Field cross-fostering and in vitro rearing demonstrate negative effects of both larval and adult exposure to a widely used fungicide in honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Pollinators and other insects are experiencing an ongoing worldwide decline. While various environmental stressors have been implicated, including pesticide exposure, the causes of these declines are complex and highly debated. Fungicides may constitute a particularly prevalent threat to pollinator health due to their application on many crops during bloom, and because pollinators such as bees may consume fungicide-tainted pollen or nectar. In a previous study, consumption of pollen containing the fungicide Pristine® at field-relevant concentrations by honey bee colonies increased pollen foraging, caused earlier foraging, lowered worker survival, and reduced colony population size. Because most pollen is consumed by young adults, we hypothesized that Pristine® (25.2% boscalid, 12.8% pyraclostrobin) in pollen exerts its negative effects on honey bee colonies primarily on the adult stage. To rigorously test this hypothesis, we used a cross-fostering experimental design, with bees reared in colonies provided Pristine® incorporated into pollen patties at a supra-field concentration (230 mg/kg), only in the larvae, only in the adult, or both stages. In contrast to our predictions, exposure to Pristine® in either the larval or adult stage reduced survival relative to control bees not exposed to Pristine®, and exposure to the fungicide at both larval and adult stages further reduced survival. Adult exposure caused precocious foraging, while larval exposure increased the tendency to forage for pollen. These results demonstrate that pollen containing Pristine® can induce significant negative effects on both larvae and adults in a hive, though the magnitude of such effects may be smaller at field-realistic doses. To further test the potential negative effects of direct consumption of Pristine® on larvae, we reared them in vitro on food containing Pristine® at a range of concentrations. Consumption of Pristine® reduced survival rates of larvae at all concentrations tested. Larval and adult weights were only reduced at a supra-field concentration. We conclude that consumption of pollen containing Pristine® by field honey bee colonies likely exerts impacts on colony population size and foraging behavior by affecting both larvae and adults.

Consumption of field-realistic doses of a widely used mito-toxic fungicide reduces thorax mass but does not negatively impact flight capacities of the honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Commercial beekeepers in many locations are experiencing increased annual colony losses of honey bees (Apis mellifera), but the causes, including the role of agrochemicals in colony losses, remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic consumption of pollen containing a widely-used fungicide (Pristine®), known to inhibit bee mitochondria in vitro, which has recently been shown to reduce honey bee worker lifespan when field-colonies are provided with pollen containing field-realistic levels of Pristine®. We fed field colonies pollen with a field-realistic concentration of Pristine® (2.3 ppm) and a concentration two orders of magnitude higher (230 ppm). To challenge flight behavior and elicit near-maximal metabolic rate, we measured flight quality and metabolic rates of bees in two lower-than-normal air densities. Chronic consumption of 230 but not 2.3 ppm Pristine® reduced maximal flight performance and metabolic rates, suggesting that the observed decrease in lifespans of workers reared on field-realistic doses of Pristine®-laced pollen is not due to inhibition of flight muscle mitochondria. However, consumption of either the 230 or 2.3 ppm dose reduced thorax mass (but not body mass), providing the first evidence of morphological effects of Pristine®, and supporting the hypothesis that Pristine® reduces forager longevity by negatively impacting digestive or nutritional processes.

Clinical, psychopathological, and biological predictors of resumption of menses in subjects with anorexia nervosa: A 4-year follow-up study

Introduction

Amenorrhea is one of the most frequent and serious consequences of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Resumption of menses (ROM) is considered an important goal and is associated with a better outcome.

Objectives

To investigate the role of age, Body Mass Index (BMI), diagnostic subtype (restrictive vs binge-purging), history of childhood abuse, duration of illness, psychopathology and sex hormones on ROM in AN.

Methods

52 patients with AN and amenorrhea were enrolled at the start of treatment. Clinical parameters of interest were collected, and questionnaires were administered for the assessment of general (SCL-90-R) and specific (EDE-Q) psychopathology. Blood samples were taken to assess FSH, LH and estradiol levels. All patients were monitored regularly through psychiatric checkups until ROM, for up to four years.

Results

A total of 30 (57.7%) subjects recovered their menstrual cycle in the follow-up period (mean time: 18.7 ± 14.8 months). Recovery was more frequent in the binge-purging subtype than in the restrictive subtype (82.4% vs 48.6%, p=0.019), and was significantly associated with diagnostic crossover (odds ratio=10.0, p=0.032). Multivariate Cox regression showed an increased likelihood of menstrual recovery for binge-purging subtype (p=0.005) and for those reporting a history of childhood abuse (p=0.025). Early ROM was also associated with baseline SCL-90-R scores (p=0.002) and FSH (p=0.011), while a longer duration of illness (p=0.003) and EDE-Q scores (p=0.009) predicted a later recovery.

Conclusions

This study highlights the role of duration of illness, childhood abuse history and psychopathological characteristics in subjects with AN at the start of treatment in predicting ROM.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Colony field test reveals dramatically higher toxicity of a widely-used mito-toxic fungicide on honey bees (Apis mellifera)

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and other pollinator populations are declining worldwide, and the reasons remain controversial. Based on laboratory testing, fungicides have traditionally been considered bee-safe. However, there have been no experimental tests of the effects of fungicides on colony health under field conditions, and limited correlational data suggests there may be negative impacts on bees at levels experienced in the field. We tested the effects of one of the most commonly used fungicides on colony health by feeding honey bee colonies pollen containing Pristine® (active ingredients: 25.2% boscalid, 12.8% pyraclostrobin) at four levels that bracketed concentrations we measured for pollen collected by bees in almond orchards. We also developed a method for calculating per-bee and per-larva dose. Pristine® consumption significantly and dose-dependently reduced worker lifespan and colony population size, with negative health effects observed even at the lowest doses. The lowest concentration we tested caused a 15% reduction in the worker population at an estimated dosage that was three orders of magnitude below the estimated LD₁₅ values for previous acute laboratory studies. The enhanced toxicity under field conditions is at least partially due to activation of colonial nutritional responses missed by lab tests. Pristine® causes colonies to respond to perceived protein malnutrition by increasing colony pollen collection. Additionally, Pristine induces much earlier transitioning to foraging in individual workers, which could be the cause of shortened lifespans. These findings demonstrate that Pristine® can negatively impact honey bee individual and colony health at concentrations relevant to what they experience from pollination behavior under current agricultural conditions.

Trekstock RENEW: evaluation of a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by a cancer charity

Purpose

To evaluate the uptake and effect of RENEW, a 12-week exercise referral programme for young adult cancer survivors delivered by Trekstock, a UK-based cancer charity.

Methods

The RENEW programme provides one-to-one individually tailored support from a level-4 cancer-rehabilitation-qualified gym instructor, free gym membership and access to information resources online. Objective and self-report data on cardiorespiratory function, strength, body composition, fatigue, sleep quality and general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was collected from participants before the programme (week 0), immediately after (week 12) and 1 month later (week 16).

Results

Forty-eight young adults (83% female; mean age, 29 years) with a history of cancer took part within the 12-week programme and completed the evaluation measures. Physical activity (PA) levels significantly increased following the programme and remained raised at follow-up. Improvements in physical function were significant: peak expiratory flow (mean change, 30.96, p = 0.003), sit-and-reach test (mean change, 6.55 ± 4.54, p < 0.0001), and 6-mine-walk test (mean change, 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001). No significant changes in BMI, weight or muscle mass were observed. Improvements in fatigue, sleep and HRQoL were observed across the programme and at follow-up (mean change, weeks 0–16; 8.04 ± 1.49 p < 0.01; 1.05 ± 0.49 p < 0.05; and − 0.9 ± 0.46 p = 0.051, respectively). Changes in self-efficacy to exercise and motivations to exercise were not observed at 12 weeks or at follow-up.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the RENEW exercise referral programme has a positive impact upon some domains of physical function and well-being among young adult cancer survivors.

Implication for cancer survivors

Exercise referral programmes delivered by charity organisations are one means by which PA behaviour change support may be widely disseminated to young adult cancer survivors. Health professionals and charitable bodies specialising in the care of young adults with cancer should look to address factors which prevent engagement and uptake of ‘real-world’ PA interventions such as the RENEW programme.

The health behaviour status of teenage and young adult cancer patients and survivors in the United Kingdom

PURPOSE

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the health behaviour status of teenage and young adult (TYA) cancer patients and survivors; the secondary aim was to determine if TYA cancer patients and survivors health behaviour differs to general population controls.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty-seven young people with cancer (n =83 cancer patients receiving active treatment: n =174 cancer survivors, 57.1% >1 year since treatment completion) and 321 controls completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire which included validated measures of physical activity (PA) (Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire), diet (Dietary Instrument for Nutrition Education, DINE), smoking status, and alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C).

RESULTS

General population controls and cancer survivors were more likely to meet current (PA) recommendations (p <0.001) than TYA cancer patients undergoing treatment (54.8% vs 52.3% vs 30.1%, respectively). Less than 40% of young people with cancer and controls met fat intake, sugar intake, fibre intake or current fruit and vegetable recommendations. TYA cancer survivors were more likely to report binge drinking than controls (OR=3.26, 95% CI 2.12-5.02, p <0.001). Very few young people with in the study were current smokers. The majority of TYA cancer patients and survivors reported a desire to make positive changes to their health behaviour.

CONCLUSION

Consideration should be given to whether existing health behaviour change interventions which have demonstrated positive effects among the general TYA population could be adapted for young people with cancer.

GLIDER-A pulsed-current generator for laboratory astrophysics x-ray absorption experiments

In the field of pulse-power, there has always been an interest on small and medium size pulsed-current generators (≤2 MA) which are affordable and of low maintenance. We developed the GLIDER, a compact and modular generator, that drives a gas-puff z-pinch load as a soft x-ray source (0.1-1 keV) for laboratory astrophysics absorption experiments. It comprises 48 bricks, tightly packed in a 1.7 m × 3.5 m × 0.8 m transformer oil container. Its compactness and reliability was enabled owing to unique multilayered oil-soaked insulators, and more than 100 post-hole convolutes. Its stripline includes interchangeable tiles for ease of construction and maintenance. Six triggering units enable current pulse shaping. The GLIDER was tested up to ±60 kV (34 kJ) and produced 2 MA in 450 ns rise time on a 5 nH load. We present grating spectra of K-shell absorption of neutral O and N proving the experimental concept and demonstrating column density and ionization measurements.

Dual-Band Electrochromic Devices with a Transparent Conductive Capacitive Charge-Balancing Anode

Dual-band electrochromic devices (DBEDs), which can selectively modulate near-infrared (NIR) and visible (VIS) light transmittance through electrochromism, have gained increasing interest as a building energy saving technology. The technology is strongly dependent on the progress in electrochromic materials. Most current research has focused on the dual-band properties of the cathode materials, leaving the charge-balancing anode materials under-explored by comparison. This is a report of our study on the suitability of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanocrystals (NCs) as a capacitive anode material for DBEDs. The ITO NCs are electrically conductive and VIS light transparent throughout the device operating range. As a result, they would not affect the NIR-selective modulation of the electrochromic device like most other anode materials do. The high surface area and good conductivity of the ITO NCs facilitate the adsorption/desorption of anions; thereby increasing their effectiveness as an ion storage thin film on the anode to balance the cathode charge. The best DBED prototype assembled from an ITO NC anode and a WO_3-x cathode showed effective and independent control of VIS light and NIR transmittance with high optical modulation (71.1% at 633 nm, 58.1% at 1200 nm), high coloration efficiency (95 cm² C^-1 at 633 nm, 220 cm² C^-1 at 1200 nm), fast switching speed, good bistability, and cycle stability.

Fluoroquinolone use for uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The United States Food & Drug Administration released an advisory in 2016 that fluoroquinolones be relegated to second-line agents for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) given reports of rare but serious side effects; similar warnings have followed from Health Canada and the European Medicines Agency. The objective was to determine whether alternative non-fluoroquinolone agents are as effective as fluoroquinolones in the treatment of UTIs.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative health data from six Canadian provinces. We identified women (n = 1 585 997) receiving antibiotic treatment for episodes of uncomplicated UTIs (n = 2 857 243) between January 1 2005 and December 31 2015. Clinical outcomes within 30 days from the initial antibiotic dispensation were compared among patients treated with a fluoroquinolone versus non-fluoroquinolone agents. High-dimensional propensity score adjustments were used to ensure comparable treatment groups and to minimize residual confounding.

RESULTS

Fluoroquinolone use for UTI declined over the study period in five of six Canadian provinces and accounted for 22.3-48.5% of treatments overall. The pooled effect across the provinces indicated that fluoroquinolones were associated with fewer return outpatient visits (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.87-0.92), emergency department visits (OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.61-0.89), hospitalizations (OR 0.83, 95%CI 0.77-0.88), and repeat antibiotic dispensations (OR 0.77, 95%CI 0.75-0.80) within 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluoroquinolones are associated with improved clinical outcomes among women with uncomplicated UTIs. This benefit must be weighed against the risk of fluoroquinolone resistance and rare but serious fluoroquinolone side effects when selecting first-line treatment for these patients.

P666Anti-platelet therapy in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: randomised controlled proof of concept trial (APPLE COPD-ICON 2)

Acknowledgement/Funding

Astra Zeneca (Funder reference number ISSBRIL0303)

The development and user evaluation of health behaviour change resources for teenage and young adult Cancer survivors

PLAIN ENGLISH SUMMARY

This paper describes the methods that were used to develop a health behaviour intervention specifically for teenage and young adult cancer survivors (TYACS). The program of work, carried out in partnership with CLIC Sargent (a UK based cancer charity for children and young people) was guided by The Behaviour Change Intervention Design Process. A systematic review of existing intervention studies was carried out and TYACS were surveyed on their interest in receiving health behaviour information and their preference regarding the format, delivery and timing of such information. Health professionals were also surveyed to gather their views on how health behaviour information would be best delivered to young people with cancer. The results of these studies informed the development of a collection of health behaviour change intervention resources containing comprehensive lifestyle information and behaviour change support tools. TYACS and TYA health professionals were invited to review and provide feedback on the relevance, appeal and usability of the resources. It is hoped that by involving TYACS and TYA representatives at every stage of intervention development the problem of low uptake and adherence commonly encountered during intervention piloting will be prevented.

ABSTRACT

Background Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Survivors (TYACS) are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the impact of cancer and its treatments upon their long-term health. However, at present there are no interventions available in the UK to support TYACS to lead a healthy lifestyle. To inform the development of a lifestyle intervention for TYACS a partnership was set up between academic behavioural scientists and CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity which supports children and young people. Methods A series of studies to understand patient and professionals needs and perspectives regarding health behaviour change were carried out. TYACS were surveyed to gather data on their current health behaviour status; interest in, and experience of receiving, lifestyle advice; and preference regarding the type, format, and delivery of a lifestyle intervention. Health care professionals were surveyed simultaneously to gather their views on how best to promote health behaviour change to TYACS. In this paper we summarise key findings from the development work, the resulting lifestyle intervention, and new data from a preliminary evaluation study exploring TYACS and TYA health professionals' views on the relevance, appeal and usability of the intervention resources. Results A collection of health behaviour change intervention resources containing lifestyle information and behaviour change support tools were developed. These intervention resources were well received by TYACS and health professionals with the majority rating the information as high quality, helpful and relevant. Over 80% of TYACS reported they would find the support tools 'very appealing' or 'quite appealing'. TYACS and health professionals provided feedback on how the resources could be improved including commenting that more personalized or tailored health behaviour information would be beneficial. Discussion and conclusion It is hoped that by involving TYACS and TYA representatives at every stage of intervention development,and carrying out a preliminary evaluation of the intervention resources, the problem of low uptake and adherence commonly encountered during formal intervention piloting and evaluation will be prevented.

Exposure to pesticides during development negatively affects honey bee (Apis mellifera) drone sperm viability

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies invest a substantial amount of colony resources in the production of drones during the reproductive season to enable mating with virgin queens from nearby colonies. Recent studies have shown significant differences in the production of sperm cells that are viable (i.e., sperm viability) and can fertilize an ovule among sexually mature drones that are exposed to different environmental conditions during development or as adults. In particular, sperm viability may be negatively affected during drone development from exposure to pesticides in contaminated beeswax. To assess whether sperm viability is negatively affected during drone development from exposure to beeswax contaminated with in-hive pesticides, we compared the viability of sperm collected from drones reared in pesticide-free beeswax with that of drones reared in beeswax contaminated with field-relevant concentrations of the pesticides most commonly found in wax from commercial beekeeping operations in the United States. These pesticides include the miticides fluvalinate, coumaphos and amitraz, and the agro-chemicals chlorothalonil and chlorpyrifos. Sperm from drones collected at 10 and 18 days post emergence were classified as viable or non-viable to calculate sperm viability. For all pesticide treatment groups, drones that were reared in pesticide-laden beeswax had lower sperm viability compared to those reared in pesticide-free beeswax. This difference was especially pronounced among drones reared in miticide-laden wax. Our results reinforce the notion that pesticide contamination of beeswax negatively affects the reproductive quality of drones, which can affect the queens they mate with, ultimately compromising colony health.

Rapid removal of chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene in water by aluminum-iron alloy particles

Water contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chloroform (CHCl₃), carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and trichloroethylene (TCE) is one of the major public health concerns. In this study, we explored the use of aluminum-iron alloys particles in millimeter scale for rapid removal of CHCl₃, CCl₄ and TCE from water. Three types of Al-Fe alloy particles containing 10, 20 and 58 wt% of Fe (termed as Al-Fe10, Al-Fe20 and Al-Fe58) were prepared and characterized by electrochemical polarization, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometer. For concentrations of 30-180 μg/L CHCl₃, CCl₄ and TCE, a removal efficiency of 45-64% was achieved in a hydraulic contact time of less than 3 min through a column packed with 0.8-2 mm diameter of Al-Fe alloy particles. The concentration of Al and Fe ions released into water was less than 0.15 and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. Alloying Al with Fe enhances reactivity towards chlorinated hydrocarbons' degradation and the enhancement is likely the consequence of galvanic effects between different phases (Al, Fe and intermetallic Al-Fe compounds such as Al₁₃Fe₄, Fe₃Al and FeAl₂) and catalytic role of these intermetallic Al-Fe compounds. The results demonstrate that the use of Al-Fe alloy particles offers a viable and green option for chlorinated hydrocarbons' removal in water treatment.

Exercise training as a novel primary treatment for localised prostate cancer: a multi-site randomised controlled phase II study

Alternative management strategies for localised prostate cancer are required to reduce morbidity and overtreatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and acceptability of exercise training (ET) with behavioural support as a primary therapy for low/intermediate risk localised prostate cancer. Men with low/intermediate-risk prostate cancer were randomised to 12 months of ET or usual care with physical activity advice (UCwA) in a multi-site open label RCT. Feasibility included acceptability, recruitment, retention, adherence, adverse events and disease progression. Secondary outcomes included quality of life and cardiovascular health indices. Of the 50 men randomised to ET (n = 25) or UCwA (n = 25), 92% (n = 46) completed 12 month assessments. Three men progressed to invasive therapy (two in UCwA). In the ET group, men completed mean: 140 mins per week for 12 months (95% CI 129,152 mins) (94% of target dose) at 75% Hrmax. Men in the ET group demonstrated improved body mass (mean reduction: 2.0 kg; 95% CI -2.9,-1.1), reduced systolic (mean: 13 mmHg; 95%CI 7,19) and diastolic blood pressure (mean:8 mmHg; 95% CI 5,12) and improved quality of life (EQ.5D mean:13 points; 95% CI 7,18). There were no serious adverse events. ET in men with low/intermediate risk prostate cancer is feasible and acceptable with a low progression rate to radical treatment. Early signals on clinically relevant markers were found which warrant further investigation.

Associations between birth size and later height from infancy through adulthood: An individual based pooled analysis of 28 twin cohorts participating in the CODATwins project

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that birth size is positively associated with height in later life, but it remains unclear whether this is explained by genetic factors or the intrauterine environment.

AIM

To analyze the associations of birth weight, length and ponderal index with height from infancy through adulthood within mono- and dizygotic twin pairs, which provides insights into the role of genetic and environmental individual-specific factors.

METHODS

This study is based on the data from 28 twin cohorts in 17 countries. The pooled data included 41,852 complete twin pairs (55% monozygotic and 45% same-sex dizygotic) with information on birth weight and a total of 112,409 paired height measurements at ages ranging from 1 to 69 years. Birth length was available for 19,881 complete twin pairs, with a total of 72,692 paired height measurements. The association between birth size and later height was analyzed at both the individual and within-pair level by linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Within twin pairs, regression coefficients showed that a 1-kg increase in birth weight and a 1-cm increase in birth length were associated with 1.14-4.25 cm and 0.18-0.90 cm taller height, respectively. The magnitude of the associations was generally greater within dizygotic than within monozygotic twin pairs, and this difference between zygosities was more pronounced for birth length.

CONCLUSION

Both genetic and individual-specific environmental factors play a role in the association between birth size and later height from infancy to adulthood, with a larger role for genetics in the association with birth length than with birth weight.