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AT25128B/256B Automotive - Complete Datasheet

AT25128B/256B Automotive - Complete Datasheet




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Foreign-Currency Exposures and the Financial Channel of Exchange Rates: Eroding Monetary Policy Autonomy in the Asia and Pacific Region?

Foreign-currency exposures on an economy’s external balance sheet may jeopardize financial stability when the exchange rate depreciates.




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3218-PRC: Low-Carbon District Heating Project in Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region [Contract No.: 2]




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3218-PRC: Low-Carbon District Heating Project in Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region [Contract No.: 10]




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Foreign-Currency Exposures and the Financial Channel of Exchange Rates: Eroding Monetary Policy Autonomy in the Asia and Pacific Region?

Foreign-currency exposures on an economy’s external balance sheet may jeopardize financial stability when the exchange rate depreciates.




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AN2784 - USB4712 Auto-FlexConnect Implementation Guidelines

AN2784 - USB4712 Auto-FlexConnect Implementation Guidelines




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HARMAN Premium Audio Takes the Stage at the New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW – HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), is making a strong showing at this year’s New York International Auto Show, with a range of leading automakers featuring HARMAN branded audio systems in vehicles debuting at the show. In addition to the new vehicles– which run the gamut from modern sedans to sports cars, minivans and crossover SUVs – HARMAN technology and solutions can be found in automaker booths throughout the show, a reflection of HARMAN’s longstanding auto partnerships and unmatched industry achievements.




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New Infinity BassLink Compact Under Seat Subwoofer Brings Bass Performance for Automobiles

CES 2015, LAS VEGAS – HARMAN, the premium global audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), introduced today at CES 2015 the Infinity® BassLink SM, the latest subwoofer in the BassLink line. The compact under seat subwoofer is designed to reinforce the low-end bass performance in vehicles and put the richness back into the music.




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HARMAN Talks Car Audio with Illustrious Automotive and Music Industry Experts at AES

Each year, Americans collectively spend 70 billion hours behind the wheel. Three out of four Americans listen to audio in the car – and get this – half of all listening time occurs in the car, according to Edison Research Share of Ear 2018.   It is no...




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HARMAN Launches Limited Edition A.R.Rahman Autographed JBL Raaga Synchros Headphones In India

BANGALORE, INDIA –  HARMAN (NYSE:HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced the launch of limited edition JBL® Raaga Synchros S500AR headphones, autographed by academy award winner...




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HARMAN Experts Discuss the Future of Automotive Audio at the 2019 AES International Conference

The car is expected to change more in the next five years than it has in the last fifty. What will the future of automotive audio look like? What challenges will suppliers and OEMs alike face in the coming years? At the upcoming International Conference...




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HARMAN Unveils the HARMAN ExP Integrated Solution Suite at CES 2020 – Elevating Automotive Tech into Meaningful Consumer Driving Experiences

CES 2020 - LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 6, 2020 – HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today launched the HARMAN ExP Integrated Solution Suite,...




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HARMAN Unwraps Transformative ExP Automotive Technologies at CES 2020

Each year, the HARMAN team returns to the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to introduce best-in-class products and solutions that will transform key industries like automotive, audio and technology. Earlier this year at the Hard Rock Hotel &...




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HARMAN and Tsinghua University Establish Joint Research Lab for Automotive Innovation

AUTO CHINA 2014, BEIJING -- Harman International Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HAR), the premium global audio and infotainment group, announced today it has entered into an agreement with China’s Tsinghua University to establish a new joint research laboratory focused on creating disruptive innovations for future vehicles.




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HARMAN Speed Races into China with Auto Shanghai 2017

With its highly strategic and importance place in the world, China is a critical market for international expansion for a wide range of global businesses including those in the automotive space. HARMAN is dedicated to expanding its footprint in the ...




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HARMAN Premium Audio Showcased in Next-Generation Vehicles at Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES, CA – HARMAN (NYSE: HAR), the premier global audio and infotainment group, is making its mark at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show with several leading automakers debuting vehicles that feature HARMAN branded audio systems. With brands like Harman Kardon, JBL, Infinity, Mark Levinson and Lexicon, HARMAN technology and solutions can be found on automaker stands throughout the show -- a reflection of the company’s strong, longstanding automotive OEM partnerships and industry-leading audio innovation.




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HARMAN Innovations in the Limelight at New York Auto Show

NEW YORK – Building on a busy year of new automotive technology introductions, HARMAN, the premium global audio, visual, infotainment and enterprise automation group (NYSE:HAR), will have a strong presence at the 2015 New York International Auto Show. From the company’s Clari-Fi™ digital music restoration technology to its next-generation QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound – HARMAN technology and solutions will be showcased in a host of new vehicles debuting at the show, highlighting HARMAN’s longstanding automotive partnerships and unmatched industry–leading innovations.




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HARMAN Demonstrates Connected Car and Audio Leadership with Global Automakers at the 2016 New York Auto Show

NEW YORK AUTO SHOW – March 23, 2016 – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, will join leading global automakers at the 2016 New York Auto Show...




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Auto Show Season Kicks off with In-Car Audio Taking Center Stage in Detroit

At this year’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, HARMAN and its automotive partners brought the latest evolution of premium in-car experiences that reflect and seamlessly connect with your lifestyle. Ensuring users are...




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Paving the Way for Autonomous Vehicles – Improving National Readiness through Smart (and Timely) Public Policy

In a new report, KPMG ranks countries' autonomous vehicle (AV) readiness by analyzing how policymakers perform on four pillars: policy and legislation, technology and innovation, infrastructure, and consumer acceptance. The top rankings? The...




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HARMAN Partners with Chinese Automotive Manufacturer Leading Ideal to Fuel Data-Driven Vehicle Experiences

Shanghai Auto Show 2019 – SHANGHAI – April 16, 2019 –HARMAN , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced that the company has entered into...




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HARMAN Ushers in the Future of Mobility at Auto Shanghai 2019

For eight consecutive days beginning on April 18th, the world’s largest motor show attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from the automotive world. With China becoming a leading market for electromobility, autonomous driving and connected car...




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Connectivity & ADAS: Two Foundational Components for High Level Automotive Autonomy

While the automotive industry is taking great strides to make a truly autonomous future a reality, there is still a long way to go before fully autonomous vehicles are on our roads. In the meantime, automakers and technology suppliers are developing...




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HARMAN and Spotify Collaborate to Usher In New Generation of Automotive Streaming Experience

STAMFORD, Conn. –  SEPTEMBER 26, 2019 – HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced a new automotive partnership with...




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The Driving Forces for Increased Quality Assurance in the Automotive Industry

It’s evident that the automotive industry has come a long way since the creation of the first moving assembly line in 1913. In today’s age, the advent of connected and self-driven cars has unleashed unheard-of levels of autonomy. While the fast paced...




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HARMAN Unveils the HARMAN Ignite Marketplace - Delivering Scalable Automotive Applications and Services

CES 2020 – LAS VEGAS, Nev. – January 6, 2020 – HARMAN, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., focused on connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today launched the HARMAN Ignite Marketplace, an...




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UPDATE 2-Auto production collapses by 99% in Mexico and Brazil due to coronavirus

Auto production in Mexico and Brazil, Latin America's top producers, plunged by an unprecedented 99% in April as a result of the coronavirus crisis, with the two countries building a total of just 5,569 vehicles.




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Evaluation of an Automated Digital Scoring System of Dental Plaque

Purpose: Measurement of dental plaque is frequently used as an indicator of overall oral health. The purpose of this study was to compare a manual (visual) plaque scoring system (University of Mississippi Oral Hygiene Index, UM-OHI) with an innovative automated digital scoring system.Methods: Mechanically ventilated, intensive care unit (ICU) patients (n=79) were the study population. Informed consent was given by the subject's legally authorized representative. Digital images of dental plaque were taken using an intraoral camera; and the quantity of dental plaque was scored using the UM-OHI and with a digitized automated scoring system. Distributions of dental plaque scores from both methods were plotted. Pearson correlation coefficients and intra-class coefficients were calculated between the two methods.Results: Participant mean age was 57.3 years; respiratory failure was the most prevalent admission diagnosis (55.7%). The mean percentage of dental plaque calculated by the manual method was found to be remarkably higher (67.3% ± 18.7%) than the percentage of dental plaque calculated by the automated scoring method (23.7% ± 15.2%) (p<0.0001). Despite remarkably different distributions of plaque scores, both the automated and manual scoring systems demostrated relatively high correlation (r=0.62) and good reliability (ICC=0.63).Conclusion: The automated digital scoring system resulted in a significantly lower overall percentage of total dental plaque as compared to the UM-OHI manual scoring system. While the automated digital scoring system may be more precise than a manual (visual) scoring system, its use should be weighed against the added effort, cost, and expertise required for the method. Further study is needed to determine whether an automated digital scoring system can be commercialized and is warranted for use outside of research settings.




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Schnyder corneal dystrophy-associated UBIAD1 is defective in MK-4 synthesis and resists autophagy-mediated degradation [Research Articles]

The autosomal dominant disorder Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD) is caused by mutations in UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1), which uses geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to synthesize the vitamin K2 subtype menaquinone-4 (MK-4). SCD is characterized by opacification of the cornea, owing to aberrant build-up of cholesterol in the tissue. We previously discovered that sterols stimulate association of UBIAD1 with ER-localized HMG-CoA reductase, which catalyzes a rate-limiting step in the synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids, including GGpp. Binding to UBIAD1 inhibits sterol-accelerated ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of reductase and permits continued synthesis of GGpp in cholesterol-replete cells. GGpp disrupts UBIAD1-reductase binding and thereby allows for maximal ERAD of reductase as well as ER-to-Golgi translocation of UBIAD1. SCD-associated UBIAD1 is refractory to GGpp-mediated dissociation from reductase and remains sequestered in the ER to inhibit ERAD. Here, we report development of a biochemical assay for UBIAD1-mediated synthesis of MK-4 in isolated membranes and intact cells. Using this assay, we compared enzymatic activity of WT UBIAD1 with that of SCD-associated variants. Our studies revealed that SCD-associated UBIAD1 exhibited reduced MK-4 synthetic activity, which may result from its reduced affinity for GGpp. Sequestration in the ER protects SCD-associated UBIAD1 from autophagy and allows intracellular accumulation of the mutant protein, which amplifies the inhibitory effect on reductase ERAD. These findings have important implications not only for the understanding of SCD etiology but also for the efficacy of cholesterol-lowering statin therapy, which becomes limited, in part, because of UBIAD1-mediated inhibition of reductase ERAD.




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Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor 1 Protects against a Basal cGAS-STING Response

ABSTRACT

Although the pathogen recognition receptor pathways that activate cell-intrinsic antiviral responses are well delineated, less is known about how the host regulates this response to prevent sustained signaling and possible immune-mediated damage. Using a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening approach to identify host factors that modulate interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, we identified the DNA binding protein Barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (Banf1), a previously described inhibitor of retrovirus integration, as a modulator of basal cell-intrinsic immunity. Ablation of Banf1 by gene editing resulted in chromatin activation near host defense genes with associated increased expression of ISGs, including Oas2, Rsad2 (viperin), Ifit1, and ISG15. The phenotype in Banf1-deficient cells occurred through a cGAS-, STING-, and IRF3-dependent signaling axis, was associated with reduced infection of RNA and DNA viruses, and was reversed in Banf1 complemented cells. Confocal microscopy and biochemical studies revealed that a loss of Banf1 expression resulted in higher level of cytosolic double-stranded DNA at baseline. Our study identifies an undescribed role for Banf1 in regulating the levels of cytoplasmic DNA and cGAS-dependent ISG homeostasis and suggests possible therapeutic directions for promoting or inhibiting cell-intrinsic innate immune responses.

IMPORTANCE Although the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway is a key host mechanism to restrict infection of a diverse range of viral pathogens, its unrestrained activity either at baseline or in the context of an immune response can result in host cell damage and injury. Here, we used a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen and identified the DNA binding protein Barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (Banf1) as a modulator of basal cell-intrinsic immunity. A loss of Banf1 expression resulted in higher level of cytosolic double-stranded DNA at baseline, which triggered IFN-stimulated gene expression via a cGAS-STING-IRF3 axis that did not require type I IFN or STAT1 signaling. Our experiments define a regulatory network in which Banf1 limits basal inflammation by preventing self DNA accumulation in the cytosol.




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Erratum for Dai et al., "Autoantibody-Mediated Erythrophagocytosis Increases Tuberculosis Susceptibility in HIV Patients"




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Worldwide survey of neurologists on approach to autoimmune encephalitis

Objective

To explore practice differences in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which is complicated by issues with sensitivity/specificity of antibody testing, nonspecific MRI/EEG/CSF findings, and competing differential diagnoses.

Methods

We used a worldwide electronic survey with practice-related demographic questions and clinical questions about 2 cases: (1) a 20-year-old woman with a neuropsychiatric presentation strongly suspicious of AE and (2) a 40-year-old man with new temporal lobe seizures and cognitive impairment. Responses among different groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We received 1,333 responses from 94 countries; 12.0% identified as neuroimmunologists. Case 1: those treating >5 AE cases per year were more likely to send antibodies in both serum and CSF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] vs 0 per year: 3.29, 95% CI 1.31–8.28, p = 0.011), pursue empiric immunotherapy (aOR: 2.42, 95% CI 1.33–4.40, p = 0.004), and continue immunotherapy despite no response and negative antibodies at 2 weeks (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.02–2.69, p = 0.043). Case 2: neuroimmunologists were more likely to send antibodies in both serum and CSF (aOR: 1.80, 95% CI 1.12–2.90, p = 0.015). Those seeing >5 AE cases per year (aOR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.22–2.86, p = 0.004) were more likely to start immunotherapy without waiting for antibody results.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the heterogeneous management of AE. Neuroimmunologists and those treating more AE cases generally take a more proactive approach to testing and immunotherapy than peers. Results highlight the need for higher-quality cohorts and trials to guide empiric immunotherapy, and evidence-based guidelines aimed at both experts and nonexperts. Because the average AE patient is unlikely to be first seen by a neuroimmunologist, ensuring greater uniformity in our approach to suspected cases is essential to ensure that patients are appropriately managed.




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Serine Phosphorylation of the STAT1 Transactivation Domain Promotes Autoreactive B Cell and Systemic Autoimmunity Development [AUTOIMMUNITY]

Key Points

  • STAT1-pS727 is required for SLE-associated AFC, GC, and autoantibody responses.

  • STAT1-pS727 in B cells promotes autoimmune AFC, GC, and autoantibody responses.

  • STAT1-pS727 is not required for foreign Ag– or gut microbiota–driven responses.




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    Complement Deficiencies Result in Surrogate Pathways of Complement Activation in Novel Polygenic Lupus-like Models of Kidney Injury [AUTOIMMUNITY]

    Key Points

  • Novel TM lupus mouse strains develop spontaneous nephritis.

  • In C1q deficiency, kidney complement activation likely occurred via the LP.

  • In C3 deficiency, coagulation cascade contributed to kidney complement activation.




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    Tubular STAT3 Limits Renal Inflammation in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

    Background

    The inactivation of the ciliary proteins polycystin 1 or polycystin 2 leads to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Although signaling by primary cilia and interstitial inflammation both play a critical role in the disease, the reciprocal interactions between immune and tubular cells are not well characterized. The transcription factor STAT3, a component of the cilia proteome that is involved in crosstalk between immune and nonimmune cells in various tissues, has been suggested as a factor fueling ADPKD progression.

    Method

    To explore how STAT3 intersects with cilia signaling, renal inflammation, and cyst growth, we used conditional murine models involving postdevelopmental ablation of Pkd1, Stat3, and cilia, as well as cultures of cilia-deficient or STAT3-deficient tubular cell lines.

    Results

    Our findings indicate that, although primary cilia directly modulate STAT3 activation in vitro, the bulk of STAT3 activation in polycystic kidneys occurs through an indirect mechanism in which primary cilia trigger macrophage recruitment to the kidney, which in turn promotes Stat3 activation. Surprisingly, although inactivating Stat3 in Pkd1-deficient tubules slightly reduced cyst burden, it resulted in a massive infiltration of the cystic kidneys by macrophages and T cells, precluding any improvement of kidney function. We also found that Stat3 inactivation led to increased expression of the inflammatory chemokines CCL5 and CXCL10 in polycystic kidneys and cultured tubular cells.

    Conclusions

    STAT3 appears to repress the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and restrict immune cell infiltration in ADPKD. Our findings suggest that STAT3 is not a critical driver of cyst growth in ADPKD but rather plays a major role in the crosstalk between immune and tubular cells that shapes disease expression.




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    Role of Impaired Nutrient and Oxygen Deprivation Signaling and Deficient Autophagic Flux in Diabetic CKD Development: Implications for Understanding the Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2-Inhibitors

    Growing evidence indicates that oxidative and endoplasmic reticular stress, which trigger changes in ion channels and inflammatory pathways that may undermine cellular homeostasis and survival, are critical determinants of injury in the diabetic kidney. Cells are normally able to mitigate these cellular stresses by maintaining high levels of autophagy, an intracellular lysosome-dependent degradative pathway that clears the cytoplasm of dysfunctional organelles. However, the capacity for autophagy in both podocytes and renal tubular cells is markedly impaired in type 2 diabetes, and this deficiency contributes importantly to the intensity of renal injury. The primary drivers of autophagy in states of nutrient and oxygen deprivation—sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α and HIF-2α)—can exert renoprotective effects by promoting autophagic flux and by exerting direct effects on sodium transport and inflammasome activation. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by marked suppression of SIRT1 and AMPK, leading to a diminution in autophagic flux in glomerular podocytes and renal tubules and markedly increasing their susceptibility to renal injury. Importantly, because insulin acts to depress autophagic flux, these derangements in nutrient deprivation signaling are not ameliorated by antihyperglycemic drugs that enhance insulin secretion or signaling. Metformin is an established AMPK agonist that can promote autophagy, but its effects on the course of CKD have been demonstrated only in the experimental setting. In contrast, the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter–2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may be related primarily to enhanced SIRT1 and HIF-2α signaling; this can explain the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors to promote ketonemia and erythrocytosis and potentially underlies their actions to increase autophagy and mute inflammation in the diabetic kidney. These distinctions may contribute importantly to the consistent benefit of SGLT2 inhibitors to slow the deterioration in glomerular function and reduce the risk of ESKD in large-scale randomized clinical trials of patients with type 2 diabetes.




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    Clinical and imaging features of children with autoimmune encephalitis and MOG antibodies

    Objective

    To describe the presentations, radiologic features, and outcomes of children with autoimmune encephalitis associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG abs).

    Methods

    Identification of children fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and testing positive for serum MOG abs. Chart review and comprehensive analysis of serum MOG abs using live cell assays and rat brain immunohistochemistry.

    Results

    Ten children (4 girls, 6 boys) with AE and serum MOG abs were identified. The median age at onset was 8.0 years (range: 4–16 years). Children presented with a combination of encephalopathy (10/10), headache (7/10), focal neurologic signs (7/10), or seizures (6/10). CSF pleocytosis was common (9/10, median 80 white cell count/μL, range: 21–256). Imaging showed cortical and deep gray matter involvement in all in addition to juxtacortical signal alterations in 6/10 children. No involvement of other white matter structures or contrast enhancement was noted. MOG abs were detected in all children (median titer 1:640; range: 1:320–1:10,540). Nine children had a favorable outcome at discharge (modified Rankin scale of < 2). Five of 10 children had up to 3 additional demyelinating relapses associated with persisting MOG abs. One child had NMDA receptor (NMDAR) abs at initial presentation. A second child had a third demyelinating episode with MOG abs with overlapping NMDAR encephalitis.

    Discussion

    AE associated with serum MOG abs represents a distinct form of autoantibody-mediated encephalitis in children. We therefore recommend including MOG abs testing in the workup of children with suspected AE.




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    Clinical approach to the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis in the pediatric patient




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    A Fully Automated Multiplex Assay for Diagnosis of Lyme Disease with High Specificity and Improved Early Sensitivity [Immunoassays]

    Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Bio-Rad Laboratories has developed a fully automated multiplex bead-based assay for the detection of IgM and IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi. The BioPlex 2200 Lyme Total assay exhibits an improved rate of seropositivity in patients with early Lyme infection. Asymptomatic subjects from endemic and nonendemic origins demonstrated a seroreactivity rate of approximately 4% that was similar to other commercial assays evaluated in this study. Coupled to this result was the observation that the Lyme Total assay retained a high first-tier specificity of 96% while demonstrating a relatively high sensitivity of 91% among a well-characterized CDC Premarketing Lyme serum panel. The Lyme Total assay also performs well under a modified two-tier algorithm (sensitivity, 84.4 to 88.9%; specificity, 98.4 to 99.5%). Furthermore, the new assay is able to readily detect early Lyme infection in patient samples from outside North America.




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    Evaluation of an Automated Module Synthesis and a Sterile Cold Kit-Based Preparation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in Patients with Prostate Cancer

    68Ga-labeled urea-based inhibitors of the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), such as 68Ga-PSMA-11, are promising small molecules for targeting prostate cancer (PCa). Although this radiopharmaceutical was produced mostly by means of manual synthesis and automated synthesis modules, a sterile cold kit was recently introduced. The aim of our study was to evaluate the image quality of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT (PSMA-PET) in a population of PCa patients after the injection of comparable activities of 68Ga-PSMA-11 obtained with the 2 different synthetic procedures. A secondary aim was to identify secondary factors that may have an impact on image quality and, thus, final interpretation. Methods: Two different groups of 100 consecutive PCa patients who underwent PSMA-PET were included in the study. The first group of patients was imaged with 68Ga-PSMA-11 obtained using synthesis modules, whereas the second group’s tracer activity was synthesized using a sterile cold kit. All PET images were independently reviewed by 2 nuclear medicine diagnosticians with at least 2 y of experience in PSMA-based imaging and unaware of the patients’ clinical history. The 2 reviewers independently rated the quality of each PSMA-PET scan using a 3-point Likert-type scale. In cases of discordance, the operators together reviewed the images and reached a consensus. Performance was evaluated on the basis of the expected biodistribution, lesion detection rate, and physiologic background uptake. Results: Overall, 104 of 200 (52%) PSMA-PET scans were positive for PCa-related findings. No significant differences in image quality between cold kits and synthesis modules were found (P = 0.13), although a higher proportion of images was rated as excellent by the observers for kits than for modules (45% vs. 34%). Furthermore, after image quality had been dichotomized as excellent or not excellent, multivariate regression analysis found several factors to be significantly associated with a not-excellent quality: an increase in patient age (+5 y: odds ratio [OR], 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–1.75), an increase in patient weight (+5 kg: OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.53–2.32), an increase in 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake time (+10 min: OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.08–1.96), and a decrease in injected activity (–10 MBq: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.52). Conclusion: No significant differences were identified between the 2 groups of patients undergoing PSMA-PET; therefore, we were not able to ascertain any significant influences of tracer production methodology on final scan quality. However, increased patient age, increased patient weight, decreased injected activity, and increased 68Ga-PSMA-11 uptake time were significantly associated with an overall poorer image quality.




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    Assessing Radiographic Response to 223Ra with an Automated Bone Scan Index in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients

    For effective clinical management of patients being treated with 223Ra, there is a need for radiographic response biomarkers to minimize disease progression and to stratify patients for subsequent treatment options. The objective of this study was to evaluate an automated bone scan index (aBSI) as a quantitative assessment of bone scans for radiographic response in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: In a multicenter retrospective study, bone scans from patients with mCRPC treated with monthly injections of 223Ra were collected from 7 hospitals in Sweden. Patients with available bone scans before treatment with 223Ra and at treatment discontinuation were eligible for the study. The aBSI was generated at baseline and at treatment discontinuation. The Spearman rank correlation was used to correlate aBSI with the baseline covariates: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The Cox proportional-hazards model and Kaplan–Meier curve were used to evaluate the association of covariates at baseline and their change at treatment discontinuation with overall survival (OS). The concordance index (C-index) was used to evaluate the discriminating strength of covariates in predicting OS. Results: Bone scan images at baseline were available from 156 patients, and 67 patients had both a baseline and a treatment discontinuation bone scan (median, 5 doses; interquartile range, 3–6 doses). Baseline aBSI (median, 4.5; interquartile range, 2.4–6.5) was moderately correlated with ALP (r = 0.60, P < 0.0001) and with PSA (r = 0.38, P = 0.003). Among baseline covariates, aBSI (P = 0.01) and ALP (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with OS, whereas PSA values were not (P = 0.059). After treatment discontinuation, 36% (24/67), 80% (54/67), and 13% (9/67) of patients demonstrated a decline in aBSI, ALP, and PSA, respectively. As a continuous variable, the relative change in aBSI after treatment, compared with baseline, was significantly associated with OS (P < 0.0001), with a C-index of 0.67. Median OS in patients with both aBSI and ALP decline (median, 134 wk) was significantly longer than in patients with ALP decline only (median, 77 wk; P = 0.029). Conclusion: Both aBSI at baseline and its change at treatment discontinuation were significant parameters associated with OS. The study warrants prospective validation of aBSI as a quantitative imaging response biomarker to predict OS in patients with mCRPC treated with 223Ra.




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    Autophagy promotes mammalian survival by suppressing oxidative stress and p53 [Research Papers]

    Autophagy captures intracellular components and delivers them to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Conditional autophagy deficiency in adult mice causes liver damage, shortens life span to 3 mo due to neurodegeneration, and is lethal upon fasting. As autophagy deficiency causes p53 induction and cell death in neurons, we sought to test whether p53 mediates the lethal consequences of autophagy deficiency. Here, we conditionally deleted Trp53 (p53 hereafter) and/or the essential autophagy gene Atg7 throughout adult mice. Compared with Atg7/ mice, the life span of Atg7/p53/ mice was extended due to delayed neurodegeneration and resistance to death upon fasting. Atg7 also suppressed apoptosis induced by p53 activator Nutlin-3, suggesting that autophagy inhibited p53 activation. To test whether increased oxidative stress in Atg7/ mice was responsible for p53 activation, Atg7 was deleted in the presence or absence of the master regulator of antioxidant defense nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2–/–Atg7/ mice died rapidly due to small intestine damage, which was not rescued by p53 codeletion. Thus, Atg7 limits p53 activation and p53-mediated neurodegeneration. In turn, NRF2 mitigates lethal intestine degeneration upon autophagy loss. These findings illustrate the tissue-specific roles for autophagy and functional dependencies on the p53 and NRF2 stress response mechanisms.




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    Positive autofeedback regulation of Ptf1a transcription generates the levels of PTF1A required to generate itch circuit neurons [Research Papers]

    Peripheral somatosensory input is modulated in the dorsal spinal cord by a network of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. PTF1A is a transcription factor essential in dorsal neural tube progenitors for specification of these inhibitory neurons. Thus, mechanisms regulating Ptf1a expression are key for generating neuronal circuits underlying somatosensory behaviors. Mutations targeted to distinct cis-regulatory elements for Ptf1a in mice, tested the in vivo contribution of each element individually and in combination. Mutations in an autoregulatory enhancer resulted in reduced levels of PTF1A, and reduced numbers of specific dorsal spinal cord inhibitory neurons, particularly those expressing Pdyn and Gal. Although these mutants survive postnatally, at ~3–5 wk they elicit a severe scratching phenotype. Behaviorally, the mutants have increased sensitivity to itch, but acute sensitivity to other sensory stimuli such as mechanical or thermal pain is unaffected. We demonstrate a requirement for positive transcriptional autoregulatory feedback to attain the level of the neuronal specification factor PTF1A necessary for generating correctly balanced neuronal circuits.




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    Every Fifth Individual With Type 1 Diabetes Suffers From an Additional Autoimmune Disease: A Finnish Nationwide Study

    OBJECTIVE

    The aim of this study was to quantify the excess risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, Addison disease, celiac disease, and atrophic gastritis in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with nondiabetic individuals in Finland.

    RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

    The study included 4,758 individuals with T1D from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study and 12,710 nondiabetic control individuals. The autoimmune diseases (ADs) were identified by linking the data with the Finnish nationwide health registries from 1970 to 2015.

    RESULTS

    The median age of the FinnDiane individuals at the end of follow-up in 2015 was 51.4 (interquartile range 42.6–60.1) years, and the median duration of diabetes was 35.5 (26.5–44.0) years. Of individuals with T1D, 22.8% had at least one additional AD, which included 31.6% of women and 14.9% of men. The odds ratios for hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, celiac disease, Addison disease, and atrophic gastritis were 3.43 (95% CI 3.09–3.81), 2.98 (2.27–3.90), 4.64 (3.71–5.81), 24.13 (5.60–104.03), and 5.08 (3.15–8.18), respectively, in the individuals with T1D compared with the control individuals. The corresponding ORs for women compared with men were 2.96 (2.53–3.47), 2.83 (1.87–4.28), 1.52 (1.15–2.02), 2.22 (0.83–5.91), and 1.36 (0.77–2.39), respectively, in individuals with T1D. Late onset of T1D and aging increased the risk of hypothyroidism, whereas young age at onset of T1D increased the risk of celiac disease.

    CONCLUSIONS

    This is one of the largest studies quantifying the risk of coexisting AD in adult individuals with T1D in the country with the highest incidence of T1D in the world. The results highlight the importance of continuous screening for other ADs in individuals with T1D.




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    Bariatric Surgery in Patients With Obesity and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)




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    Phosphorylation of BECLIN-1 by BCR-ABL suppresses autophagy in chronic myeloid leukemia

    Autophagy is a genetically regulated process of adaptation to metabolic stress and was recently shown to be involved in the treatment response of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, in vivo data are limited and the molecular mechanism of autophagy regulators in the process of leukemogenesis is not completely understood. Here we show that Beclin-1 knockdown, but not Atg5 deletion in a murine CML model leads to a reduced leukemic burden and results in a significantly prolonged median survival of targeted mice. Further analyses of murine cell lines and primary patient material indicate that active BCR-ABL directly interacts with BECLIN-1 and phosphorylates its tyrosine residues 233 and 352, resulting in autophagy suppression. By using phosphorylation-deficient and phosphorylation-mimic mutants, we identify BCR-ABL induced BECLIN-1 phosphorylation as a crucial mechanism for BECLIN-1 complex formation: interaction analyses exhibit diminished binding of the positive autophagy regulators UVRAG, VPS15, ATG14 and VPS34 and enhanced binding of the negative regulator Rubicon to BCR-ABL-phosphorylated BECLIN-1. Taken together, our findings show interaction of BCR-ABL and BECLIN-1 thereby highlighting the importance of BECLIN-1-mediated autophagy in BCR-ABL+ cells.




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    Risk Factors for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) Study

    The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study demonstrated that intensive glucose control reduced the risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN). We evaluated multiple risk factors and phenotypes associated with DPN and CAN in this large, well-characterized cohort of participants with type 1 diabetes, followed for >23 years. DPN was defined by symptoms, signs, and nerve conduction study abnormalities in ≥2 nerves; CAN was assessed using standardized cardiovascular reflex tests. Generalized estimating equation models assessed the association of DPN and CAN with individual risk factors measured repeatedly. During DCCT/EDIC, 33% of participants developed DPN and 44% CAN. Higher mean HbA1c was the most significant risk factor for DPN, followed by older age, longer duration, greater height, macroalbuminuria, higher mean pulse rate, β-blocker use, and sustained albuminuria. The most significant risk factor for CAN was older age, followed by higher mean HbA1c, sustained albuminuria, longer duration of type 1 diabetes, higher mean pulse rate, higher mean systolic blood pressure, β-blocker use, estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, higher most recent pulse rate, and cigarette smoking. These findings identify risk factors and phenotypes of participants with diabetic neuropathy that can be used in the design of new interventional trials and for personalized approaches to neuropathy prevention.




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    A Post Hoc Analysis of Statin Use in Tolvaptan Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Pivotal Trials

    Background and objectives

    Tolvaptan is approved to slow kidney function decline in adults with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) at risk of rapid progression. Because in vitro studies indicated that the tolvaptan oxobutyric acid metabolite inhibits organic anion–transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3, United States prescribing information advises avoiding concurrent use with OATP1B1/1B3 substrates, including hepatic hydroxymethyl glutaryl–CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). This post hoc analysis of the pivotal phase 3 tolvaptan trials (Tolvaptan Efficacy and Safety in Management of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Its Outcomes [TEMPO] 3:4 trial [NCT00428948] and Replicating Evidence of Preserved Renal Function: an Investigation of Tolvaptan Safety and Efficacy in ADPKD [REPRISE] trial [NCT02160145]) examined the safety of concurrent tolvaptan/statin use.

    Design, setting, participants, & measurements

    The trials randomized a combined total of 2815 subjects with early- to late-stage ADPKD to tolvaptan (n=1644) or placebo (n=1171) for 3 years (TEMPO 3:4) and 1 year (REPRISE). Statin use was unrestricted, and 597 subjects (21.2% overall; 332 [20.2%] tolvaptan, 265 [22.6%] placebo) received statins. Statin use (duration, dose change, statin change, permanent discontinuation), incidences of statin-related adverse events, and hepatic transaminase elevations were determined for subjects who received tolvaptan+statin, placebo+statin, tolvaptan alone, and placebo alone.

    Results

    No differences in statin use parameters between tolvaptan- and placebo-treated subjects were observed. No statistically significant increases in commonly reported statin-related adverse events (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms) were seen between subjects receiving tolvaptan+statin and placebo+statin. For example, in TEMPO 3:4, frequencies were 5.4% and 7.8%, respectively, for myalgia (difference –2.4%; 95% confidence interval, –11.2% to 6.4%) and 9.3% and 7.8%, respectively, for abdominal pain (difference 1.5%; –7.9% to 10.9%). In an analysis that excluded participants concurrently using allopurinol, the frequency of alanine transaminase or aspartate transaminase >3x upper limit of normal in the pooled study populations was 3.6% for the tolvaptan+statin group and 2.3% for the placebo+statin group (difference 1.4%; –2.0% to 4.7%).

    Conclusions

    Tolvaptan has been used safely in combination with statins in clinical trials.

    Podcast

    This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2020_04_06_CJN.08170719.mp3




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    अप्रैल में Bajaj Auto की बिक्री रही जीरो, लेकिन निर्यात ने बचाई लाज

    घरेलू वाहन निर्माता कंपनी Bajaj Auto (बजाज ऑटो) भारतीय बाजार में अप्रैल के महीने में एक भी वाहन नहीं बेच पाई।




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    Grand Theft Auto V Once Again Tops the EMEAA Charts

    Grand Theft Auto V has once again taken the top spot on the EMEAA charts for week 17, 2020. XCOM: Chimera Squad is in second place, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is in third, Alien: Isolation is in fourth, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons rounds out the top five.

    Here are the top 5 best-selling titles (combined physical and digital sales) in EMEAA:

    1. Grand Theft Auto V
    2. XCOM: Chimera Squad
    3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
    4. Alien: Isolation
    5. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
    The physical charts includes all games in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
     
    Digital data includes games sold in Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and UAE.
     
    The GSD charts includes games from Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco, Capcom, Codemasters, EA, Focus Home Interactive, Koch Media, Microsoft, Milestone, Paradox, Sega, Sony, Square Enix, Ubisoft and Warner Bros.

    A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

    Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443399/grand-theft-auto-v-once-again-tops-the-emeaa-charts/