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Kundi M. Letter to the editor. Environment International 2024; 187:108665. [PMID: 38677087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Some have looked forward to the publication of the results of the COSMOS study on brain tumors, because the potential biases from retrospective investigations predominating the search for brain tumor risks of mobile phone use since the late 1990 s were deemed unresolvable by further investigations of that type. Indeed, prospective cohort studies typically have the advantage of being not or less affected by differential exposure misclassification, recall and selection bias, and, as they proceed in the direction of the time arrow, results are more easily interpreted in terms of causation. However, results of the COSMOS study published now in this journal are not of help for the risk assessment of mobile phone use and do not support the conclusions of the authors that their findings "suggest that the cumulative amount of mobile phone use is not associated with the risk of developing glioma, meningioma, or acoustic neuroma".
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kundi
- Medical University Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria
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Kundi M, Nersesyan A, Schmid G, Hutter HP, Eibensteiner F, Mišík M, Knasmüller S. Mobile phone specific radiation disturbs cytokinesis and causes cell death but not acute chromosomal damage in buccal cells: Results of a controlled human intervention study. Environ Res 2024:118634. [PMID: 38452915 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Several human studies indicate that mobile phone specific electromagnetic fields may cause cancer in humans but the underlying molecular mechanisms are currently not known. Studies concerning chromosomal damage (which is causally related to cancer induction) are controversial and are based on the use of questionnaires to assess the exposure. We realized the first human intervention trial in which chromosomal damage and acute toxic effects were studied under controlled conditions. The participants were exposed via headsets at one randomly assigned side of the head to low and high doses of a UMTS signal (n = 20, to 0.1 W/kg and n = 21 to 1.6 W/kg Specific Absorption Rate) for 2h on 5 consecutive days. Before and three weeks after the exposure buccal cells were collected from both cheeks and micronuclei (MN, which are formed as a consequence of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations) and other nuclear anomalies reflecting mitotic disturbance and acute cytotoxic effects were scored. We found no evidence for induction of MN and of nuclear buds which are caused by gene amplifications, but a significant increase of binucleated cells which are formed as a consequence of disturbed cell divisions, and of karyolitic cells, which are indicative for cell death. No such effects were seen in cells from the less exposed side. Our findings indicate that mobile phone specific high frequency electromagnetic fields do not cause acute chromosomal damage in oral mucosa cells under the present experimental conditions. However, we found clear evidence for disturbance of the cell cycle and cytotoxicity. These effects may play a causal role in the induction of adverse long term health effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Schmid
- EMC & Optics, Seibersdorf Labor GmbH, 2444 Seibersdorf, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Hutter
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Eibensteiner
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miroslav Mišík
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Knasmüller
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Spath T, Kundi M, Strassl R, Kornek G, Wetzlinger H, Thalhammer F, Handisurya A. On the impact of surveillance test strategies: a cost-benefit modelling analysis based upon real-world data from SARS-CoV-2. Public Health 2024; 228:1-7. [PMID: 38244316 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Active regular surveillance testing of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals can reduce infection and onward transmission rates, as demonstrated for SARS-CoV-2. STUDY DESIGN Cost-benefit analysis based on real-world data. METHODS Two different surveillance-testing strategies using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) performed in 14,177 hospital employees were compared for their costs and their effectiveness in preventing secondary infections. RESULTS Compared to not testing, NAAT-based testing twice a week accompanied by contact tracing or testing five times a week without tracing of contacts were more effective in preventing infections through early identification of infected individuals. While expansion of the test frequency from two to five times per week increased the initial costs, importantly, a 49.6 % higher inhibitory effect on infection growth with a 11.1-fold reduction of potentially averted infections and resulting workforce loss was observed, demonstrating a substantial cost-benefit of the 5-tests-per-week strategy. CONCLUSIONS Adaptation of the test frequency of SARS-CoV-2 and possibly of other pathogens with epidemic potential according to the prevailing incidences and reproduction rates in high-prevalence situations may not only be beneficial in averting potential infections in hospital employees and, subsequently, on a population level but may also represent the most cost-effective method.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Spath
- University Hospital Vienna, Directorate of Nursing Services, Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Public Health, Department for Environmental Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Strassl
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Virology, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Kornek
- University Hospital Vienna, Medical Directorate, Vienna, Austria
| | - H Wetzlinger
- University Hospital Vienna, Directorate, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Thalhammer
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Urology, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Handisurya
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Vienna, Austria.
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Camp I, Füszl A, Selitsch B, Kröckel I, Kovac K, Wahrmann M, Steinlechner B, Weber J, Schellongowski P, Zauner C, Sengölge G, Seitz T, Zoufaly A, Ströbele B, Fuchs S, Lass-Flörl C, Burgmann H, Kundi M, Willinger B. Is the T2 magnetic resonance imaging Candida panel a suitable alternative to the SeptiFast for the rapid diagnosis of candidemia in routine clinical practice? Clin Microbiol Infect 2024:S1198-743X(24)00099-5. [PMID: 38432432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2024.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The diagnosis of invasive Candida infection remains challenging because of tests with slow turnaround times or mediocre performance. T2magnetic resonance imaging is a new diagnostic tool. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of the T2Candida panel (T2) in comparison with blood culture (BC) and the SeptiFast (SF) for the detection of five different Candida species among high-risk intensive care unit patients with suspected candidemia. METHODS We analysed blood samples collected from patients with suspected candidemia (177 samples from 138 patients) from August 2018 to April 2020. Blood samples were collected and analysed concurrently by BC, SF, and T2Candida. Subsequently, based on clinical and microbiological findings, patient samples were assigned to specific risk categories (proven, probable, and no candidemia). RESULTS Twenty-two samples from 17 patients were classified as proven candidemia, and 15 samples from 14 patients were classified as probable candidemia. A sensitivity of 68.2% (95% CI, 45-86%) was observed for the BC and the SF, and a sensitivity of 63.6% (95% CI, 41-83%) was observed for the T2 when only cases with proven candidemia were evaluated. For proven and probable candidemia, the sensitivity was 40.5% (95% CI, 23-58%) for BC, 81.1% (95% CI, 65-92%) for SF, and 73.0% (95% CI, 56-86%) for T2. DISCUSSION The diagnostic performance of SF and T2 was similar. For samples with proven/probable candidemia, SF and T2 had a higher sensitivity compared to BC. Used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods, T2 can replace the no longer available SF for the diagnosis of candidemia, enabling the timely initiation of targeted antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Camp
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid Füszl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Selitsch
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivonne Kröckel
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Kovac
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Wahrmann
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Steinlechner
- Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Weber
- University Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Intensive Care Unit 9D, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Schellongowski
- Department of Medicine I, Intensive Care Unit 13i2, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center of Excellence in Medical Intensive Care, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Zauner
- Department of Medicine III, Intensive Care Unit 13H1, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guerkan Sengölge
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara Seitz
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Austria and Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- 4th Medical Department with Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Austria and Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Ströbele
- University Hospital of St. Pölten, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, St Pölten, Austria
| | - Stefan Fuchs
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heinz Burgmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Willinger
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Geissler N, Orola M, Alinaghi M, Nardo A, Stulnig TM, Séneca J, Schmid A, Korb E, Svoboda T, Garner-Spitzer E, Kundi M, Ehling-Schulz M, Schabussova I, Inic-Kanada A, Wiedermann U. Obesity increases allergic airway inflammation that can be successfully treated by oral tolerance. Allergy 2024; 79:529-533. [PMID: 38149746 DOI: 10.1111/all.15989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Geissler
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Orola
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Masoumeh Alinaghi
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Nardo
- Clinical Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas M Stulnig
- Clinical Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Medicine III and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Metabolic Diseases and Nephrology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joana Séneca
- Joint Microbiome Facility of the Medical University of Vienna and the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Schmid
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke Korb
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Svoboda
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Ehling-Schulz
- Functional Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandra Inic-Kanada
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Kundi M. Summertime, wintertime, a biannual shift or what? : A polylemma! Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02324-6. [PMID: 38277025 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Zhjeqi V, Kundi M, Shahini M, Ahmetaj H, Ahmetaj L, Krasniqi S. Correlation between parents and child’s version of the child health survey for asthma questionnaire. Eur Clin Respir J 2023; 10:2194165. [PMID: 37006411 PMCID: PMC10054174 DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2023.2194165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The American Academy of Pediatrics Children's Health Survey for Asthma (CHSA) is a widely used instrument to assess various aspects of health and well-being in relation to asthma. There is a parent and a child version of this questionnaire and little is known about the concordance between these versions. Method In a cross-sectional study conducted in 13 facilities, hospitals and outpatient clinics covering all areas of Kosovo, children with asthma aged 7-16 years were enrolled. Information about asthma diagnosis was obtained from the treating physician. Children and parents answered the CHSA, parent or child version (CHSA-C) as well as a number of questions about environmental conditions, health insurance and socio-demographic characteristics. Results The survey included 161 Kosovar children with asthma and their caregivers. Although there were significant differences between parents and child versions regarding physical health, child activity and emotional health, with parents rating physical and emotional health higher and child activity lower, there were significant correlations (R > 0.7) for physical and child activity scales but only a low one (R = 0.25) for emotional health. Inspection of concordance for single items revealed very high correlations (>0.9) for all disease events, but a significant underestimation of the number of wheezing episodes by parents. Good agreement was found for statements about disease severity. Conclusions The high correlation between information about children's health obtained from parents and children underlines the usefulness of parents as source of information on child's asthma. Impact of the disease on emotional health is, however, underestimated by parents.
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Tobias J, Högler S, Raigel M, Lin DSC, Chao Y, Kenner L, Garner-Spitzer E, Yavrom S, Ede NJ, Zielinski CC, Kundi M, Wiedermann U. Preclinical and Clinical Observations Implying Combination Therapy to Enhance the Efficacy of the Her-2/neu B-Cell Peptide-Based Vaccine HER-Vaxx and to Prevent Immune Evasion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:287. [PMID: 38203458 PMCID: PMC10778754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Her-2/neu-targeting therapy by passive application with trastuzumab is associated with acquired resistance and subsequent metastasis development, which is attributed to the upregulation of tumoral PD-L1 expression and the downregulation of Her-2/neu. We aimed to investigate this association, following active immunization with our recently constructed B-cell peptide-based Her-2/neu vaccines in both preclinical and clinical settings. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and combined positive score (CPS) were applied to evaluate Her-2/neu and PD-L1 expression using a murine syngeneic tumor model for Her-2/neu lung metastases and tumor biopsies from a gastric cancer patient with disease progression. A significant and concomitant reduction in Her-2/neu and the upregulation of PD-L1 expression was observed in vaccinated mice after 45 days, but not after 30 days, of metastases development. A significant increase in tumor-infiltrating B lymphocytes was observed at both time points. The downregulation of Her-2/neu and the upregulation of PD-L1 were observed in a patient's primary tumor at the disease progression time point but not prior to vaccination (Her-2/neu IHC: 3 to 0, FISH: 4.98 to 1.63; PD-L1 CPS: 0% to 5%). Our results further underline the need for combination therapy by targeting PD-L1 to prevent metastasis formation and immune evasion of Her-2/neu-positive and PD-L1-negative tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Tobias
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sandra Högler
- Institute of Pathology, Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.)
| | - Martin Raigel
- Institute of Pathology, Unit of Laboratory Animal Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.H.)
| | - Diego Shih-Chieh Lin
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (D.S.-C.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yee Chao
- Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan; (D.S.-C.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Sharon Yavrom
- Imugene Limited, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (S.Y.); (N.J.E.)
| | - Nicholas J. Ede
- Imugene Limited, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia; (S.Y.); (N.J.E.)
| | - Christoph C. Zielinski
- Central European Cancer Center, Wiener Privatklinik, and Central European Cooperative Oncology Group (CECOG), 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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9
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Brazhnikov G, Smolnikov E, Litovkina A, Jiang T, Shatilov A, Tulaeva I, Tulaev M, Karaulov A, Poroshina A, Zhernov Y, Focke‐Tejkl M, Weber M, Akinfenwa O, Elisyutina O, Andreev S, Shilovskiy I, Shershakova N, Smirnov V, Fedenko E, Lepeshkova TS, Beltyukov EC, Naumova VV, Kundi M, Khaitov M, Wiedermann U, Valenta R, Campana R. Natural human Bet v 1-specific IgG antibodies recognize non-conformational epitopes whereas IgE reacts with conformational epitopes. Allergy 2023; 78:3136-3153. [PMID: 37701941 PMCID: PMC10952721 DOI: 10.1111/all.15865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nature of epitopes on Bet v 1 recognized by natural IgG antibodies of birch pollen allergic patients and birch pollen-exposed but non-sensitized subjects has not been studied in detail. OBJECTIVE To investigate IgE and IgG recognition of Bet v 1 and to study the effects of natural Bet v 1-specific IgG antibodies on IgE recognition of Bet v 1 and Bet v 1-induced basophil activation. METHODS Sera from birch pollen allergic patients (BPA, n = 76), allergic patients without birch pollen allergy (NBPA, n = 40) and non-allergic individuals (NA, n = 48) were tested for IgE, IgG as well as IgG1 and IgG4 reactivity to folded recombinant Bet v 1, two unfolded recombinant Bet v 1 fragments comprising the N-terminal (F1) and C-terminal half of Bet v 1 (F2) and unfolded peptides spanning the corresponding sequences of Bet v 1 and the apple allergen Mal d 1 by ELISA or micro-array analysis. The ability of Bet v 1-specific serum antibodies from non-allergic subjects to inhibit allergic patients IgE or IgG binding to rBet v 1 or to unfolded Bet v 1-derivatives was assessed by competition ELISAs. Furthermore, the ability of serum antibodies from allergic and non-allergic subjects to modulate Bet v 1-induced basophil activation was investigated using rat basophilic leukaemia cells expressing the human FcεRI which had been loaded with IgE from BPA patients. RESULTS IgE antibodies from BPA patients react almost exclusively with conformational epitopes whereas IgG, IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies from BPA, NBPA and NA subjects recognize mainly unfolded and sequential epitopes. IgG competition studies show that IgG specific for unfolded/sequential Bet v 1 epitopes is not inhibited by folded Bet v 1 and hence the latter seem to represent cryptic epitopes. IgG reactivity to Bet v 1 peptides did not correlate with IgG reactivity to the corresponding Mal d 1 peptides and therefore does not seem to be a result of primary sensitization to PR10 allergen-containing food. Natural Bet v 1-specific IgG antibodies inhibited IgE binding to Bet v 1 only poorly and could even enhance Bet v 1-specific basophil activation. CONCLUSION IgE and IgG antibodies from BPA patients and birch pollen-exposed non-sensitized subjects recognize different epitopes. These findings explain why natural allergen-specific IgG do not protect against allergic symptoms and suggest that allergen-specific IgE and IgG have different clonal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii Brazhnikov
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Evgenii Smolnikov
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of MedicineRUDN UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Alla Litovkina
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of MedicineRUDN UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Tianchi Jiang
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Artem Shatilov
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Inna Tulaeva
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologyI.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)MoscowRussia
| | - Mikhail Tulaev
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Alexander Karaulov
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologyI.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)MoscowRussia
| | - Alina Poroshina
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Yury Zhernov
- F. Erismann Institute of Public HealthI.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)MoscowRussia
| | - Margarete Focke‐Tejkl
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
| | - Milena Weber
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Oluwatoyin Akinfenwa
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Olga Elisyutina
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
- Department of Immunology, Institute of MedicineRUDN UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Sergey Andreev
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Igor Shilovskiy
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Nadezhda Shershakova
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Valeriy Smirnov
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | - Elena Fedenko
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
| | | | - Evgeny Cronidovich Beltyukov
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Endocrinology, Allergology and ImmunologyUral State Medical UniversityYekaterinburgRussia
| | - Veronika Victorovna Naumova
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Endocrinology, Allergology and ImmunologyUral State Medical UniversityYekaterinburgRussia
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Public HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Musa Khaitov
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical UniversityMoscowRussia
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- National Research Center Institute of Immunology Federal Medical‐Biological Agency of RussiaMoscowRussia
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologyI.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)MoscowRussia
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
| | - Raffaela Campana
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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10
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Garner-Spitzer E, Wagner A, Gudipati V, Schoetta AM, Orola-Taus M, Kundi M, Kunert R, Mayrhofer P, Huppa JB, Stockinger H, Carsetti R, Gattinger P, Valenta R, Kratzer B, Sehgal ANA, Pickl WF, Reinisch W, Novacek G, Wiedermann U. Lower magnitude and faster waning of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in anti-TNF-α-treated IBD patients are linked to lack of activation and expansion of cTfh1 cells and impaired B memory cell formation. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104788. [PMID: 37672867 PMCID: PMC10485594 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy controls received primary SARS-CoV-2-mRNA vaccination and a booster after six months. Anti-TNF-α-treated patients showed significantly lower antibody (Ab) levels and faster waning than α4β7-integrin-antagonist recipients and controls. This prospective cohort study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms on the basis of circulating T-follicular helper cells (cTfh) and B memory cells. METHODS We measured SARS-CoV-2- Wuhan and Omicron specific Abs, B- and T-cell subsets at baseline and kinetics of Spike (S)-specific B memory cells along with distributions of activated cTfh subsets before and after primary and booster vaccination. FINDINGS Lower and faster waning of Ab levels in anti-TNF-α treated IBD patients was associated with low numbers of total and naïve B cells vs. expanded plasmablasts prior to vaccination. Along with their low Ab levels against Wuhan and Omicron VOCs, reduced S-specific B memory cells were identified after the 2nd dose which declined to non-detectable after 6 months. In contrast, IBD patients with α4β7-integrin-antagonists and controls mounted and retained high Ab levels after the 2nd dose, which was associated with a pronounced increase in S-specific B memory cells that were maintained or expanded up to 6 months. Booster vaccination led to a strong increase of Abs with neutralizing capacity and S-specific B memory cells in these groups, which was not the case in anti-TNF-α treated IBD patients. Of note, Ab levels and S-specific B memory cells in particular post-booster correlated with the activation of cTfh1 cells after primary vaccination. INTERPRETATIONS The reduced magnitude, persistence and neutralization capacity of SARS-CoV-2 specific Abs after vaccination in anti-TNF-α-treated IBD patients were associated with impaired formation and maintenance of S-specific B memory cells, likely due to absent cTfh1 activation leading to extra-follicular immune responses and diminished B memory cell diversification. These observations have implications for patient-tailored vaccination schedules/vaccines in anti-TNF-α-treated patients, irrespective of their underlying disease. FUNDING The study was funded by third party funding of the Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine at the Medical University Vienna. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, data analyses, interpretation, or writing of report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Angelika Wagner
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Venugopal Gudipati
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna-Margarita Schoetta
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Orola-Taus
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Kunert
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Mayrhofer
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rita Carsetti
- B Cell Research Unit, Immunology Research Area, Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital, IRCCS; Rome, Italy
| | - Pia Gattinger
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Division of Immunopathology, Vienna, Austria; Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Reinisch
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Novacek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Mišík M, Kundi M, Worel N, Ferk F, Hutter HP, Grusch M, Nersesyan A, Herrera Morales D, Knasmueller S. Impact of mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields on DNA damage caused by occupationally relevant exposures: results of ex vivo experiments with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from different demographic groups. Mutagenesis 2023; 38:227-237. [PMID: 37418160 PMCID: PMC10448860 DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gead022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if age and body mass of humans have an impact on the DNA-damaging properties of high-frequency mobile phone-specific electromagnetic fields (HF-EMF, 1950 MHz, universal mobile telecommunications system, UMTS signal) and if this form of radiation has an impact on the genotoxic effects of occupationally relevant exposures. Pooled peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from three groups [young normal weight, young obese (YO), and older age normal weight individuals] were exposed to different doses of HF-EMF (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 W/kg specific absorption rate-SAR) and simultaneously or sequentially to different chemicals which cause DNA damage (CrO3, NiCl2, benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-BPDE, and 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-4NQO) via different molecular mechanisms. We found no difference in regard to the background values in the three groups but a significant increase of DNA damage (81% without and 36% with serum) in cells from old participants after radiation with 1.0 W/kg SAR 16 h. In combined treatment experiments we found no impact of the UMTS signal on chemically induced DNA damage in the different groups in general. However, a moderate decrease of DNA damage was seen in simultaneous treatment experiments with BPDE and 1.0 W/kg SAR in the YO group (decline 18%). Taken together our findings indicate that HF-EMF cause DNA damage in PBMC from older subjects (69.1 years). Furthermore, they show that the radiation does not increase induction of DNA damage by occupationally relevant chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Mišík
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Worel
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Ferk
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Hutter
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Grusch
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health
- 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence to: M Kundi
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13
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Mišík M, Staudinger M, Kundi M, Worel N, Nersesyan A, Ferk F, Dusinska M, Azqueta A, Møller P, Knasmueller S. Use of the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Assay for the Detection of DNA-protective Dietary Factors: Results of Human Intervention Studies. Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res 2023; 791:108458. [PMID: 37031732 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
The single cell gel electrophoresis technique is based on the measurement of DNA migration in an electric field and enables to investigate via determination of DNA-damage the impact of foods and their constituents on the genetic stability. DNA-damage leads to adverse effects including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and infertility. In the last 25 years approximately 90 human intervention trials have been published in which DNA-damage, formation of oxidized bases, alterations of the sensitivity towards reactive oxygen species and chemicals and of repair functions were investigated with this technique. In approximately 50% of the studies protective effects were observed. Pronounced protection was found with certain plant foods (spinach, kiwi fruits, onions), coffee, green tea, honey and olive oil. Also diets with increased contents of vegetables caused positive effects. Small amounts of certain phenolics (gallic acid, xanthohumol) prevented oxidative damage of DNA; with antioxidant vitamins and cholecalciferol protective effects were only detected after intake of doses that exceed the recommended daily uptake values. The evaluation of the quality of the studies showed that many have methodological shortcomings (lack of controls, no calibration of repair enzymes, inadequate control of the compliance and statistical analyses) which should be avoided in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Mišík
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlen Staudinger
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadine Worel
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Ferk
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Dusinska
- Health Effects Laboratory, Department of Environmental Chemistry, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2002 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Amaya Azqueta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Peter Møller
- Section of Environmental Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Siegfried Knasmueller
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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14
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Wagner A, Jasinska J, Schmid D, Kundi M, Wiedermann U. Lack of seroprotection against diphtheria in the Austrian population, in light of reported diphtheria cases in Europe, 2022. Euro Surveill 2023; 28. [PMID: 37103786 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.17.2300206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Following an increase in diphtheria cases in Europe since 2022, we retrospectively estimated the prevalence of seroprotection against diphtheria and tetanus in 10,247 Austrian residents (population: 8,978,929) voluntarily tested between 2018 and 2022. Lack of seroprotection against diphtheria was found in 36% compared with 4% against tetanus. The geometric mean antibody concentration against tetanus was 7.9-fold higher compared with that for diphtheria. Raising awareness of regular booster vaccinations against diphtheria in combination with tetanus and pertussis is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Wagner
- Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joanna Jasinska
- Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Schmid
- Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Division of Infection Diagnosis and Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center of Public Health, Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Ferk F, Mišík M, Ernst B, Prager G, Bichler C, Mejri D, Gerner C, Bileck A, Kundi M, Langie S, Holzmann K, Knasmueller S. Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Stability of the Genetic Material, Oxidation, and Repair of DNA and Telomere Lengths. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030760. [PMID: 36979008 PMCID: PMC10045389 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity causes genetic instability, which plays a key-role in the etiology of cancer and aging. We investigated the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on DNA repair, oxidative DNA damage, telomere lengths, alterations of antioxidant enzymes and, selected proteins which reflect inflammation. The study was realized with BS patients (n = 35). DNA damage, base oxidation, BER, and NER were measured before and 1 month and 6 months after surgery with the single-cell gel electrophoresis technique. SOD and GPx were quantified spectrophotometrically, malondealdehyde (MDA) was quantified by HPLC. Telomere lengths were determined with qPCR, and plasma proteome profiling was performed with high-resolution mass spectrophotometry. Six months after the operations, reduction of body weight by 27.5% was observed. DNA damage decreased after this period, this effect was paralleled by reduced formation of oxidized DNA bases, a decline in the MDA levels and of BER and NER, and an increase in the telomere lengths. The activities of antioxidant enzymes were not altered. Clear downregulation of certain proteins (CRP, SAA1) which reflect inflammation and cancer risks was observed. Our findings show that BS causes reduced oxidative damage of DNA bases, possibly as a consequence of reduction of inflammation and lipid peroxidation, and indicate that the surgery has beneficial long-term health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ferk
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Miroslav Mišík
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Ernst
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Prager
- Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Bichler
- Department of Surgery, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Mejri
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University and Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Bileck
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Joint Metabolome Facility, University and Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department for Environmental Health, Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Langie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Holzmann
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Knasmueller
- Center of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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16
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Santonja I, Stiasny K, Essl A, Heinz FX, Kundi M, Holzmann H. Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Vaccinated Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study and Analysis of Vaccination Field Effectiveness in Austria From 2000 to 2018. J Infect Dis 2023; 227:512-521. [PMID: 35235953 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are discrepant observations on the severity of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in vaccinated persons. We, therefore, analyzed the occurrence of severe and mild disease in hospitalized vaccinated and nonvaccinated patients with TBE and determined the field effectiveness (FE) of vaccination against these forms of disease. METHODS The study covered all patients hospitalized with TBE in Austria from 2000 to 2018. Clinical diagnoses in vaccinated and age- and sex-matched nonvaccinated patients were compared in a nested case-control study. FE was calculated based on vaccination coverage and incidences in the nonvaccinated and vaccinated population. RESULTS Of 1545 patients hospitalized with TBE, 206 were vaccinated. In those, a higher proportion of severe TBE was observed, especially in children. FE was high in all age groups and against all forms of disease. The higher proportion of severe TBE can be explained by a lower FE against severe than against mild disease, a difference especially pronounced in children (FE, 82.7% for severe vs 94.7% for mild disease). CONCLUSIONS The FE of TBE vaccination is excellent. The observed higher proportion of severe disease in vaccinated persons with TBE does not reflect a higher risk associated with vaccination but is rather due to a somewhat lower FE against severe TBE. Because this effect was more pronounced in children, we recommend adapting the immunization schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Santonja
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid Essl
- Astrid Essl Consulting-Gesundheitsforschung, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Franz X Heinz
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Graf I, Greiner G, Marculescu R, Gleixner KV, Herndlhofer S, Stefanzl G, Knoebl P, Jäger U, Hauswirth A, Schwarzinger I, Thalhammer R, Kundi M, Hoermann G, Mitterbauer-Hohendanner G, Valent P, Sperr WR. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide is a prognostic marker for response to intensive chemotherapy, early death, and overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:290-299. [PMID: 36588398 PMCID: PMC10107495 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Patient-related factors are of prognostic importance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Likewise, cardiac disorders may limit the tolerance of intensive therapy. Little is known about the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We analyzed NT-proBNP levels at diagnosis in 312 AML patients (median age: 61 years; range 17-89 years) treated with 3 + 7-based induction-chemotherapy and consolidation with up to four cycles of intermediate or high-dose ARA-C. NT-proBNP levels were elevated in 199 patients (63.8%), normal (0-125 pg/ml) in 113 (36.2%), and highly elevated (>2000 pg/ml) in 20 patients (6.4%). Median NT-proBNP levels differed significantly among patients with complete remission (153.3 pg/ml), no remission (225.9 pg/ml), or early death (735.5 pg/ml) (p = .002). In multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP, age, and the 2009 European LeukemiaNet (ELN-2009) classification were independent predictors of outcome after induction chemotherapy. Overall survival (OS) differed significantly between patients with normal, moderately elevated, and highly elevated NT-proBNP (p < .001). These differences were observed in all patients and in patients <60 years but not in those ≥60 years. In multivariate analysis, NT-proBNP, age, and ELN-2009 remained independent prognostic variables for OS (p < .01). Together, NT-proBNP is an independent prognostic factor indicating the risk of induction failure, early death, and reduced OS in patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Graf
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Herndlhofer
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Stefanzl
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Knoebl
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrich Jäger
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Hauswirth
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ilse Schwarzinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Thalhammer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Peter Valent
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Besirevic-Bulic F, Schmid-Schwap M, Kundi M, Sagl B, Piehslinger E. Wear Management of Colored Foils for the Assessment of Sleep Bruxism Patterns-A Prospective, Randomized Crossover Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020172. [PMID: 36672982 PMCID: PMC9858571 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The assessment of bruxism relies on clinical examinations, questionnaires, and polysomnography. The additional use of colored foils (BruxChecker®) could enable a more precise evaluation of bruxing patterns. To assess differences between use of the foils during stress periods or just on consecutive nights and to determine a reasonable duration of using the foils, 28 patients were classified according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) and were randomly assigned to wearing the 12 foils for six consecutive nights (alternately in the upper and lower jaw; "consecutive") or six nights within one month following days of high stress ("stress") in a crossover design. The sizes of the attrition areas were measured with ImageJ. Stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale. The Stress Coping Questionnaire (SVF-120) was used for assessing habitual stress coping strategies. Areas of attrition increased significantly from day 1/2 to 5/6, both for the upper and lower jaw. Molars in the mandible had significantly larger attrition areas than in the maxilla. No significant differences were detected between "consecutive" and "stress" phases. The foils were suitable for differentiating teeth more or less affected by bruxism and were able to show that areas of attrition increased with days, indicating that some adaptation takes place and several days of wearing the foils are required to show the full picture. However, no differences between low/moderate- and high-stress phases were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferida Besirevic-Bulic
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Martina Schmid-Schwap
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Sagl
- Center of Clinical Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Piehslinger
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Sensengasse 2a, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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19
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Graf I, Herndlhofer S, Kundi M, Greiner G, Sperr M, Hadzijusufovic E, Valent P, Sperr WR. Incidence of symptomatic Covid-19 infections in patients with mastocytosis and chronic myeloid leukemia: A comparison with the general Austrian population. Eur J Haematol 2023; 110:67-76. [PMID: 36193973 PMCID: PMC9874474 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic has impacted the management of patients with hematologic disorders. In some entities, an increased risk for Covid-19 infections was reported, whereas others including chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) had a lower mortality. We have analyzed the prevalence of Covid-19 infections in patients with mastocytosis during the Covid-19 pandemic in comparison to data from CML patients and the general Austrian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The prevalence of infections and PCR-proven Covid-19 infections was analyzed in 92 patients with mastocytosis. As controls, we used 113 patients with CML and the expected prevalence of Covid-19 in the general Austrian population. RESULTS In 25% of the patients with mastocytosis (23/92) signs and symptoms of infection, including fever (n = 11), dry cough (n = 10), sore throat (n = 12), pneumonia (n = 1), and dyspnea (n = 3) were recorded. Two (8.7%) of these symptomatic patients had a PCR-proven Covid-19 infection. Thus, the prevalence of Covid-19 infections in mastocytosis was 2.2%. The number of comorbidities, subtype of mastocytosis, regular exercise, smoking habits, age, or duration of disease at the time of interview did not differ significantly between patients with and without Covid-19 infections. In the CML cohort, 23.9% (27/113) of patients reported signs and symptoms of infection (fever, n = 8; dry cough, n = 17; sore throat, n = 11; dyspnea, n = 5). Six (22.2%) of the symptomatic patients had a PCR-proven Covid-19 infection. The prevalence of Covid-19 in all CML patients was 5.3%. The observed number of Covid-19 infections neither in mastocytosis nor in CML patients differed significantly from the expected number of Covid-19 infections in the Austrian population. CONCLUSIONS Our data show no significant difference in the prevalence of Covid-19 infections among patients with mastocytosis, CML, and the general Austrian population and thus, in mastocytosis, the risk of a Covid-19 infection was not increased compared to the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Graf
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Susanne Herndlhofer
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental HealthMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic LaboratoriesViennaAustria
| | - Martina Sperr
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Peter Valent
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Wolfgang R. Sperr
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine IMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Hematology and OncologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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20
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Freidl R, Garib V, Linhart B, Haberl EM, Mader I, Szépfalusi Z, Schmidthaler K, Douladiris N, Pampura A, Varlamov E, Lepeshkova T, Beltyukov E, Naumova V, Taka S, Nosova D, Guliashko O, Kundi M, Kiyamova A, Katsamaki S, Valenta R. Extensively Hydrolyzed Hypoallergenic Infant Formula with Retained T Cell Reactivity. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010111. [PMID: 36615769 PMCID: PMC9824366 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) can be life-threatening and affects up to 3% of children. Hypoallergenic infant formulas based on hydrolyzed cow's milk protein are increasingly considered for therapy and prevention of cow's milk allergy. The aim of this study was to investigate the allergenic activity and ability to induce T cell and cytokine responses of an infant formula based on extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein (whey) (eHF, extensively hydrolyzed formula) supplemented with Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LF) to determine its suitability for treatment and prevention of CMA. METHODS eHF and standard protein formula based on intact cow's milk proteins (iPF) with or without Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (LF) were investigated with allergen-specific antibodies and tested for IgE reactivity and allergenic activity in basophil degranulation assays with sera from cow's milk (CM)-allergic infants/children. Their ability to stimulate T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from CM-allergic infants and children was studied with a FACS-based carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution assay and xMAP Luminex fluorescent bead-based technology, respectively. RESULTS An eHF supplemented with GOS and LF exhibiting almost no IgE reactivity and allergenic activity was identified. This eHF induced significantly lower inflammatory cytokine secretion as compared to an intact protein-based infant formula but retained T cell reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Due to strongly reduced allergenic activity and induction of inflammatory cytokine secretion but retained T cell reactivity, the identified eHF may be used for treatment and prevention of CMA by induction of specific T cell tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Freidl
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Victoria Garib
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- International Center of Molecular Allergology, Ministry of Innovation Development, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Birgit Linhart
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Isabelle Mader
- HiPP GmbH & Co. Vertrieb KG, 85276 Pfaffenhofen, Germany
| | - Zsolt Szépfalusi
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Klara Schmidthaler
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergy and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikos Douladiris
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexander Pampura
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics Named after Yuri Veltischev at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniy Varlamov
- Department of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics Named after Yuri Veltischev at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Russian Ministry of Health, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Lepeshkova
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Endocrinology, Allergology and Immunology, Ural State Medical University, 620014 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Beltyukov
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Endocrinology, Allergology and Immunology, Ural State Medical University, 620014 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Veronika Naumova
- Department of Faculty Therapy, Endocrinology, Allergology and Immunology, Ural State Medical University, 620014 Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Styliani Taka
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dina Nosova
- Allergy Department, UNIMED Laboratories, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Guliashko
- Allergy Department, UNIMED Laboratories, 119049 Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department for Environmental Heath, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Kiyamova
- International Center of Molecular Allergology, Ministry of Innovation Development, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Stefani Katsamaki
- International Center of Molecular Allergology, Ministry of Innovation Development, Tashkent 100174, Uzbekistan
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, 119049 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119049 Moscow, Russia
- Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40400-50420
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21
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Nugnes R, Russo C, Lavorgna M, Orlo E, Kundi M, Isidori M. Polystyrene microplastic particles in combination with pesticides and antiviral drugs: Toxicity and genotoxicity in Ceriodaphnia dubia. Environ Pollut 2022; 313:120088. [PMID: 36075334 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are recognized as non-negligible sources of plastic contamination for the marine environment that is the final acceptor of 53 thousand tons of plastic per year. In this context, microplastic particles are well known to directly pose a great threat to freshwater organisms, they also indirectly affect the aquatic ecosystem by adsorbing and acting as a vector for the transport of other pollutants ("Trojan horse effect"). Polystyrene is one of the most widely produced plastics on a global scale, and it is among the most abundant microplastic particles found in freshwaters. Nevertheless, to date few studies have focused on the eco-genotoxic effects on freshwater organisms caused by polystyrene microplastic particles (PS-MPs) in combination with other pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides. The aim of this study is to investigate chronic and sub-chronic effects of the microplastic polystyrene beads (PS-MP, 1.0 μm) both as individual xenobiotic and in combination (binary/ternary mixtures) with the acicloguanosine antiviral drug acyclovir (AC), and the neonicotinoid broad-spectrum insecticide imidacloprid (IMD) in one of the most sensitive non-target organisms of the freshwater food chain: the cladoceran crustacean Ceriodaphnia dubia. Considering that the individually selected xenobiotics have different modes of action and/or different biological sites, the Bliss independence was used as reference model for this research. Basically, when C. dubia neonates were exposed for 24 h to the mixtures during Comet assay, mostly an antagonistic genotoxic effect was observed. When neonates were exposed to the mixtures for 7 days, mostly an additive chronic toxic effect occurred at concentrations very close or even overlapping to the environmental ones ranging from units to tens of ng/L for PS-MPs, from tenths/hundredths to units of μg/L for AC and from units to hundreds of μg/L for IMD, revealing great environmental concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Nugnes
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Chiara Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Margherita Lavorgna
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Elena Orlo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Michael Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Marina Isidori
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy.
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22
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Spath T, Brunner-Ziegler S, Stamm T, Thalhammer F, Kundi M, Purkhauser K, Handisurya A. Modelling the protective effect of previous compulsory smallpox vaccination against human monkeypox infection: from hypothesis to a worst case scenario. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 124:107-112. [PMID: 36126863 PMCID: PMC9547495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Human monkeypox (MPX) cases are escalating worldwide. Smallpox vaccination, which was compulsory in Austria until 1981, was reported to confer 85% cross-protection against MPX. Methods To assess the impact of smallpox vaccine-induced protection, the age-dependent vaccine-induced immunity against human MPX and the probability of infection according to age in the general population of Vienna, Austria, were determined using a modified susceptible-infected-removed model. Results Within the population born before 1981, the average vaccine-induced protective effect was calculated at 50.4%, whereas in the population born thereafter, protection was lacking. The overall probability of infection after exposure to an infected patient was calculated at 73.8%, which exceeds the threshold value of 46.9% for an index patient to infect at least one other person (R ≥1.0). Conclusion Our model shows that if no additional interventions are taken, the collective immunization status of the population alone will not suffice to contain human MPX. Although the majority of cases have occurred in a subpopulation, given the steadily increasing incidence, dissemination into the general population remains possible, as observed before with HIV. Our model emphasizes the need for adequate containment measures and may aid in specific risk assessment because it can easily be adapted to other populations and cohorts worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Spath
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Brunner-Ziegler
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Medicine II, Division of Angiology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Stamm
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Institute of Outcomes Research, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Michael Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center of Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kim Purkhauser
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Dermatology, Vienna, Austria
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23
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Kratzer B, Schlax LC, Gattinger P, Waidhofer‐Söllner P, Trapin D, Tauber PA, Sehgal ANA, Körmöczi U, Rottal A, Feichter M, Oberhofer T, Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer K, Borochova K, Dorofeeva Y, Tulaeva I, Weber M, Mühl B, Kropfmüller A, Negrin B, Kundi M, Valenta R, Pickl WF. Combined assessment of S- and N-specific IL-2 and IL-13 secretion and CD69 neo-expression for discrimination of post-infection and post-vaccination cellular SARS-CoV-2-specific immune response. Allergy 2022; 77:3408-3425. [PMID: 35690994 PMCID: PMC9348018 DOI: 10.1111/all.15406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-based tests are available for measuring SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses but fast T-cell assays remain scarce. Robust T cell-based tests are needed to differentiate specific cellular immune responses after infection from those after vaccination. METHODS One hundred seventeen individuals (COVID-19 convalescent patients: n = 40; SARS-CoV-2 vaccinees: n = 41; healthy controls: n = 36) were evaluated for SARS-CoV-2-specific cellular immune responses (proliferation, Th1, Th2, Th17, and inflammatory cytokines, activation-induced marker [AIM] expression) by incubating purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or whole blood (WB) with SARS-CoV-2 peptides (S, N, or M), vaccine antigens (tetanus toxoid, tick borne encephalitis virus) or polyclonal stimuli (Staphylococcal enterotoxin, phytohemagglutinin). RESULTS N-peptide mix stimulation of WB identified the combination of IL-2 and IL-13 secretion as superior to IFN-γ secretion to discriminate between COVID-19-convalescent patients and healthy controls (p < .0001). Comparable results were obtained with M- or S-peptides, the latter almost comparably recalled IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-13 responses in WB of vaccinees. Analysis 10 months as opposed to 10 weeks after COVID-19, but not allergic disease status, positively correlated with IL-13 recall responses. WB cytokine responses correlated with cytokine and proliferation responses of PBMC. Antigen-induced neo-expression of the C-type lectin CD69 on CD4+ (p < .0001) and CD8+ (p = .0002) T cells informed best about the SARS-CoV-2 exposure status with additional benefit coming from CD25 upregulation. CONCLUSION Along with N- and S-peptide-induced IL-2 and CD69 neo-expression, we suggest to include the type 2 cytokine IL-13 as T-cellular recall marker for SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cellular immune responses after infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kratzer
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Larissa C. Schlax
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Pia Gattinger
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria
| | - Petra Waidhofer‐Söllner
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Doris Trapin
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Peter A. Tauber
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Al Nasar Ahmed Sehgal
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Ulrike Körmöczi
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Arno Rottal
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Melanie Feichter
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | - Teresa Oberhofer
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria
| | | | - Kristina Borochova
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria
| | - Yulia Dorofeeva
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria
| | - Inna Tulaeva
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria,I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologyLaboratory for ImmunopathologyMoscowRussia
| | - Milena Weber
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria
| | | | | | - Bettina Negrin
- Österreichische Gesundheitskasse, Klinikum PeterhofBadenAustria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Public HealthDepartment for Environmental HealthViennaAustria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchViennaAustria,I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologyLaboratory for ImmunopathologyMoscowRussia,NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of RussiaMoscowRussia,Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Medical University of ViennaCenter for PathophysiologyInfectiology and ImmunologyInstitute of ImmunologyViennaAustria,Karl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
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Mitteregger D, Wessely J, Barišić I, Bedenić B, Kosak D, Kundi M. Reply to Muntean et al. Comment on “Mitteregger et al. A Variant Carbapenem Inactivation Method (CIM) for Acinetobacter baumannii Group with Shortened Time-to-Result: rCIM-A. Pathogens 2022, 11, 482”. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070767. [PMID: 35890012 PMCID: PMC9324351 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Mitteregger
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Dr. Kosak, Dr. Reckendorfer and Partner, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence:
| | - Julian Wessely
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Laboratory Dr. Kosak, Dr. Reckendorfer and Partner, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Ivan Barišić
- Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health & Bioressources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, 2444 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Branka Bedenić
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; or
- Clinical Department of Clinical and Molecular Microbiology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dieter Kosak
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Laboratory Dr. Kosak, Dr. Reckendorfer and Partner, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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25
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Garib V, Ben‐Ali M, Kundi M, Curin M, Yaakoubi R, Ben‐Mustapha I, Mekki N, Froeschl R, Perkmann T, Valenta R, Barbouche M. Profound differences in IgE and IgG recognition of micro-arrayed allergens in hyper-IgE syndromes. Allergy 2022; 77:1761-1771. [PMID: 34653276 PMCID: PMC9298271 DOI: 10.1111/all.15143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The specificities of IgE and IgG for allergen molecules in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) have not been investigated in detail. OBJECTIVE To study IgE and IgG antibody specificities in patients with defined hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) using a comprehensive panel of allergen molecules. METHODS We used chips containing micro-arrayed allergen molecules to analyze allergen-specific IgE and IgG levels in sera from two groups of HIES patients: Autosomal recessive mutations in phosphoglucomutase-3 (PGM3); Autosomal dominant negative mutations of STAT3 (STAT3); and age-matched subjects with allergic sensitizations. Assays with rat basophil leukemia cells transfected with human FcεRI were performed to study the biological relevance of IgE sensitizations. RESULTS Median total IgE levels were significantly lower in the sensitized control group (212.9 kU/L) as compared to PGM3 (5042 kU/L) and STAT3 patients (2561 kU/L). However, PGM3 patients had significantly higher allergen-specific IgE levels and were sensitized to a larger number of allergen molecules as compared to STAT3 patients. Biological relevance of IgE sensitization was confirmed for PGM3 patients by basophil activation testing. PGM3 patients showed significantly lower cumulative allergen-specific IgG responses in particular to milk and egg allergens as compared to STAT3 patients and sensitized controls whereas total IgG levels were comparable to STAT3 patients and significantly higher than in controls. CONCLUSION The analysis with multiple micro-arrayed allergen molecules reveals profound differences of allergen-specific IgE and IgG recognition in PGM3 and STAT3 patients which may be useful for classification of IEI and clinical characterization of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Garib
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Wien Austria
- Ministry of Innovation Development Tashkent Uzbekistan
| | - Meriem Ben‐Ali
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR11IPT02) Department of Immunology Institut Pasteur de Tunis and University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department for Environmental Health Center for Public Health Medical University Vienna Wien Austria
| | - Mirela Curin
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Wien Austria
| | - Roukaya Yaakoubi
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR11IPT02) Department of Immunology Institut Pasteur de Tunis and University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Imen Ben‐Mustapha
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR11IPT02) Department of Immunology Institut Pasteur de Tunis and University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Najla Mekki
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR11IPT02) Department of Immunology Institut Pasteur de Tunis and University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
| | - Renate Froeschl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Thomas Perkmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology Medical University of Vienna Wien Austria
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia Moscow Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathology Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Moscow Russia
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences Krems Austria
| | - Mohamed‐Ridha Barbouche
- Laboratory of Transmission, Control and Immunobiology of Infections (LR11IPT02) Department of Immunology Institut Pasteur de Tunis and University Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
- Medical School University of Tunis El Manar Tunis Tunisia
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26
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Wagner A, Garner-Spitzer E, Schötta AM, Orola M, Wessely A, Zwazl I, Ohradanova-Repic A, Weseslindtner L, Tajti G, Gebetsberger L, Kratzer B, Tomosel E, Kutschera M, Tobudic S, Pickl WF, Kundi M, Stockinger H, Novacek G, Reinisch W, Zielinski C, Wiedermann U. SARS-CoV-2-mRNA Booster Vaccination Reverses Non-Responsiveness and Early Antibody Waning in Immunocompromised Patients – A Phase Four Study Comparing Immune Responses in Patients With Solid Cancers, Multiple Myeloma and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:889138. [PMID: 35634285 PMCID: PMC9133631 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.889138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with secondary immunodeficiencies belong to the most vulnerable groups to succumb to COVID-19 and thus are prioritized for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However, knowledge about the persistence and anamnestic responses following SARS-CoV-2-mRNA vaccinations is limited in these patients.MethodsIn a prospective, open-label, phase four trial we analyzed S1-specific IgG, neutralizing antibodies and cytokine responses in previously non-infected patients with cancer or autoimmune disease during primary mRNA vaccination and up to one month after booster.Results263 patients with solid tumors (SOT, n=63), multiple myeloma (MM, n=70), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, n=130) and 66 controls were analyzed. One month after the two-dose primary vaccination the highest non-responder rate was associated with lower CD19+ B-cell counts and was found in MM patients (17%). S1-specific IgG levels correlated with IL-2 and IFN-γ responses in controls and IBD patients, but not in cancer patients. Six months after the second dose, 18% of patients with MM, 10% with SOT and 4% with IBD became seronegative; no one from the control group became negative. However, in IBD patients treated with TNF-α inhibitors, antibody levels declined more rapidly than in controls. Overall, vaccination with mRNA-1273 led to higher antibody levels than with BNT162b2. Importantly, booster vaccination increased antibody levels >8-fold in seroresponders and induced anamnestic responses even in those with undetectable pre-booster antibody levels. Nevertheless, in IBD patients with TNF-α inhibitors even after booster vaccination, antibody levels were lower than in untreated IBD patients and controls.ConclusionImmunomonitoring of vaccine-specific antibody and cellular responses seems advisable to identify vaccination failures and consequently establishing personalized vaccination schedules, including shorter booster intervals, and helps to improve vaccine effectiveness in all patients with secondary immunodeficiencies.Trial registrationEudraCT Number: 2021-000291-11
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Wagner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Ursula Wiedermann, ; Angelika Wagner,
| | - Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna-Margarita Schötta
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Orola
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Wessely
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Zwazl
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gabor Tajti
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Tomosel
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Kutschera
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selma Tobudic
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F. Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Novacek
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Reinisch
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Zielinski
- Central European Cancer Center, Wiener Privatklinik, Vienna, Austria
- The Central European Cancer Center, Central European Cooperative Oncology Group, Headquater (HQ), Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Ursula Wiedermann, ; Angelika Wagner,
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Tobias J, Drinić M, Högler S, Ambroz K, Baier K, Kodajova P, Tomasich E, Berghoff AS, Schmid A, Garner-Spitzer E, Kenner L, Kundi M, Zielinski CC, Wiedermann U. Active immunization with a Her-2/neu-targeting Multi-peptide B cell vaccine prevents lung metastases formation from Her-2/neu breast cancer in a mouse model. Transl Oncol 2022; 19:101378. [PMID: 35259675 PMCID: PMC8904231 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab extend the overall survival of breast cancer patients. Unlike monoclonal antibodies B cell peptides induce immunological memory. A multi-peptide B cell-based vaccination prevents Her-2/neu lung metastasis in mice. The vaccination results in Her-2/neu-negative tumors, with increased PD-L1 expression. A combination/alternating therapy for a total remission of metastases is suggested.
In pre-clinical and clinical settings, active immunization with a Her-2/neu vaccine (HerVaxx), comprising B-cell peptide from Trastuzumab binding site, has been shown to reduce primary tumor growth via induction of polyclonal anti-tumor immune responses and immunological memory. Here, we tested the combination of HerVaxx and the recently identified B-cell epitope/mimotope of Pertuzumab, i.e. a multi-peptide B-cell vaccine, for preventing Her-2/neu lung metastases formation in a mouse model. Active immunization with the multi-peptide vaccine was associated with decreased lung weights, and histological evaluation of the lungs showed that the significant reduction of lung metastases was associated with increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration. Notably, along with the overall reduction of lungs weights and Her-2 positive metastases, a formation of Her-2/neu-negative tumors but with increased PD-L1 expression was observed. Our results might pave the way to a multi-peptide B-cell Her-2/neu vaccine serving as a secondary intervention in adjuvant settings to prevent tumor recurrence and spread. Moreover, combination therapy targeting PD-L1 may result in total remission of metastases. Such a therapy may be used clinically to alternately target Her-2/neu and PD-L1 in metastatic breast cancer.
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Tatzber F, Zelzer S, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Rinnerhofer S, Kundi M, Cvirn G, Wultsch G, Herrmann M, Mangge H, Niedrist T, Wonisch W. Occupational Health Aspects with Special Focus on Physiological Differences between Office and Metalworkers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11040633. [PMID: 35453318 PMCID: PMC9032298 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11040633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical workload adversely impacts inflammation, oxidative stress and mood in heavy workers. We compared these risk parameters between metalworkers (n = 20) and office workers (n = 30), including gender differences. Blood samples were analyzed with thirty parameters to overview endocrinology, inflammation, and psychological and oxidative stress. Despite an adequate antioxidative supply, oxidative stress occurred in metalworkers, as indicated by significantly increased peroxide and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Moreover, increased concentrations were observed in this group regarding psychological stress and diet-related parameters. Sex-specific differences were determined for physical dimensions, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), Hcy, uric acid, triglycerides, osmolality, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone. Age-associated differences were observed for DHEAS, glycosylated hemoglobin, adrenaline, AMH and testosterone. In male office workers, the body mass index was associated with increased LDL-HDL, cholesterol-HDL and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In conclusion, these results indicate increased oxidative stress and psychological stress in heavy workers independently of adequate antioxidant sustenance. The sedentary occupation of office workers, in turn, favored diseases of affluence. This might be particularly relevant for long-term occupied persons and older workers due to a hormonal shift coming along, given the risk for oxidative stress-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, particularly in the case of males, based on their lifestyle habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Tatzber
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Immunology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 31a, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Sieglinde Zelzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Barbara Obermayer-Pietsch
- Endocrinology Lab Platform, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Stefan Rinnerhofer
- Exercise Physiology, Training and Training Therapy Research Group, Institute of Sports Science, University of Graz, Mozartgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Gerhard Cvirn
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6 HBK M1/D3, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Georg Wultsch
- Arbeitsmedizinisches Institut Graz, Herrgottwiesgasse 149, 8055 Graz, Austria;
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Harald Mangge
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Tobias Niedrist
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.); (H.M.); (T.N.)
| | - Willibald Wonisch
- Otto Loewi Research Center, Division of Physiological Chemistry, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6 HBK M1/D3, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-650-52-99-540
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Pugh SJ, Moïsi JC, Kundi M, Santonja I, Erber W, Angulo FJ, Jodar L. Effectiveness of two doses of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine. J Travel Med 2022; 29:6498500. [PMID: 34999897 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was consistently high following two doses (94.6–97.4%) and three doses (96.1%) of the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine. These data support the public health value of providing two doses of the TBE vaccine to a traveller to an endemic area presenting with insufficient time to complete the full three-dose primary series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Pugh
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Jennifer C Moïsi
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 75668 Paris, France
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Santonja
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Erber
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Frederick J Angulo
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Luis Jodar
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Vaccines, New York, NY 10017, USA
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30
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Garner-Spitzer E, Wagner A, Kundi M, Stockinger H, Ohradanova-Repic A, Gebetsberger L, Schoetta AM, Gudipati V, Huppa JB, Kunert R, Mayrhofer P, Kreil TR, Farcet MR, Hoeltl E, Wiedermann U. SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody (Ab) Levels and the Kinetic of Ab Decline Determine Ab Persistence Over 1 Year. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:822316. [PMID: 35242786 PMCID: PMC8885586 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.822316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study conducted with 1,655 working adults in spring of 2020, 12 of the subjects presented with positive neutralization test (NT) titers (>1:10). They were here followed up for 1 year to assess their Ab persistence. We report that 7/12 individuals (58%) had NT_50 titers ≥1:50 and S1-specific IgG ≥50 BAU/ml 1 year after mild COVID-19 infection. S1-specific IgG were retained until a year when these levels were at least >60 BAU/ml at 3 months post-infection. For both the initial fast and subsequent slow decline phase of Abs, we observed a significant correlation between NT_50 titers and S1-specific IgG and thus propose S1-IgG of 60 BAU/ml 3 months post-infection as a potential threshold to predict neutralizing Ab persistence for 1 year. NT_50 titers and S1-specific IgG also correlated with circulating S1-specific memory B-cells. SARS-CoV-2-specific Ab levels after primary mRNA vaccination in healthy controls were higher (Geometric Mean Concentration [GMC] 3158 BAU/ml [CI 2592 to 3848]) than after mild COVID-19 infection (GMC 82 BAU/ml [CI 48 to 139]), but showed a stronger fold-decline within 5–6 months (0.20–fold, to GMC 619 BAU/ml [CI 479 to 801] vs. 0.56–fold, to GMC 46 BAU/ml [CI 26 to 82]). Of particular interest, the decline of both infection- and vaccine-induced Abs correlated with body mass index. Our data contribute to describe decline and persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific Abs after infection and vaccination, yet the relevance of the maintained Ab levels for protection against infection and/or disease depends on the so far undefined correlate of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Wagner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Ohradanova-Repic
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Gebetsberger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna-Margarita Schoetta
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Venugopal Gudipati
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Kunert
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Mayrhofer
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas R Kreil
- Global Pathogen Safety, Baxter AG, a Takeda company, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria R Farcet
- Global Pathogen Safety, Baxter AG, a Takeda company, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Hoeltl
- Health Center Erste Bank, Erste Bank, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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31
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Kantele A, Rombo L, Vene S, Kundi M, Lindquist L, Erra EO. Three-dose versus four-dose primary schedules for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine FSME-immun for those aged 50 years or older: A single-centre, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Vaccine 2022; 40:1299-1305. [PMID: 35101266 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TBE vaccination failures among those past middle age have raised concern about immune response declining with age. We investigated immunogenicity of the TBE-vaccine FSME-Immun among those aged 50+ years using the standard three-dose primary series and alternative four-dose schedules. METHODS In this single-centre, open-label, randomized controlled trial, 200 TBE-naive Swedish adults were given primary TBE vaccination with FSME-Immun. Those aged 50+ years (n = 150) were randomized to receive the standard three-dose (days 0-30-360) or one of two four-dose series (0-7-21-360; 0-30-90-360). For participants < 50 years (n = 50) the standard three-dose schedule was used. Titres of neutralizing antibodies were determined on days 0, 60, 120, 360, and 400. The main outcome was the log titre of TBE virus-specific neutralizing antibodies on day 400. RESULTS The three-dose schedule yielded lower antibody titres among those aged 50+ years than the younger participants on day 400 (geometric mean titre 41 versus 74, p < 0.05). The older group showed higher titres for the four-dose 0-7-21-360 than the standard three-dose schedule both on day 400 (103 versus 41, p < 0.01; primary end point) and at the other testing points (days 60, 120, 360). Using the other four-dose schedule (0-30-90-360), no such difference was observed on day 400 (63 versus 41, NS). CONCLUSION Immune response to the TBE vaccine declined with age. A four-dose schedule (0-7-21-360) may benefit those aged 50 years or older. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01361776.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Kantele
- Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Lars Rombo
- Clinical Research Centre, Sormland County Council Eskilstuna, and University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sirkka Vene
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Michael Kundi
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Public Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lars Lindquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elina O Erra
- Meilahti Vaccine Research Center, MeVac, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
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Castaño-Vinyals G, Sadetzki S, Vermeulen R, Momoli F, Kundi M, Merletti F, Maslanyj M, Calderon C, Wiart J, Lee AK, Taki M, Sim M, Armstrong B, Benke G, Schattner R, Hutter HP, Krewski D, Mohipp C, Ritvo P, Spinelli J, Lacour B, Remen T, Radon K, Weinmann T, Petridou ET, Moschovi M, Pourtsidis A, Oikonomou K, Kanavidis P, Bouka E, Dikshit R, Nagrani R, Chetrit A, Bruchim R, Maule M, Migliore E, Filippini G, Miligi L, Mattioli S, Kojimahara N, Yamaguchi N, Ha M, Choi K, Kromhout H, Goedhart G, 't Mannetje A, Eng A, Langer CE, Alguacil J, Aragonés N, Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Badia F, Albert A, Carretero G, Cardis E. Wireless phone use in childhood and adolescence and neuroepithelial brain tumours: Results from the international MOBI-Kids study. Environ Int 2022; 160:107069. [PMID: 34974237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the possibility that use of mobile communicating devices, particularly wireless (mobile and cordless) phones, may increase brain tumour risk, has been a concern, particularly given the considerable increase in their use by young people. MOBI-Kids, a 14-country (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain) case-control study, was conducted to evaluate whether wireless phone use (and particularly resulting exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF)) increases risk of brain tumours in young people. Between 2010 and 2015, the study recruited 899 people with brain tumours aged 10 to 24 years old and 1,910 controls (operated for appendicitis) matched to the cases on date of diagnosis, study region and age. Participation rates were 72% for cases and 54% for controls. The mean ages of cases and controls were 16.5 and 16.6 years, respectively; 57% were males. The vast majority of study participants were wireless phones users, even in the youngest age group, and the study included substantial numbers of long-term (over 10 years) users: 22% overall, 51% in the 20-24-year-olds. Most tumours were of the neuroepithelial type (NBT; n = 671), mainly glioma. The odds ratios (OR) of NBT appeared to decrease with increasing time since start of use of wireless phones, cumulative number of calls and cumulative call time, particularly in the 15-19 years old age group. A decreasing trend in ORs was also observed with increasing estimated cumulative RF specific energy and ELF induced current density at the location of the tumour. Further analyses suggest that the large number of ORs below 1 in this study is unlikely to represent an unknown causal preventive effect of mobile phone exposure: they can be at least partially explained by differential recall by proxies and prodromal symptoms affecting phone use before diagnosis of the cases. We cannot rule out, however, residual confounding from sources we did not measure. Overall, our study provides no evidence of a causal association between wireless phone use and brain tumours in young people. However, the sources of bias summarised above prevent us from ruling out a small increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Castaño-Vinyals
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Sadetzki
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F Momoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada; Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - F Merletti
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - J Wiart
- Laboratoire de Traitement et Communication de l'Information (LTCI), Telecom Paris, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - A-K Lee
- Radio Technology Research Department, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - M Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Sim
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - B Armstrong
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - G Benke
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R Schattner
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - H-P Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - D Krewski
- Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Mohipp
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - P Ritvo
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Spinelli
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B Lacour
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors, CHRU, Nancy, France; Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - T Remen
- Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - K Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E Th Petridou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece; Dept of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - M Moschovi
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - A Pourtsidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - K Oikonomou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - P Kanavidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - E Bouka
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - R Dikshit
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - R Nagrani
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - A Chetrit
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - R Bruchim
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - M Maule
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - E Migliore
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - G Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - L Miligi
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - S Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - N Kojimahara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - N Yamaguchi
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Saiseikai Research Institute of Care and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - K Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - H Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - G Goedhart
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - A Eng
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - C E Langer
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Alguacil
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente (RENSMA), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - N Aragonés
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health of Madrid, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Morales-Suárez-Varela
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Badia
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Albert
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Carretero
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - E Cardis
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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Sagl B, Schmid-Schwap M, Piehslinger E, Kundi M, Stavness I. Effect of facet inclination and location on TMJ loading during bruxism: An in-silico study. J Adv Res 2022; 35:25-32. [PMID: 35024193 PMCID: PMC8721353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sheds new light on the important potential connection between tooth grinding and temporomandibular joint loading Demonstrates a larger effect of grinding inclination than grinding position on TMJ loading Creates a novel computer simulation of TMJ disc stress during dynamic tooth grinding tasks Uses state-of-the-art in silico methods for a highly multidisciplinary investigation, which is not feasible in vivo Presents a tracking simulation approach to work around the highly complicated recording of masticatory muscle EMG acquisition
Introduction Functional impairment of the masticatory region can have significant consequences that range from a loss of quality of life to severe health issues. Increased temporomandibular joint loading is often connected with temporomandibular disorders, but the effect of morphological factors on joint loading is a heavily discussed topic. Due to the small size and complex structure of the masticatory region in vivo investigations of these connections are difficult to perform. Objectives We propose a novel in silico approach for the investigation of the effect of wear facet inclination and position on TMJ stress. Methods We use a forward-dynamics tracking approach to simulate lateral bruxing on the canine and first molar using 6 different inclinations, resulting in a total of 12 simulated cases. By using a computational model, we control a single variable without interfering with the system. Muscle activation pattern, maximum bruxing force as well as TMJ disc stress are reported for all simulations. Results Muscle activation patterns and bruxing forces agree well with previously reported EMG findings and in vivo force measurements. The simulation results show that an increase in inclination leads to a decrease in TMJ loading. Wear facet position seems to play a smaller role with regard to bruxing force but might be more relevant for TMJ loading. Conclusion Together these results suggest a possible effect of tooth morphology on TMJ loading during bruxism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Sagl
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Schmid-Schwap
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Piehslinger
- Department of Prosthodontics, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ian Stavness
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, SK S7N 5C9 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Nersesyan A, Kundi M, Fenech M, Stopper H, da Silva J, Bolognesi C, Mišík M, Knasmueller S. Recommendations and quality criteria for micronucleus studies with humans. Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res 2022; 789:108410. [PMID: 35690413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2021.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Micronucleus (MN) analyses in peripheral blood lymphocytes and exfoliated cells from different organs (mouth, nose, bladder and cervix) are at present the most widely used approaches to detect damage of genetic material in humans. MN are extranuclear DNA-containing bodies, which can be identified microscopically. They reflect structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations and are formed as a consequence of exposure to occupational, environmental and lifestyle genotoxins. They are also induced as a consequence of inadequate intake of certain trace elements and vitamins. High MN rates are associated with increased risk of cancer and a range of non-cancer diseases in humans. Furthermore, evidence is accumulating that measurements of MN could be a useful tool for the diagnosis and prognosis of different forms of cancer and other diseases (inflammation, infections, metabolic disorders) and for the assessment of the therapeutic success of medical treatments. Recent reviews of the current state of knowledge suggest that many clinical studies have methodological shortcomings. This could lead to controversial findings and limits their usefulness in defining the impact of exposure concentrations of hazardous chemicals, for the judgment of remediation strategies, for the diagnosis of diseases and for the identification of protective or harmful dietary constituents. This article describes important quality criteria for human MN studies and contains recommendations for acceptable study designs. Important parameters that need more attention include sufficiently large group sizes, adequate duration of intervention studies, the exclusion of confounding factors which may affect the results (sex, age, body mass index, nutrition, etc.), the evaluation of appropriate cell numbers per sample according to established scoring criteria as well as the use of proper stains and adequate statistical analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nersesyan
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Fenech
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia; Genome Health Foundation, North Brighton, SA, Australia
| | - H Stopper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wuerzburg University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - J da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA) & LaSalle University (UniLaSalle), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - C Bolognesi
- Environmental Carcinogenesis Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - M Mišík
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Knasmueller
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Fazel N, Kundi M, Jensen-Jarolim E, Pali-Schöll IM, Kazemzadeh A, Esmaily H, Abdizadeh MF, Akbarzadeh R, Ahmadi R, Jabbari H. Quality of life and asthma control in pregnant women with asthma. BMC Pulm Med 2021; 21:415. [PMID: 34920702 PMCID: PMC8680333 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-021-01797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is the most commonly occurring respiratory illness during pregnancy. Associations with complications of pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcome have been established. However, little is known about quality of life (QoL) in pregnant women with asthma and how it relates to asthma control particularly for Iran. Objective To determine the relationship between asthma related QoL and asthma control and severity. Methods We conducted a prospective study in pregnant women with asthma. We used the Asthma Control Questionnaire and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and the guidelines of the Global Initiative for Asthma for assessment of asthma severity. Results Among 1603 pregnant women, 34 were diagnosed with asthma. Of these 13 had intermittent, 10 mild, 8 moderate and 3 severe persistent asthma. There was a significant decrease of QoL with poorer asthma control (p = 0.014). This decline could be due to limitations of activity in those with poorer asthma control, which is underlined by the significant decline of QoL with increasing asthma severity (p = 0.024). Conclusion Although the majority of pregnant women with asthma had a favorable score in AQLQ, reduced QoL was related to increased asthma severity and poor asthma control. This underlines the importance of controlling asthma during pregnancy not only for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes but also for the preservation of QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Fazel
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran. .,Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Institute for Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Maria Pali-Schöll
- Institute for Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Comparative Medicine, The Interuniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Medical University Vienna and University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Asghar Kazemzadeh
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Habibollah Esmaily
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Neonatal Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Fattahi Abdizadeh
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Roya Akbarzadeh
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.,Department of Anesthesia and Operating Room, School of Paramedic, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Raheleh Ahmadi
- Iranian Research Center On Healthy Aging, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
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Akinfenwa O, Huang HJ, Linhart B, Focke-Tejkl M, Vrtala S, Poroshina A, Nikonova A, Khaitov M, Campion NJ, Eckl-Dorna J, Niederberger-Leppin V, Kratzer B, Tauber PA, Pickl WF, Kundi M, Campana R, Valenta R. Preventive Administration of Non-Allergenic Bet v 1 Peptides Reduces Allergic Sensitization to Major Birch Pollen Allergen, Bet v 1. Front Immunol 2021; 12:744544. [PMID: 34795666 PMCID: PMC8594376 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.744544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IgE-mediated allergy to birch pollen affects more than 100 million patients world-wide. Bet v 1, a 17 kDa protein is the major allergen in birch pollen responsible for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in birch pollen allergic patients. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) based on therapeutic administration of Bet v 1-containing vaccines is an effective treatment for birch pollen allergy but no allergen-specific forms of prevention are available. We developed a mouse model for IgE sensitization to Bet v 1 based on subcutaneous injection of aluminum-hydroxide adsorbed recombinant Bet v 1 and performed a detailed characterization of the specificities of the IgE, IgG and CD4+ T cell responses in sensitized mice using seven synthetic peptides of 31-42 amino acids length which comprised the Bet v 1 sequence and the epitopes recognized by human CD4+ T cells. We then demonstrate that preventive systemic administration of a mix of synthetic non-allergenic Bet v 1 peptides to 3-4 week old mice significantly reduced allergic immune responses, including IgE, IgG, IgE-mediated basophil activation, CD4+ T cell and IL-4 responses to the complete Bet v 1 allergen but not to the unrelated major grass pollen allergen Phl p 5, without inducing Bet v 1-specific allergic sensitization or adaptive immunity. Our results thus demonstrate that early preventive administration of non-allergenic synthetic T cell epitope-containing allergen peptides could be a safe strategy for the prevention of allergen-specific IgE sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatoyin Akinfenwa
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Huey-Jy Huang
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Linhart
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margarete Focke-Tejkl
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Susanne Vrtala
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Poroshina
- National Research Center (NRC) - Institute of Immunology Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra Nikonova
- National Research Center (NRC) - Institute of Immunology Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - Musa Khaitov
- National Research Center (NRC) - Institute of Immunology Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Immunology Department, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nicholas J Campion
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Eckl-Dorna
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bernhard Kratzer
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Anton Tauber
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria.,Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raffaela Campana
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria.,National Research Center (NRC) - Institute of Immunology Federal Medical-Biological Agency (FMBA) of Russia, Moscow, Russia.,Laboratory for Immunopathology, Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Markowicz M, Kundi M, Stanek G, Stockinger H. Nonspecific symptoms following infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato: A retrospective cohort study. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101851. [PMID: 34662801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Whether infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) can cause nonspecific symptoms is a matter of controversy. We investigated whether individuals infected with B. burgdorferi sl develop unspecific symptoms more frequently than non-infected controls. Eighty-nine persons having presented with B. burgdorferi sl infection between 2015 and 2019 were asked to participate. The infection was defined as erythema migrans diagnosed either in the course of a previous study, during medical visits in the outpatient department, or as seroconversion in asymptomatic subjects. The control group consisted of 85 seronegative individuals without erythema migrans in the past. About two and a half years later, participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire with a list of nonspecific symptoms. The data of 37 persons with previous Borrelia infection and 49 uninfected controls were available for analysis. Muscle pain was significantly (P = 0.040) more frequent in the control group. Fatigue occurred more often in the infected group, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.109). Likewise, the distribution of other symptoms did not differ considerably. The analysis revealed no difference in the frequency of symptoms of persons who had EM or asymptomatic Borrelia infection 2 years prior assessment in comparison to persons without Borrelia infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Markowicz
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology; Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Stiasny K, Santonja I, Holzmann H, Essl A, Stanek G, Kundi M, Heinz FX. The regional decline and rise of tick-borne encephalitis incidence do not correlate with Lyme borreliosis, Austria, 2005 to 2018. Euro Surveill 2021; 26. [PMID: 34477056 PMCID: PMC8414957 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2021.26.35.2002108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is a human pathogen that is expanding its endemic zones in Europe, emerging in previously unaffected regions. In Austria, increasing incidence in alpine regions in the west has been countered by a decline in traditional endemic areas to the east of the country. Aim To shed light on the cause of this disparity, we compared the temporal changes of human TBE incidences in all federal provinces of Austria with those of Lyme borreliosis (LB), which has the same tick vector and rodent reservoir. Methods This comparative analysis was based on the surveillance of hospitalised TBE cases by the National Reference Center for TBE and on the analysis of hospitalised LB cases from hospital discharge records across all of Austria from 2005 to 2018. Results The incidences of the two diseases and their annual fluctuations were not geographically concordant. Neither the decline in TBE in the eastern lowlands nor the increase in western alpine regions is paralleled by similar changes in the incidence of LB. Conclusion The discrepancy between changes in incidence of TBE and LB support the contributions of virus-specific factors beyond the mere availability of tick vectors and/or human outdoor activity, which are a prerequisite for the transmission of both diseases. A better understanding of parameters controlling human pathogenicity and the maintenance of TBE virus in its natural vector−host cycle will generate further insights into the focal nature of TBE and can potentially improve forecasts of TBE risk on smaller regional scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Santonja
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Astrid Essl
- Astrid Eßl Consulting-Gesundheitsforschung, Wiener Neustadt, Austria.,GfK Austria Healthcare, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerold Stanek
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz X Heinz
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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39
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Setayesh T, Kundi M, Nersesyan A, Stopper H, Fenech M, Krupitza G, Knasmüller S. Use of micronucleus assays for the prediction and detection of cervical cancer: a meta-analysis. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1318-1328. [PMID: 32780106 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women; the survival rates depend strongly on its early detection. The Pap test is the most frequently used diagnostic tool, but due to its limited sensitivity/specificity, additional screening tests are needed. Therefore, we evaluated the use of micronucleus (MN) assays with cervical cells for the prediction and diagnosis of CC. MN reflects structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations. A search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, Thomson ISI and Google Scholar. Subsequently, meta-analyses were performed for different grades of abnormal findings in smears and biopsies from patients which were diagnosed with CC. Results of 21 studies in which findings of MN experiments were compared with data from Pap tests show that higher MN frequencies were found in women with abnormal cells that are indicative for increased cancer risks. MN frequency ratios increased in the order inflammation (2.1) < ASC-US and ASC-H (3.3) < LGSIL (4.4) < HGSIL (8.4). Furthermore, results are available from 17 investigations in which MN were scored in smears from patients with neoplasia. MN rates increased with the degree of neoplasia [CIN 1 (4.6) < CIN 2 (6.5) and CIN 3 (10.8)] and were significantly higher (8.8) in CC patients. Our meta-analysis indicates that the MN assay, which is easy to perform in combination with Pap tests, may be useful for the detection/prediction of CC. However, standardization (including definition of the optimal cell numbers and stains) and further validation is necessary before the MN test can be implemented in routine screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Setayesh
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helga Stopper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Fenech
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australiaand
| | - Georg Krupitza
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Siegfried Knasmüller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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40
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Belpomme D, Carlo GL, Irigaray P, Carpenter DO, Hardell L, Kundi M, Belyaev I, Havas M, Adlkofer F, Heuser G, Miller AB, Caccamo D, De Luca C, von Klitzing L, Pall ML, Bandara P, Stein Y, Sage C, Soffritti M, Davis D, Moskowitz JM, Mortazavi SMJ, Herbert MR, Moshammer H, Ledoigt G, Turner R, Tweedale A, Muñoz-Calero P, Udasin I, Koppel T, Burgio E, Vorst AV. The Critical Importance of Molecular Biomarkers and Imaging in the Study of Electrohypersensitivity. A Scientific Consensus International Report. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7321. [PMID: 34298941 PMCID: PMC8304862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical research aiming at objectively identifying and characterizing diseases via clinical observations and biological and radiological findings is a critical initial research step when establishing objective diagnostic criteria and treatments. Failure to first define such diagnostic criteria may lead research on pathogenesis and etiology to serious confounding biases and erroneous medical interpretations. This is particularly the case for electrohypersensitivity (EHS) and more particularly for the so-called "provocation tests", which do not investigate the causal origin of EHS but rather the EHS-associated particular environmental intolerance state with hypersensitivity to man-made electromagnetic fields (EMF). However, because those tests depend on multiple EMF-associated physical and biological parameters and have been conducted in patients without having first defined EHS objectively and/or endpoints adequately, they cannot presently be considered to be valid pathogenesis research methodologies. Consequently, the negative results obtained by these tests do not preclude a role of EMF exposure as a symptomatic trigger in EHS patients. Moreover, there is no proof that EHS symptoms or EHS itself are caused by psychosomatic or nocebo effects. This international consensus report pleads for the acknowledgement of EHS as a distinct neuropathological disorder and for its inclusion in the WHO International Classification of Diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Belpomme
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - George L. Carlo
- The Science and Public Policy Institute, Washington, DC 20006, USA;
| | - Philippe Irigaray
- Association for Research Against Cancer (ARTAC), 57/59 rue de la Convention, 75015 Paris, France;
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - David O. Carpenter
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, Albany, NY 12222, USA
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Lennart Hardell
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- The Environment and Cancer Research Foundation, SE-702 17 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
| | - Igor Belyaev
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Science, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Magda Havas
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- Trent School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 0G2, Canada
| | - Franz Adlkofer
- Verum-Foundation for Behaviour and Environment c/o Regus Center Josephspitalstrasse 15/IV, 80331 München, Germany;
| | - Gunnar Heuser
- Formerly UCLA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, P.O. Box 5066, El Dorado Hills, Los Angeles, CA 95762, USA;
| | - Anthony B. Miller
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada;
| | - Daniela Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences and Morpho Functional Imaging, Polyclinic Hospital University, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Chiara De Luca
- Department of Registration & Quality Management, Medical & Regulatory Affairs Manager, MEDENA AG, 8910 Affoltern am Albis, Switzerland;
| | - Lebrecht von Klitzing
- Medical Physicist, Institute of Environmental and Medical Physic, D-36466 Wiesenthal, Germany;
| | - Martin L. Pall
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Priyanka Bandara
- Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association (ORSAA), P.O. Box 152, Scarborough, QLD 4020, Australia;
| | - Yael Stein
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel;
- Hadassah Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Jerusalem 91905, Israel
| | - Cindy Sage
- Sage Associates, Montecito, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA;
| | - Morando Soffritti
- Istituto Ramazzini, via Libia 13/A, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Collegium Ramazzini, Castello di Bentivoglio, via Saliceto, 3, 40010 Bentivoglio, Italy
| | - Devra Davis
- Environmental Health Trust, P.O. Box 58, Teton Village, WY 83025, USA;
| | - Joel M. Moskowitz
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - S. M. J. Mortazavi
- Medical Physics and Medical Engineering Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran;
- Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center (INIRPRC), Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz P.O. Box 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Martha R. Herbert
- A.A. Martinos Centre for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Neurology, MGH, Harvard Medical School, MGH/MIT/Harvard 149 Thirteenth Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Center for Public Health, Department of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (H.M.)
- Department of Hygiene, Karakalpak Medical University, Nukus 230100, Uzbekistan
| | - Gerard Ledoigt
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - Robert Turner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
- Clinical Pediatrics and Neurology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Anthony Tweedale
- Rebutting Industry Science with Knowledge (R.I.S.K.) Consultancy, Blv. Edmond Machtens 101/34, B-1080 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Pilar Muñoz-Calero
- Foundation Alborada, Finca el Olivar, Carretera M-600, Km. 32,400, 28690 Brunete, Spain;
| | - Iris Udasin
- EOHSI Clinical Center, School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
| | - Tarmo Koppel
- AI Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
| | - André Vander Vorst
- European Cancer and Environment Research Institute (ECERI), 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (D.O.C.); (L.H.); (I.B.); (M.H.); (G.L.); (E.B.); (A.V.V.)
- European Microwave Association, Rue Louis de Geer 6, B-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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Abstract
Knowledge about outcomes of tick bites is crucial because infections with emerging pathogens might be underestimated. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the risk for tickborne infections after a tick bite. A total of 489 persons bitten by 1,295 ticks were assessed for occurrence of infections with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and relapsing fever borreliae. B. burgdorferi s.l. infection was found in 25 (5.1%) participants, of whom 15 had erythema migrans. Eleven (2.3%) participants were positive by PCR for Candidatus N. mikurensis. One asymptomatic participant infected with B. miyamotoi was identified. Full engorgement of the tick (odds ratio 9.52) and confirmation of B. burgdorferi s.l. in the tick by PCR (odds ratio 4.39) increased the risk for infection. Rickettsia helvetica was highly abundant in ticks but not pathogenic to humans. Knowledge about the outcome of tick bites is crucial because infections with emerging pathogens might be underestimated because of limited laboratory facilities.
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Schubert L, Russmueller G, Lagler H, Tobudic S, Heindel E, Kundi M, Steininger C. Bone turnover markers can predict healing time in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:7895-7902. [PMID: 34189608 PMCID: PMC8550071 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06361-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe and difficult-to-treat adverse event of bone-modifying agents. Therefore predictive strategies determining patients at risk for a prolonged healing duration are needed to optimize treatment. Thus, the present study evaluates whether or not bone turnover markers can be used to predict the healing duration in MRONJ patients. Materials and methods The present study is a retrospective data analysis of patients suffering from MRONJ and positive histology for Actinomyces spp., who were identified at the General Hospital Vienna from 2014 to 2018. During the first visit, the patients’ demographics and levels of bone formation parameters were compiled. Healing times were analysed by Cox regression in dependence on these factors. Results A total of 52 patients were identified who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The indication for bone-modifying agents was breast cancer (n = 21), prostate cancer (n = 14), multiple myeloma (n = 6) and other malignant diseases (n = 11). In 43 (82.7%) of our patients, we were able to document complete mucosal healing. Furthermore, patients who responded faster to therapy showed higher levels of C-telopeptide (P < 0.05), osteocalcin (P < 0.05) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), but lower levels of 1.25-dihydroxyvitamin D (P < 0.05) than slower responding patients. No correlation was found regarding parathyroid hormone or calcitonin levels. Interestingly, patients who had a slower response were less likely to report dental procedures, but more likely to report a history of chemotherapy. Conclusion CTX and osteocalcin levels may be used for predicting healing duration for MRONJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Schubert
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guenter Russmueller
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heimo Lagler
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Selma Tobudic
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Heindel
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Steininger
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Breyer MK, Breyer-Kohansal R, Hartl S, Kundi M, Weseslindtner L, Stiasny K, Puchhammer-Stöckl E, Schrott A, Födinger M, Binder M, Fiedler M, Wouters EFM, Burghuber OC. Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the Austrian capital after an early governmental lockdown. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10158. [PMID: 33980950 PMCID: PMC8115109 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in a large, well-described representative Viennese cohort after an early governmental lockdown with respect to the occurrence of symptoms and household transmission. Participants of the LEAD Study, a population-based cohort study from Vienna, Austria, were invited along with their household members (April 20th to May20th 2020). Sera were analyzed using anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay including a neutralization test as a confirmatory assay. A total of 12,419 individuals participated (5984 LEAD participants; 6435 household members), 163 (1.31%; 59 LEAD cohort members) of whom were SARS-CoV-2 antibody positive. The estimated number of COVID-19 cases projected from our findings by age and sex for Vienna was 21,504 (1.13%). Cumulative number of positively tested cases in Vienna until May 20th 2020 was 3020, hence 7.1 times (95% confidence interval 5.5-9.1) lower than projected. Relative risk (RR) of seropositivity by age was highest for children aged 6-9 years [RR compared to age group 20-49: 1.21 (CI 0.37-4.01)], lowest for ≥ 65 years [RR 0.47 (CI 0.21-1.03)]. Half of the positive individuals developed no or mild symptoms. In a multivariate analysis, taste and smell disturbances were most strongly related to SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Infection probability within households with one confirmed SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody-positive person was 31%. Although seroprevalence was very low (1.13%) for a central European capital city, due to an early governmental lockdown, SARS-CoV-2 infections were more prevalent than officially reported polymerase chain reaction-positive cases. Of note, seroprevalence was highest in young children. Half of SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive subjects had no or only mild symptoms. Taste and smell disturbances were most prominent, possibly guiding clinicians in diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Kathrin Breyer
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Clinic Penzing, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, The Austrian LEAD Study, Klink Penzing, Gebäude G, 2. Stock, Sanatoriumstrasse 2, 1140, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Robab Breyer-Kohansal
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Clinic Penzing, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sylvia Hartl
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Clinic Penzing, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria
- Sigmund Freud University, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andrea Schrott
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Födinger
- Sigmund Freud University, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinic Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Markus Fiedler
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Otto C Burghuber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Health, Vienna, Austria
- Sigmund Freud University, Faculty of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Schubert L, Steininger J, Lötsch F, Herdina AN, Redlberger-Fritz M, Tobudic S, Kundi M, Strassl R, Steininger C. Surveillance of respiratory syncytial virus infections in adults, Austria, 2017 to 2019. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8939. [PMID: 33903713 PMCID: PMC8076173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) testing is generally available in most care centres, but it is rarely performed because clinicians' seldom suspect RSV to be the underlying pathogen in adults with respiratory disease. Here, we evaluate the impact of broad combined influenza/RSV testing on the clinical practice. Overall, 103 patients were tested positively for RSV. Our study indicates that positively tested patients were mostly of advanced age and suffered from chronic diseases. Mortality was significant in our cohort and higher in patients with advanced age. Further, we report a significant increase in detected RSV cases but also in detection rate. Together, these findings suggest that implementation of a combined influenza/RSV testing led to a significant increase in detection rate, supported clinicians establishing the correct diagnosis and allowed a safe and controlled handling of RSV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Schubert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johanna Steininger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix Lötsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Nele Herdina
- Division of Clinical Virology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Selma Tobudic
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-10, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department for Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Strassl
- Division of Clinical Virology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Steininger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-10, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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45
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Duarte NDAA, de Lima LE, Maraslis FT, Kundi M, Nunes EA, Barcelos GRM. Acute Toxicity and DNA Instability Induced by Exposure to Low Doses of Triclosan and Phthalate DEHP, and Their Combinations, in vitro. Front Genet 2021; 12:649845. [PMID: 33959150 PMCID: PMC8093768 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.649845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial agent widely used in personal care products (PCP) and the di-(2-ethyl hydroxy-phthalate) (DEHP) is a chemical compound derived from phthalic acid, used in medical devices and plastic products with polyvinyl chloride (PVCs). As result of their extensive use, TCS and DEHP have been found in the environment and previous studies demonstrated the association between their exposure and toxic effects, mostly in aquatic organisms, but there is a shortage in the literature concerning the exposure of TCS and DEHP in human cells. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of exposure to TCS and DEHP, as well as their combinations, on biomarkers related to acute toxicity and DNA instability, in HepG2 cells, by use of cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMNCyt) assay. For that, the cultures were exposed to TCS, DEHP and combinations at doses of 0.10, 1.0, and 10 μM for the period of 4 h and the parameters related to DNA damage (i.e., frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and nuclear buds (NBUDs), to cell division (i.e., nuclear division index (NDI) and nuclear division cytotoxic index (NDCI) and to cell death (apoptotic and necrotic cells) were scored. Clear mutagenic effects were seen in cells treated with TCS, DEHP at doses of 1.0 and 10 μM, but no combined effects were observed when the cells were exposed to the combinations of TCS + DEHP. On the other hand, the combination of the toxicants significantly increased the frequencies of apoptotic and necrotic cells, as well as induced alterations of biomarkers related to cell viability (NDI and NDCI), when compared to the groups treated only with TCS or DEHP. Taken together, the results showed that TCS and DEHP are also able to induce acute toxicity and DNA damage in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindiane Eloisa de Lima
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Flora Troina Maraslis
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emilene Arusievicz Nunes
- Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
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Schubert L, Strassl R, Burgmann H, Dvorak G, Karer M, Kundi M, Kussmann M, Lagler H, Lötsch F, Milacek C, Obermueller M, Oesterreicher Z, Steininger C, Stiasny K, Thalhammer F, Traby L, Vass Z, Vossen MG, Weseslindtner L, Winkler S, Tobudic S. A Longitudinal Seroprevalence Study Evaluating Infection Control and Prevention Strategies at a Large Tertiary Care Center with Low COVID-19 Incidence. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:4201. [PMID: 33921037 PMCID: PMC8071361 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment and adherence to disinfection protocols are essential to prevent nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Here, we evaluated infection control measures in a prospective longitudinal single-center study at the Vienna General Hospital, the biggest tertiary care center in Austria, with a structurally planned low SARS-CoV-2 exposure. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were assessed by Abbott ARCHITECT chemiluminescent assay (CLIA) in 599 health care workers (HCWs) at the start of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in early April and two months later. Neutralization assay confirmed CLIA-positive samples. A structured questionnaire was completed at both visits assessing demographic parameters, family situation, travel history, occupational coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure, and personal protective equipment handling. At the first visit, 6 of 599 participants (1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. The seroprevalence increased to 1.5% (8/553) at the second visit and did not differ depending on the working environment. Unprotected SARS-CoV-2 exposure (p = 0.003), positively tested family members (p = 0.04), and travel history (p = 0.09) were more frequently reported by positively tested HCWs. Odds for COVID-19 related symptoms were highest for congestion or runny nose (p = 0.002) and altered taste or smell (p < 0.001). In conclusion, prevention strategies proved feasible in reducing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from patients and among HCWs in a low incidence hospital, not exceeding the one described in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Schubert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Robert Strassl
- Division of Clinical Virology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Heinz Burgmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Gabriella Dvorak
- Department for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Matthias Karer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Michael Kundi
- Center for Public Health, Department for Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Manuel Kussmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Heimo Lagler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Felix Lötsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Christopher Milacek
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Markus Obermueller
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Zoe Oesterreicher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Christoph Steininger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Karin Stiasny
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Florian Thalhammer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Ludwig Traby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Zoltan Vass
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Matthias Gerhard Vossen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Lukas Weseslindtner
- Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (K.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
| | - Selma Tobudic
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (L.S.); (H.B.); (M.K.); (M.K.); (H.L.); (F.L.); (C.M.); (M.O.); (Z.O.); (C.S.); (F.T.); (L.T.); (Z.V.); (M.G.V.); (S.W.)
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47
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Rabe D, Partsch H, Heidl G, Hirschl M, Kundi M, Rabe E, Pannier F. Compression treatment in acute symptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis - Results of a worldwide survey. Phlebology 2021; 36:526-534. [PMID: 33745366 DOI: 10.1177/02683555211003801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to illustrate how compression is performed worldwide in proximal DVT and if compression management has changed recently. METHODS A global online survey, consisting of 36 questions, was used. The survey was solicited from membership lists of Union Internationale de Phlébologie (UIP) membership societies. For differences between the continents in comparison to Western Europe odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) where calculated. RESULTS We received 626 answers from 41 countries. Compression is routinely used in proximal DVT in all regions (82.8%). 81.4% start compression immediately after diagnosis. In the acute phase of DVT reduction of pain and swelling (91.7%) and PTS prevention (66.2%) are the main reasons for compression. 33.2% recently changed their compression management with 43.5% starting compression earlier and 7.0% later. CONCLUSIONS Compression is still used routinely in proximal DVT in addition to anticoagulation. The changes in international guidelines towards the non-routine use of compression in proximal DVT have not caused significant changes in DVT management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rabe
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology (promotional student), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hugo Partsch
- Department of Dermatology (Emeritus) Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Heidl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Michael Kundi
- Medizinische Universität Wien, Zentrum für Public Health, Abteilung für Umwelthygiene und Umweltmedizin, Wien, Austria
| | - Eberhard Rabe
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology (Emeritus), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felizitas Pannier
- Private Practice Phlebology & Dermatology, Bonn, Germany and Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Köln, Germany
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48
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Redlberger-Fritz M, Kundi M, Aberle SW, Puchhammer-Stöckl E. Significant impact of nationwide SARS-CoV-2 lockdown measures on the circulation of other respiratory virus infections in Austria. J Clin Virol 2021; 137:104795. [PMID: 33761423 PMCID: PMC7962988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2021.104795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Since the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, different European countries reacted with temporary national lockdowns with the aim to limit the virus transmission in the population. Also Austria started a lockdown of public life in March 2020. Objectives In this study we investigated whether the circulation of different respiratory virus infections in Austria, as assessed by the established respiratory virus surveillance system, is affected by these measures as well and may reflect the success of the lockdown in limiting respiratory virus transmission. Study design Sentinel data obtained for influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and rhinovirus cases were analyzed and compared between the season 2019/2020 and the five previous seasons. Results We observed a rapid and statistically significant reduction of cumulative cases for all these viruses within short time after the lockdown in March 2020, compared to previous seasons (each p < 0.001). Also, sentinel screening for SARS-CoV-2 infections was performed and a decrease of SARS-CoV-2 was seen after the lockdown. While for the seasonally occurring viruses as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus or human metapneumovirus the lockdown led to the end of the annual epidemics, a re-increase of rhinovirus infections was observed after liberalization of numerous lockdown measures. Conclusions Our data provide evidence that occurrence of different respiratory virus infections reflect not only the efficiency of lockdown measures taken against SARS-CoV-2 but it shows also the effects of lockdown releases on the transmission of respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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49
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Schneeweiss-Gleixner M, Greiner G, Herndlhofer S, Schellnegger J, Krauth MT, Gleixner KV, Wimazal F, Steinhauser C, Kundi M, Thalhammer R, Schwarzinger I, Hoermann G, Esterbauer H, Födinger M, Valent P, Sperr WR. Impact of HFE gene variants on iron overload, overall survival and leukemia-free survival in myelodysplastic syndromes. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:955-967. [PMID: 33791166 PMCID: PMC7994158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although iron overload is a clinical challenge, little is known about the clinical impact of HFE-variants in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) to date. We analyzed the HFE status in 167 MDS patients and 494 healthy controls. One or more of the 3 HFE-variants (H63D, C282Y, S65C) were found in 65/167 (38.9%) MDS patients and in 164/494 (33.2%) controls. At diagnosis, the median serum ferritin levels were higher in MDS patients with HFE-variants (409 µg/L; range: 23-7415) compared to those without HFE-variants (346.5 µg/L; range: 10-5450) (P=0.62). Moreover, 'HFE-mutated' patients had a slightly faster increase in serum ferritin in follow up examinations. The percentage of patients with HFE-variants was higher in refractory anemia (RA) (22/53=41.5%) or RA with ring sideroblasts (RARS) (17/39=43.6%) compared to RA with excess of blasts (RAEB) (16/46=34.8%) or RAEB in transformation (RAEB-T) (5/17=29.4%). Differences were also detectable when comparing low- and high-risk MDS variants defined by the World Health Organization classification. There was no significant correlation between HFE-variants and MDS-related somatic mutations. Progression-free survival was substantially longer in patients with HFE-variants compared to those without HFE-variants H63D and C282Y (P=0.089). Together, the HFE-variants H63D and C282Y are frequently detected in Austrian MDS patients. These patients have substantially higher ferritin levels at diagnosis, accumulate iron slightly faster and have a better progression-free survival than non-mutated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schneeweiss-Gleixner
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Georg Greiner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ihr Labor, Medical Diagnostic LaboratoriesVienna 1220, Austria
| | - Susanne Herndlhofer
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Julia Schellnegger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Maria-Theresa Krauth
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Friedrich Wimazal
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Corinna Steinhauser
- Department of Medicine III, Division of Nephrology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Renate Thalhammer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Ilse Schwarzinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Gregor Hoermann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- MLL Munich Leukemia LaboratoryMunich, Germany
| | - Harald Esterbauer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Manuela Födinger
- Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, Clinic FavoritenVienna 1100, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Sigmund Freud Private UniversityVienna 1020, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of ViennaVienna 1090, Austria
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50
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Hutter HP, Poteser M, Lemmerer K, Wallner P, Kundi M, Moshammer H, Weitensfelder L. Health Symptoms Related to Pesticide Use in Farmers and Laborers of Ecological and Conventional Banana Plantations in Ecuador. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18031126. [PMID: 33514015 PMCID: PMC7908553 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Conventional banana farming is pesticide-intensive and leads to high exposure of farmworkers. Ecuador is the world’s biggest exporter of bananas. In this field study in 5 communities in Ecuador, we recorded potentially pesticide-associated subjective health symptoms in farmworkers and compared pesticide users to workers in organic farming. With one exception, symptom rates were always higher in the pesticide-exposed group. Significance was reached in 8 out of 19 investigated symptoms with the highest odds ratios (and smallest p-values) for local irritation like skin and eye irritation (OR = 3.58, CI 1.10–11.71, and 4.10, CI 1.37–12.31, respectively) as well as systemic symptoms like dizziness (OR = 4.80, CI 1.55–14.87) and fatigue (OR = 4.96, CI 1.65–14.88). Moreover, gastrointestinal symptoms were reported more frequently by pesticide users: nausea (OR = 7.5, CI 1.77–31.77) and diarrhea (OR = 6.43, CI 1.06–30.00). The majority of farmworkers were not adequately protected from pesticide exposure. For example, only 3 of 31 farmworkers that had used pesticides recently reported using gloves and only 6 reported using masks during active spraying. Improved safety measures and a reduction in pesticide use are necessary to protect the health of banana farmworkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Michael Poteser
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Kathrin Lemmerer
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Peter Wallner
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Michael Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
- Department of Hygiene, Medical University of Karakalpakstan, Nukus 230100, Uzbekistan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-401-603-4935
| | - Lisbeth Weitensfelder
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Wien, Austria; (H.-P.H.); (M.P.); (K.L.); (P.W.); (M.K.); (L.W.)
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