Complex Karyotype Detection in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Comparison of Parallel Cytogenetic Cultures Using TPA and IL2+DSP30 from a Single Center.

Current CLL guidelines recommend a two parallel cultures assessment using TPA and IL2+DSP30 mitogens for complex karyotype (CK) detection. Studies comparing both mitogens for CK identification in the same cohort are lacking. We analyzed the global performance, CK detection, and concordance in the complexity assessment of two cytogenetic cultures from 255 CLL patients. IL2+DSP30 identified more altered karyotypes than TPA (50 vs. 39%, p = 0.031). Moreover, in 71% of those abnormal by both, IL2+DSP30 identified more abnormalities and/or abnormal metaphases. CK detection was similar for TPA and IL2+DSP30 (10% vs. 11%). However, 11/33 CKs (33%) were discordant, mainly due to the detection of a normal karyotype or no metaphases in the other culture. Patients requiring treatment within 12 months after sampling (active CLL) displayed significantly more CKs than those showing a stable disease (55% vs. 12%, p < 0.001). Disease status did not impact cultures' concordance (κ index: 0.735 and 0.754 for stable and active). Although CK was associated with shorter time to first treatment (TTFT) using both methods, IL2+DSP30 displayed better accuracy than TPA for predicting TTFT (C-index: 0.605 vs. 0.580, respectively). In summary, the analysis of two parallel cultures is the best option to detect CKs in CLL. Nonetheless, IL2+DSP30 could be prioritized above TPA to optimize cytogenetic assessment in clinical practice.

Protocol for in vitro co-culture assay for rapid expansion of human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare but aggressive hematological cancer that occurs primarily in children and adolescents. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro co-culture assay that enables robust expansion of primary T-ALL cells. We describe steps for seeding T-ALL and stromal cells in 3D organoids and subsequent flow analysis to capture the T-ALL cell growth for long-term culture. This protocol provides a valuable platform for in vitro functional studies and drug screenings using patient-derived cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Rivera et al.1.

Differential Carbon Catabolite Repression and Hemicellulolytic Ability among Pathotypes of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum against Natural Plant Substrates.

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and presents a great diversity of pathotypes with different levels of virulence against bean varieties worldwide. The purpose of this study was to establish whether pathotypic diversity is associated with differences in the mycelial growth and secretion of plant-cell-wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). We evaluated growth, hemicellulase and cellulase activity, and PCWDE secretion in four pathotypes of C. lindemuthianum in cultures with glucose, bean hypocotyls and green beans of P. vulgaris, and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The results showed differences in the mycelial growth, hemicellulolytic activity, and PCWDE secretion among the pathotypes. Glucose was not the preferred carbon source for the best mycelial growth in all pathotypes, each of which showed a unique PCWDE secretion profile, indicating different levels of carbon catabolite regulation (CCR). The pathotypes showed a high differential hemicellulolytic capacity to degrade host and water hyacinth tissues, suggesting CCR by pentoses and that there are differences in the absorption and metabolism of different monosaccharides and/or disaccharides. We propose that different levels of CCR could optimize growth in different host tissues and could allow for consortium behavior in interactions with bean crops.

Sustaining altitude pastures in mountain landscapes-a fuzzy cognitive model approach.

Similarly to other European mountain areas, in Serra da Estrela the grazing pressure has been reducing due to social and economic drivers that have pushed shepherds and sheep to the foothill, or plainly out of the sector. Shrub encroachment on commons and other previously grazed land is one of the most tangible effects of pastoral abandonment in Serra de Estrela. The impacts of the resulting increase in landscape continuity and biomass availability were made clear in the severe fires of 2017 and 2022. As fire risk is likely to increase with climate change, it becomes urgent to understand what strategies can be deployed to keep fragmentation in these landscapes. Key actors such as shepherds should be involved in this discussion to understand their perceptions, points of view and reasons for abandoning upland pastures. In this study, we use fuzzy cognitive mapping to identify the key variables and mechanisms affecting the pastoral system according to local shepherds. In our study, we developed with local stakeholders a framework outlining the local pastoral system. Based on that, we carried out the fuzzy cognitive mapping collecting 14 questionnaires. We found that shepherds' income is a central issue, but that it is highly dependent on many factors. Increasing the Common Agricultural Policy payments alone is not enough to incentivise the use of upland pastures. More targeted strategies, such as more support for shrub clearing, and direct payments conditional to transhumance are more impactful. Despite a contentious discourse between conservation and shepherding values in Serra da Estrela, we find that shepherd's values are aligned with biodiversity conservation and a potential nature-based solution for minimizing fire risk through woody fuel management. This opens up possibilities for new governance strategies, that put Serra da Estrela's social, environmental and cultural values at its core.

Brazilian Guideline on Menopausal Cardiovascular Health ­ 2024 / Guía Brasileña de Salud Cardiovascular en el Climaterio y la Menopausia ­ 2024 / Diretriz Brasileira sobre a Saúde Cardiovascular no Climatério e na Menopausa ­ 2024

Women, who represent approximately half of the global population according to estimates as of January 2024, may experience signs and symptoms of menopause for at least one-third of their lives, during which they have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events vary depending on the age at which MHT is initiated and the time since menopause until its initiation. Beneficial effects on CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality have been observed when MHT was initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years after menopause. The decision regarding the initiation, dose, regimen, and duration of MHT should be made individually after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. For primary prevention of postmenopausal chronic conditions, the combined use of estrogen and progestogen is not recommended in asymptomatic women, nor is the use of estrogen alone in hysterectomized women. Hormone-dependent neoplasms contraindicate MHT. For the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal estrogen therapy may be used in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors or established CVD. For women with contraindications to MHT or who refuse it, non-hormonal therapies with proven efficacy (antidepressants, gabapentin, and fezolinetant) may improve vasomotor symptoms. Compounded hormonal implants, or "bioidentical" and "compounded" hormones, and "hormone modulation" are not recommended due to lack of scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety.

Mujeres, que representan aproximadamente la mitad de la población mundial según estimaciones de enero de 2024, pueden experimentar signos y síntomas de la menopausia durante al menos un tercio de sus vidas, durante los cuales tienen un mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular. Los efectos de la terapia hormonal de la menopausia (THM) en la progresión de la aterosclerosis y los eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) varían según la edad en que se inicia la THM y el tiempo transcurrido desde la menopausia hasta su inicio. Se han observado efectos beneficiosos en los resultados de ECV y la mortalidad por todas las causas cuando la THM se inició antes de los 60 años o dentro de los 10 años posteriores a la menopausia. La decisión sobre la iniciación, dosis, régimen y duración de la THM debe tomarse individualmente después de discutir los beneficios y riesgos con cada paciente. Para la prevención primaria de condiciones crónicas en la posmenopausia, no se recomienda el uso combinado de estrógeno y progestágeno en mujeres asintomáticas, ni el uso de estrógeno solo en mujeres histerectomizadas. Las neoplasias dependientes de hormonas contraindican la THM. Para el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia, se puede usar terapia estrogénica vaginal en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular conocidos o ECV establecida. Para mujeres con contraindicaciones a la THM o que la rechazan, las terapias no hormonales con eficacia demostrada (antidepresivos, gabapentina y fezolinetant) pueden mejorar los síntomas vasomotores. Los implantes hormonales compuestos, o hormonas "bioidénticas" y "compuestas", y la "modulación hormonal" no se recomiendan debido a la falta de evidencia científica sobre su efectividad y seguridad.

As mulheres, que representam cerca de metade da população mundial segundo estimativas de janeiro de 2024, podem sofrer com sinais e sintomas da menopausa durante pelo menos um terço de suas vidas, quando apresentam maiores risco e morbimortalidade cardiovasculares. Os efeitos da terapia hormonal da menopausa (THM) na progressão de eventos de aterosclerose e doença cardiovascular (DCV) variam de acordo com a idade em que a THM é iniciada e o tempo desde a menopausa até esse início. Efeitos benéficos nos resultados de DCV e na mortalidade por todas as causas ocorreram quando a THM foi iniciada antes dos 60 anos de idade ou nos 10 anos que se seguiram à menopausa. A decisão sobre o início, a dose, o regime e a duração da THM deve ser tomada individualmente após discussão sobre benefícios e riscos com cada paciente. Para a prevenção primária de condições crônicas na pós-menopausa, não se recomendam o uso combinado de estrogênio e progestagênio em mulheres assintomáticas nem o uso de estrogênio sozinho em mulheres histerectomizadas. Neoplasias hormônio-dependentes contraindicam a THM. Para tratamento da síndrome geniturinária da menopausa, pode-se utilizar terapia estrogênica por via vaginal em pacientes com fatores de risco cardiovascular conhecidos ou DCV estabelecida. Para mulheres com contraindicação à THM ou que a recusam, terapias não hormonais com eficácia comprovada (antidepressivos, gabapentina e fezolinetante) podem melhorar os sintomas vasomotores. Os implantes hormonais manipulados, ou hormônios "bioidênticos" "manipulados", e a 'modulação hormonal' não são recomendados pela falta de evidência científica de sua eficácia e segurança.

Ethnomedicinal Study and Evaluation of the Anxiolytic-like and Diuretic Effects of the Orchid Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl-(Orchidaceae).

Stanhopea tigrina Bateman ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) is an orchid endemic to Mexico, known as "Calavera" or "calaverita", in the Huasteca Potosina (central region of Mexico). This plant species is used for the folk treatment of mental disorders and urological kidney disorders, according to the ethnomedicinal information obtained in this study. Ethanolic extracts of leaves (HE) and pseudobulb (PE) were obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to carry out the chemical characterization of HE and PE. The pharmacological effects (antioxidant, diuretic, anxiolytic, locomotor, hypnotic, and sedative) of HE and PE were evaluated. The possible mechanism of action of the anxiolytic-like activity induced by HE was assessed using inhibitors of the GABAergic, adrenergic, and serotonergic systems. The possible mechanism of the diuretic action of HE was assessed using prostaglandin inhibitory antagonists and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockers. HE at 50 and 100 mg/kg exerted anxiolytic-like activity without inducing hypnosis or sedation. Flumazenil, prazosin, and ketanserin inhibited the anxiolytic-like activity shown by HE, which suggests the participation of GABA, α1-adrenergic receptors, and 5-HT2 receptors, respectively. The diuretic effect was reversed by the non-selective NOS inhibitor L-NAME, which caused the reduction in nitric oxide (NO). These results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of S. tigrina leaves exhibited anxiolytic-like activity and diuretic effects without inducing hypnosis or sedation. This work validates the medicinal uses of this orchid species.

Measles Outbreak Associated with a Migrant Shelter - Chicago, Illinois, February-May 2024.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus with the potential to cause severe complications, hospitalization, and death, was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000; however, with ongoing global transmission, infections in the United States still occur. On March 7, 2024, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) confirmed a case of measles in a male aged 1 year residing in a temporary shelter for migrants in Chicago. Given the congregate nature of the setting, high transmissibility of measles, and low measles vaccination coverage among shelter residents, measles virus had the potential to spread rapidly among approximately 2,100 presumed exposed shelter residents. CDPH immediately instituted outbreak investigation and response activities in collaboration with state and local health departments, health care facilities, city agencies, and shelters. On March 8, CDPH implemented active case-finding and coordinated a mass vaccination campaign at the affected shelter (shelter A), including vaccinating 882 residents and verifying previous vaccination for 784 residents over 3 days. These activities resulted in 93% measles vaccination coverage (defined as receipt of ≥1 recorded measles vaccine dose) by March 11. By May 13, a total of 57 confirmed measles cases associated with residing in or having contact with persons from shelter A had been reported. Most cases (41; 72%) were among persons who did not have documentation of measles vaccination and were considered unvaccinated. In addition, 16 cases of measles occurred among persons who had received ≥1 measles vaccine dose ≥21 days before first known exposure. This outbreak underscores the need to ensure high vaccination coverage among communities residing in congregate settings.

Diagnostic yield of dental radiography and digital tomosynthesis for the identification of anatomic structures in cats.

Introduction: Digital tomosynthesis (DT) has emerged as a potential imaging modality for evaluating anatomic structures in veterinary medicine. This study aims to validate the diagnostic yield of DT in identifying predefined anatomic structures in feline cadaver heads, comparing it with conventional intraoral dental radiography (DR). Methods: A total of 16 feline cadaver heads were utilized to evaluate 19 predefined clinically relevant anatomic structures using both DR and DT. A semi-quantitative scoring system was employed to characterize the ability of each imaging method to identify these structures. Results: DT demonstrated a significantly higher diagnostic yield compared to DR for all evaluated anatomic structures. Orthogonal DT imaging identified 13 additional anatomic landmarks compared to a standard 10-view feline set obtained via DR. Moreover, DT achieved statistically significant higher scores for each of these landmarks, indicating improved visualization over DR. Discussion: These findings validate the utility of DT technology in reliably identifying clinically relevant anatomic structures in the cat skull. This validation serves as a foundation for further exploration of DT imaging in detecting dentoalveolar and other maxillofacial bony lesions and pathologies in cats.

IKZF1plus is a frequent biomarker of adverse prognosis in Mexican pediatric patients with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background: Recurrent genetic alterations contributing to leukemogenesis have been identified in pediatric B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), and some are useful for refining classification, prognosis, and treatment selection. IKZF1plus is a complex biomarker associated with a poor prognosis. It is characterized by IKZF1 deletion coexisting with PAX5, CDKN2A/2B, or PAR1 region deletions. The mutational spectrum and clinical impact of these alterations have scarcely been explored in Mexican pediatric patients with B-ALL. Here, we report the frequency of the IKZF1plus profile and the mutational spectrum of IKZF1, PAX5, CDKN2A/2B, and ERG genes and evaluate their impact on overall survival (OS) in a group of patients with B-ALL. Methods: A total of 206 pediatric patients with de novo B-ALL were included. DNA was obtained from bone marrow samples at diagnosis before treatment initiation. A custom-designed next-generation sequencing panel was used for mutational analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for OS estimation. Results: We identified the IKZF1plus profile in 21.8% of patients, which was higher than that previously reported in other studies. A significantly older age (p=0.04), a trend toward high-risk stratification (p=0.06), and a decrease in 5-year Overall Survival (OS) (p=0.009) were observed, although heterogeneous treatment protocols in our cohort would have impacted OS. A mutation frequency higher than that reported was found for IKZF1 (35.9%) and CDKN2A/2B (35.9%) but lower for PAX5 (26.6%). IKZF1MUT group was older at diagnosis (p=0.0002), and most of them were classified as high-risk (73.8%, p=0.02), while patients with CDKN2A/2BMUT had a higher leukocyte count (p=0.01) and a tendency toward a higher percentage of blasts (98.6%, >50% blasts, p=0.05) than the non-mutated patients. A decrease in OS was found in IKZF1MUT and CDKN2A/2BMUT patients, but the significance was lost after IKZF1plus was removed. Discussion: Our findings demonstrated that Mexican patients with B-ALL have a higher prevalence of genetic markers associated with poor outcomes. Incorporating genomic methodologies into the diagnostic process, a significant unmet need in low- and mid-income countries, will allow a comprehensive identification of relevant alterations, improving disease classification, treatment selection, and the general outcome.

South American Validation of a Survey to Assess Eco-Anxiety in Adults (ECO-ANS-LATAM).

Background: climate change is a reality, and more and more people are becoming aware of this global problem, which has generated anxiety in some populations. To validate a short survey to assess eco-anxiety in adults in South America. Methods: It is an instrumental study, and the validation was based on a previous survey, which had six questions and was generated by 217 respondents in the USA in 2021. These questions were subjected to a validation process with expert judgment, pilot and application, and then statistics were obtained. It was validated with 1907 people in six countries in South America, where the mean, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were adequate. Results: The initial confirmatory factorial model obtained unsatisfactory goodness-of-fit indices, so the indices were modified through a re-specification, where two items were eliminated, after which adequate values were obtained (χ2 = 22.34, df = 2, p = 0.00; RMR = 0.020; GFI = 0.990; CFI = 0.990; TLI = 0.990; and RMSEA = 0.070). Finally, the overall Cronbach's α was calculated to be 0.88 (95% CI = 0.86-0.89). Conclusions: The test was validated in a large South American population and found that only four questions can efficiently measure anxiety about the effects of climate change. The instrument can be used with other tests to screen different age groups, ethnicities and realities.

Neuroprotective effects of VCE-004.8 in a rat model of neonatal stroke.

BACKGROUND: Currently there is no effective treatment for neonatal stroke, an acute neurologic syndrome with sequelae, due to focal ischemic, thrombotic, or hemorrhagic event occurring in the perinatal period. VCE-004.8, an aminoquinone exhibiting activity on CB2 and PPARγ receptors, is neuroprotective in adult mice models of acute and chronic brain damaging conditions. We hereby aimed to study VCE-004.8 neuroprotection in a rat model of neonatal stroke. METHODS: 7-day-old (P7) Wistar rats of both sexes were submitted to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO), receiving i.p. 30 min after vehicle (MCAO + VEH) or VCE-004.8 5 mg/kg (MCAO + VCE). Non-occluded rats served as controls (SHAM). MCAO consequences were assessed at P14 by MRI, histological (TUNEL staining), biochemical (lactate/n-acetyl aspartate ratio by 1H-NMR spectroscopy) and motor studies (grasp test), and at P37 assessing myelination (MBP signal), hemiparesis and hyperlocomotion. Effects of VCE-004.8 on excitotoxicity (glutamate/n-acetyl aspartate, 1H-NMR), oxidative stress (protein nitrosylation, Oxyblot) and neuroinflammation (Toll-like receptor 4 and TNFa expression, Western blot) were assessed at P14. Therapeutic window was assessed by delaying drug administration for 12 or 18 h. RESULTS: Post-MCAO administration of VCE-004.8 reduced the volume of infarct and histological and biochemical brain damage, reducing hyperlocomotion, restoring motor performance and preserving myelination, in a manner linked to the modulation of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. VCE-004.8 was still effective being administered 12-18 h post-insult. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that this drug could be effective for the treatment of stroke in newborns.

Distinctive characteristics of extracellular vesicles from feline adipose and placenta stromal cells unveil potential for regenerative medicine in cats.

OBJECTIVE: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are promising avenues in regenerative medicine, offering unique immunomodulatory and regenerative properties with lower immunogenicity. This study delves into the distinctive features of EVs extracted from feline adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) and placenta-derived MSCs (PMSCs). The tissues were collected from 11 female cats aged between 4 and 7 years old. SAMPLE: EVs extracted from MSCs from discarded fetal membranes from 7 female cats and SC adipose tissue from 11 cats. METHODS: We comprehensively explored morphological characteristics, mitochondrial density, surface markers, and pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, uncovering notable differences between ASCs and PMSCs. RESULTS: Morphologically, ASCs exhibit a spindle-shaped form in contrast to the spherical morphology of PMSCs. Proliferation and clonogenic potential assessments reveal the faster proliferation and robust clonogenic nature of ASCs, suggesting their potential vital role in regenerative processes. Surface marker expression analysis indicates a significantly higher expression of multipotency-associated markers in ASCs, suggesting their superior proregenerative potential. Phenotyping of EVs demonstrates distinctive features, with CD9 expression suggesting varied EV secretion patterns. Notably, PMSCs exhibit superior CD81 expression, indicating their potential as preferred donors of mitochondria. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators analyzed at mRNA and microRNA levels reveal higher RNA content in EVs compared to source cells, emphasizing the potential of EVs in directing regenerative processes. Differential microRNA expression in EVs derived from ASCs hints at their regulatory roles in anti-inflammatory and immunometabolic processes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study lays a foundation for understanding the nuances between ASCs and PMSCs, which is crucial for harnessing the full therapeutic potential of MSCs and their EVs in tissue repair and regeneration.

Epidemiology of childhood acute leukemias in marginalized populations of the central-south region of Mexico: results from a population-based registry.

Introduction: Acute leukemias (AL) are the main types of cancer in children worldwide. In Mexico, they represent one of the main causes of death in children under 20 years of age. Most of the studies on the incidence of AL in Mexico have been developed in the urban context of Greater Mexico City and no previous studies have been conducted in the central-south of the country through a population-based study. The aim of the present work was to identify the general and specific incidence rates of pediatric AL in three states of the south-central region of Mexico considered as some of the marginalized populations of Mexico (Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Oaxaca). Methods: A population-based study was conducted. Children aged less than 20 years, resident in these states, and newly diagnosed with AL in public/private hospitals during the period 2021-2022 were identified. Crude incidence rates (cIR), standardized incidence rates (ASIRw), and incidence rates by state subregions (ASIRsr) were calculated. Rates were calculated using the direct and indirect method and reported per million children under 20 years of age. In addition, specific rates were calculated by age group, sex, leukemia subtype, and immunophenotype. Results: A total of 388 cases with AL were registered. In the three states, the ASIRw for AL was 51.5 cases per million (0-14 years); in Puebla, it was 53.2, Tlaxcala 54.7, and Oaxaca de 47.7. In the age group between 0-19 years, the ASIRw were 44.3, 46.4, 48.2, and 49.6, in Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Oaxaca, respectively. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most common subtype across the three states. Conclusion: The incidence of childhood AL in the central-south region of Mexico is within the range of rates reported in other populations of Latin American origin. Two incidence peaks were identified for lymphoblastic and myeloid leukemias. In addition, differences in the incidence of the disease were observed among state subregions which could be attributed to social factors linked to the ethnic origin of the inhabitants. Nonetheless, this hypothesis requires further investigation.

Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis Diagnosis and Treatment through Transcriptomic Insights.

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a debilitating inflammatory oral mucosal disease with a multifactorial etiology. The clinical diagnosis of FCGS is made based on inspection of severe inflammatory lesions and histological confirmation rather than a molecular diagnostic outcome. This gap limits the ability to provide an early diagnosis. In this report, we seek to provide additional diagnostic tools using genomics to aid in providing clinically relevant information. The use of in-depth diagnostic tools, like transcriptomics of diseased tissues, to diagnose FCGS and stratify patients into predictive treatment response groups would dramatically improve both clinical decisions and patient outcomes. In this study, we addressed the gap in diagnostic options using transcriptomic analysis of caudal oral mucosal swab specimens coupled to detailed medical record linkage of FCGS-affected cats undergoing tooth extractions and in some cases administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). To better identify markers of disease and potential response to treatment, the transcriptomes of FCGS-afflicted cats were compared to those of healthy cats and those with chronic periodontitis to clearly establish diagnostic biomarker signal transduction connections. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Ak strain transforming (PI3K/AKT) and stress-activated protein kinases/Jun N-terminal kinase (SAP/JNK) signaling pathways were significantly differentially regulated in FCGS-afflicted cats. Activation of these pathways also differed in the treatment response groups. In conjunction, the enzymes Caspase 4 (CASP4), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP8), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) were identified as potential biomarkers for the prediction of treatment response outcomes. The observations in the case study support the use of transcriptomics of FCGS patients to contribute to improved molecular diagnostics for the diagnosis and treatment of FCGS.

Effects of cannabidiol in post-stroke mood disorders in neonatal rats.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal rats can manifest post-stroke mood disorders (PSMD) following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We investigated whether cannabidiol (CBD) neuroprotection, previously demonstrated in neonatal rats after MCAO, includes prevention of PSMD development. METHODS: Seven-day-old Wistar rats (P7) underwent MCAO and received either vehicle or 5 mg/kg CBD treatment. Brain damage was quantified by MRI, and neurobehavioral and histological (TUNEL) studies were performed at P14 and P37. PSMD were assessed using the tail suspension test, forced swimming test, and open field tests. The dopaminergic system was evaluated by quantifying dopaminergic neurons (TH+) in the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), measuring brain dopamine (DA) concentration and DA transporter expression, and assessing the expression and function D2 receptors (D2R) through [35S]GTPγS binding. Animals without MCAO served as controls. RESULTS: CBD reduced MCAO-induced brain damage and improved motor performance. At P14, MCAO induced depressive-like behavior, characterized by reduced TH+ cell population and DA levels, which CBD did not prevent. However, CBD ameliorated hyperactivity observed at P37, preventing increased DA concentration by restoring D2R function. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the development of PSMD following MCAO in neonatal rats and highlight CBD as a neuroprotective agent capable of long-term functional normalization of the dopaminergic system post-MCAO. IMPACT: MCAO in neonatal rats led to post-stroke mood disorders consisting in a depression-like picture in the medium term evolving towards long-term hyperactivity, associated with an alteration of the dopaminergic system. The administration of CBD after MCAO did not prevent the development of depressive-like behavior, but reduced long-term hyperactivity, normalizing dopamine receptor function. These data point to the importance of considering the development of depression-like symptoms after neonatal stroke, a well-known complication after stroke in adults. Our work confirms the interest of CBD as a possible treatment for neonatal stroke.

Cannabidiol reduces intraventricular hemorrhage brain damage, preserving myelination and preventing blood brain barrier dysfunction in immature rats.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is an important cause of long-term disability in extremely preterm infants, with no current treatment. This study assessed the potential neuroprotective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in an IVH model using immature rats. IVH was induced in 1-day-old (P1) Wistar rats by left periventricular injection of Clostridial collagenase. Some rats received CBD prenatally (10 â€‹mg/kg i.p. to the dam) and then 5 â€‹mg/kg i.p. 6, 30 and 54 â€‹h after IVH (IVH+CBD, n â€‹= â€‹30). Other IVH rats received vehicle (IVH+VEH, n â€‹= â€‹34) and vehicle-treated non-IVH rats served as controls (SHM, n â€‹= â€‹29). Rats were humanely killed at P6, P14 or P45. Brain damage (motor and memory performance, area of damage, Lactate/N-acetylaspartate ratio), white matter injury (ipsilateral hemisphere and corpus callosum volume, oligodendroglial cell density and myelin basic protein signal), blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity (Mfsd2a, occludin and MMP9 expression, gadolinium leakage), inflammation (TLR4, NFκB and TNFα expression, infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells), excitotoxicity (Glutamate/N-acetylspartate ratio) and oxidative stress (protein nitrosylation) were then evaluated. CBD prevented the long-lasting motor and cognitive consequences of IVH, reduced brain damage in the short- and long-term, protected oligodendroglial cells preserving adequate myelination and maintained BBB integrity. The protective effects of CBD were associated with the modulation of inflammation, excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. In conclusion, in immature rats, CBD reduced IVH-induced brain damage and its short- and long-term consequences, showing robust and pleiotropic neuroprotective effects. CBD is a potential candidate to ameliorate IVH-induced immature brain damage.

The 8 Rights of Organizational Health Equity Work.

Health inequities are costing the US health care system an estimated $320 billion annually. Those costs are predicted to increase if inequitable care is not addressed. As a Health Equity Consultant for small community-based organizations and a large healthcare system I observe and advise on a variety of organizational attempts at advancing health equity. Over many years of doing this work I have developed what I call The 8 Rights of Organizational Health Equity Work. This well-organized approach outlines the most important things an organization must get right if they want to create meaningful and sustainable movement towards heath equity. Unless healthcare organizations are intentional and strategic about reducing health disparities, any progress we have made in recent years will lag and given the costs of disparities, the industry may find itself in a financial crisis that it may not recover from. The 8 Rights of Organizational Health Equity Work provides the structure that is needed to reduce health inequities in a concerted way.

Malignant A-to-I RNA editing by ADAR1 drives T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse via attenuating dsRNA sensing.

Leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) are regarded as the origin of leukemia relapse and therapeutic resistance. Identifying direct stemness determinants that fuel LIC self-renewal is critical for developing targeted approaches. Here, we show that the RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1 is a crucial stemness factor that promotes LIC self-renewal by attenuating aberrant double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensing. Elevated adenosine-to-inosine editing is a common attribute of relapsed T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) regardless of molecular subtype. Consequently, knockdown of ADAR1 severely inhibits LIC self-renewal capacity and prolongs survival in T-ALL patient-derived xenograft models. Mechanistically, ADAR1 directs hyper-editing of immunogenic dsRNA to avoid detection by the innate immune sensor melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5). Moreover, we uncover that the cell-intrinsic level of MDA5 dictates the dependency on the ADAR1-MDA5 axis in T-ALL. Collectively, our results show that ADAR1 functions as a self-renewal factor that limits the sensing of endogenous dsRNA. Thus, targeting ADAR1 presents an effective therapeutic strategy for eliminating T-ALL LICs.