Introduction to the abstracts of the 22nd annual meeting of the International Society for the Advancement of Respiratory Psychophysiology (ISARP), October 9–11, in Seville, Spain

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Biological Psychology, Volume 129
Author(s): Thomas Janssens, Thomas Ritz




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The effect of restrictive breathing devices on perception and exercise performance

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Biological Psychology, Volume 129
Author(s): Loren Touma, Jordan Smith, Hsui-Wen Tsai, Paul W. Davenport




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An investigation of interoceptive processes across the senses

Publication date: October 2017
Source:Biological Psychology, Volume 129
Author(s): Sarah N. Garfinkel, Miranda F. Manassei, Miriam Engels, Cassandra Gould, Hugo D. Critchley




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The updated network meta-analysis of neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer

Publication date: Available online 31 October 2017
Source:Cancer Treatment Reviews
Author(s): Ayako Nakashoji, Tetsu Hayashida, Takamichi Yokoe, Hinako Maeda, Tomoka Toyota, Masayuki Kikuchi, Rurina Watanuki, Aiko Nagayama, Tomoko Seki, Maiko Takahashi, Takayuki Abe, Yuko Kitagawa
BackgroundWe previously described a systematic assessment of the neoadjuvant therapies for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive breast cancer, using network meta-analysis. Accumulation of new clinical data has compelled us to update the analysis.MethodsRandomized trials comparing different anti-HER2 regimens in the neoadjuvant setting were included, and odds ratio for pathologic complete response (pCR) in seven treatment arms were assessed by pooling effect sizes. Direct and indirect comparisons using a Bayesian statistical model were performed. All statistical tests were two-sided.ResultsA database search identified 993 articles with 13 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, including three new studies with lapatinib (lpnb). In an indirect comparison, dual anti-HER2 agents with CT achieved a better pCR rate than other arms. The credibility intervals of CT + tzmb + lpnb arm were largely reduced compared to our former report, which we added sufficient clinical evidence by this update. Values of surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) suggested that CT + tzmb + pzmb had the highest probability of being the best treatment arm for pCR, widening the difference between the top two dual-HER2 blockade arms compared to our former report. The overall consistency with our first report enhanced the credibility of the results.ConclusionNetwork meta-analysis using new clinical data firmly establish that combining two anti-HER2 agents with CT is most effective against HER2-positive breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. New pzmb related trials are required to fully determine the best neoadjuvant dual-HER2 blockade regimen.



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A Novel Method for Oxygen Glucose Deprivation Model in Organotypic Spinal Cord Slices

Publication date: Available online 17 October 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Jing-Jie Liu, Xiao-yan Ding, Li Xiang, Feng Zhao, Sheng-Li Huang
This study aimed to establish a model to closely mimic spinal cord hypoxic-ischemic injury with high production and high reproducibility. Fourteen-day cultured organotypic spinal cord slices were divided into 4 groups: control (Ctrl), oxygen glucose deprived for 30min (OGD 30min), OGD 60min, and OGD 120min. The Ctrl slices were incubated with 1ml propidium iodide (PI) solution (5μg/ml) for 30minutes. The OGD groups were incubated with 1ml glucose-free DMEM/F12 medium and 5μl PI solution (1mg/ml) for 30min, 60min and 120min, respectively. Positive control slice was fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde for 20minutes. The culture medium in each group was then collected and the Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) level in the medium was tested using Multi-Analyte ELISArray kits. Structure and refraction of the spinal cord slices were observed by light microscope. Fluorescence intensity of PI was examined by fluorescence microscopy and was tested by IPP Software. Morphology of astrocytes was observed by immunofluorescence histochemistry. Caspase 3 and caspase 3 active in different groups were tested by Western blot. In the OGD groups, the refraction of spinal cord slices decreased and the structure was unclear. The changes of refraction and structure in the OGD 120min group were similar to that in the positive control slice. Astrocyte morphology changed significantly. With the increase of OGD time, processes became thick and twisted, and nuclear condensations became more apparent. Obvious changes in morphology were observed in the OGD 60min group, and normal morphology disappeared in the OGD 120min group. Fluorescence intensity of PI increased along with the extension of OGD time. The difference was significant between 30min and 60min, but not significant between 60min and 120min. The intensity at OGD 120min was close to that in the positive control. Compare with the Ctrl group, the OGD groups had significantly higher LDH levels and caspase 3 active/caspase 3 ratios. The values increased with the extension of OGD time and reached peak at 120min. The increase was significant between 30min and 60min, but not significant between 60min and 120min. Organotypic spinal cord slices cultured in glucose-free medium and anaerobic incubator could mimic hypoxia-ischemia of the spinal cord perfectly; 60minutes could be the best duration for OGD. This technique might be a simple and efficient method to obtain in vitro model for spinal cord hypoxic-ischemic injury in sufficient number and with high quality.



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Chemokine CCL8 and its Receptor CCR5 in the Spinal Cord are Involved in Visceral Pain Induced by Experimental Colitis in Mice

Publication date: Available online 14 October 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): Ying Lu, Bao-Chun Jiang, De-Li Cao, Lin-Xia Zhao, You-Li Zhang
Visceral hypersensitivity induced by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a clinical challenge since the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Chemokines and their receptors have been suggested to modulate inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. However, the exact chemokines involved in visceral pain remain to be determined. Here, we investigated the effects of spinal chemokine CCL8 and its major receptor CCR5 on the development of visceral hyperalgesia. We showed that intracolonic injection of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in mice produced significant colonic inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension. Moreover, the mRNA and protein expression of CCL8 and CCR5 in the lumbosacral spinal cord were significantly upregulated. Both of CCL8 and CCR5 were expressed in spinal dorsal horn neurons. Furthermore, TNBS induced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal cord. The induction of visceral pain by TNBS was attenuated by injection of ERK upstream kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059. Finally, intrathecal CCL8 neutralizing antibody or CCR5 antagonist DAPTA dose-dependently suppressed TNBS-evoked visceral hyperalgesia and spinal ERK activation. Taken together, these data demonstrated that CCL8 and CCR5, expressed and upregulated in spinal neurons after colonic inflammation, are involved in the maintenance of visceral hyperalgesia via the activation of spinal ERK. Targeting CCL8/CCR5/ERK pathway in the spinal cord might provide a novel treatment for the relief of visceral pain.



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Effects of articaine on [3H]noradrenaline release from cortical and spinal cord slices prepared from normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and compared to lidocaine

Publication date: Available online 18 October 2017
Source:Brain Research Bulletin
Author(s): D. Végh, A. Somogyi, D. Bányai, M. Lakatos, M. Balogh, M. Al-Khrasani, S. Fürst, E.S. Vizi, P. Hermann
Since a significant proportion of diabetic patients have clinical or subclinical neuropathy, there may be concerns about the use of local anaesthetics. The present study was designed to determine and compare the effects of articaine, a widely used anaesthetic in dental practice, and lidocaine on the resting and axonal stimulation-evoked release of [³H]noradrenaline ([³H]NA) in prefrontal cortex slices and the release of [³H]NA in spinal cord slices prepared from non-diabetic and streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic (glucose level=22.03±2.31mmol/l) rats. The peak of allodynia was achieved 9 weeks after STZ-treatment. Articaine and lidocaine inhibited the stimulation-evoked release in a concentration-dependent manner and increased the resting release by two to six times. These effects indicate an inhibitory action of these anaesthetics on Na⁺- and K⁺-channels. There was no difference in clinically important nerve conduction between non-diabetic and diabetic rats, as measured by the release of transmitter in response to axonal stimulation. The uptake and resting release of NA was significantly higher in the brain slices prepared from diabetic rats, but there were no differences in the spinal cord. For the adverse effects, the effects of articaine on K⁺ channels (resting release) are more pronounced compared to lidocaine. In this respect, articaine has a thiophene ring with high lipid solubility, which may present potential risks for some patients.



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Editorial Board

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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APIC Masthead

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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Information for Readers

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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Information for Authors

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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Congratulations to the 2017 APIC fellows

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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Table of Contents

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11





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Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae at a low prevalence tertiary care center: Patient-level risk factors and implications for an infection prevention strategy

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11
Author(s): Michelle Doll, Nadia Masroor, Yvette Major, Michele Fleming, Christopher Doern, Kaila Cooper, Michael Stevens, Gonzalo Bearman
Limited treatment options and a growing global threat from carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections illustrate the importance of understanding the epidemiology of CRE. Using a retrospective chart review and point prevalence testing demonstrated specific patient risk factors for CRE-positive clinical cultures in a tertiary medical center with a low CRE prevalence.



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Effects of contact time and concentration on bactericidal efficacy of 3 disinfectants on hard nonporous surfaces

Publication date: 1 November 2017
Source:American Journal of Infection Control, Volume 45, Issue 11
Author(s): Yingying Hong, Peter J. Teska, Haley F. Oliver
This study investigated the influence of contact time and concentration on bactericidal efficacy of 3 types of disinfectants (accelerated hydrogen peroxide [AHP], quaternary ammonium compounds [Quats], and sodium hypochlorite) on stainless steel surfaces using Environmental Protection Agency procedure MB-25-02. We found that bactericidal efficacy was not reduced at contact times or concentrations immediate lower than label use values, but all 3 disinfectants were significantly less bactericidal at significantly lower than label use contact times and concentrations. Overall, the bactericidal efficacy of the sodium hypochlorite disinfectant was most tolerant to the decreases of contact times and concentrations, followed closely by AHP disinfectant, and Quat disinfectant was most affected by contact time and concentration.



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Trastuzumab in Combination with FOLFIRI in Patients with Advanced HER2-Positive Gastro-Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Retrospective Multicenter AGEO Study

Abstract

Background

Trastuzumab with fluoropyrimidine and cisplatin is the standard first-line treatment in patients with HER2-positive advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, there are no safety and efficacy data of trastuzumab with FOLFIRI.

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of FOLFIRI plus trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included all consecutive patients with HER2-positive advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with FOLFIRI plus trastuzumab between 2012 and 2015.

Results

A total of 33 patients (median age, 60.3; performance status 0–1, 78.8%) with HER2-positive advanced gastro-esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with FOLFIRI plus trastuzumab in first (n = 3), second (n = 20) or third (n = 10) line of chemotherapy were included. There was one case of a severe non-hematological adverse event corresponding to a left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The most common hematological grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (12.9%) and thrombocytopenia (6.4%). There was no febrile neutropenia. For patients treated with FOLFIRI plus trastuzumab in second-line chemotherapy, the median overall survival was 9.5 months.

Conclusions

This is the first western population-based study of FOLFIRI plus trastuzumab reporting a satisfactory safety profile and a potential efficacy in advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer.

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Comparative study of elemental mercury flux measurement techniques over a Fennoscandian boreal peatland

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): S. Osterwalder, J. Sommar, S. Åkerblom, G. Jocher, J. Fritsche, M.B. Nilsson, K. Bishop, C. Alewell
Quantitative estimates of the land-atmosphere exchange of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) are biased by the measurement technique employed, because no standard method or scale in space and time are agreed upon. Here we present concurrent GEM exchange measurements over a boreal peatland using a novel relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) system, a rectangular Teflon^® dynamic flux chamber (DFC) and a DFC designed according to aerodynamic considerations (Aero-DFC). During four consecutive days the DFCs were placed alternately on two measurement plots in every cardinal direction around the REA sampling mast. Spatial heterogeneity in peat surface characteristics (0–34 cm) was identified by measuring total mercury in eight peat cores (57 ± 8 ng g⁻¹, average ± SE), vascular plant coverage (32–52%), water table level (4.5–14.1 cm) and dissolved gaseous elemental mercury concentrations (28–51 pg L⁻¹) in the peat water. The GEM fluxes measured by the DFCs showed a distinct diel pattern, but no spatial difference in the average fluxes was detected (ANOVA, α = 0.05). Even though the correlation between the Teflon^® DFC and Aero-DFC was significant (r = 0.76, p < 0.05) the cumulative flux of the Aero-DFC was a factor of three larger. The average flux of the Aero-DFC (1.9 ng m⁻² h⁻¹) and REA (2 ng m⁻² h⁻¹) were in good agreement. The results indicate that the novel REA design is in agreement for cumulative flux estimates with the Aero-DFC, which incorporates the effect of atmospheric turbulence. The comparison was performed over a fetch with spatially rather homogenous GEM flux dynamics under fairly consistent weather conditions, minimizing the effect of weather influence on the data from the three measurement systems. However, in complex biomes with heterogeneous surface characteristics where there can be large spatial variability in GEM gas exchange, the small footprint of chambers (<0.2 m²) makes for large coefficients of variation. Thus many chamber measurement replications are needed to establish a credible biome GEM flux estimate, even for a single point in time. Dynamic flux chambers will, however, be able to resolve systematic differences between small scale features, such as experimentally manipulated plots or small scale spatial heterogeneity.



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The association between inhalable particulate matter and YLL caused by COPD in a typical city in northern China

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): Qiang Zeng, Ziting Wu, Guohong Jiang, Pei Li, Yang Ni, Guoxing Li, Xiaochuan Pan
BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the fourth-leading cause of death. The association between air pollution and years of life lost (YLL) caused by COPD is currently a hot topic; however, few studies have been published regarding COPD YLL around the world, especially in China, a highly polluted area.AimWe investigated the exposure-response association between ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10) and COPD YLL.MethodsWe applied a generalized additive model (GAM) to estimate the short-term effects of PM10 on COPD YLL and mortality from 2002 to 2010 in Tianjin.ResultsThe annual mean concentration of PM10 was 111.6 μg/m³. An increase in PM10 was significantly associated with daily YLL and mortality in a single pollutant model. A 10 μg/m³ increase in the two-day moving average of PM10 was associated with the maximum YLL increment of 0.30 (95% confidence interval: 0.06, 0.54) person-years and an excess risk (ER) of mortality of 0.60% (0.20%, 1.01%). For YLL increases, the association is stronger in elderly (0.27 (0.06, 0.48), the cumulative effect) populations than in younger populations.ConclusionsAn increment of COPD YLL is associated with an increased PM10 concentration. Elderly groups are more susceptible to air pollution. Strict air pollutant emission control is needed to protect public health.



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Performance evaluation of dispersion parameterization schemes in the plume simulation of FFT-07 diffusion experiment

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): Gavendra Pandey, Maithili Sharan
Application of atmospheric dispersion models in air quality analysis requires a proper representation of the vertical and horizontal growth of the plume. For this purpose, various schemes for the parameterization of dispersion parameters σ′s are described in both stable and unstable conditions. These schemes differ on the use of (i) extent of availability of on-site measurements (ii) formulations developed for other sites and (iii) empirical relations. The performance of these schemes is evaluated in an earlier developed IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) dispersion model with the data set in single and multiple releases conducted at Fusion Field Trials, Dugway Proving Ground, Utah 2007. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the relative performance of all the schemes is carried out in both stable and unstable conditions in the light of (i) peak/maximum concentrations, and (ii) overall concentration distribution. The blocked bootstrap resampling technique is adopted to investigate the statistical significance of the differences in performances of each of the schemes by computing 95% confidence limits on the parameters FB and NMSE. The various analysis based on some selected statistical measures indicated consistency in the qualitative and quantitative performances of σ schemes. The scheme which is based on standard deviation of wind velocity fluctuations and Lagrangian time scales exhibits a relatively better performance in predicting the peak as well as the lateral spread.



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Source identification of individual soot agglomerates in Arctic air by transmission electron microscopy

Publication date: January 2018
Source:Atmospheric Environment, Volume 172
Author(s): S. Weinbruch, N. Benker, K. Kandler, K. Schütze, K. Kling, B. Berlinger, Y. Thomassen, T. Drotikova, R. Kallenborn
Individual soot agglomerates collected at four different locations on the Arctic archipelago Svalbard (Norway) were characterised by transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. For source identification of the ambient soot agglomerates, samples from different local sources (coal burning power plants in Longyearbyen and Barentsburg, diesel and oil burning for power generation in Sveagruva and Ny Ålesund, cruise ship) as well as from other sources which may contribute to Arctic soot concentrations (biomass burning, aircraft emissions, diesel engines) were investigated.Diameter and graphene sheet separation distance of soot primary particles were found to be highly variable within each source and are not suited for source identification. In contrast, concentrations of the minor elements Si, P, K, Ca and Fe showed significant differences which can be used for source attribution. The presence/absence of externally mixed particle groups (fly ashes, tar balls, mercury particles) gives additional hints about the soot sources.Biomass/wood burning, ship emissions and coal burning in Barentsburg can be excluded as major source for ambient soot at Svalbard. The coal power plant in Longyearbyen is most likely a major source of soot in the settlement of Longyearbyen but does not contribute significantly to soot collected at the Global Atmosphere Watch station Zeppelin Mountain near Ny Ålesund. The most probable soot sources at Svalbard are aircraft emissions and diesel exhaust as well as long range transport of coal burning emissions.



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