The effects of soil acidity on the age structure and age at sexual maturity of eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in hardwood forests of New Hampshire and Vermont

Acidic deposition resulting from emissions of sulfur and nitrogen has negatively impacted the hardwood forests of the northeastern United States, causing depletion of key nutrients such as calcium and chronic acidification of forest soil habitats. Strongly acidic habitats (pH \u3c 3.5) have long been considered lethal to eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus), but recent studies found that P. cinereus were abundant in hardwood forests with soil pH as low as 2.7 – a condition resulting from anthropogenic acid inputs. Although abundance of P. cinereus does not appear to be constrained by soil pH, I hypothesized that very acidic habitats would negatively impact the demographics of P. cinereus populations, including age distribution, growth rates, and age at sexual maturity. I analyzed demographic parameters of extant P. cinereus populations that were sampled in 2012 at four hardwood forests in NH and VT (USA) that ranged in soil/forest floor pH from 2.7 – 3.7. I determined the age of each P. cinereus using skeletochronology techniques to estimate population age structure, estimated growth curves for each population using the von Bertalanffy equation and Chapman’s method, and evaluated mean age at sexual maturity for each population. Overall, soil pH did not appear to strongly affect P. cinereus populations. However, the most acidic site (pH 2.7) had a greater proportion of juveniles to adults, suggesting that fewer juveniles survive to adulthood at soil pH \u3c 3.0. The mean age of sexually mature individuals was significantly higher at the most acidic site compared to least acidic site, but was not significantly different from the sites with intermediate pH sites. My results suggest that it is possible that P. cinereus populations have locally adapted to very acidic soils, but that demographic differences may reveal sensitivity of populations to this stressor. Further study of habitat pH and P. cinereus is warranted because these salamanders comprise a large portion of forest faunal biomass and play an key ecological role in nutrient cyclin

A Cloud-Native Web Application for Assisted Metadata Generation and Retrieval: THESPIAN-NER

Within the context of the Competence Centre for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage (4CH) project, the design and deployment of a platform-as-a-service cloud infrastructure for the first European competence centre of cultural heritage (CH) has begun, and some web services have been integrated into the platform. The first integrated service is the INFN-CHNet web application for FAIR storage of scientific analysis on CH: THESPIAN-Mask. It is based on CIDOC-CRM-compatible ontology and CRMhs, describing the scientific metadata. To ease the process of metadata generation and data injection, another web service has been developed: THESPIAN-NER. It is a tool based on a deep neural network for named entity recognition (NER), enabling users to upload their Italian-written report files and obtain labelled entities. Those entities are used as keywords either to serve as (semi)automatically custom queries for the database, or to fill (part of) the metadata form as a descriptor for the file to be uploaded. The services have been made freely available in the 4CH PaaS cloud platform

Protective effects of the melanocortin analog NDP-α-MSH in rats undergoing cardiac arrest

We previously reported that melanocortins afford cardioprotection in conditions of experimental myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, with involvement of the janus kinases (JAK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signalings. We investigated the influence of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) on short-term detrimental responses to cardiac arrest (CA) induced in rats by intravenous (i.v.) administration of potassium chloride, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus epinephrine treatment. In CA/CPR rats i.v. treated with epinephrine (0.1mg/kg) and returned to spontaneous circulation (48%) we recorded low values of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), alteration of hemogasanalysis parameters, left ventricle low expression of the cardioprotective transcription factors pJAK2 and pTyr-STAT3 (JAK-dependent), increased oxidative stress, up-regulation of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as assessed at 1h and 3h after CPR. On the other hand, i.v. treatment during CPR with epinephrine plus NDP-α-MSH (340μg/kg) almost completely restored the basal conditions of MAP and HR, reversed metabolic acidosis, induced left ventricle up-regulation of pJAK2, pTyr-STAT3 and IL-10, attenuated oxidative stress, down-regulated TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and improved survival rate by 81%. CA/CPR plus epinephrine alone or in combination with NDP-α-MSH did not affect left ventricle pSer-STAT3 (ERK1/2-dependent) and pERK1/2 levels. These results indicate that melanocortins improve return to spontaneous circulation, reverse metabolic acidosis, and inhibit heart oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade triggered by CA/CPR, likely via activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

Transcriptome Analysis of Canine Cutaneous Melanoma and Melanocytoma Reveals a Modulation of Genes Regulating Extracellular Matrix Metabolism and Cell Cycle

Interactions between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment are considered critical in carcinogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. To examine transcriptome changes and to explore the relationship with tumor microenvironment in canine cutaneous melanocytoma and melanoma, we extracted RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens and analyzed them by means of RNA-seq for transcriptional analysis. Melanocytoma and melanoma samples were compared to detect differential gene expressions and significant enriched pathways were explored to reveal functional relations between differentially expressed genes. The study demonstrated a differential expression of 60 genes in melanomas compared to melanocytomas. The differentially expressed genes cluster in the extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, protein digestion and absorption, focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B) signaling pathways. Genes encoding for several collagen proteins were more commonly differentially expressed. Results of the RNA-seq were validated by qRT-PCR and protein expression of some target molecules was investigated by means of immunohistochemistry. We hypothesize that the developing melanoma actively promotes collagen metabolism and extracellular matrix remodeling as well as enhancing cell proliferation and survival contributing to disease progression and metastasis. In this study, we also detected unidentified genes in human melanoma expression studies and uncover new candidate drug targets for further testing in canine melanoma

Prevalenza di microalbuminuria e malattia renale cronica nei soggetti affetti da psoriasi

La psoriasi è una malattia infiammatoria cronica spesso associata a comorbidità quali l’artrite psoriasica, le malattie infiammatorie croniche intestinali, il diabete mellito, la dislipidemia, l’ipertensione, la steato-epatite non alcolica e la sindrome metabolica. Tuttavia, i dati sulla prevalenza di insufficienza renale e microalbuminuria sono limitati. 82 pazienti affetti da psoriasi sono stati sottoposti a prelievo ematico per la determinazione della creatinina sierica (sCr). La presenza di microalbuminuria su campione di urine del mattino è stata analizzata mediante metodo turbidimetrico. L’estensione e la severità della psoriasi è stata determinata mediante il PASI score. Sono stati utilizzati il test t di Student e il Test Chi quadro per il confronto dei dati; il valore p < 0.05 è stato considerato statisticamente significativo. 12 pazienti presentavano microalbuminuria positiva (> 30mg/g-creat); la prevalenza di microalbuminuria era pertanto 14.6%. I pazienti con microalbuminuria presentavano una psoriasi di più lunga durata (27.2 ± 11.8 vs 16.5 ± 12.1 anni; p = 0.005) and un eGFR ridotto rispetto ai pazienti con microalbuminuria negativa (80.1 ± 27.2 vs 124.1 ± 129.5 ml/min; p=0.007). Non vi erano differenze statisticamente significative per età, genere, BMI, prevalenza di ipertensione arteriosa e diabete mellito, PASI e Proteina C reattiva fra i due gruppi. I pazienti affetti da psoriasi e microalbuminuria positiva presentano una psoriasi di più lunga durata e un filtrato glomerulare stimato più basso rispetto ai paziente con microalbuminuria negativa. La presenza di microalbuminuria non è un reperto frequente nei pazienti affetti da psoriasi ma la sua correlazione con la durata della malattia cutanea potrebbe suggerire un interessamento glomerulare

Assessment of respiratory function and exercise tolerance at 4-6 months after COVID-19 infection in patients with pneumonia of different severity

The evaluation of COVID-19 systemic consequences is a wide research field in which respiratory function assessment has a pivotal role. However, the available data in the literature are still sparse and need further strengthening

Progression of clinical and eye movement markers in preataxic carriers of Machado-Joseph Disease

Background: Little is known about preclinical stages of Machado-Joseph disease, a polyglutamine disorder characterized by progressive adult-onset ataxia. Objective: We aimed to describe the longitudinal progression of clinical and oculomotor variables in the preataxic phase of disease. Methods: Carriers and noncarriers were assessed at three visits. Preataxic carriers (Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia score < 3) expected to start ataxia in ≤4 years were considered near onset (PAN). Progressions of ataxic and preataxic carriers, considering status at the end of the study, were described according to the start (or its prediction) of gait ataxia (TimeToAfterOnset) and according to the study time. Results: A total of 35 ataxics, 38 preataxics, and 22 noncarriers were included. The “TimeToAfterOnset” timeline showed that Neurological Examination Scale for Spinocerebellar Ataxias (NESSCA; effect size, 0.09), Inventory of Non-Ataxia Symptoms (INAS0.07), and the vestibulo-ocular reflex gain (0.12) progressed in preataxic carriers, and that most slopes accelerate in PAN, turning similar to those of ataxics. In the study time, NESSCA (1.36) and vertical pursuit gain (1.17) significantly worsened in PAN, and 6 of 11 PANs converted to ataxia. For a clinical trial with 80% power and 2-year duration, 57 PANs are needed in each study arm to detect a 50% reduction in the conversion rate. Conclusions: NESSCA, INAS, vestibulo-ocular reflex, and vertical pursuit gains significantly worsened in the preataxic phase. The “TimeToAfterOnset” timeline unveiled that slopes of most variables are small in preataxics but increase and reach the ataxic slopes from 4 years before the onset of ataxia. For future trials in preataxic carriers, we recommend recruiting PANs and using the conversion rate as the primary outcome. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Screening in Patients on Hemodialysis

Introduction. Patients receiving in-center hemodialysis are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. It is unclear if routine screening of asymptomatic hemodialysis patients is an effective strategy to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks within the dialysis unit. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of in-center hemodialysis patients who underwent bimonthly COVID-19 rapid antigen test screening from February 15(th) to December 26(th), 2021. Nasal rapid antigen testing was performed in all asymptomatic patients. All rapid antigen-positive tests were confirmed by RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab. Besides universal rapid antigen screening, RT-PCR testing was conducted in all symptomatic patients and contacts of COVID-19 subjects. Results. Overall, 4079 rapid antigen tests were performed in 277 hemodialysis patients on chronic hemodialysis with a mean age of 68.4 +/- 14.6 years. Thirty-eight (0.9%) rapid antigen tests resulted positive. Only five (13.8%) positive-rapid antigen tests were also positive by RT-PCR testing. During the same period, 219 patients regularly screened by rapid antigen tests bimonthly underwent 442 RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swabs for clinical reasons. RT-PCR testing yielded a positive result in 13 (5.9%) patients. The time elapsed between PCR and the negative-rapid antigen test was 7.7 +/- 4.6 days (range 1.8-13.9 days). At the end of the follow-up, 6.4% of the population on in-center hemodialysis contracted COVID-19, and routine rapid antigen tests detected only 5 out of 18 (27.7%) COVID-19 cases. No outbreaks of COVID-19 were identified within the dialysis unit. Conclusion. Bimonthly rapid antigen screening led to the early diagnosis of COVID-19 in less than one-third of cases. The short incubation period of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants makes bimonthly test screening inadequate for an early diagnosis of COVID-19. More frequent tests are probably necessary to improve the utility of COVID-19 nasal rapid antigen test in patients on hemodialysis

Smoking is not linked to the development of anti-peptidylarginine deiminase 4 autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis

Background: Defining environmental factors responsible for development of autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is critical for understanding mechanisms of disease initiation and propagation. Notably, a history of cigarette smoking has been implicated in the genesis of RA and is associated with worse disease outcomes. Antibodies to peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) are also associated with more severe RA. A subset of patients who have PAD4 autoantibodies that cross-react with PAD3 (anti-PAD3/4) are at the highest risk for interstitial lung disease, and this risk is augmented by a history of cigarette smoking. It is unclear, however, if smoking is etiologically linked to the development of anti-PAD4 antibodies. Methods: Patients were included in this study if they had physician-diagnosed RA as well as DNA, serum, and a date-matched clinical assessment (n = 274). Anti-PAD4 and anti-CCP antibodies were measured by immunoprecipitation and ELISA, respectively; shared epitope (SE) status was determined by HLA-DRβ1 genotyping. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associations of smoking with PAD4 antibodies, with adjustment for relevant demographic and clinical features. Stratified analyses by disease duration and shared epitope status were also performed. Results: Anti-PAD4 antibodies were present in 25% of RA patients, with 50% of these individuals having anti-PAD3/4 cross-reactive antibodies. Anti-PAD4 antibodies were significantly associated with a longer disease duration, SE alleles, and anti-CCP antibodies. Importantly, there were no significant differences in smoking history between anti-PAD4 positive and negative groups in univariate analyses, stratified analyses, or multivariable models. However, an inverse relationship between smoking and anti-PAD4 antibodies was suggested by a lower prevalence of current smokers among patients with anti-PAD3/4 antibodies compared to antibody negative individuals (p = 0.04). Further, the lowest levels of anti-PAD4 antibodies were observed in current smokers (p = 0.14), and a significant association of SE and anti-PAD4 antibodies was only present among never smokers (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Smoking history was not associated with anti-PAD4 antibodies in patients with RA. The finding that anti-PAD4 antibodies were not associated with smoking suggests that other environmental factors may contribute to the development of autoimmunity to PAD4 in these patients