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OBJECTIVE While continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems each improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, it is unclear how the use of these technologies impacts real-world pediatric care. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We found 1,455 patients aged 3 months, and who had data from a single center in between both 2016–2017 (n = 2,827) and 2020–2021 (n = 2,731). Patients were grouped by multiple daily injections or insulin pump, with or without an HCL system, and using a blood glucose monitor or CGM. Glycemic control was compared using linear mixed-effects models adjusting for age, diabetes duration, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS CGM use increased from 32.9 to 75.3%, and HCL use increased from 0.3 to 27.9%. Overall A1C decreased from 8.9 to 8.6% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Adoption of CGM and HCL was associated with decreased A1C, suggesting promotion of these technologies may yield glycemic benefits.

Objective While continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps, and hybrid-closed-loop (HCL) systems each improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes, it is unclear how use of these technologies impact real-world pediatric care. Research Design and Methods Of patients 3 months at a single center in 2016-2017 (n=2827) and 2020-2021 (n=2731), 1455 had data in both time periods. Patients were grouped by multiple daily injections (MDI) or insulin pump with or without HCL and using a blood glucose monitor or CGM. Glycemic control was compared using linear mixed effects models adjusting for age, diabetes duration, and race/ethnicity. Results CGM use increased from 32.9% to 75.3%; HCL increased from 0.3% to 27.9%. Overall A1C decreased from 8.9% to 8.6% (p Conclusions Adoption of CGM and HCL was associated with decreased A1C, suggesting promotion of these technologies may yield glycemic benefits.

Objective Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays are high-affinity autoantibody (Ab) tests that are more specific than Abs detected by traditional radiobinding assays (RBA) for risk screening and prediction of progression to type 1 diabetes. We sought to characterize the association of high-risk human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and genotypes with ECL positivity and levels in relatives of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Methods We analyzed 602 participants from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study who were positive for at least 1 RBA diabetes-related Ab [glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA) or insulin autoantibodies (IAA)] and for whom ECL and HLA data were available. ECL and RBA Ab levels were converted to SD units away from mean (z-scores) for analyses. Results Mean age at initial visit was 19.4 ± 13.7 years; 344 (57.1%) were female and 104 (17.3%) carried the high-risk HLA-DR3/4*0302 genotype. At initial visit 424/602 (70.4%) participants were positive for either ECL-GADA or ECL-IAA, and 178/602 (29.6%) were ECL negative. ECL and RBA-GADA positivity were associated with both HLA-DR3 and DR4 haplotypes (all Ps < 0.05), while ECL and RBA-GADA z-score titers were higher in participants with HLA-DR3 haplotypes only (both Ps < 0.001). ECL-IAA (but not RBA-IAA) positivity was associated with the HLA-DR4 haplotype (P < 0.05). Conclusions ECL-GADA positivity is associated with the HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4 haplotypes and levels are associated with the HLA-DR3 haplotype. ECL-IAA positivity is associated with HLA-DR4 haplotype. These studies further contribute to the understanding of genetic risk and islet autoimmunity endotypes in type 1 diabetes.

Stem cell–derived β-like cells (sBC) carry the promise of providing an abundant source of insulin-producing cells for use in cell replacement therapy for patients with diabetes, potentially allowing widespread implementation of a practical cure. To achieve their clinical promise, sBC need to function comparably with mature adult β-cells, but as yet they display varying degrees of maturity. Indeed, detailed knowledge of the events resulting in human β-cell maturation remains obscure. Here we show that sBC spontaneously self-enrich into discreet islet-like cap structures within in vitro cultures, independent of exogenous maturation conditions. Multiple complementary assays demonstrate that this process is accompanied by functional maturation of the self-enriched sBC (seBC); however, the seBC still contain distinct subpopulations displaying different maturation levels. Interestingly, the surface protein ENTPD3 (also known as nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 [NDPTase3]) is a specific marker of the most mature seBC population and can be used for mature seBC identification and sorting. Our results illuminate critical aspects of in vitro sBC maturation and provide important insights toward developing functionally mature sBC for diabetes cell replacement therapy.

Pancreas size, as measured by MRI, is smaller at the onset of T1D and in individuals at risk for T1D. To determine whether pancreas MRI predicts T1D progression, we measured pancreas size and shape longitudinally in Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants. To increase enrollment and expand this study across multiple TrialNet sites, we established the Multicenter Assessment of the Pancreas in T1D (MAP-T1D) group to develop harmonized MRI acquisition and image processing protocols and ensure the consistency of imaging results across sites. Using this standardized protocol (PMID: 34428220) , we performed longitudinal pancreas MRI in 41 multiple autoantibody-positive individuals (mean age y.o., range 8 - 45 y.o., 49% female) at three TrialNet Clinical Centers. Average time between study entry and diabetes diagnosis for individuals who progressed to Stage 3 was 54 months while non-progressors were followed for a median time of 63 months. Five study participants who developed Stage 3 T1D during follow up had a smaller pancreas (29.5 ± 9.0 ml vs. 54.8 ± 22.5 ml, p = 0.02) and smaller pancreas volume normalized by body weight (0.61 ± 0.18 ml/kg vs. 0.85 ± 0.23 ml, p = 0.03) at study entry compared with those who did not progress to Stage 3. We found that pancreas volume was stable over time, with no significant increase or decrease up to four years after the initial MRI (total of 123 MRIs) . There was no significant change in pancreas size in the five individuals who progressed to Stage 3 T1D. The shape of the pancreas at study onset was also different in the five individuals who progressed to Stage 3 T1D compared with non-progressors, with larger surface area to volume ratio (p = 0.02) , and shorter principal axes (p = 0.05, shortest axis; p = 0.02, second shortest axis) . These data suggest that small pancreas size and altered shape predicts progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3 T1D. Disclosure J.Virostko: None. L.H.Philipson: Advisory Panel; Nevro Corp., Research Support; Dompé, Novo Nordisk, provention BIo. T.Kay: None. H.E.Thomas: Research Support; Captix Biomedical, CSL Limited, Pandion Therapeutics, Procyon Technologies. S.W.Greeley: None. A.Steck: None. A.C.Powers: None. D.J.Moore: None. J.J.Wright: None. J.M.Williams: None. M.A.Hilmes: None. T.M.Triolo: None. H.C.Broncucia: None. L.Du: None. H.Kang: None. W.E.Russell: None. Funding NIDDK (R03DK129979, U24DK097771, UC4 DK106993, DK020593) ; JDRF International (3-SRA-2015-102-M-B, 3-SRA-2019-759-M-B) ; Thomas J. Beatson, Jr. Foundation (2021-003)

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease marked by permanent loss of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. Genome wide association studies have identified protein tyrosine non receptor type 2 (PTPN2) as a high-risk T1D gene. PTPN2 has been classically implicated in immune cell function, but is expressed in T cells, B cells, and in pancreatic β cells. Mice with a β cell specific knock out (KO) of ptpn2 exhibit impaired function and increased susceptibility to stress induced β cell death. We hypothesized that altered PTPN2 expression in pancreatic beta cells may contribute to T1D disease development. In order to study PTPN2 in the human context we generated CRISPR/Cas9 mediated clonal PTPN2 knock out (KO) hPSCs, abolishing the functional domain of PTPN2. PTPN2 KO and WT hPSCs were differentiated into functional stem cell derived beta-like cells (sBCs) using our published protocol without significant differences in key developmental markers or insulin content. Compared to WT sBC, PTPN2 KO sBCs at steady state and under T1D stress conditions show increased expression of HLA Class I molecules important in T cell recognition. To investigate the interaction of KO or WT sBCs with diabetogenic T cells we employed an HLA-peptide-TCR matched coculture system we recently established. Using this system, we observed increased stimulation of diabetogenic TCR T cell transductants by KO sBC compared to WT. Our data provide evidence for a potential mechanism by which PTPN2, a known T1D high-risk gene may contribute to an immunogenic phenotype of β cells. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of PTPN2 expression contributes to an autoimmune response towards human β cells thus contributing to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. Disclosure J. Q. Matuschek: None. H. A. Russ: Consultant; Eli Lilly and Company, Sigilon Therapeutics, Inc. T. M. Triolo: None. A. W. Michels: Employee; ImmunoMolecular Therapeutics, Stock/Shareholder; ImmunoMolecular Therapeutics. K. Mcdaniel: None. M. S. Hansen: None. S. Williams: None. R. Castro-gutierrez: None. A. Shilleh: None. Funding NIH: K12DK094712

Modeling the course of C-peptide decline in autoantibody (Ab) positive individuals is important for type 1 diabetes (T1D) prediction and implementation of T1D prevention trials. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in TCF7L2, JAZF1, SLC30A8, INS, PTPRK, G6CP2, CLEC16, PTPN22 and HLA genes are associated with persistent C-peptide at or after T1D diagnosis. We sought to determine whether 12 SNPs in these genes and the T1D genetic risk score-2 (GRS2) can predict C-peptide trajectory before diagnosis of T1D. We studied Ab positive at-risk participants in the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study who had ImmunoChip data (N=1217, age at initial screen (mean±SD) 16.1±12.7 years, 51.5% female, 81.0% non-Hispanic white) . Over a mean follow up of 3.4±2. years, 255 (21.0%) developed multiple Ab and 336 (27.6%) developed clinical T1D. We analyzed the influence of these 12 SNPs and the T1D GRS2 on C-peptide AUC during progression from single to multiple Abs, from single Ab to clinical T1D, and from multiple Abs to clinical T1D. Analyses were adjusted for baseline C-peptide AUC, age, glucose AUC, BMI Z-score and HbA1c; the presence of high-risk HLA haplotypes (DR3 and DR4-DQ8) ; and the first 3 principal components. The type 2 diabetes (T2D) -associated TCF7L2 rs7901695 and rs4506565 SNPs were significantly associated with higher C-peptide AUC during progression from multiple Abs to T1D (p In conclusion, T2D-associated SNPs in the TCF7L2 gene and lower T1D GRS2 predict higher C-peptide particularly in progression from multiple Abs to clinical T1D. Disclosure T.M.Triolo: None. M.J.Redondo: Advisory Panel; Provention Bio, Inc. H.M.Parikh: None. M.Tosur: Advisory Panel; Provention Bio, Inc. P.Gottlieb: Advisory Panel; Janssen Research & Development, LLC, ViaCyte, Inc., Other Relationship; IM Therapeutics, Research Support; Caladrius Biosciences, Inc., Immune Tolerance Network, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Novo Nordisk, Precigen, Inc., Tolerion, Inc. R.A.Oram: Consultant; Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Research Support; Randox R & D. S.Onengut-gumuscu: None. J.Krischer: None. S.S.Rich: None. A.Steck: None. Funding NIH K12 DK094712NIH RDK121843NIH RDK124395

Summary Human motor neuron (MN) diseases encompass a spectrum of disorders. A critical barrier to dissecting disease mechanisms is the lack of appropriate human MN models. Here, we describe a scalable, suspension-based differentiation system to generate functional human MN diseases in 3 weeks. Using this model, we translated recent findings that mRNA mis-localization plays a role in disease development to the human context by establishing a membrane-based system that allows efficient fractionation of MN cell soma and neurites. In response to hypoxia, used to mimic diabetic neuropathies, MNs upregulated mitochondrial transcripts in neurites; however, mitochondria were decreased. These data suggest that hypoxia may disrupt translation of mitochondrial mRNA, potentially leading to neurite damage and development of neuropathies. We report the development of a novel human MN model system to investigate mechanisms of disease affecting soma and/or neurites that facilitates the rapid generation and testing of patient-specific MN diseases., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into motor neurons in 3 weeks • Global transcriptomes of motor neuron soma and neurite fractionations • Modeling of diabetic neuropathies by hypoxia reveals neurite-specific defects • Study suggests mRNA mis-localization as novel disease mechanism, Russ and colleagues present here a rapid, scalable, suspension-culture system for the efficient generation of functional human motor neurons from pluripotent stem cells. Using a soma and neurite fractionation approach, they reveal that mitochondrial transcripts, but not proteins, are neurite enriched under conditions modeling diabetic neuropathies. These findings suggest mRNA mis-localizations as a potential novel disease mechanism in motor neurons.

Stem cell derived beta-like cells (sBC) carry the promise of providing an abundant source of insulin-producing cells for use in cell replacement therapy for patients with diabetes, potentially allowing widespread implementation of a practical cure. To achieve their clinical promise, sBC need to function comparably to mature adult beta cells, but as yet they display varying degrees of maturity. Indeed, detailed knowledge of the events resulting in human beta cell maturation remains obscure. Here we show that sBC spontaneously self-enrich into discreet islet-like cap structures within in vitro cultures, independent of exogenous maturation conditions. Multiple complementary assays demonstrate that this process is accompanied by functional maturation of the self-enriched sBC (seBC); however, the seBC still contain distinct subpopulations displaying different maturation levels. Interestingly, the surface protein ENTPD3 (also known as nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 (NDPTase3)) is a specific marker of the most mature seBC population and can be used for mature seBC identification and sorting. Our results illuminate critical aspects of in vitro sBC maturation and provide important insights towards developing functionally mature sBC for diabetes cell replacement therapy.

Development of islet autoimmunity (IA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) are associated with high-risk HLA class II loci as well as non-HLA genes. Monozygotic (MZ) twins have a high rate of concordance to T1D progression after the first twin develops T1D, especially for those diagnosed at a young age. We analyzed 52 T1D-associated non-HLA SNPs from ImmunoChip data in 159 MZ twins from the Twin Family Study: 79 twin probands with T1D and their 80 unaffected cotwins/triplets (including one set of triplets). Subjects are enrolled into the Twin Study when the proband is diagnosed with T1D and cotwins are followed longitudinally for the development of IA and/or T1D. In the cotwins, we analyzed the association between each of the non-HLA SNPs and IA after adjusting for HLA DR3/4*0302. In the twin probands with T1D, we used a linear regression model to evaluate the association of non-HLA SNPs with diabetes age at onset after adjusting for HLA DR3/4*0302. Median (IQR) age of diagnosis of the twin probands was 9.9 (5.4-13.9) years and age of last visit for the cotwins was 17.5 (11.2-26.7) years. Of the 80 cotwins, 41 (51.3%) developed IA and 15 (18.8%) were diagnosed with T1D. After adjusting for HLA DR3/4*0302, SNPs in CTLA4 (rs3087243), IL2 (rs4505848), IKZF1 (rs62447205), and INS (rs7111341) were found to be associated with the development of IA in cotwin subjects (all p Disclosure T. M. Triolo: None. F. Dong: None. H. C. Broncucia: None. S. Onengut-gumuscu: None. A. Steck: None. S. S. Rich: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K12DK094712)

The TrialNet OI prevention trial (TN07) with T1D as an endpoint showed no effect. However, in a smaller trial run in parallel with TN07 (termed secondary stratum 1), in which all participants had low first-phase insulin release, a statistically significant delay in T1D onset was found. Since trials with T1D as an endpoint take years to complete, we aimed to determine if combination C-peptide and glucose markers could identify a therapeutic benefit after 12 months of OI in this high-risk population. All participants were at-risk relatives with multiple autoantibodies including mIAA and normal glucose tolerance (n=40 with full data). The Figure shows changes in glucose and C-peptide response curves and their centroids (central points). Glucose rose and C-peptide declined in the placebo group compared to a minimal glucose rise with an increase of C-peptide in the OI group. Change from baseline to 1 year in the centroid ratio (C-peptide/glucose) differed significantly between groups (p=0.037 after adjustments for age, BMI, and baseline C-peptide and glucose). The AUC C-peptide/AUC glucose ratio and Index60 did not differ (both p=0.108). In conclusion, the findings support a positive effect of OI on combined glucose and C-peptide endpoints in high-risk individuals. These measures appear to detect differences in a shorter time than the standard T1D endpoint. Disclosure L. M. Jacobsen: None. M. A. Atkinson: None. J. Krischer: None. D. Schatz: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, Medtronic. J. Sosenko: None. D. D. Cuthbertson: None. E. K. Sims: None. H. M. Ismail: None. L. Dimeglio: Advisory Panel; Self; MannKind Corporation. T. M. Triolo: None. M. J. Redondo: Advisory Panel; Self; Provention Bio, Inc. M. Lundgren: None. P. Gottlieb: Advisory Panel; Self; Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Tolerion, Inc., Viacyte, Inc., Other Relationship; Self; ImmunoMolecular Therapeutics, Inc., Research Support; Self; Caladrius Biosciences, Inc., Immune Tolerance Network, Mercia Pharma Inc., National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Precigen, Inc., Tolerion, Inc.

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by the body’s inability to control blood glucose levels within a physiological range due to loss and/or dysfunction of insulin producing beta cells. Progressive beta cell loss leads to hyperglycemia and if untreated can lead to severe complications and/or death. Treatments at this time are limited to pharmacologic therapies, including exogenous insulin or oral/injectable agents that improve insulin sensitivity or augment endogenous insulin secretion. Cell transplantation can restore physiologic endogenous insulin production and minimize hyper- and hypoglycemic excursions. Islet isolation procedures and management of transplant recipients have advanced over the last several decades; both tight glycemic control and insulin independence are achievable. Research has been conducted in isolating islets, monitoring islet function, and mitigating the immune response. However, this procedure is still only performed in a small minority of patients. One major barrier is the scarcity of human pancreatic islet donors, variation in donor pancreas quality, and variability in islet isolation success. Advances have been made in generation of glucose responsive human stem cell derived beta cells (sBCs) and islets from human pluripotent stem cells using directed differentiation. This is an emerging promising treatment for patients with diabetes because they could potentially serve as an unlimited source of functional, glucose-responsive beta cells. Challenges exist in their generation including long term survival of grafts, safety of transplantation, and protection from the immune response. This review focuses on the progress made in islet allo- and auto transplantation and how these advances may be extrapolated to the sBC context.

Digestate is the anaerobic digestion by-product of biogas production that can be used as a phosphorus (P) fertilizer. To achieve the efficient utilization of digestate as a P fertilizer and evaluate P availability in digestate-amended soils, it is necessary to assess both available P in different digestates and digestate-amended soils. In this study, Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) combined with multivariate analysis was applied to predict water-extractable P (WEP) in digestates and plant-available P in digestate-amended soils. The plant-available P was determined by the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. 45 digestate samples were collected both from laboratory-scale digesters (26 samples) and operating biogas plants (19 samples) in Denmark for WEP determination. Three soils amended with the collected 19 digestate samples from biogas plants (that results to 57 digestate-amended soil samples in total) were deployed for DGT measurement of plant- available P. The WEP predicting model had a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.80 and a root mean square error of 0.78 g kg−1 while the plant-available P predicting model exhibited an R2 of 0.70 and a root mean square error of 134.09 μg P L−1. Furthermore, regression coefficients with a significant contribution of the plant-available P predicting model were identified, indicating that FTIR-PAS is capable for correlating spectra information with plant-available P related chemical bonds. In conclusion, FTIR-PAS can be used as a faster and non-destructive alternative for the assessment of both WEP in digestates and plant-available P in digestate-amended soils.

Individuals both at risk for and newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a reduced pancreas volume as assessed by MRI. Furthermore, multiparametric quantitative MRI techniques have detected focal alterations in the T1D pancreas. However, performing quantitative MRI techniques in multi-site trials is challenging due to differences in MRI hardware and software. To determine if quantitative MRI measurements in T1D can be performed at different institutions, 5 academic centers (see author affiliation) have established the Multicenter Assessment of the Pancreas in T1D (MAP-T1D) group to develop harmonized MRI acquisition and image processing protocols. We established and implemented an MRI protocol for pancreas imaging on both Siemens and Philips MRI platforms at 5 imaging centers, consisting of T1- and T2-weighted anatomical images, diffusion-weighted MRI, magnetization transfer MRI, and longitudinal relaxation (T1) mapping. Imaging phantoms assessing volume, diffusion, magnetization transfer ratio, and T1 were created and imaged at each institution to test the reproducibility of multiparametric MRI. Measurement of phantom volume yielded an average error of 1.5% from the true volume. The apparent diffusion coefficient, magnetization transfer ratio, and T1 phantoms had coefficients of variation of 6.0%, 10.0%, and 9.5%, respectively, between sites. To assess the reproducibility of human MRI scanning, we recruited 5 healthy subjects to travel to 4 sites for imaging using the standardized MRI protocol. Pancreas volume measured at multiple sites had an average coefficient of variation between scans of 8.3% with a maximum difference of 17% (n = 9 MRIs). This study demonstrates the feasibility of quantitative pancreas MRI across multiple sites. Standardization of pancreas MRI acquisition and processing will accelerate integration of pancreas volume and other quantitative MRI measurements in future multi-center clinical trials of T1D. Disclosure J. Virostko: None. J.M. Williams: None. M.A. Hilmes: None. L. Du: None. H. Kang: None. W.E. Russell: None. T.M. Triolo: None. L.H. Philipson: None. E.K. Sims: None. C. Evans-Molina: Consultant; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb. H.E. Thomas: None. T. Kay: None. S.W. Greeley: None. A. Steck: None. A.C. Powers: None. D.J. Moore: None. Funding JDRF (3-SRA-2019-759-M-B, 3-SRA-2015-102-M-B)

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays are high-affinity autoantibodies (Abs) that are more specific than radiobinding assay (RBA) Abs for the prediction of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in natural history studies screening for risk and progression to T1D. We analyzed 603 subjects from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study who were positive for at least one RBA diabetes related Ab and for whom ECL and HLA data were available. We sought to characterize ECL-GADA and ECL-IAA positivity and levels (z-scores) by HLA genotype and haplotypes. Mean age at initial visit was 19.4 ± 13.7 years; 345 (57.2%) were female and 104 (17.2%) carried the high-risk HLA- DR3/4*0302 genotype. At initial visit 425 (70%) of subjects were positive for either ECL-GADA or ECL-IAA, with 207 (34.3%) ECL-IAA positive subjects and 367 (60.9%) ECL-GADA positive subjects. For subjects with high-risk HLA-DR3/4 genotype (n=104), 80 (76.9%) were positive for ECL-GADA, while 42 (40.4%) were positive for ECL-IAA. ECL and RBA-GADA z-scores were higher in subjects with HLA-DR3 haplotypes, while ECL-IAA (but not RBA-IAA) z-scores were associated with HLA-DR4 haplotypes. Associations of ECL and RIA Abs with high-risk HLA haplotypes are shown in the Table. In conclusion, ECL and RBA-GADA positivity are associated with both HLA-DR3 and DR4 haplotypes, whereas only ECL-IAA (but not RBA-IAA) positivity and levels are associated with HLA-DR4 haplotype. Disclosure T.M. Triolo: None. L. Pyle: None. L. Yu: None. P. Gottlieb: Advisory Panel; Self; Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC., Tolerion, Inc., Viacyte, Inc. Research Support; Self; Caladrius Biosciences, Inc., Immune Tolerance Network, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., JDRF, Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Mercia/Nova Laboratories, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Novo Nordisk Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; IM Therapeutics. A. Steck: None. Funding American Diabetes Association (1-14-CD-17 to A.S.); National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; JDRF

Context Concordance for persistent islet autoimmunity (IA) and type 1 diabetes in monozygotic twins after probands are diagnosed is variable (30%-70%). Risk for development of IA in dizygotic twins is thought to be similar to nontwin siblings. Little is known in regard to the development of celiac autoimmunity (CDA) in twins of subjects with type 1 diabetes. Objective Our aim was to investigate the development of IA and CDA in cotwins of probands with type 1 diabetes. Methods Since 1995, the Twin Family Study has followed 336 twins (168 twin probands with type 1 diabetes and 168 cotwins) for a median of 14 years (interquartile range:10-18 years). Cotwins were followed for the development of IA, type 1 diabetes, and CDA. Results In monozygotic cotwins, cumulative incidence by age 20 was 14% for IA and 10% for CDA. Development of IA and CDA by age 20 was 9% and 12% in dizygotic cotwins, respectively. While the numbers are small, IA by age 30 years was 26% in monozygotic and 39% in dizygotic twins. In proportional hazards models, the proband’s younger age at diagnosis, but not sex or human leukocyte antigen were associated with time to IA and CDA in cotwins. Conclusion CDA risk by age 20 in cotwins was 10% to 12%. With long-term follow-up, cumulative incidence for IA is high in dizygotic twins, similar to monozygotic twins, suggesting a role of possible early environmental factors shared by type 1 diabetes discordant cotwins.

Concordance for persistent islet autoimmunity (IA) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) in monozygotic twins (MZ) after one twin is diagnosed has been highly variable (30-70%), while risk for development of IA in dizygotic twins (DZ) is thought to be similar to non-twin siblings. Since 1995, the Twin Family Study at the Barbara Davis Center has followed 336 twins (168 twin probands diagnosed with T1D and 168 cotwins) with a median follow-up of 14 years (ICR:10-18 years). Zygosity testing confirmed a total of 80 MZ pairs and 88 DZ pairs. Cotwins were followed for the development of IA and celiac autoimmunity (CDA). In MZ cotwins, cumulative incidence for IA was 14% by age 20 and 63% by age 45, while development of CDA was 10% by 20 years. Development of IA and CDA by age 20 was 9.2% and 12.3% in DZ cotwins respectively, with development of IA reaching 70% by age 30 (Figure). In Cox proportional hazards models, only the proband’s age at diagnosis, but not sex, HLA-DR3 nor DR4 were associated with time to IA and CDA in cotwins. In MZ twins, younger age of the proband was associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) for both IA and CDA, while younger age in DZ twins was associated with an increased HR for IA only. In conclusion, CDA risk does not appear to increase after age 15. With long term follow-up, cumulative incidence for IA is high in DZ twins, similar to MZ twins, suggesting a role of possible early environmental factors shared by T1D-discordant cotwins. Disclosure T.M. Triolo: None. A.R. Fouts: None. L. Pyle: None. L. Yu: None. P. Gottlieb: Advisory Panel; Self; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Research Support; Self; Caladrius Biosciences, Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Board Member; Self; ImmunoMolecular Therapeutics. Consultant; Self; Kamada. Research Support; Self; JDRF, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Novo Nordisk Inc., MacroGenics, Inc., Pfizer Inc.. Advisory Panel; Self; Viacyte, Inc.. Research Support; Self; GlaxoSmithKline plc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. A. Steck: None.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), historically an adult disease, is now increasingly prevalent in obese youth. Poor diet and increased sedentary behavior contribute to the increasing rates of obesity in youth, yet not all obese children develop T2DM. In general, T2DM is characterized by both insulin resistance (IR) and pancreatic beta-cell insufficiency. In children, IR is related to elevated body mass index (BMI) and pubertal hormones, along with abnormal fat partitioning, elevated free fatty acids, inflammation, and/or mitochondrial dysfunction. Hyperglycemia and T2DM develop when the pancreas cannot match the increased insulin demands resulting from IR. Unique to youth, IR varies with stage of pubertal development, and some children may have resolution of hyperglycemia post-puberty once the IR of puberty resolves. Further understanding of IR, the progression to T2DM in youth, and later outcomes as adults will help direct future therapies and interventions for youth at risk.

Atherosclerosis is the major cause of cardiovascular disease. Diet and lifestyle changes may contribute to reduce some of the main atherosclerosis risk factors (presence of dyslipidemia, hypertension and being overweight). In this regard, over recent years, many nutritional strategies have been developed aimed at promoting cardiovascular health. Present available data amply demonstrate that soy, but also many vegetable proteins from other legumes, plant fibers, plant sterols and red yeast rice improve lipid profiles. Moreover, over the last few years, soy protein has also received considerable attention as an antihypertensive product. On the other hand, the beneficial effects of garlic and guggulipid on lipid profile, blood pressure and endothelial function has been described, but at present remains uncertain.

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AD) is the major cause of primary adrenal failure in developed nations. Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase (21OH-AA) are associated with increased risk of progression to AD. Highest genetic risk is associated with the Major Histocompatibility region (MHC), specifically human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR3 haplotypes (containing HLA-B8) and HLA-DR4.The objective of the study was the further characterization of AD risk associated with MHC alleles.MHC genotypes were determined for HLA-DRB1, DQA1, DQB1, MICA, HLA-B, and HLA-A in 168 total individuals with 21OH-AA (85 with AD at referral and 83 with positive 21OH-AA but without AD at referral).Genotype was evaluated in 21OH-AA-positive individuals. Outcomes were compared with general population controls and type 1 diabetes patients.In HLA-DR4+ individuals, HLA-B15 was found in only one of 55 (2%) with AD vs. 24 of 63 (40%) 21OH-AA-positive nonprogressors (P = 2 × 10(-7)) and 518 of 1558 (33%) HLA-DR4 patients with type 1 diabetes (P = 1 × 10(-8)). On prospective follow-up, none of the HLA-B15-positive, 21-hydroxylase-positive individuals progressed to AD vs. 25% non-HLA-B15 autoantibody-positive individuals by life table analysis (P = 0.03). Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed the HLA-DR/DQ region associated with risk and HLA-B15 were separated by multiple intervening single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes.HLA-B15 is not associated with protection from 21OH-AA formation but is associated with protection from progression to AD in 21OH-AA-positive individuals. To our knowledge, this is one of the most dramatic examples of genetic disease suppression in individuals who already have developed autoantibodies and of novel dominant suppression of an autoimmune disease by a class I HLA allele.

Statins represent a major advance in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis. There is, however, notable interindividual variation in the cholesterolemic response to statins, and the origin of this variability is poorly understood; pharmacogenetics has attempted to determine the role of genetic factors. Myopathy, further, has been reported in a considerable percentage of patients, but the mechanisms underlying muscle injury have yet to be fully characterized. Most statins are the substrates of several cytochrome P450s (CYP). CYP polymorphisms may be responsible for variations in hypolipidemic activity; inhibitors of CYPs, e.g. of CYP3A4, can significantly raise plasma concentrations of several statins, but consequences in terms of clinical efficacy are not uniform. Pravastatin and rosuvastatin are not susceptible to CYP inhibition but are substrates of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1, encoded by the SLCO1B1 gene. Essentially all statins are, in fact, substrates of membrane transporters: SLCO1B1 polymorphisms can decrease the liver uptake, as well as the therapeutic potential of these agents, and may be linked to their muscular side-effects. A better understanding of the mechanisms of statin handling will help to minimize adverse effects and interactions, as well as to improve their lipid-lowering efficiency.

Context: Autoimmunity associated with Addison’s disease (AD) can be detected by measuring 21-hydroxylase (21OH) autoantibodies. Subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk for AD. Genetic factors including HLA-DRB1*0404 and MICA have been associated with AD in populations with and without T1D. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the effect of the MICA5.1 allele in subjects with 21OH autoantibodies on progression to AD. Design: Two components were used: 1) a cross-sectional study with subjects with AD identified and enrolled from September 1993 to November 2008 and 2) a cohort study prospectively following up patients with T1D who screened positive for 21OH autoantibodies. Setting: Subjects were identified from the Barbara Davis Center and through the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation. Patients: Sixty-three subjects with AD were referred through the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (AD referrals). Sixty-three subjects with positive 21OH antibodies from the Barbara Davis Center were followed up for progression to AD, and 11 were diagnosed with AD (progressors). Results: Seventy-three percent of progressors (eight of 11) and 57% of AD referrals (36 of 63) were MICA5.1 homozygous (P = ns). Overall, 59% of patients with AD (44 of 74) were MICA5.1/5.1 compared with 17% of nonprogressors (nine of 52) (P < 0.0001) and 19% of normal DR3/4-DQB1*0302 controls (64 of 336) (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Identifying extreme risk should facilitate monitoring of progression from 21OH antibody positivity to overt AD. The HLA-DR3/0404 genotype defines high-risk subjects for adrenal autoimmunity. MICA5.1/5.1 may define those at highest risk for progression to overt AD, a feature unique to AD and distinct from T1D.

OBJECTIVE Upon diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, patients are usually symptomatic, and many have ketoacidosis. Screening for islet autoantibodies (IAs) has been shown to decrease A1C level and rate of hospitalization at diabetes onset. Metabolic tests and the presence of symptoms were described at diabetes onset during the Diabetes Prevention Trial–Type 1 (DPT-1). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The DPT-1 screened relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes for islet cell autoantiobodies (ICAs). Those with positive ICAs had intravenous and oral glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs and OGTTs) and were randomized into one of two prevention trials. Throughout the DPT-1 parenteral and oral insulin study, 246 people were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS Of the 246 subjects diagnosed with diabetes, 218 had data regarding the presence of symptoms, and 138 (63.3%) reported no symptoms suggestive of diabetes. Eight subjects (3.67%) presented with ketosis. Subjects presented with a mean ± SD A1C of 6.41 ± 1.15%. At diagnosis, 90 subjects (50.8%) had A1C in the normal range ( CONCLUSIONS The majority of subjects diagnosed with type 1 diabetes through the DPT-1 were asymptomatic at onset and had normal fasting glucose and A1C levels. This suggests that intermittent screening (IA followed by OGTT) may allow diagnosis of diabetes before severe metabolic decompensation. Screening with A1C will miss identifying many of the subjects with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in this cohort.

OBJECTIVE—People with the HLA genotype DRB1*0301-DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201/DRB1*04-DQA1*0301-DQB1*0302 (DR3/4-DQ8) are at the highest risk of developing type 1 diabetes. We sought to find an inexpensive, rapid test to identify DR3/4-DQ8 subjects using two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—SNPs rs2040410 and rs7454108 were associated with DR3-DQB1*0201 and DR4-DQB1*0302. We correlated these SNPs with HLA genotypes and with publicly available data on 5,019 subjects from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Consortium (T1DGC). Additionally, we analyzed these SNPs in samples from 143 HLA-typed children who participated in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study of the Young (DAISY) using Taqman probes (rs7454108) and restriction digest analysis (rs2040410). RESULTS—With a simple combinatorial rule, the SNPs of interest identified the presence or absence of the DR3/4-DQ8 genotype. A wide variety of genotypes were tested for both SNPs. In T1DGC samples, the two SNPs were 98.5% (1,173 of 1,191) sensitive and 99.7% (3,815 of 3,828) specific for DR3/4-DQ8. In the DAISY population, the test was 100% (69 of 69) sensitive and 100% (74 of 74) specific. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity for the test were 98.57 and 99.67%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS—A two-SNP screening test can identify the highest risk heterozygous genotype for type 1 diabetes in a time- and cost-effective manner.

Intensive glucose control after the onset of type 1 diabetes has been suggested to preserve C-peptide production (1–3). In people with type 1 diabetes, sensor-augmented pump (SAP) use improved glycemic control, particularly when used >6 days/week (4). As previously reported, subjects with type 1 diabetes were randomized to either 3 days of in-hospital hybrid closed-loop therapy followed by SAP therapy or usual care (5). In the primary intent-to-treat analysis, no significant differences existed in HbA1c or C-peptide between the two groups at 1 year. In our post hoc analysis, we hypothesized that more frequent sensor use in the SAP group would be associated with lower HbA1c levels and preservation of C-peptide production at 1 year. Subjects in the SAP group ( n = 46) were stratified by median SAP use of 12.4 h/day. HbA1c and C-peptide levels were compared at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months. At 12 months of follow-up, the median HbA1c values for those with SAP …

OBJECTIVE We sought to define the prevalence of nonislet, organ-specific autoantibodies at diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and to determine the prevalence of comorbid autoimmune diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Children (n = 491) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes were screened for autoimmune thyroid disease (thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies [TPOAb]), celiac disease (tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies [TTGAb]), and Addison disease (21-hydroxylase autoantibodies [21OHAb]). RESULTS Of the 491 children, 161 had at least one nonislet autoantibody, and of these, 122 (24.8%) were positive for TPOAb, and 15 of the 122 (12.3%) had autoimmune thyroid disease. There were 57 (11.6%) who were positive for TTGAb, of whom 14 (24.6%) had celiac disease. Five (1.0%) were positive for 21OHAb, of whom one had Addison disease. CONCLUSIONS Many autoantibody-positive subjects present with additional autoimmune disorders. Detection of these autoantibodies at type 1 diabetes onset may prevent complications associated with delayed diagnosis of these disorders.

Context: Multiple autoimmune disorders (e.g. Addison’s disease, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease) are associated with HLA-DR3, but it is likely that alleles of additional genes in linkage disequilibrium with HLA-DRB1 contribute to disease. Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize major histocompatability complex (MHC) haplotypes conferring extreme risk for autoimmune Addison’s disease (AD). Design, Setting, and Participants: Eighty-six 21-hydroxylase autoantibody-positive, nonautoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, Caucasian individuals collected from 1992 to 2009 with clinical AD from 68 families (12 multiplex and 56 simplex) were genotyped for HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, MICA, HLA-B, and HLA-A as well as high density MHC single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis for 34. Main Outcome Measures: AD and genotype were measured. Result: Ninety-seven percent of the multiplex individuals had both HLA-DR3 and HLA-B8 vs. 60% of simplex AD patients (P = 9.72 × 10−4) and 13% of general population controls (P = 3.00 × 10−19). The genotype DR3/DR4 with B8 was present in 85% of AD multiplex patients, 24% of simplex patients, and 1.5% of control individuals (P = 4.92 × 10−191). The DR3-B8 haplotype of AD patients had HLA-A1 less often (47%) than controls (81%, P = 7.00 × 10−5) and type 1 diabetes patients (73%, P = 1.93 × 10−3). Analysis of 1228 SNPs across the MHC for individuals with AD revealed a shorter conserved haplotype (3.8) with the loss of the extended conserved 3.8.1 haplotype approximately halfway between HLA-B and HLA-A. Conclusion: Extreme risk for AD, especially in multiplex families, is associated with haplotypic DR3 variants, in particular a portion (3.8) but not all of the conserved 3.8.1 haplotype.

Intensive control after onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been suggested to preserve C-peptide production. Subjects with T1D used a sensor-augmented pump (SAP), after 3 days of in hospital hybrid closed loop or usual care. In the primary intent to treat analysis (Buckingham, Diabetes Care, 2013) there were no significant differences in HbA1c or in C-peptide between the two groups at 1 year. In this post-hoc analysis, we hypothesized that more frequent CGM use would be associated with lower HbA1c and preservation of C-peptide production in the SAP group. Subjects in the SAP group (n = 48) were stratified by median CGM use. HbA1c and C-peptide were compared at baseline 3, 6, 9 and 12 months.

Abstract The objective of this study is to evaluate the alternatives for water disposal and management during coalbed methane production in remote arctic conditions. In this paper, we evaluate five methods of water disposal in the arctic environment. These methods are (1) direct discharge onto the surface, (2) controlled discharge into streams, (3) underground injection using wells, (4) concentration of produced saline water in a multiple effect evaporator, and (5) conversion of wastewater into clean water by reverse osmosis, a submerged combustion evaporator, and a pulse combustion dryer. The methods were ranked based on a set of criteria including logistics and engineering challenges of water treatment and processing in the arctic, environmental regulations, costs of installation, operations and maintenance. We conclude that surface discharge by use of ground sprinklers is not acceptable in the arctic; use of injection wells and the freeze thaw/evaporation processes hold promise for dewatering coalbed methane wells in rural Alaska. Introduction Coalbed methane has become an important source of natural gas production in the Lower 48 States and other places around the world. One current estimate shows that coal basins in the State of Alaska contain over 28 to 43 trillion standard cubic metres (1,000 to 1,500 trillion standard cubic feet) of coalbed methane. Although the actual extent and magnitude of producible gas from Alaska's remote coal basins are unknown, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources postulates that if only 10% on the estimated 28 trillion cubic metres of methane gas is recoverable, this coalbed methane resource would triple the State's current proven conventional gas reserves(1). Exploratory drilling is the key to delineating the potential of the coalbed gas resources of Alaska. Coalbeds are naturally fractured, low pressure, water saturated gas reservoirs. In a coalbed methane reservoir, even though some free gas may exist in the coal deposits, the majority of the gas is adsorbed on the surface of the coal matrix. Proper dewatering of the coal seams is a critical factor associated with gas production from coalbed methane reservoirs. The saline water that is trapped within the deeply buried coal seams must be removed in order to reduce the pressure of the system, and allow the gas to desorbs from the coals and flow into the wellbore. Large amounts of water production can be anticipated during exploration drilling and early life of the producing field. There are three different mechanisms by which water can be stored in coal seams. First, adherent moisture or bulk moisture refers to the free water contained in the cleat system that has a normal vapor pressure(2,3). This is the volume of water that must be removed during the dewatering phase in the coalbed methane production operations. Second, inherent moisture or absorbed moisture is the water in the microspore system that decreases the adsorptive capacity of the coal for methane(3). Although this type of water storage is inconsequential when considering water disposal, it is extremely detrimental to the gas concentration of the coal. The other forms of water found in coal seams include chemically bound water and water of hydration.