West Nile virus spread in Europe: Phylogeographic pattern analysis and key drivers.

BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks in birds, humans, and livestock have occurred in multiple areas in Europe and have had a significant impact on animal and human health. The patterns of emergence and spread of WNV in Europe are very different from those in the US and understanding these are important for guiding preparedness activities. METHODS: We mapped the evolution and spread history of WNV in Europe by incorporating viral genome sequences and epidemiological data into phylodynamic models. Spatially explicit phylogeographic models were developed to explore the possible contribution of different drivers to viral dispersal direction and velocity. A "skygrid-GLM" approach was used to identify how changes in environments would predict viral genetic diversity variations over time. FINDINGS: Among the six lineages found in Europe, WNV-2a (a sub-lineage of WNV-2) has been predominant (accounting for 73% of all sequences obtained in Europe that have been shared in the public domain) and has spread to at least 14 countries. In the past two decades, WNV-2a has evolved into two major co-circulating clusters, both originating from Central Europe, but with distinct dynamic history and transmission patterns. WNV-2a spreads at a high dispersal velocity (88km/yr-215 km/yr) which is correlated to bird movements. Notably, amongst multiple drivers that could affect the spread of WNV, factors related to land use were found to strongly influence the spread of WNV. Specifically, the intensity of agricultural activities (defined by factors related to crops and livestock production, such as coverage of cropland, pasture, cultivated and managed vegetation, livestock density) were positively associated with both spread direction and velocity. In addition, WNV spread direction was associated with high coverage of wetlands and migratory bird flyways. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that-in addition to ecological conditions favouring bird- and mosquito- presence-agricultural land use may be a significant driver of WNV emergence and spread. Our study also identified significant gaps in data and the need to strengthen virological surveillance in countries of Central Europe from where WNV outbreaks are likely seeded. Enhanced monitoring for early detection of further dispersal could be targeted to areas with high agricultural activities and habitats of migratory birds.

Mass mortality among colony-breeding seabirds in the German Wadden Sea in 2022 due to distinct genotypes of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b.

Mass mortality was observed among colony-breeding seabirds in the German Wadden Sea area of the North Sea during the summer months of 2022. Several species' colonies were affected, most notably sandwich terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis), common terns (Sterna hirundo) and Germany's only northern gannet (Morus bassanus) colony on the island of Heligoland. Mortality in some tern colonies reached 40%, while other colonies were almost spared. In all cases, infections with the high-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 of clade 2.3.4.4b were identified to have caused the epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis of whole-genome sequences revealed that the outbreaks were dominated by two genotypes, Ger-10-21 N1.2 and Ger-10-21 N1.5, previously identified in Germany. Spatiotemporal analyses of phylogenetic data suggested that these viruses could have entered the continental North Sea coastal region via the British Isles. A close linkage of viruses from tern colonies in the German Wadden Sea was evident with further connections to breeding colonies in Belgium and the Netherlands, and further spread to Denmark and Poland. Several of the affected species are endangered, such that negative effects of epizootic HPAIV infections on populations are feared, with uncertain long-term consequences.

Iceland as Stepping Stone for Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus between Europe and North America.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of hemagglutinin type H5 and clade 2.3.4.4b have widely spread within the northern hemisphere since 2020 and threaten wild bird populations, as well as poultry production. We present phylogeographic evidence that Iceland has been used as a stepping stone for HPAIV translocation from northern Europe to North America by infected but mobile wild birds. At least 2 independent incursions of HPAIV H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b assigned to 2 hemagglutinin clusters, B1 and B2, are documented for summer‒autumn 2021 and spring 2022. Spread of HPAIV H5N1 to and among colony-breeding pelagic avian species in Iceland is ongoing. Potentially devastating effects (i.e., local losses >25%) on these species caused by extended HPAIV circulation in space and time are being observed at several affected breeding sites throughout the North Atlantic.

Endogenous CD83 Expression in CD4+ Conventional T Cells Controls Inflammatory Immune Responses.

The glycoprotein CD83 is known to be expressed by different immune cells including activated CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and CD4+Foxp3- conventional T cells. However, the physiological function of endogenous CD83 in CD4+ T cell subsets is still unclear. In this study, we have generated a new CD83flox mouse line on BALB/c background, allowing for specific ablation of CD83 in T cells upon breeding with CD4-cre mice. Tregs from CD83flox/flox/CD4-cretg/wt mice had similar suppressive activity as Tregs from CD83flox/flox/CD4-crewt/wt wild-type littermates, suggesting that endogenous CD83 expression is dispensable for the inhibitory capacity of Tregs. However, CD83-deficient CD4+ conventional T cells showed elevated proliferation and IFN-γ secretion as well as an enhanced capacity to differentiate into Th1 cells and Th17 cells upon stimulation in vitro. T cell-specific ablation of CD83 expression resulted in aggravated contact hypersensitivity reaction accompanied by enhanced CD4+ T cell activation. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells from CD83flox/flox/CD4-cretg /wt mice into Rag2-deficient mice elicited more severe colitis associated with increased serum concentrations of IL-12 and elevated CD40 expression on CD11c+ dendritic cells (DCs). Strikingly, DCs from BALB/c mice cocultured with CD83-deficient CD4+ conventional T cells showed enhanced CD40 expression and IL-12 secretion compared with DCs cocultured with CD4+ conventional T cells from CD83flox/flox/CD4-crewt/wt wild-type mice. In summary, these results indicate that endogenous CD83 expression in CD4+ conventional T cells plays a crucial role in controlling CD4+ T cell responses, at least in part, by regulating the activity of CD11c+ DCs.

Establishing a sensitive fluorescence-based quantification method for cyclic nucleotides.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of prescribed drugs exert their activity via GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Once activated, these receptors cause transient changes in the concentration of second messengers, e.g., cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). Specific and efficacious genetically encoded biosensors have been developed to monitor cAMP fluctuations with high spatial and temporal resolution in living cells or tissue. A well characterized biosensor for cAMP is the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Epac1-camps protein. Pharmacological characterization of newly developed ligands acting at GPCRs often includes numerical quantification of the second messenger amount that was produced. RESULTS: To quantify cellular cAMP concentrations, we bacterially over-expressed and purified Epac1-camps and applied the purified protein in a cell-free detection assay for cAMP in a multi-well format. We found that the biosensor can detect as little as 0.15 pmol of cAMP, and that the sensitivity is not impaired by non-physiological salt concentrations or pH values. Notably, the assay tolerated desiccation and storage of the protein without affecting Epac1-camps cyclic nucleotide sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: We found that determination cAMP in lysates obtained from cell assays or tissue samples by purified Epac1-camps is a robust, fast, and sensitive assay suitable for routine and high throughput analyses.

Pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography in outdoor rock drillers exposed to crystalline silica.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and silicosis are associated with exposure to crystalline silica. We determined the exposure to respirable crystalline silica and estimated exposure-response relationships between cumulative exposure and pulmonary function in outdoor rock drillers. METHODS: 136 rock drillers and 48 referents were recruited from three heavy construction companies. 98 air samples were collected by personal sampling for determination of respirable particulate matter and crystalline silica. Information about individual job tasks, type of drilling equipment and years of exposure in different job categories was obtained by interview. Cumulative exposure to crystalline silica was calculated for all workers. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry. A subgroup of 39 subjects with high cumulative exposure to crystalline silica underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). RESULTS: Cumulative exposure (mean (min-max)) to crystalline silica was 0.69 mgÙ years m-3 (0.01-5.89) in the exposed group. Mean time of exposure among rock drillers was 10.7 years (1-42). Compared with referents, the rock drillers had a lower forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (79.4 vs 81.4, p<0.05) and maximal mid-expiratory flow% (85.6 vs 93.9, p<0.05). Further, by stratifying the exposed workers into three equally large groups, a dose-response relationship was demonstrated in the highest exposed group, also in never smokers, at a mean cumulative exposure of 21.7 years at 0.08 mgÙ m-3/years. Silicosis was not detected in HRCT, but other patterns of fibrosis and emphysema were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Outdoor rock drillers exposed to crystalline silica had significantly lower pulmonary function than referents, and signs of airflow obstruction. Silicosis was not detected.

Three-dimensional versus two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for left ventricular outflow tract measurements in severe aortic stenosis. A cross-sectional study using computer tomography and Haegar sizers as reference.

Objectives. In grading of aortic stenosis, two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2D TTE) routinely results in underestimation of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) area, and hence the aortic valve area (AVA). We investigated whether three-dimensional (3D) TTE measurements of the LVOT would be more accurate. We evaluated the feasibility, agreement and inter-observer variability of 3D TTE LVOT measurements with computed tomography (CT) and Haegar sizers as reference. Design. Sixty-one patients with severe aortic stenosis were examined with 2D and 3D TTE. 41 had CT and 13 also had perioperative Haegar sizing. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman plots were used to compare methods. Inter-observer variability was tested for 2D and 3D TTE. Trial registration: Current research information system in Norway (CRISTIN). Id: 555249. Results. Feasibility was 67% with 3D TTE and 100% with 2D TTE and CT. Mean LVOT area for 2D, 3D, CT and Haegar sizers were 3.7 ± 0.6 cm2, 4.0 ± 0.9 cm2, 5.2 ± 0.8 cm2 and 4.4 ± 1.0 cm2 respectively. Bias and limits of agreements for 2D TTE was 1.5 ± 1.3 cm2, compared with CT and 0.4 ± 1.5 cm2 with Haegar sizers. Corresponding results for 3D TTE were 1.2 ± 1.6 cm2 and 0.2 ± 1.8 cm2. Intraclass correlation coefficients for LVOT area were 0.62 for 3D and 0.86 for 2D. Conclusions. 2D TTE showed better feasibility and inter-observer variability in measurements of LVOT than 3D TTE. Both echocardiographic methods underestimated LVOT area compared to CT and Haegar sizers. These observations suggest that 2D TTE is still preferable to 3D TTE in the assessment of aortic stenosis.

Similar Yet Different-Structural and Functional Diversity among Arabidopsis thaliana LEA_4 Proteins.

The importance of intrinsically disordered late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins in the tolerance to abiotic stresses involving cellular dehydration is undisputed. While structural transitions of LEA proteins in response to changes in water availability are commonly observed and several molecular functions have been suggested, a systematic, comprehensive and comparative study of possible underlying sequence-structure-function relationships is still lacking. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as well as spectroscopic and light scattering experiments to characterize six members of two distinct, lowly homologous clades of LEA_4 family proteins from Arabidopsis thaliana. We compared structural and functional characteristics to elucidate to what degree structure and function are encoded in LEA protein sequences and complemented these findings with physicochemical properties identified in a systematic bioinformatics study of the entire Arabidopsis thaliana LEA_4 family. Our results demonstrate that although the six experimentally characterized LEA_4 proteins have similar structural and functional characteristics, differences concerning their folding propensity and membrane stabilization capacity during a freeze/thaw cycle are obvious. These differences cannot be easily attributed to sequence conservation, simple physicochemical characteristics or the abundance of sequence motifs. Moreover, the folding propensity does not appear to be correlated with membrane stabilization capacity. Therefore, the refinement of LEA_4 structural and functional properties is likely encoded in specific patterns of their physicochemical characteristics.

Dorsal BNST α2A-Adrenergic Receptors Produce HCN-Dependent Excitatory Actions That Initiate Anxiogenic Behaviors.

Stress is a precipitating agent in neuropsychiatric disease and initiates relapse to drug-seeking behavior in addicted patients. Targeting the stress system in protracted abstinence from drugs of abuse with anxiolytics may be an effective treatment modality for substance use disorders. α2A-adrenergic receptors (α2A-ARs) in extended amygdala structures play key roles in dampening stress responses. Contrary to early thinking, α2A-ARs are expressed at non-noradrenergic sites in the brain. These non-noradrenergic α2A-ARs play important roles in stress responses, but their cellular mechanisms of action are unclear. In humans, the α2A-AR agonist guanfacine reduces overall craving and uncouples craving from stress, yet minimally affects relapse, potentially due to competing actions in the brain. Here, we show that heteroceptor α2A-ARs postsynaptically enhance dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST) neuronal activity in mice of both sexes. This effect is mediated by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels because inhibition of these channels is necessary and sufficient for excitatory actions. Finally, this excitatory action is mimicked by clozapine-N-oxide activation of the Gi-coupled DREADD hM4Di in dBNST neurons and its activation elicits anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze. Together, these data provide a framework for elucidating cell-specific actions of GPCR signaling and provide a potential mechanism whereby competing anxiogenic and anxiolytic actions of guanfacine may affect its clinical utility in the treatment of addiction.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Stress affects the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety and addiction. Guanfacine is an α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) agonist with actions in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) that produces antidepressant actions and uncouples stress from reward-related behaviors. Here, we show that guanfacine increases dorsal BNST neuronal activity through actions at postsynaptic α2A-ARs via a mechanism that involves hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated cation channels. This action is mimicked by activation of the designer receptor hM4Di expressed in the BNST, which also induces anxiety-like behaviors. Together, these data suggest that postsynaptic α2A-ARs in BNST have excitatory actions on BNST neurons and that these actions can be phenocopied by the so-called "inhibitory" DREADDs, suggesting that care must be taken regarding interpretation of data obtained with these tools.

The predictive value of coronary artery calcium detected by computed tomography in a prospective study on cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant patients.

The predictive value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in heart transplant (HTX) patients is not established. We explored if the absence of CAC on computed tomography (CT) could exclude moderate and severe cardiac allograft vasculopathy [CAV2-3 ; the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) recommended nomenclature] and significant coronary artery stenosis (diameter reduction ≥50%) and predict long-term clinical outcomes. HTX recipients (n = 133) were prospectively included and underwent CT for CAC scoring and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) 7.8 ± 5.0 years after HTX. CAC was detected in 73 (55%) patients. The absence of CAC on CT had a negative predictive value of 97% for ISHLT CAV2-3 and 88% for significant stenosis on ICA. During 7.5 ± 2.6 years of follow-up after CAC CT (n = 127), there were 57 (45%) nonfatal major adverse cardiac events and 23 (18%) deaths or graft losses registered as first events. Patients with CAC had significantly more events (P = 0.011). In an adjusted Cox regression analysis, the presence of CAC was significantly associated with a negative outcome (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0; P = 0.023). The absence of CAC predicted low prevalences of ISHLT CAV2-3 and significant coronary artery stenosis in HTX patients. The presence of CACS was significantly associated with a worse long-term outcome.

Pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography examinations among offshore drill floor workers.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess short-term changes in pulmonary function in drill floor workers currently exposed to airborne contaminants generated as a result of drilling offshore. We also aimed to study the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of another group of previously exposed drill floor workers. METHODS: Pulmonary function was measured before and after a 14-day work period in a follow-up study of 65 drill floor workers and 65 referents. Additionally, 57 other drill floor workers exposed to drilling fluids during the 1980s were examined with HRCT of the lungs in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: The drill floor workers had a statistically significant decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) across the 14-day work period after adjustment for diurnal variations in pulmonary function (mean 90 mL, range 30-140 mL), while the small decline among the referents (mean 20 mL, range - 30 to 70 mL) was not of statistical significance. Larger declines in FEV1 among drill workers were associated with the fewer number of days of active drilling. There were no signs of pulmonary fibrosis related to oil mist exposure among the other previously exposed drill floor workers. CONCLUSION: After 14 days offshore, a statistically significant decline in FEV1 was observed in the drill floor workers, which may not be related to oil mist exposure. No pulmonary fibrosis related to oil mist exposure was observed.

Coronary computed tomography in heart transplant patients: detection of significant stenosis and cardiac allograft vasculopathy, image quality, and radiation dose.

Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is an accelerated form of atherosclerosis unique to heart transplant (HTX) patients. Purpose To investigate the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis and CAV, determinants of image quality, and the radiation dose in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) of HTX patients with 64-slice multidetector CT (64-MDCT). Material and Methods Fifty-two HTX recipients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were prospectively enrolled and underwent CCTA before ICA with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results Interpretable CCTA images were acquired in 570 (95%) coronary artery segments ≥2 mm in diameter. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCTA for the detection of segments with significant stenosis (lumen reduction ≥50%) on ICA were 100%, 98%, 7.7%, and 100%, respectively. Twelve significant stenoses were located in segments with uninterpretable image quality or vessel diameter <2 mm; only one was eligible for intervention. IVUS detected CAV (maximal intimal thickness ≥0.5 mm) in 33/41 (81%) patients; CCTA and ICA identified CAV (any wall or luminal irregularity) in 18 (44%) and 14 (34%) of these 33 patients, respectively. The mean estimated radiation dose was 19.0 ± 3.4 mSv for CCTA and 5.7 ± 3.3 mSv for ICA ( P < 0.001). Conclusion CCTA with interpretable image quality had a high negative predictive value for ruling out significant stenoses suitable for intervention. The modest detection of CAV by CCTA implied a limited value in identifying subtle CAV. The high estimated radiation dose for 64-MDCT is of concern considering the need for repetitive examinations in the HTX population.

Caspase-3 and GFAP as early markers for apoptosis and astrogliosis in shRNA-induced hippocampal cytotoxicity.

Genetic manipulation of cells and tissue by RNA interference has significantly contributed to the functional characterization of individual proteins and their role in physiological processes. Despite its versatility, RNA interference can have detrimental side effects, including reduced cell viability. We applied recombinant adeno-associated viruses by stereotaxic injection into the murine hippocampus to express different short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs along with eGFP. Tissue responses were assessed immunohistochemically for up to 8 weeks post-infection. Strong hippocampal degeneration and tissue atrophy was observed, most likely induced by high shRNA expression. The effect was entirely absent in mice injected with vectors driving only expression of eGFP. Active caspase-3 (Casp-3) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were identified as molecular markers and early indicators of adverse tissue responses. Our findings also demonstrate that detrimental effects of high shRNA expression in hippocampal tissue can be monitored even before the onset of tissue degeneration.

Distinct expression patterns of HCN channels in HL-1 cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rhythmic activity is initiated in functionally specialized areas of the heart. Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are fundamental for these processes of cardiac physiology. RESULTS: Here we investigated transcript and protein expression patterns of HCN channels in HL-1 cardiomyocytes using a combination of quantitative PCR analysis and immunocytochemistry. Gene expression profiles of hcn1, hcn2 and hcn4 were acutely affected during HL-1 cell propagation. In addition, distinct expression patterns were uncovered for HCN1, HCN2 and HCN4 proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that HCN channel isoforms might be involved in the concerted differentiation of HL-1 cells and may indirectly affect the occurrence of contractile HL-1 cell activity. We expect that these findings will promote studies on other molecular markers that contribute to cardiac physiology.

Arterial haemodynamics and coronary artery calcification in adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare arterial haemodynamics in adults with long-term juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to that of healthy controls, and explore the influence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and disease characteristics on arterial haemodynamics plus coronary artery calcification. METHODS: 87 JIA patients (median age 38.4 years) with persistently active disease at least 15 years after disease onset (registered by longitudinal follow-up), were re-examined after median 29 years and compared with 87 matched controls. Arterial haemodynamics were characterised by arterial stiffness and blood pressure. Sphygmocor was used to measure the arterial stiffness markers pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx). Coronary calcification was assessed by CT. RESULTS: Compared to controls, patients had significantly higher PWV (7.2 vs 6.9 m/s, p=0.035), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, p=0.050 and DBP, p=0.029). AIx was numerically higher in the patients compared to the controls, but no statistically significant difference was found. Coronary calcification was present in 22 (26%) of the patients. Daily smoking was more frequent (p=0.043), and insulin resistance was higher (p=0.034) in patients than controls.In patients, DBP, but no disease variables were determinants of PWV. Disease variables as well as traditional cardiovascular risk factors were associated with higher AIx, DBP and the presence of coronary calcification. CONCLUSIONS: JIA patients with long-term active disease had altered arterial haemodynamics compared with controls in our study. PWV was mainly determined by increased DBP, a parameter that again was associated with JIA disease and treatment variables.

Long-term experience with rituximab in anti-synthetase syndrome-related interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab (Rtx) treatment in patients with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) and severe interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: Patients with severe ILD and >12 months follow-up post-Rtx were identified from the Oslo University Hospital ASS cohort (n = 112). Clinical data, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), were retrospectively collected from medical reports. Extent of ILD pre-, and post-Rtx was scored on thin-section high-resolution CT (HRCT) images and expressed as a percentage of total lung volume. Muscle strength was evaluated by manual muscle testing of eight muscle groups (MMT8). RESULTS: Altogether, 34/112 ASS patients had received Rtx; 24/34 had severe ILD and >12 months follow-up post-Rtx (median 52 months). In these 24 patients, the median percentage of predicted forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) increased by 24%, 22% and 17%, respectively, post-Rtx. Seven patients (all with disease duration <12 months and/or acute onset/exacerbation of ILD) had >30% improvement in all three PFTs. HRCT analysis showed a median 34% reduction in ILD extent post-Rtx. MMT8 score increased post-Rtx. During follow-up, 7/34 (21%) Rtx-treated ASS patients died; 6/7 deaths were related to infections. The mortality rate in the Rtx-treated group was comparable to that of the remaining ASS cohort (25/78 deceased; 32%). CONCLUSION: This study, which included 24 Rtx-treated ASS patients with severe ILD, reports improved PFTs after a median 52 months follow-up post-Rtx. The best outcome was observed in patients with a disease duration <12 months and/or acute onset/exacerbation of ILD. The study indicates that Rtx could be a treatment option for selected ASS patients, but infections should be given attention.

Reorganization of adolescent prefrontal cortex circuitry is required for mouse cognitive maturation.

Most cognitive functions involving the prefrontal cortex emerge during late development. Increasing evidence links this delayed maturation to the protracted timeline of prefrontal development, which likely does not reach full maturity before the end of adolescence. However, the underlying mechanisms that drive the emergence and fine-tuning of cognitive abilities during adolescence, caused by circuit wiring, are still unknown. Here, we continuously monitored prefrontal activity throughout the postnatal development of mice and showed that an initial activity increase was interrupted by an extensive microglia-mediated breakdown of activity, followed by the rewiring of circuit elements to achieve adult-like patterns and synchrony. Interfering with these processes during adolescence, but not adulthood, led to a long-lasting microglia-induced disruption of prefrontal activity and neuronal morphology and decreased cognitive abilities. These results identified a nonlinear reorganization of prefrontal circuits during adolescence and revealed its importance for adult network function and cognitive processing.

Color Doppler ultrasound-guided transducer compression of post biopsy bleeding of kidney transplants.

BACKGROUND: Color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) has a potential of early detection of post biopsy bleeding. We describe CDUS guidance in planning, acquisition, and, in the case of bleeding, compression of the needle tract in biopsy procedures of kidney transplants. METHODS: Eighty-three kidney transplant biopsy procedures performed on clinical indication were performed in 71 adult patients, 25 women, mean age 51 years, using CDUS and 18-G biopsy needles. Bleeding needle tracts were compressed using CDUS guidance. RESULTS: CDUS immediately detected blood leakage and facilitated compression of the bleeding needle tract in 34 (41%) of the 83 procedures, including 53 (25%) of 215 needle passes. In 34 bleeding procedures, the mean duration of the longest bleeding time after a needle pass was 124 seconds (median, 20 seconds; range, 3-1440 seconds). In 12 of these procedures (35%), the bleeding time was 30 seconds or more. In six procedures (18%), a bleeding of 120 seconds or more was observed. Complications included seven small hematomas. Five hematomas developed in procedures where the longest duration CD bleeding was 120 seconds or more. CONCLUSIONS: CDUS detects bleeding and facilitates direct transducer compression of the needle tract in a substantial portion of biopsy procedures of kidney transplants. Only minor hematomas occurred.

Signal-Decay Based Approach for Visualization of Buried Defects in 3-D Printed Ceramic Components Imaged with Help of Optical Coherence Tomography.

We propose the use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a tool for the quality control of 3-D-printed ceramics. Test samples with premeditated defects, namely single- and two-component samples of zirconia, titania, and titanium suboxides, were printed by stereolithography-based DLP (Digital Light Processing) processes. The OCT tomograms obtained on the green samples showed the capability of the method to visualize variations in the layered structure of the samples as well as the presence of cracks and inclusions at depths up to 130 µm, as validated by SEM images. The structural information was visible in cross-sectional images as well as in plan-view images. The optical signal measured from the printed zirconia oxide and titanium oxide samples showed strong attenuation with depth and could be fit with an exponential decay curve. The variations of the decay parameter correlated very well with the presence of defects and material variation. When used as an imaging quantity, the decay parameter projects the position of the defects into 2-D (X,Y) coordinates. This procedure can be used in real time, it reduces the data volume up to 1000 times, and allows for faster subsequent data analysis and transfer. Tomograms were also obtained on sintered samples. The results showed that the method can detect changes in the optical properties of the green ceramics caused by sintering. Specifically, the zirconium oxide samples became more transparent to the light used, whereas the titanium suboxide samples became entirely opaque. In addition, the optical response of the sintered zirconium oxide showed variations within the imaged volume, indicating material density variations. The results presented in this study show that OCT provides sufficient structural information on 3-D-printed ceramics and can be used as an in-line tool for quality control.

An advanced sequence clustering and designation workflow reveals the enzootic maintenance of a dominant West Nile virus subclade in Germany.

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne (arbo) virus and the primary cause of arboviral encephalitis globally. Members of WNV species genetically diverged and are classified into different hierarchical groups below species rank. However, the demarcation criteria for allocating WNV sequences into these groups remain individual and inconsistent, and the use of names for different levels of the hierarchical levels is unstructured. In order to have an objective and comprehensible grouping of WNV sequences, we developed an advanced grouping workflow using the 'affinity propagation clustering' algorithm and newly included the 'agglomerative hierarchical clustering' algorithm for the allocation of WNV sequences into different groups below species rank. In addition, we propose to use a fixed set of terms for the hierarchical naming of WNV below species level and a clear decimal numbering system to label the determined groups. For validation, we applied the refined workflow to WNV sequences that have been previously grouped into various lineages, clades, and clusters in other studies. Although our workflow regrouped some WNV sequences, overall, it generally corresponds with previous groupings. We employed our novel approach to the sequences from the WNV circulation in Germany 2020, primarily from WNV-infected birds and horses. Besides two newly defined minor (sub)clusters comprising only three sequences each, Subcluster 2.5.3.4.3c was the predominant WNV sequence group detected in Germany from 2018 to 2020. This predominant subcluster was also associated with at least five human WNV infections in 2019-20. In summary, our analyses imply that the genetic diversity of the WNV population in Germany is shaped by enzootic maintenance of the dominant WNV subcluster accompanied by sporadic incursions of other rare clusters and subclusters. Moreover, we show that our refined approach for sequence grouping yields meaningful results. Although we primarily aimed at a more detailed WNV classification, the presented workflow can also be applied to the objective genotyping of other virus species.