Clearance of beta-amyloid and tau aggregates is size dependent and altered by an inflammatory challenge.

Extracellular beta-amyloid aggregation and inflammation are in a complex and not fully understood interplay during hyperphosphorylated tau aggregation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Our group has previously shown that an immune challenge with tumour necrosis factor alpha can alter extracellular beta-sheet containing aggregates in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neurons carrying familial Alzheimer's disease-related presenilin 1 mutations. Here, using single-molecule detection and super-resolution imaging techniques, we quantified and characterized the intra- and extracellular beta-amyloid and AT8-positive tau aggregates.

Molecular and spatial analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures in Sjogren's syndrome.

Tertiary lymphoid structures play important roles in autoimmune and non-autoimmune conditions. While many of the molecular mechanisms involved in tertiary lymphoid structure formation have been identified, the cellular sources and temporal and spatial relationship remain unknown. Here we use combine single-cell RNA-sequencing, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics of minor salivary glands of patients with Sjogren's disease and Sicca Syndrome, with ex-vivo functional studies to construct a cellular and spatial map of key components involved in the formation and function of tertiary lymphoid structures.

Single Cell Data Enables Dissecting Cell Types Present in Bulk Transcriptome Data.

The quality of organoid models can be assessed by single-cell-RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) but often only bulk transcriptome data is available. Here we present a pipeline for the analysis of scRNA-seq data and subsequent "deconvolution," which is a method for estimating cell type fractions in bulk transcriptome data based on expression profiles and cell types found in scRNA-seq data derived from biopsies. We applied this pipeline on bulk iPSC-derived kidney and brain organoid transcriptome data to identify cell types employing two scRNA-seq kidney datasets and one brain dataset.

Beyond genomic studies of congenital heart defects through systematic modelling and phenotyping.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common congenital anomalies, are considered to have a significant genetic component. However, despite considerable efforts to identify pathogenic genes in patients with CHDs, few gene variants have been proven as causal. The complexity of the genetic architecture underlying human CHDs likely contributes to this poor genetic discovery rate.

Follow-up and transition practices in esophageal atresia: a review of European Reference Network on rare Inherited and Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) centres and affiliates.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the provision and distribution of esophageal atresia (EA) follow-up (FU) and transition services across European Reference Network for rare Inherited and Congenital Anomalies (ERNICA) member and affiliate centers.

Methods: A REDCap questionnaire was sent to clinical leads of 18 ERNICA members and 14 affiliate centers.

Results: 29 of 32 centers responded (91%), the majority of which were highly specialized.

Clinical translation of tissue-engineered oesophageal grafts: are patients ready for us?

Purpose: We sought to engage with expert patient/carers to understand attitudes towards use of tissue engineering (TE) for long-gap oesophageal atresia (OA).

Methods: An in-person engagement event for 70 patients/parents was held by the OA patient group, TOFS. Attitudes towards TE were assessed before and after a talk on use of TE oesophagi in a pre-clinical OA model.

Hemozoin induces malaria via activation of DNA damage, p38 MAPK and neurodegenerative pathways in a human iPSC-derived neuronal model of cerebral malaria.

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection results in severe complications including cerebral malaria (CM), in which approximately 30% of patients end up with neurological sequelae. Sparse in vitro cell culture-based experimental models which recapitulate the molecular basis of CM in humans has impeded progress in our understanding of its etiology. This study employed healthy human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neuronal cultures stimulated with hemozoin (HMZ) - the malarial toxin as a model for CM.

POLR3B is associated with a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with myoclonic-atonic seizures and ataxia.

Objective: POLR3B encodes the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase III, which is essential for transcription of small non-coding RNAs. Biallelic pathogenic variants in POLR3B are associated with an inherited hypomyelinating leukodystrophy. Recently, de novo heterozygous variants in POLR3B were reported in six individuals with ataxia, spasticity, and demyelinating peripheral neuropathy.

Severe Acute Motor Exacerbations (SAME) across Metabolic, Developmental and Genetic Disorders.

Acute presentation of severe motor disorders is a diagnostic and management challenge. We define severe acute motor exacerbations (SAME) as acute/subacute motor symptoms that persist for hours-to-days with a severity that compromise vital signs (temperature, breath, and heart rate) and bulbar function (swallowing/dysphagia). Phenomenology includes dystonia, choreoathetosis, combined movement disorders, weakness, and hemiplegic attacks.

Bio-Sprayed/Threaded Microalgae Remain Viable and Indistinguishable from Controls.

Microalgae are increasingly playing a significant role in many areas of research and development. Recent studies have demonstrated their ability to aid wound healing by their ability to generate oxygen, aiding the healing process. Bearing this in mind, the capability to spray/spin deposit microalgae in suspension (solution) or compartmentalize living microalgae within architectures such as fibers/scaffolds and beads, would have significance as healing mechanisms for addressing a wide range of wounds.

UK research priority setting for childhood neurological conditions.

Aim: To identify research priorities regarding the effectiveness of interventions for children and young people (CYP) with childhood neurological conditions (CNCs). These include common conditions such as epilepsies and cerebral palsy, as well as many rare conditions.

Method: The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the James Lind Alliance (JLA) champion and facilitate priority setting partnerships (PSPs) between patients, caregivers, and clinicians (stakeholders) to identify the most important unanswered questions for research (uncertainties).

Comprehensive meta-analysis of surgical procedure for congenital diaphragmatic hernia: thoracoscopic versus open repair.

Purpose: Previous studies have shown a higher recurrence rate and longer operative times for thoracoscopic repair (TR) of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to open repair (OR). An updated meta-analysis was conducted to re-evaluate the surgical outcomes of TR.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search comparing TR and OR in neonates was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement (PROSPERO: CRD42020166588).

Evolution of Movement Disorders in Patients With CLN2-Batten Disease Treated With Enzyme Replacement Therapy.

Objectives: Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2-disease) is an inherited childhood-onset neurodegenerative condition, with classical early features of speech delay, epilepsy, myoclonus, ataxia, and motor regression. This study aimed to better characterize the spectrum of movement disorders in CLN2-disease in a cohort of children receiving enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Methods: A cohort of 18 children attending a single center for treatment with cerliponase alfa ERT was systematically assessed using a standardized structured history and a double-scored, video-recorded examination using the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS) and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale.

Payload-delivering engineered γδ T cells display enhanced cytotoxicity, persistence, and efficacy in preclinical models of osteosarcoma.

T cell-based cancer immunotherapy has typically relied on membrane-bound cytotoxicity enhancers such as chimeric antigen receptors expressed in autologous αβ T cells. These approaches are limited by tonic signaling of synthetic constructs and costs associated with manufacturing. γδ T cells are an emerging alternative for cellular therapy, having innate antitumor activity, potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and minimal alloreactivity.