Scheduling nab-paclitaxel combined with gemcitabine as first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (nabP+gemcitabine) offers modest survival gains for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Sequential scheduling of nabP+gemcitabine in a PDAC mouse model improved efficacy; this hypothesis was tested in a clinical trial.

METHODS

Patients with previously untreated metastatic PDAC were randomised to receive nabP+gemcitabine administered either concomitantly on the same day, or sequentially, with gemcitabine administered 24 h after nabP. The primary outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary outcome measures were objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), safety, quality of life (QoL) and predictive biomarkers.

RESULTS

In total, 71 patients received sequential (SEQ) and 75 concomitant (CON) treatment. Six-month PFS was 46% with SEQ and 32% with CON scheduling. Median PFS (5.6 versus 4.0 months, hazard ratio [HR] 0.67, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.47-0.95, p = 0.022) and ORR (52% versus 31%, p = 0.023) favoured the SEQ arm; median OS was 10.2 versus 8.2 months (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.65-1.33, p = 0.70). CTCAE Grade ≥3 neutropaenia incidence doubled with SEQ therapy but was not detrimental to QoL. Strongly positive tumour epithelial cytidine deaminase (CDA) expression favoured benefit from SEQ therapy (PFS HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.70).

CONCLUSIONS

SEQ delivery of nabP+gemcitabine improved PFS and ORR, with manageable toxicity, but did not significantly improve OS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN71070888; ClinialTrials.gov (NCT03529175).

Delicate seafloor landforms reveal past Antarctic grounding-line retreat of kilometers per year

A suite of grounding-line landforms on the Antarctic seafloor, imaged at submeter horizontal resolution from an autonomous underwater vehicle, enables calculation of ice sheet retreat rates from a complex of grounding-zone wedges on the Larsen continental shelf, western Weddell Sea. The landforms are delicate sets of up to 90 ridges, <1.5 meters high and spaced 20 to 25 meters apart. We interpret these ridges as the product of squeezing up of soft sediment during the rise and fall of the retreating ice sheet grounding line during successive tidal cycles. Grounding-line retreat rates of 40 to 50 meters per day (>10 kilometers per year) are inferred during regional deglaciation of the Larsen shelf. If repeated today, such rapid mass loss to the ocean would have clear implications for increasing the rate of global sea level rise.

Exosomes and soluble secretome from hormone-treated endometrial epithelial cells direct embryo implantation

A successful pregnancy requires a synchronous dialogue between endometrium and embryo within the endometrial milieu. The aim of this study was to assess the role in the implantation of mediators in the endometrial milieu. Total secretome (TS), soluble secretome (SS) and small extracellular vesicles (containing exosomes) were generated from hormonally primed human endometrial epithelial cell culture medium. Human trophectoderm stem cell-derived spheroids were cultured with TS, SS or exosomes (30 µg/ml) on hormonally primed epithelial cells, with exosomes significantly increasing cell adhesion and outgrowth. Furthermore, F1 mouse 2-cell embryos were cultured in groups for 48 h followed by culture with each secretome fraction (30 µg/ml) for 48 h. Blastocyst cell number and hatching were quantified. In addition, blastocysts were further cultured on a fibronectin matrix for 72 h or transferred to recipient mice (with corresponding secretomes) with embryo implantation assessed after 6 days. Exosomes significantly increased total cell number in mouse embryos and complete hatching from zona pellucida, with both exosomes and SS significantly enhancing mouse embryo outgrowth. Importantly, exosomes increased the embryo implantation rate in comparison to other secretome fractions (normalized based on treatment amount) from the endometrial epithelia. These data indicate that endometrial epithelial exosomes support embryo growth, development and implantation while the SS has selective involvement specifically on mouse embryo outgrowth. This finding provides new insights into the molecular differences of endometrial secretome components in implantation and early embryo development and may implicate endometrial exosomes in the pathophysiology of implantation failure in infertility.

A comparison between water uptake and root length density in winter wheat: effects of root density and rhizosphere properties

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aim to quantify the variation in root distribution in a set of 35 experimental wheat lines. We also compared the effect of variation in hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere on water uptake by roots.

METHODS

We measured the root length density and soil drying in 35 wheat lines in a field experiment. A 3D numerical model was used to predict soil drying profiles with the different root length distributions and compared with measured soil drying. The model was used to test different scenarios of the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere.

RESULTS

We showed that wheat lines with no detectable differences in root length density can induce soil drying profiles with statistically significant differences. Our data confirmed that a root length density of at least 1 cm/cm3 is needed to drain all the available water in soil. In surface layers where the root length density was far greater than 1 cm/cm3 water uptake was independent of rooting density due to competition for water. However, in deeper layers where root length density was less than 1 cm/cm3, water uptake by roots was proportional to root density.

CONCLUSION

In a set of wheat lines with no detectable differences in the root length density we found significant differences in water uptake. This may be because small differences in root density at depth can result in larger differences in water uptake or that the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere can greatly affect water uptake.

Compartment syndrome of the hand as a complication of prolonged mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation

A 45‐year‐old man suffered compartment syndrome of the hands as a complication of prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He was admitted following a hypothermic out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest due to cold‐water submersion. The patient was in cardiac arrest for 4 h with mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation delivered using the Lund University Cardiac Arrest System (Jolife AB, Lund, Sweden). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation along with aggressive rewarming achieved return of spontaneous circulation. He developed compartment syndrome in his left hand which was likely exacerbated by having his arm strapped to the Lund University Cardiac Arrest System device throughout the resuscitation. The compartment syndrome was managed conservatively. Despite preservation of neurological function the patient died of complications from the cardiac arrest after an extended intensive care unit stay. We recommend healthcare providers unstrap patient's hands during prolonged mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

A comparison between water uptake and root length density in winter wheat: effects of root density and rhizosphere properties

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We aim to quantify the variation in root distribution in a set of 35 experimental wheat lines. We also compared the effect of variation in hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere on water uptake by roots.

METHODS

We measured the root length density and soil drying in 35 wheat lines in a field experiment. A 3D numerical model was used to predict soil drying profiles with the different root length distributions and compared with measured soil drying. The model was used to test different scenarios of the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere.

RESULTS

We showed that wheat lines with no detectable differences in root length density can induce soil drying profiles with statistically significant differences. Our data confirmed that a root length density of at least 1 cm/cm³ is needed to drain all the available water in soil. In surface layers where the root length density was far greater than 1 cm/cm³ water uptake was independent of rooting density due to competition for water. However, in deeper layers where root length density was less than 1 cm/cm³, water uptake by roots was proportional to root density.

CONCLUSION

In a set of wheat lines with no detectable differences in the root length density we found significant differences in water uptake. This may be because small differences in root density at depth can result in larger differences in water uptake or that the hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere can greatly affect water uptake.

Pericardial Effusion presenting as Cough Syncope

Syncope is a common clinical presentation and accounts for 1-3% of Emergency Department (ED) visits. Cough syncope is a rare type of situational syncope, often caused by respiratory conditions like bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cough syncope due to pericardial effusion is a rare but treatable condition. Delay in diagnosis can lead to fatal complications due to cardiac tamponade. We present a case of recurrent cough syncope caused by large pericardial effusion.

"There is a Place": impacts of managed alcohol programs for people experiencing severe alcohol dependence and homelessness

BACKGROUND

The twin problems of severe alcohol dependence and homelessness are associated with precarious living and multiple acute, social and chronic harms. While much attention has been focused on harm reduction services for illicit drug use, there has been less attention to harm reduction for this group. Managed alcohol programs (MAPs) are harm reduction interventions that aim to reduce the harms of severe alcohol use, poverty and homelessness. MAPs typically provide accommodation, health and social supports alongside regularly administered sources of beverage alcohol to stabilize drinking patterns and replace use of non-beverage alcohol (NBA).

METHODS

We examined impacts of MAPs in reducing harms and risks associated with substance use and homelessness. Using case study methodology, data were collected from five MAPs in five Canadian cities with each program constituting a case. In total, 53 program participants, 4 past participants and 50 program staff were interviewed. We used situational analysis to produce a series of "messy", "ordered" and "social arenas" maps that provide insight into the social worlds of participants and the impact of MAPs.

RESULTS

Prior to entering a MAP, participants were often in a revolving world of cycling through multiple arenas (health, justice, housing and shelters) where abstinence from alcohol is often required in order to receive assistance. Residents described living in a street-based survival world characterized by criminalization, unmet health needs, stigma and unsafe spaces for drinking and a world punctuated by multiple losses and disconnections. MAPs disrupt these patterns by providing a harm reduction world in which obtaining accommodation and supports are not contingent on sobriety. MAPs represent a new arena that focuses on reducing harms through provision of safer spaces and supply of alcohol, with opportunities for reconnection with family and friends and for Indigenous participants, Indigenous traditions and cultures. Thus, MAPs are safer spaces but also potentially spaces for healing.

CONCLUSIONS

In a landscape of limited alcohol harm reduction options, MAPs create a new arena for people experiencing severe alcohol dependence and homelessness. While MAPs reduce precarity for participants, programs themselves remain precarious due to ongoing challenges related to lack of understanding of alcohol harm reduction and insecure program funding.

Synchronization of Autonomic and Cerebral Rhythms During Listening to Music: Effects of Tempo and Cognition of Songs

A large number of studies document cardiorespiratory changes occurring while listening to music. Less is known, however, about the interaction between cardiorespiratory and cerebral electrical rhythms during listening to music and how cognition and acoustic structural aspects of songs influence that interaction. We focused on tempo as a structural feature of songs, since tempo is a major determinant of physiological responses to music, and on familiarity and randomization of phase of local spectra of known and unknown songs for cognition. Our results indicated an overall increase in the degree of synchronization among cardiorespiratory variables (Heart rate (RR), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), respiration) and between cardiorespiratory and cerebral (EEG) oscillations during all songs. We also observed a marked decrease in respiratory frequency bandwidth and increase in respiratory rate while listening to songs, and slow song produced the most periodic breathing. Compared with slow tempo, during fast song, DBP and cerebral oscillations became less synchronized with high frequency components of RR suggesting that the processes causing the previously known reduction in vagal activity with increase in tempo also may have caused the decrease in these synchronizations. Cognition of songs affected the SBP coherencies the most. DBP was synchronized with respiration more than all other measured variables in response to auditory stimuli. Results indicate an overall increase in the degree of synchronization among a variety of cerebral electrical and autonomically driven cardiovascular rhythms. It is possible that this significant increase in synchronizations underlies the widely reported pleasurable and palliative effects of listening to music.

Responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L in elective shoulder surgery: Does it adequately represent patient experience?

AIM

Generic patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) allow comparison of health-related quality of life across populations and pathologies. For these comparisons to be valid, the PROM must be responsive; the score must change when the patient's quality of life changes. This study aims to assess the responsiveness of the EQ-5D-three level (3L) in elective shoulder surgery.

METHODS

Pre- and post-operative EQ-5D-3L and Oxford Shoulder Scores (OSS) were prospectively collected across a range of 204 elective shoulder surgeries. Internal responsiveness was assessed through significance testing of mean change scores and standardized response means (SRMs). External responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L was assessed against the minimal clinically important difference in OSS, using receiver operating characteristic curve and change score correlation.

RESULTS

Both EQ-5D-3L and OSS scores improved significantly over time ( p < 0.05). The SRM for the EQ-5D was 1.27 (95% CI 1.14-1.41) and for OSS 2.36 (2.22-2.52). Area under the curve for EQ-5D was 0.49. Only a weak correlation was found between EQ-5D and OSS change scores ( r = 0.21).

DISCUSSION

The EQ-5D-3L is adequately internally responsive to change following elective shoulder surgery but is unable to differentiate patients demonstrating minimal clinically important change. The EQ-5D therefore only partially reflects patient experience.

Multiple abiotic stress, nitrate availability and the growth of wheat

In the field, wheat experiences a combination of physical and nutrient stresses. There has been a tendency to study root impedance and water stress in separation and less is known about how they might interact. In this study, we investigated the effect of root impedance on the growth of three wheat varieties (Cadenza, Xi19 and Battalion) at different levels of nitrate availability, from 0-20 mM nitrate, in sand culture. This model system allows soil strength to be increased while maintaining adequate water availability. In a separate pot experiment, we grew the same wheat varieties in a loamy sand where soil was allowed to dry sufficiently to both reduce water potential and increase root impedance. This pot experiment also had a range of nitrate availabilities 0-20 mM nitrate. Once the seedlings were established we limited water supply to apply a matric potential of approximately -200 kPa to the roots. Soil drying increased the penetrometer resistance from approximately 300 kPa to more than 1 MPa. There were differences between the two experimental systems; growth was smaller in the soil-based experiment compared to the sand culture. However, the effects of the experimental treatment, root impedance or water withholding, relative to the control were comparable. Our data confirmed that leaf elongation in Cadenza (carrying the tall Rht allele) was the most sensitive to root impedance. Leaf stunting occurred irrespective of nitrate availability. Leaf elongation in the Xi19 and Battalion (carrying the semi-dwarf Rht allele) was less sensitive to root impedance and drought than Candenza. We suggest that the critical stress in a pot experiment where the soil was allowed to dry to approximately -200 kPa was root impedance and not water availability.

Detection of extended-spectrum β-lactam, AmpC and carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in beef cattle in Great Britain in 2015

AIMS

This study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of Enterobacteriaceae with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-, AmpC- and carbapenemase-mediated resistance in British beef cattle, and related risk factors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Faecal samples (n = 776) were obtained from farms in England and Wales (n = 20) and Scotland (n = 20) in 2015. Isolates from selective agars were identified by MALDI ToF mass spectrometry. Selected isolates were characterized by multiplex PCR (bla_{CTX -M,} bla_{OXA ,} bla_SHV and bla_TEM genes), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), minimum inhibitory concentrations and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. None of the faecal samples yielded carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli. Ten (25%) of the farms tested positive for ESBL-producing CTX-M Enterobacteriaceae, 15 (37·5%) of the farms were positive for AmpC phenotype E. coli and none were positive for carbapenem-resistant E. coli. WGS showed a total of 30 different resistance genes associated with E. coli, Citrobacter and Serratia from ESBL agars, and colocation of resistance genes with bla_{CTX -M1} . Buying bulls and bringing in fattening cattle from another farm were identified as significant risk factors for positive samples harbouring CTX-M Enterobacteriaceae or AmpC phenotype E. coli respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Beef cattle on a proportion of farms in GB carry ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Factors, such as operating as a closed herd, may have an important role in reducing introduction and transmission of resistant Enterobacteriaceae. The results indicate management factors may play an important role in impacting ESBL prevalence. In particular, further study would be valuable to understand the impact of maintaining a closed herd on reducing the introduction of resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study showing the presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in British beef cattle.

Vistusertib (dual m-TORC1/2 inhibitor) in combination with paclitaxel in patients with high-grade serous ovarian and squamous non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

We have previously shown that raised p-S6K levels correlate with resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. We hypothesised that inhibiting p-S6K signalling with the dual m-TORC1/2 inhibitor in patients receiving weekly paclitaxel could improve outcomes in such patients.

Patients and methods

In dose escalation, weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was given 6/7 weeks in combination with two intermittent schedules of vistusertib (dosing starting on the day of paclitaxel): schedule A, vistusertib dosed bd for 3 consecutive days per week (3/7 days) and schedule B, vistusertib dosed bd for 2 consecutive days per week (2/7 days). After establishing a recommended phase II dose (RP2D), expansion cohorts in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) were explored in 25 and 40 patients, respectively.

Results

The dose-escalation arms comprised 22 patients with advanced solid tumours. The dose-limiting toxicities were fatigue and mucositis in schedule A and rash in schedule B. On the basis of toxicity and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations, the RP2D was established as 80 mg/m2 paclitaxel with 50 mg vistusertib bd 3/7 days for 6/7 weeks. In the HGSOC expansion, RECIST and GCIG CA125 response rates were 13/25 (52%) and 16/25 (64%), respectively, with median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.28-18.54). The RP2D was not well tolerated in the SqNSCLC expansion, but toxicities were manageable after the daily vistusertib dose was reduced to 25 mg bd for the following 23 patients. The RECIST response rate in this group was 8/23 (35%), and the mPFS was 5.8 months (95% CI: 2.76-21.25).

Discussion

In this phase I trial, we report a highly active and well-tolerated combination of vistusertib, administered as an intermittent schedule with weekly paclitaxel, in patients with HGSOC and SqNSCLC.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicialTrials.gov identifier: CNCT02193633.

Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of New Medical Treatments in Advanced Colorectal Cancer. Results of a Workshop Organized by the Eortc Gitccg

During the last few years several factors have contributed to an increasing change in the medical treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. Among them are the more general acceptance of the impact of chemotherapy on quality of life and survival in first as well as in second-line treatment, the introduction of new drugs and the definition of novel endpoints which can roughly be defined as “patient benefit”. For this reason the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Cooperative Group (GITCCG) felt it was appropriate to organize a workshop with experts from different countries and national groups to discuss in depth several aspects concerning the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

»Hands on« Computer Tabulation of a Cumulative Case Register

A method of interrogating a continuously updated psychiatric case register via a flexible user-access package is described. Users request cross-tabulations and case-listings direct from the machine using natural language to specify their own cross-tabulation keys and table selections. Tabulation facilities include both event-based and person-based counts. Time-axis keys cover the whole period of the register’s lifetime. Analysis may take place within customary prevalence models of care or within experimental conceptual models, periodicities and spell constructs developed by users.

The paper explains how complex cumulative register information can be organised to enable these analytic facilities to be made directly available to lay users.

The package circumvents the programming barrier which hinders full exploitation of computerised registers, allowing lay users to extract their own epidemiological and service-evaluation data, without specialist programmer intervention.

How to establish case registers: II. Non-fatal deliberate self-harm

The importance of establishing registers for non-fatal deliberate self-harm is discussed along with their potential uses. Deliberate self-harm (DSH) data for a single hospital can be derived from the Accident and Emergency (A&E) casualty cards, A&E on-line registers, mental health assessments or general hospital in-patient data. The relative merits of these different data sources are discussed and local methods described. Some data derived from the DSH register are shown.

The effects of molybdenum water concentration on feedlot performance, tissue mineral concentrations, and carcass quality of feedlot steers,

Thirty cross-bred steers (initial BW 452.0 ± 12.1 kg) were used to investigate the effects of Mo water concentration on performance, carcass characteristics, and mineral status of feedlot steers. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by weight and then divided into 2 weight blocks each consisting of 15 steers. Steers were randomly assigned within block to one of 5 treatments (3 steers/treatment per block). Water treatments consisted of: 1) 0.0 µg/L, 2) 160 µg/L, 3) 320 µg/L, 4) 480 µg/L, and 5) 960 µg/L of supplemental Mo added as Na2MoO4 to the drinking water. Steers were housed in individual pens (steer = experimental unit) that contained individual 265 L water tanks for monitoring water intake. Steers were fed a growing diet for 28 d and then transitioned to a finishing diet. Block 1 steers were fed for a total of 151 d and block 2 steers were fed for a total of 112 d. Daily water intake was recorded for each steer. Steers were individually weighed on 2 consecutive days at the beginning and end of the experiment and interim weights and jugular blood samples were obtained every 28 d. Liver biopsies were obtained on d 0 and 84 from each steer within each block. Steers were transported to a commercial abattoir, slaughtered, and individual carcass data and liver samples were collected. Initial BW was used as a covariate for statistical analysis of data and significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. No differences were observed for final BW (P > 0.98). Overall ADG (P > 0.91), DMI (P > 0.92), feed efficiency (P > 0.94), water intake (P > 0.40), hot carcass weight (P > 0.98), dressing percentage (P > 0.98), yield grade (P > 0.91), and marbling score (P > 0.29) did not differ across treatments. Lastly, no treatment differences were observed for liver concentrations of Cu (P > 0.93), Mo (P > 0.90) and Zn (P > 0.86) or plasma concentrations of Cu (P > 0.42), Mo (P > 0.43) and Zn (P > 0.62). These data indicate that water Mo concentration, within the range studied, had no impact on performance, mineral status, water intake, and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

What side effects are problematic for patients prescribed antipsychotic medication? The Maudsley Side Effects (MSE) measure for antipsychotic medication

BACKGROUND

Capturing service users' perspectives can highlight additional and different concerns to those of clinicians, but there are no up to date, self-report psychometrically sound measures of side effects of antipsychotic medications. Aim To develop a psychometrically sound measure to identify antipsychotic side effects important to service users, the Maudsley Side Effects (MSE) measure.

METHOD

An initial item bank was subjected to a Delphi exercise (n = 9) with psychiatrists and pharmacists, followed by service user focus groups and expert panels (n = 15) to determine item relevance and language. Feasibility and comprehensive psychometric properties were established in two samples (N43 and N50). We investigated whether we could predict the three most important side effects for individuals from their frequency, severity and life impact.

RESULTS

MSE is a 53-item measure with good reliability and validity. Poorer mental and physical health, but not psychotic symptoms, was related to side-effect burden. Seventy-nine percent of items were chosen as one of the three most important effects. Severity, impact and distress only predicted 'putting on weight' which was more distressing, more severe and had more life impact in those for whom it was most important.

CONCLUSIONS

MSE is a self-report questionnaire that identifies reliably the side-effect burden as experienced by patients. Identifying key side effects important to patients can act as a starting point for joint decision making on the type and the dose of medication.

Expression patterns of HENMT1 and PIWIL1 in human testis: implications for transposon expression

This study aimed to define the expression patterns of HENMT1 and PIWI proteins in human testis and investigate their association with transposon expression, infertility sub-type or development of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). Testis biopsies showing normal spermatogenesis were used to identify normal localisation patterns of HENMT1 and PIWIL1 by immunolocalisation and RT-PCR after laser microdissection. 222 testis biopsies representing normal spermatogenesis, hypospermatogenesis, spermatogenic arrests, Sertoli cell-only (SCO) tumours and TGCTs were analysed by RT-qPCR for expression of HENMT1/PIWIL1/PIWIL2/PIWIL3/PIWIL4 and LINE-1 Additionally, HENMT1-overexpressing TCam2 seminoma cell lines were analysed for the same parameters by RT-qPCR. We found that HENMT1 and PIWIL1 are coexpressed in pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids. Expression of HENMT1, PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 was mainly dependent on germ cell content but low levels of expression were also detected in some SCO samples. Levels of HENMT1, PIWIL1 and PIWIL2 expression were low in TGCT. Samples with HENMT1, PIWIL2 and PIWIL4 expression showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower transposon expression compared to samples without expression in the same histological group. HENMT1-overexpressing TCam2 cells showed lower LINE-1 expression than empty vector-transfected control lines. Our findings support that the transposon-regulating function of the piRNA pathway found in the mouse is conserved in adult human testis. HENMT1 and PIWI proteins are expressed in a germ-cell-specific manner and required for transposon control.

The association between maternal postnatal depressive symptoms and offspring sleep problems in adolescence

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are associated with increased risk of physical and mental illness. Identifying risk factors is an important method of reducing public health impact. We examined the association between maternal postnatal depression (PND) and offspring adolescent sleep problems.

METHOD

The sample was derived from Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) participants. A sample with complete data across all variables was used, with four outcome variables. A sensitivity analysis imputing for missing data was conducted (n = 9633).

RESULTS

PND was associated with increased risk of sleep problems in offspring at ages 16 and 18 years. The most robust effects were sleep problems at 18 years [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a 1 s.d. increase in PND, 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.39, p < 0.001] and waking more often (adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.05-1.25, p = 0.003). This remained after controlling for confounding variables including antenatal depression and early sleep problems in infancy.

CONCLUSIONS

PND is associated with adolescent offspring sleep problems. Maternal interventions should consider the child's increased risk. Early sleep screening and interventions could be introduced within this group.

Haemodialysis in acute paracetamol poisoning

A woman aged 23 years presented late with clinical and biochemical features of a life-threatening paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Despite instigating N-acetylcysteine treatment, due to evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction together with an exceedingly high paracetamol level, the decision was made to dialyse the patient acutely to remove the parent drug. This was highly effective, and with on-going supportive care, the patient made a full recovery without the need for transplantation. This case highlights the role of extracorporeal therapy as a treatment option in selected cases of paracetamol overdose, consistent with the international guidelines.

Short term cost of care for the surviving periviable neonate

OBJECTIVE

To determine the hospital cost and distribution of financial charges for the initial hospitalization of the surviving periviable neonate.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective case series, we analyzed medical records and financial data for neonates 23-25 weeks' gestational age in a single tertiary care NICU over 42 months. A detailed breakdown of hospital cost components and charges was determined for all survivors during their initial hospitalization. Statistical significance was determined using the Bonferroni-Sidak method.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 78% in infants born at 23-25 weeks' gestational age. Survival increased and length of stay and hospital costs decreased with increased gestational age (p < 0.05 for all). Hospital charges were distributed as: NICU 56%, respiratory 11%, pharmacy 6%, laboratory 6%, radiology 6%, surgery 1%, neonatology 13% and miscellaneous 1%.

CONCLUSION

Our study describes the hospital cost and distribution of charges for the periviable neonate during the initial hospitalization. These economic data may guide clinicians in quality improvement and cost management.