Identifying cellular level epigenetic markers for the prediction of cognitive and learning deficits in a fetal alcohol spectrum disorders model

Background/Rationale: Although the physical manifestations of prenatal exposure to alcohol are often easy to identify, the more devastating effects on cognitive function and intellectual ability, however, are highly varied and thus difficult to predict. In order to aid physicians in early identification of potential deficits and the implementation of the appropriate therapies, we aim to identify biomarkers that are associated with infants who have an increased risk of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and of developing cognitive and learning disabilities later on in life. Methods: For FASD model, pregnant female mice received 4.0g/kg intraperitoneal EtOH or PBS injections at embryonic day (E) 12-14 with expected pup delivery at E18-20. Postnatal day 30 pups (n=10) subsequently underwent rotarod behavior tests over 2 days in order to quantify learning capabilities as measured by latency to fall over a period of 6 trials. One day following the completion of the rotarod test, cardiac puncture was performed for whole blood collection and buffy coat, containing peripheral mononuclear cells, was isolated using Ficoll-density gradient medium. T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and monocyte populations were collected via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and underwent RNA sequencing to identify variations in gene expression between the EtOH exposed and PBS groups. Results: Findings to date indicate that prenatal exposure to alcohol negatively impacts learning abilities where 44% of the EtOH-exposed group are classified as poor learners (learning index \u3c10) compared to 28% in the PBS-control group. RNA sequencing analysis of collected cellular populations is currently underway with the goal of identifying specific biomarkers that may be correlated to results encountered in our behavioral model. Conclusion: - The identification of potential biomarkers associated with cognitive and learning disabilities in our FASD mouse model may be useful in the development of future investigations that target markers specific to human patients with FASD

Fabrication of Poly (D,L-Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Microparticles for Improved Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Delivery

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer and the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide. HPV vaccines require a multi-dose regimen to provide immunity, contributing to low patient compliance. We addressed this problem by formulating biodegradable poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles and assessing their viability for use in controlled-release vaccines. We hypothesized that we could alter fabrication parameters to produce 1-10 μm microparticles in order to encapsulate ovalbumin (OVA) and HPV virus-like particles (VLPs). Microparticles were fabricated using a double emulsion method and used to elicit an immune response in JAWSII cells. Our results contribute to knowledge of vaccine delivery mechanisms and controlled-release technology, and could contribute to the creation of a viable controlled-release HPV vaccine

Long-term neurological symptoms after acute COVID-19 illness requiring hospitalization in adult patients: insights from the ISARIC-COVID-19 follow-up study

in this study we aimed to characterize the type and prevalence of neurological symptoms related to neurological long-COVID-19 from a large international multicenter cohort of adults after discharge from hospital for acute COVID-19