Pulmonary immune profiling reveals common inflammatory endotypes of childhood wheeze and suppurative lung disease.

Suppurative lung disease and wheezing are common respiratory diseases of childhood, however, due to poor understanding of underlying pathobiology, there are limited treatment options and disease recurrence is common. We aimed to profile the pulmonary and systemic immune response in children with wheeze and chronic suppurative lung disease for identification of endotypes that can inform improved clinical management. We used clinical microbiology data, highly multiplexed flow cytometry and immunoassays to compare pulmonary [bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)] and systemic immunity in children with lung disease and controls. Unsupervised analytical approaches were applied to BAL immune data to explore biological endotypes. We identified two endotypes that were analogous in both frequency and immune signature across both respiratory diseases. The hyper-inflammatory endotype had a 12-fold increase in neutrophil infiltration and upregulation of 14 soluble signatures associated with type 2 inflammation and cell recruitment to tissue. The non-inflammatory endotype was not significantly different from controls. We showed these endotypes are measurable in a clinical setting and can be defined by measuring only three immune factors in BAL. We identified hyper-inflammatory and non-inflammatory endotypes common across pediatric wheeze and chronic suppurative lung disease that, if validated in future studies, have the potential to inform clinical management.

Reducing agents facilitate membrane patch seal integrity and longevity.

The patch clamp method is a widely applied electrophysiological technique used to understand ion channel activity and cellular excitation. The formation of a high resistance giga-ohm seal is required to obtain high-quality recordings but can be challenging due to variables including operator experience and cell preparation. Therefore, the identification of methods to promote the formation and longevity of giga-ohm seals may be beneficial. In this report, we describe our observation that the application of reducing agents (DTT and TCEP) to the external bath solution during whole-cell patch clamp recordings of heterologous cells (HEK and LM) and cultured primary cells (DRG neurons) enhanced the success of giga-ohm seal formation. Reducing agents also maintained the integrity of the seal for longer periods of time at strong hyperpolarizing voltages, whereas an oxidizing agent (H2O2) appeared to have the opposite effect. In summary, we report a useful tool to improve the quality of patch clamp recordings that may be helpful in certain experimental contexts.

Unmasking subtype-dependent susceptibility to C-type inactivation in mammalian Kv1 channels.

Shaker potassium channels have been an essential model for studying inactivation of ion channels and shaped our earliest understanding of N-type vs. C-type mechanisms. In early work describing C-type inactivation, López-Barneo and colleagues systematically characterized numerous mutations of Shaker residue T449, demonstrating that this position was a key determinant of C-type inactivation rate. In most of the closely related mammalian Kv1 channels, however, a persistent enigma has been that residue identity at this position has relatively modest effects on the rate of inactivation in response to long depolarizations. In this study, we report alternative ways to measure or elicit conformational changes in the outer pore associated with C-type inactivation. Using a strategically substituted cysteine in the outer pore, we demonstrate that mutation of Kv1.2 V381 (equivalent to Shaker T449) or W366 (Shaker W434) markedly increases susceptibility to modification by extracellularly applied MTSET. Moreover, due to the cooperative nature of C-type inactivation, Kv1.2 assembly in heteromeric channels markedly inhibits MTSET modification of this substituted cysteine in neighboring subunits. The identity of Kv1.2 residue V381 also markedly influences function in conditions that bias channels toward C-type inactivation, namely when Na+ is substituted for K+ as the permeant ion or when channels are blocked by an N-type inactivation particle (such as Kvß1.2). Overall, our findings illustrate that in mammalian Kv1 channels, the identity of the T449-equivalent residue can strongly influence function in certain experimental conditions, even while having modest effects on apparent inactivation during long depolarizations. These findings contribute to reconciling differences in experimental outcomes in many Kv1 channels vs. Shaker.

Intra-specific copy number variation of MHC class II genes in the Siamese fighting fish.

Duplicates of genes for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules can be subjected to selection independently and vary markedly in their evolutionary rates, sequence polymorphism, and functional roles. Therefore, without a thorough understanding of their copy number variation (CNV) in the genome, the MHC-dependent fitness consequences within a species could be misinterpreted. Studying the intra-specific CNV of this highly polymorphic gene, however, has long been hindered by the difficulties in assigning alleles to loci and the lack of high-quality genomic data. Here, using the high-quality genome of the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), a model for mate choice studies, and the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 17 Betta species, we achieved locus-specific amplification of their three classical MHC class II genes - DAB1, DAB2, and DAB3. By performing quantitative PCR and depth-of-coverage analysis using the WGS data, we revealed intra-specific CNV at the DAB3 locus. We identified individuals that had two allelic copies (i.e., heterozygous or homozygous) or one allele (i.e., hemizygous) and individuals without this gene. The CNV was due to the deletion of a 20-kb-long genomic region harboring both the DAA3 and DAB3 genes. We further showed that the three DAB genes were under different modes of selection, which also applies to their corresponding DAA genes that share similar pattern of polymorphism. Our study demonstrates a combined approach to study CNV within a species, which is crucial for the understanding of multigene family evolution and the fitness consequences of CNV.

DNA metabarcoding reveals the dietary composition in the endangered black-faced spoonbill.

Extensive loss of natural wetlands caused by changes in land use largely diminishes the food resources essential for the survival of migratory waterbirds. Globally, the decline in waterbird populations in East Asia is the most serious, with 64% of these populations showing a decreasing trend. In this study, we applied DNA metabarcoding to examine the spatiotemporal variations and diversities in the dietary compositions of migratory waterbirds in a natural/artificial wetland complex in Asia. By investigating 110 fecal samples from the endangered black-faced spoonbill (Platalea minor) wintering in the wetland, our results show that P. minor had a broad dietary spectrum. The birds fed on at least 26 species in the classes Actinopterygii and Malacostraca, with Mugiliformes, Cichliformes, and Gobiiformes being the main taxa in their diets. Our results also demonstrated clear patterns of the spatiotemporal variations between the roosting groups and intraspecific variations between the individuals, which potentially reflect some of their feeding habits, and the probable usage of different habitat types in the wetland complex. Using high-throughput sequencing, we were able to elucidate the food resources that are critical to P. minor non-invasively, this method can also be used to provide invaluable information for the conservation of many other waterbird species.

Combatting Homelessness in Canada: Applying Lessons Learned from Six Tiny Villages to the Edmonton Bridge Healing Program.

Emerging evidence shows that homelessness continues to be a chronic public health problem throughout Canada. The Bridge Healing Program has been proposed in Edmonton, Alberta, as a novel approach to combat homelessness by using hospital emergency departments (ED) as a gateway to temporary housing. Building on the ideas of Tiny Villages, the Bridge Healing Program provides residents with immediate temporary housing before transitioning them to permanent homes. This paper aims to understand effective strategies that underlie the Tiny Villages concept by analyzing six case studies and applying the lessons learned to improving the Bridge Healing Program. After looking at six Tiny Villages, we identified four common elements of many successful Tiny Villages. These include a strong community, public support, funding with few restrictions, and affordable housing options post-graduation. The Bridge Healing Program emphasizes such key elements by having a strong team, numerous services, and connections to permanent housing. Furthermore, the Bridge Healing Program is unique in its ability to reduce repeat ED visits, lengths of stay in the ED, and healthcare costs. Overall, the Bridge Healing Program exhibits many traits associated with successful Tiny Villages and has the potential to address a gap in our current healthcare system.

Sodium concentration of pre-packaged foods sold in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Na concentration of pre-packaged foods available in Hong Kong. DESIGN: The Na concentrations (mg/100 g or mg/100 ml or per serving) of all pre-packaged foods available for sale in major supermarket chains in Hong Kong were obtained from the 2017 Hong Kong FoodSwitch database. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of Na concentration for different food groups and the proportion of foods and beverages considered low and high Na (<120 mg/100 g or mg/100 ml and >600 mg/100 g or mg/100 ml, respectively) were determined. SETTING: Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: We analysed 11 518 pre-packaged products. 'Fruit and vegetables (including table salt)' had the highest variability in Na concentration ranging from 0 to 39 000 mg/100 g, followed by 'sauces, dressings, spreads and dips' ranging from 0 to 34 130. The latter also had the highest median Na concentration (mg/100 g or mg/100 ml) at 1180 (IQR 446-3520), followed by meat and meat products (median 800, IQR 632-1068) and snack foods (median 650, IQR 453-926). Fish and fish products (median 531, 364-791) and meat and meat products (median 444, IQR 351-593) had the highest Na concentration per serving. Overall, 46·7 and 26·7 % of products were low and high in Na, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results can serve as a baseline for food supply interventions in Hong Kong. We have identified several food groups as priority areas for reformulation, demonstrating the potential of such initiatives to improve the healthiness of the food supply in Hong Kong.

Investigating the Causal Relationship of C-Reactive Protein with 32 Complex Somatic and Psychiatric Outcomes: A Large-Scale Cross-Consortium Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with immune, cardiometabolic, and psychiatric traits and diseases. Yet it is inconclusive whether these associations are causal. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses using two genetic risk scores (GRSs) as instrumental variables (IVs). The first GRS consisted of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene (GRSCRP), and the second consisted of 18 SNPs that were significantly associated with CRP levels in the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) to date (GRSGWAS). To optimize power, we used summary statistics from GWAS consortia and tested the association of these two GRSs with 32 complex somatic and psychiatric outcomes, with up to 123,865 participants per outcome from populations of European ancestry. We performed heterogeneity tests to disentangle the pleiotropic effect of IVs. A Bonferroni-corrected significance level of less than 0.0016 was considered statistically significant. An observed p-value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered nominally significant evidence for a potential causal association, yet to be confirmed. The strengths (F-statistics) of the IVs were 31.92-3,761.29 and 82.32-9,403.21 for GRSCRP and GRSGWAS, respectively. CRP GRSGWAS showed a statistically significant protective relationship of a 10% genetically elevated CRP level with the risk of schizophrenia (odds ratio [OR] 0.86 [95% CI 0.79-0.94]; p < 0.001). We validated this finding with individual-level genotype data from the schizophrenia GWAS (OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.98]; p < 1.72 × 10-6). Further, we found that a standardized CRP polygenic risk score (CRPPRS) at p-value thresholds of 1 × 10-4, 0.001, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 using individual-level data also showed a protective effect (OR < 1.00) against schizophrenia; the first CRPPRS (built of SNPs with p < 1 × 10-4) showed a statistically significant (p < 2.45 × 10-4) protective effect with an OR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.99). The CRP GRSGWAS showed that a 10% increase in genetically determined CRP level was significantly associated with coronary artery disease (OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.84-0.94]; p < 2.4 × 10-5) and was nominally associated with the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.74-0.98]; p < 0.03), Crohn disease (OR 0.81 [95% CI 0.70-0.94]; p < 0.005), psoriatic arthritis (OR 1.36 [95% CI 1.00-1.84]; p < 0.049), knee osteoarthritis (OR 1.17 [95% CI 1.01-1.36]; p < 0.04), and bipolar disorder (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.05-1.40]; p < 0.007) and with an increase of 0.72 (95% CI 0.11-1.34; p < 0.02) mm Hg in systolic blood pressure, 0.45 (95% CI 0.06-0.84; p < 0.02) mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure, 0.01 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 0.003-0.02; p < 0.005) in estimated glomerular filtration rate from serum creatinine, 0.01 g/dl (95% CI 0.0004-0.02; p < 0.04) in serum albumin level, and 0.03 g/dl (95% CI 0.008-0.05; p < 0.009) in serum protein level. However, after adjustment for heterogeneity, neither GRS showed a significant effect of CRP level (at p < 0.0016) on any of these outcomes, including coronary artery disease, nor on the other 20 complex outcomes studied. Our study has two potential limitations: the limited variance explained by our genetic instruments modeling CRP levels in blood and the unobserved bias introduced by the use of summary statistics in our MR analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Genetically elevated CRP levels showed a significant potentially protective causal relationship with risk of schizophrenia. We observed nominal evidence at an observed p < 0.05 using either GRSCRP or GRSGWAS-with persistence after correction for heterogeneity-for a causal relationship of elevated CRP levels with psoriatic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin, and bipolar disorder. These associations remain yet to be confirmed. We cannot verify any causal effect of CRP level on any of the other common somatic and neuropsychiatric outcomes investigated in the present study. This implies that interventions that lower CRP level are unlikely to result in decreased risk for the majority of common complex outcomes.

A polymer visualization system with accurate heating and cooling control and high-speed imaging.

A visualization system to observe crystal and bubble formation in polymers under high temperature and pressure has been developed. Using this system, polymer can be subjected to a programmable thermal treatment to simulate the process in high pressure differential scanning calorimetry (HPDSC). With a high-temperature/high-pressure view-cell unit, this system enables in situ observation of crystal formation in semi-crystalline polymers to complement thermal analyses with HPDSC. The high-speed recording capability of the camera not only allows detailed recording of crystal formation, it also enables in situ capture of plastic foaming processes with a high temporal resolution. To demonstrate the system's capability, crystal formation and foaming processes of polypropylene/carbon dioxide systems were examined. It was observed that crystals nucleated and grew into spherulites, and they grew at faster rates as temperature decreased. This observation agrees with the crystallinity measurement obtained with the HPDSC. Cell nucleation first occurred at crystals' boundaries due to CO2 exclusion from crystal growth fronts. Subsequently, cells were nucleated around the existing ones due to tensile stresses generated in the constrained amorphous regions between networks of crystals.

The impact of sagittal plane hip position on isometric force of hip external rotator and internal rotator muscles in healthy young adults.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Hip external rotator (ER) and internal rotator (IR) muscle weakness is theorized to be associated with lower extremity injury in athletes including knee ligament tears and patellofemoral pain. Previous studies investigating hip musculature strength have utilized various sagittal plane hip positions for testing. The relationship between results at these different positions is unknown. METHODS: Eighty healthy, pain-free young adults participated in the study: 40 female, mean age 22.90 (± 2.32) years, and 40 male, mean age 23.50 (± 2.15) years. Peak isometric torque of bilateral hip ER and IR were tested at 90° and 0° of hip flexion with an instrumented dynamometer. Peak muscle forces were calculated. Peak forces were normalized by body mass. Mean normalized force was calculated for dominant and non-dominant limbs for ER and IR in both positions. Male and female data were analyzed separately with paired t-tests (2-tailed). Reference values for average muscle force and torque were calculated for dominant and non-dominant limbs for both hip positions. RESULTS: Hip IR normalized peak force was greater at 90° compared to 0° flexion position bilaterally in both genders (p < .01). Hip ER normalized peak force was greater at 90° compared to 0° flexion in dominant limbs of both genders and in non-dominant limbs of males (p < .01). Non-dominant hip ER normalized force in females was greater at 90° versus 0° flexion; however, it was not significant (p = .092). Post hoc analysis of normalized average force (average over 5-second contraction) yielded similar results. CONCLUSION: Clinicians and researchers should use consistent positioning for testing of hip ER and IR strength. This will improve certainty of determining if a patient's strength has changed or if differences between groups are present. Reference values reported will be useful in order to determine if weakness is present and to set goals, particularly in cases of bilateral involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

A study of the crystallization, melting, and foaming behaviors of polylactic acid in compressed CO2.

The crystallization and melting behaviors of linear polylactic acid (PLA) treated by compressed CO(2) was investigated. The isothermal crystallization test indicated that while PLA exhibited very low crystallization kinetics under atmospheric pressure, CO(2) exposure significantly increased PLA's crystallization rate; a high crystallinity of 16.5% was achieved after CO(2) treatment for only 1 min at 100 degrees C and 6.89 MPa. One melting peak could be found in the DSC curve, and this exhibited a slight dependency on treatment times, temperatures, and pressures. PLA samples tended to foam during the gas release process, and a foaming window as a function of time and temperature was established. Based on the foaming window, crystallinity, and cell morphology, it was found that foaming clearly reduced the needed time for PLA's crystallization equilibrium.