Ice algal bloom development on the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet

It is fundamental to understand the development of Zygnematophycean (Streptophyte) micro-algal blooms within Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) supraglacial environments, given their potential to significantly impact both physical (melt) and chemical (carbon and nutrient cycling) surface characteristics. Here, we report on a space-for-time assessment of a GrIS ice algal bloom, achieved by sampling an ∼85 km transect spanning the south-western GrIS bare ice zone during the 2016 ablation season. Cell abundances ranged from 0 to 1.6 × 104 cells ml-1, with algal biomass demonstrated to increase in surface ice with time since snow line retreat (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.05). A suite of light harvesting and photo-protective pigments were quantified across transects (chlorophylls, carotenoids and phenols) and shown to increase in concert with algal biomass. Ice algal communities drove net autotrophy of surface ice, with maximal rates of net production averaging 0.52 ± 0.04 mg C l-1 d-1, and a total accumulation of 1.306 Gg C (15.82 ± 8.14 kg C km-2) predicted for the 2016 ablation season across an 8.24 × 104 km2 region of the GrIS. By advancing our understanding of ice algal bloom development, this study marks an important step toward projecting bloom occurrence and impacts into the future.

Abstract P4-16-08: A regional audit of 6-hour monitoring for administration related reactions during the first administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab

Introduction

In 2012, Subcutaneous Trastuzumab (TSC) was introduced as an alternative to Intravenous Trastuzumab (TIV) for HER2+ breast cancer. The pivotal HannaH study demonstrated that TSC was non-inferior to TIV, was preferred by patients, and serious administration related reactions (ARRs) were not reported. However, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) advises that patients be observed for ARRs for 6 hours post-first administration (and 2 hours post-subsequent administrations), similar to TIV.

Aim

To assess the frequency and tolerability of ARRs during the 6-hour observation period post first administration of TSC in patients with HER2+ breast cancer.

Method:

A retrospective audit of TSC was conducted in Southwest Ireland across five centers from 2014-2016. Patient charts were reviewed to record ARRs reported on the first-administration or at subsequent visit. In addition a subset of patients were interviewed regarding their recollection of ARRs with first or subsequent injections.

Results:

The study is ongoing having identified 192 patients. These centers have administered 2111 TSC injections in total, associated with 4998 hours of observation as per SPC. From the 385 injections given over the first two TSC administrations, 13 injections (3.4%) were associated with ARRs within 24 hours. Nine patients (2.3%) experienced injection site reactions immediately post injection, one injection site pain (0.3%), and one experienced petechiae on subsequent exposure (0.3%). Three patients experienced pyrexia and dry cough 24 hours post-injection and were hospitalized for respiratory tract infection. There were no reactions experienced between 2 and 6 hours post-first injection. There were no serious ARRs. Telephone interviews are ongoing and these results will be reported.

Conclusion:

ARRs related to TSC are usually immediate, mild and self-limiting. Observing patients for 6 hours post-first injection and 2 hours post-subsequent injections represents an inefficient use of healthcare resources.

Citation Format: Karmali S, Hughes N, Kinneally A, Kroes J, Cook J, Killian M, Shafiq T, O'Mahony D, Bird B, O'Connor M, O'Reilly S, Galiauskas R, Murphy CG. A regional audit of 6-hour monitoring for administration related reactions during the first administration of subcutaneous trastuzumab [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-16-08.

From high to low malaria transmission in Zanzibar-challenges and opportunities to achieve elimination

BACKGROUND

Substantial global progress in the control of malaria in recent years has led to increased commitment to its potential elimination. Whether this is possible in high transmission areas of sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. Zanzibar represents a unique case study of such attempt, where modern tools and strategies for malaria treatment and vector control have been deployed since 2003.

METHODS

We have studied temporal trends of comprehensive malariometric indices in two districts with over 100,000 inhabitants each. The analyses included triangulation of data from annual community-based cross-sectional surveys, health management information systems, vital registry and entomological sentinel surveys.

RESULTS

The interventions, with sustained high-community uptake, were temporally associated with a major malaria decline, most pronounced between 2004 and 2007 and followed by a sustained state of low transmission. In 2015, the Plasmodium falciparum community prevalence of 0.43% (95% CI 0.23-0.73) by microscopy or rapid diagnostic test represented 96% reduction compared with that in 2003. The P. falciparum and P. malariae prevalence by PCR was 1.8% (95% CI 1.3-2.3), and the annual P. falciparum incidence was estimated to 8 infections including 2.8 clinical episodes per 1000 inhabitants. The total parasite load decreased over 1000-fold (99.9%) between 2003 and 2015. The incidence of symptomatic malaria at health facilities decreased by 94% with a trend towards relatively higher incidence in age groups > 5 years, a more pronounced seasonality and with reported travel history to/from Tanzania mainland as a higher risk factor. All-cause mortality among children < 5 years decreased by 72% between 2002 and 2007 mainly following the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies whereas the main reduction in malaria incidence followed upon the vector control interventions from 2006. Human biting rates decreased by 98% with a major shift towards outdoor biting by Anopheles arabiensis.

CONCLUSIONS

Zanzibar provides new evidence of the feasibility of reaching uniquely significant and sustainable malaria reduction (pre-elimination) in a previously high endemic region in sub-Saharan Africa. The data highlight constraints of optimistic prognostic modelling studies. New challenges, mainly with outdoor transmission, a large asymptomatic parasite reservoir and imported infections, require novel tools and reoriented strategies to prevent a rebound effect and achieve elimination.

Characterization of novel lignocellulose-degrading enzymes from the porcupine microbiome using synthetic metagenomics

Plant cell walls are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, collectively known as lignocellulose. Microorganisms degrade lignocellulose to liberate sugars to meet metabolic demands. Using a metagenomic sequencing approach, we previously demonstrated that the microbiome of the North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) is replete with genes that could encode lignocellulose-degrading enzymes. Here, we report the identification, synthesis and partial characterization of four novel genes from the porcupine microbiome encoding putative lignocellulose-degrading enzymes: β-glucosidase, α-L-arabinofuranosidase, β-xylosidase, and endo-1,4-β-xylanase. These genes were identified via conserved catalytic domains associated with cellulose- and hemicellulose-degradation. Phylogenetic trees were created for each of these putative enzymes to depict genetic relatedness to known enzymes. Candidate genes were synthesized and cloned into plasmid expression vectors for inducible protein expression and secretion. The putative β-glucosidase fusion protein was efficiently secreted but did not permit Escherichia coli (E. coli) to use cellobiose as a sole carbon source, nor did the affinity purified enzyme cleave p-Nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (p-NPG) substrate in vitro over a range of physiological pH levels (pH 5–7). The putative hemicellulose-degrading β-xylosidase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase enzymes also lacked in vitro enzyme activity, but the affinity purified endo-1,4-β-xylanase protein cleaved a 6-chloro-4-methylumbelliferyl xylobioside substrate in acidic and neutral conditions, with maximal activity at pH 7. At this optimal pH, K_M, V_max, and k_cat were determined to be 32.005 ± 4.72 μM, 1.16x10^-5 ± 3.55x10^-7 M/s, and 94.72 s^-1, respectively. Thus, our pipeline enabled successful identification and characterization of a novel hemicellulose-degrading enzyme from the porcupine microbiome. Progress towards the goal of introducing a complete lignocellulose-degradation pathway into E. coli will be accelerated by combining synthetic metagenomic approaches with functional metagenomic library screening, which can identify novel enzymes unrelated to those found in available databases.

Quantifying proximal patellar tendon changes during adolescence in elite ballet dancers, a 2-year study

Patellar tendon pathology appears to develop in young athletes. It is not known how this tendon develops through adolescence. This longitudinal study investigated proximal patellar tendon development during the adolescent growth spurt in young ballet dancers and identified whether puberty (estimated by maturity offset) had an effect on tendon development. Fifty two dancers (32 female and 20 male dancers, ages 11-18 at baseline) had ultrasound images of their tendons every 6 months for 2 years. Changes in tendon size (anterior-posterior diameter) on grayscale images and echogenicity, as quantified using ultrasound tissue characterization, were recorded each time. Maturity offset was calculated used to estimate peak height velocity (adolescent growth spurt). Maturity offset did not affect effect tendon composition before peak height velocity; however, after participants passed peak height velocity, maturity offset increased the composition of stable echopattern (P < .05): a 4% differential increase in type I echopattern, indicative of normal tendon structure, and a decrease in type III echopattern (more disorganized echopattern) by 0.7% per year. Anterior-posterior thickness increased by 0.2 mm/y (P < .05) measured 2 cm below the patella. Following peak height velocity, the proximal patellar tendon attachment increased in thickness and demonstrated a more stable echopattern representative of aligned fibrillar structure. Future research is required to further understand this normal maturation and the factors that support this process, with the aim of reducing the development of patellar tendon pathology in the adolescent jumping athlete.

Seaweed Extract (Stella Maris®) Activates Innate Immune Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana and Protects Host against Bacterial Pathogens

Insects and pathogenic infections (bacteria, viruses and fungi) cause huge losses in agriculturally important crops yearly. Due to the rise in pesticide and antibiotic resistance, our crops and livestock are increasingly at risk. There is a rising demand for environmentally friendly solutions to prevent crop decreases. Components of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extracts were recently found to boost plant immunity. The stimulatory activities of the A.nodosum marine alga-derived extract (Stella Maris®) were investigated in a broad range of immune assays. Elevated hydrogen peroxide production measured in a chemiluminescence assay suggested that the extract elicited a strong burst of reactive oxygen species. Arabidopsis seedlings treated with Stella Maris® activated the expression of WRKY30, CYP71A12 and PR-1 genes, the induction of which represent early, mid and late plant immune response, respectively. Finally, this study found that Stella Maris® inhibited the growth of multiple bacterial pathogens, including an opportunistic human pathogen that has demonstrated pathogenicity in plants. In summary, the pre-treatment with the seaweed extract protected Arabidopsis against subsequent infection by these pathogens.

Recent Developments in the Role of Coenzyme Q10 for Coronary Heart Disease: a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines recent randomized clinical trials evaluating the role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in the management of coronary heart disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

CoQ10 is one of the most commonly used dietary supplements in the USA. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, CoQ10 has been studied extensively for possible use in managing coronary heart disease. One of the most common applications of CoQ10 is to mitigate statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) based on the theory that SAMS are caused by statin depletion of CoQ10 in the muscle. Although previous studies of CoQ10 for SAMS have produced mixed results, CoQ10 appears to be safe. Because CoQ10 is a cofactor in the generation of adenosine triphosphate, supplementation has also recently been studied in patients with heart failure, which is inherently an energy deprived state. The Q-SYMBIO trial found that CoQ10 supplementation in patients with heart failure not only improved functional capacity, but also significantly reduced cardiovascular events and mortality. Despite these positive findings, a larger prospective trial is warranted to support routine use of CoQ10. Less impressive are the effects of CoQ10 on specific cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and glycemic control. Current evidence does not support routine use of CoQ10 in patients with coronary heart disease. Additional studies are warranted to fully determine the benefit of CoQ10 in patients with heart failure before including it in guideline-directed medical therapy.

The prevalence of Achilles and patellar tendon injuries in Australian football players beyond a time-loss definition

Little is known about the prevalence and associated of morbidity of tendon problems. With only severe cases of tendon problems missing games, players that have their training and performance impacted are not captured by traditional injury surveillance. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of Achilles and patellar tendon problems in elite male Australian football players using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre (OSTRC) overuse questionnaire, compared to a time-loss definition. Male athletes from 12 professional Australian football teams were invited to complete a monthly questionnaire over a 9-month period in the 2016 pre- and competitive season. The OSTRC overuse injury questionnaire was used to measure the prevalence and severity of Achilles and patellar tendon symptoms and was compared to traditional match-loss statistics. A total of 441 participants were included. Of all participants, 21.5% (95% CI: 17.9-25.6) and 25.2% (95% CI 21.3-29.4) reported Achilles or patellar tendon problems during the season, respectively. Based on the traditional match-loss definition, a combined 4.1% of participants missed games due to either Achilles or patellar tendon injury. A greater average monthly prevalence was observed during the pre-season compared to the competitive season. Achilles and patellar tendon problems are prevalent in elite male Australian football players. These injuries are not adequately captured using a traditional match-loss definition. Prevention of these injuries may be best targeted during the off- and pre-season due to higher prevalence of symptoms during the pre-season compared to during the competitive season.

High power single-mode delivery of mid-infrared sources through chalcogenide fiber

Mechanically robust and low loss single-mode arsenic sulfide fibers are used to deliver high power mid-infrared sources. Anti-reflection coatings were deposited on the fiber facets, enabling 90% transmission through 20 cm length fibers. 10.3 W was transmitted through an anti-reflection coated fiber at 2053 nm, and uncoated fibers sustained 12 MW/cm² intensities on the facet without failure. A Cr:ZnSe laser transmitted >1 W at 2520 nm, and a Fe:ZnSe laser transmitted 0.5 W at 4102 nm. These results indicate that by improving the anti-reflection coatings and using a high beam quality mid-infrared source, chalcogenide fibers can reliably deliver ≥10 W in a single mode, potentially out to 6.5 µm.

A novel radiographic method to facilitate measurement of the tibial plateau angle in dogs

The tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is commonly performed for treatment of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency in dogs. In order to be performed as described, this procedure relies on consistent measurement of the tibial plateau angle (TPA) on radiographs. This prospective study compared two radiographic methods for subsequent TPA measurement with respect to measured angle and ease of determining landmarks for measurement as determined by four observers. One method was the accepted standard radiographic protocol outlined in the TPLO training seminars. The other method involved a novel split image radiographic protocol not yet described in the literature. Participants' subjective scores as to ease of identifying landmarks and determining TPA on radiographs for each method were evaluated. Inter-observer TPA measurement variability was also assessed for each method. The novel radiographic method was judged to be significantly better in terms of ease of measuring TPA. Inter-observer measurement variability was considered appropriate for recommending use of this novel method for radiographing patients for TPA measurements.