Francisella noatunensis subspecies noatunensis clpB deletion mutant impairs development of francisellosis in a zebrafish model

Publication date: 19 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 52
Author(s): Elisabeth O. Lampe, Carl Zingmark, Julia I. Tandberg, Ida Marie P. Thrane, Espen Brudal, Anders Sjöstedt, Hanne C. Winther-Larsen
BackgroundFrancisella noatunensis ssp. noatunensis (F.n.n.) is the causative agent of francisellosis in Atlantic cod and constitutes one of the main challenges for future aquaculture on this species. A facultative intracellular bacterium like F.n.n. exert an immunologic challenge against which live attenuated vaccines in general are most effective. Thus, we constructed a deletion in the F.n.n. clpB gene as ΔclpB mutants are among the most promising vaccine candidates in human pathogenic Francisella.PurposeCharacterization of F.n.n. ΔclpB using primary Atlantic cod head kidney leukocytes, the zebrafish embryo and adult zebrafish model with focus on potential attenuation, relevant immune responses and immunogenic potential.Main resultsInterleukin 1 beta transcription in Atlantic cod leukocytes was significantly elevated from 24 to 96 h post infection with F.n.n. ΔclpB compared to F.n.n. wild-type (wt). Growth attenuation of the deletion mutant in zebrafish embryos was observed by fluorescence microscopy and confirmed by genome quantification by qPCR. In the immunization experiment, adult zebrafish were immunized with 7 × 10⁶ CFU of F.n.n. ΔclpB before challenge four weeks later with 6 × 10⁸ CFU of F.n.n. wt. One day after challenge, immunized zebrafish responded with significantly lower interleukin 8 levels compared to the non-immunized control. Immunized fish were protected against the acute mortality observed in non-immunized zebrafish after challenge and bacterial genomes quantified by qPCR were reduced to a minimum 28 days post challenge, indicating protective immunity stimulated by F.n.n. ΔclpB.ConclusionDeletion mutation of clpB in F.n.n. causes in vitro and in vivo attenuation and elicits a protective immune response in adult zebrafish against a lethal dose of F.n.n. wt. Taken together, the results presented increases the knowledge on protective immune responses against F.n.n.



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Construction of a novel vaccine by conjugating a B-cell epitope of DPP4 to peptide IA2(5)-P2-1 to significantly control type 1 diabetes in NOD mice

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Ya Li, Huimin Cao, Yiping Li, Zhixin Li, Xiaomin Wei, Rui Jiao, Peng Cheng, Xiaoran Liu, Yanjie Ma, Yun Xing, Jiali Tang, Min Wang, Taiming Li
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic organ-specific autoimmune disease in which selective destruction of insulin-producing β cells leads to impaired glucose metabolism and its attendant complications. IA2(5)P2-1, a potent immunogenic carrier which designed by our laboratory, can induce high titer specific antibodies when carry a B cell epitope, such as B cell epitopes of DPP4, xanthine oxidase, and Urate transporter protein. In this report, we describe a novel multi-epitope vaccine composing a peptide of DPP4, an anti-diabetic B epitope of Insulinoma antigen-2(IA-2) and a Th2 epitope (P2:IPALDSLTPANED) of P277 peptide in human heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Immunization with the multi-epitope vaccine in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice successfully induced specific anti-DPP4 antibody, inhibited plasma DPP4 activity, and increased serum GLP-1 level. Moreover, this antibody titer was correlated with the dose of immunization (20μg, 100μg). Inoculation of this vaccine in NOD mice significantly control blood glucose level, improved glucose excursion and increased insulin level in vivo. Consistent with a lower diabetic and insulitis incidence, a induced splenic T cells proliferation and tolerance were observed. IFN-γ secretion reduced and IL-10 increased significantly in the D41-IA2(5)-P2-1 treated mice compared to P277 and control group due to the potential immunomodulatory effect of the epitope in the vaccine. Immunohistochemical analysis and cytometry showed a rebalance of Th1/Th2 in NOD mice. Our results demonstrate that this multi-epitope vaccine may serve as a promising therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes.



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Response to Curran and Mrkvan, Letter to the Editor: Response to publication by Hoshi SL et al.: Cost-effectiveness of varicella vaccine against herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia for elderly in Japan

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Shu-ling Hoshi, Masahide Kondo, Ichiro Okubo




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No conflicting results in the article “HPV vaccination and risk of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: A nationwide register-based study from Norway”

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Berit Feiring, Ida Laake, Lill Trogstad




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Immune responses to intradermal and intramuscular inactivated influenza vaccine among older age group

Publication date: 19 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 52
Author(s): Kobporn Boonnak, Jittima Dhitavat, Narumon Thantamnu, Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat, Montida Auayporn, Li Jiang, Pilaipan Puthavathana, Punnee Pitisuttithum
BackgroudInfluenza viruses cause substantial morbidity, especially in older age groups. Thus, they are amongst high priority groups for routine vaccination. However, vaccine-induced immune responses and effectiveness were reported as relatively low. This study aims to systemically compare the immune responses elicited by intramuscular (IM) and intradermal (ID) injections with inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine among the older age group.MethodsA prospective, open-label, randomized study with a total of 221 adults (>60 years) were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups. Group I (n = 111) received an IM inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine while Group II (n = 110) received the same vaccine ID. Demographics and co-morbidity were collected at baseline. Safety data was collected 3 days post-vaccination using diary card. HAI, NAb and NAI titers were assessed prior to vaccination and at 30, 45, and 60 days post-vaccination. Data was analyzed using SPSS 11.5.ResultsBoth groups had similar BMI and co-morbidity. For ID and IM groups, significant differences were observed for seroconversion rate measured using HAI against H1N1 and H3N2 (58/111 vs 44/110 and 68/111 vs 54/110, respectively) being higher for those aged 60–65 years. However, no differences in HI antibody against B/Phuket were seen. For ID route, history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension were factors associated with high seroconversion rate towards influenza A (p = .001). The seroconversion rate risk ratio were 1.31 and 1.25 (p < .05) against A/California/07/09(H1N1) and A/Songkha/308/13 (H3N2), respectively. Interestingly, the GMT (95% CI) of baseline NAI antibodies among both groups were high (56.57 and 54.01 in the ID and IM groups, respectively). A 4-fold increase measured by NAI against A/California/07/09 (H1N1) were detected in 16.67% and 20% of participants who received ID or IM vaccination, respectively.ConclusionsThe seroconversion rates of HAI, NAb and NAI were modest, especially in those >65 years of age. However, it was higher in the ID group as compared to the IM group.Clinical trial registration: NCT02101749



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Vaccination with a human parainfluenza virus type 3 chimeric FHN glycoprotein formulated with a combination adjuvant induces protective immunity

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): R. Garg, R. Brownlie, L. Latimer, V. Gerdts, A. Potter, S. van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk
Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) is a major cause of lower respiratory disease i.e. bronchitis, bronchiolitis or pneumonia, in infants and young children. Presently there is no licensed vaccine against PIV3. To produce an effective subunit vaccine, a chimeric FHN glycoprotein consisting of the N-terminal ectodomain of the fusion (F) protein linked to the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein without transmembrane domain, and secreted forms of the individual F and HN glycoproteins, were expressed in mammalian cells and purified. Mice and cotton rats were immunized intramuscularly (IM) with FHN or both F and HN proteins (F + HN), formulated with poly(I:C) and an innate defense regulator peptide in polyphosphazene (TriAdj). Significantly higher levels of systemic virus-neutralizing antibodies were observed in mice and cotton rats immunized with FHN/TriAdj when compared to animals immunized with the combination of F and HN proteins (F + HN/TriAdj). As PIV3 is a pneumotropic virus, another goal is to produce an effective mucosal subunit vaccine. Intranasal (IN) administration with FHN/TriAdj resulted in mucosal IgA production in the lung and virus neutralizing antibodies in the sera. After PIV3 challenge no virus was detected in cotton rats immunized with FHN/TriAdj regardless of the route of delivery. Protective immunity against PIV3 was also induced by FHN/TriAdj in hamsters. In conclusion, the FHN protein formulated with TriAdj has potential for development of a safe and effective vaccine against PIV3.



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Editorial Board/Aims and Scope

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51





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The frontline of controlled human malaria infections: A report from the controlled human infection models Workshop in Leiden University Medical Centre 5 May 2016

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Meta Roestenberg, Benjamin Mordmüller, Chris Ockenhouse, Annie Mo, Maria Yazdanbakhsh, Peter G. Kremsner
Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) is the most practiced controlled human infection model nowadays and there is an exponential increase in implementation of the model worldwide. During the Controlled Human Infection Models Workshop in Leiden, one day was dedicated to the discussion of the advances made and gaps in Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) trials. Factors contributing to this impressive expansion in the number of CHMI trials have been related to the ability to perform CHMI using injectable cryopreserved sporozoites (a product from Sanaria Inc. – PfSPZ Challenge), the development of a transmission blocking CHMI model and the need to test more vaccine candidates particularly in the field of whole-sporozoite vaccine development. However, with an increasing number of CHMI trials being undertaken, in an ever-growing number of trial sites, heterogeneity in trial design may compromise universal interpretation of results and require an ongoing dialogue on the need and feasibility of standardization. At the workshop, CHMI investigators convened to share their experiences in CHMI trials and discuss the possibilities for future trials.



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Controlled human infections

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Meta Roestenberg, Annie Mo, Peter G. Kremsner, Maria Yazdanbakhsh
The principle of deliberately infecting humans with infectious agents in a controlled setting, so-called controlled human infections (CHI), is not novel. Many CHI models have a long history and were established decades ago such as the intentional exposure to yellow fever and dengue performed in the 1900's (Reed, 1902) [2]. In these times bioethics and scientific reasoning were in their infancy. Nowadays, clinical trials are highly regulated and CHI are executed worldwide. Controlled human malaria infections and influenza infections are the two most frequently practiced. Others are experiencing a revival or are being carefully developed. Because CHI models test the efficacy of promising vaccine or drug candidates early in clinical development, they offer the potential to decrease the number of failing phase 2 and 3 trials, reducing risks for patients and saving costs and efforts.In addition, CHI models provide unprecedented opportunities to dissect the physiological, immunological and metabolic changes that occur upon infection. However, it is clear that controlled infections require careful deliberation of safety, ethics, quarantine, scientific output and the production of infectious material.An independent international workshop was hosted by the Leiden University Medical Centre in The Netherlands, bringing together clinical investigators, basic scientists, regulators, funders and policy makers from 22 different countries to discuss the opportunities and challenges in CHI. The aim of the workshop was to discuss CHI as a tool to advance science, drug and vaccine development, share the challenges of establishing a CHI model with specific focus on neglected tropical diseases and the possibilities to transfer models to endemic sites. Noticeably, among the 128 participants were clinical investigators from ten different countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. An important dimension of the meeting was to give the floor to young established clinicians and scientists to voice their perspective on the future of CHI models.



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CAPiTA: The urine antigen detection (SSUAD) was not validated for PCV13 vaccinated patients

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Dirk Marc Van Renterghem




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Potential for a booster dose of rotavirus vaccine to further reduce diarrhea mortality

Publication date: 18 December 2017
Source:Vaccine, Volume 35, Issue 51
Author(s): Eleanor Burnett, Ben A. Lopman, Umesh D. Parashar
Concern has grown that children vaccinated against rotavirus in developing countries may be vulnerable to rotavirus diarrhea in the second year of life due to waning immunity. Adding a booster dose of rotavirus vaccine at 9 or 12 months of age with measles vaccine has been suggested as a strategy to address this. We evaluated the hypothetical potential benefits of a booster dose on reduction of rotavirus mortality. The projected number of deaths averted were calculated using national level full series vaccination coverage, estimated national rotavirus deaths by week of age, and VE at <12 months of age and ≥12 months of age derived from the published literature. We assumed three functional forms of waning based on the VE estimates: stepwise, linear, and logarithmic. We modeled three potential boosting scenarios: (a) reduced VE waning in the second year of life by 50%, (b) reestablished second year of life VE to the levels in the first year of life, and (c) boosted first year VE by 50% of the difference between VE in the first and second years. To express uncertainty resulting from the parameters, each of the nine models were run 1000 times using a random sample of input values. Across all WHO regions, with the stepwise models we estimated a median of 9800 (95%CI: 9400, 10,200), 19,600 (95%CI: 18,800, 20,400), and 29,400 (95%CI: 28,200, 30,700) additional rotavirus deaths averted in the reduced VE waning, reestablished VE, and boosted VE scenarios. These estimates were highly sensitive to the assumed functional form of waning with approximately 65–80% fewer deaths averted if immunity waned in a linear or logarithmic fashion compared to the stepwise model. While these projections will benefit from improved input data points, our resultsinform consideration of booster doses of rotavirus vaccine.



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Maternal early pregnancy vitamin D status in relation to low birth weight and small-for-gestational-age offspring

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Huiping Wang, Yanfeng Xiao, Lan Zhang, Qiong Gao
Maternal vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for fetal growth. We examined the associations between maternal vitamin D status (defined by 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) at the first prenatal visit and measures of newborn and placental weight, in a large China cohort of singleton, term, live births. From July 2015 to June 2016, women delivering singleton, term, live births with 25(OH)D measured at a first prenatal visit (N=747). Birth weight, placental weight, the placental to fetal weight ratio, and small for gestational age (SGA) were measured. The relationship between levels of 25(OH)D and SGA were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D less than 20ng/ml.In those women, 76.9% (95%CI: 74%–78%) were defined as vitamin D deficiency. Incidence of SGA was also high (13.3%; 95%CI: 10.8%–15.7%). We found a nonlinear relation between 25(OH)D and birth weight as well as head circumference (P<0.01). Birth weight and head circumference increased by 69 [95%CI: 38–122] g and 0.31 (0.22–0.40) cm, respectively, per 1ng/ml increase in maternal 25(OH)D up to 20ng/ml and then leveled off thereafter. The SGA distribution across the 25(OH)D quartiles ranged between 3.7% (fourth quartile) to 24.1% (first quartile). For each 1 unit decrease of plasma concentration of 25(OH)D, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of SGA increased by 19% (odds ratio 1.19 [95% CI 1.13–1.25], P<0.001) and 9% (1.08 [1.03–1.16], P=0.009), respectively. In a multivariate model using the vitamin D deficiency vs. other together with the clinical variables, the adjusted risk of SGA increased by 205% (odds ratio 3.05 [95% CI 2.24–4.40], P=0.001). Maternal vitamin D insufficiency is common during pregnancy and is independently associated with low birth weight and high risk of SGA in term infants.



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Vitamin D in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence,distribution and disease associations

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Nasser M. Al-Daghri
More than 33 years have passed since the first paper highlighting vitamin D deficiency as a public health concern in Saudi Arabia was published in 1983. Despite "early" detection,it wasn't until the year 2010 where the interest in vitamin D research grew exponentially worldwide and was finally visible in Saudi clinical and academic areas. Since then,many landmark studies have been generated with regards to the physiologic functions of vitamin D,both skeletal and extra-skeletal. This review is limited to the prevalence,distribution A systematic review on the prevalence studies done in KSA from 2011 to 2016 was done and revealed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<50nmol/l) in Saudi Arabia among different populations (adults,children and adolescents,newborns and pregnant/lactating women) is 81.0% (Confidence Interval 95% 68.0–90.0),in line with most neighboring Gulf countries. Vitamin D deficiency in KSA has been mostly associated with bone and insulin-resistant diseases but limited data are available to prove causality. In conclusion,there is a need to develop local consensus guidelines that will identify candidates for screening,monitoring and treating those who are at most risk for vitamin D deficiency complications.



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Effects of Vitamin D3 on asymmetric- and symmetric dimethylarginine in arterial hypertension

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): M.R. Grübler, M. Gaksch, K. Kienreich, N.D. Verheyen, J. Schmid, C. Müllner, G. Richtig, H. Scharnagl, C. Trummer, V. Schwetz, A. Meinitzer, B. Pieske, W. März, A. Tomaschitz, S. Pilz
Background and aimsAccumulating evidence has proposed a correlation between vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and cardiovascular (CV) disease. Vitamin D associated effects on endothelial function have been suggested to be a possible culprit. The present study investigated the association of vitamin D3 treatment on markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension.Methods and resultsThe Styrian Vitamin D Hypertension Trial is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-centre study conducted at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. A total of 200 study participants with arterial hypertension and 25(OH)D levels below 30ng/mL were enrolled. The study participants were randomized to receive 2800 IU of vitamin D3 per day as oily drops (n=100) or placebo (n=100) for a duration of eight weeks. The present study uses an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 treatment on symmetric (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). A total of 187 participants (mean [SD] age 60.0 [11.3] years; 47% women; 25(OH)D 21.2 [5.6]ng/mL; mean systolic blood pressure of 131.4 [8.9] mmHg on a median of 2 antihypertensive drugs) completed the trial. Mean treatment effect was −0.004 (95%CI [−0.03 to 0.04]; P=0.819) on ADMA and 0.001 (95%CI [−0.05 to 0.05]; P=0.850) on SDMA. In the subgroup analysis patients with a 25(OH)D concentration <20ng/mL had a significant increase in their log l-arginine/ADMA ratio (mean treatment effect 18.4 95%CI [1.84–34.9]μmol/L/μmol/L; P=0.030). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02136771 EudraCT number: 2009-018125-70ConclusionsVitamin D3 supplementation in hypertensive patients with low 25-hydroxyvitamin D has no significant effect on ADMA and SDMA.



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Editorial board

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175





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Developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism: Putative pathogenic mechanisms

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Asad Ali, Xiaoying Cui, Darryl Eyles
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that presents in early life. Despite a considerable amount of studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism remain obscure. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of autism. Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a consistently reported risk factor in children. One reason for the prominence now being given to this risk factor is that it would appear to interact with several other epidemiological risk factors for autism. Vitamin D is an active neurosteroid and plays crucial neuroprotective roles in the developing brain. It has important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, regulation of neurotransmission and steroidogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development. Here we review the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism and also discuss what future research targets must now be addressed.



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The concept of the personal vitamin D response index

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Carsten Carlberg, Afrozul Haq
Humans are able to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin when exposed to UV-B, but seasonal variations, textile coverage and predominant indoor activities often make supplementation with the compound necessary. There is some dispute on the desired vitamin D status, measured via the serum concentration of the most stable vitamin D3 metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and the respective recommended daily supplementation. A possible answer may be provided by the concept of the personal vitamin D response index describing the efficiency of the molecular response to supplementation with vitamin D. The concept is based on the fact that vitamin D3 activates via its metabolite 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 the transcription factor vitamin D receptor and thus has a direct effect on the epigenome and transcriptome of many human tissues and cell types. Individuals can be distinguished into high, mid and low responders to vitamin D via measuring vitamin D sensitive molecular parameters, such as changes in the epigenetic status and the respective transcription of genes of mobile immune cells from blood or the level of proteins or metabolites in serum. Thus, we suggest that the need for vitamin D supplementation depends on the vitamin D status in relation to the personal vitamin D response index of an individual rather than on the vitamin D status alone.



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Cognitive changes under memantine according to vitamin D status in Alzheimer patients: An exposed/unexposed cohort pilot study

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Pauline Lemire, Antoine Brangier, Melinda Beaudenon, Guillaume T. Duval, Cedric Annweiler
Memantine is a symptomatic treatment that partially prevents cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease (AD). The neuroprotective effects of memantine and vitamin D may potentiate each other, with benefits for cognition. The objective of this exposed/unexposed pilot study was to determine the cognitive changes among AD patients using memantine according to the presence or absence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). Fifty-eight AD patients followed in a memory clinic during 6 months between 2009 and 2014 (mean±standard deviation, 82.9±5.0years; 56.9%female) were separated into four groups according to VDD (i.e., serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D≤25nM) at M0 and M6 (i.e., Group 1: no VDD-M0, no VDD-M6; Group 2: VDD-M0, no VDD-M6; Group 3: no VDD-M0, VDD-M6; Group 4: VDD-M0, VDD-M6). The 6-month cognitive change was examined with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in the 4 groups according to the use of memantine. Age, gender, body mass index, IADL score, GDS score, and use of pchychoactive drugs were measured at baseline. We found that participants using memantine had a lower MMSE score at M0 compared to those without memantine (P=0.006). After 6 months of follow-up, there was a memantine-related improvement of the MMSE score only in the participants with VDD-M6. This was significant in Group 3 with no VDD-M0 (P=0.039), but not in Group 4 who already had VDD-M0. Similarly, using memantine was associated with a 6-month improvement of MMSE only in Group 3 in whom VDD appeared during the follow-up (β=8.8, P=0.044). In conclusion, the use of memantine was associated with improved cognitive performance after 6 months of treatment in the presence of VDD at M6. Memantine may prevent the cognitive decline that accompanies the onset of VDD, which prompts to give to AD patients a regimen combining both memantine and vitamin D supplements.



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Vitamin D deficiency and the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): John H. White
Vitamin D has emerged as a key regulator of innate immune responses to pathogen threat. The hormonal form of vitamin D signals through a nuclear receptor transcription factor and regulates gene transcription. Several papers have shown that vitamin D signaling is active both upstream and downstream of pattern recognition receptors, vanguards of innate immune responses. Crohn's disease (CD) is a relapsing-recurring inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that arises from dysregulated intestinal innate immunity. Indeed, genetic studies have identified several CD susceptibility markers linked to mechanisms of innate immune responses to infection. Interest in links between vitamin D deficiency and CD has grown substantially, particularly in the last five years. While a number of studies have consistently revealed an association between CD and vitamin D deficiency, recent experimental work has uncovered a compelling mechanistic basis for the contribution of vitamin D deficiency to the pathogenesis of the disease. Moreover, a number of intervention trials have provided generally solid evidence that robust vitamin D supplementation may be of therapeutic benefit to patients with CD. This review summarizes these laboratory and clinical findings.



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Vitamin D and cardiovascular diseases: Causality

Publication date: January 2018
Source:The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 175
Author(s): Sunil J. Wimalawansa
Vitamin D regulates blood pressure, cardiac functions, and endothelial and smooth muscle cell functions, thus, playing an important role in cardiovascular health. Observational studies report associations between vitamin D deficiency with hypertension and cardiovascular-related deaths. Peer-reviewed papers were examined in several research databases as per the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, using key words that address the relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. Correlations and interpretations were made considering the risks–benefits, broader evidence, and implications. This review analyzed current knowledge regarding the effects of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system. 1,25(OH)2D and related epigenetic modifications subdue cellular inflammation, improve overall endothelial functions, reduce age-related systolic hypertension and vascular rigidity, and attenuate the actions of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Most observational and ecological studies support 25(OH)vitamin D having protective effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiovascular diseases is based primarily on observational and ecological studies and thus, is a matter of controversy. Adequately powered, randomized controlled clinical trial data are not available to confirm these associations. Thus, to test the hypothesis that correction of vitamin D deficiency protects the cardiovascular system, well-designed, statistically powered, longer-term clinical trials are needed in persons with vitamin D deficiency. Nevertheless, the available data support that adequate vitamin D supplementation and/or sensible sunlight exposure to achieve optimal vitamin D status are important in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases.

Graphical abstract

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Cerebral venous collaterals: a new fort for fighting ischemic stroke?

Publication date: Available online 2 December 2017
Source:Progress in Neurobiology
Author(s): Lu-sha Tong, Zhen-ni Guo, Yi-bo Ou, Yan-nan Yu, Xiao-cheng Zhang, Jiping Tang, John H. Zhang, Min Lou
Stroke therapy has entered a new era highlighted by the use of endovascular therapy in addition to intravenous thrombolysis. However, the efficacy of current therapeutic regimens might be reduced by their associated adverse events. For example, over-reperfusion and futile recanalization may lead to large infarct, brain swelling, hemorrhagic complication and neurological deterioration. The traditional pathophysiological understanding on ischemic stroke can hardly address these occurrences. Accumulating evidence suggests that a functional cerebral venous drainage, the major blood reservoir and drainage system in brain, may be as critical as arterial infusion for stroke evolution and clinical sequelae. Further exploration of the multi-faceted function of cerebral venous system may add new implications for stroke outcome prediction and future therapeutic decision-making. In this review, we emphasize the anatomical and functional characteristics of the cerebral venous system and illustrate its necessity in facilitating the arterial infusion and maintaining the cerebral perfusion in the pathological stroke content. We then summarize the recent critical clinical studies that underscore the associations between cerebral venous collateral and outcome of ischemic stroke with advanced imaging techniques. A novel three-level venous system classification is proposed to demonstrate the distinct characteristics of venous collaterals in the setting of ischemic stroke. Finally, we discuss the current directions for assessment of cerebral venous collaterals and provide future challenges and opportunities for therapeutic strategies in the light of these new concepts.



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Discovery of novel scaffolds for γ-secretase modulators without an arylimidazole moiety

Publication date: Available online 2 December 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Ryuichi Sekioka, Eriko Honjo, Shugo Honda, Hideyoshi Fuji, Hiroki Akashiba, Yasuyuki Mitani, Shingo Yamasaki
Gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) selectively inhibit the production of amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) and may therefore be useful in the management of Alzheimer's disease. Most heterocyclic GSMs that are not derived from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contain an arylimidazole moiety that potentially inhibits cytochrome P450 (CYP) activity. Here, we discovered imidazopyridine derivatives that represent a new class of scaffold for GSMs, which do not have a strongly basic end group such as arylimidazole. High-throughput screening identified 2-methyl-8-[(2-methylbenzyl)oxy]-3-(pyridin-4-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (3a), which inhibited the cellular production of Aβ42 (IC50 = 7.1 µM) without changing total production of Aβ. Structural optimization of this series of compounds identified 5-[8-(benzyloxy)-2-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl]-2-ethylisoindolin-1-one (3m) as a potent inhibitor of Aβ42 (IC50 = 0.39 µM) but not CYP3A4. Further, 3m demonstrated a sustained pharmacokinetic profile in mice and sufficiently penetrated the brain.

Graphical abstract

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Studies on interactions of carbazole derivatives with DNA, cell image, and cytotoxicity

Publication date: Available online 2 December 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Guoyan Hao, Jinyu Sun, Chunying Wei
DNA-binding agents have been considered as an established opportunity for the development of anticancer drugs and DNA fluorescence probes. This work reported the synthesis of two novel carbazole derivatives (1 and 2) and investigated their DNA binding properties, living cell image, and cytotoxicity. The results demonstrated that both compounds presented the higher binding affinity to G-quadruplex than to duplex DNA by means of UV-Vis absorption titration and fluorescent intercalator displacement. Continuous variation analysis indicated that their binding stoichiometries of the compound/G-quadruplex were near 2 except the compound/bcl-2. Circular dichroism spectra showed that both compounds had no influence on the conformation of G-quadruplexes. Fluorescence titrations indicated that 2 had the potential to be a G-quadruplex selective fluorescent probe, while 1 could be used as a fluorescent probe for duplex DNA. Confocal fluorescence images indicated that both compounds could enter the living HepG2 cells, and 1 mainly located in nucleus whereas 2 mainly distributed in cytoplasm. DNase and RNase digest tests indicated that both compounds could enter into the nucleus and interact with duplex DNA, especially, 2 could interact with RNA and/or G-quadruplex DNA. They also exhibited an obvious antiproliferative activity to HepG2 by using MTT assay, with IC50 values of 2.7 and 9.5 μM for 1 and 2, respectively.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2jD46Oy

Factors Associated with Progression of Barrett’s Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Publication date: Available online 2 December 2017
Source:Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Author(s): Rajesh Krishnamoorthi, Siddharth Singh, Karthik Ragunathan, Kavel Visrodia, Kenneth K. Wang, David A. Katzka, Prasad G. Iyer
Background & AimsEndoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is inefficient. Risk stratification of patients might improve the effectiveness of surveillance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with progression of BE without dysplasia or BE with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of databases through May 2016 to identify cohort studies of patients with baseline BE without dysplasia or BE with LGD that reported predictors of progression. Pooled estimates (odds ratios) of associations of age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, baseline LGD, segment length, and medication use with progression were calculated.ResultsWe identified 20 studies, reporting 1231 events in 74943 patients. The studies associated BE progression with increasing age (12 studies; odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05), male sex (11 studies; OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.84–2.53), ever smoking (current or past, 8 studies; OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09–1.98), and increasing BE segment length (10 studies; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16–1.36), with a low degree of heterogeneity. LGD was associated with a 4-fold increase in risk of BE progression (11 studies; OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.58–7.0). Use of proton pump inhibitors (4 studies; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32–0.96) or statins (3 studies; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31–0.73) were associated with lower risk of BE progression. Alcohol use and obesity did not associate with risk of progression.ConclusionIn a systematic review and meta-analysis, we associated older age, male sex, smoking, longer BE segment, and LGD with risk of progression of BE. Individuals with these features should undergo more intensive surveillance or endoscopic therapy. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for cancer prevention in patients with BE.



http://ift.tt/2AAN7H2

Selected Abstracts from the December Issues of the Journal of Vascular Surgery

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2iaUlXu

Contents

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2jEMce7

Acknowledgement of Reviewers

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2iaUg68

One year on: Test your knowledge from the previous year

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2jF8cWb

Metformin and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6
Author(s): Robert J. Hinchliffe




http://ift.tt/2iaUbPS

Editorial Board

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2jCJgPn

Forthcoming Events

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2i7YL1l

Towards a Contrast free Approach at EVAR: a New Look at an Old Tool - CO2 Angiography

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6
Author(s): Arindam Chaudhuri, Ramita Dey




http://ift.tt/2jEc8q7

Spanish Translated Abstracts

Publication date: December 2017
Source:European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Volume 54, Issue 6





http://ift.tt/2i7rYcF

The International Neuropeptide society pages

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Peptides, Volume 98





http://ift.tt/2zJ5jKL

Isolation functional characterization of allatotropin receptor from the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera

Publication date: Available online 2 December 2017
Source:Peptides
Author(s): Fang Zhang, Jun Wang, Kiran Thakur, Fei Hu, Jian-Guo Zhang, Xing-Fu Jiang, Shi-Hen An, Hongbo Jiang, Li Jiang, Zhao-Jun Wei
Insect allatotropin (AT) plays multi-functions including regulation of juvenile hormone synthesis, growth, development and reproduction. In the present study, the full-length cDNA encoding the AT receptor was cloned from the brain of Helicoverpa armigera (Helar-ATR). The ORF of Helar-ATR exhibited the characteristic seven transmembrane domains of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and was close to the ATR of Manduca sexta in the phylogenetic tree. The Helar-ATR expressed in vertebrate cell lines can be activated by Helar-AT and each Helar-ATL in a dose-responsive manner, in the following order: Helar-ATLI>Helar-ATLII>Helar-AT>Helar-ATLIII. Helar-ATLI and Helar-ATLII represented the functional ligands to Helar-ATR in vitro, while Helar-AT and Helar-ATLIII behaved as partial agonists. The in vitro functional analysis suggested that the Helar-ATR signal was mainly coupled with elevated levels of Ca²⁺ and independent of cAMP levels. Helar-ATR mRNA in larvae showed the highest level in the brain, followed by the thorax ganglion, abdomen ganglion, fat body and midgut. Helar-ATR mRNA levels in the complex of the brain-thoracic-abdomen ganglion on the 2nd day of the larval stage and during later pupal stages were observed to be relatively higher than in the wandering and early pupal stages.



http://ift.tt/2zGGTle

IFC (editorial board)

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Peptides, Volume 98





http://ift.tt/2nnwM2Y

INC Invertebrate Neuropeptide Award (2017)

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Peptides, Volume 98





http://ift.tt/2zHk4xQ

Gayle & Richard Olson prize pages

Publication date: December 2017
Source:Peptides, Volume 98





http://ift.tt/2nqIAll

Recent progress on semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for molecular imaging and cancer phototherapy

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 155
Author(s): Jingchao Li, Jianghong Rao, Kanyi Pu
As a new class of organic optical nanomaterials, semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) have the advantages of excellent optical properties, high photostability, facile surface functionalization, and are considered to possess good biocompatibility for biomedical applications. This review surveys recent progress made on the design and synthesis of SPNs for molecular imaging and cancer phototherapy. A variety of novel polymer design, chemical modification and nanoengineering strategies have been developed to precisely tune up optoelectronic properties of SPNs to enable fluorescence, chemiluminescence and photoacoustic (PA) imaging in living animals. With these imaging modalities, SPNs have been demonstrated not only to image tissues such as lymph nodes, vascular structure and tumors, but also to detect disease biomarkers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein sulfenic acid as well as physiological indexes such as pH and blood glucose concentration. The potentials of SPNs in cancer phototherapy including photodynamic and photothermal therapy are also highlighted with recent examples. Future efforts should further expand the use of SPNs in biomedical research and may even move them beyond pre-clinical studies.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2iyRL1e

Does soft really matter? Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into mesenchymal stromal cells is not influenced by soft hydrogels

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Roman Goetzke, Julia Franzen, Alina Ostrowska, Michael Vogt, Andreas Blaeser, Gerd Klein, Björn Rath, Horst Fischer, Martin Zenke, Wolfgang Wagner
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated toward mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), but this transition remains incomplete. It has been suggested that matrix elasticity directs cell-fate decisions. Therefore, we followed the hypothesis that differentiation of primary MSCs and generation of iPSC-derived MSCs (iMSCs) is supported by a soft matrix of human platelet lysate (hPL-gel). We demonstrate that this fibrin-based hydrogel supports growth of primary MSCs with pronounced deposition of extracellular matrix, albeit it hardly impacts on gene expression profiles or in vitro differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, iPSCs can be effectively differentiated toward MSC-like cells on the hydrogel. Unexpectedly, this complex differentiation process is not affected by the substrate: iMSCs generated on tissue culture plastic (TCP) or hPL-gel have the same morphology, immunophenotype, differentiation potential, and gene expression profiles. Moreover, global DNA methylation patterns are essentially identical in iMSCs generated on TCP or hPL-gel, indicating that they are epigenetically alike. Taken together, hPL-gel provides a powerful matrix that supports growth and differentiation of primary MSCs and iMSCs – but this soft hydrogel does not impact on lineage-specific differentiation.



http://ift.tt/2iAeSbG

Biomaterials-based 3D cell printing for next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Jinah Jang, Ju Young Park, Ge Gao, Dong-Woo Cho
Building human tissues via 3D cell printing technology has received particular attention due to its process flexibility and versatility. This technology enables the recapitulation of unique features of human tissues and the all-in-one manufacturing process through the design of smart and advanced biomaterials and proper polymerization techniques. For the optimal engineering of tissues, a higher-order assembly of physiological components, including cells, biomaterials, and biomolecules, should meet the critical requirements for tissue morphogenesis and vascularization. The convergence of 3D cell printing with a microfluidic approach has led to a significant leap in the vascularization of engineering tissues. In addition, recent cutting-edge technology in stem cells and genetic engineering can potentially be adapted to the 3D tissue fabrication technique, and it has great potential to shift the paradigm of disease modeling and the study of unknown disease mechanisms required for precision medicine. This review gives an overview of recent developments in 3D cell printing and bioinks and provides technical requirements for engineering human tissues. Finally, we propose suggestions on the development of next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics.



http://ift.tt/2AAb9Sr

Emergence of synthetic mRNA: In vitro synthesis of mRNA and its applications in regenerative medicine

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Hyokyoung Kwon, Minjeong Kim, Yunmi Seo, Yae Seul Moon, Hwa Jeong Lee, Kyuri Lee, Hyukjin Lee
The field of gene therapy has evolved over the past two decades after the first introduction of nucleic acid drugs, such as plasmid DNA (pDNA). With the development of in vitro transcription (IVT) methods, synthetic mRNA has become an emerging class of gene therapy. IVT mRNA has several advantages over conventional pDNA for the expression of target proteins. mRNA does not require nuclear localization to mediate protein translation. The intracellular process for protein expression is much simpler and there is no potential risk of insertion mutagenesis. Having these advantages, the level of protein expression is far enhanced as comparable to that of viral expression systems. This makes IVT mRNA a powerful alternative gene expression system for various applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we highlight the synthesis and preparation of IVT mRNA and its therapeutic applications. The article includes the design and preparation of IVT mRNA, chemical modification of IVT mRNA, and therapeutic applications of IVT mRNA in cellular reprogramming, stem cell engineering, and protein replacement therapy. Finally, future perspectives and challenges of IVT mRNA are discussed.



http://ift.tt/2iBWqzF

Soft chitosan microbeads scaffold for 3D functional neuronal networks

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Maria Teresa Tedesco, Donatella Di Lisa, Paolo Massobrio, Nicolò Colistra, Mattia Pesce, Tiziano Catelani, Elena Dellacasa, Roberto Raiteri, Sergio Martinoia, Laura Pastorino
The availability of 3D biomimetic in vitro neuronal networks of mammalian neurons represents a pivotal step for the development of brain-on-a-chip experimental models to study neuronal (dys)functions and particularly neuronal connectivity. The use of hydrogel-based scaffolds for 3D cell cultures has been extensively studied in the last years. However, limited work on biomimetic 3D neuronal cultures has been carried out to date. In this respect, here we investigated the use of a widely popular polysaccharide, chitosan (CHI), for the fabrication of a microbead based 3D scaffold to be coupled to primary neuronal cells. CHI microbeads were characterized by optical and atomic force microscopies. The cell/scaffold interaction was deeply characterized by transmission electron microscopy and by immunocytochemistry using confocal microscopy. Finally, a preliminary electrophysiological characterization by micro-electrode arrays was carried out.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2AAWneo

Red blood cell-like particles with the ability to avoid lung and spleen accumulation for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Biomaterials, Volume 156
Author(s): Koichiro Hayashi, Shota Yamada, Hikaru Hayashi, Wataru Sakamoto, Toshinobu Yogo
Micro-sized drug-carrier particles accumulate mainly in the lungs and nano-sized particles tend to accumulate in the liver and spleen. Here, we show that micro-particles designed to mimic red blood cells (RBCs) can overcome these limitations. The RBC-MPs created in this study have a unique intra-particle elasticity distribution (IED), enabling them to bend around the central axis of the RBC-like dent, enabling them to pass through pores smaller than their diameter, mechanically behaving as authentic RBCs. In contrast, spherical MPs (SPH-MPs) and RBC-MPs hardened by incorporating a siloxane network (SiO2-RBC-MPs), could not. In addition to the IED, we discovered that the deformability also depends on the shape and average particle elasticity. RBC-MPs did not accumulate in the lungs and the spleen, but were targeted specifically to the liver instead. In contrast, non-RBC-MPs such as SPH-MPs and SiO2-RBC-MPs showed heavy accumulation in the lungs and/or spleen, and were dispersed non-specifically in various organs. Thus, controlling the shape and mechanical properties of RBC-MPs is important for achieving the desired biodistribution. When RBC-MPs were loaded with a (TGF)-β receptor inhibitor, RBC-MPs could treat liver fibrosis without pneumotoxicity.



http://ift.tt/2AAdbSB

Vms1: A Cytosolic CAT-Tailing Antagonist to Protect Mitochondria

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2017
Source:Trends in Cell Biology
Author(s): Stefan G. Kreft, Elke Deuerling
In eukaryotes, a cytosolic ribosome quality control complex recycles erroneously stalled ribosomes and modifies faulty nascent chains by ubiquitination and by C-terminal Ala- and Thr-extension (CAT-tailing). Reported recently in Cell, Izawa et al. identify cytosolic Vms1 (VCP/Cdc48-associated mitochondrial stress-responsive 1) as an inhibitor of CAT-tailing, which prevents mitochondrial dysfunction caused by imported CAT-tailed polypeptides.



http://ift.tt/2iAcodz

Spondyloepiphyseal or spondylometaphyseal dysplasia in ancient Greek art

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2iBvK1E

The role of corticosteroid-binding globulin in the evaluation of adrenal insufficiency

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2AC9pZ4

A case of Riley Ruvalcaba syndrome with a novel PTEN mutation accompanied by diffuse testicular microlithiasis and precocious puberty

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


http://ift.tt/2iBvvng

Mesh electronics: a new paradigm for tissue-like brain probes

Publication date: June 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 50
Author(s): Guosong Hong, Xiao Yang, Tao Zhou, Charles M Lieber
Existing implantable neurotechnologies for understanding the brain and treating neurological diseases have intrinsic properties that have limited their capability to achieve chronically-stable brain interfaces with single-neuron spatiotemporal resolution. These limitations reflect what has been dichotomy between the structure and mechanical properties of living brain tissue and non-living neural probes. To bridge the gap between neural and electronic networks, we have introduced the new concept of mesh electronics probes designed with structural and mechanical properties such that the implant begins to 'look and behave' like neural tissue. Syringe-implanted mesh electronics have led to the realization of probes that are neuro-attractive and free of the chronic immune response, as well as capable of stable long-term mapping and modulation of brain activity at the single-neuron level. This review provides a historical overview of a 10-year development of mesh electronics by highlighting the tissue-like design, syringe-assisted delivery, seamless neural tissue integration, and single-neuron level chronic recording stability of mesh electronics. We also offer insights on unique near-term opportunities and future directions for neuroscience and neurology that now are available or expected for mesh electronics neurotechnologies.



http://ift.tt/2zXyePu

Building stereotypic connectivity: mechanistic insights into structural plasticity from C. elegans

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 48
Author(s): Yishi Jin, Yingchuan B Qi
The ability of neurons to modify or remodel their synaptic connectivity is critical for the function of neural circuitry throughout the life of an animal. Understanding the mechanisms underlying neuronal structural changes is central to our knowledge of how the nervous system is shaped for complex behaviors and how it further adapts to developmental and environmental demands. Caenorhabditis elegans provides a powerful model for examining developmental processes and for discovering mechanisms controlling neural plasticity. Recent findings have identified conserved themes underlying neural plasticity in development and under environmental stress.



http://ift.tt/2zU9szD

Influence of technological and municipal wastewaters on vulnerable karst riverine system, Krka River in Croatia

Abstract

Exceptional natural value of karst rivers, as well as their potential as a source of drinking water supply, contributes to the importance of developing strict environmental protection. Although most of its watercourse is proclaimed national park, Krka River is impacted by technological and municipal wastewaters, which are released without proper purification only 2 km upstream of the park border. In order to assess water ecological status of the Krka River, vulnerability of karst ecosystem and potential threat to the Krka National Park, spatial and temporal variability of physico-chemical and microbiological water parameters, as well as concentrations of 25 total dissolved metals/metalloids were evaluated. All parameters indicated deteriorated water quality near the wastewater influences, which was for certain metals and bacterial counts even comparable to other world rivers of technological/rural catchment. Downstream location pointed to purification processes in karst river, although nutrients and conductivity were still in a range below good water quality and Al, Co, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Sr, Ti, and Zn levels remained comparable to their levels in the pollution impacted area, especially in autumn, indicating season-dependent processes. Presented data provided background status and identified pollution influences in the karst riverine system which indicated potential risk for protected area and a need for comprehensive water quality assessment.

http://ift.tt/2zWq0ax

Clustering pesticides according to their molecular properties, fate, and effects by considering additional ecotoxicological parameters in the TyPol method

Abstract

Understanding the fate and ecotoxicological effects of pesticides largely depends on their molecular properties. We recently developed "TyPol" (Typology of Pollutants), a classification method of organic compounds based on statistical analyses. It combines several environmental (sorption coefficient, degradation half-life) and one ecotoxicological (bioconcentration factor) parameters, to structural molecular descriptors (number of atoms in the molecule, molecular surface, dipole moment, energy of orbitals, etc.). The present study attempts to extend TyPol to the ecotoxicological effects of pesticides on non-target organisms, based on data analysis from available literature and databases. It revealed that relevant ecotoxicological endpoints for terrestrial organisms (e.g., soil microorganisms, invertebrates) that support a range of ecosystemic services are lacking as compared to aquatic organisms. The availability of ecotoxicological parameters was also lower for chronic than for acute ecotoxicity endpoints. Consequently, seven parameters were included for acute (EC50, LC50) and chronic (NOEC) ecotoxicological effects for one terrestrial (Eisenia sp.) and three aquatic (Daphnia sp., algae, Lemna sp.) organisms. In this new configuration, we used TyPol to classify 50 pesticides into different clusters that gather molecules with similar environmental behaviors and ecotoxicological effects. The classification results evidenced relationships between molecular descriptors, environmental parameters, and the added ecotoxicological endpoints. This proof-of-concept study also showed that TyPol in silico classification can successfully address new scientific questions and be expanded with other parameters of interest.

http://ift.tt/2AQ3u2Q

Indicators of environmental contamination by heavy metals in leaves of Taraxacum officinale in two zones of the metropolitan area of Mexico City

Abstract

The present study was designed to detect the effect of heavy metals in two zones of the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City (MAMC), the Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera (CCA), and the Altzomoni station in the Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park. Taraxacum officinale was selected as the indicator organism of responses to atmospheric contamination by heavy metals. Determinations of heavy metals were performed, and total mRNA was extracted to quantify the expression of microRNA398 (miR398), superoxide dismutase 2 (CSD2), and the amounts of free radicals using the bromide of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-ilo)-2,5-diphenyltetrazole (MTT) salts reduction assay. Results from the Altzomoni station showed high concentrations of five heavy metals, especially Aluminum, while three heavy metals were identified in the CCA-UNAM zone, most importantly, Vanadium, both in the dry season; miR398 expression presented subtle changes but was greater in the leaves from the stations with higher concentrations of heavy metals. Observations included a significant expression of CSD2, mainly in the dry season in both study zones, where levels were significant with respect to controls (p < 0.05). Reduced MTT was also higher in the dry season than in the rainy season (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the increase in heavy metals on the leaves of Taraxacum officinale induces increased expression of the CSD2 gene and reduced MTT; thus, they can be used as indicators for biomonitoring heavy metal concentrations.

http://ift.tt/2zWMKXH

Repellency potential of essential oils against housefly, Musca domestica L.

Abstract

In present study, the essential oils such as Mentha piperita (mentha oil, M.O), Cymbopogan citratus (lemongrass oil, LG.O), Citrus sinensis (orange oil, O.O), and Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus oil, E.O) were evaluated for repellency against housefly (Musca domestica) in a specially designed chamber. Further, to study any synergistic effect, essential oil combinations, i.e., M.O + LG.O, M.O + O.O, and M.O + E.O, were screened at 50:50 and 70:30 ratios. The results showed superior repellency of mentha and mentha + lemongrass (70:30) with RC₉₅ value of 0.009 μl/cm³. The other oils and combinations showed higher values of RC₉₅ (0.010–0.041 μl/cm³). The order of repellency was observed to be mentha = mentha + lemongrass (70:30) > mentha + lemongrass (50:50) = lemongrass = mentha + orange (50:50) = mentha + orange (70:30) > mentha + eucalyptus (70:30) > orange > mentha + eucalyptus (50:50) > eucalyptus. Chemical composition of selected essential oils indicated various monoterpenes as active components for efficient repellency. The essential oil of mentha marked the presence of menthol (38%) and menthone (27%) in major fractions, whereas citral (49%) was found dominating in lemongrass oil. Eucalyptus and orange oils showed the presence of 1,8-cineole (85%), and limonene (87%), respectively, as major components of oils. Further, monoterpenes (menthol and limonene) were also evaluated for repellency against housefly. The data showed 90 ± 5 and 60 ± 5% repellency from menthol and limonene, respectively, after 1 h, indicating the vital role of monoterpenes in overall efficacy of essential oil.

http://ift.tt/2AOYLi8

Accuracy and eligibility of CBCT to digitize dental plaster casts

Abstract

Objectives

Software-based dental planning requires digital casts and oftentimes cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiography. However, buying a dedicated model digitizing device can be expensive and might not be required. The present study aimed to assess whether digital models derived from CBCT and models digitized using a dedicated optical device are of comparable accuracy.

Material and methods

A total of 20 plaster casts were digitized with eight CBCT and five optical model digitizers. Corresponding models were superimposed using six control points and subsequent iterative closest point matching. Median distances were calculated among all registered models. Data were pooled per scanner and model. Boxplots were generated, and the paired t test, a Friedman test, and a post-hoc Nemenyi test were employed for statistical comparison. Results were found significant at p < 0.05.

Results

All CBCT devices allowed the digitization of plaster casts, but failed to reach the accuracy of the dedicated model digitizers (p < 0.001). Median distances between CBCT and optically digitized casts were 0.064 + − 0.005 mm. Qualitative differences among the CBCT systems were detected (χ ² = 78.07, p < 0.001), and one CBCT providing a special plaster cast digitization mode was found superior to the competitors (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

CBCT systems failed to reach the accuracy from optical digitizers, but within the limits of the study, accuracy appeared to be sufficient for digital planning and forensic purposes.

Clinical relevance

Most CBCT systems enabled digitization of plaster casts, and accuracy was found sufficient for digital planning and storage purposes.

http://ift.tt/2zXvVvO

Fracture behavior of all-ceramic, implant-supported, and tooth–implant-supported fixed dental prostheses

Abstract

Objectives

In vitro investigation of the effects of fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) support and loading conditions on the fracture behavior of all-ceramic, zirconia-based FDP veneered with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-manufactured lithium disilicate ceramic.

Materials and methods

Based on a model for a 3-unit FDP in the molar region (tooth in region 15, implant in region 17), 16 identical zirconia frameworks were fabricated and veneered with milled lithium disilicate ceramic. Another 16 FDPs were manufactured similarly, using a model in which the tooth was replaced by an implant. The specimens underwent 10,000 thermal cycles between 6.5 and 60 °C and 1,200,000 chewing cycles with a force magnitude of 100 N. All were then subsequently loaded until fracture in a universal testing device. Half of the FDPs were subjected to centric and axial loading on the pontic, the others to eccentric and oblique loading on one cusp of the pontic.

Results

No failures were observed after artificial aging. Fracture loads of tooth–implant-supported restorations were 1636 ± 158 and 1086 ± 156 N for axial and oblique loading, respectively; implant-supported FDPs fractured at 1789 ± 202 and 1200 ± 68 N, respectively. Differences were significant for load application (P < 0.001) and support type (P = 0.020). For the two types of load application, fracture mode differed substantially: complete fracture was observed for centric and axial loading whereas mixed cohesive/adhesive failure was observed for many FDPs loaded eccentrically and obliquely.

Conclusions

The high incidence of chipping of manually veneered implant-supported all-ceramics restorations might be reduced by use of CAD/CAM-manufactured lithium disilicate veneers.

Clinical Relevance

FDPs veneered with lithium disilicate resist occlusal forces of 500 N, irrespective of load application and support type. The fracture resistance of implant-supported FDPs was, however, higher than that of combined tooth–implant-supported FDPs. Their clinical use seems to be justified.

http://ift.tt/2AQEMj0

Skin tattooing following correction of prominent ears

We read with interest the article by Sadhra, Motahariasl and Hardwicke(1) detailing the published complications secondary to prominent ear correction. We would like to present our experience of a complication not listed in this review since we believe it carries significant morbidity.

http://ift.tt/2nkUkWd

Groundwater chemistry and radon-222 distribution in Jerba Island, Tunisia

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 182
Author(s): Faten Telahigue, Belgacem Agoubi, Fayza Souid, Adel Kharroubi
The present study integrates hydrogeological, hydrochemical and radiogenic data of groundwater samples taken from the Plio-Quaternary unconfined aquifer of Jerba Island, southeastern Tunisia, in order to interpret the spatial variations of the groundwater quality and identify the main hydrogeochemical factors responsible for the high ion concentrations and radon-222 content in the groundwater analysed. Thirty-nine groundwater samples were collected from open wells widespread on the island. Physical parameters (EC, pH, TDS and T °) were measured, major ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, SO4²⁻, NO3⁻ and HCO3⁻) were analysed and ²²²Rn concentrations were determined using a RAD7-H2O. Hydrogeochemical characterisation revealed that groundwater from the Jerba aquifer has several origins. Basically, two water types exist in the island. The first one, characterized by a low to moderate salinity with a chemical facies CaMgClSO4, characterizes the central part of Jerba (a recharge area) due to carbonate and gypsum dissolution. The second water type with high salinities, dominated by NaKCl type, was observed in coastal areas and some parts having low topographic and piezometric levels. These areas seem to be affected by the seawater intrusion process. The ²²²Rn concentrations in groundwater samples in Jerba varied from 0 Bq.L⁻¹ to 2860 Bq.L⁻¹ with an average of 867 Bq.L⁻¹.The highest values were registered in the western coastal wells and near the fault of Guellala. However, the central and eastern wells showed low radon levels. Compared to ²²²Rn activity in some countries with the same lithology, radon concentrations in the Jerba unconfined aquifer have higher values influenced by the structure of the aquifer and by seawater inflow enriched with ²²²Rn resulting from the decay of uranium derived from phosphogypsum deposits in the gulf of Gabes. The EC and ²²²Rn spatial variability in the study area were mapped using ARC Map 10.3 software. Hydrochemical results in addition to geological data and radon activities confirm the existence of vertical communication between the Miocene aquifer and the unconfined Plio-Quaternary aquifer through fault system and a lateral communication with the sea via seawater intrusion.



http://ift.tt/2j6zdlR

Fate of 137Cs, 90Sr and 239+240Pu in soil profiles at a water recharge site in Basel, Switzerland

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, Volume 182
Author(s): Johannes Abraham, Katrin Meusburger, Judith Kobler Waldis, Michael E. Ketterer, Markus Zehringer
An important process in the production of drinking water is the recharge of the withdrawn ground water with river water at protected recharge fields. While it is well known that undisturbed soils are efficiently filtering and adsorbing radionuclides, the goal of this study was to investigate their behaviour in an artificial recharge site that may receive rapid and additional input of radionuclides by river water (particularly when draining a catchment including nuclear power plants (NPP)). Soil profiles of recharge sites were drilled and analysed for radionuclides, specifically radiocesium (¹³⁷Cs), radiostrontium (⁹⁰Sr) and plutonium (^239+240Pu). The distribution of the analysed radionuclides were compared with an uncultivated reference soil outside the recharge site. The main activity of ¹³⁷Cs was located in the top soil (4.5–7.5 cm) and reached down to a depth of 84 cm and 48 cm for the recharge and the reference site, respectively. The found activities of ^239+240Pu originate from the global fallout after 1950. ^239+240Pu appeared to be strongly adsorbed onto soil particles. The shape of the depth profile was similar to ¹³⁷Cs, but also similar between the recharge and the reference site. In contrast, ⁹⁰Sr showed a uniform distribution over the entire depth of the recharge and reference profiles indicating that ⁹⁰Sr already entered the gravel zone and the ground water. Elevated inventories of the radionuclides were observed for the recharge site. The soil of the recharge field exhibited a threefold higher activity of ¹³⁷Cs compared to the reference soil. Also for ^239+240Pu higher inventories where observed for the recharge sites (40%). ⁹⁰Sr behaved differently, showing similar inventories between reference and recharge site. We estimate that 75–89% of the total inventory of ¹³⁷Cs in the soil at the recharge site (7.000 Bq/m²) originated from the fallout of the Chernobyl accident and from emissions of Swiss NPPs. This estimate is based on the actual activity ratio of ¹³⁷Cs/^239+240Pu of 22 for global fallout. The investigations identified radiostrontium as potential threat to the ground water.



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Butt Why? Exploring factors associated with cigarette scavenging behaviors among adult smokers enrolling in a clinical trial for smoking cessation

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Addictive Behaviors, Volume 78
Author(s): Ryan Lantini, Marie A. Sillice, Joseph L. Fava, Ernestine Jennings, Rochelle K. Rosen, Santina M. Horowitz, Bruce M. Becker, Beth C. Bock
IntroductionCigarette smoking is associated with many adverse health effects and is an important public health concern. Increased understanding of smokers' behavior is central to developing effective interventions. Cigarette scavenging, a behavior that involves smoking shared or previously used cigarettes has thus far only been shown to be prevalent among homeless or incarcerated populations. The current study examines whether cigarette scavenging is prevalent in a more general population of adult smokers enrolling in a smoking cessation clinical trial, and whether engagement in this behavior is associated with demographic or smoking-related psychosocial factors.MethodsBaseline data was obtained from adult smokers (N=227) enrolling in a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation. Cigarette scavenging was assessed using three items: a) sharing a cigarette with a stranger; b) smoking a "found" cigarette and c) smoking a previously used cigarette "butt". Participants who endorsed engaging in at least one of these three behaviors were categorized as a scavenger.ResultsApproximately 32% of participants endorsed at least one cigarette scavenging behavior. A multiple logistic regression analysis found that scavengers were more likely to be: men (p<0.001), of younger age at smoking onset (p=0.012), unemployed (p=0.003), more likely to have used marijuana in the past 30days (p=0.005), single or living alone (p=0.003), and to have experienced higher withdrawal symptoms during previous quit attempts (p=0.044) as compared to non-scavengers.ConclusionsScavenging is common among adult smokers. Interventions that address cigarette scavenging behaviors may better meet the needs of this unique smoking subgroup.



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Genome statistics and phylogenetic reconstructions for Southern Hemisphere whelks (Gastropoda: Buccinulidae)

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Felix Vaux, Simon F.K. Hills, Bruce A. Marshall, Steve A. Trewick, Mary Morgan-Richards
This data article provides genome statistics, phylogenetic networks and trees for a phylogenetic study of Southern Hemisphere Buccinulidae marine snails [1]. We present alternative phylogenetic reconstructions using mitochondrial genomic and 45S nuclear ribosomal cassette DNA sequence data, as well as trees based on short-length DNA sequence data. We also investigate the proportion of variable sites per sequence length for a set of mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal genes, in order to examine the phylogenetic information provided by different DNA markers. Sequence alignment files used for phylogenetic reconstructions in the main text and this article are provided here.



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Data for the optimization of conditions for meat species identification using ultra-fast multiplex direct-convection PCR

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Kyung-Young Song, Hyun Jin Hwang, Jeong Hee Kim
This article contains data related to the research article entitled "Ultra-fast DNA-based multiplex convection PCR method for meat species identification with possible on-site applications" (Song et al., 2017 [1]). Direct PCR that does not require prior DNA extraction is critical for ultra-fast molecular detection of meat species. We successfully acquired DNA by swab sampling in Taq DNA polymerase buffer. To reduce DNA sample preparation time, proteinase K incubation (0.2μg/mL) and heat inactivation times were decreased to 10min and 1min, respectively. The analysis of swabbed DNA samples from mixed meat could differentiate meat species within the mixed sample. The swabbed DNA samples could be diluted 100 times without losing detection sensitivity.



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Complete genome sequence of native Bacillus cereus strains isolated from intestinal tract of the crab Ucides sp.

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): João Costa Filho, Sérgio Jorge, Frederico Schmitt Kremer, Natasha Rodrigues de Oliveira, Vinicius Farias Campos, Luciano da Silva Pinto, Odir Antônio Dellagostin, Rubens Galdino Feijó, Francisca Gleire Rodrigues de Menezes, Oscarina Viana de Sousa, Rodrigo Maggioni, Luis Fernando Marins
Bacillus cereus is a gram positive bacterium with sporulation capacity. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of two native B. cereus strains (#25 and #29) isolated from intestinal tract of the crab Ucides sp. from Pacoti River in the State of Ceará, Brazil. The findings of this study might increase the molecular information for Bacillus strains. The data can be used in comparative analyses, origin and distribution, as well support for genetic engineering.



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Contemporary data on treatment practices for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 3867 patients who had suffered an acute coronary syndrome across the world

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): Anselm K. Gitt, Dominik Lautsch, Jean Ferrières, Gaetano M. De Ferrari, Ami Vyas, Carl A. Baxter, Lori D. Bash, Veronica Ashton, Martin Horack, Wael Almahmeed, Fu-Tien Chiang, Kian Keong Poh, Philippe Brudi, Baishali Ambegaonkar
DYSIS II ACS was a longitudinal, observational study in 3867 patients from 18 countries. They were being hospitalized after suffering an acute coronary syndrome. Evaluations were performed at the time of admission and again 120±15 days following the date of admission (the follow-up time point). 2521 patients were on active lipid lowering treatment (LLT) at admission. Mean atorvastatin dose was 22mg per day and 2.7% received ezetimibe in combination with a statin. At discharge from hospital, 3767 patients received LLT expressed as a mean atorvastatin dose of 36mg per day with 4.8% receiving ezetimibe on top of a statin. After 120 days, intensity in lipid lowering treatment was reduced to 32mg per day with 4.9% of the patients receiving ezetimibe and a statin. Of note, during this 4-month follow up period, only 32% of all patients received laboratory lipid testing. 37% attained the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target value of <70mg/dl after 120 days. There are differences in the therapy administered as well as in the switch strategies when comparing the data from the respective countries studied.ConclusionsOnly one in three patients achieved the LDL-C target value following only marginal improvements in atorvastatin dose or combination therapy after an ACS event.



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Hysteresis data of planar perovskite solar cells fabricated with different solvents

Publication date: February 2018
Source:Data in Brief, Volume 16
Author(s): You-Hyun Seo, Eun-Chong Kim, Se-Phin Cho, Seok-Soon Kim, Seok-In Na
In this data article, we introduced the hysteresis of planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) fabricated using dimethylformamide (DMF), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), DMF-DMSO, GBL-DMSO and NMP-DMSO as perovskite precursor solutions according to different scan directions, sweep times, and current stability. The hysteresis analyses of the planar PSCs prepared with a glass-ITO /NiOX/perovskite /PC61BM/BCP/Ag configuration were measured with Keithley 2400 source meter unit under 100mW/cm² (AM 1.5 G). The data collected in this article compares the hysteresis of PSCs with different solvents and is directly related to our research article "High-Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells: Influence of Solvent upon Performance" (You-Hyun Seo et al., 2017 [1]).



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Predicting fruit and vegetable consumption in long-haul heavy goods vehicle drivers: Application of a multi-theory, dual-phase model and the contribution of past behaviour

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 121
Author(s): D.J. Brown, M.S. Hagger, S. Morrissey, K. Hamilton
Fruit and vegetable intake is insufficient in industrialized nations and long-haul heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers are considered a particularly at-risk group. The aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of a multi-theory, dual-phase model to predict fruit and vegetable consumption in Australian long-haul HGV drivers. A secondary aim was to examine the effect of past fruit and vegetable consumption on model paths. A prospective design with two waves of data collection spaced one week apart was adopted. Long-haul HGV drivers (N = 212) completed an initial survey containing theory-based measures of motivation (autonomous motivation, intention), social cognition (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control), and volition (action planning, coping planning) for fruit and vegetable consumption. One week later, participants (n = 84) completed a self-report measure of fruit and vegetable intake over the previous week. A structural equation model revealed that autonomous motivation predicted intentions, mediated through attitudes and perceived behavioural control. It further revealed that perceived behavioural control, action planning, and intentions predicted fruit and vegetable intake, whereby the intention-behaviour relationship was moderated by coping planning. Inclusion of past behaviour attenuated the effects of these variables. The model identified the relative contribution of motivation, social cognition, and volitional components in predicting fruit and vegetable intake of HGV drivers. Consistent with previous research, inclusion of past fruit and vegetable consumption led to an attenuation of model effects, particularly the intention-behaviour relationship. Further investigation is needed to determine which elements of past behaviour exert most influence on future action.



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Is repeated exposure the holy grail for increasing children's vegetable intake? Lessons learned from a Dutch childcare intervention using various vegetable preparations

Publication date: 1 February 2018
Source:Appetite, Volume 121
Author(s): Gertrude G. Zeinstra, Milou Vrijhof, Stefanie Kremer
Children's failure to eat enough vegetables highlights the need for effective interventions encouraging this behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated exposure to three a priori unfamiliar vegetables, each prepared in two ways, on children's vegetable acceptance in a childcare setting. Two hundred fifty children (mean age 25 months; 57% boys) participated in a pre-test and a post-test, where they were offered pumpkin, courgette, and white radish. The intervention group (N = 125) participated in a 5-month exposure period, where they were exposed repeatedly (∼12x) to the vegetables: pumpkin blanched and as a cracker spread; courgette blanched and as soup; white radish raw and as a cracker spread. The control group (N = 125) maintained their normal routine. Mixed model analyses were used to analyse intake data and Chi-square analyses for willingness to taste.At pre-test, children ate about 20 g of pumpkin and courgette, whereas white radish intake was approximately 10 g. There was a significant positive effect of the intervention for pumpkin (+15 g; p < 0.001) and white radish (+16 g; p = 0.01). Results for willingness to taste were in the same direction. There was no repeated exposure effect for courgette (p = 0.54); this may have been due to its less distinct taste profile or familiarity with boiled courgette.From our findings, we conclude that repeated exposure to multiple unfamiliar vegetable tastes within the daily routine of a childcare setting is effective in improving children's willingness to taste and intake of some of these vegetables. However, repeated exposure may not be sufficient for more familiar or blander tasting vegetables. This implies that one size does not fit all and that additional strategies are needed to increase children's intake of these vegetables.



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Oesophageal or transgastric views for estimating mean pulmonary artery pressure with transoesophageal echocardiography?

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that in cardiac surgical patients, the pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAT) is useful for estimating mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) noninvasively with transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE). The pulmonary valve can be visualised from multiple echocardiographic windows, but it is unclear which, if any, view correlates best with MPAP. OBJECTIVE(S) To compare the PAT measured with TOE from oesophageal and transgastric views with MPAP obtained invasively with a pulmonary artery catheter. DESIGN A prospective observational study. SETTING St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, a university tertiary referral centre in Australia. PATIENTS Sixty-three patients having cardiac surgery were included in our study. All patients had insertion of both a TOE probe and pulmonary artery catheter; this is the routine standard of care in our centre. INTERVENTION(S) Nil. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES During a period of haemodynamic stability, the PAT was measured first from an oesophageal view and then immediately after from a transgastric view. The results were then compared with the invasively measured MPAP. RESULTS Simultaneous measurements of MPAP and PAT were taken in 63 patients. In two patients, these measurements were not possible in the transgastric position due to an inability to visualise the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary valve. A Bland–Altman analysis of the PAT measured from the upper oesophageal and transgastric views showed a mean difference of 1 ms and limits of agreement of −18 to 16 ms. The area under the receiver operating curves for predicting pulmonary hypertension with PAT were upper oesophageal view 0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98 to 1.00] and transgastric view 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.00). The agreement between the results from these two views in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (defined as PAT  25 mmHg) with a sensitivity of 94.7% and specificity of 97.6%. The transgastric view predicted pulmonary hypertension with a sensitivity of 89.4% and specificity of 95.2%. CONCLUSION Oesophageal and transgastric measurements of PAT have close agreement and a similar high ability to discriminate between people with and without pulmonary hypertension. The transgastric measurement was unobtainable in a small percentage of patients and required more probe manipulation. We would recommend PAT measurement in the upper oesophageal view. Correspondence to Dr Brian Cowie, Staff Anaesthetist, Department of Anaesthesia, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia E-mail: brian.cowie@svha.org.au © 2017 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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Numerical investigation of the efficiency of emission reduction and heat extraction in a sedimentary geothermal reservoir: a case study of the Daming geothermal field in China

Abstract

The utilization of geothermal energy is clean and has great potential worldwide, and it is important to utilize geothermal energy in a sustainable manner. Mathematical modeling studies of geothermal reservoirs are important as they evaluate and quantify the complex multi-physical effects in geothermal reservoirs. However, previous modeling efforts lack the study focusing on the emission reduction efficiency and the deformation at geothermal wellbores caused by geothermal water extraction/circulation. Emission efficiency is rather relevant in geothermal projects introduced in areas characterized by elevated air pollution where the utilization of geothermal energy is as an alternative to burning fossil fuels. Deformation at geothermal wellbores is also relevant as significant deformation caused by water extraction can lead to geothermal wellbore instability and can consequently decrease the effectiveness of the heat extraction process in geothermal wells. In this study, the efficiency of emission reduction and heat extraction in a sedimentary geothermal reservoir in Daming County, China, are numerically investigated based on a coupled multi-physical model. Relationships between the efficiency of emission reduction and heat extraction, deformation at geothermal well locations, and geothermal field parameters including well spacing, heat production rate, re-injection temperature, rock stiffness, and geothermal well placement patterns are analyzed. Results show that, although large heat production rates and low re-injection temperatures can lead to decreased heat production in the last 8 years of heat extraction, they still improve the overall heat production capacity and emission reduction capacity. Also, the emission reduction capacity is positively correlated with the heat production capacity. Deformation at geothermal wellbore locations is alleviated by smaller well spacing, lower heat production rates, and smaller numbers of injectors in the well pattern, and by placing wells at locations with higher rock stiffness. Compared with the reference case with coal burning for heating purposes, the yearly emission reduction capacity can reach 1 × 10⁷ kg by switching to the direct utilization of geothermal energy in Daming field.

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Thiamethoxam induced hepatotoxicity and pro-carcinogenicity in rabbits via motivation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and anti-apoptotic pathway

Abstract

Thiamethoxam (TMX) is a non-mutagenic neonicotinoid insecticide that is widely used to combat different types of insects. The hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity of TMX have been approved previously in mice but not in rats. However, the TMX-induced hepatotoxic and pro-carcinogenic effects on rabbits remain unclear. The present study elucidated the roles of oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis-related genes in the hepatotoxic and carcinogenic effects of TMX on rabbits. Sixteen male rabbits were equally divided into two groups; eight rabbits orally treated with TMX at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w for 90 successive days. Hepatotoxic effects of TMX were evidenced by attenuation of liver enzyme activities, elevation of bilirubin levels, and alterations in the hepatic architecture, including hepatocyte death by necrosis and apoptosis, lymphocyte infiltration and fibrosis. TMX induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the significant increases in malondialdehyde levels and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione transferase and catalase) activities along with a decrease in glutathione levels. TMX also up-regulated the mRNA levels of interleukin-6 (1.6-fold) and B cell lymphoma-2 (1.8-fold) and down-regulated the mRNA level of the tumor necrosis factor-α (0.8-fold), indicating its effects on cell survival and proliferation through the inhibition of apoptosis. Interestingly, the elevated level of carcinoembryonic antigen and the appearance of ground glass-like hepatocytes suggested that TMX exerted a pro-carcinogenic effect. In conclusion, TMX exerts potentially hepatotoxic and pro-carcinogenic effects on rabbits by modulating oxidative/antioxidative status and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibiting apoptosis and activating cell survival pathways.

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Scholar : These new articles for Activities, Adaptation & Aging are available online

The online platform for Taylor & Francis Online content New for Activities, Adaptation & Aging and online now on Taylor & Francis Online: Book Reviews The Thinking Skills Workbook: A Cognitive Skills Remediation Manual for Adults. 4th ed. by Mary Languirand & Lynn Tondat Ruggeri Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, Ltd., 2014, 289 pages, softcover, $37.69 Debra Rose Wilson Pages: 1-1 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1391568 Original Articles A Qualitative Study on Differences in Satisfaction with an Adult Day Center Program between Short and Long Term Clients Elise K. Eifert, Ruth M. Tappen & Barbara Curtis Pages: 1-24 | DOI: 10.1080/01924788.2017.1398031 Routledge Psychology 2017 sponsor of BPS #PsychCrunch podcasts. Access 25 journal articles: http://bit.ly/psychcrunch2017 To update which email alerts you receive, manage your alerts within the My Account area. You can also unsubscribe from this alert with one click. If you need any further help, please contact us at support@tandfonline.com Please do not reply to this email. To ensure that you receive your alerts and information from Taylor & Francis Online, please add "alerts@tandfonline.com" and "info@tandfonline.com" to your safe senders list. Taylor & Francis, an Informa business. Taylor & Francis is a trading name of Informa UK Limited, registered in England under no. 1072954. Registered office: 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.

Assessing temporal trends and source regions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in air under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): Fiona Wong, Mahiba Shoeib, Athanasios Katsoyiannis, Sabine Eckhardt, Andreas Stohl, Pernilla Bohlin-Nizzetto, Henrik Li, Phil Fellin, Yushan Su, Hayley Hung
Long-term Arctic air monitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is essential in assessing their long-range transport and for evaluating the effectiveness of chemical control initiatives. We report for the first time temporal trends of neutral and ionic PFASs in air from three arctic stations: Alert (Canada, 2006–2014); Zeppelin (Svalbard, Norway, 2006–2014) and Andøya (Norway, 2010–2014). The most abundant PFASs were the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs). All of these chemicals exhibited increasing trends at Alert with doubling times (t2) of 3.7 years (y) for PFOA, 2.9 y for PFOS, 2.5 y for PFBA, 5.0 y for 8:2 FTOH and 7.0 y for 10:2 FTOH. In contrast, declining or non-changing trends, were observed for PFOA and PFOS at Zeppelin (PFOA, half-life, t1/2 = 7.2 y; PFOS t1/2 = 67 y), and Andøya (PFOA t1/2 = 1.9 y; PFOS t1/2 = 11 y). The differences in air concentrations and in time trends between the three sites may reflect the differences in regional regulations and source regions. We investigate the source region for particle associated compounds using the Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART. Model results showed that PFOA and PFOS are impacted by air masses originating from the ocean or land. For instance, PFOA at Alert and PFOS at Zeppelin were dominated by oceanic air masses whereas, PFOS at Alert and PFOA at Zeppelin were influenced by air masses transported from land.

Graphical abstract

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Editorial board

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172





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Variations of bacteria and fungi in PM2.5 in Beijing, China

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): Pengrui Du, Rui Du, Weishan Ren, Zedong Lu, Yang Zhang, Pingqing Fu
Bacteria and fungi present in the airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) play important roles in the atmosphere and provide significant impacts on human health. However, variations in the species composition and community structure have not been well understood. In this study, we sampled PM2.5 in suburban Beijing and analyzed the bacterial and fungal composition during different seasons and at different air pollution levels using gene sequencing methods. The results showed that the species richness and diversity of bacterial communities displayed a downtrend with the aggravation of air pollution. Additionally, the bacterial communities in spring samples showed the highest species richness, with average richness estimators, ACE and Chao 1, up to 14,649 and 7608, respectively, followed by winter samples (7690 and 5031, respectively) and autumn samples (4368 and 3438, respectively), whereas summer samples exhibited the lowest average ACE and Chao 1 indexes (2916 and 1900, respectively). The species richness of fungal communities followed the same seasonal pattern. The community structure of bacteria and the species composition of fungi in PM2.5 showed significant seasonal variations. The dominant bacteria were Actinobacteria (33.89%), Proteobacteria (25.72%), Firmicutes (19.87%), Cyanobacteria/Chloroplast (15.34%), and Bacteroidetes (3.19%), and Ascomycota, with an average abundance of 74.68% of all sequences, were the most abundant fungi. At the genus level, as many as 791 bacterial genera and 517 fungal genera were identified in PM2.5. The results advance our understanding of the distribution and variation of airborne microorganisms in the metropolitan surrounding areas.



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Extracellular polymeric substances with metal adsorption capacity produced by Pseudoalteromonas sp. MER144 from Antarctic seawater

Abstract

The EPS-producing Pseudoalteromonas sp. MER144 was selected among 606 isolates from Antarctic seawater due to its evident slimy appearance on agar plates. The production of EPSs was enhanced by a step-by-step approach varying the carbon source, substrate and NaCl concentrations, temperature, and pH. Optimal conditions for the EPS production resulted at temperature of 4 °C and pH 7, with addition of 2% sucrose (w/v) and 3% NaCl (w/v). EPSs produced under optimal conditions were chemically characterized, resulting in a moderate carbohydrate content (35%), uronic acids (14%), and proteins (12%). Monosaccharide composition was estimated to be Glu:Man:GluN:Ara:GluA:GalA:Gal (1:0.36:0.26:0.06:0.06:0.05:0.03), while the estimated molecular weight was about 250 kDa. The addition of sucrose in the culture medium, by stimulating the EPS production, allowed MER144 to tolerate higher concentrations of mercury and cadmium. This finding was probably dependent on the presence of uronic acids and sulfate groups, which can bind cations, in the extracted EPSs. Monitoring EPS production under optimal conditions at different concentrations of mercury and cadmium revealed that EPS amounts increased at increasing heavy metal concentrations, indicating an adaptation to the stress conditions tested.

http://ift.tt/2iyvlgv