Measurements of Argon-39 from locations near historic underground nuclear explosions

Measurement of radioactive gas seepage from an underground nuclear explosion is one of the primary methods to confirm whether an event was nuclear in nature. Radioactive noble gas indicators that are commonly targeted by such measurements (e.g. ¹³³Xe, ³⁷Ar) have half-lives of 35 days or less. Argon-39, an activation product similar to ³⁷Ar, is produced by the interaction between neutrons and potassium in the surrounding geology and has a half-life of 269 years. Measurements taken at three sites near three historic underground nuclear test locations at the Nevada National Security Site have all shown highly elevated levels of ³⁹Ar in soil gas decades after the test events. Elevated levels of ³⁹Ar were also detected in atmospheric air collected near two of these sites, and outside the entrance of the one tunnel site. These measurements demonstrate that ³⁹Ar has the potential to be a long-term signature of an underground nuclear event which can be reliably detected at the surface or in the shallow subsurface. This radionuclide detection of an underground nuclear event decades after the event takes place is in contrast to the commonly held assumption that detecting underground nuclear events via radionuclides at the surface needs to be done in a matter of months. Depending upon what further studies show about the robustness of this signature in a variety of geological settings, it may in fact be easy to detect underground nuclear events at the surface for a very long time post-detonation.

Continuity of care in heart failure patients

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 Heart failure (HF) requires follow-up over time and by several different health services. The positive effects of follow-up care in secondary care services is well known. However, there is a lack of knowledge in how HF patients experience continuity of care a through various health care services in secondary and primary care.

Purpose

To explore how HF patients experience continuity of care through secondary and primary health care services.

Methods

The study used an inductive design by performing four semi-structured focus group interviews. Overall, 17 patients, mean age of 71 years (range 42-95), 11 men and 6 women, All patients were receiving regular and individual follow-up by cardiac nurses in primary care after hospital discharge The interviews were analysed through qualitative content analysis.

Results

Gaps in continuity of care were described as challenging. Information about HF at the time of discharge from hospital were not always fully comprehended. Patients experienced physical strain of being lost and abandoned after discharge from hospital. They did not know whom to contact for follow-up.  Appointments with the GP was not agreed or scheduled weeks ahead. Patients appreciated home visit by a cardiac nurse in primary care who provided the patients with knowledge in self-care administration. When experiencing deterioration they could call the cardiac nurse, who could facilitate fast track to the hospital. Self-care was difficult to comprehend, especially for those experiencing comorbidities. Patients also  described the importance of sharing knowledge and experience of living with HF with other patients in a secondary care setting, organized by specialised cardiac nurses.

Conclusions

There are gaps in continuity in patients’ pathways, throughout both secondary and primary healthcare. Even though patients receive information at discharge from hospital, they felt insecure when returning home. Health care services in the primary care provided the patients with both knowledge and confidence as they regularly met the patients, both at home and in organized primary care meetings.

Genomics accurately predicts antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius collected as part of Vet-LIRN resistance monitoring

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has changed our understanding of bacterial pathogens, aiding outbreak investigations and advancing our knowledge of their genetic features. However, there has been limited use of genomics to understand antimicrobial resistance of veterinary pathogens, which would help identify emerging resistance mechanisms and track their spread. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the correlation between resistance genotypes and phenotypes for Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, a major pathogen of companion animals, by comparing broth microdilution antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS. From 2017-2019, we conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing and WGS on S. pseudintermedius isolates collected from dogs in the United States as a part of the Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN) antimicrobial resistance monitoring program. Across thirteen antimicrobials in nine classes, resistance genotypes correlated with clinical resistance phenotypes 98.4 % of the time among a collection of 592 isolates. Our findings represent isolates from diverse lineages based on phylogenetic analyses, and these strong correlations are comparable to those from studies of several human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica. We uncovered some important findings, including that 32.3 % of isolates had the mecA gene, which correlated with oxacillin resistance 97.0 % of the time. We also identified a novel rpoB mutation likely encoding rifampin resistance. These results show the value in using WGS to assess antimicrobial resistance in veterinary pathogens and to reveal putative new mechanisms of resistance.

Prevalence and trend analysis of antimicrobial resistance in clinical Escherichia coli isolates collected from diseased pigs in the USA between 2006 and 2016

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging threat to both human and animal health. Antimicrobial use and resistance in food animal production, including swine, has received increased scrutiny as a source of resistant foodborne pathogens. Continuous surveillance of AMR in bacterial isolates of swine origin can guide in conservation of antimicrobials used in both human and swine medicine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and trends of the phenotypic AMR in Escherichia coli of swine origin isolated from clinical samples at the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic laboratory between 2006 and 2016. The prevalence of resistance to ampicillin, tetracyclines and sulphadimethoxine remained greater than 50% throughout the period. There was a drastic change in enrofloxacin resistance, increasing from less than 1% to more than 20% between 2006 and 2016 (annual relative increase of 57% between 2006 and 2013 and 16% between 2013 and 2016). The prevalence of resistance to other antimicrobials remained constant (ceftiofur, oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline) or changed significantly (annual relative changes of less than 10%) for at least some time-period between 2006 and 2016 (ampicillin, florfenicol, gentamicin, neomycin, sulphadimethoxine, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and spectinomycin). Rarefaction analysis revealed an increase in the number of unique combinations of AMRs per year. Network analysis was performed by estimating and plotting partial correlations between minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of various antimicrobials. An increase in strength of these networks was observed, particularly in networks created after 2010, which can be indicative of increased multiple AMR in these isolates. These results provide valuable insight into the trends in AMR in E. coli of swine origin in the USA and act as supplementary information to the existing active AMR surveillance systems.

Prevalence and time trend analysis of antimicrobial resistance in respiratory bacterial pathogens collected from diseased pigs in USA between 2006-2016

Swine respiratory disease complex (SRDC) causes massive economic losses to the swine industry and is a major animal welfare concern. Antimicrobials are mainstay in treatment and control of SRDC. However, there is a lack of data on the prevalence and trends in resistance to antimicrobials in bacterial pathogens associated with SRDC. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and changes in resistance to 13 antimicrobials in swine bacterial pathogens (Streptococcus suis, Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus suis and Haemophilus parasuis) in the U.S.A using data collected at University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2006 and 2016. For antimicrobials for which breakpoints were available, prevalence of resistance remained below 10% except for tetracycline in S. suis and P. multocida isolates, and these prevalence estimates remained consistently low over the years despite statistical significance (p < .05) in trend analysis. For antimicrobial-bacterial combinations without available breakpoints, the odds of isolates being resistant increased by >10% annually for 7 and 1 antimicrobials in H. parasuis and S. suis isolates respectively, and decreased >10% annually for 4 and 1 antimicrobials in A. suis and H. parasuis isolates, respectively, according to the ordinal regression models. Clinical implications of changes in AMR for A. suis and H. parasuis should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of interpretive criteria and challenges in antimicrobial susceptibility tests in the case of H. parasuis. Future studies should focus on surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and establishment of standardized susceptibility testing methodologies and interpretive criteria for these animal pathogens of critical importance.

Enhancing the one health initiative by using whole genome sequencing to monitor antimicrobial resistance of animal pathogens: Vet-LIRN collaborative project with veterinary diagnostic laboratories in United States and Canada

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacterial pathogens is an emerging public health threat. This threat extends to pets as it also compromises our ability to treat their infections. Surveillance programs in the United States have traditionally focused on collecting data from food animals, foods, and people. The Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network (Vet-LIRN), a national network of 45 veterinary diagnostic laboratories, tested the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinically relevant bacterial isolates from animals, with companion animal species represented for the first time in a monitoring program. During 2017, we systematically collected and tested 1968 isolates. To identify genetic determinants associated with AMR and the potential genetic relatedness of animal and human strains, whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 192 isolates: 69 Salmonella enterica (all animal sources), 63 Escherichia coli (dogs), and 60 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (dogs).

RESULTS

We found that most Salmonella isolates (46/69, 67%) had no known resistance genes. Several isolates from both food and companion animals, however, showed genetic relatedness to isolates from humans. For pathogenic E. coli, no resistance genes were identified in 60% (38/63) of the isolates. Diverse resistance patterns were observed, and one of the isolates had predicted resistance to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins, important antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine. For S. pseudintermedius, we observed a bimodal distribution of resistance genes, with some isolates having a diverse array of resistance mechanisms, including the mecA gene (19/60, 32%).

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study highlight the critical importance of veterinary diagnostic laboratory data as part of any national antimicrobial resistance surveillance program. The finding of some highly resistant bacteria from companion animals, and the observation of isolates related to those isolated from humans demonstrates the public health significance of incorporating companion animal data into surveillance systems. Vet-LIRN will continue to build the infrastructure to collect the data necessary to perform surveillance of resistant bacteria as part of fulfilling its mission to advance human and animal health. A One Health approach to AMR surveillance programs is crucial and must include data from humans, animals, and environmental sources to be effective.

Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Risk in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Insights From the DCCT/EDIC Study

Background

Hyperglycemia leading to increased oxidative stress is implicated in the increased risk for the development of macrovascular and microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and Results

A random subcohort of 349 participants was selected from the DCCT / EDIC (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications) cohort. This included 320 controls and 29 cardiovascular disease cases that were augmented with 98 additional known cases to yield a case cohort of 447 participants (320 controls, 127 cases). Biosamples from DCCT baseline, year 1, and closeout of DCCT , and 1 to 2 years post‐ DCCT ( EDIC years 1 and 2) were measured for markers of oxidative stress, including plasma myeloperoxidase, paraoxonase activity, urinary F 2α isoprostanes, and its metabolite, 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α . Following adjustment for glycated hemoblobin and weighting the observations inversely proportional to the sampling selection probabilities, higher paraoxonase activity, reflective of antioxidant activity, and 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , an oxidative marker, were significantly associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease (−4.5% risk for 10% higher paraoxonase, P <0.003; −5.3% risk for 10% higher 2,3 dinor‐8 iso prostaglandin F 2α , P =0.0092). In contrast, the oxidative markers myeloperoxidase and F 2α isoprostanes were not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease after adjustment for glycated hemoblobin. There were no significant differences between DCCT intensive and conventional treatment groups in the change in all biomarkers across time segments.

Conclusions

Heightened antioxidant activity (rather than diminished oxidative stress markers) is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk in type 1 diabetes mellitus, but these biomarkers did not change over time with intensification of glycemic control.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL : https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT 00360815 and NCT 00360893.

The Possible Influence of Non-synonymous Point Mutations within the FimA Adhesin of Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) Isolates in the Process of Host Adaptation

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) remains a global pathogen that affects a wide range of animal species. We analyzed a large number of NTS isolates of different host origins, including Salmonella Heidelberg (n = 80, avian), S. Dublin (50, bovine), S. Typhimurium var 5- (n = 40, porcine), S. 4,5,12,:i:- (n = 40, porcine), S. Cerro (n = 16, bovine), and S. Montevideo (n = 14, bovine), using virulence profiling of the bcfC, mgtC, ssaC, invE, pefA, stn, sopB, and siiE virulence-associated genes, a biofilm production assay, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, and the full-length sequencing of the fimA (adhesin) and iroN (receptor) genes. We determined a key amino acid substitution, A169 (i.e., threonine changed to alanine at position 169), in the FimA protein that changed ligand affinity of FimA toward N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. This finding clearly indicates the important role of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (nsSNPs) in adhesin functionality that may impact the host tropism of NTS. This nsSNP was found in S. Heidelberg and S. Cerro isolates. Although this was not the case for the IroN receptor, the phylogeny of this receptor and different host origins of NTS isolates were positively correlated, suggesting existence of specific host immune selective pressures on this unique receptor in S. enterica. We found that pefA, a gene encoding major fimbrial subunit, was the most-segregative virulence factor. It was associated with S. Heidelberg, S. Typhimurium var 5- and S. 4,5,12,:i:- but not with the rest of NTS strains. Further, we observed a significantly higher frequency of non-biofilm producers among NTS strains that do not carry pefA (42.5%) compared to S. Heidelberg (2.5%) and S. Typhimurium var 5- (7.5%) and S. 4,5,12,:i:- (0%). This study provides new insights into the host adaptation of avian and mammalian NTS isolates that are based on the bacterial antigens FimA and IroN as well as the interrelationships between host adaptation, overall genetic relatedness, and virulence potential in these NTS isolates.

Serotypes and Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella enterica Recovered from Clinical Samples from Cattle and Swine in Minnesota, 2006 to 2015

Salmonellosis remains one of the leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide despite preventive efforts at various stages of the food production chain. The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica represents an additional challenge for public health authorities. Food animals are considered a major reservoir and potential source of foodborne salmonellosis; thus, monitoring of Salmonella strains in livestock may help to detect emergence of new serotypes/MDR phenotypes and to gain a better understanding of Salmonella epidemiology. For this reason, we analyzed trends over a nine-year period in serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance, of Salmonella isolates recovered at the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) from swine (n = 2,537) and cattle (n = 1,028) samples. Prevalence of predominant serotypes changed over time; in swine, S. Typhimurium and S. Derby decreased and S. Agona and S. 4,5,12:i:- increased throughout the study period. In cattle, S. Dublin, S. Montevideo and S. Cerro increased and S. Muenster became less frequent. Median minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and proportion of antibiotic resistant isolates were higher for those recovered from swine compared with cattle, and were particularly high for certain antibiotic-serotype combinations. The proportion of resistant swine isolates was also higher than observed in the NARMS data, probably due to the different cohort of animals represented in each dataset. Results provide insight into the dynamics of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella in livestock in Minnesota, and can help to monitor emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance.

Short communication: Iodine concentrations in serum, milk, and tears after feeding Ascophyllum nodosum to dairy cows-A pilot study

Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) is rich in iodine and often fed by organic dairy producers as a mineral supplement to support animal health. A commonly held belief is that kelp supplementation decreases susceptibility to infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis due to increased iodine concentrations in tears. Whereas serum and milk iodine concentrations are positively correlated and modulated by oral iodine supplementation, nothing is known about the iodine concentration of tears. Therefore, the 3 objectives of this pilot study were to determine (1) the iodine content of tears, milk, and serum of cows after being fed kelp for 30d; (2) the trace mineral and thyroid status of cows before (d 0) and after being fed kelp for 30d; and (3) the in vitro growth rate of bacteria in tears (Moraxella bovis) or milk (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis) collected from cows fed no kelp (d 0) or kelp (d 30). Cows (n=3/treatment) were individually fed 56g of kelp per day (n=3/treatment) or not (n=3/no treatment) for 30 d. Daily feed intake of the TMR was recorded and weekly TMR, kelp, milk, blood and tear samples were collected and analyzed for iodine. The feed samples were pooled and further analyzed for other minerals. On d 0 and 30, liver biopsies and blood samples were collected and analyzed for mineral content and thyroid hormone concentrations, respectively. An inhibition test used milk and tear-soaked plates from kelp-fed cows (d 0 and 30) as well as 1 and 7.5% iodine as positive and distilled water as negative control. As expected, serum iodine concentrations were positively correlated with milk and tear iodine concentrations. Whereas the iodine concentrations in serum increased significantly in the kelp-fed cows during the 30-d study, milk and tear iodine concentrations increased only numerically in these cows compared with the control group. Liver mineral profiles were comparable between groups and generally did not change over the course of the study. Thyroid hormones remained overall within the reference range throughout the trial. Neither milk nor tears from kelp-fed cows inhibited in vitro growth of any of the plated bacteria. In summary, serum iodine concentration was correlated with the iodine concentration in milk and tears and feeding kelp increased only the serum iodine levels of cows in this trial. Bacterial growth was not inhibited in milk and tears of kelp-fed cattle in vitro, and prevention of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis would not be based solely on increased iodine concentrations in tears.

MAVEN observations of the response of Mars to an interplanetary coronal mass ejection

Coupling between the lower and upper atmosphere, combined with loss of gas from the upper atmosphere to space, likely contributed to the thin, cold, dry atmosphere of modern Mars. To help understand ongoing ion loss to space, the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft made comprehensive measurements of the Mars upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and interactions with the Sun and solar wind during an interplanetary coronal mass ejection impact in March 2015. Responses include changes in the bow shock and magnetosheath, formation of widespread diffuse aurora, and enhancement of pick-up ions. Observations and models both show an enhancement in escape rate of ions to space during the event. Ion loss during solar events early in Mars history may have been a major contributor to the long-term evolution of the Mars atmosphere.

Early MAVEN Deep Dip campaign reveals thermosphere and ionosphere variability

The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission, during the second of its Deep Dip campaigns, made comprehensive measurements of martian thermosphere and ionosphere composition, structure, and variability at altitudes down to ~130 kilometers in the subsolar region. This altitude range contains the diffusively separated upper atmosphere just above the well-mixed atmosphere, the layer of peak extreme ultraviolet heating and primary reservoir for atmospheric escape. In situ measurements of the upper atmosphere reveal previously unmeasured populations of neutral and charged particles, the homopause altitude at approximately 130 kilometers, and an unexpected level of variability both on an orbit-to-orbit basis and within individual orbits. These observations help constrain volatile escape processes controlled by thermosphere and ionosphere structure and variability.

Elevated odds of metabolic syndrome in psoriasis: a population-based study of age and sex differences

BACKGROUND

Questions remain concerning to what extent age and sex may modify the suggested association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome in the general population.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between psoriasis and the metabolic syndrome within a large population-based cohort by age and sex.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 10 521 participants aged 30-79 years from the Tromsø Study cohort was performed; 1137 participants reported lifetime psoriasis of a mainly mild character. The new harmonized definition of metabolic syndrome was used in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

There was a uniformly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in men and women with psoriasis compared with those without across all age groups. In women, psoriasis was associated with a 3·8-times higher odds of metabolic syndrome at age 30 years (95% confidence interval 1·5-9·7), with a decreasing odds ratio with increasing age. In men, psoriasis was associated with a stable 1·35-times higher odds of metabolic syndrome (95% confidence interval 1·1-1·6) at all ages. Abdominal obesity was the most frequent metabolic syndrome component in women in this study, and there was indication of a dose-response relationship between psoriasis severity, indicated through treatment, and having a high waistline in women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests age and sex variations in the risk of metabolic syndrome among individuals with psoriasis. Given the high prevalence of psoriasis and the significantly elevated burden of metabolic syndrome in this patient group, there may be a benefit from targeted screening of metabolic syndrome among individuals with psoriasis regardless of age and disease severity.

Gene flow and population structure of a common agricultural wild species (Microtus agrestis) under different land management regimes

The impact of landscape structure and land management on dispersal of populations of wild species inhabiting the agricultural landscape was investigated focusing on the field vole (Microtus agrestis) in three different areas in Denmark using molecular genetic markers. The main hypotheses were the following: (i) organic farms act as genetic sources and diversity reservoirs for species living in agricultural areas and (ii) gene flow and genetic structure in the agricultural landscape are influenced by the degree of landscape complexity and connectivity. A total of 443 individual voles were sampled within 2 consecutive years from two agricultural areas and one relatively undisturbed grassland area. As genetic markers, 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci (nuclear markers) and the central part of the cytochrome-b (mitochondrial sequence) were analysed for all samples. The results indicate that management (that is, organic or conventional management) was important for genetic population structure across the landscape, but that landscape structure was the main factor shaping gene flow and genetic diversity. More importantly, the presence of organically managed areas did not act as a genetic reservoir for conventional areas, instead the most important predictor of effective population size was the amount of unmanaged available habitat (core area). The relatively undisturbed natural area showed a lower level of genetic structuring and genetic diversity compared with the two agricultural areas. These findings altogether suggest that political decisions for supporting wildlife friendly land management should take into account both management and landscape structure factors.

Impaired dendritic cell maturation in response to pandemic H1N109 influenza virus

BACKGROUND

Infection with pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza virus led to hospitalisation of patients not expected to be at risk of severe disease from seasonal influenza infection.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to establish whether (i) DC maturation was compromised in patients experiencing severe pandemic influenza infection, (ii) the pandemic virus differed from seasonal influenza virus in its ability to induce DC maturation and (iii) there was an associated inability to activate memory B cells or induce antibody.

STUDY DESIGN

Peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMCs) cells were sampled from individuals with confirmed acute pandemic A/H1N1/2009 influenza infection or from healthy vaccinated controls. DCs were differentiated from the PBMC and tested for their ability to mature following stimulation with pandemic virus, seasonal H3N2 influenza virus or LPS. Serum samples from the patients were used to assess seroconversion to influenza and the levels of influenza specific memory B cells in PBMC were also determined.

RESULTS

DCs obtained from all individuals exhibited negligible maturation marker upregulation when exposed to pandemic A/H1N1/2009 virus but showed a strong response to the seasonal H3N2 virus and LPS. Robust levels of memory B cell were obtained in both groups and patients seroconverted to the virus.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the ability of patient's DC to mature in response to different stimuli was no different to that of control subjects DCs. Importantly, panH1N109 virus failed to induce substantial DC maturation in any individual, contrasting with seasonal virus, but this did not result in failure to mount memory B cell and antibody responses to the virus.

Recovery of staphylococci from computer keyboards in a veterinary medical centre and the effect of routine cleaning

Computers play a vital role in veterinary clinics for grading, examining results, updating records, giving discharge instructions and maintaining billing information. Few studies have documented the degree of contamination or practical methods to disinfect computer equipment within the veterinary clinic setting. The intent of the present study was to characterise the frequency of recovery of Staphylococcus species from computer keyboards from a veterinary teaching hospital setting and to evaluate the effect of daily cleaning. From three keyboards in a treatment area, three in a dermatology area and one in office 70 environmental samples were cultured for Staphylococcus. As an indirect measure to assess cleanliness, samples were collected and tested using the 3M Clean-Trace Luminometer (relative light units [RLU]). Of the 25 Staphylococcus recovered 13 were Staphylococcus species, seven Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, four Staphylococcus aureus and one mixed colony of both Staphylococcus species and S pseudintermedius. The median RLU was 2098 (range 132 to 11,590). Routine cleaning decreased the recovering of Staphylococcus and the RLU values. In summary, the study results demonstrate the value of routine cleaning of keyboards and the need for on-going and regular education of staff and students about good hand hygiene.

Distress-the 6th vital sign

Distress is a common concern across the cancer trajectory, beginning at diagnosis and extending to the post-treatment phase of cancer and long term [...]

Staphylococcus aureus nasal carriage is associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, gender and smoking status. The Tromsø Staph and Skin Study

Vitamin D induces the expression of antimicrobial peptides with activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, we studied the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and S. aureus nasal colonization and carriage. Nasal swabs, blood samples and clinical data from 2,115 women and 1,674 men, aged 30-87 years, were collected in the Tromsø Staph and Skin Study 2007-08, as part of the population-based sixth Tromsø Study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were stratified by recognized risk factors for S. aureus carriage: sex, age and smoking. In non-smoking men, we observed a 6.6% and 6.7% decrease in the probability of S. aureus colonization and carriage, respectively, by each 5 nmol/l increase in serum 25(OH)D concentration (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001), and serum 25(OH)D > 59 nmol/l and ≥75 nmol/l as thresholds for ~30% and ~50% reduction in S. aureus colonization and carriage. In non-smoking men aged 44-60 years, the odds ratio for S. aureus colonization was 0.44 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.69) in the top tertile of serum 25(OH)D versus the bottom tertile. In women and smokers there were no such associations. Our study supports that serum vitamin D is a determinant of S. aureus colonization and carriage.

Antimicrobial resistance in enteric pathogens isolated from Minnesota pigs from 1995 to 2004

This study investigated the occurrence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. isolated from swine samples submitted to the Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) in Saint Paul, Minnesota from 1995 to 2004. During this time period, a total of 5072 E. coli and 2793 Salmonella sp. was isolated. Most of these isolates were found to be resistant to the tetracycline and beta-lactam group of antibiotics. Resistance to spectinomycin was also frequently observed. An increasing trend in ampicillin resistance and a decreasing trend in apramycin resistance were seen in both pathogens, although ampicillin resistance was relatively higher in E. coli than in Salmonella. Aminoglycoside (amikacin) and quinolone (enrofloxacin) were the only antimicrobials to which minimum or no resistance was observed. The resistance of pig pathogens to several antibiotics indicates the need to routinely monitor the use of these antimicrobials and their associated resistance in pig populations.

Monitoring and adaptive resistance management in Australia for Bt-cotton: Current status and future challenges

In the mid-1990 s the Australian Cotton industry adopted an insect-resistant variety of cotton (Ingard) which expresses the Bt toxin Cry1Ac that is specific to a group of insects including the target Helicoverpa armigera. A conservative resistance management plan (RMP), that restricted the area planted to Ingard, was implemented to preserve the efficacy of Cry1Ac until two-gene transgenic cotton was available. In 2004/05 Bollgard II replaced Ingard as the transgenic cotton available in Australia. It improves on Ingard by incorporating an additional insecticidal protein (Cry2Ab). If an appropriate refuge is grown, there is no restriction on the area planted to Bollgard II. In 2004/05 and 2005/06 the Bollgard II acreage represented approximately 80 of the total area planted to cotton in Australia. The sensitivity of field-collected populations of H. armigera to Bt products was assayed before and subsequent to the widespread deployment of Ingard cotton. In 2002 screens against Cry2Ab were developed in preparation for replacement of Ingard with Bollgard II. There have been no reported field failures of Bollgard II due to resistance. However, while alleles that confer resistance to H. armigera in the field are rare for Cry1Ac, they are surprisingly common for Cry2Ab. We present an overview of the current approach adopted in Australia to monitor and adaptively manage resistance to Bt-cotton in field populations of H. armigera and discuss the implications of our findings to date. We also highlight future challenges for resistance management in Australia, many of which extend to other Bt-crop and pest systems.

Vitamin D activates type A natriuretic peptide receptor gene transcription in inner medullary collecting duct cells

Many clinical and animal studies suggest that vitamin D and its metabolites have beneficial effects in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Using immunologic and enzymatic assays, vitamin D receptor and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 1alpha-hydroxylase activity were found in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells suggesting an autocrine/paracrine role in this nephron segment. In this study, we examined the ability of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)(2)D3) to regulate the expression of the vasculoprotective natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene in these cells in culture. Treatment of the cells with 1,25(OH)(2)D3 caused a doubling of natriuretic peptide-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate production and a significant increase in natriuretic peptide receptor-A protein expression. This was accompanied by significant increases in receptor mRNA levels and gene-promoter activity. Mutation of a vitamin D response element, positioned upstream from the gene start site, resulted in a complete loss of 1,25(OH)(2)D3-dependent induction but not the induction by hypertonic stimuli. Introduction of small interfering RNA directed against the vitamin D receptor into the IMCD cells resulted in decreased natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene promoter activity and protein. The increase in this receptor expression may account for some of the reported beneficial effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D3 on the cardiovascular system and kidney.

Interpersonal sensitivities: their links to mood, anger and gender

This paper explores two interpersonal sensitivities (to rejection and to social put-down) in a group of 54 depressed men and 50 depressed women. Measures of anhedonia, anxiety, anger, social comparison, and submissive behaviour were also obtained. We found no differences in rejection sensitivity, anger, anhedonia, or anxiety between the sample of depressed men and women. Depressed women rated themselves as more submissive and more inferior than depressed men, and blamed themselves more for being criticized and put-down by other people. Principal components analysis (PCA) revealed three underlying factors: mood (including anxiety and depression), internalization (related to self-blame and feelings of low rank), and externalization (related to anger and blaming others for criticism). For both men and women internalization was significantly correlated with depression. However, externalization was negatively related to depression in women, but positively related to depression in men.

In Vitro Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale Strains Isolated from Minnesota Turkeys During 1996–2002

Antimicrobial resistance in nearly all human and animal pathogens is on the increase. In poultry, Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale has been identified as a newly emerging respiratory bacterial pathogen that has caused significant economic losses to the poultry industry. In this study, we examined in vitro antibiotic resistance profiles of 125 isolates of O. rhinotracheale isolated from turkeys in Minnesota during 1996-2002. A majority of isolates was sensitive to clindamycin, erythromycin, spectinomycin, and ampicillin. Resistance against sulfachloropyridiazine decreased from 1996 to 2002, but an increase in resistance was seen against gentamicin, ampicillin, trimethoprim sulfa, and tetracycline. The annual trend slopes for these antibiotics were 7.36%, 3.02%, 2.43%, and 1.95%, respectively. The resistance against penicillin remained constant from year to year with a trend slope of only 0.54% per year. These results emphasize the need for continued monitoring of O. rhinotracheale isolates for antibiotic resistance and establishment of baseline resistance pattern data for this organism. These data can then be used to design and evaluate local epidemiological interventions.

BMS-284756 in experimental cephalosporin-resistant pneumococcal meningitis

BMS-284756 is a novel des-fluoro(6) quinolone with a broad antimicrobial activity, including Streptococcus pneumoniae. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacodynamic profile and effectiveness of BMS-284756 for therapy of experimental meningitis caused by penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant S. pneumoniae (CRSP). Meningitis was induced in rabbits by intracisternal inoculation of CRSP. BMS-284756 was given intravenously 16 h after intracisternal inoculation in single doses of 2.5 (n = 5 animals), 5 (n = 6), 10 (n = 6), 20 (n = 8), and 30 mg/kg (n = 6), in two doses of 10 mg/kg each separated by 5 h (n = 4), and as a 20-mg/kg dose followed 5 h later by 10 mg/kg (n = 5). The MICs and MBCs of BMS-284756, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin were 0.06 and 0.06, 4 and 4, and 0.25 and 0.25 microg/ml, respectively. After single doses of 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg, the maximum concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (mean +/- standard deviation) were 0.32 +/- 0.12, 0.81 +/- 0.38, and 1.08 +/- 0.43 microg/ml, respectively; the elimination half-life in CSF was 4.5 to 6.3 h. The CSF bacterial killing rates (BKR) at 5 h of the single-dose regimens of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg were -0.84 +/- 0.48, -1.09 +/- 0.32, and -1.35 +/- 0.05 Deltalog(10) CFU/ml/h. The BKR(0-5) of the divided regimens (10 mg/kg twice and 20 mg/kg followed by 10 mg/kg) was -0.82 +/- 0.52 and -1.24 +/- 0.34 Deltalog(10) CFU/ml/h, respectively. The BKR(0-5) of the combined therapy with vancomycin and ceftriaxone was -1.09 +/- 0.39 Deltalog(10) CFU/ml/h. The penetration of BMS-284756 into purulent CSF relative to plasma was 14 to 25%. The bactericidal effect of BMS-284756 in CSF was concentration dependent. BMS-284756 at 30 mg/kg as a single or divided dose was as effective as standard therapy with vancomycin and ceftriaxone.

Pharmacodynamics and bactericidal activity of moxifloxacin in experimental Escherichia coli meningitis

Moxifloxacin, an 8-methoxyquinolone with broad-spectrum activity in vitro, was studied in the rabbit model of Escherichia coli meningitis. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the bactericidal effectiveness and the pharmacodynamic profile of moxifloxacin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and to compare the bactericidal activity with that of ceftriaxone and meropenem therapy. After induction of meningitis, animals were given single doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg or divided-dose regimens of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg twice, separated by 6 h. After single doses, the penetration of moxifloxacin into purulent CSF, measured as percentage of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) in CSF relative to the AUC in plasma, was approximately 50%. After single doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, the maximum CSF concentration (C(max)) values were 1.8, 4.2, and 4.9 microg/ml, respectively; the AUC values (total drug) were 13.4, 25.4, and 27.1 microg/ml x h, respectively, and the half-life values (t(1/2)) were 6.7, 6.6, and 4.7 h, respectively. The bacterial killing in CSF for moxifloxacin, calculated as the Deltalog(10) CFU per milliliter per hour, at 3, 6, and 12 h after single doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg were -5.70, -6.62, and -7.02; -7.37, -7.37, and -6.87; and -6.62, -6.62, and -6.62, respectively, whereas those of ceftriaxone and meropenem were -4.18, -5.24, and -4.43, and -3.64, -3.59, and -4.12, respectively. The CSF pharmacodynamic indices of AUC/MBC and C(max)/MBC were interrelated (r = 0.81); there was less correlation with T > MBC (r = 0.74). In this model, therapy with moxifloxacin appears to be at least as effective as ceftriaxone and more effective than meropenem therapy in eradicating E. coli from CSF.

Mouse hepatocyte response to peroxisome proliferators: dependency on hepatic nonparenchymal cells and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)

Peroxisome proliferators (PPs) are rodent nongenotoxic hepatocarcinogens that induce peroxisome proliferation and DNA synthesis, and suppress apoptosis in rodent hepatocytes. PPs act through the PP-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha); tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and hepatic nonparenchymal cells (NPCs), the major source of TNF alpha in the liver, have also been implicated in mediating the rodent hepatic response to PPs. Here we investigate the interaction between PPARalpha and NPCs in regulating the response to PPs. Using normal hepatocyte cultures containing around 20% NPCs, the PP nafenopin (50 microM) induced DNA synthesis and suppressed transforming growth factor beta1-induced apoptosis. However, when the NPCs were removed by differential centrifugation, nafenopin did not induce DNA synthesis or suppress apoptosis in the pure hepatocytes. Reconstitution of the normal hepatocyte cultures by mixing together the pure hepatocytes and the previously separated NPCs in the same proportions as the original cell preparation (17.7+/-8.7% NPCs) restored the response to nafenopin. Interestingly, nafenopin was still able to induce beta-oxidation in the pure hepatocyte cultures, consistent with NPCs being required for PP-induced growth but not for peroxisome proliferation. Next, we evaluated the role of PPARalpha in the hepatocyte dependency upon NPCs. Interestingly, NPCs isolated from PPARalpha-null mice, like those isolated from the wild-type NPCs, restored the hepatocyte response to nafenopin. However, as expected, PPARalpha-null hepatocytes remained non-responsive to PPs, irrespective of the genotype of the added NPCs. These data support a role for NPCs in facilitating a response of hepatocytes to PPs that is ultimately dependent on the presence of PPARalpha in the hepatocyte.

An exploration of evolved mental mechanisms for dominant and subordinate behaviour in relation to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia and critical thoughts in depression

BACKGROUND

Mental mechanisms have evolved to enable animals (and humans) to be able to function in various social roles. It is suggested that the nature and functions of the mental mechanisms that enable animals to act as a hostile-dominant or threatened-subordinate can be distinguished. It is further suggested these can be internally activated and 'play off' against each other, such that a person 'attacks' themselves and then responds to their own internal attacks with subordinate defences. Hence, a depressed person can submit, feel defeated, belittled, beaten down, or want to run away (escape) from their own self-attacking thoughts, while psychotic voice hearers can feel similarly to their hostile voices. Such internal interactions may relate to depression in both psychotic voice hearers and depressed people.

METHOD

A group of 66 voice hearers with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 50 depressed patients were compared on a series of self-report questionnaires measuring the power of hostile self-directed thoughts/voices and the activation of defensive responses, especially fight/flight.

RESULTS

We present evidence that schizophrenic, malevolent voice hearers and self-critical depressed people experience their hostile, internally generated voices/thoughts as powerful, dominating and controlling (i.e. have typical characteristics of a hostile dominant). Moreover, these voices/thoughts activate evolved subordinate defences such as fight/flight and these are associated with depression in both depression and schizophrenia.

CONCLUSION

Conceptualizing aspects of depressed and psychotic thinking as relating to evolved mental mechanisms, which are role serving, but can internally play off against each other, may open new ways of investigating certain aspects of severe pathologies.

Elevated cytokine and chemokine levels and prolonged pulmonary airflow resistance in a murine Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia model: a microbiologic, histologic, immunologic, and respiratory plethysmographic profile

Because Mycoplasma pneumoniae is hypothesized to play an important role in reactive airway disease/asthma, a comprehensive murine model of M. pneumoniae lower respiratory infection was established. BALB/c mice were intranasally inoculated once with M. pneumoniae and sacrificed at 0 to 42 days postinoculation. All mice became infected and developed histologic evidence of acute pulmonary inflammation, which cleared by 28 days postinoculation. By contrast, M. pneumoniae persisted in the respiratory tract for the entire 42 days studied. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, gamma interferon, interleukin-6 (IL-6), KC (functional IL-8), MIP-1alpha, and MCP-1/JE concentrations were significantly elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage samples, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations were not significantly elevated. Pulmonary airflow resistance, as measured by plethysmography, was detected 1 day postinoculation and persisted even after pulmonary inflammation had resolved at day 28. Serum anti-M. pneumoniae immunoglobulin G titers were positive in all mice by 35 days. This mouse model provides a means to investigate the immunopathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection and its possible role in reactive airway disease/asthma.