that each has a complex organisation (3' N-P-M-G-GNS-α1-α2-ß-γ-L 5') and expression strategy, similar to that of BEFV. Based on an alignment of complete L protein sequences, HYV and PUCV cluster with other rhabdoviruses in the genus Ephemerovirus and appear to represent two new species. Neutralising antibody to HYV was also detected in a retrospective survey of cattle sera collected in the Northern Territory.

The Evolution of Duplicated Genes of the Cpi-17/Phi-1 (ppp1r14) Family of Protein Phosphatase 1 Inhibitors in Teleosts.

The Cpi-17 (ppp1r14) gene family is an evolutionarily conserved, vertebrate specific group of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitors. When phosphorylated, Cpi-17 is a potent inhibitor of myosin phosphatase (MP), a holoenzyme complex of the regulatory subunit Mypt1 and the catalytic subunit PP1. Myosin phosphatase dephosphorylates the regulatory myosin light chain (Mlc2) and promotes actomyosin relaxation, which in turn, regulates numerous cellular processes including smooth muscle contraction, cytokinesis, cell motility, and tumor cell invasion. We analyzed zebrafish homologs of the Cpi-17 family, to better understand the mechanisms of myosin phosphatase regulation. We found single homologs of both Kepi (ppp1r14c) and Gbpi (ppp1r14d) in silico, but we detected no expression of these genes during early embryonic development. Cpi-17 (ppp1r14a) and Phi-1 (ppp1r14b) each had two duplicate paralogs, (ppp1r14aa and ppp1r14ab) and (ppp1r14ba and ppp1r14bb), which were each expressed during early development. The spatial expression pattern of these genes has diverged, with ppp1r14aa and ppp1r14bb expressed primarily in smooth muscle and skeletal muscle, respectively, while ppp1r14ab and ppp1r14ba are primarily expressed in neural tissue. We observed that, in in vitro and heterologous cellular systems, the Cpi-17 paralogs both acted as potent myosin phosphatase inhibitors, and were indistinguishable from one another. In contrast, the two Phi-1 paralogs displayed weak myosin phosphatase inhibitory activity in vitro, and did not alter myosin phosphorylation in cells. Through deletion and chimeric analysis, we identified that the difference in specificity for myosin phosphatase between Cpi-17 and Phi-1 was encoded by the highly conserved PHIN (phosphatase holoenzyme inhibitory) domain, and not the more divergent N- and C- termini. We also showed that either Cpi-17 paralog can rescue the knockdown phenotype, but neither Phi-1 paralog could do so. Thus, we provide new evidence about the biochemical and developmental distinctions of the zebrafish Cpi-17 protein family.

Odyssey: a semi-automated pipeline for phasing, imputation, and analysis of genome-wide genetic data.

BACKGROUND: Genome imputation, admixture resolution and genome-wide association analyses are timely and computationally intensive processes with many composite and requisite steps. Analysis time increases further when building and installing the run programs required for these analyses. For scientists that may not be as versed in programing language, but want to perform these operations hands on, there is a lengthy learning curve to utilize the vast number of programs available for these analyses. RESULTS: In an effort to streamline the entire process with easy-to-use steps for scientists working with big data, the Odyssey pipeline was developed. Odyssey is a simplified, efficient, semi-automated genome-wide imputation and analysis pipeline, which prepares raw genetic data, performs pre-imputation quality control, phasing, imputation, post-imputation quality control, population stratification analysis, and genome-wide association with statistical data analysis, including result visualization. Odyssey is a pipeline that integrates programs such as PLINK, SHAPEIT, Eagle, IMPUTE, Minimac, and several R packages, to create a seamless, easy-to-use, and modular workflow controlled via a single user-friendly configuration file. Odyssey was built with compatibility in mind, and thus utilizes the Singularity container solution, which can be run on Linux, MacOS, and Windows platforms. It is also easily scalable from a simple desktop to a High-Performance System (HPS). CONCLUSION: Odyssey facilitates efficient and fast genome-wide association analysis automation and can go from raw genetic data to genome: phenome association visualization and analyses results in 3-8 h on average, depending on the input data, choice of programs within the pipeline and available computer resources. Odyssey was built to be flexible, portable, compatible, scalable, and easy to setup. Biologists less familiar with programing can now work hands on with their own big data using this easy-to-use pipeline.

Enhancing the Efficacy of Melanocortin 1 Receptor-Targeted Radiotherapy by Pharmacologically Upregulating the Receptor in Metastatic Melanoma.

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is under investigation as a target for drug delivery for metastatic melanoma therapy and imaging. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of using BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to enhance the delivery of MC1R-targeted radiolabeled peptide ([212Pb]DOTA-MC1L) by pharmacologically upregulating the MC1R expression in metastatic melanoma cells and tumors. MC1R expression was analyzed in de-identified melanoma biopsies by immunohistochemical staining. Upregulation of MC1R expression was determined in BRAFV600E cells (A2058) and BRAF wild-type melanoma cells (MEWO) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and receptor-ligand binding assays. The role of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in the upregulation of MC1R was also examined in A2058 and MEWO cells. The effectiveness of [212Pb]DOTA-MC1L α-particle radiotherapy in combination with BRAFi and/or HDACi was determined in athymic nu/nu mice bearing A2058 and MEWO human melanoma xenografts. High expression of MC1R was observed in situ in clinical melanoma biopsies. BRAFi and HDACi significantly increased the MC1R expression (up to 10-fold in mRNA and 4-fold in protein levels) via MITF-dependent pathways, and this increase led to enhanced ligand binding on the cell surface. Inhibition of MITF expression antagonized the upregulation of MC1R in both BRAFV600E and BRAFWT cells. Combining [212Pb]DOTA-MC1L with BRAFi and/or HDACi improved the tumor response by increasing the delivery of 212Pb α-particle emissions to melanoma tumors via augmented MC1R expression. These data suggest that FDA-approved HDACi and BRAFi could improve the effectiveness of MC1R-targeted therapies by enhancing drug delivery via upregulated MC1R.

Musclin is an activity-stimulated myokine that enhances physical endurance.

Exercise remains the most effective way to promote physical and metabolic wellbeing, but molecular mechanisms underlying exercise tolerance and its plasticity are only partially understood. In this study we identify musclin-a peptide with high homology to natriuretic peptides (NP)-as an exercise-responsive myokine that acts to enhance exercise capacity in mice. We use human primary myoblast culture and in vivo murine models to establish that the activity-related production of musclin is driven by Ca(2+)-dependent activation of Akt1 and the release of musclin-encoding gene (Ostn) transcription from forkhead box O1 transcription factor inhibition. Disruption of Ostn and elimination of musclin secretion in mice results in reduced exercise tolerance that can be rescued by treatment with recombinant musclin. Reduced exercise capacity in mice with disrupted musclin signaling is associated with a trend toward lower levels of plasma atrial NP (ANP) and significantly smaller levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α in skeletal muscles after exposure to exercise. Furthermore, in agreement with the established musclin ability to interact with NP clearance receptors, but not with NP guanyl cyclase-coupled signaling receptors, we demonstrate that musclin enhances cGMP production in cultured myoblasts only when applied together with ANP. Elimination of the activity-related musclin-dependent boost of ANP/cGMP signaling results in significantly lower maximum aerobic capacity, mitochondrial protein content, respiratory complex protein expression, and succinate dehydrogenase activity in skeletal muscles. Together, these data indicate that musclin enhances physical endurance by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.