Plasma lipid profiling across species for the identification of optimal animal models of human dyslipidemia

In an attempt to understand the applicability of various animal models to dyslipidemia in humans and to identify improved preclinical models for target discovery and validation for dyslipidemia, we measured comprehensive plasma lipid profiles in 24 models. These included five mouse strains, six other nonprimate species, and four nonhuman primate (NHP) species, and both healthy animals and animals with metabolic disorders. Dyslipidemic humans were assessed by the same measures. Plasma lipoprotein profiles, eight major plasma lipid fractions, and FA compositions within these lipid fractions were compared both qualitatively and quantitatively across the species. Given the importance of statins in decreasing plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for treatment of dyslipidemia in humans, the responses of these measures to simvastatin treatment were also assessed for each species and compared with dyslipidemic humans. NHPs, followed by dog, were the models that demonstrated closest overall match to dyslipidemic humans. For the subset of the dyslipidemic population with high plasma triglyceride levels, the data also pointed to hamster and db/db mouse as representative models for practical use in target validation. Most traditional models, including rabbit, Zucker diabetic fatty rat, and the majority of mouse models, did not demonstrate overall similarity to dyslipidemic humans in this study.

Reconstitution of human Arp2/3 complex reveals critical roles of individual subunits in complex structure and activity

The Arp2/3 complex is a seven-protein assembly that is critical for actin nucleation and branching in cells. Here we report the reconstitution of active human Arp2/3 complex after expression of all seven subunits in insect cells. Expression of partial complexes revealed that a heterodimer of the p34 and p20 subunits constitutes a critical structural core of the complex, whereas the remaining subunits are peripherally located. Arp3 is crucial for nucleation, consistent with it being a structural component of the nucleation site. p41, p21, and p16 contribute differently to nucleation and stimulation by ActA and WASP, whereas p34/p20 bind actin filaments and likely function in actin branching. This study reveals that the nucleating and organizing functions of Arp2/3 complex subunits are separable, indicating that these activities may be differentially regulated in cells.

Autophagy mechanisms in sputum and peripheral blood cells of patients with severe asthma: a new therapeutic target

BACKGROUND

Autophagy and genetic predisposition have been suggested to potentially play roles in the development of asthma. However, little is known about the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of severe asthma.

OBJECTIVE

We compared autophagy in the sputum granulocytes, peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and peripheral blood eosinophils (PBEs) between patients with severe asthma and those with non-severe asthma and investigated the functional effects of autophagy.

METHODS

We enrolled 36 patients with severe asthma, 14 with non-severe asthma and 23 normal healthy controls in this study. Sputum granulocytes, PBCs and PBEs were isolated from each subject. Autophagy was evaluated based on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) by Western blot, confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry. IL-8 levels were measured by ELISA. To induce autophagy, HL-60 cells, human primary small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) and A549 cells were treated with IL-5, IL-1β and TNF-α. To inhibit autophagy, PI3K inhibitors (LY29400 and 3-methyladenine [3-MA]) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were used. Knockdown of ATG5 and Beclin-1 was performed in A549 cells, and the therapeutic effects of dexamethasone were evaluated.

RESULTS

Higher autophagy levels were noted in sputum granulocytes, PBCs and PBEs from patients with severe asthma than from patients with non-severe asthma and healthy controls (P < 0.05 for all). IL-5 increased autophagy levels in both PBCs and PBEs (P < 0.05). 3-MA attenuated the increased expression of LC3-II and eosinophil cationic protein in HL-60 cells induced by IL-5 (P = 0.034 for both). Dexamethasone did not affect autophagy levels in PBEs. IL-1β increased LC3-II expression and IL-8 production (P < 0.01) in SAECs, and this was attenuated by LY294002, 3-MA, HCQ and knockdown of ATG5 and Beclin-1 (in A549 cells) (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Autophagy could play a role in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. Autophagy modulation may be a novel therapeutic target for conventional therapy-resistant severe asthma.

Paper-based archiving of mammalian and plant samples for RNA analysis

The ability to archive biological samples for subsequent nucleic acid analysis is essential for tissue specimens and forensic samples. FTA Card is a chemically treated filter paper designed for the collection and room temperature storage of biological samples for subsequent DNA analysis. Its usefulness for the preservation of biological samples for subsequent RNA analysis was tested. Here, we demonstrate that RNA in biological samples stored on FTA Cards is stable and can be used successfully for RT-PCR and northern blot analysis. RNA stability depends on the storage temperature and the type of biological specimen. RNA in mammalian cells stored on FTA Cards is stable for over one year at temperatures at or below -20 degrees C and for two to three months in samples stored at room temperature. For plant leaf, longer storage times (> 5 days) require temperatures at or below -70 degrees C following sample application. FTA Cards may constitute a method not only for convenient collection and storage of biological samples but also for rapid RT-PCR analysis of tissue and cell samples.

High levels of specific neuropeptide Y/pancreatic polypeptide receptors in the rat hypothalamus and brainstem

It is known that the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus is responsible for some of the stimulatory effects of neuropeptide Y, peptide YY and the pancreatic polypeptides on food intake. However, specific neuropeptide Y Y1 and Y2 receptors were not abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus. In contrast, specific [125I]human pancreatic polypeptide binding sites were detected in this hypothalamic nucleus as well as the medial preoptic area, interpeduncular nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema and dorsal vagal nucleus while cortical areas and the hippocampus contained negligible levels of labeling. The ligand binding profile of the various competitors suggests that the binding sites labeled by [125I]human pancreatic polypeptide are predominantly of the neuropeptide Y Y4 and/or Y5 subtypes. These newly cloned receptors may play a key role in the modulatory effects of neuropeptide Y and related peptides on appetite.

Removal of trace organic chemical contaminants by a membrane bioreactor

Emerging wastewater treatment processes such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) have attracted a significant amount of interest internationally due to their ability to produce high quality effluent suitable for water recycling. It is therefore important that their efficiency in removing hazardous trace organic contaminants be assessed. Accordingly, this study investigated the removal of trace organic chemical contaminants through a full-scale, package MBR in New South Wales, Australia. This study was unique in the context of MBR research because it characterised the removal of 48 trace organic chemical contaminants, which included steroidal hormones, xenoestrogens, pesticides, caffeine, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Results showed that the removal of most trace organic chemical contaminants through the MBR was high (above 90%). However, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, diazepam, diclofenac, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, omeprazole, sulphamethoxazole and trimethoprim were only partially removed through the MBR with the removal efficiencies of 24-68%. These are potential indicators for assessing MBR performance as these chemicals are usually sensitive to changes in the treatment systems. The trace organic chemical contaminants detected in the MBR permeate were 1 to 6 orders of magnitude lower than guideline values reported in the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling. The outcomes of this study enhanced our understanding of the levels and removal of trace organic contaminants by MBRs.

Background risk of breast cancer influences the association between alcohol consumption and mammographic density

Background:

Alcohol consumption has been suggested to increase risk of breast cancer through a mechanism that also increases mammographic density. Whether the association between alcohol consumption and mammographic density is modified by background breast cancer risk has, however, not been studied.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 53 060 Swedish women aged 40–74 years. Alcohol consumption was assessed using a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Mammographic density was measured using the fully-automated volumetric Volpara method. The Tyrer–Cuzick prediction model was used to estimate risk of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and volumetric mammographic density and the potential influence of Tyrer–Cuzick breast cancer risk.

Results:

Overall, increasing alcohol consumption was associated with higher absolute dense volume (cm³) and per cent dense volume (%). The association between alcohol consumption and absolute dense volume was most pronounced among women with the highest (⩾5%) Tyrer–Cuzick 10-year risk. Among high-risk women, women consuming 5.0–9.9, 10.0–19.9, 20.0–29.9, and 30.0–40.0 g of alcohol per day had 2.6 cm³ (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.2–4.9), 2.9 cm³ (95% CI, −0.6 to 6.3), 4.6 cm³ (95% CI, 1.5–7.7), and 10.8 cm³ (95% CI, 4.8–17.0) higher absolute dense volume, respectively, as compared with women abstaining from alcohol. A trend of increasing alcohol consumption and higher absolute dense volume was seen in women at low (⩽3%) risk, but not in women at moderate (3.0–4.9%) risk.

Conclusion:

Alcohol consumption may increase breast cancer risk through increasing mammographic density, particularly in women at high background risk of breast cancer.

Lymphatic absorption, metabolism, and excretion of a therapeutic peptide in dogs and rats

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the mechanism of absorption and metabolism of a PEGylated peptide, MRL-1 (46 kDa), after s.c. dosing in dogs and rats. Thoracic lymph duct-cannulated (LDC) dog and rat models were developed that allowed continuous collection of lymph for up to 8 days. When [(3)H]MRL-1 was administered s.c. to LDC dogs, ∼73% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in pooled lymph over a period of 120 hours, suggesting that lymphatic uptake is the major pathway of s.c. absorption for this peptide. In agreement with these data, the systemic exposure of radioactivity related to [(3)H]MRL-1 in LDC dogs was decreased proportionately when compared with that in noncannulated control dogs. After i.v. dosing with [(3)H]MRL-1 in LDC dogs, 20% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in pooled lymph over 168 hours, suggesting some level of recirculation of radioactivity related to [(3)H]MRL-1 from the plasma compartment into the lymphatic system. Experiments conducted in the LDC rat model also resulted in similar conclusions. Analysis of injection site s.c. tissue showed significant metabolism of [(3)H]MRL-1, which provides an explanation for the <100% bioavailability of therapeutic proteins and peptides after s.c. dosing. After s.c. dosing, the major circulating components in plasma were the parent peptide and the PEG-linker [(3)H]MRL-2. The metabolism profiles in lymph were similar to those in plasma, suggesting that the loss of peptide was minimal during lymphatic transport. After i.v. dosing in rats, [(3)H]MRL-1 was metabolized and excreted primarily in the urine as metabolites.

N-acetylcysteine in pig liver transplantation from non-heart-beating donors

Lipid peroxidation due to oxygen free radicals (OFR) seems to play a major role in loss of liver graft viability after warm ischemia, preservation, and transplantation. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that has a direct effect on OFR, and is also a glutathione precursor, another antioxidant. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in preventing ischemia-reperfusion damage of liver grafts harvested from non-heart-beating donors. Liver transplantation was performed on pigs divided into five groups: group 1 (control group; n=5) received livers from heart-beating donors; livers were subjected to 30 min of warm ischemia in groups 2 (n=3, no NAC) and group 3 (n=3; NAC treatment); warm ischemia time lasted 60 min in groups 4 (n=4; no NAC) and 5 (n=5; NAC treatment). Studied parameters included graft survival for more than 3 days, aspartate aminotransferase plasma levels, liver histology, and hepatic total glutathione concentrations. Graft survival was 100% in groups 1, 2, and 3, 0% in group 4, and 20% in group 5. NAC treatment did not influence initial mean aspartate aminotransferase release which was greater in warm ischemic livers than in controls. NAC treatment had no effect on liver hepatic total glutathione after reperfusion of animals receiving warm ischemic grants. Finally, no effect on liver histology was observed with NAC treatment. Our study suggests that in liver transplantation from non-heart-beating donors, NAC has no effect in both graft viability and lipid peroxidation. The role of OFR in primary dysfunction of transplanted warm ischemic livers remains controversial.

Assessment of 21st century drought conditions at Shasta Dam based on dynamically projected water supply conditions by a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology model

Along with socioeconomic developments, and population increase, natural disasters around the world have recently increased the awareness of harmful impacts they cause. Among natural disasters, drought is of great interest to scientists due to the extraordinary diversity of their severity and duration. Motivated by the development of a potential approach to investigate future possible droughts in a probabilistic framework based on climate change projections, a methodology to consider thirteen future climate projections based on four emission scenarios to characterize droughts is presented. The proposed approach uses a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology model (Watershed Environmental Hydrology Hydro-Climate Model; WEHY-HCM) to generate thirteen equally likely future water supply projections. The water supply projections were compared to the current water demand for the detection of drought events and estimation of drought properties. The procedure was applied to Shasta Dam watershed to analyze drought conditions at the watershed outlet, Shasta Dam. The results suggest an increasing water scarcity at Shasta Dam with more severe and longer future drought events in some future scenarios. An important advantage of the proposed approach to the probabilistic analysis of future droughts is that it provides the drought properties of the 100-year and 200-year return periods without resorting to any extrapolation of the frequency curve.

Erosion and deposition processes in surface granular flows

We report on experiments aiming at characterizing erosion and deposition processes on a tilted granular bed. We investigate the existence of the neutral angle, that is, the critical angle at which erosion exactly balances accretion after the passage of a granular avalanche of a finite mass. Experiments show in particular that the neutral angle depends on both avalanche mass and shape but is rather insensitive to the bed length. This result strongly suggests that the effective friction between the static and mobile granular phases cannot be taken as an intrinsic property that is only material dependent but should be considered a flow-dependent property. Interestingly, for a given avalanche mass, the net erosion rate increases linearly with the angular deviation from the neutral angle. We also compare our data with the predictions of the erosion-deposition model introduced by Bouchaud, Cates, Ravi Prakash, and Edwards (BCRE) [J. Phys. I 4, 1283 (1994)JPGCE81155-430410.1051/jp1:1994195]. We show that the predictions drawn from the modified version of the BCRE model proposed by Boutreux and de Gennes, in which the local erosion rate between the static and mobile phases is independent of the flow thickness, are in remarkable agreement with the experimental results.

Longitudinal sampling is required to maximize detection of intrahost A/H3N2 virus variants

Seasonal human influenza viruses continually change antigenically to escape from neutralizing antibodies. It remains unclear how genetic variation in the intrahost virus population and selection at the level of individual hosts translates to the fast-paced evolution observed at the global level because emerging intrahost antigenic variants are rarely detected. We tracked intrahost variants in the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface proteins using longitudinally collected samples from 52 patients infected by A/H3N2 influenza virus, mostly young children, who received oseltamivir treatment. We identified emerging putative antigenic variants and oseltamivir-resistant variants, most of which remained detectable in samples collected at subsequent days, and identified variants that emerged intrahost immediately prior to increases in global rates. In contrast to most putative antigenic variants, oseltamivir-resistant variants rapidly increased to high frequencies in the virus population. Importantly, the majority of putative antigenic variants and oseltamivir-resistant variants were first detectable four or more days after onset of symptoms or start of treatment, respectively. Our observations demonstrate that de novo variants emerge, and may be positively selected, during the course of infection. Additionally, based on the 4–7 days post-treatment delay in emergence of oseltamivir-resistant variants in six out of the eight individuals with such variants, we find that limiting sample collection for routine surveillance and diagnostic testing to early timepoints after onset of symptoms can potentially preclude detection of emerging, positively selected variants.

Analysis of future climate change impacts on snow distribution over mountainous watersheds in Northern California by means of a physically-based snow distribution model

The impacts of climate change on snow distribution through the 21st century were investigated over three mountainous watersheds in Northern California by means of a physically-based snow distribution model. The future climate conditions during a 90-year future period from water year 2010 to 2100 were obtained from 13 future climate projection realizations from two GCMs (ECHAM5 and CCSM3) based on four SRES scenarios (A1B, A1FI, A2, and B1). The 13 future climate projection realizations were dynamically downscaled at 9 km resolution by a regional climate model. Using the downscaled variables based on the 13 future climate projection realizations, snow distribution over the Feather, Yuba, and American River watersheds (FRW, YRW, and ARW) was projected by means of the physically-based snow model. FRW and YRW watersheds cover the main source areas of the California State Water Project (SWP), and ARW is one of the key watersheds in the California Central Valley Project (CVP). SWP and CVP are of great importance as they provide and regulate much of the California's water for drinking, irrigation, flood control, environmental, and hydro-power generation purposes. Ensemble average snow distribution over the study watersheds was calculated over the 13 realizations and for each scenario, revealing differences among the scenarios. While the snow reduction through the 21st century was similar between A1B and A2, the snow reduction was milder for B1, and more severe for A1FI. A significant downward trend was detected in the snowpack over nearly the entire watershed areas for all the ensemble average results.

A Community-Based Model of Care During the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In response to a call for help during a surge in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) cases in Ho Chi Minh City in July 2021, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City developed and implemented a community care model for the management of patients with COVID-19. This was based on three main principles: home care; providing monitoring and care at a distance; and providing timely emergency care if needed. One team supported patients at home with frequent contacts and remote monitoring, while a second team transferred and cared for patients requiring treatment at field emergency care facilities. COVID-19-related mortality rates at the two districts where this approach was implemented (0.43% and 0.57%) were substantially lower than the overall rate in Ho Chi Minh City over the same period (4.95%). Thus, utilization of a community care model can increase the number of patients with COVID-19 who can be effectively managed from home, and use of field emergency care facilities limited the number of patients that had to be referred for tertiary care. Importantly, the community care model also markedly reduced the mortality rate compared with traditional methods of COVID-19 patient management.

Chemical monitoring strategy for the assessment of advanced water treatment plant performance

A pilot-scale plant was employed to validate the performance of a proposed full-scale advanced water treatment plant (AWTP) in Sydney, Australia. The primary aim of this study was to develop a chemical monitoring program that can demonstrate proper plant operation resulting in the removal of priority chemical constituents in the product water. The feed water quality to the pilot plant was tertiary-treated effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. The unit processes of the AWTP were comprised of an integrated membrane system (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis) followed by final chlorination generating a water quality that does not present a source of human or environmental health concern. The chemical monitoring program was undertaken over 6 weeks during pilot plant operation and involved the quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, steroidal hormones, industrial chemicals, pesticides, N-nitrosamines and halomethanes. The first phase consisted of baseline monitoring of target compounds to quantify influent concentrations in feed waters to the plant. This was followed by a period of validation monitoring utilising indicator chemicals and surrogate measures suitable to assess proper process performance at various stages of the AWTP. This effort was supported by challenge testing experiments to further validate removal of a series of indicator chemicals by reverse osmosis. This pilot-scale study demonstrated a simplified analytical approach that can be employed to assure proper operation of advanced water treatment processes and the absence of trace organic chemicals.

Evidence of slow and variable choice-stepping reaction time in cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is reported to affect up to 70 % of cancer survivors. Despite evidence that CIPN-related impairments often translate into balance and mobility deficits, the effects on stepping and quality of gait, well-documented risk factors for falls, are unclear.

AIMS

(i) Establish choice-stepping reaction time (CSRT) performance in survivors with CIPN compared to young and older healthy controls and people with Parkinson's disease; (ii) document walking stability; (iii) investigate relationships between stepping and gait data to objective and patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

41 cancer survivors with CIPN (mean (SD) age: 60.8 (9.7) years) who were ≥3months post chemotherapy, performed tests of simple and inhibitory CSRT. Walking stability measures were derived from 3-D accelerometry data during the 6-minute walk test. CIPN was assessed using neurological grading and patient-reported outcome measures (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire in CIPN Questionnaire scale EORTC CIPN20).

RESULTS

In both stepping tests, CIPN participants performed at the level of adults aged 10 years older and people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. Mean (SD) total stepping response times in both CSRT (1160 (190) milliseconds) and inhibitory CSRT (1191 (164) milliseconds) tests were not associated with objective neurological grading but were correlated with increased difficulty feeling the ground. Participants with lower-limb vibration sensation deficit had slower and more variable CSRT times. There were no associations between walking stability and objective measures of CIPN, and limited correlations with the EORTC-CIPN20.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer survivors with CIPN showed deficits in voluntary stepping responses and seemed to compensate for their sensory and motor deficits by walking slower to maintain stability. Objective and patient-reported outcomes of CIPN were correlated with slower and more variable stepping response times. Future studies should aim to identify the causes of the apparent premature decline in cognitive-motor function and develop remediating interventions.

Mechanism of suppression of vasopressin and adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion by clonidine in anesthetized dogs

Studies were performed in anesthetized dogs to investigate the mechanism of the suppression of vasopressin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion by clonidine. Injection of clonidine (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) produced an initial increase in arterial pressure followed by hypotension, decreased heart rate, increased right atrial pressure and decreased plasma renin activity. Plasma vasopressin concentration decreased from 14.6 +/- 3.0 to 2.2 +/- 0.4 pg/ml (P less than .01), and this was accompanied by increases in urine volume and free water clearance from 0.15 +/- 0.02 to 1.03 +/- 0.28 and -0.50 +/- 0.05 to 0.30 +/- 0.27 ml/min, respectively (P less than .01), and a decrease in urinary osmolality from 1450 +/- 124 to 372 +/- 97 mOsmol/kg of H2O (P less than .01). Plasma corticosteroid concentration, used an an index of ACTH secretion, decreased from 8.9 +/- 1.6 to 2.2 +/- 0.3 micrograms/dl (P less than .01). Plasma osmolality did not change. Pretreatment of dogs with the alpha adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine (2 mg/kg i.p.) blocked all cardiovascular, endocrine and renal responses to clonidine. Bilateral cervical vagotomy did not block the suppression of vasopressin or corticosteroid secretion by clonidine. Intraventricular injection of yohimbine blocked the hypotension and suppression of plasma corticosteroid concentration produced by clonidine but did not block the decrease in plasma vasopressin concentration or the associated renal effects of clonidine. Intracarotid infusion of clonidine caused small decreases in plasma vasopressin and corticosteroid concentrations even though blood pressure decreased by 22 mm Hg. Intraventricular and intravertebral clonidine had no significant effect on plasma vasopressin or corticosteroid concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Urinary tract infections in patients with multiple sclerosis and different methods of bladder evacuation

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence and course of urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their relationship to the method of bladder evacuation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to MS (n=111) were enrolled in the study. During one-year follow-up, clinical examination with urine culture was performed every 4 months or whenever symptoms occurred. The control group included patients with symptomatic UTI, without neurological or autoimmune disease. Incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria, the effect of urine drainage on UTI incidence, and the effect of antibiotics were statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

54 MS patients completed the protocol. The mean incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria in the MS group was 12.5% and 29.6%, respectively. A decreasing trend in the incidence of symptomatic, and an increasing trend in the incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was observed. Eradication of UTI in symptomatic MS patients was significantly lower than in controls (37.75% vs. 92.93%, P<0.05). Causative agents significantly differed in both groups (P=0.0005). The hypothesis that the incidence of UTIs in MS patients is independent of the method of bladder evacuation was not rejected (P>0.99 at visit 0, 1 and 3, P=0.078 at visit 2).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant difference between the causative agents of UTI in both groups. Eradication of bacteriuria in symptomatic MS patients is difficult when compared to the normal population. We have insufficient evidence to confirm the relationship between the incidence of UTI and the method of bladder evacuation.

Environmental allergen reduction in asthma management: an overview

Asthma is a prevalent non-communicable disease that affects both children and adults. Many patients with severe, uncontrolled asthma could not achieve total control despite using anti-asthmatic drugs. There is increasing evidence that allergy to environmental allergens, including both indoor and outdoor allergens, is associated with asthma symptoms and severe asthma. Frequently reported sensitized allergens were dust mites, cockroaches, grass pollens, molds, pets, and rodents in allergic asthma patients, although the patterns of widespread allergens differed from each country. Allergen avoidance is the cornerstone of asthma management, especially in sensitized subjects. This review summarizes environmental allergen avoidance and clarifies their effects on asthma control. Despite contrasting results about the impact of allergen exposure reduction on asthma control, several studies supported the beneficial effects of reducing asthma-related symptoms or risk of exacerbations as a nondrug therapy. Identifying environmental allergens is helpful for asthma patients, and further studies on clinically effective avoidance methods are required.

Reconstruction and evaluation of changes in hydrologic conditions over a transboundary region by a regional climate model coupled with a physically-based hydrology model: Application to Thao river watershed

The differences among countries in terms of physical features, governmental policies, priorities in short- and long-term water resources management may lead to conflicts in managing and sharing of water resources over the transboundary regions. Due to no formal data sharing agreement between countries, there has been usually no data availability at transboundary regions. In this study, a methodology, in which a physically-based hydrology model was coupled with a regional climate model, is proposed to reconstruct and evaluate hydrologic conditions over transboundary regions. For the case study, Thao river watershed (TRW), within Vietnam and China, was selected. The Watershed Environmental Hydrology (WEHY) model was implemented based on topography, soil, and land use/cover information which was retrieved from global satellite data resources. The watershed model-WEHY was first validated over the TRW, and then was used to reconstruct historical hydrologic conditions during 1950-2007. The results of this study suggest no significant trend in the annual streamflow over the target watershed. In addition, there is a time shift in the wet season between the upstream sector in China and the downstream sector in Vietnam over the TRW. The annual flow contribution from the upstream sector in China to the outlet of TRW is estimated to be around 66%, and the remaining 34% contribution comes from the downstream sector in Vietnam territory. Last but not the least, the annual flow as a function of return period varies not only with the return period but also as a function of the time window, reflecting the effect of the changing regime on the streamflows at the TRW. The evolution of the flow frequency through time is an evidence of the ongoing non-stationarity in the hydrologic conditions over TRW.

Risk Factors for Severe Seafood Allergy Among Adults in an Urban City in Vietnam

Purpose

Increasing seafood consumption is associated with more frequent reports of food allergy. Little is known about seafood allergy (SFA) among adults in Vietnam. We investigated the characteristics of individuals with SFA and the risk factors for severe SFA.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among individuals aged ≥ 18 years from universities in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) between December 2021 and July 2022. The survey was based on a structured, validated questionnaire related to FA. Strict definitions of "convincing allergy" were used. Multivariate analysis was used to estimate the risk factors for severe SFA after adjusting for covariates. Data were analyzed using JASP (v.0.16.3) and SPSS (v.22.0).

Results

Totally, 1038 out of 2137 (48.57%) individuals completed the questionnaire, of whom 285 (27.46%) had reported SFA. Convincing SFA accounted for 20.13% (209/1038) of the cases, with convincing shellfish allergy being more common than fish allergy. Participants with comorbid shellfish and fish allergy had higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis, peanut/nut allergy, other food allergy, and cutaneous and upper airway symptoms compared to participants with shellfish allergy (p < 0.05). The spectrum of reactive seafood was diverse and characterized by local species. The age of symptom onset was most commonly during late childhood and adolescence, with most reactions persisting into adulthood. A history of anaphylaxis, comorbid peanut, and tree nut allergy, and ≥3 allergens were associated with severe SFA.

Conclusion

Features of causative, coexisting seafood allergy, and risk factors for severe SFA were demonstrated, which can provide a reference for future studies.