Phagocytosis of latex beads by a human monocytic Mono Mac 6 cell line and effects of low-frequency electromagnetic field interaction

Some studies have shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may impact immune response cells and their functions. The first stage of the defense from pathogens is innate immunity encompassing phagocytosis and phagocytosis-related intracellular effects. Our work aimed to determine the influence of a low-frequency electromagnetic field (7 Hz, 30 mT_rms) on the phagocytosis process of latex beads (LBs), the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and viability changes in a human monocytic Mono Mac 6 (MM6) cell line as an experimental model of the phagocytosing cells in in vitro cell culture conditions. For these purposes, cells were firstly activated with infectious agents such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), or the proliferatory agent phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and then a phagocytosis test was performed. Cell viability and range of phagocytosis of latex beads by MM6 cells were measured by flow cytometry, and the level of ROS was evaluated with the use of a cytochrome C reduction test. The obtained results revealed that applied EMF exposure mainly increased the necrosis parameter of cell death when they were pre-stimulated with SEB as an infectious factor and subsequently phagocytosed LBs (P=0.001). Prestimulation with other agents like LPS or PHA preceding phagocytosis resulted in no statistically significant changes in cell death parameters. The level of ROS depended on the used stimulatory agent, phagocytosis, and/or EMF exposure. The obtained effects for EMF exposure indicated only a slight decrease in the ROS level for cells phagocytosing latex beads and being treated with SEB or PHA, while the opposite effect was observed for LPS pre-stimulated cells (data not statistically significant). The results concerning the viability of phagocytosing cells, the effectiveness of the phagocytosis process, and the level of radical forms might result from applied EMF parameters like signal waveform, frequency, flux density, and especially single EMF exposure.

Casemix, management, and mortality of patients rreseceiving emergency neurosurgery for traumatic brain injury in the Global Neurotrauma Outcomes Study: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognised as being responsible for a substantial proportion of the global burden of disease. Neurosurgical interventions are an important aspect of care for patients with TBI, but there is little epidemiological data available on this patient population. We aimed to characterise differences in casemix, management, and mortality of patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI across different levels of human development.

METHODS

We did a prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with TBI undergoing emergency neurosurgery, in a convenience sample of hospitals identified by open invitation, through international and regional scientific societies and meetings, individual contacts, and social media. Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI in each hospital's 30-day study period were all eligible for inclusion, with the exception of patients undergoing insertion of an intracranial pressure monitor only, ventriculostomy placement only, or a procedure for drainage of a chronic subdural haematoma. The primary outcome was mortality at 14 days postoperatively (or last point of observation if the patient was discharged before this time point). Countries were stratified according to their Human Development Index (HDI)-a composite of life expectancy, education, and income measures-into very high HDI, high HDI, medium HDI, and low HDI tiers. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine the effect of HDI on mortality while accounting for and quantifying between-hospital and between-country variation.

FINDINGS

Our study included 1635 records from 159 hospitals in 57 countries, collected between Nov 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2020. 328 (20%) records were from countries in the very high HDI tier, 539 (33%) from countries in the high HDI tier, 614 (38%) from countries in the medium HDI tier, and 154 (9%) from countries in the low HDI tier. The median age was 35 years (IQR 24-51), with the oldest patients in the very high HDI tier (median 54 years, IQR 34-69) and the youngest in the low HDI tier (median 28 years, IQR 20-38). The most common procedures were elevation of a depressed skull fracture in the low HDI tier (69 [45%]), evacuation of a supratentorial extradural haematoma in the medium HDI tier (189 [31%]) and high HDI tier (173 [32%]), and evacuation of a supratentorial acute subdural haematoma in the very high HDI tier (155 [47%]). Median time from injury to surgery was 13 h (IQR 6-32). Overall mortality was 18% (299 of 1635). After adjustment for casemix, the odds of mortality were greater in the medium HDI tier (odds ratio [OR] 2·84, 95% CI 1·55-5·2) and high HDI tier (2·26, 1·23-4·15), but not the low HDI tier (1·66, 0·61-4·46), relative to the very high HDI tier. There was significant between-hospital variation in mortality (median OR 2·04, 95% CI 1·17-2·49).

INTERPRETATION

Patients receiving emergency neurosurgery for TBI differed considerably in their admission characteristics and management across human development settings. Level of human development was associated with mortality. Substantial opportunities to improve care globally were identified, including reducing delays to surgery. Between-hospital variation in mortality suggests changes at an institutional level could influence outcome and comparative effectiveness research could identify best practices.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Group.

Food for all: designing sustainable and secure future seafood systems

Food from the sea can make a larger contribution to healthy and sustainable diets, and to addressing hunger and malnutrition, through improvements in production, distribution and equitable access to wild harvest and mariculture resources and products. The supply and consumption of seafood is influenced by a range of 'drivers' including ecosystem change and ocean regulation, the influence of corporations and evolving consumer demand, as well as the growing focus on the importance of seafood for meeting nutritional needs. These drivers need to be examined in a holistic way to develop an informed understanding of the needs, potential impacts and solutions that align seafood production and consumption with relevant 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper uses an evidence-based narrative approach to examine how the anticipated global trends for seafood might be experienced by people in different social, geographical and economic situations over the next ten years. Key drivers influencing seafood within the global food system are identified and used to construct a future scenario based on our current trajectory (Business-as-usual 2030). Descriptive pathways and actions are then presented for a more sustainable future scenario that strives towards achieving the SDGs as far as technically possible (More sustainable 2030). Prioritising actions that not only sustainably produce more seafood, but consider aspects of access and utilisation, particularly for people affected by food insecurity and malnutrition, is an essential part of designing sustainable and secure future seafood systems.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-021-09663-x.

Food for all: designing sustainable and secure future seafood systems

Food from the sea can make a larger contribution to healthy and sustainable diets, and to addressing hunger and malnutrition, through improvements in production, distribution and equitable access to wild harvest and mariculture resources and products. The supply and consumption of seafood is influenced by a range of 'drivers' including ecosystem change and ocean regulation, the influence of corporations and evolving consumer demand, as well as the growing focus on the importance of seafood for meeting nutritional needs. These drivers need to be examined in a holistic way to develop an informed understanding of the needs, potential impacts and solutions that align seafood production and consumption with relevant 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This paper uses an evidence-based narrative approach to examine how the anticipated global trends for seafood might be experienced by people in different social, geographical and economic situations over the next ten years. Key drivers influencing seafood within the global food system are identified and used to construct a future scenario based on our current trajectory (Business-as-usual 2030). Descriptive pathways and actions are then presented for a more sustainable future scenario that strives towards achieving the SDGs as far as technically possible (More sustainable 2030). Prioritising actions that not only sustainably produce more seafood, but consider aspects of access and utilisation, particularly for people affected by food insecurity and malnutrition, is an essential part of designing sustainable and secure future seafood systems.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11160-021-09663-x.

Mesenchymal stem cells in glioblastoma therapy and progression: How one cell does it all

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the most investigated and applied somatic stem cells in experimental therapies for the regeneration of damaged tissues. Moreover, as it was recently postulated, MSCs may demonstrate anti-tumor properties. Glioblastoma (GBM) is a grade IV central nervous system tumor with no available effective therapy and an inevitably fatal prognosis. Experimental studies utilizing MSCs in GBM treatment resulted in numerous controversies. Native MSCs were shown to exert anti-GBM activity by controlling angiogenesis, regulating cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis. They also were used as sensitizing factors and vehicles delivering various anti-cancer compounds. On the other hand, some experiments revealed significant risks related to MSC-based therapies for GBM, such as enhancement of tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and aggressiveness. The following review elaborates on all mentioned contradictory data and provides a realistic, current clinical perspective on MSCs' potential in GBM treatment.

Decreased layer specific longitudinal strain in myocardial segments supplied by stenosed LAD coronary artery: analysis for baseline, peak and recovery phase of stress echocardiography

Background

Despite wide utility of global longitudinal strain in the assessment of left ventricular function up to now little is known about layer specific quantification of myocardial function during stress tests and its potential for ischemia detection.

Purpose

To investigate diagnostic utility of layer specific LS during stress echocardiography using marker segments in patients with established Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery status.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients (mean age 62.5±9.9 years, 62% males) with suspected coronary artery disease, who had performed dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Layer specific speckle tracking LS analyses were performed during rest, maximal stress and recovery. As a marker for LAD (segment most probably supplied by this artery) we used mid-anterior left ventricle segments. LAD status were established with coronary angiography or angioCT and consider as significant if ≥70% stenosis was present.

Results

In our study group 14 patients had significantly stenosed LAD (group 1) and 24 had normal coronaries (group 2). We detected significantly lowered absolute values of strain in endocardial and mid-myocardial layers of segments supplied by stenosed LAD at rest for endocardium −8.6% (group 1) vs −13.4% (group 2); p=0.045; and mid-myocardium −7.3% (group 1) vs −11.2% (group 2); p=0.044. Moreover, we observed similar trend at recovery, however without reaching statistical significance.

Conclusions

Longitudinal strain analysis focused on segments supplied by assessed coronary artery my provide quantitative data confirming ischemia in the settings of rest and stress echocardiography. Our pilot study suggest that for inotropic agents like dobutamine the potential ischemic dysfunction may be however masked at peak stage of the test.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Mesenchymal stem cells injected into carotid artery to target focal brain injury home to perivascular space

Rationale: The groundbreaking discovery of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with their multifaceted benefits led to their widespread application in experimental medicine, including neurology. Efficient delivery of MSCs to damaged regions of the central nervous system may be a critical factor in determining outcome. Integrin VLA-4 (α4β1) coded by ITGA4 and ITGB1 genes is an adhesion molecule expressed by leukocytes, which is responsible for initiation of their diapedesis through cell docking to the inflamed vessel wall expressing VCAM1 receptor. This function of VLA-4 has been recapitulated in neural stem cells and glial progenitors. Thus, it was prudent to investigate this tool as a vehicle driving extravasation of MSCs. Since MSCs naturally express ITGB1 subunit, we decided to supplement them with ITGA4 only. The purpose of our current study is to investigate the eventual fate of IA delivered ITGA4 engineered and naive MSCs.

Methods: mRNA-ITGA4 transfected and naive MSCs were injected to right internal carotid artery of rats with focal brain injury. Through next three days MSC presence in animals' brain was navigated by magnetic resonance imaging. Transplanted cell location relative to the brain blood vessels and host immunological reaction were analyzed post-mortem by immunohistochemistry. The chemotaxis of modified and naive MSCs was additionally examined in in vitro transwell migration assay.

Results: Both naïve and ITGA4-overexpressing cells remained inside the vascular lumen over the first two days after IA infusion. On the third day, 39% of mRNA-ITGA4 modified and 51% naïve MSCs homed to perivascular space in the injury region (p=NS). The gradual decrease of both naive and mRNA-ITGA4 transfected hBM-MSCs in the rat brain was observed. mRNA-ITGA4 transfected MSCs appeared to be more vulnerable to phagocytosis than naïve cells. Moreover, in vitro study revealed that homogenate from the injured brain repels migration of MSCs, corroborating the incomplete extravasation observed in vivo.

Conclusions: In summary, IA transplanted MSCs are capable of homing to the perivascular space, an integral part of neurovascular unit, which might contribute to the replacement of injured pericytes, a critical element facilitating restoration of CNS function. The mRNA-ITGA4 transfection improves cell docking to vessel but this net benefit vanishes over the next two days due to fast clearance from cerebral vessels of the majority of transplanted cells, regardless of their engineering status. The drawbacks of mRNA-ITGA4 transfection become apparent on day 3 post transplantation due to the lower survival and higher vulnerability to host immune attack.

Experimental infection by Yersinia ruckeri O1 biotype 2 induces brain lesions and neurological signs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Pathological manifestations in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following experimental waterborne infection with Yersinia ruckeri serotype O1 biotype 2 (strain 07111224) were investigated. Rainbow trout were exposed to 8 × 10⁷  CFU/ml of Y. ruckeri by bath for 6 hr, and mortality was then monitored for 22 days post-infection (dpi). Organs were sampled at 3 dpi and also from moribund fish showing signs of severe systemic infection such as bleeding, exophthalmia or erratic swimming behaviour. Y. ruckeri was observed in the meninges and diencephalon of the brain, and lamina propria of olfactory organ at 3 dpi. At 12 dpi, Y. ruckeri had spread throughout the brain including cranial connective tissues and ventricles and the infection was associated with haemorrhages and an infiltration with leucocytes. Y. ruckeri infection and associated with leucocyte infiltration were observed at 13 dpi. In conclusion, Y. ruckeri strain 07111224 causes encephalitis in the acute phase of infection, which could explain why Y. ruckeri-affected fish show exophthalmia and erratic swimming known as signs of ERM.

Position paper nuclear cardiology: Update 2008

Nuclear cardiology is well established in clinical diagnostic algorithms for many years. This is an update 2008 of the first common position paper of the German Association of Nuclear Medicine and the German Association of Cardiology, Heart and Circulation Research published in 2001 aiming at an overview of state-of-the-art scintigraphic methods.

Optimizing ventilation-perfusion lung scintigraphy: Parting with planar imaging

Aim of the study was to introduce and verify a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) acquisition protocol that incorporates new developments in scintigraphy in order to allow for a more balanced comparison with other diagnostic procedures. Methods: In 103 patients suspect of having pulmonary embolism, V/Q scans were acquired exclusively with SPECT technique. Ventilation was done with ultrafine aerosol. Planar images in eight directions were reconstructed through addition of three consecutive SPECT projections. Three referees examined the scans in regard to type, localization, and extent of V/Q defects. Results: Using this protocol, significantly more defects, especially of subsegmental size, were detected (p <0.Q1). Sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy were also significantly improved (p <0.01) to 0.96, and 0.99, respectively. Furthermore, kappa values were increased up to 0.82 - a relevant enhancement in the ability to precisely localize V/Q defects. Conclusion: In conclusion this protocol provides high-resolution tomographic scans as well as high-quality planar images within a short acquisition time. Due to the significant increase in lesion detection, sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy, and anatomical localization of defects, it is a substantial improvement in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism that will put V/Q scintigraphy on a par with other tomographic methods.

Combined image interpretation of computed tomography and hybrid PET in head and neck cancer

Aim: Evaluation of potential synergistic effects of combined image interpretation of FDG PET using a gamma camera modified for coincidence detection (hybrid PET) and computed tomography (CT) and comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of hybrid PET and dedicated PET in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with suspected primary or recurrent cancer were included. Twenty-four patients underwent dedicated PET in addition to attenuationcorrected hybrid PET using a one-day protocol. Results: Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for detection of primary or recurrent head and neck cancer were 74, 73, and 74% for hybrid PET, 52, 82, and 60% for CT and 77, 82, and 79% for combined reading. With the combination of CT and hybrid PET all cases of recurrent disease were detected. The largest tumour not detected was 1.7 cm in diameter. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the detection of neck sides with lymph node metastases were 69, 88, and 85% for hybrid PET, 62, 88, and 84% for CT, 69, 99, and 94% for combined image interpretation. With combined interpretation four involved neck sides were missed including two cases of microscopic metastases. Hybrid PET revealed concordant results to dedicated PET in all patients with respect to the detection of primary or recurrent tumour and in 45 of 48 neck sides (94%) with the same number of false negative findings. Conclusion: The combination of functional information of hybrid PET and morphological information of CT by the simple approach of combined image interpretation improves the sensitivity for the detection of primary/recurrent head and neck cancer and increases the specificity of lymph node staging compared to CT alone. The accuracy of hybrid PET and dedicated PET was almost identical.

An approach for comparative quantification of myocardial blood flow (0-15-H2O-PET), perfusion (Tc-99m-tetrofosmin-SPECT), and metabolism (F 18-FDG-PET)

Aim: In the present study a new approach has been developed for comparative quantification of absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF), myocardial perfusion, and myocardial metabolism in short-axis slices. Methods: 42 patients with severe CAD, referred for myocardial viability diagnostics, were studied consecutively with 0-15-H2O PET (H2O-PET) (twice), Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin 5PECT (TT-SPECT) and F-18-FDG PET (FDG-PET). All dato sets were reconstructed using attenuation correction and reoriented into short axis slices. Each heart was divided into three representative slices (base, rnidventricular, apex) and 18 ROIs were defined on the FDG PET images and transferred to the corresponding H2O-PET and TT-SPECT slices. TT-SPECT and FDG-PET data were normalized to the ROI showing maximum perfusion. MBF was calculated for all left-ventricular ROIs using a single-compartment-model fitting the dynamic H2O-PET studies. Microsphere equivalent MBF (MBF_micr) was calculated by multiplying MBF and tissue-fraction, a parameter which was obtained by fitting the dynamic H2O-PET studies. To reduce influence of viability only well perfused areas (>70% TT-SPECT) were used for comparative quantification. Results: First and second mean global MBF values were 0.85 ml × min-1 × g-1 and 0.84 ml × min-1 × g1, respectively, with a repeatability coefficient of 0.30 ml ÷ min-1 × gl. After sectorization mean MBF_micr was between 0.58 ml × min1 ÷ ml"1 and 0.68 ml × min-1 × ml"1 in well perfused areas. Corresponding TT-SPECT values ranged from 83 % to 91 %, and FDG-PET values from 91 % to 103%. All procedures yielded higher values for the lateral than the septal regions. Conclusion: Comparative quantification of MBF, MBF_micr, TT-SPECT perfusion and FDG-PET metabolism can be done with the introduced method in short axis slices. The obtained values agree well with experimentally validated values of MBF and MBF_micr.

Characterization of radioiodine therapy failures in Graves’ disease

Aim of this study was a characterization of radioiodine therapy (RIT) failures in Graves’ disease without simultaneous Carbimazole. Method: 226 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Graves’ disease received 686.8 ± 376.4 MBq of iodine-131 orally for thyroid ablation. Target dose was 250 Gy. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Therapy failures were compared with successes regarding possible influencing variables initial thyroid volume, thyroid function, immune activity (TRAb), 1-131 uptake, effective half-life, absorbed energy dose, age and gender. Results: 212 of 226 patients (93.8%) were treated successfully, 14 (6.2%) showed a hyperthyroidism relapse within 6 months which required a second radioiodine therapy. A success rate of 92.5% (62/67) could also be achieved with 67 patients who were hyperthyroid at the time of RIT. Compared to the therapy successes, the 14 failures achieved significantly lower absorbed doses (223.8 ±76.6 Gyvs. 285.2 ±82.1 Gy, ρ <0.005), but with no significant differences regarding age, thyroid volume, function or TRAb (all ρ >0.2). Of the 14 failures, η = 8 reached an absorbed dose <200 Gy and η = 1 a dose <250 Gy, although 5 of the failures reached an absorbed dose of >250 Gy. Stepwise logistic regression revealed only absorbed energy dose as a variable significantly influencing therapy success (p <0.005), but no influence of initial thyroid volume, function, TRAb value, age (all ρ >0.2) or gender (p = 0.13). Two-tailed Fisher’s exact test showed no significant influence of gender on success rates (failures/successes: male 1 /36, female 13/176, ρ = 0.48). Conclusions: Except for the absorbed energy dose, no other significant variable influencing the outcome of radioiodine therapy in Graves’ disease without simultaneous Carbimazole could be found. It should be noted, though, that 5 therapy failures (2.2%) reached an absorbed energy dose of >250 Gy.

Quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction from 16- and rebinned 8-frame gated 99mTc-tetrofosmin SPECT

Aim: Using 8-frames/cardiac cycle with gated SPECT underestimates end-diastolic volumes (EDV) and ejection fractions (LVEF), and overestimates end-systolic volumes (ESV). However, using 16-frames/cardiac cycle significantly decreases the signal-to-noise-ratio. We analyzed 16-frames and rebinned 8-frame gated SPECT data using common 4D-MSPECT and QGS algorithms. Patients, methods: 120 patients were examined using gated SPECT on a Siemens Multispect 3 (triple-head gamma camera) 60 minutes after intravenous administration at rest of about 450 MBq (two-day protocol) or about 750 MBq (one-day protocol) 99mTc-tetrofosmin. Reoriented short axis slices (16-frames) were summed framewise (1+2,3+4, etc.) yielding 8-frame data sets. EDV, ESV and LVEF were calculated for both data sets using 4D-MSPECT and QGS. Results: QGS succeeded with 119, 4D-MSPECT with 117 patients. For the remaining 116 patients, higher EDV (+0.8ml/+3.8ml) and LVEF (+1.5%/+2.6%; absolute) and lower ESV (–1.7ml/–0.9ml) (4D-MSPECT/QGS) were found for 16-frame runs. Bland-Altman limits were smaller for QGS than 4D-MSPECT [EDV 32/12ml, ESV 21/10ml, LVEF 17/7% (4D-MSPECT/QGS)]. Conclusion: Both algorithms showed the expected effects. Contour finding using QGS failed with only one data set, whereas contour finding using 4D-MSPECT failed with three data sets. Since the effects observed between the 8– and the 16-frame studies are relatively small and quite predictable, 8-frame studies can be employed in clinical routine with hardly any loss at all, plus contour finding appears less susceptible to error.

Stunning in radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease

In radioiodine therapy of benign thyroid disease, a reduction of radioiodine uptake is known for consecutive administrations of 131I, which needs to be considered in therapy planning. Aim: Analysis of uptake reduction with regard on the time interval between radioiodine administration and the delivered dose to the thyroid tissue. Patients, methods: 200 patients were enrolled in the study and distributed into two groups (matched for diagnoses), each containing 32 patients with Graves' disease (target dose 250 Gy), 24 with focal (400 Gy), 44 with disseminated thyroid autonomy (150 Gy). In one group, a second fraction of radioiodine was given after 48 h (2d) due to an unexpected low radioiodine uptake or effective half-life, whereas in the other group the second fraction was given after 96 h (4d). Results: There was no significant difference between delivered doses due to the first fraction after four days: 2d: 86 ± 48 Gy (extrapolated) vs. 4d: 87 ± 41 Gy, p > 0.05. In 2d, delivered dose at time of second administration was significantly lower (51 ± 29 Gy) than in 4d (p < 0.01). The radioiodine uptake of the second fraction relative to the initial uptake was significantly lower in the 4d (4d: 63 ± 25% vs. 2d: 82 ± 24%, p < 0.01). In addition, a correlation between uptake reduction and delivered dose and an influence of the time interval between radioiodine administrations could be shown. Conclusions: Relative uptake of subsequent radioiodine fractions decreases with time after first administration and with increasing delivered dose to the thyroid. If a second fraction of 131I is given at an earlier time, the same therapeutic effect can be reached using lower amounts of activity, minimising radiation exposure and increasing efficiency of radioiodine therapy.

Changes in U937 cell viability induced by stress factors - possible role of calmodulin

Current studies were aimed to elucidate influence of magnetic field (MF) stimulation on cell viability and its effect on expression of calmodulin (CaM) and Hsp70 protein which plays a role of cell stress indicator and is a Ca²⁺-dependent CaM-binding protein. For the experimental model we have chosen U937 cell line exposed to chemical- and/or physical stress factors. Puromycin (PMC) was used as a chemical apoptosis inducer. Alternating (AC) (6.5_rms mT, 35 Hz) magnetic field combined with 6 mT static (DC) component, or pulsed electromagnetic field (45 ± 5)mT, 50 Hz (PEMF) acted as physical stressors. Cell viability was assessed by flow cytometry, and the Western blot analysis was carried out for CaM and Hsp70 levels in cytosolic extracts of U937 cells. Cell viability in samples exposed to MF alone did not differ from sham sample, for both types of MF exposure systems. Simultaneous action of MF and PMC influenced cell viability in type of MF stimulation-dependent manner. In contrast to PEMF + PMC stimulated samples, combination of ACDCMF with PMC enhanced cell death compared to PMC control. The observed changes in cell viability were correlated with changes in level of CaM and Hsp70 proteins. Immunoblots have shown, that cytosolic content of both CaM and Hsp70 proteins was enhanced in PMC-treated sample, and further elevated for ACDCMF + PMC. For PEMF + PMC stimulated samples, level of CaM was reduced compared to PMC-treated sample. The results suggest that the changes in expression of CaM and CaM-dependent proteins might modulate effectiveness of cell death under stimulation with MF and/or cytotoxic agents.

Changes in viability of rat adipose-derived stem cells isolated from abdominal/perinuclear adipose tissue stimulated with pulsed electromagnetic field

Previous experiments demonstrated that low-frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF) may activate cellular death pathways in proliferating cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that LF-EMF may also influence viability of highly proliferating undifferentiated adipose-derived stem cells. Obesity is classified as a civilization disease; its etiopathogenesis is presumed to include both genetic predisposition and influence of modified environmental factors, such as unbalanced diet with excess calories and/or too low physical activity. Obesity may lead to a number of metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases (associated with atherosclerosis) related to primary hypertension and ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and other complications. The aim of this study was to verify if LF-EMF alters viability parameters of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) isolated from rats, cultured in vitro and exposed to pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF; 7 Hz, 30 mT). ADSCs were obtained from healthy rats and animals with experimentally-induced obesity, both males and females, pups and adults. The animals were fed with chow with either low (LF diet) or high fat content (HF diet) for 21 days. Then, ADSCs were isolated from extracted adipose tissue and used to establish cell cultures. ADSCs from the first passage were exposed to PEMF three times, 4 hours per exposure, at 24-h intervals (experimentally developed protocol of PEMF stimulation). 24 hours after the last exposure to PEMF, viability parameters of ADSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). The study demonstrated that LF diet exerted a protective effect on PEMF-exposed ADSCs, especially in the case of male and female pups. In turn, the proportion of early apoptotic cells in PEMF-treated ADSC cultures from adult female rats maintained on HF diet turned out to be significantly higher than in other experimental groups.

Unique properties of silver and copper silica-based nanocomposites as antimicrobial agents

The paper reports a new route for the fabrication and determination of physicochemical properties and biological activity, of metallic silica-based nanostructure (Ag/SiO₂, Cu/SiO₂).

Thermal and hydrometallurgical recovery methods of heavy metals from municipal solid waste fly ash

Heavy metals in fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators are present in high concentrations. Therefore fly ash must be treated as a hazardous material. On the other hand, it may be a potential source of heavy metals. Zinc, lead, cadmium, and copper can be relatively easily removed during the thermal treatment of fly ash, e.g. in the form of chlorides. In return, wet extraction methods could provide promising results for these elements including chromium and nickel. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare thermal and hydrometallurgical treatment of municipal solid waste fly ash. Thermal treatment of fly ash was performed in a rotary reactor at temperatures between 950 and 1050°C and in a muffle oven at temperatures from 500 to 1200°C. The removal more than 90% was reached by easy volatile heavy metals such as cadmium and lead and also by copper, however at higher temperature in the muffle oven. The alkaline (sodium hydroxide) and acid (sulphuric acid) leaching of the fly ash was carried out while the influence of temperature, time, concentration, and liquid/solid ratio were investigated. The combination of alkaline-acidic leaching enhanced the removal of, namely, zinc, chromium and nickel.

Laser-capture dissection and immunohistochemistry reveals chloride and mucous-cell specific gene expression in gills of seawater acclimated Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

Laser-capture microdissection and immunohistochemistry were used to show that gene and protein expression varied in different cell types in the gills of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, with chloride cells found to express high levels of sodium potassium ATPase and mucous cells expressing elevated levels of anterior gradient protein. It is therefore important that studies of gene expression in gill tissue take account of the proportion of the various cell types present.

Culturable microbiota of ranched southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii Castelnau)

AIMS

The Australian tuna industry is based on the ranching of wild southern bluefin tuna (SBT, Thunnus maccoyii). Within this industry, only opportunistic pathogens have been reported infecting external wounds of fish. This study aimed to identify different culturable bacteria present in three cohorts of SBT and to determine normal bacteria and potential pathogens in isolates from harvest fish and moribund/dead fish. Post-mortem changes in the microbiota were also studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Moribund/dead showed a greater proportion of members from the family Vibrionaceae than harvested fish; the latter presented mainly non-Vibrio species. In harvested fish spleens, Vibrio splendidus I complex was the most commonly identified group among Vibrio isolates, while most groups from the family Vibrionaceae were isolated from gills. For moribund/dead, Vibrio chagasii and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae were common in gill, spleen and kidney samples. Non-Vibrio isolates from gills were characterized using 16S rRNA sequencing as Flavobacteriaceae and classes Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria, mainly from the genera Winogradskyella and Tenacibaculum. Post-mortem changes showed dynamic shifts in bacterial dominance in gills, with Vibrionaceae and non-Vibrio spp. found in similar proportions initially and types related to Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica prevailing after 27 h. Spleen samples showed little bacterial growth until 5 h post-mortem, while various Vibrio-associated species were isolated 27 h post-mortem.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacterial isolates found include a range of potentially pathogenic bacteria that should be monitored though most of them have yet to be associated with disease in tuna.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study forms a foundation for future research into the bacterial population dynamics under different culture conditions of SBT. An understanding of the bacterial compositions in SBT is necessary to evaluate the effects of some bacterial species on their health.

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the shelf life of cured pork sausage

This study examined the shelf life of cured sausage under different packaging conditions from vitamin E supplemented pigs. One group (n=6) of crossbred pigs received a normal fattening diet containing 20 ppm α-tocopherol for 39 days before slaughter. Another group was fed a diet containing 410 ppm α-tocopherol during the same period. After slaughter, cured sausages were produced, packaged under three different atmospheric conditions, ripened for 4 weeks and then stored for 8 weeks (9 °C; 200 lux). The α-tocopherol content was recorded in the fat, liver, muscles and the sausage. TBARS, L*, a*, b* values and antioxidative capacity were evaluated in the sausage during storage. The results showed a transfer of vitamin E into tissues and sausage but no detectable effect on TBARS and colour stability. However, antioxidative effects of vitamin E were seen by provocation. Probably the effect of vitamin E in the sausage was masked by nitrite in the curing salt. The oxygen content of the packs had an influence on TBARS and colour stability.

Angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas agonist ameliorates progress of atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice

Our interest focused on an open question whether AT-(1-7), nonpeptide receptor agonist: AVE 0991, is able to ameliorate atherosclerosis. We used an apolipoprotein E (apoE) - knockout mice model of atherosclerosis. Experimental groups received the same diet as control, mixed with: AVE 0991 at a dose of 0.58 μmol/kg b.w./day, perindopril at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w./day or with tiorphan at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day. A-779 [(D-alanine)-angiotensin (1-7)] was given at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg b.w., 3 times a week i.p. Measured by "en face" method, the percentage of occupied by Sudan IV-stained surfaces were as follows: 14.2±1.9 % in control group, whereas in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups percentages were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change comparing to control group, whereas in A-779 group percentage was statistically significantly higher. "Cross-section" of aortic roots revealed also the difference in atherosclerotic lesions. The mean surfaces, occupied by oil red O-stained changes were: 91.213±8.123 μm(2) in control group, while in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups lesions were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change; however, in A-779 group lesions were statistically significantly higher. Measured by real time RT-PCR relative p22phox (submit of NADPH oxidase) expression was significantly decreased in AVE 0991-treated mice. As revealed by flow cytometry, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules: CD86, CD80 and CD40 on both dendritic cells (CD11c+) and macrophages (F4/80+) was reduced in AVE 0991-treated group, which correlated with decreased expression of CD69 activation marker on CD4+T cells. In our report we showed the beneficial effect of AVE 0991 on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice.

Value of robotic navigation and ablation

Catheter ablation has been established as a potentially curative treatment modality for various arrhythmias. Over the past years, catheter ablation has progressed from focal ablation to complex ablations within a three-dimensional anatomy for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Complex ablation relies on reproducible catheter navigation in conjunction with stable catheter position and contact force, which depends on the operators´ individual experience and manual skills. Therefore, it would be desirable that technical innovations pursue the goal to minimize the physician's physical demands and exposure to scattered fluoroscopy, to improve catheter stability and, most importantly, to increase procedural safety. This review will discuss the role of remote controlled robotic navigation systems in catheter ablation with particular focus on safety, efficacy and novel applications.

Physical characterisation of Tenacibaculum maritimum for vaccine development

AIMS

Tenacibaculum maritimum is a well known fish pathogen worldwide, affecting many fish species including Atlantic salmon in Tasmania, Australia. The aim of this study was to characterise and understand the similarities and differences between the isolates in order to select isolates for later pathogenicity and vaccination trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Several physical characterisation tests were carried out: whole cell protein profiles, lipopolysaccharide profiles (LPS), extracellular product profiles (ECP), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and hydrophobicity. The Tasmanian strains of T. maritimum appear relatively homogeneous physically, but antigenically different. All isolates were hydrophobic and produce a variety of ECP profiles. There were two isolates that stand out in all assays (89/4747 and 01/0356-7) and showed great variation from the other isolates. All isolates have been confirmed as T. maritimum.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the tests carried out three isolates were chosen for in vivo trials: 89/4747, 89/4762, 00/3280.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study to characterise T. maritimum isolates from Tasmanian waters. The opportunity to develop vaccines for the Tasmanian salmonid aquaculture industry is enhanced by a greater understanding of the physical characteristics of pathogens.