New genetic loci link adipose and insulin biology to body fat distribution.

Body fat distribution is a heritable trait and a well-established predictor of adverse metabolic outcomes, independent of overall adiposity. To increase our understanding of the genetic basis of body fat distribution and its molecular links to cardiometabolic traits, here we conduct genome-wide association meta-analyses of traits related to waist and hip circumferences in up to 224,459 individuals. We identify 49 loci (33 new) associated with waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for body mass index (BMI), and an additional 19 loci newly associated with related waist and hip circumference measures (P < 5 × 10(-8)). In total, 20 of the 49 waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI loci show significant sexual dimorphism, 19 of which display a stronger effect in women. The identified loci were enriched for genes expressed in adipose tissue and for putative regulatory elements in adipocytes. Pathway analyses implicated adipogenesis, angiogenesis, transcriptional regulation and insulin resistance as processes affecting fat distribution, providing insight into potential pathophysiological mechanisms

Time to Switch to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Europe and Thailand.

Background: Data on durability of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited. We assessed time to switch to second-line therapy in 16 European countries and Thailand. Methods: Children aged <18 years initiating combination ART (≥2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] plus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI] or boosted protease inhibitor [PI]) were included. Switch to second-line was defined as (i) change across drug class (PI to NNRTI or vice versa) or within PI class plus change of ≥1 NRTI; (ii) change from single to dual PI; or (iii) addition of a new drug class. Cumulative incidence of switch was calculated with death and loss to follow-up as competing risks. Results: Of 3668 children included, median age at ART initiation was 6.1 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-10.5) years. Initial regimens were 32% PI based, 34% nevirapine (NVP) based, and 33% efavirenz based. Median duration of follow-up was 5.4 (IQR, 2.9-8.3) years. Cumulative incidence of switch at 5 years was 21% (95% confidence interval, 20%-23%), with significant regional variations. Median time to switch was 30 (IQR, 16-58) months; two-thirds of switches were related to treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, older age, severe immunosuppression and higher viral load (VL) at ART start, and NVP-based initial regimens were associated with increased risk of switch. Conclusions: One in 5 children switched to a second-line regimen by 5 years of ART, with two-thirds failure related. Advanced HIV, older age, and NVP-based regimens were associated with increased risk of switch

Genetic associations at 53 loci highlight cell types and biological pathways relevant for kidney function.

Reduced glomerular filtration rate defines chronic kidney disease and is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), combining data across 133,413 individuals with replication in up to 42,166 individuals. We identify 24 new and confirm 29 previously identified loci. Of these 53 loci, 19 associate with eGFR among individuals with diabetes. Using bioinformatics, we show that identified genes at eGFR loci are enriched for expression in kidney tissues and in pathways relevant for kidney development and transmembrane transporter activity, kidney structure, and regulation of glucose metabolism. Chromatin state mapping and DNase I hypersensitivity analyses across adult tissues demonstrate preferential mapping of associated variants to regulatory regions in kidney but not extra-renal tissues. These findings suggest that genetic determinants of eGFR are mediated largely through direct effects within the kidney and highlight important cell types and biological pathways

The E3-20.5K Membrane Protein of Subgroup B Human Adenoviruses Contains O-Linked and Complex N-Linked Oligosaccharides

AbstractSubgroup 6 adenoviruses (Ad3, -7, -11, -35) contain two open reading frames (ORFs) in the early E3 transcription unit that are not present in subgroup C adenoviruses (Ad2, Ad5). The product of one of these ORFs, a 20,500-kDa (20.5K) protein, was shown previously to be expressed as two diffuse 22K and 36K bands on SDS-PAGE; the 22K appeared to be the precursor to the 36K species. As judged by its predicted sequence, 20.5K is a type I membrane glycoprotein with two potential sites for N-glycosylation and a transmembrane domain near its COOH-terminus. Here we show that when Ad3-or Ad7-infected cells were radiolabeled in the presence of tunicamycin, which prevents the addition of N-linked oligosaccharides, both the 22K and the 36K forms of 20.5K showed increased mobility in SDS PAGE, indicating that both forms contain N-linked sugars. Both the 22K and the 36K forms were sensitive to digestion by endoglycosidase F and N-glycanase, again indicating that they both contain N-linked sugars. Only the 22K species was sensitive to endoglycosidase H, indicating that it contains high-mannose-type oligosaccharides and that the 36K species contains complex-type carbohydrates. The 36K form was sensitive to neuraminidase, indicating that its sugars contain terminal sialic acid. When digested with N-glycanase and neuraminidase, the 36K form was sensitive to O-glycanase, indicating that the 36K form has O-linked oligosaccharides. The 22K form was labeled with [3H]mannose and the 36K form was labeled with [3H]glucosamine and to a much lesser extent by [3H]mannose. Altogether these results indicate that the 20.5K protein is cotranslationally modified with N-linked high-mannose oligosaccharides, then the protein moves into the Golgi and trans-Golgi network where it acquires O-linked and complex N-linked oligosaccharides

A 20,500-Dalton Protein is Coded by Region E3 of Subgroup B but Not Subgroup C Human Adenoviruses

AbstractThere is an open reading frame (ORF) between ATG2089 and TGA2856 in the early E3 transcription unit of subgroup B adenovirus 3 (Ad3) that could encode a protein of 20,500 MW (20.5K). This ORF also exists in Ad7, Ad11, and Ad35 (subgroup B). An antipeptide antiserum made in rabbits against the predicted Ad3/7 20.5K protein immunoprecipitated two diffuse bands with apparent molecular weights of about 22K and 36K from Ad3- or Ad7-infected cells. These bands were also detected in immunoblots. These bands were not seen in mock-infected cells or cells infected with Ad3 or Ad7 mutants that delete the gene for 20.5K. In vitro transcription and translation of the 20.5K gene yielded a protein of about 18K, suggesting that this may be the primary translation product and that the 22K and 36K forms of 20.5K arise by post translation processing. Pulse/chase experiments suggest that the half-life of the 22K form is short, and that this form is further modified to the 36K species. In accord with these results and as judged by its predicted sequence, 20.5K appears to be a membrane glycoprotein with a potential N-terminal signal sequence, a second hydrophobic putative transmembrane domain, and two potential Asn-linked glycosylation sites. The 20.5K protein was synthesized throughout the course of the infection. Ad3 and Ad7 mutants lacking 20.5K grew as well as wild-type Ad3 and Ad7, indicating that, in common with subgroup C E3 proteins, the 20.5K protein is dispensable for virus replication in cultured cells. The 20.5K gene is totally absent from the E3 region of Ad2 and Ad5 (subgroup C). The gene is also absent or highly diverged in the E3 region of Ad12 (subgroup A) and Ad40 (subgroup F). Given that E3 genes may counteract host defenses, the 20.5K protein may contribute to the unique pathogenic properties of subgroup B human adenoviruses

Systemic Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using a Targeted Adenovirus Armed with Carboxypeptidase G2

Systemic gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma using a targeted adenovirus armed with carboxypeptidase G2 Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, and there is no effective therapy for unresectable disease. We have developed a targeted systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The gene for a foreign enzyme is selectively expressed in the tumor cells and a nontoxic prodrug is then given, which is activated to a potent cytotoxic drug by the tumor-localized enzyme. This approach is termed gene- directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). Adenoviruses have been used to target cancer cells, have an intrinsic tropism for liver, and are efficient gene vectors. Oncolytic adenoviruses produce clinical benefits, particularly in combination with conventional anticancer agents and are well tolerated. We rationalized that such adenoviruses, if their expression were restricted to telomerase-positive cancer cells, would make excellent gene vectors for GDEPT therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we use an oncolytic adenovirus to deliver the prodrug-activating enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) to tumors in a single systemic administration. The adenovirus replicated and produced high levels of CPG2 in two different hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts (Hep3B and HepG2) but not other tissues. GDEPT enhanced the adenovirus-alone therapy to elicit tumor regressions in the hepatocellular carcinoma models. This is the first time that CPG2 has been targeted and expressed intracellularly to effect significant therapy, showing that the combined approach holds enormous potential as a tumor-selective therapy for the systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Work fatalities, bereaved families and the enforcement of OHS legislation

© 2019, Australian Labour and Employment Relations Association (ALERA), SAGE Publications Ltd, Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore and Washington DC. There has been considerable research and policy debate over the enforcement and decriminalization of occupational health and safety legislation, particularly regarding its capacity to deal with serious harm. Reference has been made to community attitudes to work fatalities, but the perspectives of those most directly affected, the bereaved families, have received little attention. Drawing on evidence from detailed interviews with 44 Australian family members, this article seeks to rectify this omission. Findings highlight the importance of investigative and prosecutorial processes to bereaved families who seek justice, some assurance that culpable behaviours are not condoned, and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. However, reinforcing previous research critical of the degree of enforcement and advocating for a more readily implementable offence of industrial manslaughter, the vast majority of those interviewed were critical of the processes that occurred. Far from assisting, these processes generally left families very dissatisfied with their experiences

Rom-1 is required for rod photoreceptor viability and regulation of disk morphogenesis

The homologous membrane proteins Rom-1 and peripherin-2 are localized to the disk rims of photoreceptor outer segments (OSs), where they associate as tetramers and larger oligomers1, 2, 3. Disk rims are thought to be critical for disk morphogenesis, OS renewal4 and the maintenance of OS structure5, but the molecules which regulate these processes are unknown. Although peripherin-2 is known to be required for OS formation (because Prph2−/− mice do not form OSs; ref. 6), and mutations in RDS (the human homologue of Prph2) cause retinal degeneration7, the relationship of Rom-1 to these processes is uncertain. Here we show that Rom1−/− mice form OSs in which peripherin-2 homotetramers are localized to the disk rims, indicating that peripherin-2 alone is sufficient for both disk and OS morphogenesis. The disks produced in Rom1−/− mice were large, rod OSs were highly disorganized (a phenotype which largely normalized with age) and rod photoreceptors died slowly by apoptosis. Furthermore, the maximal photoresponse of Rom1−/− rod photoreceptors was lower than that of controls. We conclude that Rom-1 is required for the regulation of disk morphogenesis and the viability of mammalian rod photoreceptors, and that mutations in human ROM1 may cause recessive photoreceptor degeneration