Immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial (mECap18) cell line recapitulates the in-vivo environment.

Residing between the testes and the vas deferens, the epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule whose unique luminal microenvironment is crucial for the functional maturation of spermatozoa. This microenvironment is created by the combined secretory and resorptive activity of the lining epididymal epithelium, including the release of extracellular vesicles (epididymosomes), which encapsulate fertility modulating proteins and a myriad of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) that are destined for delivery to recipient sperm cells. To enable investigation of this intercellular communication nexus, we have previously developed an immortalized mouse caput epididymal epithelial cell line (mECap18). Here, we describe the application of label-free mass spectrometry to characterize the mECap18 cell proteome and compare this to the proteome of native mouse caput epididymal epithelial cells. We report the identification of 5,313 mECap18 proteins, as many as 75.8% of which were also identified in caput epithelial cells wherein they mapped to broadly similar protein classification groupings. Furthermore, key pathways associated with protein synthesis (e.g., EIF2 signaling) and cellular protection in the male reproductive tract (e.g., sirtuin signaling) were enriched in both proteomes. This comparison supports the utility of the mECap18 cell line as a tractable in-vitro model for studying caput epididymal epithelial cell function.

Target Trial Emulation: A Call for More Widespread Use.

Causal inference methods intended for use with observational data have been widely available for decades, but barriers exist to their widespread adoption. These likely include lack of familiarity with several methodologic techniques often used in combination in these investigations such as inverse probability of treatment weighting and g-estimation, and the intensity of computational effort to employ these techniques. Even with these methods, critical design flaws undermine the ability to make valid causal inference in some studies. Identification of the need to explicitly pair study design elements with these causal inference methods led to development of a methodologic approach recently termed target trial emulation. This approach requires that investigators define a hypothetical randomized trial, emulate that hypothetical protocol in assembling the cohort and defining study elements and then conduct an analysis that attempts to mirror random treatment assignment. In the article by Heindel et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2024;XXX(XX):XXXX-XXXX), the authors successfully emulate a target trial of systemic heparin during arteriovenous fistula creation on short-term endpoints by utilizing two existing randomized trials with key confounders available. Target trial emulation provides a framework to promote valid inference and generate high-quality contributions to the literature and its use should be expanded.

Phase 1b study of enzalutamide plus CC-115, a dual mTORC1/2 and DNA-PK inhibitor, in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

BACKGROUND: CC-115, a dual mTORC1/2 and DNA-PK inhibitor, has promising antitumour activity when combined with androgen receptor (AR) inhibition in pre-clinical models. METHODS: Phase 1b multicentre trial evaluating enzalutamide with escalating doses of CC-115 in AR inhibitor-naive mCRPC patients (n = 41). Primary endpoints were safety and RP2D. Secondary endpoints included PSA response, time-to-PSA progression, and radiographic progression. RESULTS: Common adverse effects included rash (31.7% Grades 1-2 (Gr); 31.7% Gr 3), pruritis (43.9% Gr 1-2), diarrhoea (37% Gr 1-2), and hypertension (17% Gr 1-2; 9.8% Gr 3). CC-115 RP2D was 5 mg twice a day. In 40 evaluable patients, 80% achieved ≥50% reduction in PSA (PSA50), and 58% achieved ≥90% reduction in PSA (PSA90) by 12 weeks. Median time-to-PSA progression was 14.7 months and median rPFS was 22.1 months. Stratification by PI3K alterations demonstrated a non-statistically significant trend towards improved PSA50 response (PSA50 of 94% vs. 67%, p = 0.08). Exploratory pre-clinical analysis suggested CC-115 inhibited mTOR pathway strongly, but may be insufficient to inhibit DNA-PK at RP2D. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of enzalutamide and CC-115 was well tolerated. A non-statistically significant trend towards improved PSA response was observed in patients harbouring PI3K pathway alterations, suggesting potential predictive biomarkers of response to a PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02833883.

Race, Genetic Ancestry, and Estimating Kidney Function in CKD.

BACKGROUND: The inclusion of race in equations to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has become controversial. Alternative equations that can be used to achieve similar accuracy without the use of race are needed. METHODS: In a large national study involving adults with chronic kidney disease, we conducted cross-sectional analyses of baseline data from 1248 participants for whom data, including the following, had been collected: race as reported by the participant, genetic ancestry markers, and the serum creatinine, serum cystatin C, and 24-hour urinary creatinine levels. RESULTS: Using current formulations of GFR estimating equations, we found that in participants who identified as Black, a model that omitted race resulted in more underestimation of the GFR (median difference between measured and estimated GFR, 3.99 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17 to 5.62) and lower accuracy (percent of estimated GFR within 10% of measured GFR [P10], 31%; 95% CI, 24 to 39) than models that included race (median difference, 1.11 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, -0.29 to 2.54; P10, 42%; 95% CI, 34 to 50). The incorporation of genetic ancestry data instead of race resulted in similar estimates of the GFR (median difference, 1.33 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, -0.12 to 2.33; P10, 42%; 95% CI, 34 to 50). The inclusion of non-GFR determinants of the serum creatinine level (e.g., body-composition metrics and urinary excretion of creatinine) that differed according to race reported by the participants and genetic ancestry did not eliminate the misclassification introduced by removing race (or ancestry) from serum creatinine-based GFR estimating equations. In contrast, the incorporation of race or ancestry was not necessary to achieve similarly statistically unbiased (median difference, 0.33 ml per minute per 1.73 m2; 95% CI, -1.43 to 1.92) and accurate (P10, 41%; 95% CI, 34 to 49) estimates in Black participants when GFR was estimated with the use of cystatin C. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the serum creatinine level to estimate the GFR without race (or genetic ancestry) introduced systematic misclassification that could not be eliminated even when numerous non-GFR determinants of the serum creatinine level were accounted for. The estimation of GFR with the use of cystatin C generated similar results while eliminating the negative consequences of the current race-based approaches. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others.).

Metabolites Associated With Uremic Symptoms in Patients With CKD: Findings From the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: The toxins that contribute to uremic symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. We sought to apply complementary statistical modeling approaches to data from untargeted plasma metabolomic profiling to identify solutes associated with uremic symptoms in patients with CKD. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 1,761 Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) participants with CKD not treated with dialysis. PREDICTORS: Measurement of 448 known plasma metabolites. OUTCOMES: The uremic symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, pruritus, nausea, paresthesia, and pain were assessed by single items on the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 instrument. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Multivariable adjusted linear regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator linear regression, and random forest models were used to identify metabolites associated with symptom severity. After adjustment for multiple comparisons, metabolites selected in at least 2 of the 3 modeling approaches were deemed "overall significant." RESULTS: Participant mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 43mL/min/1.73m2, with 44% self-identifying as female and 41% as non-Hispanic Black. The prevalence of uremic symptoms ranged from 22% to 55%. We identified 17 metabolites for which a higher level was associated with greater severity of at least one uremic symptom and 9 metabolites inversely associated with uremic symptom severity. Many of these metabolites exhibited at least a moderate correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (Pearson's r≥0.5), and some were also associated with the risk of developing kidney failure or death in multivariable adjusted Cox regression models. LIMITATIONS: Lack of a second independent cohort for external validation of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolomic profiling was used to identify multiple solutes associated with uremic symptoms in adults with CKD, but future validation and mechanistic studies are needed. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Individuals living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often experience symptoms related to CKD, traditionally called uremic symptoms. It is likely that CKD results in alterations in the levels of numerous circulating substances that, in turn, cause uremic symptoms; however, the identity of these solutes is not known. In this study, we used metabolomic profiling in patients with CKD to gain insights into the pathophysiology of uremic symptoms. We identified 26 metabolites whose levels were significantly associated with at least one of the symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, itchiness, nausea, paresthesia, and pain. The results of this study lay the groundwork for future research into the biological causes of symptoms in patients with CKD.

Social, Behavioral, and Metabolic Risk Factors and Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in U.S. Adults : An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is persistently higher in the Black population than in other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. OBJECTIVE: To examine the degree to which social, behavioral, and metabolic risk factors are associated with CVD mortality and the extent to which racial differences in CVD mortality persist after these factors are accounted for. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 1999 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 50 808 persons aged 20 years or older. MEASUREMENTS: Data on social, behavioral, and metabolic factors were collected in each NHANES survey using standard methods. Deaths from CVD were ascertained from linkage to the National Death Index with follow-up through 2019. RESULTS: Over an average of 9.4 years of follow-up, 2589 CVD deaths were confirmed. The age- and sex-standardized rates of CVD mortality were 484.7 deaths per 100 000 person-years in Black participants, 384.5 deaths per 100 000 person-years in White participants, 292.4 deaths per 100 000 person-years in Hispanic participants, and 255.1 deaths per 100 000 person-years in other race groups. In a multiple Cox regression analysis adjusted for all measured risk factors simultaneously, several social (unemployment, low family income, food insecurity, lack of home ownership, and unpartnered status), behavioral (current smoking, lack of leisure-time physical activity, and sleep <6 or >8 h/d), and metabolic (obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) risk factors were associated with a significantly higher risk for CVD death. After adjustment for these metabolic, behavioral, and social risk factors separately, hazard ratios of CVD mortality for Black compared with White participants were attenuated from 1.54 (95% CI, 1.34 to 1.77) to 1.34 (CI, 1.16 to 1.55), 1.31 (CI, 1.15 to 1.50), and 1.04 (CI, 0.90 to 1.21), respectively. LIMITATION: Causal contributions of social, behavioral, and metabolic risk factors to racial and ethnic disparities in CVD mortality could not be established. CONCLUSION: The Black-White difference in CVD mortality diminished after adjustment for behavioral and metabolic risk factors and completely dissipated with adjustment for social determinants of health in the U.S. population. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institutes of Health.

Human islet T cells are highly reactive to preproinsulin in type 1 diabetes.

Cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes play a central role in the tissue destruction of many autoimmune disorders. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), insulin and its precursor preproinsulin are major self-antigens targeted by T cells. We comprehensively examined preproinsulin specificity of CD8 T cells obtained from pancreatic islets of organ donors with and without T1D and identified epitopes throughout the entire preproinsulin protein and defective ribosomal products derived from preproinsulin messenger RNA. The frequency of preproinsulin-reactive T cells was significantly higher in T1D donors than nondiabetic donors and also differed by individual T1D donor, ranging from 3 to over 40%, with higher frequencies in T1D organ donors with HLA-A*02:01. Only T cells reactive to preproinsulin-related peptides isolated from T1D donors demonstrated potent autoreactivity. Reactivity to similar regions of preproinsulin was also observed in peripheral blood of a separate cohort of new-onset T1D patients. These findings have important implications for designing antigen-specific immunotherapies and identifying individuals that may benefit from such interventions.

Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential is associated with reduced risk of cognitive impairment in patients with chronic kidney disease.

INTRODUCTION: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and dementia disproportionately burden patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The association between CHIP and cognitive impairment in CKD patients is unknown. METHODS: We conducted time-to-event analyses in up to 1452 older adults with CKD from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort who underwent CHIP gene sequencing. Cognition was assessed using four validated tests in up to 6 years mean follow-up time. Incident cognitive impairment was defined as a test score one standard deviation below the baseline mean. RESULTS: Compared to non-carriers, CHIP carriers were markedly less likely to experience impairment in attention (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 0.44 [0.26, 0.76], p = 0.003) and executive function (adjusted HR [95% CI] = 0.60 [0.37, 0.97], p = 0.04). There were no significant associations between CHIP and impairment in global cognition or verbal memory. DISCUSSION: CHIP was associated with lower risks of impairment in attention and executive function among CKD patients. HIGHLIGHTS: Our study is the first to examine the role of CHIP in cognitive decline in CKD. CHIP markedly decreased the risk of impairment in attention and executive function. CHIP was not associated with impairment in global cognition or verbal memory.

Association of urine and plasma ADMA with atherosclerotic risk in DKD cardiovascular disease risk in diabetic kidney disease: findings from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, especially among those with diabetes. Altered metabolism of solutes that accumulate in CKD [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)] may reflect pathways linking CKD with ASCVD. METHODS: This case-cohort study included Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort participants with baseline diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and without prior history for each outcome. The primary outcome was incident ASCVD (time to first myocardial infarction, stroke or peripheral artery disease event) and secondary outcome was incident heart failure. The subcohort comprised randomly selected participants meeting entry criteria. Plasma and urine ADMA, SDMA and TMAO concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Associations of uremic solute plasma concentrations and urinary fractional excretions with outcomes were evaluated by weighted multivariable Cox regression models, adjusted for confounding covariables. RESULTS: Higher plasma ADMA concentrations (per standard deviation) were associated with ASCVD risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.68]. Lower fractional excretion of ADMA (per standard deviation) was associated with ASCVD risk (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.89). The lowest quartile of ADMA fractional excretion was associated with greater ASCVD risk (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.69) compared with the highest quartile. Plasma SDMA and TMAO concentration and fractional excretion were not associated with ASCVD. Neither plasma nor fractional excretion of ADMA, SDMA and TMAO were associated with incident heart failure. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that decreased kidney excretion of ADMA leads to increased plasma concentrations and ASCVD risk.

A prediction model on incident chronic kidney disease among individuals with type 2 diabetes in the United States.

AIM: Early identification of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with diabetes may help improve patients' clinical outcomes. This study aimed to develop a prediction equation for incident CKD among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A time-varying Cox model was applied to data from the ACCORD trial to predict the risk of incident CKD. A list of candidate variables was chosen based on literature reviews and experts' consultations, including demographic characteristics, vitals, laboratory results, medical history, drug use and health care utilization. Model performance was evaluated. Decomposition analysis was conducted, and external validation was performed. RESULTS: In total, 6006 patients with diabetes free of CKD were included, with a median follow-up of 3 years and 2257 events. The risk model included age at T2D diagnosed, smoking status, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein, very-low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, estimated glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-creatinine ratio, hypoglycaemia, retinopathy, congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease history, antihyperlipidaemic drug use, antihypertensive drug use and hospitalization. The urine albumin-creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate and congestive heart failure were the top three factors that contributed most to the incident CKD prediction. The model showed acceptable discrimination [C-statistic: 0.772 (95% CI 0.767-0.805)] and calibration [Brier Score: 0.0504 (95% CI 0.0477-0.0531)] in the Harmony Outcomes Trial. CONCLUSION: Incident CKD prediction among individuals with T2D was developed and validated for use in decision support of CKD prevention.

Cancer/Testis Antigen PASD1 Silences the Circadian Clock.

The circadian clock orchestrates global changes in transcriptional regulation on a daily basis via the bHLH-PAS transcription factor CLOCK:BMAL1. Pathways driven by other bHLH-PAS transcription factors have a homologous repressor that modulates activity on a tissue-specific basis, but none have been identified for CLOCK:BMAL1. We show here that the cancer/testis antigen PASD1 fulfills this role to suppress circadian rhythms. PASD1 is evolutionarily related to CLOCK and interacts with the CLOCK:BMAL1 complex to repress transcriptional activation. Expression of PASD1 is restricted to germline tissues in healthy individuals but can be induced in cells of somatic origin upon oncogenic transformation. Reducing PASD1 in human cancer cells significantly increases the amplitude of transcriptional oscillations to generate more robust circadian rhythms. Our results describe a function for a germline-specific protein in regulation of the circadian clock and provide a molecular link from oncogenic transformation to suppression of circadian rhythms.

Proteomic Dissection of the Impact of Environmental Exposures on Mouse Seminal Vesicle Function.

Seminal vesicles are an integral part of the male reproductive accessory gland system. They produce a complex array of secretions containing bioactive constituents that support gamete function and promote reproductive success, with emerging evidence suggesting these secretions are influenced by our environment. Despite their significance, the biology of seminal vesicles remains poorly defined. Here, we complete the first proteomic assessment of mouse seminal vesicles and assess the impact of the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue. A total of 5013 proteins were identified in the seminal vesicle proteome with bioinformatic analyses identifying cell proliferation, protein synthesis, cellular death, and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Secreted proteins were among the most abundant, and several proteins are linked with seminal vesicle phenotypes. Analysis of the effect of acrylamide on the seminal vesicle proteome revealed 311 differentially regulated (FC ± 1.5, p ≤ 0.05, 205 up-regulated, 106 downregulated) proteins, orthogonally validated via immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Pathways that initiate protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent among the dysregulated pathways, and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR, p = 6.69E-07) was a top-ranked upstream driver. Oxidative stress was implicated as contributing to protein changes, with acrylamide causing an increase in 8-OHdG in seminal vesicle epithelial cells (fivefold increase, p = 0.016) and the surrounding smooth muscle layer (twofold increase, p = 0.043). Additionally, acrylamide treatment caused a reduction in seminal vesicle secretion weight (36% reduction, p = 0.009) and total protein content (25% reduction, p = 0.017). Together these findings support the interpretation that toxicant exposure influences male accessory gland physiology and highlights the need to consider the response of all male reproductive tract tissues when interpreting the impact of environmental stressors on male reproductive function.

Prediction of End-Stage Kidney Disease Using Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate With and Without Race : A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: New estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations removed race adjustment, but the impact of its removal on prediction of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the ESKD prediction performance of different eGFR equations. DESIGN: Observational, prospective cohort study. SETTING: 7 U.S. clinical centers. PARTICIPANTS: 3873 participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from the CRIC (Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort) Study contributing 13 902 two-year risk periods. MEASUREMENTS: ESKD was defined as initiation of dialysis or transplantation. eGFR was calculated using 5 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations based on serum creatinine and/or cystatin C, with or without race adjustment. The predicted 2-year risk for ESKD was calculated using the 4-variable Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE). We evaluated the prediction performance of eGFR equations and the KFRE score using discrimination and calibration analyses. RESULTS: During a maximum 16 years of follow-up, 856 participants developed ESKD. Across all eGFR equations, the KFRE score was superior for predicting 2-year incidence of ESKD compared with eGFR alone (area under the curve ranges, 0.945 to 0.954 vs. 0.900 to 0.927). Prediction performance of KFRE scores using different eGFR equations was similar, but the creatinine equation without race adjustment improved calibration among Black participants. Among all participants, compared with an eGFR less than 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, a KFRE score greater than 20% had similar specificity for predicting 2-year ESKD risk (ranges, 0.94 to 0.97 vs. 0.95 to 0.98) but higher sensitivity (ranges, 0.68 to 0.78 vs. 0.42 to 0.66). LIMITATION: Data are solely from the United States. CONCLUSION: The KFRE score better predicts 2-year risk for ESKD compared with eGFR alone, regardless of race adjustment. The creatinine equation with age and sex may improve calibration among Black patients. A KFRE score greater than 20% showed high specificity and sensitivity for predicting 2-year risk for ESKD. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institutes of Health.

Relative ability of aqueous humor from dogs with and without primary angle-closure glaucoma and ADAMTS10 open-angle glaucoma to catalyze or inhibit collagenolysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the ability of aqueous humor (AH) from dogs with primary angle-closure glaucoma (CPACG), companion dogs without overt evidence of CPACG, and Beagles with and without ADAMTS10 open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG) to catalyze or inhibit collagenolysis. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventeen normal pet dogs, 27 dogs with CPACG, 19 Beagles with ADAMTS10-OAG, and 4 unaffected Beagles. PROCEDURES: A fluorescein-based substrate degradation assay was used to assess AH proteolytic capacity. Samples were then assayed using the same substrate degradation assay, with recombinant activated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) added to measure protease inhibition effects. RESULTS: For the protease activity assay, relative fluorescence (RF) for AH from normal pet dogs was 13.28 ± 2.25% of control collagenase while RF for AH from dogs with CPACG was 17.47 ± 4.67%; RF was 8.57 ± 1.72% for ADAMTS10-OAG Beagles and 7.99 ± 1.15% for unaffected Beagles. For the MMP-2 inhibition assay, RF for AH from normal dogs was 34.96 ± 15.04% compared to MMP-2 controls, while RF from dogs with CPACG was 16.69 ± 7.95%; RF was 85.85 ± 13.23% for Beagles with ADAMTS10-OAG and 94.51 ± 8.36% for unaffected Beagles. Significant differences were found between dogs with CPACG and both normal pet dogs and dogs with ADAMTS10-OAG and between normal pet dogs and both groups of Beagles. CONCLUSIONS: AH from dogs with CPACG is significantly more able to catalyze proteolysis and inhibit MMP-2 than AH from normal dogs or dogs with ADAMTS10-OAG. Results suggest that pathogenesis may differ between CPACG and ADAMTS10-OAG.

Comparison of three rebound tonometers in normal and glaucomatous dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the study were to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) readings across a wide range and obtained via three rebound tonometers in ADAMTS10-mutant Beagle-derived dogs with different stages of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and normal control dogs and to investigate the effect of central corneal thickness (CCT). ANIMALS STUDIED: Measurements were performed on 99 eyes from 50 Beagle-derived dogs with variable genetics-16 non-glaucomatous and 34 with ADAMTS10-OAG. Seventeen OAG eyes were measured twice-with and without the use of IOP-lowering medications. PROCEDURES: IOP was measured in each eye using three tonometers with their "dog" setting-ICare® Tonovet (TV), ICare® Tonovet Plus® (TVP), and the novel Reichert® Tono-Vera® Vet (TVA)-in randomized order. CCT was measured with the Accutome® PachPen. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Tukey pairwise comparisons, and regression analyses of tonometer readings and pairwise IOP-CCT Pearson correlations (MiniTab®). RESULTS: A total of 116 IOP measurements were taken with each of the three tonometers. When comparing readings over a range of ~7-77 mmHg, mean IOPs from the TV were significantly lower compared with TVP (-4.6 mmHg, p < .001) and TVA (-3.7 mmHg, p = .001). We found no significant differences between TVA and TVP measurements (p = .695). There was a moderate positive correlation between CCT and IOP for TVA (r = 0.53, p < .001), TVP (r = 0.48, p < .001), and TV (r = 0.47, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate strong agreement between TVP and TVA, suggesting that the TVA may similarly reflect true IOP values in canines. CCT influenced IOP measurements of all three tonometers.

Iris angiography in ADAMTS10 mutant dogs with open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anterior segment angiographic findings in hypertensive ADAMTS10-open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG) eyes as compared to normotensive control eyes. ANIMALS STUDIED: Nine ADAMTS10-OAG beagles and four wild-type control dogs. PROCEDURES: Anterior segment angiography was performed under general anesthesia following intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG; 1 mg/kg) and sodium fluorescein (SF; 20 mg/kg) using a Heidelberg Spectralis® confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Time to onset of iridal angiographic phases and the presence/severity of dye leakage into the iris stromal and/or aqueous humor were recorded. Group findings were compared, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify potential factor associations with disease status. RESULTS: Time to onset of all angiographic phases visualized using ICG was significantly prolonged while time to onset of SF leakage into the aqueous humor was significantly reduced in glaucomatous eyes compared to controls. Only glaucomatous eyes (n = 9) demonstrated evidence of SF stromal leakage. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) and age were significantly higher, while mean cardiac pulse was significantly lower in glaucomatous eyes compared to controls. Blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure were not significantly different between groups. Multiple linear regression analysis, controlling for age, IOP, and pulse demonstrated glaucoma, was not predictive of the time to onset of any angiographic phase, stromal, or aqueous humor leakage. However, pulse was a significant factor contributing to the severity of aqueous humor leakage. CONCLUSIONS: A compromised vascular supply to the anterior segment exists in dogs with ADAMTS10-OAG. These observations warrant further exploration of what role altered perfusion and/or disruption to the blood-aqueous barrier may play.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Albuminuria, and Adverse Outcomes: An Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Chronic kidney disease (low estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or albuminuria) affects approximately 14% of adults in the US. Objective: To evaluate associations of lower eGFR based on creatinine alone, lower eGFR based on creatinine combined with cystatin C, and more severe albuminuria with adverse kidney outcomes, cardiovascular outcomes, and other health outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: Individual-participant data meta-analysis of 27 503 140 individuals from 114 global cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine alone) and 720 736 individuals from 20 cohorts (eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C) and 9 067 753 individuals from 114 cohorts (albuminuria) from 1980 to 2021. Exposures: The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 equations for eGFR based on creatinine alone and eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C; and albuminuria estimated as urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). Main Outcomes and Measures: The risk of kidney failure requiring replacement therapy, all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, acute kidney injury, any hospitalization, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and peripheral artery disease. The analyses were performed within each cohort and summarized with random-effects meta-analyses. Results: Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine alone (mean age, 54 years [SD, 17 years]; 51% were women; mean follow-up time, 4.8 years [SD, 3.3 years]), the mean eGFR was 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 11 mg/g (IQR, 8-16 mg/g). Within the population using eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C (mean age, 59 years [SD, 12 years]; 53% were women; mean follow-up time, 10.8 years [SD, 4.1 years]), the mean eGFR was 88 mL/min/1.73 m2 (SD, 22 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the median UACR was 9 mg/g (IQR, 6-18 mg/g). Lower eGFR (whether based on creatinine alone or based on creatinine and cystatin C) and higher UACR were each significantly associated with higher risk for each of the 10 adverse outcomes, including those in the mildest categories of chronic kidney disease. For example, among people with a UACR less than 10 mg/g, an eGFR of 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 based on creatinine alone was associated with significantly higher hospitalization rates compared with an eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min/1.73 m2 (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.2-1.3]; 161 vs 79 events per 1000 person-years; excess absolute risk, 22 events per 1000 person-years [95% CI, 19-25 events per 1000 person-years]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective analysis of 114 cohorts, lower eGFR based on creatinine alone, lower eGFR based on creatinine and cystatin C, and more severe UACR were each associated with increased rates of 10 adverse outcomes, including adverse kidney outcomes, cardiovascular diseases, and hospitalizations.

A Therapeutic Vaccine Targeting Rat BORIS (CTCFL) for the Treatment of Rat Breast Cancer Tumors.

Cancer testis antigens are ideal for tumor immunotherapy due to their testis-restricted expression. We previously showed that an immunotherapeutic vaccine targeting the germ cell-specific transcription factor BORIS (CTCFL) was highly effective in treating aggressive breast cancer in the 4T1 mouse model. Here, we further tested the therapeutic efficacy of BORIS in a rat 13762 breast cancer model. We generated a recombinant VEE-VRP (Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis-derived replicon particle) vector-expressing modified rat BORIS lacking a DNA-binding domain (VRP-mBORIS). Rats were inoculated with the 13762 cells, immunized with VRP-mBORIS 48 h later, and then, subsequently, boosted at 10-day intervals. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Cured rats were re-challenged with the same 13762 cells. We demonstrated that BORIS was expressed in a small population of the 13762 cells, called cancer stem cells. Treatment of rats with VRP-BORIS suppressed tumor growth leading to its complete disappearance in up to 50% of the rats and significantly improved their survival. This improvement was associated with the induction of BORIS-specific cellular immune responses measured by T-helper cell proliferation and INFγ secretion. The re-challenging of cured rats with the same 13762 cells indicated that the immune response prevented tumor growth. Thus, a therapeutic vaccine against rat BORIS showed high efficacy in treating the rat 13762 carcinoma. These data suggest that targeting BORIS can lead to the elimination of mammary tumors and cure animals even though BORIS expression is detected only in cancer stem cells.

Elucidation of the protein composition of mouse seminal vesicle fluid.

The seminal vesicles are male accessory sex glands that contribute the major portion of the seminal plasma in which mammalian spermatozoa are bathed during ejaculation. In addition to conveying sperm through the ejaculatory duct, seminal vesicle secretions support sperm survival after ejaculation, and influence the female reproductive tract to promote receptivity to pregnancy. Analysis of seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) composition by proteomics has proven challenging, due to its highly biased protein signature with a small subset of dominant proteins and the difficulty of solubilizing this viscous fluid. As such, publicly available proteomic datasets identify only 85 SVF proteins in total. To address this limitation, we report a new preparative methodology involving sequential solubilization of mouse SVF in guanidine hydrochloride, acetone precipitation, and analysis by label-free mass spectrometry. Using this strategy, we identified 126 SVF proteins, including 83 previously undetected in SVF. Members of the seminal vesicle secretory protein family were the most abundant, accounting for 79% of all peptide spectrum matches. Functional analysis identified inflammation and formation of the vaginal plug as the two most prominent biological processes. Other notable processes included modulation of sperm function and regulation of the female reproductive tract immune environment. Together, these findings provide a robust methodological framework for future SVF studies and identify novel proteins with potential to influence both male and female reproductive physiology.

Dynamic expression of Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) in circulating tumour cells as a liquid biomarker in small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with no established biomarkers. Schlafen 11(SLFN11), a DNA/RNA helicase that sensitises cancer cells to DNA-damaging agents, has emerged as a promising predictive biomarker for several drug classes including platinum and PARP inhibitors. Detection of SLFN11 in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) may provide a valuable alternative to tissue sampling. METHODS: SLFN11 expression was evaluated in tumour samples and characterised in circulating tumour cells (CTC) longitudinally to determine its potential role as a biomarker of response. RESULTS: Among 196 SCLC tumours, 51% expressed SLFN11 by IHC. In addition, 20/29 extra-thoracic high-grade neuroendocrine tumours expressed SLFN11 expression. In 64 blood samples from 42 SCLC patients, 83% (53/64) of samples had detectable CTCs, and SLFN11-positive CTCs were detected in 55% (29/53). Patients actively receiving platinum treatment had the lowest number of CTCs and a lower percentage of SLFN11-positive CTCs (p = 0.014). Analysis from patients with longitudinal samples suggest a decrease in CTC number and in SLFN11 expression that correlates with clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: SLFN11 levels can be monitored in CTCs from SCLC patients using non-invasive liquid biopsies. The ability to detect SLFN11 in CTCs from SCLC patients adds a valuable tool for the detection and longitudinal monitoring of this promising biomarker.