Economic recession, illicit drug use and the young population: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Economic recessions impact on drug use through different channels, with potential conflicting outcomes. Previous studies have reached mixed outcomes, and a clear and comprehensive picture is difficult to depict.

METHODS

We use a systematic review of literature - conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines - and a hierarchical mixed-effects meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive quantitative assessment of the relationship between business cycle and the use of drugs by young populations. The heterogeneity of studies was assessed by the I² statistic, and the publication bias was evaluated with contour-enhanced funnel plots.

RESULTS

We identify 25 studies, published over the period 2008-2020. These articles carried out an empirical analysis of the impact of the business cycle on illegal drug consumption in Organisation for Economic Co-operation Development (OECD) countries. Most of the studies (17 studies) covered the 2007 financial crisis. Among the outcomes, 9 studies traced a countercyclical relationship between economic recessions and drug use, 3 showed a procyclical relationship and 13 studies found mixed results. Unemployment was the most widely used variable to assess macroeconomic conditions in most of the studies (21 studies). The meta-analysis shows a partial correlation of .03 (95% confidence interval (CI): .0147-.0453) between the unemployment rate and drug use among young individuals. Therefore, we conclude that, on average, recessions tend to boost drug use. This impact is more marked with cannabis use than it is with cocaine, opioids or other drugs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides robust evidence that in periods of economic downturns, the young populations tend to increase the use of illegal drugs, with cannabis as their main preference. Therefore, in periods of economic severity, society may particularly benefit from implementing widely reaching public prevention programmes and demand reduction interventions, targeting this subgroup of the population.

Safety of African Swine Fever Vaccine Candidate Lv17/WB/Rie1 in Wild Boar: Overdose and Repeated Doses

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly lethal infectious disease that affects domestic pigs and wild boar. Outbreaks of ASF have grown considerably in the last decade causing important economic consequences for the swine industry. Its control is hampered by the lack of an effective treatment or vaccine. In Europe, the wild boar is a key wild reservoir for ASF. The results of the oral vaccination trial of wild boar with Lv17/WB/Rie1 are hope for this problem. However, this vaccine candidate has certain safety concerns, since it is a naturally attenuated vaccine. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the safety of this vaccine candidate in terms of overdose (high dose) and repeated doses (revaccination) in wild boar. Low-dose orally vaccinated animals developed only a slight transient fever after vaccination and revaccination. This was also the case for most of the high-dose vaccinated wild boar, except for one of them which succumbed after revaccination. Although this fatality was related to hierarchical fights between animals, we consider that further studies are required for clarification. Considering these new results and the current epidemiological situation of ASF in wild boar, this vaccine prototype is a promising tool for the control of the disease in these wild populations, although further studies are needed.

A new method for sampling African swine fever virus genome and its inactivation in environmental samples

African swine fever (ASF) is currently the most dangerous disease for the global pig industry, causing huge economic losses, due to the lack of effective vaccine or treatment. Only the early detection of ASF virus (ASFV) and proper biosecurity measures are effective to reduce the viral expansion. One of the most widely recognized risks as regards the introduction ASFV into a country is infected animals and contaminated livestock vehicles. In order to improve ASF surveillance, we have assessed the capacity for the detection and inactivation of ASFV genome by using Dry-Sponges (3 M) pre-hydrated with a new surfactant liquid. We sampled different surfaces in ASFV-contaminated facilities, including animal skins, and the results were compared to those obtained using a traditional sampling method. The surfactant liquid successfully inactivated the virus, while ASFV DNA was well preserved for the detection. This is an effective method to systematically recover ASFV DNA from different surfaces and skin, which has a key applied relevance in surveillance of vehicles transporting live animals and greatly improves animal welfare. This method provides an important basis for the detection of ASFV genome that can be assessed without the biosafety requirements of a BSL-3 laboratory at least in ASF-affected countries, which may substantially speed up the early detection of the pathogen.

Large-scale study on virological and serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs in Spain

The disease produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is currently one of the primary concerns worldwide. Knowing the zoonotic origin of the disease and that several animal species, including dogs and cats, are susceptible to viral infection, it is critical to assess the relevance of pets in this pandemic. Here, we performed a large-scale study on SARS-CoV-2 serological and viral prevalence in cats and dogs in Spain in order to elucidate their role and susceptibility. Samples from animals in contact with COVID-19 positive people and/or compatible symptoms (n = 492), as well as from random animals (n = 1024), were taken. Despite the large number of animals analyzed, only 12 animals (eight dogs and four cats), which represents 0.79% of the total analyzed animals (n = 1516), were positive for viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in which viral isolation was possible in four animals. We detected neutralizing antibodies in 34 animals, four of them were also positive for PCR. This study evidences that pets are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in natural conditions but at a low level, as evidenced by the low percentage of positive animals detected, being infected humans the main source of infection. However, the inclusion of animals in the surveillance of COVID-19 is still recommended.

A study of the composition of the Obsoletus complex and genetic diversity of Culicoides obsoletus populations in Spain

Background

The Culicoides obsoletus species complex (henceforth ‘Obsoletus complex’) is implicated in the transmission of several arboviruses that can cause severe disease in livestock, such as bluetongue, African horse sickness, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and Schmallenberg disease. Thus, this study aimed to increase our knowledge of the composition and genetic diversity of the Obsoletus complex by partial sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene in poorly studied areas of Spain.

Methods

A study of C. obsoletus populations was carried out using a single-tube multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that was designed to differentiate the Obsoletus complex sibling species Culicoides obsoletus and Culicoides scoticus, based on the partial amplification of the cox1 gene, as well as cox1 georeferenced sequences from Spain available at GenBank. We sampled 117 insects of the Obsoletus complex from six locations and used a total of 238 sequences of C. obsoletus (ss) individuals (sampled here, and from GenBank) from 14 sites in mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands for genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses.

Results

We identified 90 C. obsoletus (ss), 19 Culicoides scoticus and five Culicoides montanus midges from the six collection sites sampled, and found that the genetic diversity of C. obsoletus (ss) were higher in mainland Spain than in the Canary Islands. The multiplex PCR had limitations in terms of specificity, and no cryptic species within the Obsoletus complex were identified.

Conclusions

Within the Obsoletus complex, C. obsoletus (ss) was the predominant species in the analyzed sites of mainland Spain. Information about the species composition of the Obsoletus complex could be of relevance for future epidemiological studies when specific aspects of the vector competence and capacity of each species have been identified. Our results indicate that the intraspecific divergence is higher in C. obsoletus (ss) northern populations, and demonstrate the isolation of C. obsoletus (ss) populations of the Canary Islands.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04841-z.

Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Kept Ferrets, Spain

We found severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA in 6 (8.4%) of 71 ferrets in central Spain and isolated and sequenced virus from 1 oral and 1 rectal swab specimen. Natural infection occurs in kept ferrets when virus circulation among humans is high. However, small ferret collections probably cannot maintain virus circulation.

The Envirome Web Service: Patient context at the point of care

Patient context - the "envirome" - can have a significant impact on patient health. While envirome indicators are available through large scale public data sources, they are not provided in a format that can be easily accessed and interpreted at the point of care by healthcare providers with limited time during a patient encounter. We developed a clinical decision support tool to bring envirome indicators to the point of care in a large pediatric hospital system in the Kansas City region. The Envirome Web Service (EWS) securely geocodes patient addresses in real time to link their records with publicly available context data. End-users guided the design of the EWS, which presents summaries of patient context data in the electronic health record (EHR) without disrupting the provider workflow. Through surveys, focus groups, and a formal review by hospital staff, the EWS was deployed into production use, integrating publicly available data on food access with the hospital EHR. Evaluation of EWS usage during the 2020 calendar year shows that 1,034 providers viewed the EWS, with a total of 29,165 sessions. This suggests that the EWS was successfully integrated with the EHR and is highly visible. The results also indicate that 63 (6.1%) of the providers are regular users that opt to maintain the EWS in their custom workflows, logging more than 100 EWS sessions during the year. The vendor agnostic design of the EWS supports interoperability and makes it accessible to health systems with disparate EHR vendors.

The impact of socioeconomic position on non-communicable diseases: what do we know about it?

AIMS

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a primary health concern for most countries around the world. The aim of this research is to analyze the relevant evidence that determines the effect of socioeconomic position (SEP) on the incidence and prevalence of NCDs.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify evidence regarding the relationship between income inequalities and NCDs, between 2005 and 2015. The final selection of papers was based on applied studies focusing on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and articles referring to three main groups of chronic diseases: cardiovascular and heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes.

RESULTS

A final set of 47 selected studies were fully taken into account in this review. Despite significant heterogeneity in exposure and outcomes measures, overall the evidence suggests that having low SEP increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), lung and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. SEP is also associated with multiple NCD risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity.

CONCLUSION

Low socioeconomic status appears to have a significant consistent impact on mortality and morbidity caused by NCDs in OECD countries. Social and economic disadvantages are associated with health inequalities in terms of access to care, increased incident risk of NCDs, and early death. These findings point to the need for public health strategies and research to address socioeconomic status disparity among individuals.

Adenovirus-vectored African Swine Fever Virus Antigens Cocktail Is Not Protective against Virulent Arm07 Isolate in Eurasian Wild Boar

African swine fever (ASF) is a viral disease of domestic and wild suids for which there is currently no vaccine or treatment available. The recent spread of ASF virus (ASFV) through Europe and Asia is causing enormous economic and animal losses. Unfortunately, the measures taken so far are insufficient and an effective vaccine against ASFV needs to be urgently developed. We hypothesized that immunization with a cocktail of thirty-five rationally selected antigens would improve the protective efficacy of subunit vaccine prototypes given that the combination of fewer immunogenic antigens (between 2 and 22) has failed to elicit protective efficacy. To this end, immunogenicity and efficacy of thirty-five adenovirus-vectored ASFV antigens were evaluated in wild boar. The treated animals were divided into different groups to test the use of BioMize adjuvant and different inoculation strategies. Forty-eight days after priming, the nine treated and two control wild boar were challenged with the virulent ASFV Arm07 isolate. All animals showed clinical signs and pathological findings consistent with ASF. This lack of protection is in line with other studies with subunit vaccine prototypes, demonstrating that there is still much room for improvement to obtain an effective subunit ASFV vaccine.

First Oral Vaccination of Eurasian Wild Boar Against African Swine Fever Virus Genotype II

African swine fever (ASF), the most significant threat to the pig industry worldwide, has spread to more than 55 countries on three continents, and it affects more than 77% of the world swine population. In the European Union, wild boar (Sus scrofa) is the most severely affected host. The main reasons for the unprecedented and constant spread of ASF in Europe are the trade activities, the continuous movement of infected-wild boar populations among regions and the lack of vaccine to prevent ASF infection. In this study, we demonstrate that oral immunization of wild boar with a non-hemadsorbing, attenuated ASF virus of genotype II isolated in Latvia in 2017 (Lv17/WB/Rie1) conferred 92% protection against challenge with a virulent ASF virus isolate (Arm07). This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a promising vaccine against ASF virus in wild boar by oral administration. Further studies should assess the safety of repeated administration and overdose, characterize long-term shedding and verify the genetic stability of the vaccine virus to confirm if Lv17/WB/Rie1 could be used for free-ranging wild boar in ASF control programs.

Placental transfusion strategies in extremely preterm infants: the next piece of the puzzle

Evidence is growing on the potential value of enhancing placental-fetal transfusion at birth, with recent endorsement of the practice by the World Health Organization and American College of Gynecologists. However, these recommendations provide clinicians with little guidance on the optimal practice among infants born extremely premature (<28 weeks gestation) and those requiring immediate resuscitation. The goals of this review are to: 1) provide rationale for better outcomes among extremely preterm infants following delayed cord clamping or umbilical cord "milking" than with immediate cord clamping; 2) describe clinical situations that warrant immediate cord clamping following delivery and explore the controversy regarding optimal cord clamping practice among extremely premature infants, including those requiring immediate resuscitation; 3) discuss the quality of evidence in this subgroup of infants; 4) consider areas for future research, with a focus on characterizing if placental-fetal transfusion affects the magnitude or timing of variables associated with physiological transition. The review provided herein suggests that delayed cord clamping or umbilical cord milking can be applied safely to infants born prior to 28 weeks gestation, but the lack of evidence on the best practice among infants born severely depressed and requiring immediate resuscitation, who comprise a greater proportion of infant deliveries at the lowest gestational ages, is recognized. Future studies using well-defined physiologic outcome measures are needed to understand the role of placental transfusion in premature infants' adaptations to extrauterine life.

Genome-wide linkage analysis and tumoral characterization reveal heterogeneity in familial colorectal cancer type X

BACKGROUND

Familial colorectal cancer type X (FCCTX) fulfils clinical criteria defining Lynch syndrome (LS), but is not related to germline mutations in DNA mismatch-repair genes. Its aetiology remains unexplained and there is little evidence of involvement of the common colorectal carcinogenetic pathways. We aimed to identify susceptibility loci and gain insights into carcinogenic pathways involved FCCTX tumour development.

METHODS

We performed a linkage analysis in 22 FCCTX families. We also constructed a tissue microarray in order to define an immunohistochemical (IHC) profile for FCCTX tumours (N = 27) by comparing them to three other types of colorectal tumors: LS (N = 18), stable early-onset (N = 31) and other sporadic disease (N = 80). Additionally, we screened for BRAF/KRAS mutations and determined CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) status for all FCCTX tumours.

RESULTS

We found suggestive evidence of linkage at four chromosomal regions; 2p24.3, 4q13.1, 4q31.21 and 12q21.2-q21.31. We screened genes in 12q21 and ruled out the implication of RASSF9 and NTS, good candidates due to their potential involvement in carcinogenesis and colorectal epithelium development. Based on IHC profiles FCCTX tumours did not form a single, exclusive cluster. They were clearly different from LS, but very similar to stable early onset tumours. The CIMP and chromosomal instability pathways were implicated in one-third and one-quarter of FCCTX cases, respectively. The remaining cases did not have alterations in any known carcinogenic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the heterogeneity of FCCTX tumours and call into question the utility of using only clinical criteria to identify FCCTX cases.

Clinical and genetic characterization of classical forms of familial adenomatous polyposis: a Spanish population study

BACKGROUND

Classical familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the appearance of >100 colorectal adenomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We screened the APC and MUTYH genes for mutations and evaluated the genotype-phenotype correlation in 136 Spanish classical FAP families.

RESULTS

APC/MUTYH mutations were detected in 107 families. Sixty-four distinct APC point mutations were detected in 95 families of which all were truncating mutations. A significant proportion (39.6%) had not been previously reported. Mutations were spread over the entire coding region and great rearrangements were identified in six families. Another six families exhibited biallelic MUTYH mutations. No APC or MUTYH mutations were detected in 29 families. These APC/MUTYH-negative families showed clinical differences with the APC-positive families. A poor correlation between phenotype and mutation site was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight that a broad approach in the genetic study must be considered for classical FAP due to involvement of both APC and MUTYH and the heterogeneous spectrum of APC mutations observed in this Spanish population. The scarcely consistent genotype-phenotype correlation does not allow making specific recommendations regarding screening and management. Differences observed in APC/MUTYH-negative families may reflect a genetic basis other than mutations in APC and MUTYH genes for FAP predisposition.

All-sky LIGO search for periodic gravitational waves in the early fifth-science-run data

We report on an all-sky search with the LIGO detectors for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency range 50-1100 Hz and with the frequency's time derivative in the range -5 x 10{-9}-0 Hz s{-1}. Data from the first eight months of the fifth LIGO science run (S5) have been used in this search, which is based on a semicoherent method (PowerFlux) of summing strain power. Observing no evidence of periodic gravitational radiation, we report 95% confidence-level upper limits on radiation emitted by any unknown isolated rotating neutron stars within the search range. Strain limits below 10{-24} are obtained over a 200-Hz band, and the sensitivity improvement over previous searches increases the spatial volume sampled by an average factor of about 100 over the entire search band. For a neutron star with nominal equatorial ellipticity of 10{-6}, the search is sensitive to distances as great as 500 pc.

All-sky LIGO search for periodic gravitational waves in the early fifth-science-run data

We report on an all-sky search with the LIGO detectors for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency range 50-1100 Hz and with the frequency's time derivative in the range -5 x 10{-9}-0 Hz s{-1}. Data from the first eight months of the fifth LIGO science run (S5) have been used in this search, which is based on a semicoherent method (PowerFlux) of summing strain power. Observing no evidence of periodic gravitational radiation, we report 95% confidence-level upper limits on radiation emitted by any unknown isolated rotating neutron stars within the search range. Strain limits below 10{-24} are obtained over a 200-Hz band, and the sensitivity improvement over previous searches increases the spatial volume sampled by an average factor of about 100 over the entire search band. For a neutron star with nominal equatorial ellipticity of 10{-6}, the search is sensitive to distances as great as 500 pc.

All-sky LIGO search for periodic gravitational waves in the early fifth-science-run data

We report on an all-sky search with the LIGO detectors for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency range 50-1100 Hz and with the frequency's time derivative in the range -5 x 10{-9}-0 Hz s{-1}. Data from the first eight months of the fifth LIGO science run (S5) have been used in this search, which is based on a semicoherent method (PowerFlux) of summing strain power. Observing no evidence of periodic gravitational radiation, we report 95% confidence-level upper limits on radiation emitted by any unknown isolated rotating neutron stars within the search range. Strain limits below 10{-24} are obtained over a 200-Hz band, and the sensitivity improvement over previous searches increases the spatial volume sampled by an average factor of about 100 over the entire search band. For a neutron star with nominal equatorial ellipticity of 10{-6}, the search is sensitive to distances as great as 500 pc.

All-sky LIGO search for periodic gravitational waves in the early fifth-science-run data

We report on an all-sky search with the LIGO detectors for periodic gravitational waves in the frequency range 50-1100 Hz and with the frequency's time derivative in the range -5 x 10{-9}-0 Hz s{-1}. Data from the first eight months of the fifth LIGO science run (S5) have been used in this search, which is based on a semicoherent method (PowerFlux) of summing strain power. Observing no evidence of periodic gravitational radiation, we report 95% confidence-level upper limits on radiation emitted by any unknown isolated rotating neutron stars within the search range. Strain limits below 10{-24} are obtained over a 200-Hz band, and the sensitivity improvement over previous searches increases the spatial volume sampled by an average factor of about 100 over the entire search band. For a neutron star with nominal equatorial ellipticity of 10{-6}, the search is sensitive to distances as great as 500 pc.

Search for gravitational-wave bursts from soft gamma repeaters

We present a LIGO search for short-duration gravitational waves (GWs) associated with soft gamma ray repeater (SGR) bursts. This is the first search sensitive to neutron star f modes, usually considered the most efficient GW emitting modes. We find no evidence of GWs associated with any SGR burst in a sample consisting of the 27 Dec. 2004 giant flare from SGR 1806-20 and 190 lesser events from SGR 1806-20 and SGR 1900+14. The unprecedented sensitivity of the detectors allows us to set the most stringent limits on transient GW amplitudes published to date. We find upper limit estimates on the model-dependent isotropic GW emission energies (at a nominal distance of 10 kpc) between 3x10;{45} and 9x10;{52} erg depending on waveform type, detector antenna factors and noise characteristics at the time of the burst. These upper limits are within the theoretically predicted range of some SGR models.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based prospective detection of intraperitoneal human ovarian carcinoma xenografts treatment response

The feasibility of applying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for conducting prospective studies of intraperitoneal (i.p.) tumor treatment response to chemotherapy and resultant effects on survival in human ovarian carcinoma/nude mouse orthotopic xenograft models was evaluated. Female nude mice were implanted i.p. with either NMP-1 or SKOV-3ip. human ovarian carcinoma cells on day 0. Initial T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images of the abdomens of NMP-1-implanted mice were obtained on day 7 to confirm the presence of nascent tumors; similar confirmations were made on day 14 with mice bearing SKOV-3ip. xenografts. On the initial imaging days, a multiple-dose regimen of cisplatin (CDDP; qd7 x3) was commenced, using 4 or 6 mg/kg treatments with the NMP-1 model and using 6 mg/kg treatments with the SKOV-3ip. model. Mice were reimaged multiple times, 2 days following each CDDP injection and at later times as well, depending on host survival. The images for each mouse from the last imaging day (day 30 for NMP-1, day 44 for SKOV-3ip.) were used in a blinded fashion to attempt to visually distinguish control from treated mice and to determine whether MRI could predict a survival benefit. For SKOV-3ip. mice, ten out of ten mice were correctly segregated into the control or the CDDP treatment group based solely on these blinded, nonquantified MR results. In this model, the 6 mg/kg multiple-dose regimen achieved a modest response, improving life span by approximately 24%. However, for the NMP-1 mice, only six out of nine evaluable mice were correctly segregated into the control or one of the treatment groups by similar MRI criteria, a virtually random distribution; further, neither CDDP treatment regimen achieved a significant improvement in survival in this model. In another study, NMP-1-implanted mice were treated on day 7 after tumor implantation with a single injection of a hyaluronic acid-paclitaxel copolymer. Control and treated mice were MR imaged on day 28, which revealed marked reductions in tumor burden in treated mice, correlating well with a subsequently observed improved survival of approximately 40%. Our results suggest that MRI can be used to serially and noninvasively monitor treatment response and predict ongoing treatment effects on survival.

A novel mutation in the connexin 46 gene (GJA3) causes autosomal dominant zonular pulverulent cataract in a Hispanic family

PURPOSE

A five-generation Hispanic pedigree with autosomal dominant zonular pulverulent cataract was studied to identify the causative mutation in connexin 46 (Cx46), a gap junction protein responsible for maintaining lens homeostasis.

METHODS

Twenty-six individuals from the family were comprehensively clinically examined. DNA was extracted from their peripheral blood samples. The DNA was used for automated genotyping with fluorescently labeled microsatellite markers and for mutation detection by automated sequencing.

RESULTS

A novel D3Y missense mutation in GJA3 segregated with autosomal dominant (AD) zonular pulverulent cataract throughout the family. The mutation was absent in the unaffected individuals in the family and in 230 control chromosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel mutation causing AD zonular pulverulent cataract has been identified in a Hispanic Central American family. This is the first report of a mutation in GJA3 causing autosomal dominant congenital cataract (ADCC) in this ethnic group. It is also the first reported cataract-causing mutation in the NH2-terminal region of the Cx46 protein.

Magnetic resonance imaging–based prospective detection of intraperitoneal human ovarian carcinoma xenografts treatment response

The feasibility of applying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for conducting prospective studies of intraperitoneal (i.p.) tumor treatment response to chemotherapy and resultant effects on survival in human ovarian carcinoma/nude mouse orthotopic xenograft models was evaluated. Female nude mice were implanted i.p. with either NMP-1 or SKOV-3ip. human ovarian carcinoma cells on day 0. Initial T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images of the abdomens of NMP-1–implanted mice were obtained on day 7 to confirm the presence of nascent tumors; similar confirmations were made on day 14 with mice bearing SKOV-3ip. xenografts. On the initial imaging days, a multiple-dose regimen of cisplatin (CDDP; qd7 ×3) was commenced, using 4 or 6 mg/kg treatments with the NMP-1 model and using 6 mg/kg treatments with the SKOV-3ip. model. Mice were reimaged multiple times, 2 days following each CDDP injection and at later times as well, depending on host survival. The images for each mouse from the last imaging day (day 30 for NMP-1, day 44 for SKOV-3ip.) were used in a blinded fashion to attempt to visually distinguish control from treated mice and to determine whether MRI could predict a survival benefit. For SKOV-3ip. mice, ten out of ten mice were correctly segregated into the control or the CDDP treatment group based solely on these blinded, nonquantified MR results. In this model, the 6 mg/kg multiple-dose regimen achieved a modest response, improving life span by ∼24%. However, for the NMP-1 mice, only six out of nine evaluable mice were correctly segregated into the control or one of the treatment groups by similar MRI criteria, a virtually random distribution; further, neither CDDP treatment regimen achieved a significant improvement in survival in this model. In another study, NMP-1–implanted mice were treated on day 7 after tumor implantation with a single injection of a hyaluronic acid–paclitaxel copolymer. Control and treated mice were MR imaged on day 28, which revealed marked reductions in tumor burden in treated mice, correlating well with a subsequently observed improved survival of ∼40%. Our results suggest that MRI can be used to serially and noninvasively monitor treatment response and predict ongoing treatment effects on survival.

Upper limits on a stochastic background of gravitational waves

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory has performed a third science run with much improved sensitivities of all three interferometers. We present an analysis of approximately 200 hours of data acquired during this run, used to search for a stochastic background of gravitational radiation. We place upper bounds on the energy density stored as gravitational radiation for three different spectral power laws. For the flat spectrum, our limit of omega0 < 8.4 x 10(-4) in the 69-156 Hz band is approximately 10(5) times lower than the previous result in this frequency range.

Limits on gravitational-wave emission from selected pulsars using LIGO data

We place direct upper limits on the amplitude of gravitational waves from 28 isolated radio pulsars by a coherent multidetector analysis of the data collected during the second science run of the LIGO interferometric detectors. These are the first direct upper limits for 26 of the 28 pulsars. We use coordinated radio observations for the first time to build radio-guided phase templates for the expected gravitational-wave signals. The unprecedented sensitivity of the detectors allows us to set strain upper limits as low as a few times 10(-24). These strain limits translate into limits on the equatorial ellipticities of the pulsars, which are smaller than 10(-5) for the four closest pulsars.

Nanoshell-mediated near-infrared thermal therapy of tumors under magnetic resonance guidance

Metal nanoshells are a class of nanoparticles with tunable optical resonances. In this article, an application of this technology to thermal ablative therapy for cancer is described. By tuning the nanoshells to strongly absorb light in the near infrared, where optical transmission through tissue is optimal, a distribution of nanoshells at depth in tissue can be used to deliver a therapeutic dose of heat by using moderately low exposures of extracorporeally applied near-infrared (NIR) light. Human breast carcinoma cells incubated with nanoshells in vitro were found to have undergone photothermally induced morbidity on exposure to NIR light (820 nm, 35 W/cm2), as determined by using a fluorescent viability stain. Cells without nanoshells displayed no loss in viability after the same periods and conditions of NIR illumination. Likewise, in vivo studies under magnetic resonance guidance revealed that exposure to low doses of NIR light (820 nm, 4 W/cm2) in solid tumors treated with metal nanoshells reached average maximum temperatures capable of inducing irreversible tissue damage (DeltaT = 37.4 +/- 6.6 degrees C) within 4-6 min. Controls treated without nanoshells demonstrated significantly lower average temperatures on exposure to NIR light (DeltaT < 10 degrees C). These findings demonstrated good correlation with histological findings. Tissues heated above the thermal damage threshold displayed coagulation, cell shrinkage, and loss of nuclear staining, which are indicators of irreversible thermal damage. Control tissues appeared undamaged.

Entamoeba histolytica: DNA carrier vesicles in nuclei and kinetoplast-like organelles (EhkOs)

Entamoeba histolytica, the protozoan responsible for human amoebiasis, has a complex genome, whose linear chromosomes and DNA circles have so far eluded detailed analysis. We report the detection by transmission electron microscopy of nuclear vesicles (0.05-0.3 microm in diameter) carrying DNA in E. histolytica trophozoites. In late anaphase many of these nuclear vesicles were found to be organized in structures of approximately 2.5 x 1 microm, in association with chromosomes and microtubules. In glutaraldehyde-fixed and detergent-treated trophozoites, nuclear vesicles displayed a non-membranous envelope. Binding of phosphotungstate stain and recognition by serum from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus indicated that these vesicles contain DNA. Similar DNA carrier vesicles were found in the cytoplasm and in the E. histolytica kinetoplast-like organelle (EhkO). By Feulgen staining, we detected DNA carrier vesicles entering or leaving the nuclei, suggesting a structural relationship between the nuclear vesicles and the vesicles present in the EhkOs.

Menopause in normal and uncomplicated NIDDM women: physical and emotional symptoms and hormone profile

OBJECTIVE

To compare the physical characteristics, emotional symptoms and metabolic conditions of menopausal women with and without non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

METHODS

We studied 100 menopausal women 45-72 years of age, 51 with and 49 without NIDDM, in a cross-sectional design. Biological characteristics were collected and emotional symptoms were assessed with a modified Hamilton and Bech-Rafaelsen scale, scoring depression, anxiety, non specific symptoms of depression (NSSD) and the empty nest syndrome (ENS). Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist/hip and abdomen/hip ratios and percent of body fat were registered. The sulfoconjugated form of the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cortisol and fasting, as well as postprandial insulin/glucose ratios, were measured in blood.

RESULTS

Women with NIDDM had earlier mean age for menopause, more central obesity and less peripheral fat; they had also more prevalent emotional symptoms than non diabetic menopausal women. In women with NIDDM, symptoms were associated with years since diagnosis and with BMI. In non diabetic menopausal women schooling and attitudes to sexuality were associated with symptoms. FSH was inversely associated with BMI in both diabetic and non diabetic women; postprandial insulin/glucose ratio was correlated with central obesity in the group without NIDDM and cortisol with sitting systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the group with NIDDM.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of NIDDM and its metabolic conditions were associated with an increased frequency of some symptoms in menopausal women.

Domestic vectors of Chagas' disease in three rural communities of Nicaragua

A triatomine survey was conducted in three rural settlements of Nicaragua (Santa Rosa, Quebrada Honda and Poneloya) where Chagas' disease is endemic, to determine rates of house infestation, evaluate the housing condition and to assess the performance of the Maria sensor box in detection of domestic vectors. A total of 184 households were selected and vectors were sought by the methods of timed manual capture and by sensor boxes. The solve vectors species found in this study was Triatoma dimidiata. Of the examined bugs 50, 60 and 33%, in the respective communities, were infected with T. cruzi. The rates of house infestation as determined by manual capture and sensor boxes were respectively, 48.3% and 54.2% in Santa Rosa, 29.8% and 51.2% in Quebrada Honda and in Poneloya 3.8 and 5.9% with significant difference between the methods in Quebrada Honda. When compared with the manual capture, the Maria sensor box detected vectors in 71.4% of positive houses in two of the communities but also was able to detect bugs in 39.3% and 41.1% of houses where manual capture had been negative. Housing condition was evaluated according to three structural parameters, in this way, in the first community 79.2% of houses were classified as bad, 20.8% as regular; in the second one 42.5% were bad and 57.5% regular, whereas in the third 62.5% of the houses were regular. Rates of infestation did not differ greatly between the different housing conditions. Our results show that the sensor box is as efficient as manual capture and could be implemented in our country.

Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of piretanide in patients with congestive heart failure

The efficacy and pharmacokinetics of the diuretic piretanide were studied in two groups of six patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure. A dosage of 2 x 6 mg day-1 to 2 x 12 mg day-1 of intravenous piretanide for 7 days was sufficient to abrogate most symptoms of cardiac insufficiency. When compared with another group of healthy volunteers, patients with congestive heart failure had reduced total body clearance of piretanide of about 50% which was attributable to a diminished renal but not non-renal clearance. The analysis of the interrelationship between urinary piretanide excretion and diuresis by means of a linearized Emax-model revealed a maximal diuresis of 231 ml h-1 and a urinary piretanide excretion to induce half-maximal diuresis of 245 micrograms h-1. Thus patients with congestive heart failure exhibit a decreased renal clearance of piretanide and a good response to this high ceiling diuretic after intravenous dosing.

Gastro-intestinal parasites in calves in Colombia

This study was conducted at Carimagua Research Centre in a high savanna area in the eastern plains of Colombia. The objectives were to identify the pathogenic parasites prevalent in the area and to study their seasonal variations and ecological conditions for use in planning control measures. The calves from two groups of 50 cows each (zebu crossbred) were used. Group I calves were born at the beginning of the rainy season and Group II calves later in the same period. The highest faecal egg counts observed were of trichostrongylid eggs. In necropsied animals Cooperia had high populations followed by Haemonchus. Throughout the rainy season there were favourable conditions for development and transmission of calf nematodes; animals born towards the end of the rainy season developed a lower infestation level which is probably easier to control. The animals were particularly susceptible to infestation with gastro-intestinal parasites at weaning. From these observations and in view of the relatively low stocking rate and the sequential burning of the savanna it is suggested that deworming be done at eight and 18 months of age.

Experimental infection with a Leptospira hardjo strain isolated from cattle of the eastern plains of Colombia

The infectivity and pathogenicity of a strain of Leptospira hardjo isolated from the eastern plains of Colombia were evaluated. Ten pregnant heifers were artifically inoculated and monitored during 10 months. During the trial, isolation of leptospires was attempted and antibodies were detected by the microscopic agglutination test. Leptospires were recovered from the urine of six of the inoculated animals up to 6 months after infection. Eight of ten calves born from the inoculated heifers were born weak, and one of them died 12 h after parturition. Three of the weak calves had generalized jaundice of the internal surfaces. Half of the cows developed metritis and had a retained placenta. Serological reactions were seen against serotypes other than L. hardjo. A chronic infection was apparently established in the inoculated heifers with leptospiruria resulting in reinfection of the animals and a secondary rise in antibody levels.