Early vedolizumab trough levels predict mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

The correlation between vedolizumab trough levels during induction therapy and mucosal healing remains unknown.

AIM

To compare early vedolizumab trough levels in patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation.

METHODS

We prospectively collected vedolizumab trough levels in all inflammatory bowel disease patients at weeks 2, 6 and 14 of vedolizumab treatment in three French referral centres between 1 June 2014 and 31 March 2017. Results of every patient that underwent mucosal assessment by magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopy in the first year after treatment initiation were analysed.

RESULTS

Median vedolizumab trough levels in the overall population (n = 82) were 27 μg/mL (interquartile range, IQR 21.2-33.8 μg/mL) at week 2, 23 μg/mL (IQR 15-34.5 μg/mL) at week 6 and 10.7 μg/mL (IQR 4.6-20.4 μg/mL) at week 14. Only median vedolizumab trough levels at week 6 differed between patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation (26.8 vs 15.1 μg/mL, P = 0.035). A cut-off trough level of 18 μg/mL at week 6 predicted mucosal healing within the first year after the start of vedolizumab with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.735 (95% confidence interval 0.531-0.939). A vedolizumab trough level above 18 μg/mL at week 6 was the only independent variable associated with mucosal healing within the first year of treatment (odds ratio 15.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4-173.0, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Early therapeutic drug monitoring might improve timely detection of vedolizumab-treated patients in need for an intensified dosing regimen.

Inadequacy of Dialysis, Chronic Inflammation and Malnutrition in Nigerian Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Purpose

To identify the extent of underdialysis, chronic inflammation and malnutrition and their interrelationships in Nigerian hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In a prospective study including 10 adult patients, (6 men, 4 women) on hemodialysis in North Central Nigeria, malnutrition was assessed by body mass index (BMI), serum albumin and prealbumin, and bioimpedance (BIA) pre-and post dialysis, inflammation was evaluated by C-reactive protein (CRP) and adequacy of dialysis was judged by frequency of the hemodialysis sessions and Kt/V urea.

Results

Post-dialysis BMI was 21.3 (19.9, 24.3) kg/m2 (< 20 kg/m2 in 4 patients), serum albumin 31.5 (24.0, 32.0) g/L (< 30.0 g/L in 5), serum pre-albumin 25.2 (15.3, 31.1) mg/dL (< 18.0 mg/dL in 4), serum CRP 4.8 (1.2, 11.5) mg/dL (> 1.0 mg/dL in 8), phase angle 4.2 (3.7, 5.1)° (< 3° in 3) and body fat deficit was diagnosed by BIA in 4 patients. Weekly frequency of dialysis was 3 times in 2 patients, twice in 1 and ≤1 time in 7. Single-pool Kt/V urea was 0.81 (0.68, 0.95, <1.2 in 9 patients and > 1.2 in one patient receiving dialysis only twice weekly). By combined frequency of dialysis and Kt/V urea values, no patient received an adequate dose of dialysis and, indeed, all patients had overt symptoms of uremia. Low body weight, low serological and BIA nutrition indices, and high CRP levels occurred in the same patients. Patients on dialysis for > 1 year had worse nutrition indices than those on dialysis for < 1 year.

Conclusions

Underdialysis was universal, while poor nutrition and chronic malnutrition were found in the majority of the small number of patients studied. These three adverse conditions, which were interlinked, may be common in Nigerian hemodialysis patients, because their underlying socioeconomic causes are widespread. (Int J Artif Organs 2006; 29: 1067–73)

Cross-Talk Between Sirtuin 1 and High-Mobility Box 1 in Steatotic Liver Graft Preservation

BACKGROUND

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide +-dependent histone deacetylase that regulates various pathways involved in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Moreover, high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has also been involved in inflammatory processes during IRI. However, the roles of both SIRT1 and HMGB1 in liver preservation is poorly understood. In this communication, we evaluated the potential relationship between SIRT1 and HMGB1 in steatotic and non-steatotic liver grafts preserved in Institute Georges Lopez solution (IGL-1) preservation solution enriched or not enriched with trimetazidine (TMZ).

METHODS

Steatotic and non-steatotic livers were preserved in IGL-1 preservation solution (24 hours, 4°C), enriched or not enriched with TMZ (10 μmol/L), and then submitted to ex vivo reperfusion (2 hours; 37°C). Liver injury (AST/ALT) and function (bile output, vascular resistance) were evaluated. SIRT1, HMGB1, autophagy parameters (beclin-1, LC3B), PPAR-γ, and heat-shock protein (HO-1, HSP70) expression were determined by means of Western blot. Also, we assessed oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage (glutamate dehydrogenase), and TNF-α levels.

RESULTS

Elevated SIRT1 and enhanced autophagy were found after reperfusion in steatotic livers preserved in IGL-1+TMZ when compared with IGL-1. However, these changes were not seen in the case of non-steatotic livers. Also, HO-1 increases in the IGL-1 + TMZ group were evident only in the case of steatotic livers, whereas HSP70 and PPAR-γ protein expression were enhanced only in non-steatotic livers. All reported changes were consistent with decreased liver injury diminution, ameliorated hepatic function, and decreased TNF-α and HMGB levels. In addition, the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage were efficiently prevented by the IGL-1 + TMZ use.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRT1 is associated with HMGB1 decreases and increased autophagy in steatotic livers, contributing to increased tolerance to cold IRI.

How 3D patient-specific instruments improve accuracy of pelvic bone tumour resection in a cadaveric study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of patient-specific instruments (PSIs) versus standard manual technique and the precision of computer-assisted planning and PSI-guided osteotomies in pelvic tumour resection.

METHODS

CT scans were obtained from five female cadaveric pelvises. Five osteotomies were designed using Mimics software: sacroiliac, biplanar supra-acetabular, two parallel iliopubic and ischial. For cases of the left hemipelvis, PSIs were designed to guide standard oscillating saw osteotomies and later manufactured using 3D printing. Osteotomies were performed using the standard manual technique in cases of the right hemipelvis. Post-resection CT scans were quantitatively analysed. Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used.

RESULTS

Compared with the manual technique, PSI-guided osteotomies improved accuracy by a mean 9.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the sacroiliac osteotomies, 6.2 mm (p < 0.008) and 5.8 mm (p < 0.032) in the biplanar supra-acetabular, 3 mm (p < 0.016) in the ischial and 2.2 mm (p < 0.032) and 2.6 mm (p < 0.008) in the parallel iliopubic osteotomies, with a mean linear deviation of 4.9 mm (p < 0.001) for all osteotomies. Of the manual osteotomies, 53% (n = 16) had a linear deviation > 5 mm and 27% (n = 8) were > 10 mm. In the PSI cases, deviations were 10% (n = 3) and 0 % (n = 0), respectively. For angular deviation from pre-operative plans, we observed a mean improvement of 7.06° (p < 0.001) in pitch and 2.94° (p < 0.001) in roll, comparing PSI and the standard manual technique.

CONCLUSION

In an experimental study, computer-assisted planning and PSIs improved accuracy in pelvic tumour resections, bringing osteotomy results closer to the parameters set in pre-operative planning, as compared with standard manual techniques.Cite this article: A. Sallent, M. Vicente, M. M. Reverté, A. Lopez, A. Rodríguez-Baeza, M. Pérez-Domínguez, R. Velez. How 3D patient-specific instruments improve accuracy of pelvic bone tumour resection in a cadaveric study. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:577-583. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.610.BJR-2017-0094.R1.

102 UNILATERAL AND BILATERAL TRANSFER OF 2IN VITRO-PRODUCED EMBRYOS INCREASES PREGNANCY LOSS BETWEEN 30 AND 60 DAYS

Fertility of in vitro-produced embryos is affected by embryo stage and quality. Embryos quality 1 and stage 7 result in higher fertility than embryos of earlier stages and/or lower quality. The objective was to evaluate the effect of unilateral and bilateral transfer of 2 in vitro-produced embryos of earlier stages and/or poor quality on fertility. Heifers were synchronized using a 5-day CIDR Synch or 2 prostaglandin F2α injections 14 days apart followed by oestrus detection. Embryo transfer was performed 7 ± 1 day after gonadotropin-releasing hormone/oestrus and heifers were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: single embryo ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (single; n = 188); 2 embryos in the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum (unilateral; n = 138); 2 embryos bilaterally (bilateral; n = 128). Embryos stage 4 to 8 and quality 1 or 2 were randomly assigned to treatment groups. All embryos were 7-day fresh in vitro-produced embryos, and pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasonography on Days 32 and 60. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Conception rates on Days 32 and 60 were not different (P > 0.10) between heifers receiving a single embryo [Day 32 = 30.9% (58/188) and Day 60 = 25% (47/188)] or those receiving 2 embryos [Day 32 = 36.5% (97/266) and Day 60 = 22.2% (59/266)]. However, pregnancy loss between Days 32 and 60 was greater (P < 0.01) in heifers with 2 embryos (39.2%; 38/97) than in those with a single embryo (18.9%; 11/58). Conception rate on Day 32 was not different between groups (P = 0.4) and was 30.9% (58/188) for single, 36.9% (51/138) for unilateral, and 35.9% (46/128) for bilateral. Similarly, there was no difference (P = 0.8) in conception rates on Day 60, single = 25% (47/188), unilateral = 23.9% (33/138), and bilateral= 20.3% (26/128). However, there was an effect of group on pregnancy loss between Days 32 and 60 (P = 0.04). Losses were higher (P = 0.01) in the bilateral group [43.5% (20/46)] compared with the single group [18.9% (11/58)], and the unilateral group was intermediate [35.3% (18/51)] and tended to be different from the single group (P = 0.1). Interestingly, when pregnancy loss was compared between heifers with twin or single pregnancies, as determined by ultrasonography, and regardless of the number of embryos transferred or their location, twin pregnancies had a greater pregnancy loss [62.1% (18/29)] compared with single pregnancies [24.6% (31/126); P < 0.01]. For twin bearing heifers, as determined by ultrasonography on Day 32, pregnancy loss did not differ between unilateral (62.5%; 10/16) and bilateral (61.5%; 8/13) transfers (P = 0.9). Similarly, there was no difference (P = 0.2) for heifers with single embryo pregnancies: single (18.9%; 11/58), unilateral (22.9%; 8/35), bilateral (36.4%; 12/33), although bilateral transfer of 2 embryos tended to be higher than single (P = 0.07). Transfer of 2 low quality in vitro-produced embryos results in similar conception rates, although pregnancy losses are greater. Interestingly, only 30% (29/97) of the pregnancies from heifers that received 2 embryos contained twins, indicating the loss of one of the embryos before Day 32. Furthermore, the increased losses observed with the transfer of 2 embryos were attributed to those heifers in which twin pregnancies were diagnosed on Day 32 regardless of distribution.

181 RESVERATROL DURING IN VITRO MATURATION IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF BOVINE OOCYTE AND ENHANCES EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT IN VITRO

It is known that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are accumulated within the oocyte during in vitro maturation (IVM) and have been related to poor quality and decreased embryo development in vitro. The use of antioxidants in culture media is an alternative to overcome oxidative stress damage in the oocyte. Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a phenol produced naturally by several plants and has shown protection against oxidative damage in numerous cell types. Two different experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on the quality of bovine oocytes matured in vitro assessed by levels of ROS and intracellular glutathione (GSH) as well as in vitro embryo development rates. Experiment 1 used different concentrations of resveratrol [0 (Control), 1 (R1), 10 (R10), 20 (R20), and 40 (R40) μM] were used to supplement IVM media. Ovaries were collected from Bos indicus cows at a local abattoir and cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in vitro for 24 h in TCM199 with 6 mg mL−1 of fatty acid-free BSA, 5% fetal bovine serum, 0.2 mM Na-pyruvate, 50 μg mL−1 of gentamicin, 0.5 μg mL−1 of FSH, and 0.5 µg mL−1 of LH at 38°C in 5% CO2 and 90% humidity. The ROS were evaluated by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining (n = 301) and intracellular GSH levels were determined by Cell Tracker Blue fluorescent stain (n = 310). Denuded oocytes were observed under an epifluorescence microscope. Fluorescence intensities of oocytes were analysed by ImageJ software (Version 1.49v, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA) and normalized to control oocytes. Experiment 2 used cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 674) collected and matured in vitro under the same conditions described for Exp. 1. In vitro fertilization was performed for 18 h at 38°C in 5% CO2 in Tyrode’s medium with 25 mM bicarbonate, 22 mM Na-lactate, 1 mM Na-pyruvate, and 6 mg mL−1 of fatty acid-free BSA. Additionally 10 µg mL−1 of heparin and 20 μM d-penicillamine, 10 μM hypotaurine, and 1 μM epinephrine were added. The presumptive zygotes were cultured in vitro in SOFaa medium with 5% fetal bovine serum, at 38°C, in 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% humidity until Day 7, when embryonic development was assessed. Data were analysed by ANOVA followed by Fisher´s multiple range test using Statgraphics Centurion XVI (Version 16.2.04, Statpoint Technologies Inc., Warrentown, VA). Data are presented as percentage mean ± standard error of the mean (P < 0.05). All concentrations of resveratrol in treated oocytes showed reduced intracellular levels of ROS compared to control (R1: 0.66 ± 0.04, R10: 0.55 ± 0.04, R20: 0.62 ± 0.04, R40: 0.64 ± 0.04, and Control: 1 ± 0.04 pixel/oocyte; P < 0.01). Intracellular levels of GSH were significantly higher for R1 (1.4 ± 0.06; P < 0.01) and R10 (1.3 ± 0.06; P < 0.01) compared with the control. On the other hand, R10 showed a significantly higher blastocyst rate (51% ± 3) compared with R1 (39% ± 4), R20 (39% ± 3), R40 (33% ± 3), and control (38% ± 4). Treatments R1, R20, and R40 showed no significant differences compared to control. These results indicate that resveratrol at 10 μM during IVM improves maturation conditions by decreasing ROS level, increasing intracellular GSH, and improving embryonic developmental competence.

Abstract P2-08-31: Tumor and axillar downstaging as a prognostic factor and evaluation of effectiveness to primary chemotherapy in breast cancer: A retrospective analysis

Introduction: Evaluation of the benefit of primary chemotherapy (PC) is not easy to establish. Pathologic complete response (pCR) has been considered the main surrogate prognostic factor of patient's survival. However, patients achieving a pCR are not the only ones who benefit from PC. The purpose of our study is to find a measure of response that includes the maximum of patients that benefit from PC in terms of survival.

Patients and methods: 224 breast cancer patients were treated in Breast Cancer Unit from Institut Català d'Oncologia (ICO) L'Hospitalet with taxans and antracyclines-based PC +/- trastuzumab between 2009 and 2011. pCR was defined as no invasive carcinoma found in the tumor and in the axillary lymph nodes (ypT0/ypTis ypN0). Tumor and nodal downstaging (TNDS) was calculated according to the "neoadjuvant response index" (NRI) from Rodenhuis and also as a dichotomic variable: Positive includes those patients achieving dowstaging of both T and N plus T downstaging N0 and negatives those patients without downstaging in any of both variables. Those parameters were related to patient's overall survival (OS). Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 15.

Results: Median age 45.5 years (24-83). Main tumor characteristics: T2 (62.6%); N1 (50%); ductal infiltrating carcinoma (95.5%) and grade III (57.1%). Biological sub-type according to the last St Gallen classification: luminal A: 28 patients (pts); luminal B/Her2-: 61 pts; luminal B/HER2+: 34 pts; HER2+: 33 pts and triple negative: 69 pts. Pathologic complete response was achieved in 49 pts (22.5%). TNDS was evaluated in 181 patients and of those 90 was positive. According to NRI 74 patients presented cut-off&gt; 0.5 and 52 pts &gt; 0.7. Parameters related to OS were: biological subtype (P: 0.007); achieving a pCR (p: 0.007); NRI cut-off 0.5 (P: 0.001) and TNDS (p:0.000). In the multivariate analysis only TNDS and biological subtype remained statistically significant. When comparing those patients with positive vs. negative TNDS, the HR for recurrence was of 10.05 (IC 2.33 -43.57). The median OS of the series has not been reached. OS at 5y was 82.7% (IC: 77.1%-88%) and specific breast cancer OS at 5 y was 85% (IC:79.5%-90%). The number of events (breast cancer deaths) for each biological subtype according to positive vs. negative TNDS was: luminal A: 0/5 vs. 0/18; luminal B Her2-: 0/10 vs. 8/43; luminal B HER2+:0/23 vs. 2/9; HER2+: 0/22 vs. 0/2 and TN: 2/30 vs. 8/18. Survival data per subtypes and TNDS is immature due to the scarce number of events. Estimated 5y OS for TNDS positive vs. negative in luminal A: 100% vs. 100%; luminal B Her2-: 100% vs. 82%; luminal B HER2+:100 vs.77.7%; HER2+: 100% vs. 100% and TN: 93% vs. 55%, respectively.

Conclusion: In our series, TNDS measured either with the NRI from Rodenhuis or as a dichotomic variable was the best parameter to evaluate response to PC in terms of OS. OS of luminal A and luminal B/Her2 negative is less influenced by PC than the rest of subgroups. In fact both subgroups have good prognosis despite their poor sensitivity to chemotherapy. Those tumors that benefit most from PC were luminal B/ Her2+; Her2+ and triple negative patients who achieved a positive TNDS.

Citation Format: Falo C, Ventura LM, Petit A, Perez J, Cañellas J, Perez L, Loayza C, Gil M, Varela M, Garcia A, Pla MJ, Lopez A, Guma A, Pernas S. Tumor and axillar downstaging as a prognostic factor and evaluation of effectiveness to primary chemotherapy in breast cancer: A retrospective analysis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-08-31.

107 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE FERTILITY IN AN IVF EMBRYO TRANSFER PROGRAM IN DAIRY HEIFERS

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate factors that influence pregnancy per embryo transfer (P/ET) in an IVF-embryo transfer program. A total of 5026 fresh in vitro-produced embryos were transferred during 2014 and evaluated for effects of embryo quality, embryo stage, size of corpus luteum (CL; 18–19.9 mm or ≥20 mm), interval from GnRH to embryo transfer, number of previous embryo transfer (0, 1, 2, 3, ≥4); and interaction of embryo stage and interval from GnRH to embryo transfer. One group (n = 850) had detection of oestrus after prostaglandin F2α application but most heifers (n = 4176) received fixed timed embryo transfer after a 5-day CIDR-Synch protocol: Day –8 CIDR inserted; Day –3 CIDR removed and prostaglandin F2α; Day –2 prostaglandin F2α; Day 0 GnRH. Ultrasound was performed on Day 6 after GnRH or oestrus to measure CL size and on Day 32 and 60 to determine pregnancy. Data for P/ET were analysed by logistic regression (LOGISTIC procedure, SAS 9.4). Embryo quality influenced P/ET at Day 32 [Grade 1 48.4% (1273/2631) v. Grade 2 37.6% (900/2395); P < 0.01] and at Day 60 [Grade 1 38.9% (1023/2631) v. Grade 2 29.0% (694/2395); P < 0.01], and altered pregnancy loss [Grade 1 19.6% (250/1273) v. Grade 2 22.9% (206/900); P = 0.03]. Stage of the embryo also had an effect on P/ET at Day 32 [Stage 6 35.5%a (582/1641), Stage 7 46.3%b (1431/3092), and Stage 8 54.6%c (160/293); P < 0.01] and at Day 60 [Stage 6 28.2%a (462/1641), Stage 7 36.6%b (1131/3092), and Stage 8 41.6%b (122/293); P < 0.01], but did not affect pregnancy loss (P = 0.22). Interestingly, interval from GnRH (or oestrus) until embryo transfer did not affect P/ET at Day 32 (P = 0.10), 60 (P = 0.23), or pregnancy loss (P = 0.3), nor was there an interaction between interval and embryo stage at Day 32 (P = 0.77), 60 (P = 0.96) or pregnancy loss (P = 0.55). As shown in Table 1, embryo stage 6 was always the lowest and stage 8 always the greatest P/ET regardless of interval from GnRH to embryo transfer. Size of CL also did not affect P/ET at Day 32 (P = 0.09), 60 (P = 0.21), or pregnancy loss (P = 0.90). Number of previous embryo transfer also did not alter P/ET at Day 32 [0 = 43.3% (886/2046), 1 = 44.1% (639/1450), 2 = 43.4% (444/1024), 3 = 42.6% (146/343), and ≥4 = 35.6% (58/163); P = 0.33] or 60 (P = 0.51) or pregnancy loss (P = 0.12). In conclusion, embryo stage and quality are the major factors that impacted P/ET in this study, with surprisingly little effect of interval from GnRH to embryo transfer, size of the CL, and number of previous embryo transfer. Thus, recipient programs for IVF-embryo transfer can be designed with substantial flexibility. Table 1.Effect of embryo stage and recipient synchrony on pregnancies per embryo transfer on Day 32 in recipient dairy heifers

Reconstruction of composite regulator-target splicing networks from high-throughput transcriptome data

We present a computational framework tailored for the modeling of the complex, dynamic relationships that are encountered in splicing regulation. The starting point is whole-genome transcriptomic data from high-throughput array or sequencing methods that are used to quantify gene expression and alternative splicing across multiple contexts. This information is used as input for state of the art methods for Graphical Model Selection in order to recover the structure of a composite network that simultaneously models exon co-regulation and their cognate regulators. Community structure detection and social network analysis methods are used to identify distinct modules and key actors within the network. As a proof of concept for our framework we studied the splicing regulatory network for Drosophila development using the publicly available modENCODE data. The final model offers a comprehensive view of the splicing circuitry that underlies fly development. Identified modules are associated with major developmental hallmarks including maternally loaded RNAs, onset of zygotic gene expression, transitions between life stages and sex differentiation. Within-module key actors include well-known developmental-specific splicing regulators from the literature while additional factors previously unassociated with developmental-specific splicing are also highlighted. Finally we analyze an extensive battery of Splicing Factor knock-down transcriptome data and demonstrate that our approach captures true regulatory relationships.

Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs: a placebo-controlled study

The objective of the study was to assess the effects of a dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) collar in reducing sound-induced fear and anxiety in a laboratory model of thunderstorm simulation. Twenty-four beagle dogs naïve to the current test were divided into two treatment groups (DAP and placebo) balanced on their fear score in response to a thunderstorm recording. Each group was then exposed to two additional thunderstorm simulation tests on consecutive days. Dogs were video-assessed by a trained observer on a 6-point scale for active, passive and global fear and anxiety (combined). Both global and active fear and anxiety scores were significantly improved during and following thunder compared with placebo on both test days. DAP significantly decreased global fear and anxiety across ‘during’ and ‘post’ thunder times when compared with baseline. There was no significant improvement in the placebo group from baseline on the test days. In addition, the DAP group showed significantly greater use of the hide box at any time with increased exposure compared with the placebo group. The DAP collar reduced the scores of fear and anxiety, and increased hide use in response to a thunder recording, possibly by counteracting noise-related increased reactivity.

Gender differences in cadmium and cotinine levels in prepubertal children

Susceptibility to environmental stressors has been described for fetal and early childhood development. However, the possible susceptibility of the prepubertal period, characterized by the orchestration of the organism towards sexual maturation and adulthood has been poorly investigated and exposure data are scarce. In the current study levels of cadmium (Cd), cotinine and creatinine in urine were analyzed in a subsample 216 children from 12 European countries within the DEMOCOPHES project. The children were divided into six age-sex groups: boys (6-8 years, 9-10 years and 11 years old), and girls (6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years). The number of subjects per group was between 23 and 53. The cut off values were set at 0.1 µg/L for Cd, and 0.8 µg/L for cotinine defined according to the highest limit of quantification. The levels of Cd and cotinine were adjusted for creatinine level. In the total subsample group, the median level of Cd was 0.180 µg/L (range 0.10-0.69 µg/L), and for cotinine the median wet weight value was 1.50 µg/L (range 0.80-39.91 µg/L). There was no significant difference in creatinine and cotinine levels between genders and age groups. There was a significant correlation between levels of cadmium and creatinine in all children of both genders. This shows that even at such low levels the possible effect of cadmium on kidney function was present and measurable. An increase in Cd levels was evident with age. Cadmium levels were significantly different between 6-7 year old girls, 11 year old boys and 10-11 year old girls. As there was a balanced distribution in the number of subjects from countries included in the study, bias due to data clustering was not probable. The impact of low Cd levels on kidney function and gender differences in Cd levels needs further investigation.

Unexploited potential of some biotechnological techniques for biofertilizer production and formulation

The massive application of chemical fertilizers to support crop production has resulted in soil, water, and air pollution at a global scale. In the same time, this situation escalated consumers' concerns regarding quality and safety of food production which, due to increase of fertilizer prices, have provoked corresponding price increase of food products. It is widely accepted that the only solution is to boost exploitation of plant-beneficial microorganisms which in conditions of undisturbed soils play a key role in increasing the availability of minerals that otherwise are inaccessible to plants. This review paper is focused on the employment of microbial inoculants and their production and formulation. Special attention is given to biotechniques that are not fully exploited as tools for biofertilizer manufacturing such as microbial co-cultivation and co-immobilization. Another emerging area includes biotechnological production and combined usage of microorganisms/active natural compounds (biostimulants) such as plant extracts and exudates, compost extracts, and products like strigolactones, which improve not only plant growth and development but also plant-microbial interactions. The most important potential and novel strategies in this field are presented as well as the tendencies that will be developed in the near future.

Antimicrobial peptide LL-37 on surfaces presenting carboxylate anions

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the immune system in a wide range of organisms. They generally carry positive charges under physiological conditions, allowing them to accumulate on the negatively charged bacterial membrane as the first step of bactericidal action. The concentration range of AMPs necessary for rapid killing of bacteria tested in vitro is much higher than levels found at epithelial surfaces and body fluids in vivo, and close to the a level that is toxic to the host cells. It is likely that AMPs in vivo are localized and act cooperatively to enhance antimicrobial activity, while the global concentration is low thus demonstrating low toxicity to host cells. Herein we employed well-defined mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to localize LL-37, one of the most studied AMPs, via electrostatic interactions. We systematically varied the surface density of LL-37, and found that the immobilized AMPs not only attracted bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the surface, but also killed nearly all bacteria when above a threshold density. More significantly, the AMPs displayed low toxicity to human corneal epithelial cells. The results indicated that localization of AMPs on suitable polyanion substrates facilitated the bactericidal activity while minimizing the cytotoxicity of AMPs.