METTL3 drives telomere targeting of TERRA lncRNA through m6A-dependent R-loop formation: a therapeutic target for ALT-positive neuroblastoma

Telomerase-negative tumors maintain telomere length by alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), but the underlying mechanism behind ALT remains poorly understood. A proportion of aggressive neuroblastoma (NB), particularly relapsed tumors, are positive for ALT (ALT+), suggesting that a better dissection of the ALT mechanism could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities. TERRA, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) derived from telomere ends, localizes to telomeres in a R-loop-dependent manner and plays a crucial role in telomere maintenance. Here we present evidence that RNA modification at the N6 position of internal adenosine (m6A) in TERRA by the methyltransferase METTL3 is essential for telomere maintenance in ALT+ cells, and the loss of TERRA m6A/METTL3 results in telomere damage. We observed that m6A modification is abundant in R-loop enriched TERRA, and the m6A-mediated recruitment of hnRNPA2B1 to TERRA is critical for R-loop formation. Our findings suggest that m6A drives telomere targeting of TERRA via R-loops, and this m6A-mediated R-loop formation could be a widespread mechanism employed by other chromatin-interacting lncRNAs. Furthermore, treatment of ALT+ NB cells with a METTL3 inhibitor resulted in compromised telomere targeting of TERRA and accumulation of DNA damage at telomeres, indicating that METTL3 inhibition may represent a therapeutic approach for ALT+ NB.

Global loss of cellular m6A RNA methylation following infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants

Host-viral interactions during SARS-CoV-2 infection are needed to understand COVID-19 pathogenesis and may help to guide the design of novel antiviral therapeutics. N6-methyladenosine modification (m6A), one of the most abundant cellular RNA modifications, regulates key processes in RNA metabolism during a stress response. Gene expression profiles observed post-infection with different SARS-CoV-2 variants show changes in the expression of genes related to RNA catabolism, including m6A readers and erasers. We found that infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants caused a loss of m6A in cellular RNAs, whereas m6A was detected abundantly in viral RNA. METTL3, the m6A methyltransferase, showed an unusual cytoplasmic localization post-infection. The B.1.351 variant had a less pronounced effect on METTL3 localization and loss of m6A than the B.1 and B.1.1.7 variants. We also observed a loss of m6A upon SARS-CoV-2 infection in air/liquid interface cultures of human airway epithelia, confirming that m6A loss is characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Further, transcripts with m6A modification were preferentially down-regulated post-infection. Inhibition of the export protein XPO1 resulted in the restoration of METTL3 localization, recovery of m6A on cellular RNA, and increased mRNA expression. Stress granule formation, which was compromised by SARS-CoV-2 infection, was restored by XPO1 inhibition and accompanied by a reduced viral infection in vitro. Together, our study elucidates how SARS-CoV-2 inhibits the stress response and perturbs cellular gene expression in an m6A-dependent manner.

[Stress in an implant-supported unitary fixed partial prosthesis with different materials in the first lower premolar through finite elements]

AIM

To analyze stress in a metal-ceramic, zirconia and lithium disilicate implant-supported unitary fixed partial prosthesis in the first lower premolar through finite element analysis at a 500 N force.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three study models were carried out, metal-ceramic, lithium disilicate and zirconium implant-supported crowns in the first lower premolar. The dental implant was made of titanium grade 5 based on the Bolt® model of UniDentalDirect with internal grooved connection (18 grooves) and the implant had a size of 11,0 x 4,5 mm, preformed abutment and integrated screw. The three designs had vertical and oblique (45°) forces applications at 500 N. The geometric modeling was performed with the SolidWorks® 2017 program and the results were obtained through the Von mises analysis using the CosmoWorks®2017 program.

RESULTS

The lowest value of maximum stress on crown level, under vertical and oblique forces, was found in the lithium disilicate crown with 21,9 MPa and 33,2 MPa, and with a minimum difference with the zirconium crown with 22,1 MPa and 35,1 MPa; on the abutment level, the zirconium crown had the lowest value of maximum stress with 18,6 MPa and 28,1 MPa; at the screw level, there were no significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Metal-ceramic, lithium disilicate, and zirconia crowns proved to be materials of good compressive and tensile strength, but it was concluded that the zirconia crown design generated lower overall stress.

Community-acquired bacteremia by Klebsiella pneumoniae producing KPC-3 and resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical and microbiological features of a case of community-acquired infection by KPC-producing K. pneumoniae (KPCKP) resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ-AVI).

METHODS

Identification of microorganisms was performed with MALDI Biotyper CA System (BrukerDaltonics, Madrid, Spain). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Sensitre EURGNCOL panels (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Madrid, Spain) and gradient strips (Etest, bioMérieux, Madrid, Spain) in the case of CAZ-AVI, using EUCAST breakpoints for interpretation. Whole Genome Sequencing of blood culture and rectal swab isolates was performed using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing system, with 2 × 150-bp paired-end reads (Illumina Inc).

RESULTS

Blood culture and rectal swab KPCKP isolates were resistant to carbapenems and to CAZ-AVI. The blood culture isolate showed susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) but the rectal swab culture isolate was resistant to this antibiotic. Both isolates belonged to clonal lineage ST512, harboured a single copy of bla_KPC-3 gene, and showed 16 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) between them and 38 SNPs with regards to the first KPC-3 producing K. pneumoniae isolated in our hospital in an initial outbreak in 2012. Genome-wide resistome analysis revealed the presence of a IncFIB(K) plasmid harbouring sul1 and dfrA12 genes only in the rectal swab culture isolate, which may explain its resistance to TMP-SMX.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance to ceftazidime-avibactam is an emerging nosocomial problem. This case shows that CAZ-AVI-resistant KPCKP strains may disseminate into the community and cause serious infections.

Delay in diagnosis of patients with head-and-neck cancer in Canada: impact of patient and provider delay

Background

Head-and-neck cancers (hncs) often present at an advanced stage, leading to poor outcomes. Late presentation might be attributable to patient delays (reluctance to seek treatment, for instance) or provider delays (misdiagnosis, prolonged wait time for consultation, for example). The objective of the present study was to examine the length and cause of such delays in a Canadian universal health care setting.

Methods

Patients presenting for the first time to the hnc multidisciplinary team (mdt) with a biopsy-proven hnc were recruited to this study. Patients completed a survey querying initial symptom presentation, their previous medical appointments, and length of time between appointments. Clinical and demographic data were collected for all patients.

Results

The average time for patients to have their first appointment at the mdt clinic was 15.1 months, consisting of 3.9 months for patients to see a health care provider (hcp) for the first time since symptom onset and 10.7 months from first hcp appointment to the mdt clinic. Patients saw an average of 3 hcps before the mdt clinic visit (range: 1-7). No significant differences in time to presentation were found based on stage at presentation or anatomic site.

Conclusions

At our tertiary care cancer centre, a patient's clinical pathway to being seen at the mdt clinic shows significant delays, particularly in the time from the first hcp visit to mdt referral. Possible methods to mitigate delay include education about hnc for patients and providers alike, and a more streamlined referral system.

Depreciación del caballo Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello

Se plantea como objetivo estimar la depreciación de un caballo Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello. Se estudió a una población de 500 caballos de Pura Raza Española clasificados en 4 edades: Potros (6 meses-4 años), en doma 4-8 años, adultos 8-12 años y maduros (12-20 años), pertenecientes a 65 propietarios, 10 centros de cría Pura Raza Española y un matadero en Andalucía y Extremadura, España. Se realizó la estimación de la depreciación para un año una vez detectada la deformación del borde dorsal de cuello, de manera separada por 3 grupos etarios: caballos en doma 4-8 años, caballos adultos 8-12 años y caballos maduros (12-20 años), mediante tres métodos, el método de línea recta, el método de la reducción de saldo (5%) y el método de la suma de los dígitos de los años. En relación a la depreciación del caballo de Pura Raza Española con deformación del borde dorsal del cuello, estimada para un año, es bastante alta y proporcional al costo del caballo. En conclusión, la depreciación del caballo de Pura Raza Española con la deformación del borde dorsal del cuello, se puede presentar en promedio a partir de los 6 años de edad (aproximadamente entre 4-8 años), la depreciación calculada por los tres métodos línea recta, reducción del saldo al 5% y suma de los dígitos fue similar, solo presento variación por el grupo etario 4-8 años 95%, 8-12 años 99% y 12-20 años 98% de depreciación respetivamente.

1106 Twins with uncertain significant mutations, slightly different cardiomyopathies and different oucmes

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as left ventricle (LV) dilatation and dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease enough to cause global systolic impairment. It is the leading cause of heart failure and sudden cardiac death, and even in the early stages of life 5,7/1.000.000 children are diagnosed each year. Lately, genetic screening has revealed that 30-50% of the cases have a familial origin, with a high genetic heterogeneity.

We present the case of a 4-month-old boy (case A) referred to our Hospital with high suspicion of dilated cardiomyopathy. He had a twin brother, pregnancy went without complications, pre-birth ultrasound and blood tests were completely normal and a caesarean birth was planned at 37 weeks of pregnancy. He also has an older sibling with no medical history. Our patient was the first to be born and was admitted to the neonatal-ICU due to tachypnea, labored breathing and desaturation. In the physical exam a 5cm hepatomegaly was detected and on the X-Ray a cardiomegaly and enlarged mediastinum were confirmed. ECG showed no electrical abnormalities besides vague repolarization changes. A TTE was done, showing remarkable left cavities enlargement with severe left ventricle dysfunction and moderate mitral regurgitation, comprising the right filling and therefore the right cardiac output. These findings were confirmed by MRI, not detecting enhancement patterns compatible with myocarditis. A genetic test was performed in the index case detecting the presence of a mutation in the desmin gene (Des C.568 + 10c) and the myosin heavy chain 7 gene (Myh7p - glu883Ala) both associated either with dilated and noncompaction cardyomiopathies. Due to the elevated chances of a familiar-DCM his twin brother was admitted to study (case B), with no symptoms or clinical signs besides an isolated bronchitis episode. The clinical examination and EKG were normal, detecting in the TTE a slightly dilated left ventricle with non-compactation morphology in the LV lateral wall, but no left ventricle dysfunction. Also, a TTE was performed in their father with similar findings: mild LV dilatation with minor systolic disfunction and uncertain non-compactation morphology in the LVl apex.

Abnormalities of specific genes are now known to be responsible for different types of congenital heart diseases with important implications in genetic counseling. We want to emphasize the different manifestation of a single mutation on different members of a family, even in this two twin-brothers that, under the same probable conditions during preganancy, had slightly different cardyomyopathies but very different severity, and probable mid to long term prognosis.

Abstract 1106 Figure.

Accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa activity measurement for determination of rivaroxaban plasma levels

Essentials Accurate determination of anticoagulant plasma concentration is important in clinical practice. We studied the accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa assays for rivaroxaban in a multicentre study. In a range between 50 and 200 μg L-1 , anti-Xa activity correlated well with plasma concentrations. The clinical value might be limited by overestimation and intra- and inter-individual variation.

SUMMARY

Background Determining the plasma level of direct oral anticoagulants reliably is important in the work-up of complex clinical situations. Objectives To study the accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa assays for rivaroxaban plasma concentration in a prospective, multicenter evaluation study employing different reagents and analytical platforms. Methods Rivaroxaban 20 mg was administered once daily to 20 healthy volunteers and blood samples were taken at peak and trough levels (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01710267). Anti-Xa activity was determined in 10 major laboratories using different reagents and analyzers; corresponding rivaroxaban plasma concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Findings Overall Pearson's correlation coefficient of anti-Xa levels and HPLC-MS results was 0.99 for Biophen® Heparin (95% CI, 0.99, 0.99), Biophen® DiXaI (95% CI, 0.99, 0.99) and STA® anti-Xa liquid (95% CI, 0.99, 1.00). Correlation was lower in rivaroxaban concentrations below 50 μg L-1 and above 200 μg L-1 . The overall bias of the Bland-Altman difference plot was 14.7 μg L-1 for Biophen Heparin, 17.9 μg L-1 for Biophen DiXal and 19.0 μg L-1 for STA anti-Xa liquid. Agreement between laboratories was high at peak level but limited at trough level. Conclusions Anti-Xa activity correlated well with rivaroxaban plasma concentrations, especially in a range between 50 and 200 μg L-1 . However, anti-Xa assays systematically overestimated rivaroxaban concentration as compared with HPLC-MS, particularly at higher concentrations. This overestimation, coupled with an apparent interindividual variation, might affect the interpretation of results in some situations.

Differences between requested and cited literature in a group of dairy research scientists

The citation habits of a group of scientists working in dairy research arc compared with the literature the group has requested. The analysed characteristics lead to the con clusion that the scientitsts able to choose their references from a large quantity of literature broadly scattered in sub jects and countries, select their citations according to their personal criteria.

The function of national journals in disseminating applied science

This paper considers the problem of national versus inter national journals. The practice in certain countries of giving 'recognition' only to Science Citation Index journals, per se, does a disservice to national journals. These journals serve an important role in local diffusion of applied infor mation. Sixty papers were studied: half published in a local Spanish journal and the other half in international journals. They were written by the same groups of researchers. Indicators designed to discriminate the type of research published in both sets were used. The analysis indicated that the type of research published in the Spanish journals is applied, whereas that published abroad is basic. Apparently, the Spanish journal is nearer to the industrial sector. However, to disregard the local journal for evalua tive purposes may be a disservice to scientists who are trying to help in the transfer of information to the indus trial sector.

Variations in genes regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to predict outcomes of bevacizumab-based treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: results from TRIBE and FIRE3 trials

BACKGROUND

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with the M2-like phenotype are regulated by mainly NF-kB pathway including TBK1, which can influence tumor progression by secretion of proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor. The CCL2/CCR2 axis, histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), and placenta growth factor (PIGF) play a critical role in the polarization of M1/M2 phenotypes and the recruitment of TAMs to tumor microenvironment. We therefore hypothesized that variations in genes involved in regulating TAMs may predict clinical outcomes of bevacizumab treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed genomic DNA extracted from samples of patients receiving bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI as a first-line treatment using PCR-based direct sequencing. Twelve functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms in eight genes (CCL2, CCR2, HRG, PIGF, NFKB1, TBK1, CCL18, and IRF3) were tested for associations with clinical outcomes in a discovery cohort of 228 participants in TRIBE trial (NCT00719797), then validated in 248 KRAS exon2 (KRAS) wild-type participants in FIRE3 trial (NCT00433927). FIRE3-cetuximab cohort served as a negative control.

RESULTS

TBK1 rs7486100 was significantly associated with overall survival in 95 KRAS wild-type patients of TRIBE cohort in univariate analysis and had a strong trend in multivariable analysis; furthermore, the association of the T allele was observed for progression-free survival (PFS) in both univariate and multivariable analyses in FIRE3-bevacizumab but not cetuximab cohort. CCL2 rs4586, CCL18 rs14304, and IRF3 rs2304205 had univariate and multivariable correlations with PFS in KRAS mutant patients of the TRIBE cohort, whereas they had no correlations in KRAS wild-type patients of the TRIBE cohort. No association was seen in control cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates for the first time that variations in genes regulating TAMs-related functions are significantly associated with clinical outcomes in mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy. These results also suggest that some TAM-related gene variations may predict outcomes of bevacizumab treatment in KRAS status-dependent manner.

Clinical utility of third-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age fetuses

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses.

METHODS

UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile.

RESULTS

Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings.

CONCLUSION

UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings.

European Antibiotic Awareness Day: a five-year perspective of Europe-wide actions to promote prudent use of antibiotics

Following the European Union (EU) Council Recommendation on prudent use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine in 2001, and the success of national campaigns, i.e. Belgium and France, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) decided to establish the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) on 18 November as platform to support national campaigns across Europe. This article provides an overview of EAAD tools, materials, and activities developed during the first five years. It shows that EAAD has been successful due to good cooperation between ECDC and national institutions, strong political and stakeholder support and evidence-based development of campaign materials. EAAD has provided a platform for pre-existing national campaigns and encouraged similar campaigns to develop where neither political support had been secured, nor financial support had been available. As a result, participating countries have continuously expressed strong support for ECDC to continue its work on EAAD. This has been endorsed by a steadily increasing number of countries participating and the growing interest of varied professional and stakeholder organisations. We conclude that EAAD should continue to act as catalyst for discussion and as mechanism to raise awareness of the public and prescribers about prudent use of antibiotics.

Increased epicardial fat and plasma leptin in type 1 diabetes independently of obesity

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Visceral fat and related adipokines, such as leptin and adiponectin, have been recently suggested to play a role in type 1 diabetes. Nevertheless epicardial fat, the visceral fat of the heart, has been poorly explored in type 1 diabetes. In this study we sought to measure epicardial fat thickness, plasma leptin and adiponectin levels in type 1 diabetic subjects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

15 subjects with type 1 diabetes (age 52.8 ± 12, 10 females, 5 males, BMI 27.8 ± 5.2) and 15 non-diabetic controls underwent echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness measurement and blood tests for adipokines and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). There were no differences in BMI, age, sex, blood pressure, inflammatory markers and adiponectin between subjects with diabetes and controls. Daily insulin requirement of subjects with type 1 diabetes was 0.54 ± 0.2 UI/kg and HbA1c was 7.6 ± 1.0 reflecting acceptable glycemic control. Patients with Type 1 diabetes showed significantly higher epicardial fat thickness (7.2 ± 2.1 vs 4.9 ± 2.5 mm p < 0.01) and plasma leptin levels (25.9 ± 19 vs 18 ± 12 ng/ml p < 0.01) than controls. Leptin resulted in the best independent correlate of epicardial fat thickness (R(2) = 0.48, p = 0.04, β = 2.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides two major findings of novelty: 1) subjects with type 1 diabetes have higher epicardial fat and serum leptin levels than non-diabetic subjects, 2) epicardial fat thickness and serum leptin levels are the best independent correlates of each other in patients with type 1 diabetes independently of BMI, HbA1c, daily insulin requirement. The mechanisms that link epicardial fat to leptin levels in type 1 diabetes remain to be elucidated.

Chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of hydro-ethanolic extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and B. variegata

Bauhinia species are known to have hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activities. Here, hydro-ethanolic leaf extracts from Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa and Bauhinia variegata, collected in a Pampa biome region of Brazil, were investigated to characterize their chromatographic profile, flavonoid content and in vitro antioxidant activity (TBARS and DPH assays). The extracts were obtained from dried and fresh leaves. The total flavonoid content was assessed by spectrophotometric determination, and the results ranged between 572.08 and 1,102.99 μg mL-1. Moreover, flavonoids were more predominant in B. variegata than in B. forficata subsp. pruinosa. HPLC analysis detected a complex profile of phenolic compounds, being the flavonoid kaempferitrin founded B. forficata subsp. pruinosa; in addition, other kaempferol and quercetin derivatives were present. In vitro antioxidant assays demonstrated a different behavior depending on the species, leaf treatment and extract concentration. In general, B. variegata extracts obtained from fresh material presented higher antioxidant potential, which can be attributed to the predominance of flavonoids in their chemical composition.

Rivaroxaban: Quantification by anti-FXa assay and influence on coagulation tests: a study in 9 Swiss laboratories

INTRODUCTION

Rivaroxaban (RXA) is licensed for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after major orthopaedic surgery of the lower limbs. Currently, no test to quantify RXA in plasma has been validated in an inter-laboratory setting. Our study had three aims: to assess i) the feasibility of RXA quantification with a commercial anti-FXa assay, ii) its accuracy and precision in an inter-laboratory setting, and iii) the influence of 10mg of RXA on routine coagulation tests.

METHODS

The same chromogenic anti-FXa assay (Hyphen BioMed) was used in all participating laboratories. RXA calibrators and sets of blinded probes (aim ii.) were prepared in vitro by spiking normal plasma. The precise RXA content was assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For ex-vivo studies (aim iii), plasma samples from 20 healthy volunteers taken before and 2 - 3hours after ingestion of 10mg of RXA were analyzed by participating laboratories.

RESULTS

RXA can be assayed chromogenically. Among the participating laboratories, the mean accuracy and the mean coefficient of variation for precision of RXA quantification were 7.0% and 8.8%, respectively. Mean RXA concentration was 114±43μg/L .RXA significantly altered prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, factor analysis for intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Determinations of thrombin time, fibrinogen, FXIII and D-Dimer levels were not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

RXA plasma levels can be quantified accurately and precisely by a chromogenic anti-FXa assay on different coagulometers in different laboratories. Ingestion of 10mg RXA results in significant alterations of both PT- and aPTT-based coagulation assays.

An influence of HLA-A, B, DR, DQ, and MICA on the occurrence of Celiac disease in patients with type 1 diabetes

Celiac disease (CD) is more common in individuals with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (T1D) than in the general population. HLA class II molecules DQ8 (DQB1*0302-DQA1*0301) and DQ2 (DQB1*0201-DQA1*0501) have been identified as key genetic risk factors in both diseases. While DQ8 conveys a higher risk for T1D, DQ2 is more frequent in CD. Less is known about the contribution of HLA class I. The gut immune system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both diseases. The MICA, which is mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal epithelium and recognized by gammadeltaT lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells via the NKG2D, might play a role. The aim of our study was to identify possible HLA class I and MICA alleles and conserved extended haplotypes as risk factors for the development of CD in T1D. Three groups consisting of 37 individuals with T1D and CD, 67 individuals with only T1D and 70 controls were analyzed. HLA class I and MICA alleles were determined using Luminex technology. An occurrence of CD in individuals with T1D was most significantly associated with B*08 (P = 7.3 x 10(-13)), contributing more than any of the HLA class II alleles (DRB1*0301, P = 5.00 x 10(-10); DQB1*0201, P = 7.65 x 10(-8)). Moreover, the association with CD became stronger when B*08(B*08-DQA*0501-DQB1*0201-DRB1*0301, P = 5.07 x 10(-12)) was present in the DRB1*0301-DQB1*0201-DQA1*0501 (P = 5.00 x 10(-10)) extended haplotype. We suggest a combined influence of alleles present in the MICA*008-B*08-A1-DR3-DQ2 extended haplotype on the development of CD in Slovenian individuals with T1D, where B*08 or/and a gene located close to it may play an important role, independently of HLA class II.

Glottal space segmentation from motion estimation and Gabor filtering

Obtaining the glottal space segmentation is essential to characterize morphological disorders of vocal folds. In this study, the tested images are been acquired by direct optical inspection of the glottis using an endoscope and most of them are very poor quality. The application of motion estimation is very useful to segment the vocal folds endoscopic videos without user interaction. This approach involves three process steps: 1) Wiener motion estimator--to shift the measurement the next frame regarding to the current frame, and look for similarities between them. The best matching will accurate a shift equal to the displacement vector of the object; 2) Segmentation using motion estimation results and applying Gabor filtering; 3) Experimental results to demonstrate that the proposed method is effective. Our proposal works correctly with 95% of database test videos and it shows a great advance in design, and in the nearby future, a complete method to diagnose vocal folds pathologies.

Physical and chemical characterization of petroleum products by GC-MS

There is a need for reliable and fast means of monitoring refining, conversion, and upgrading processes aiming to increase the yield of light distillates, and thus, reducing the oil barrel bottoms. By simultaneously utilizing the FID and mass selective detectors while splitting the column effluent in a controlled way, it is possible to obtain identical gas chromatograms and total ion chromatograms from a single run. This means that besides the intensity vs. time graphs, the intensity vs. mass and boiling point can also be obtained. As a result, physical and chemical characterization can be performed in a simple and rapid manner. Experimental results on middle, heavy distillates, and crude oil fractions show clearly the effect of upgrading processes on the chemical composition and yields of diesel, jet fuels, and high vacuum gasoil fractions. The methodology is fully compliant with ASTM D-2887, D-7213, D-6352, and D7169 for simulated distillation and the previously mentioned mass spectrometry standards. The group type analysis correlated satisfactorily with high-performance liquid chromatography data.

Optical damage control via the Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio in proton-exchanged LiNbO3 waveguides

Intensity thresholds for the onset of optical damage in alpha-phase proton-exchanged waveguides on undoped LiNbO(3) have been increased from the substrate value to a factor 500 greater. This has been achieved by increasing the exchange time, which in turn increases the [Fe(2+)]/[Fe(3+)] ratio in the guide. Intensity thresholds have been measured with a single-beam configuration, while [Fe(2+)]/[Fe(3+)] ratios have been determined from decay measurements during optical erasure of photorefractive gratings. In heavily Fe-doped guides, thresholds are too small to be measured, but the dependence of the Fe(2+) absorption on the exchange time appears similar to undoped samples.

Echium vulgare and Senecio vulgaris Poisoning in Fighting Bulls

An unusual case of poisoning by simultaneous ingestion of Echium vulgare L. and Senecio vulgaris L. in a herd of Spanish fighting bulls is described. Ten animals died from a herd of 700 in an area located in Sierra Norte, Seville (Constantina) in Spain. The interest of this case lies both in the breed affected (this is the first report on fighting bulls) and the lack of information about bovine poisoning by these plants in Spain. Animal samples were obtained from October to March. All the dead animals were 1 year old and had grazed at the farm. The diagnosis was made by determining the plant species and studying its distribution in the pastureland, and also by performing blood analysis of the sick animals in addition to an anatomopathological study of the carcasses. Tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonellosis, IBR/BVD and also the presence of aflatoxins in the forage were all ruled out.

Methylmercury increases S100B content in rat cerebrospinal fluid

S100B, a calcium binding protein physiologically produced and released by astrocytes, has been used as a peripheral marker of brain damage. Here, we investigated the effects of subcutaneous injections of methylmercury chloride (MeHg-5mg/kg), an environmental neurotoxicant, on S100B protein content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult rats. In addition, the performance of animals in an open field (number of squares crossing and rearings) was also analyzed in order to obtain a possible link between alteration in S100B protein content in CSF and parameters related to neurological injury. MeHg treatment increased serum mercury and S100B protein levels in the CSF. A decrease in the numbers of crossings and rearings was observed in MeHg-treated animals when compared to control group, which suggests a possible neurological injury. The present data show, for the first time, increased S100B levels in CSF after exposure to a neurotoxic metal. Authors discuss the possibility of astrocytic involvement in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.