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Simple Summary: There is increasing evidence that Type-2 diabetes and pre-diabetes may increase cancer risk; however, the biology that links these diseases is poorly understood. Epigenetics is the biological study of how DNA can be modified without mutations; epigenetic changes link medical, social, and environmental changes with cancer. Here, we investigated whether insulin resistance (pre-diabetes) may result in epigenetic changes that increase cancer risk. We discovered that women with insulin resistance have epigenetic changes that increase inflammation and perhaps accelerated aging. Our study is important because the inflammatory changes we see are associated with an increased risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Background: Epigenetic changes link medical, social, and environmental factors with cardiovascular and kidney disease and, more recently, with cancer. The mechanistic link between metabolic health and epigenetic changes is only starting to be investigated. In our in vitro and in vivo studies, we performed a broad analysis of the link between hyperinsulinemia and chromatin acetylation; our top "hit" was chromatin opening at H3K9ac. Methods: Building on our published preclinical studies, here, we performed a detailed analysis of the link between insulin resistance, chromatin acetylation, and inflammation using an initial test set of 28 women and validation sets of 245, 22, and 53 women. Results: ChIP-seq identified chromatin acetylation and opening at the genes coding for TNFα and IL6 in insulin-resistant women. Pathway analysis identified inflammatory response genes, NFκB/TNFα-signaling, reactome cytokine signaling, innate immunity, and senescence. Consistent with this finding, flow cytometry identified increased senescent circulating peripheral T-cells. DNA methylation analysis identified evidence of accelerated aging in insulin-resistant vs. metabolically healthy women. Conclusions: This study shows that insulin-resistant women have increased chromatin acetylation/opening, inflammation, and, perhaps, accelerated aging. Given the role that inflammation plays in cancer initiation and progression, these studies provide a potential mechanistic link between insulin resistance and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractBackgroundNeural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects (~1 in 1000 pregnancies in the US and Europe) that have complex origins, including environmental and genetic factors. A low level of maternal folate is one well-established risk factor, with maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation reducing the occurrence of NTD pregnancies by 50-70%. Gene variants in the folate metabolic pathway (e.g., MTHFR rs1801133 (677 C > T) and MTHFD1 rs2236225 (R653Q)) have been found to increase NTD risk. We hypothesized that variants in additional folate/B12 pathway genes contribute to NTD risk.MethodsA tagSNP approach was used to screen common variation in 82 candidate genes selected from the folate/B12 pathway and NTD mouse models. We initially genotyped polymorphisms in 320 Irish triads (NTD cases and their parents), including 301 cases and 341 Irish controls to perform case–control and family based association tests. Significantly associated polymorphisms were genotyped in a secondary set of 250 families that included 229 cases and 658 controls. The combined results for 1441 SNPs were used in a joint analysis to test for case and maternal effects.ResultsNearly 70 SNPs in 30 genes were found to be associated with NTDs at the p

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In northern Peru, the mangrove crab Ucides occidentalis is of great importance due to its ecological, economic, and social role. In this study, we reported for the first time the presence of microplastics in the gills and digestive tract of the mangrove crab U. occidentalis derived from local markets in Tumbes. Microplastics were identified in 100% of the crabs analyzed with a total of 921 items, 475 items (52.57%) found in the gills, and 446 (48.43%) found in the digestive tract. The size range was established in 2 to 250 µm, 250 to 500 µm, 500 to 1 mm, and 1 to 5 mm, microplastics with sizes between 2 and 250 µm were the most common with 53.79% in the digestive tract and 90% in the gills. A total of six different types of microplastic were recorded; The highest percentages for each tissue were fibers (59.64%–61.05%) and films (19.28%−36.63%), with clear fibers being the most prevalent microplastic type in both tissues. Microplastics with less than 250 µm size were found 90% in the gills and 53.79% in the crab digestive tract. Although the present study is a baseline for rapid identification of microplastics in mangrove crab, we suggested that these findings provided more information on the state of contamination as well as food security alert for local markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latinx and American Indians experience high rates of chronic health conditions. Family members play a significant role as informal caregivers for loved ones with chronic conditions and both patients and family caregivers report poor psychosocial outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes published studies about psychosocial interventions for Latinx and American Indian care dyads to determine: (i) the benefits of these interventions; (ii) their distinguishing features or adaptations, and; (iii) recommendations for future intervention development. Out of 366 records identified, seven studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions demonstrated benefits to outcomes such as disease knowledge, caregiver self-efficacy and burden, patient and caregiver well-being, symptom distress, anxiety and depression, and dyadic communication. Distinguishing features included tailoring to cultural values, beliefs, and delivery preferences, participants' level of acculturation, and population-specific issues such as migratory stressors and support networks. Based upon this review, six recommendations for future intervention development are put forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects (~1 in 1000 pregnancies in the US and Europe) that have complex origins, including environmental and genetic factors. A low level of maternal folate is one well-established risk factor, with maternal periconceptional folic acid supplementation reducing the occurrence of NTD pregnancies by 50-70%. Gene variants in the folate metabolic pathway (e.g., MTHFR rs1801133 (677 C > T) and MTHFD1 rs2236225 (R653Q)) have been found to increase NTD risk. We hypothesized that variants in additional folate/B12 pathway genes contribute to NTD risk. Methods A tagSNP approach was used to screen common variation in 82 candidate genes selected from the folate/B12 pathway and NTD mouse models. We initially genotyped polymorphisms in 320 Irish triads (NTD cases and their parents), including 301 cases and 341 Irish controls to perform case–control and family based association tests. Significantly associated polymorphisms were genotyped in a secondary set of 250 families that included 229 cases and 658 controls. The combined results for 1441 SNPs were used in a joint analysis to test for case and maternal effects. Results Nearly 70 SNPs in 30 genes were found to be associated with NTDs at the p MFTC, CDKN2A, ADA, PEMT, CUBN, GART, DNMT3A, MTHFD1 and T (Brachyury)) and included the known NTD risk factor MTHFD1 R653Q (rs2236225). The single strongest signal was observed in a new candidate, MFTC rs17803441 (OR = 1.61 [1.23-2.08], p = 0.0003 for the minor allele). Though nominally significant, these associations did not remain significant after correction for multiple hypothesis testing. Conclusions To our knowledge, with respect to sample size and scope of evaluation of candidate polymorphisms, this is the largest NTD genetic association study reported to date. The scale of the study and the stringency of correction are likely to have contributed to real associations failing to survive correction. We have produced a ranked list of variants with the strongest association signals. Variants in the highest rank of associations are likely to include true associations and should be high priority candidates for further study of NTD risk.

Purpose: A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the prevention of depression in survivors and family caregivers. This study aimed to test the feasibility of quality of relationship intervention for stroke dyads called Hand in Hand (HiH). Methods: Sixteen dyads were randomized into either the HiH group (n = 8) or information, support, and referral (ISR) control group (n = 8). HiH dyads received up to eight sessions, with topics prioritized according to a 17-item screening tool. ISR dyads received up to eight sessions that included information, active listening, and referrals. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes data were collected for both groups. Results: The HiH and ISR groups were feasible and acceptable. Caregivers in both groups, as well as survivors in the ISR group, experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and other select outcomes. Conclusions: Findings suggest that HiH is feasible to implement with stroke dyads and that it merits further refinement and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the zebrafish is a major model organism, how they determine sex is not well understood. In domesticated zebrafish, sex determination appears to be polygenic, being influenced by multiple genetic factors that may vary from strain to strain, and additionally can be influenced by environmental factors. However, the requirement of germ cells for female sex determination is well documented: animals that lack germ cells, or oocytes in particular, develop exclusively as males. Recently, it has been determined that oocytes are also required throughout the adult life of the animal to maintain the differentiated female state. How oocytes control sex differentiation and maintenance of the sexual phenotype is unknown. We therefore generated targeted mutations in genes for two oocyte produced signaling molecules, Bmp15 and Gdf9 and here report a novel role for Bmp15 in maintaining adult female sex differentiation in zebrafish. Females deficient in Bmp15 begin development normally but switch sex during the mid- to late- juvenile stage, and become fertile males. Additionally, by generating mutations in the aromatase cyp19a1a, we show that estrogen production is necessary for female development and that the function of Bmp15 in female sex maintenance is likely linked to the regulation of estrogen biosynthesis via promoting the development of estrogen-producing granulosa cells in the oocyte follicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells have clinical potential against cancer; however, multiple limitations hinder the success of NK cell therapy. Here, we performed unbiased functional mapping of tumor-infiltrating NK (TINK) cells using in vivo adeno-associated virus (AAV)-SB (Sleeping Beauty)-CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) screens in four solid tumor mouse models. In parallel, we characterized single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of TINK cells, which identified previously unexplored subpopulations of NK cells and differentially expressed TINK genes. As a convergent hit, CALHM2-knockout (KO) NK cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity and tumor infiltration in mouse primary NK cells and human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells. CALHM2 mRNA reversed the CALHM2-KO phenotype. CALHM2 KO in human primary NK cells enhanced their cytotoxicity, degranulation and cytokine production. Transcriptomics profiling revealed CALHM2-KO-altered genes and pathways in both baseline and stimulated conditions. In a solid tumor model resistant to unmodified CAR-NK cells, CALHM2-KO CAR-NK cells showed potent in vivo antitumor efficacy. These data identify endogenous genetic checkpoints that naturally limit NK cell function and demonstrate the use of CALHM2 KO for engineering enhanced NK cell-based immunotherapies., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc.)

Natural killer (NK) cells are an innate immune cell type that serves at the first level of defense against pathogens and cancer. NK cells have clinical potential, however, multiple current limitations exist that naturally hinder the successful implementation of NK cell therapy against cancer, including their effector function, persistence, and tumor infiltration. To unbiasedly reveal the functional genetic landscape underlying critical NK cell characteristics against cancer, we perform perturbomics mapping of tumor infiltrating NK cells by joint in vivo AAV-CRISPR screens and single cell sequencing. We establish a strategy with AAV-SleepingBeauty(SB)- CRISPR screening leveraging a custom high-density sgRNA library targeting cell surface genes, and perform four independent in vivo tumor infiltration screens in mouse models of melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma. In parallel, we characterize single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, which identifies previously unexplored sub-populations of NK cells with distinct expression profiles, a shift from immature to mature NK (mNK) cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and decreased expression of mature marker genes in mNK cells. CALHM2, a calcium homeostasis modulator that emerges from both screen and single cell analyses, shows both in vitro and in vivo efficacy enhancement when perturbed in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells. Differential gene expression analysis reveals that CALHM2 knockout reshapes cytokine production, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways in CAR- NKs. These data directly and systematically map out endogenous factors that naturally limit NK cell function in the TME to offer a broad range of cellular genetic checkpoints as candidates for future engineering to enhance NK cell-based immunotherapies.

Xitlalli is an actinobacteriophage that was isolated from soil using Microbacterium foliorum. Based on gene content similarity to phages in the Actinobacteriophage Database, Xitlalli is assigned to cluster EK1. The genome is 53,929 bp long and contains 52 protein-coding genes, of which 26% could be assigned functions.

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition characterized by damage to podocytes that results in significant proteinuria, edema, hyperlipidemia, and hypercoagulability. Infections and malignancies are frequently associated with nephrotic syndrome. The COVID-19 virus has been associated with several atypical presentations of upper respiratory infections and acute kidney injury. Considering that COVID-19 causes systemic inflammatory changes, it seems plausible that it may also lead to nephrotic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate if an association between COVID-19 and the different types of nephrotic syndromes exists. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). We performed a systematic search of PubMed/Medline and Embase databases using both medical subject headings (MeSH) and regular keywords associated with COVID-19 and nephrotic syndrome, including different types of nephrotic syndromes. The search was performed on 17th December 2021. We included case reports and case series about adult patients who developed findings suggestive of nephrotic syndrome shortly after infection or vaccination. We excluded cases involving children, pregnant women, articles written in languages other than English, and those that were not retrievable. The relevance and quality of identified articles were assessed. We included 32 articles in the study, primarily case reports and case series. In our study, COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine have been associated with the development of nephrotic syndrome, primarily a collapsing form of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, although other forms have been observed as well. There was little consistency in patient histories, clinical presentations, clinical courses, or treatment regimens, although it appeared that most cases eventually resolved. More cases need to be reported and analyzed before more definitive conclusions can be reached. In conclusion, nephrotic syndrome is a possible complication of both COVID-19 infection and the COVD-19 vaccine and should be considered in patients exhibiting sudden onset edemas or deterioration in kidney function. While the majority of cases respond to standard treatment, clearer guidelines will need to be developed once more data is available., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Cancarevic et al.)

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been the most talked-about disease of the past few years. Patients with significant comorbidities have been at particular risk of adverse outcomes. This study looked at the outcomes and risk factors for adverse outcomes among patients on chronic hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease, a group of patients known to be particularly susceptible to infectious complications., Aim: To assess outcomes and risk factors for adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection among patients on chronic hemodialysis., Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Reference Citation Analysis (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/) and Web of Science databases for relevant terms and imported the results into the Covidence platform. From there, studies were assessed in two stages for relevance and quality, and data from studies that satisfied all the requirements were extracted into a spreadsheet. The data was then analyzed descriptively and statistically., Results: Of the 920 studies identified through the initial database search, only 17 were included in the final analysis. The studies included in the analysis were mostly carried out during the first wave. We found that COVID-19 incidence among patients on hemodialysis was significant, over 10% in some studies. Those who developed COVID-19 infection were most likely going to be hospitalized, and over 1 in 5 died from the infection. Intensive care unit admission rate was lower than the infection lethality rate. Biochemical abnormalities and dyspnea were generally reported to be associated with adverse outcomes., Conclusion: This systematic review confirms that patients on chronic hemodialysis are very high-risk individuals for COVID-19 infections, and a significant proportion was infected during the first wave. Their prognosis is overall much worse than in the general population, and every effort needs to be made to decrease their exposure., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Two novel mycobacteriophages, PhancyPhin and Purgamenstris, were isolated from the Houston, Texas, area. They were isolated in the same year with the soil enrichment method using the host Mycobacterium smegmatis mc 2 155. They exhibit a 99.55% nucleotide identity with each other., (Copyright © 2021 Ramirez Rendon et al.)

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are malignant cancers that arise from embryonic precursors known as Primordial Germ Cells. GCTs occur in neonates, children, adolescents and young adults and can occur in the testis, the ovary or extragonadal sites. Because GCTs arise from pluripotent cells, the tumors can exhibit a wide range of different histologies. Current cisplatin-based combination therapies cures most patients, however at the cost of significant toxicity to normal tissues. While GWAS studies and genomic analysis of human GCTs have uncovered somatic mutations and loci that might confer tumor susceptibility, little is still known about the exact mechanisms that drive tumor development, and animal models that faithfully recapitulate all the different GCT subtypes are lacking. Here, we summarize current understanding of germline development in humans and zebrafish, describe the biology of human germ cell tumors, and discuss progress and prospects for zebrafish GCT models that may contribute to better understanding of human GCTs.