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1.
Emmanuel Amabebe Steven Reynolds Victoria L. Stern Jennifer L. Parker Graham P. Stafford Martyn N. Paley Dilly O. C. Anumba 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2016,12(4):67
Introduction
Preterm birth (PTB) may be preceded by changes in the vaginal microflora and metabolite profiles.Objectives
We sought to characterise the metabolite profile of cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) of pregnant women by 1H NMR spectroscopy, and assess their predictive value for PTB.Methods
A pair of high-vaginal swabs was obtained from pregnant women with no evidence of clinical infection and grouped as follows: asymptomatic low risk (ALR) women with no previous history of PTB, assessed at 20–22 gestational weeks, g.w., n = 83; asymptomatic high risk (AHR) women with a previous history of PTB, assessed at both 20–22 g.w., n = 71, and 26–28 g.w., n = 58; and women presenting with symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) (SYM), assessed at 24–36 g.w., n = 65. Vaginal secretions were dissolved in phosphate buffered saline and scanned with a 9.4 T NMR spectrometer.Results
Six metabolites (lactate, alanine, acetate, glutamine/glutamate, succinate and glucose) were analysed. In all study cohorts vaginal pH correlated with lactate integral (r = ?0.62, p < 0.0001). Lactate integrals were higher in the term ALR compared to the AHR (20–22 g.w.) women (p = 0.003). Acetate integrals were higher in the preterm versus term women for the AHR (20–22 g.w.) (p = 0.048) and SYM (p = 0.003) groups; and was predictive of PTB < 37 g.w. (AUC 0.78; 95 % CI 0.61–0.95), and delivery within 2 weeks of the index assessment (AUC 0.84; 95 % CI 0.64–1) in the SYM women, whilst other metabolites were not.Conclusion
High CVF acetate integral of women with symptoms of PTL appears predictive of preterm delivery, as well as delivery within 2 weeks of presentation.2.
Whitley M. Yi Kelly E. Schoeppler Jaclyn Jaeger Scott W. Mueller Robert MacLaren Douglas N. Fish Tyree H. Kiser 《Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials》2017,16(1):60
Background
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) aims to minimize the clinical impact of posaconazole and voriconazole pharmacokinetic variability. However, its benefits on clinical outcomes are still being defined. Additionally, TDM data are limited for posaconazole IV and delayed-release tablet formulations among specific patient populations, including critically ill. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of therapeutic posaconazole and voriconazole drug levels across all formulations in a real-world clinical setting and elucidate factors affecting attainment of target concentrations.Methods
This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the University of Colorado Hospital between September 2006 and June 2015 that evaluated patients who received posaconazole or voriconazole TDM as part of routine care.Results
Voriconazole (n = 250) and posaconazole (n = 100) levels were analyzed from 151 patients. Of these, 54% of voriconazole and 69% of posaconazole levels were therapeutic. For posaconazole, 14/38 (37%), 28/29 (97%) and 27/33 (82%) levels were therapeutic for the oral suspension, IV, and delayed-release tablet, respectively. Intravenous and delayed-release tablet posaconazole were 20 fold (p < 0.01) and sevenfold (p = 0.002) more likely than the oral suspension to achieve a therapeutic level. Subsequent levels were more likely to be therapeutic after dose adjustments (OR 3.31; 95% CI 1.3–8.6; p = 0.02), regardless of timing of initial non-therapeutic level. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, no characteristics were independently predictive of therapeutic voriconazole levels and only absence of H2RA/PPI use was independently predictive of therapeutic posaconazole levels. There was no correlation between survival and therapeutic drug levels for either voriconazole (p = 0.67) or posaconazole (p = 0.50).Conclusions
A high percentage of drug levels did not achieve TDM targets for voriconazole and posaconazole oral suspension, supporting the need for routine TDM for those formulations. The utility of TDM for the IV and delayed-release tablet formulations of posaconazole is less apparent.3.
Anna Petrackova Andrea Smrzova Petr Gajdos Marketa Schubertova Petra Schneiderova Pavel Kromer Vaclav Snasel Martina Skacelova Frantisek Mrazek Josef Zadrazil Pavel Horak Eva Kriegova 《Clinical proteomics》2017,14(1):32
Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a remarkably heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Despite tremendous efforts, our knowledge of serum protein patterns in severe SLE phenotypes is still limited. We investigated the serum protein pattern of SLE, with special emphasis on irreversible organ damage and active lupus nephritis (LN) as assessed by renal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index.Methods
We used proximity extension immunoassay (PEA, Proseek Multiplex, Olink) to assess the serum levels of ninety-two inflammation-related proteins in Czech patients with SLE (n = 75) and age-matched healthy control subjects (n = 23). Subgroup analysis was carried out on the basis of organ damage (with/without, 42/33) and biopsy-proven LN (with/without, 27/48; active LN, n = 13; inactive LN, n = 14).Results
Of thirty deregulated proteins between SLE and the healthy controls (P corr < 0.05), the top upregulated proteins in SLE were sirtuin 2, interleukin 18 (IL18), and caspase 8 (P corr < 0.0006). Of these, sirtuin 2 and caspase 8 had not yet been reported with SLE. Elevated levels of IL8, CCL2/MCP1, CCL11, and MMP10 (P corr < 0.05) were detected in patients with organ damage for which the serum levels of CCL11 and MMP10 were particularly informative in organ damage prediction. Comparing patients based on LN, elevated levels of CSF1, sIL15RA, sCD40, sCX3CL1, caspase 8, sIL18R1, bNGF, and GDNF (P corr < 0.05) were detected in active LN. Except GDNF, all LN-associated markers showed usefulness in prediction of active renal disease.Conclusions
This highly sensitive PEA analysis identified the serum pattern of SLE, organ damage, and active LN, with many novel candidate proteins detected. Their exact role and suitability as biomarkers in SLE deserve further investigation.4.
Cecilia V. Tapia Germán Hermosilla Paula Fortes Claudio Alburquenque Sergio Bucarey Hugo Salinas Paula I. Rodas María Cristina Díaz Fabien Magne 《Mycopathologia》2017,182(3-4):339-347
Objective
To study Candida albicans genotypes using RAPD and their susceptibility to fluconazole in healthy pregnant women and in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) patients after topical treatment with clotrimazole.Methods
Vaginal swabs were collected at t = 0 and t = 1 (1 month later) in pregnant women (control group, n = 33), and before (t = 0), at 1 month (t = 1) and at 2 months (t = 2) after clotrimazole treatment in pregnant women with VVC.Results
Candida albicans was isolated in 30% of healthy pregnant women and 80% of patients with VVC. A high genetic heterogeneity was observed in C. albicans genotypes between individuals. In patients with VVC, topical antifungal treatment with clotrimazole was clinically effective, but only in a 62% C. albicans was eradicated. In patients in which C. albicans was not eradicated, this microorganism persisted for 1 or 2 months after the antifungal treatment. The persistent colonies were not associated with a specific genotype, but they were associated with higher MICs in comparison with colonies isolated from the control group.Conclusions
Therapy with topical clotrimazole, despite a good clinical outcome, could not eradicate completely C. albicans allowing the persistence of genotypes, with higher MICs to fluconazole. More studies with higher number of patients are needed to validate this preliminary finding.5.
Makoto Suzuki Shin Nishiumi Takashi Kobayashi Takeshi Azuma Masaru Yoshida 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2016,12(4):68
Introduction
The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene is a tumor suppressor gene that is inactivated in the initiation of colorectal neoplasia. Apc Min/+ mice, which possess a heterozygous APC mutation, develop numerous adenomatous polyps, which are similar to those observed in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in humans. However, unlike FAP patients, Apc Min/+ mice predominantly develop adenomatous polyps in the small intestine. The metabolic changes associated with the development of polyps in the small and large intestine remain to be investigated.Objectives
The objective of this study was to elucidate the metabolic changes associated with intestinal polyp formation.Methods
We compared the metabolite levels of pairs of polyp and non-polyp tissues obtained from the small intestines (n = 12) or large intestines (n = 7) of Apc Min/+ mice. To do this, we analyzed the tissue samples using two methods, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (1) with a pentafluorophenylpropyl column for cation analysis, and (2) with a C18 reversed phase column coupled to an ion-pair reagent for anion analysis.Results
Pathway mapping of the metabolites whose levels were significantly altered revealed that the polyp tissue of the small intestine contained significantly higher levels of intermediates involved in glycolysis, the pentose phosphate pathway, nucleotide metabolism, or glutathione biosynthesis than in the equivalent non-polyp tissue. In addition, significantly higher levels of methionine cycle intermediates were detected in the polyp tissues of both the large and small intestines. Organ-dependent (small vs. large intestine) differences were also detected in the levels of most amino acids and urea cycle intermediates.Conclusion
Our results indicate that various metabolic changes are associated with polyp development, and understanding these alterations could make it possible to evaluate the treatment response of colorectal cancer earlier.6.
Christina Tan David Rubenson Ajay Srivastava Rajeev Mohan Michael R. Smith Kristen Billick Samuel Bardarian J. Thomas Heywood 《Cardiovascular ultrasound》2017,15(1):18
Background
Left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) is a measure of cardiac systolic function and cardiac output. Heart failure patients with low cardiac output are known to have poor cardiovascular outcomes. Thus, extremely low LVOT VTI may predict heart failure patients at highest risk for mortality.Methods
Patients with heart failure and extremely low LVOT VTI were identified from a single-center database. Baseline characteristics and heart failure related clinical outcomes (death, LVAD) were obtained at 12 months. Correlation between clinical endpoints and the following variables were analyzed: ejection fraction (EF), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), NYHA class, renal function, Doppler cardiac output (CO), and LVOT VTI.Results
Study cohort consisted of 100 patients. At the 12-month follow up period, 30 events (28 deaths, 2 LVADs) were identified. Occurrence of death and LVAD implantation was statistically associated with a lower LVOT VTI (p = 0.039) but not EF (p = 0.169) or CO (p = 0.217). In multivariate analysis, LVOT VTI (p = 0.003) remained statistically significant, other significant variables were age (p = 0.033) and PASP (p = 0.022). Survival analysis by LVOT VTI tertile demonstrated an unadjusted hazard ratio of 4.755 (CI 1.576-14.348, p = 0.006) for combined LVAD and mortality at one year.Conclusions
Extremely low LVOT VTI strongly predicts adverse outcomes and identifies patients who may benefit most from advanced heart failure therapies.7.
Background
Warfarin is a widely prescribed anticoagulant with narrow therapeutic window for thromboembolic events. Warfarin displays large individual variability in dose requirements. The purpose of this study is to assess the contribution of patient-specific and genetic risk factors to dose requirements of patients on either high or low warfarin maintenance dose in Ghana. Blood samples were collected from 141 (62 males, 79 females) Ghanaian patients on stable warfarin dose to determine their INR. Influence of patient specific factors and gene variations within VKORC1, CYP2C9 and CYP4F2 were determined in patients on either high or low warfarin maintenance dose.Results
One hundred and forty-one patients took part in the study with 79 (56%) participants being Female. The median age of the study participants was 48 years [IQR: 34–58]. The median duration for patients to be on warfarin therapy was 24 months [IQR: 10–72]. Majority of the study participants (80.9%, n = 114) did not have any side effects to warfarin. CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 variant alleles were not detected. VKORC1 variant allele was observed at 6% and CYP4F2 variant allele was observed at 41%. Duration of patients on warfarin therapy was marginally associated with high warfarin dose (adjusted OR = 1.01 [95% CI 1.00–1.02], p = 0.033) while the odds of heterozygous individuals (G/A) for VKORC1 gene to have high warfarin dose compared to persons with homozygous (G/G) (adjusted OR = 0.06 [95% CI 0.01–0.63], p = 0.019). Age, gender, diagnosis, presence of side effects and other medications were not associated with warfarin dose (p = 0.05).Conclusion
This study provides data on VKORC1 and CYP4F2 variants among an indigenous African population. Duration of patients on warfarin therapy was marginally associated with high warfarin dose. CYP2C9*2 and *3 variants were not detected and may not be the most important genetic factor for warfarin maintenance dose among Ghanaians.8.
M. Zalewska-Adamiec H. Bachorzewska-Gajewska A. Tomaszuk-Kazberuk K. Nowak P. Drozdowski J. Bychowski R. Krynicki W. J. Musial S. Dobrzycki 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(9):511-519
Background
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is characterised by transient contractility disturbances of the apex of the left ventricle.Methods
We enrolled 101 patients from the northern-eastern part of Poland in the years 2008–2012 who were hospitalised for TCC. The control group consisted of female patients diagnosed with anterior myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (anterior STEMI) (n = 101).Results
89?% of the study group were women. Patients with TTC had diabetes (12.6?% vs 29.7?%; p = 0.002) and hyperlipidaemia (36.8?% vs 64.4?%; p = 0.0001) significantly less frequently, and better kidney function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate versus patients with anterior STEMI (74.52?% vs 64.30?%; p = 0.004). In the TTC group there were more patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11.6?% vs 1.0?%; p = 0.002) and thyroid disturbances, especially hyperthyroidism (23.4?% vs 11.0?%; p = 0.021). In patients with TTC sudden cardiac arrest, pulmonary oedema and cardiogenic shock were observed less frequently than in the control group (14.7?% vs 30.7?%; p = 0.0078). Hospitalisations in TTC patients were less frequently complicated by pneumonia (20.0?% vs 35.6?%; p = 0.0148) and urinary infection (4.2?% vs 21.8?%; p = 0.0003). Cardiac rupture occurred in 3 patients with TTC and in 1 with anterior STEMI. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the group with TTC. Also, mortality at 30 days, 3 months, 1 year and 2.5 years was significantly lower in patients with TTC than in patients with MI (p = 0.035; p = 0.0226; p = 0.0075; p = 0.009).Conclusions
Previously considered to be a benign syndrome, TTC should be reconsidered as a clinical condition at risk for serious complications such as cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary oedema and cardiac rupture leading to death and causing substantial early hazard. The prognosis in TTC is significantly better than in patients with anterior STEMI.9.
Masazumi Ando Hideaki Amayasu Takahiro Itai Hisahiro Yoshida 《BioPsychoSocial medicine》2017,11(1):19
Background
Administration of valproic acid (VPA) is complicated with approximately 0.9% of patients developing hyperammonemia, but the pathogenesis of this adverse effect remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to search for mechanisms associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia in the light of changes in serum amino acids concentrations associated with the urea cycle of schizophrenic patients.Method
Blood samples (10 mL) were obtained from 37 schizophrenic patients receiving VPA for the prevention of violent behaviors in the morning after overnight fast. Blood concentrations of ammonia, VPA, free carnitine, acyl-carnitine, and 40 amino acids including glutamate and citrulline were measured for each patient. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify amino acids or concomitantly administered drugs that were associated with variability in the blood concentrations of ammonia.Result
The blood ammonia level was positively correlated with the serum glutamate concentration (r = 0.44, p < 0.01) but negatively correlated with glutamine (r = ?0.41, p = 0.01), citrulline (r = ?0.42, p = 0.01), and glycine concentrations (r = ?0.54, p < 0.01). It was also revealed that the concomitant administration of the mood stabilizers (p = 0.04) risperidone (p = 0.03) and blonanserin (p < 0.01) was positively associated with the elevation of the blood ammonia level.Conclusion
We hypothisized that VPA would elevate the blood ammonia level of schizophrenic patients. The observed changes in serum amino acids are compatible with urea cycle dysfunction, possibly due to reduced carbamoyl-phosphate synthase 1 (CPS1) activity. We conclude that VPA should be prudently prescribed to schizophrenic patients, particularly those receiving mood stabilizers or certain antipsychotics.10.
G. D’Ancona H. U. Agma S. Kische G. El-Achkar M. Dißmann J. Ortak H. Ince U. Ketterer A. Bärisch A. Öner 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(2):106-115
Objectives
We present our single-centre experience with the direct flow medical (DFM) trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) prosthesis addressing the impact of learning curve upon outcomes.Background
The DFM has been recently introduced for TAVI. The prosthesis presents original design and implantation features.Methods
Patients were divided into three groups according to the chronological implantation sequence that reflected technical skills acquisition of the entire team.Results
Group I included the first 20 patients (early learning phase), group II the second 20 patients (proctoring to other members of the team), and group III the following 93 patients (technique consolidation). Differences in baseline and procedural variables were analysed. Nonparametric correlation and linear regression were used to identify changes according to institutional cumulative experience. There was a significant correlation between catheterisation time and institutional experience (rho = ?0.4; p < 0.0001) confirmed at linear regression (beta = ?0.2; p = 0.001; CI: ?0.3?–??0.08). Moreover, there was lower rate of valve retrieval in group III (15% vs. 20% vs. 10%; p = 0.5). No intra-procedural mortality was reported and improved early safety (at 30 days) was observed (80% vs. 85% vs. 87.1; p = 0.7). At hospital discharge, valve haemodynamic performance was satisfactory with only mild regurgitation in 10% (I), 20% (II), and 9.7% (III) (p = 0.8).Conclusions
DFM adequate sizing and implantation can be achieved after the early learning phases. A significant reduction in catheterisation time is reported after the first 20 patients. Results remain satisfactory during the proctoring and technical consolidation phase.11.
M. Verdoia A. Schaffer L. Barbieri G. Di Giovine G. Bellomo P. Marino H. Suryapranata G. De Luca 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(7-8):462-474
Background
Pro-thrombotic conditions importantly influence myocardial perfusion and procedural results after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has emerged as a predictor of cardiovascular events and of long-term prognosis, especially in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary PCI. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of NLR on periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI) in patients undergoing non-urgent PCI.Methods
In a consecutive cohort of 1542 patients undergoing PCI, myonecrosis biomarkers were determined at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post-procedure. Patients were divided into quintiles according to NLR values. Periprocedural myonecrosis was defined as a troponin I increase of 3 times the upper limit of normal or as 50?% of an elevated baseline value, whereas periprocedural MI was defined as a CK-MB increase of 3 times the upper limit of normal or 50?% of baseline.Results
Higher NLR was related to age, established risk factors and cardiovascular history. NLR was associated with severe coronary artery disease (p = 0.009), tighter stenosis (p < 0.001), coronary calcifications (p = 0.005), intracoronary thrombus or thrombectomy use (p < 0.001), TIMI flow pre- and post-PCI (p < 0.001), and inversely to restenosis (p = 0.04) and use of a drug-eluting stent (p = 0.001). NLR did not influence the occurrence of myonecrosis (p = 0.75; adjusted OR (95?% CI) = 0.99 (0.63–1.54), p = 0.96), but was associated with a higher occurrence of periprocedural MI, even after correction for baseline differences (p = 0.03; adjusted OR (95?% CI) = 1.33 (1.02–2.3), p = 0.02), with NLR ≥ 3 best predicting the risk of periprocedural MI at the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Conclusion
In patients undergoing non-urgent PCI, a higher NLR increases the risk of periprocedural MI, especially for values ≥ 3.12.
Margaret M. Guinta Kristen Bunnell Amanda Harrington Susan Bleasdale Larry Danziger Eric Wenzler 《Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials》2017,16(1):77
Background
The clinical outcomes and cost implications of a diagnostic shift from an EIA- to PCR-based assay for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) have not been completely described in the literature.Methods
The impact of the PCR-based assay on the incidence and duration of CDI therapy was compared to the EIA assay for patients with a negative CDI diagnostic result. Secondary clinical and economic outcomes were also evaluated. Independent predictors of receipt of antibiotic therapy were assessed via logistic regression.Results
141 EIA and 140 PCR patients were included. Significantly more patients were started or continued on anti-CDI antibiotic therapy after a known negative assay result in the EIA group (26 patients vs. 8 patients, P = 0.002). Duration of antibiotic therapy after a known negative result was significantly shorter in the PCR group (1 vs. 4 days, P = 0.029) and a 23% reduction in the number of tests obtained per patient was observed (1.41 ± 0.86 vs. 1.82 ± 1.35, P = 0.007). The over fourfold difference in per-test cost of the EIA assay ($8.33 vs. $42.86, P < 0.0001) was offset by the overall medication costs required for the increased treatment in the EIA group ($546.60 vs. $188.96, P = 0.191). Utilization of the EIA-based CDI assay was associated with increased odds of CDI treatment after a negative test (aOR 4.71, 95% CI 1.93–11.46, P = 0.001).Conclusion
The transition from an EIA to PCR-based assay for diagnosing CDI resulted in a significant decrease in the number of patients treated and the duration of treatment in response to a negative test result. This significant decrease in treatment resulted in decreased costs offsetting the utilization of a more expensive molecular test for patients with a negative CDI diagnostic result.13.
A.M. Otten J.P. Ottervanger T. Symersky H. Suryapranata M.J. de Boer A.H.E.M. Maas 《Netherlands heart journal》2016,24(9):520-529
Background
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy often presents with the clinical signs of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The increase in scientific publications addressing this relatively rare condition may result in higher awareness and diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.Aim
To assess the observed prevalence per year of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a large registry of patients with STEMI, during a 12-year inclusion period.Method
All patients presenting with STEMI at a large regional cardiology clinic were entered into a database (n = 8,413, mean age 63 ± 13 years). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 42 patients (0.5?%). Years of evaluation were defined as ‘early years’ (January 2002 to December 2007; n = 4350) and ‘later years’ (January 2008 to December 2013). Multivariable analyses were performed to adjust for differences in demographical and clinical variables.Results
In later years, the age of STEMI patients was slightly higher (64 ± 13 vs. 63 ± 13 years, p < 0.001), with more patients with clinical symptoms of shock (10 vs. 7?%, p < 0.001) or a history of percutaneous coronary intervention or hypertension (10 vs. 8?%, p = 0.001 and 37 vs. 34?%, p < 0.001). Smoking and a positive family history were less often observed during later years (39 vs. 46?%, p < 0.001 and 37 vs. 42?% p < 0.001). Patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy were more often female (81 vs. 27?%, p = 0.001). Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was more often diagnosed in the later period (0.7 vs. 0.3?%, OR 2.4, 95?% CI 1.2–4.6, p = 0.009). The higher prevalence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in recent years remained significant after adjustment for differences in patient characteristics (OR 2.1, 95?% CI 1.1–4.3).Conclusion
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is currently more often diagnosed in patients with STEMI compared with in earlier years. This is probably due to the increased scientific and clinical awareness among doctors, but the prevalence is still low.14.
Background and aims
Invasive plants have been associated with alterations to soil properties, functions, and organisms, with the potential to impact ecosystem processes. An observational study was conducted to determine how the invasive plant Frangula alnus affects soil microbial communities and biogeochemical processes in Wisconsin forests.Methods
Paired invaded/non-invaded sites (n = 10), including high (n = 5) and low (n = 5) density invasions, were sampled in spring, summer, and fall. Soil was analyzed for extractable and total nitrogen (N), N mineralization rate, total carbon, microbial biomass carbon and N, and microbial community structure using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms.Results
Linear regression analysis with robust variance estimation revealed higher N mineralization rates in invaded sites than non-invaded sites in summer, and in high density invaded sites than non-invaded sites overall (p < 0.05). There was not a corresponding increase in extractable N. No differences between invaded and non-invaded sites were observed for other variables.Conclusions
Nitrogen-rich F. alnus leaf litter (3.2 % of dry mass) may contribute to elevated N mineralization at these sites, though pre-existing conditions may be responsible. Results suggest that F. alnus alters N cycling but has little impact on soil carbon pools and microbial communities.15.
Giulio Grandi Eva Osterman Lind Roland Schaper Erik Ågren Manuela Schnyder 《Acta veterinaria Scandinavica》2017,59(1):85
Background
For the first time in Sweden, Angiostrongylus vasorum was detected on the island of Sydkoster in foxes and dogs in 2003. After sporadic detection of the parasite in foxes in southern Sweden, the first positive canine faecal sample on the mainland was found in 2011. Since then a total of 2882 faecal samples have been analysed with the Baermann test at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA) during the years 2011–2015; 20 of them being positive. Contemporaneously, of over 525 fox necropsies, only three were found to be infected. To gather a more accurate knowledge of A. vasorum occurrence in Sweden, a large scale seroepidemiological survey was performed and totally 3885 serum samples from dogs were tested for both the presence of circulating antigens and of specific antibodies to A. vasorum.Results
In total, 0.10% (n = 4, 95% Confidence Intervals, CI 0.03–0.26%) of the dogs were positive for both antigen and antibodies, whereas 0.51% (n = 20, CI 0.31–0.79%) of the tested dogs were only antigen positive and 0.88% (n = 34, CI 0.61–1.22%) only positive for specific antibodies. Seropositive animals, as well as the majority of A. vasorum-positive faecal samples tested during the same period, were spread over central and southern Sweden. Annual prevalence of positive faecal dog samples and of necropsied A. vasorum positive foxes (coming from southern Sweden) varied from 0.3 to 0.9% (overall: 0.7%, CI 0.4–1.1%) and 0.0 to 1.4% (overall: 0.3%, CI 0.1–0.9%), respectively.Conclusions
The findings confirmed that A. vasorum has become established in various geographical areas of central and southern Sweden. Veterinarians and dog owners should be aware of the potential risks of infection in large areas of the country, since canine angiostrongylosis may be a fatal disease if left untreated.16.
N. Berndt H. de Vries L. Lechner F. Van Acker E. S. Froelicher F. Verheugt A. Mudde C. Bolman 《Netherlands heart journal》2017,25(1):24-32
Background
Without assistance, smokers being admitted to the hospital for coronary heart disease often return to regular smoking within a year.Objective
This study assessed the 12-month effectiveness of a telephone and a face-to-face counselling intervention on smoking abstinence among cardiac patients. Differential effects for subgroups varying in their socioeconomic status and intention to quit smoking were also studied.Methods
A randomised controlled trial was used. During hospital stay, smokers hospitalised for coronary heart disease were assigned to usual care (n = 245), telephone counselling (n = 223) or face-to-face counselling (n = 157). Eligible patients were allocated to an intervention counselling group and received nicotine patches. After 12 months, self-reported continued abstinence was assessed and biochemically verified in quitters. Effects on smoking abstinence were tested using multilevel logistic regression analyses applying the intention-to-treat approach.Results
Compared with usual care, differential effects of telephone and face-to-face counselling on continued abstinence were found in patients with a low socioeconomic status and in patients with a low quit intention. For these patients, telephone counselling increased the likelihood of abstinence threefold (OR = 3.10, 95?% CI 1.32–7.31, p = 0.01), whereas face-to-face counselling increased this likelihood fivefold (OR = 5.30, 95?% CI 2.13–13.17, p < 0.001). Considering the total sample, the interventions did not result in stronger effects than usual care.Conclusion
Post-discharge telephone and face-to-face counselling interventions increased smoking abstinence rates at 12 months compared with usual care among cardiac patients of low socioeconomic status and low quit intentions. The present study indicates that patients of high socioeconomic status and high quit motivation require different cessation approaches.17.
Fergus Noble Toby Mellows Leo H. McCormick Matthews Adrian C. Bateman Scott Harris Timothy J. Underwood James P. Byrne Ian S. Bailey Donna M. Sharland Jamie J. Kelly John N. Primrose Surinder S. Sahota Andrew R. Bateman Gareth J. Thomas Christian H. Ottensmeier 《Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII》2016,65(6):651-662
Background
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is increasingly common in the west, and survival remains poor at 10–15 % at 5 years. Immune responses are increasingly implicated as a determining factor of tumour progression. The ability of lymphocytes to recognise tumour antigens provides a mechanism for a host immune attack against cancer providing a potential treatment strategy.Materials and Methods
Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs: CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and FOXp3+) were assessed by immunohistochemistry using tissue microarrays in a contemporary and homogeneous cohort of OAC patients (n = 128) undergoing curative treatment.Results
Multivariate analysis identified three independent prognostic factors for improved cancer-specific survival (CSS): increased CD8+ TILs (p = 0.003), completeness of resection (p < 0.0001) and lower pathological N stage (p < 0.0001). Independent prognostic factors for favourable disease-free survival included surgery-only treatment (p = 0.015), completeness of resection (p = 0.001), increased CD8+ TILs (p < 0.0001) and reduced pathological N stage (p < 0.0001). Higher levels of TILs in the pathological specimen were associated with significant pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). On multivariate analysis increased levels of CD4+ (p = 0.017) and CD8+ TILs (p = 0.005) were associated with significant local tumour regression and lymph node downstaging, respectively.Discussion
Our results establish an association of TILs and survival in OAC, as seen in other solid tumours, and identify particular TIL subsets that are present at higher levels in patients who responded to NAC compared to non-responders. These findings highlight potential therapeutic strategies in EAC based on utilising the host immunological response and highlight the immune responses biomarker potential.18.
Jorge I. Ramírez Sepúlveda Marika Kvarnström Per Eriksson Thomas Mandl Katrine Brække Norheim Svein Joar Johnsen Daniel Hammenfors Malin V. Jonsson Kathrine Skarstein Johan G. Brun the DISSECT consortium Lars Rönnblom Helena Forsblad-d’Elia Sara Magnusson Bucher Eva Baecklund Elke Theander Roald Omdal Roland Jonsson Gunnel Nordmark Marie Wahren-Herlenius 《Biology of sex differences》2017,8(1):25
Background
Despite men being less prone to develop autoimmune diseases, male sex has been associated with a more severe disease course in several systemic autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we aimed to investigate differences in the clinical presentation of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) between the sexes and establish whether male sex is associated with a more severe form of long-term pSS.Methods
Our study population included 967 patients with pSS (899 females and 68 males) from Scandinavian clinical centers. The mean follow-up time (years) was 8.8 ± 7.6 for women and 8.5 ± 6.2 for men (ns). Clinical data including serological and hematological parameters and glandular and extraglandular manifestations were compared between men and women.Results
Male patient serology was characterized by more frequent positivity for anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB (p = 0.02), and ANA (p = 0.02). Further, men with pSS were more frequently diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (p = 0.008), lymphadenopathy (p = 0.04) and lymphoma (p = 0.007). Conversely, concomitant hypothyroidism was more common among female patients (p = 0.009).Conclusions
We observe enhanced serological responses and higher frequencies of lymphoma-related extraglandular manifestations in men with pSS. Notably, lymphoma itself was also significantly more common in men. These observations may reflect an aggravated immune activation and a more severe pathophysiological state in male patients with pSS and indicate a personalized managing of the disease due to the influence of the sex of patients with pSS.19.
Wenwen Zhang Zhaohui Chen Mengmeng Wu Zhong Shi Feng Zhu Guoqiang li Ting Ma 《Biotechnology letters》2016,38(6):991-997
Objective
To improve the production of welan gum and obtain a carotenoid-free strain while reducing the fermentation and post-treatment costs.Results
The vitreoscilla globin (vgb) gene combined with the β-galactosidase (lacZ) promoter was inserted into the phytoene synthase (crtB) gene region of the chromosome in Alcaligenes sp. ATCC31555. When the recombinant strain was grown in a 5 l fermentor, welan gum was produced at 24 ± 0.4 g l?1 compared to 21 g ± 0.4 g l?1 in the wild type. Furthermore, the carotenoid-free welan gum produced using Alcaligenes sp. ATCC31555 VHb strain was less expensive with improved properties.Conclusions
Alcaligenes sp. ATCC31555 VHb strain was a better neutral welan-producing strain with a higher production than the wild-type strain.20.
Hao Chen Robert Klein Stacy Arnold Setsuko Chambers Wenxin Zheng 《Cancer cell international》2015,16(1):78