Genetic adaptation to high altitude in the Ethiopian highlands

BACKGROUND

Genomic analysis of high-altitude populations residing in the Andes and Tibet has revealed several candidate loci for involvement in high-altitude adaptation, a subset of which have also been shown to be associated with hemoglobin levels, including EPAS1, EGLN1, and PPARA, which play a role in the HIF-1 pathway. Here, we have extended this work to high- and low-altitude populations living in Ethiopia, for which we have measured hemoglobin levels. We genotyped the Illumina 1M SNP array and employed several genome-wide scans for selection and targeted association with hemoglobin levels to identify genes that play a role in adaptation to high altitude.

RESULTS

We have identified a set of candidate genes for positive selection in our high-altitude population sample, demonstrated significantly different hemoglobin levels between high- and low-altitude Ethiopians and have identified a subset of candidate genes for selection, several of which also show suggestive associations with hemoglobin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlight several candidate genes for involvement in high-altitude adaptation in Ethiopia, including CBARA1, VAV3, ARNT2 and THRB. Although most of these genes have not been identified in previous studies of high-altitude Tibetan or Andean population samples, two of these genes (THRB and ARNT2) play a role in the HIF-1 pathway, a pathway implicated in previous work reported in Tibetan and Andean studies. These combined results suggest that adaptation to high altitude arose independently due to convergent evolution in high-altitude Amhara populations in Ethiopia.

A new generation of complementary medicine users?

OBJECTIVES

To determine regular use of alternative remedies amongst undergraduate students.

DESIGN

Questionnaire covered use of alternative remedies as well as demographic details.

SETTINGS/LOCATION

Online completion of the questionnaire.

SUBJECTS

Sixty-nine participants (55 female, 14 male) aged between 18 to 30 years studying undergraduate psychology at Bournemouth University, Dorset, UK.

INTERVENTIONS

Structured open and closed questions; all questions were given to all of the participants.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Qualitative comments were captured as well as percentage of respondents according to answers collected.

RESULTS

Most respondents had used remedies for exam "anxiety" and obtained these products from relatives or friends or relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Reasons of effect provided by participants were that they provided a genuine effect; a general effect; or a placebo effect.

Understanding your supply chain to reduce the risk of supply chain disruption

Supply chains are at the heart of the way in which organisations operate and compete today; they also play a critical role in overall organisation performance. In the context of increasingly complex and global supply chains, the actions taken to drive down costs are likely to drive risk into the supply chain. The frequency of supply chain disruptions is high and this paper offers practical advice to help reduce the frequency and cost associated with these. There is advice to help with the understanding of how to identify critical suppliers. The reader is guided through comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation approaches and a selection of practical risk solutions and tools that you can use is described. There is a section on the 'dos and don'ts' relating to supplier due diligence. For those organisations facing the challenge of drawing up a business case relating to investment in improving supply chain resiliency, there is also a section outlining some of the business benefits of improving supply chain resiliency.

Business Process Modelling is an Essential Part of a Requirements Analysis. Contribution of EFMI Primary Care Working Group

OBJECTIVES

To perform a requirements analysis of the barriers to conducting research linking of primary care, genetic and cancer data.

METHODS

We extended our initial data-centric approach to include socio-cultural and business requirements. We created reference models of core data requirements common to most studies using unified modelling language (UML), dataflow diagrams (DFD) and business process modelling notation (BPMN). We conducted a stakeholder analysis and constructed DFD and UML diagrams for use cases based on simulated research studies. We used research output as a sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS

Differences between the reference model and use cases identified study specific data requirements. The stakeholder analysis identified: tensions, changes in specification, some indifference from data providers and enthusiastic informaticians urging inclusion of socio-cultural context. We identified requirements to collect information at three levels: micro- data items, which need to be semantically interoperable, meso- the medical record and data extraction, and macro- the health system and socio-cultural issues. BPMN clarified complex business requirements among data providers and vendors; and additional geographical requirements for patients to be represented in both linked datasets. High quality research output was the norm for most repositories.

CONCLUSIONS

Reference models provide high-level schemata of the core data requirements. However, business requirements' modelling identifies stakeholder issues and identifies what needs to be addressed to enable participation.

Pharmacological agents for soft tissue and bone infected with MRSA: which agent and for how long?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections cause an important number of soft tissue and bone infections, although exact rates vary across different countries and institutions. The length of antibiotic treatment required depends upon the severity of infection and pre-existing co-morbidities. Monitoring response to treatment is important to ensure cure of infection whilst preventing excessive antibiotic use. Debridement and drainage, in addition to prosthesis removal, may be necessary. Numerous antibiotics are effective at treating soft tissue and bone infected with MRSA. Oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin, doxycycline and linezolid, generally offer good bioavailability and tissue penetration. They are separated largely by side effect profile and drug interactions, which should be considered carefully prior to use. There are also several agents only available in the intravenous (IV) form, for example glycopeptides, daptomycin and tigecycline. These are normally reserved for the treatment of severe infections. Whilst tissue penetration is variable within this group, it is the adverse events linked with each antibiotic that are most effective in determining the preferred agent.

A proposed method of bias adjustment for meta-analyses of published observational studies

OBJECTIVE

Interpretation of meta-analyses of published observational studies is problematic because of numerous sources of bias. We develop bias assessment, elicitation and adjustment methods, and apply them to a systematic review of longitudinal observational studies of the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and subsequent change in adiposity in children.

METHODS

We separated internal biases that reflect study quality from external biases that reflect generalizability to a target setting. Since published results were presented in different formats, these were all converted to correlation coefficients. Biases were considered as additive or proportional on the correlation scale. Opinions about the extent of each bias in each study, together with its uncertainty, were elicited in a formal process from quantitatively trained assessors for the internal biases and subject-matter specialists for the external biases. Bias-adjusted results for each study were combined across assessors using median pooling, and results combined across studies by random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Before adjusting for bias, the pooled correlation is difficult to interpret because the studies varied substantially in quality and design, and there was considerable heterogeneity. After adjusting for both the internal and external biases, the pooled correlation provides a meaningful quantitative summary of all available evidence, and the confidence interval incorporates the elicited uncertainties about the extent of the biases. In the adjusted meta-analysis, there was no apparent heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

This approach provides a viable method of bias adjustment for meta-analyses of observational studies, allowing the quantitative synthesis of evidence from otherwise incompatible studies. From the meta-analysis of longitudinal observational studies, we conclude that there is no evidence that physical activity is associated with gain in body fat.

Identification of a novel Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) E3 ligase, tripartite motif-containing protein 2 (TRIM2), and its role in rapid ischemic tolerance-induced neuroprotection

We have previously shown that the cell death-promoting protein Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) is ubiquitinated and degraded following a neuroprotection-conferring episode of brief ischemia (preconditioning). Here, we identify the E3 ligase that ubiquitinates Bim in this model, using a proteomics approach. Using phosphorylated GST-Bim as bait, we precipitated and identified by mass spectrometry tripartite motif protein 2 (TRIM2), a RING (really interesting new gene) domain-containing protein. The reaction between TRIM2 and Bim was confirmed using co-immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting. We show that TRIM2 binds to Bim when it is phosphorylated by p42/p44 MAPK but does not interact with a nonphosphorylatable Bim mutant (3ABim). 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate activation of p42/p44 MAPK drives Bim ubiquitination in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and is associated with an increased interaction between TRIM2 and Bim. One hour following preconditioning ischemia, the binding of Bim to TRIM2 increased, consistent with the time window of enhanced Bim degradation. Blocking p42/p44 MAPK activation following preconditioning ischemia with U0126 or using the nonphosphorylatable 3ABim reduced the binding between Bim and TRIM2. Immunodepletion of TRIM2 from cell lysates prepared from preconditioned cells reduced Bim ubiquitination. Finally, suppression of TRIM2 expression, using lentivirus transduction of shRNAmir, stabilized Bim protein levels and blocked neuroprotection observed in rapid ischemic tolerance. Taken together, these data support a role for TRIM2 in mediating the p42/p44 MAPK-dependent ubiquitination of Bim in rapid ischemic tolerance.

Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Films with Nanocrystalline Silicon Inclusions

Thin films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing nanocrystalline silicon inclusions (a/nc-Si:H) have been synthesized in an RF capacitively coupled PECVD system using a mixture of hydrogen diluted silane and helium, under deposition conditions at the edge of powder formation within the plasma. High resolution TEM confirms the presence of nanocrystallites as small as 2 nm in these films. Measurements of the optical absorption spectrum using CPM and PDS indicates a broadening of the Urbach slope in the a/nc-Si:H, compared to a-Si:H films, but no appreciable increase in midgap absorption. Despite the deposition conditions for the a/nc-Si:H being very different from those associated with producing optimal quality a-Si:H, the dark conductivity and photoconductivity values, and the sensitivity to light-induced defect creation in the a/nc-Si:H films are comparable to those in a-Si:H.

Hopelessness and positive and negative future thinking in parasuicide

OBJECTIVES

Hopelessness about the future is a key element in suicidal behaviour. The aim of the present study was to examine possible components of hopelessness, in particular, to contrast positive and negative future thinking and to examine separately number, expectancy, and value of anticipated positive and negative future experiences.

DESIGN

A correlational design.

METHOD

Repeat parasuicide patients (N = 441) were administered the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the future thinking task, a measure of future positive and negative thinking that assesses number, perceived likelihood, and perceived value of anticipated future positive and negative events.

RESULTS

Consistent with predictions, hopelessness correlated more strongly with lack of positive thoughts about the future than it did with presence of negative thoughts. Both positive and negative future thinking showed a relationship to hopelessness over and above their relationships to depression (positive future thinking) and anxiety (negative future thinking). Number and likelihood of positive events and likelihood and value of negative events showed both simple and partial relationships to hopelessness. Number of negative events related to hopelessness but only after the other future thinking variables had been controlled for and value of positive events no longer related to hopelessness after controlling for the other variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Hopelessness about the future in suicidal individuals is a multi-faceted construct but lack of positive future thinking is more important than presence of negative future thinking.

Genetic Determinants of Major Blood Lipids in Pakistanis Compared With Europeans

Background—

Evidence is sparse about the genetic determinants of major lipids in Pakistanis.

Methods and Results—

Variants (n=45 000) across 2000 genes were assessed in 3200 Pakistanis and compared with 2450 Germans using the same gene array and similar lipid assays. We also did a meta-analysis of selected lipid-related variants in Europeans. Pakistani genetic architecture was distinct from that of several ethnic groups represented in international reference samples. Forty-one variants at 14 loci were significantly associated with levels of HDL-C, triglyceride, or LDL-C. The most significant lipid-related variants identified among Pakistanis corresponded to genes previously shown to be relevant to Europeans, such as CETP associated with HDL-C levels (rs711752; P <10 −13 ), APOA5/ZNF259 (rs651821; P <10 −13 ) and GCKR (rs1260326; P <10 −13 ) with triglyceride levels; and CELSR2 variants with LDL-C levels (rs646776; P <10 −9 ). For Pakistanis, these 41 variants explained 6.2%, 7.1%, and 0.9% of the variation in HDL-C, triglyceride, and LDL-C, respectively. Compared with Europeans, the allele frequency of rs662799 in APOA5 among Pakistanis was higher and its impact on triglyceride concentration was greater ( P -value for difference <10 −4 ).

Conclusions—

Several lipid-related genetic variants are common to Pakistanis and Europeans, though they explain only a modest proportion of population variation in lipid concentration. Allelic frequencies and effect sizes of lipid-related variants can differ between Pakistanis and Europeans.

Warm fish with cold hearts: thermal plasticity of excitation-contraction coupling in bluefin tuna

Bluefin tuna have a unique physiology. Elevated metabolic rates coupled with heat exchangers enable bluefin tunas to conserve heat in their locomotory muscle, viscera, eyes and brain, yet their hearts operate at ambient water temperature. This arrangement of a warm fish with a cold heart is unique among vertebrates and can result in a reduction in cardiac function in the cold despite the elevated metabolic demands of endothermic tissues. In this study, we used laser scanning confocal microscopy and electron microscopy to investigate how acute and chronic temperature change affects tuna cardiac function. We examined the temporal and spatial properties of the intracellular Ca2+ transient (Δ[Ca2+]i) in Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) ventricular myocytes at the acclimation temperatures of 14°C and 24°C and at a common test temperature of 19°C. Acute (less than 5 min) warming and cooling accelerated and slowed the kinetics of Δ[Ca2+]i, indicating that temperature change limits cardiac myocyte performance. Importantly, we show that thermal acclimation offered partial compensation for these direct effects of temperature. Prolonged cold exposure (more than four weeks) increased the amplitude and kinetics of Δ[Ca2+]i by increasing intracellular Ca2+ cycling through the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). These functional findings are supported by electron microscopy, which revealed a greater volume fraction of ventricular SR in cold-acclimated tuna myocytes. The results indicate that SR function is crucial to the performance of the bluefin tuna heart in the cold. We suggest that SR Ca2+ cycling is the malleable unit of cellular Ca2+ flux, offering a mechanism for thermal plasticity in fish hearts. These findings have implications beyond endothermic fish and may help to delineate the key steps required to protect vertebrate cardiac function in the cold.

Stimulus equivalence and rule following

The present study examined the occurrence of a novel behavior pattern with respect to a novel configuration of stimuli enabled by the participation of those stimuli in equivalence classes. In Experiment 1, functional substitutabilities were established via equivalence between two independent sets of musical stimuli. Aspects of stimuli from the two sets were then compounded to produce novel stimulus configurations. Behavioral components enabled by each separate class combined to produce novel musical performances and accurate descriptions of them. In Experiment 2, the impact of experimenter-provided names for equivalence classes on the musical performances was investigated in naive subjects by establishing similar classes without experimenter-provided names. The results indicated few differences in the playing performances under these conditions. These experiments demonstrated a possible method for the analysis of rule following.

Statistical methods for the time-to-event analysis of individual participant data from multiple epidemiological studies

Background Meta-analysis of individual participant time-to-event data from multiple prospective epidemiological studies enables detailed investigation of exposure–risk relationships, but involves a number of analytical challenges.

Methods This article describes statistical approaches adopted in the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration, in which primary data from more than 1 million participants in more than 100 prospective studies have been collated to enable detailed analyses of various risk markers in relation to incident cardiovascular disease outcomes.

Results Analyses have been principally based on Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by sex, undertaken in each study separately. Estimates of exposure–risk relationships, initially unadjusted and then adjusted for several confounders, have been combined over studies using meta-analysis. Methods for assessing the shape of exposure–risk associations and the proportional hazards assumption have been developed. Estimates of interactions have also been combined using meta-analysis, keeping separate within- and between-study information. Regression dilution bias caused by measurement error and within-person variation in exposures and confounders has been addressed through the analysis of repeat measurements to estimate corrected regression coefficients. These methods are exemplified by analysis of plasma fibrinogen and risk of coronary heart disease, and Stata code is made available.

Conclusion Increasing numbers of meta-analyses of individual participant data from observational data are being conducted to enhance the statistical power and detail of epidemiological studies. The statistical methods developed here can be used to address the needs of such analyses.

Effectiveness Evaluation of Precomputation Search Using Steering Sets

We present a new pruning method for compact precomputed search trees and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of our precomputation planning with steering sets. Precomputed search trees are one method for reducing planning time; however, there is a time-memory trade-off. Our PreComputed Search tree (PCS) is built with pruning based on a rule of constant memory, i.e., Maximum Size Pruning method (MSP), which is the preset pruning ratio. UsingMSP, we get a large, reasonably sized precomputed search tree. Applying a Node Selection Strategy (NSS) to MSP, extends the tree’s outer edges and enhances the path reachability. We also checked the dispersion in real 5150m2indoor environments, we found the obstacle rate to be 5%. On the uniformed scattered obstacle map with a less than 13% obstacle rate, precomputation planning runtime with steering sets is more than two orders of magnitude faster than the planning without precomputed search trees. With steering sets, our precomputed search tree finds an optimal path at obstacle rate of 12%. Precomputation planning also produces a smooth optimal path speedily in an indoor environment.

Smooth Path Planning with Pedestrian Avoidance for Wheeled Robots

In studying smooth robot path planning with predesigned steering sets including three trajectory types, path planning with a steering set was used to generate trajectories with smooth directional changes. To put path planning to practical use in dynamic environments, robots must be more quickly motion and efficiently, without, for example, endangering pedestrians. Assuming that the trajectories of moving obstacles are predictable, smooth path planning worked in the presence ofmoving obstacles. We defined new path evaluation method suitable for wheeled robots, evaluating our planner experimentally in an office, confirmed the efficiency of our planning.

114. HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS OF PREGNANCY ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNOREGULATORY GENE POLYMORPHISMS

Pregnancy is a controlled state of inflammation. Deregulation of cytokine networks can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia (PE). We aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in immunoregulatory genes that signify an increased risk of the gestational hypertensive disorders PE and gestational hypertension (GH). 1169 nulliparous pregnant women and their partners were recruited prospectively for the Adelaide SCOPE study. PE and GH were classified using strict guidelines. Uncomplicated pregnancies served as controls. Peripheral blood from couples and cord blood from neonates were collected. DNA was extracted and genotyped for Interleukin (IL)-6 rs1800795, IL-4 rs2243250, IL-10 rs1800896 and rs1800871, mannose binding lectin (MBL) rs1800450, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ-1) rs1800469 and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 rs20417 & rs5275 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2A) rs1137933 using the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Genotypes for Caucasian PE (n = 75) and GH (n = 102) were compared with controls (n = 422) and analysed using Chi-Square. In neonates IL-6 G allele carriage was associated with PE (P = 0.011, OR=2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.7) and the CC genotype associated with GH (P = 0.002). Neonatal IL-10 RS180071 AA genotype associated with PE (P = 0.041) and IL-10 RS1800896 AA associated with GH (P = 0.022). Paternal NOS2A C allele was more frequent in PE (P = 0.03, OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1–4.5), and maternal NOS2A CC more frequent in GH (P = 0.018). Increased neonatal carriage of MBL rs1800450 AA+GA genotypes associated with GH (P = 0.03, OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.1–4.5). No associations were observed between TGFβ-1 or COX2 genotypes and PE or GH. Associations between neonatal IL-6 G, which confers high placental IL-6 expression, and PE suggest a possible mechanism by which PE is a pro-inflammatory exacerbation of placental origin. Since placental IL-10 is important for maternal tolerance of the fetus, genotypes predisposing to low IL-10 expression in the neonate which associate with both PE and GH, suggest a role for decreased placental IL-10 in these disorders.

Effect of ageing on the immune response of dogs to vaccines

Ageing is associated with a decline in functional competence of the immune system, sometimes referred to as immunosenescence. As this increases the susceptibility of dogs to infectious diseases, it is important to determine if the efficacy of vaccines is affected by ageing. Studies to date suggest that the primary response to vaccines may be compromised in old dogs, but recall responses remain intact. Information on the effect of ageing on the duration of protective immunity following vaccination is needed.

The SAIL Databank: building a national architecture for e-health research and evaluation

BACKGROUND

Vast quantities of electronic data are collected about patients and service users as they pass through health service and other public sector organisations, and these data present enormous potential for research and policy evaluation. The Health Information Research Unit (HIRU) aims to realise the potential of electronically-held, person-based, routinely-collected data to conduct and support health-related studies. However, there are considerable challenges that must be addressed before such data can be used for these purposes, to ensure compliance with the legislation and guidelines generally known as Information Governance.

METHODS

A set of objectives was identified to address the challenges and establish the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) system in accordance with Information Governance. These were to: 1) ensure data transportation is secure; 2) operate a reliable record matching technique to enable accurate record linkage across datasets; 3) anonymise and encrypt the data to prevent re-identification of individuals; 4) apply measures to address disclosure risk in data views created for researchers; 5) ensure data access is controlled and authorised; 6) establish methods for scrutinising proposals for data utilisation and approving output; and 7) gain external verification of compliance with Information Governance.

RESULTS

The SAIL databank has been established and it operates on a DB2 platform (Data Warehouse Edition on AIX) running on an IBM 'P' series Supercomputer: Blue-C. The findings of an independent internal audit were favourable and concluded that the systems in place provide adequate assurance of compliance with Information Governance. This expanding databank already holds over 500 million anonymised and encrypted individual-level records from a range of sources relevant to health and well-being. This includes national datasets covering the whole of Wales (approximately 3 million population) and local provider-level datasets, with further growth in progress. The utility of the databank is demonstrated by increasing engagement in high quality research studies.

CONCLUSION

Through the pragmatic approach that has been adopted, we have been able to address the key challenges in establishing a national databank of anonymised person-based records, so that the data are available for research and evaluation whilst meeting the requirements of Information Governance.

Laboratory evaluation of products to reduce settling of sweetpotato whitefly adults

The impact of trademarked and commercial products on settling of adults of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), was studied in the laboratory. A no-choice bioassay using leaf disks of tomato, Solanum esculentum L., was developed to evaluate the impact of concentration series of products on settling of B. tabaci adults. The concentration of each product that would reduce settling by 50% (SC50) was estimated for each product using standard probit analyses, and the values were compared with that of Ultra-Fine Oil, a paraffinic oil product that is known to reduce settling of whitefly adults. Twenty-two trademarked products and 42 other products were evaluated in the laboratory bioassay. Based upon comparisons of fiducial limits of the respective SC50 values, Dawn detergent and E-RASE jojoba oil were the only trademarked products that were as effective as Ultra-Fine Oil in reducing settling of B. tabaci adults. Of the nontrademarked products, 25 were similar to Ultra-Fine Oil, although cedar, geranium, ginger, Hamlin (citrus), patchouli, olive and wintergreen oils, as well as citronellal and limonene, had ratios of respective SC50 values with that of Ultra-Fine Oil of approximately 1.5 or less. Combinations of limonene and citronellal with either olive oil or Ultra-Fine Oil were 15 and 30 times, respectively, more effective than Ultra-Fine Oil alone. Candidate products and combinations of products were further evaluated on tomato seedlings in no-choice screenhouse trials for effects on oviposition and on transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (family Geminiviridae, genus Begomovirus, TYLCV) by B. tabaci. Ultra-Fine Oil and olive oil reduced oviposition and transmission of TYLCV in the screenhouse trials. Ginger oil and limonene reduced oviposition in at least one screenhouse trial but did reduce transmission of TYLCV. The laboratory bioassay provided a rapid and relatively easy method to compare products for reducing settling of B. tabaci adults. Even though the reduced settling indicated in the laboratory bioassays was not always reflected in reduced oviposition or TYLCV transmission in the screenhouse trials, the bioassay was useful in rapidly identifying products that reduce settling and that could be investigated further.

The use of a femoral distractor to aid distal tibial resection during total ankle arthroplasty

Distal tibial resection during total ankle arthroplasty can be time consuming and presents a technical challenge. We recommend the use of a femoral distractor to assist with this specific part of the operation. We describe the technique below and have now adopted it as a commonplace stage in our ankle replacements.

Complete remissions with weekly dosing of SGN-35, a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD30, in a phase I dose-escalation study in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL)

8500

Background: A defining feature of HL and sALCL is CD30 expression on malignant cells. The ADC SGN-35 comprises an anti-CD30 antibody conjugated to the antitubulin agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). SGN-35 causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by binding to CD30 on the tumor cell surface, internalizing, and releasing MMAE into the cell. In a previous phase 1 study with q3 wk dosing, 54% of pts achieved an objective response (CR/PR) at SGN-35 doses ≥1.2 mg/kg [ASH 2008 abstract 1006]. Methods: To assess if more frequent dosing might maximize anti-tumor activity with acceptable tolerability, a multicenter, phase 1, weekly dosing, dose-escalation study (3+3 design) was conducted in pts with refractory or recurrent HL or sALCL. SGN-35 was administered weekly at doses of 0.4–1 mg/kg (2-hr IV infusions). Pts with stable disease or better (Cheson 2007) after two 28-day cycles (6 doses) were eligible to continue SGN-35 treatment. Results: In 17 pts, median age was 38 yrs (range 25–67). Pts received a median of 4 prior therapies; 65% received an autologous SCT. MTD has not been defined. One related G3 event (diarrhea) and no related G4 events occurred. The most common related adverse events were G1/G2 rash, nausea, and peripheral neuropathy. Exposure to SGN-35 (AUC) increased relative to dose level. Multiple CRs were observed at higher doses ( table ); observed time to response in the 1 mg/kg dose group was approximately 8 wks. The 7 pts with CRs all remain on treatment. Enrollment to SGN-35 monotherapy continues at 1.2 mg/kg; combination therapy will be subsequently explored. Conclusions: SGN-35 was generally well tolerated and induced CRs in 7 of 8 evaluable pts at the two highest doses in heavily pretreated patients. Pivotal trials of this antibody-drug conjugate will initiate in early 2009.

[Table: see text]

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Pilot- and bench-scale testing of faecal indicator bacteria survival in marine beach sand near point sources

AIM

Factors affecting faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and pathogen survival/persistence in sand remain largely unstudied. This work elucidates how biological and physical factors affect die-off in beach sand following sewage spills.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Solar disinfection with mechanical mixing was pilot-tested as a disinfection procedure after a large sewage spill in Los Angeles. Effects of solar exposure, mechanical mixing, predation and/or competition, season, and moisture were tested at bench scale. First-order decay constants for Escherichia coli ranged between -0.23 and -1.02 per day, and for enterococci between -0.5 and -1.0 per day. Desiccation was a dominant factor for E. coli but not enterococci inactivation. Effects of season were investigated through a comparison of experimental results from winter, spring, and fall.

CONCLUSIONS

Moisture was the dominant factor controlling E. coli inactivation kinetics. Initial microbial community and sand temperature were also important factors. Mechanical mixing, common in beach grooming, did not consistently reduce bacterial levels.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Inactivation rates are mainly dependent on moisture and high sand temperature. Chlorination was an effective disinfection treatment in sand microcosms inoculated with raw influent.

Practical issues in the application of occlusion to measure visual demands imposed on drivers by in-vehicle tasks

Occlusion is a practical technique to measure the visual demand imposed by in-vehicle tasks and to assess whether a task can be resumed having been interrupted. This study describes a number of important factors and variables that need to be controlled to ensure reliability of results. Training of participants on in-vehicle tasks is found to help consistency and five training sessions are required for complex tasks. No significant differences in training with and without occlusion goggles are reported. The required sample size is dependent on the variability of the task; for those investigated an appropriate sample size is found to be 14. For in-vehicle systems that exhibit a delay in response to the user, consistency is improved when these delays are excluded from timing measurements. In terms of calculating the occlusion parameter R, the within-participant basis is most consistent by taking the ratio of the respective median total shutter open time and total task times across trial repetitions completed by one participant on each task under evaluation and, for the purposes of identifying interface designs that exhibit poor resumability, the 85th percentile value is identified as most suitable. Findings from the study are discussed in terms of future application of the occlusion technique to assess in-vehicle information systems (IVIS).