Reducing in vitro rumen methanogenesis for two contrasting diets using a series of inclusion rates of different additives

Eleven individual additives were incubated with either perennial ryegrass or with grass silage+barley grain (50 : 50) and the in vitro methane output was assessed using the gas production technique (GPT). Additives were: fatty acids (lauric, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids), halogenated methane analogues (bromoethanesulfonate and bromochloromethane), pyromellitic diimide, statins (mevastatin and lovastatin), a probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid (fumaric acid). Each additive was included at a range of concentrations. Effects on methane output per gram of feed dry matter (DM) incubated (CH4/DMi) and disappeared (CH4/DMd), as well as other fermentation variables, were evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The addition of increased concentrations of individual fatty acids, bromoethanesulfonate and pyromellitic diimide caused a dose-dependent decline in methane output (CH4/DMi, CH4/DMd), when incubated with either perennial ryegrass or grass silage+barley grain. No methane output was detected for either feed with the addition of ≥5 µM bromochloromethane. The statins were ineffective inhibitors of methane output regardless of feed type. For perennial ryegrass, S. cerevisiae caused a dose-dependent decline in CH4/DMd and fumaric acid a dose-dependent decline in CH4/DMi and CH4/DMd. The effectiveness of lauric, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids and bromoethanesulfonate to reduce methane output was more pronounced when incubated with grass silage+barley grain than with perennial ryegrass, and therefore the type of feed is an important component for any future in vitro and in vivo studies to be undertaken with these additives. Thus, incorporating different feed types in the initial in vitro screening protocols of all new additives is recommended.

Diminished allergic disease in patients with STAT3 mutations reveals a role for STAT3 signaling in mast cell degranulation

BACKGROUND

Severe atopic conditions associated with elevated serum IgE are heterogeneous with few known causes. Nearly every patient with autosomal-dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES) due to signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mutations has a history of eczematous dermatitis and elevated IgE; however, clinical atopy has never been systematically studied.

OBJECTIVE

Understanding of genetic determinants of allergic disease may lead to novel therapies in controlling allergic disease.

METHODS

We conducted clinical evaluation of the rates of food allergies and anaphylaxis in patients with AD-HIES, a cohort of patients with no STAT3 mutation but with similar histories of elevated IgE and atopic dermatitis, and healthy volunteers with no history of atopy. Morphine skin prick testing, ImmunoCAP assays for allergen-specific IgE, and basophil activation were measured. A model of systemic anaphylaxis was studied in transgenic mice carrying an AD-HIES mutation. STAT3 was silenced in LAD2 and primary human mast cells to study the role of STAT3 in signaling and degranulation after IgE cross-linking.

RESULTS

Food allergies and anaphylaxis were markedly diminished in patients with AD-HIES compared with a cohort of patients with no STAT3 mutation but with similar histories of elevated IgE and atopic dermatitis. Morphine skin prick testing and basophil activation were diminished in patients with AD-HIES, whereas mice carrying an AD-HIES mutation were hyporesponsive to systemic anaphylaxis models. Rapid mast cell STAT3 serine727 phosphorylation was noted after IgE cross-linking, and inhibition of STAT3 signaling in mast cells lead to impaired FcεRI-mediated proximal and distal signaling, as well as reduced degranulation.

CONCLUSION

This study serves as an example for how mutations in specific atopic pathways can lead to discrete allergic phenotypes, encompassing increased risk of some phenotypes but a relative protection from others.

A small-scale randomized controlled trial of the self-help version of the New Forest Parent Training Programme for children with ADHD symptoms

The efficacy of a self-help parent training programme for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was evaluated. The New Forest Parenting Programme Self-help (NFPP-SH) is a 6-week written self-help psychological intervention designed to treat childhood ADHD. Forty-three children were randomised to either NFPP-SH intervention or a waiting list control group. Outcomes were child ADHD symptoms measured using questionnaires and direct observation, self-reported parental mental health, parenting competence, and the quality of parent-child interaction. Measures of child symptoms and parental outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention. ADHD symptoms were reduced, and parental competence was increased by self-help intervention. Forty-five percent of intervention children showed clinically significant reductions in ADHD symptoms. Self-help intervention did not lead to improvements in parental mental health or parent-child interaction. Findings provide support for the efficacy of self-help intervention for a clinical sample of children with ADHD symptoms. Self-help may provide a potentially cost-effective method of increasing access to evidence-based interventions for clinical populations.

Doula care supports near-universal breastfeeding initiation among diverse, low-income women

INTRODUCTION

Breastfeeding initiation rates in the United States have risen in recent years. However, there are notable disparities by socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Previous research has suggested that care from a doula (a trained professional who provides nonmedical support during the perinatal period) may increase breastfeeding initiation. The goal of this analysis was to study whether doula support may be associated with breastfeeding initiation among low-income, diverse women.

METHODS

We compared breastfeeding initiation rates (means and 95% confidence intervals) for 1069 women who received doula care from Everyday Miracles, a Minnesota-based organization that employs a diverse group of certified doulas, to a state-based sample of women with Medicaid coverage who gave birth in 2009 or 2010 and participated in the Minnesota Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey (weighted n = 51,721).

RESULTS

Women who had doula-supported births had near-universal breastfeeding initiation (97.9%), compared with 80.8% of the general Medicaid population. Among African American women, 92.7% of those with doula support initiated breastfeeding, compared with 70.3% of the general Medicaid population.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that access to culturally appropriate doula care may facilitate higher rates of breastfeeding initiation. When supported in their nonmedical needs by birth doulas, the diverse, low-income patients of midwives and other maternity care providers may have a greater likelihood of initiating breastfeeding and experiencing the maternal and infant health benefits associated with breastfeeding.

Healthful grocery shopping. Perceptions and barriers

While there is evidence of the factors influencing the healthfulness of consumers' food choice, little is known about how consumers perceive the healthfulness of their shopping. This study aimed to explore consumers' perceptions of, and identify barriers to, conducting a healthful shop. Using a qualitative approach, consisting of an accompanied shop and post-shop telephone interview, 50 grocery shoppers were recruited. Results showed that consumers used three criteria to identify a healthful shop: (1) inclusion of healthful foods; (2) avoidance or restriction of particular foods; and (3) achieving a balance between healthful and unhealthful foods. Those who take a balanced approach employ a more holistic approach to their diet while those who avoid or include specific foods may be setting criteria to purchase only certain types of food. The effectiveness of any of these strategies in improving healthfulness is still unclear and requires further investigation. Two barriers to healthful shopping were: (i) lack of self-efficacy in choosing, preparing and cooking healthful foods and (ii) conflicting needs when satisfying self and others. This highlights the need for interventions targeted at building key food skills and for manufacturers to make healthful choices more appealing.

Early use of home health care on health care utilization for patients with advanced lung cancer

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Background: Patients with advanced lung cancer historically have required significant use of health care resources including hospitalizations, ICU admissions and emergency room visits which are often related to inadequately controlled symptoms. Most patients with advanced lung cancer prefer to remain in their own home as much as possible and are willing to work with home nursing resources, if available. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of early use of home health care on health care utilization for patients with advanced lung cancer. Methods: Betweem May 2011 and May 2012, 18 patients were enrolled in a pilot program to explore early use of home care for individuals with advanced lung cancer. Inclusion criteria consisted of a diagnosis of stage III/IV lung cancer (any histology) and home care eligibility using Medicare criteria. The endpoints were hospitalization rate, number of ICU admissions and emergency room visits. The results were compared to an historical control group (562 patients with advanced lung cancer diagnosed between 2006 and 2011). Binomial confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the 95% CIs and Fisher's exact test was used to assess the p-values. Results: Results at one year showed the hospitalization rates for the pilot group and the control group were 44% (95% CI, 22-69) and 78% (95% CI, 74-81), respectively (p<0.01) and the ER visit rate was 17% (95% CI, 4-41) and 41% (95% CI, 37-45), respectively (p=0.049). The ICU admission rates were 0% and 11% in the two groups, respectively, and this difference was not statistically significant. Home care visits ranged from 1-77 with an average of 12 visits per patient. The estimated cost of the home care program for the duration of enrollment was $2,330 per patient. Conclusions: Early use of home health care for patients with advanced lung cancer appears to reduce the rates of hospitalization and emergency room visits when compared with historical controls, and though the results were not statistically significant, none of the 18 patients in the pilot group were admitted to the ICU. A larger multi-institutional study will examine the potential of this simple intervention for cost saving, enhanced care quality and improved patient satisfaction.

Single-agent bevacizumab for recurrent high-grade glioma

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Background: High grade gliomas(HGG) are aggressive primary brain tumors. Most patients relapse following adjuvant therapy and treatment options are limited. Novel therapies have impacted little on overall survival (OS). Bevacizumab is approved for use following recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the extent of clinical benefit derived from this treatment, as defined by decreased steroid usage and median OS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of consecutive patients with recurrent HGG treated with single agent Bevacizumab from May 2009 to Dec 2012 at our institution. We recorded patient demographics, histological features, therapeutic interventions, OS, steroid use and radiological response. Results: 29 patients with recurrent glioma were identified, 19 male and 10 female, with a median age at diagnosis of 47 years (16-72). All patients developed tumour recurrence following various combinations of multimodal therapies including 1-3 partial debulking surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The median time from diagnosis of HGG to commencement of bevacizumab was 15 months (6-42). Patients received a median of 7 cycles (1-22) of therapy on a variable dosing schedule. 4 patients are alive, 2 continue on Bevacizumab. 19 patients were on steroid therapy when commencing therapy. There was a significant reduction in mean daily steroid use during therapy (7.65mg vs 3.97mg, p = 0.012). However, daily steroid use ultimately increased in some patients following treatment failure. Interval imaging appearances improved in 6 cases, deteriorated in 15, were stable in 4 and 1 patient had a mixed response. 1 patient was not re-imaged due to deterioration in performance status on therapy. The median OS was 5.5 months (0.5-16 months) from commencement of bevacizumab. Conclusions: The management of patients with recurrent HGG is challenging and prognosis remains dismal. In our unselected cohort, Bevacizumab therapy resulted in temporary or sustained steroid reduction in a majority. However, only a small number of patients demonstrated an objective radiological response and median OS was poor. Tumour response was variable and the addition of a predictive biomarker to establish which patients are likely to benefit from treatment may be helpful.

Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries

OBJECTIVES

We compared childbirth-related outcomes for Medicaid recipients who received prenatal education and childbirth support from trained doulas with outcomes from a national sample of similar women and estimated potential cost savings.

METHODS

We calculated descriptive statistics for Medicaid-funded births nationally (from the 2009 Nationwide Inpatient Sample; n = 279,008) and births supported by doula care (n = 1079) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2010 to 2012; used multivariate regression to estimate impacts of doula care; and modeled potential cost savings associated with reductions in cesarean delivery for doula-supported births.

RESULTS

The cesarean rate was 22.3% among doula-supported births and 31.5% among Medicaid beneficiaries nationally. The corresponding preterm birth rates were 6.1% and 7.3%, respectively. After control for clinical and sociodemographic factors, odds of cesarean delivery were 40.9% lower for doula-supported births (adjusted odds ratio = 0.59; P < .001). Potential cost savings to Medicaid programs associated with such cesarean rate reductions are substantial but depend on states' reimbursement rates, birth volume, and current cesarean rates.

CONCLUSIONS

State Medicaid programs should consider offering coverage for birth doulas to realize potential cost savings associated with reduced cesarean rates.

Does interval from histologic diagnosis (Dx) to start of chemotherapy (Ctx) influence survival in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC)?

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Background: Pancreatic cancer is known to be aggressive and treatment-resistant. In potentially resectable PC, time from diagnostic imaging to surgery correlates with rates of metastases at laparatomy. In advanced PC, therapeutic benefits of ctx are frequently calculated from start of treatment. In view of its aggressiveness, we investigated if the interval between dx and commencement of ctx influences overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced PC. Methods: Pts with PC were identified from 4 insitutional databases. Inclusion criteria were unresectable (UPC) or metastatic disease (MPC) and receipt of ctx. Clinicopathologic details were collected. Intervals from histologic dx to ctx were calculated. Analyses were based on receipt of ctx within or after 2 weeks (w), 4w and 6w of dx. OS was presented as hazard ratio (HR) with associated p-value. Results: 212 pts were identified. Median age was 63 years (range: 33 – 83) and 58% were males. 60% of pts had MPC and 24% received doublet ctx. Median number of days from dx to ctx was 24 days (range: 2 – 202). For UPC and MPC, 20 and 31% of pts began ctx within 2w (p=0.08), 48 and 63% within 4w (p=0.03) and 73 and 82% within 6w (p=0.13), respectively. OS for the entire cohort, UPC and MPC were comparable whether ctx was commenced within pre-defined intervals or not (see table). A subgroup of pts treated with doublet ctx was examined. No OS difference was seen when treated within defined time points (HR 1.1, 1.0, 1.5; p=0.76, 0.96, 0.43). For 77% of MPC with hepatic metastases, no improvement in OS in relation to time interval was noted (HR 1.5, 1.0, 1.1; p=0.10, 0.90, 0.85). For 21% of MPC with ≥2 metastatic sites, ctx within 4w and 6w might improve OS but significance was not reached (HR 0.65, 0.61; p=0.43, 0.46). Conclusions: Commencement of ctx for PC could be delayed due pts-, disease- or infrastructural factors. Our data did not suggest a detrimental effect on OS from ctx delay. However, the lack of survival benefit from early ctx might be due to less effective ctx or inherent aggressiveness of the disease. [Table: see text]

Influence of ABO blood group on the natural history of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC)

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Background: An association between blood group (ABO) and PC has been demonstrated at epidemiologic and genomic levels. Variations in ABO type may lead to higher pro-inflammatory cytokines levels with modifications in cellular adhesionand signalling promoting carcinogenesis. This study investigated the influence of ABO on the clinical behaviour of advanced PC in patients (pts) , treated with chemotherapy (ctx). Methods: Pts with confirmed PC were identified from 4 institutional databases. Inclusion criteria were unresectable (UPC) or metastatic disease (MPC), receipt of ctx and availability of ABO data. Clinicopathologic details were collected. 200 random anonymied non-cancer ABO samples were collected as control. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses were performed. Results: Between 2001 and 2012, 222 pts met inclusion criteria. Median age was 63 years (range: 33 – 83) 56% were males. 60% of pts had MPC and 27% received doublet ctx. ABO distribution was: A (40%), AB (5%), B (11%) and O (44%). The incidence of blood type A was higher in PC cohort than control (40 vs 30%, p=.03) but identical between UPC and MPC (41 vs 40%, p=.84). Overall survival between type A and non A were identical for the entire cohort (5.8 vs 6.6 mos, HR 1.04 95% CI 0.76 – 1.40, p=.82), UPC (7.6 vs 9.5 mos, HR 1.08 95% CI 0.65 – 1.76, p=.77) or MPC (5.4 vs 4.7 mos, HR 0.94 95% CI 0.66 – 1.34, p=.78). For UPC, 56 pts (64%) had radiographic documentation of the pattern of progression. Type A pts had lower propensity for developing distant metastasis (7/21) than non A (23/35), at 33 vs 66%, p=0.03. Amongst pts with MPC, the incidence of hepatic and pulmonary metastases for type A and non A were identical (77 vs 74%, p=.83; 21 vs 18%, p=.81). However, peritoneal dissemination was less common in type A pts (6 vs 23%, p=.01). Conclusions: Consistent with existing epidemiologic data, the incidence of blood type A is significantly higher in pts with PC, although this does not appear to be stage dependent. ABO did not appear to influence OS in this cohort. However, our data suggests that the pattern of disease spreadmay be related to the ABO blood type. ABO-related glycosylated products could be a target for disease modulation in further studies.

Transformation to "high grade" neuroendocrine carcinoma as an acquired drug resistance mechanism in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma

Several different acquired resistance mechanisms of EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy have been described, most recently transformation to small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). We describe the case of a 46-year-old female with relapsed EGFR exon 19 deletion lung adenocarcinoma treated with erlotinib, and on resistance, cisplatin-pemetrexed. Liver rebiopsy identified an afatinib-resistant combined SCLC and non-small cell carcinoma with neuroendocrine morphology, retaining the EGFR exon 19 deletion. This case highlights acquired EGFR-TKI resistance through transformation to the high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma spectrum and that that such transformation may not be evident at time of progression on TKI therapy.

The relationship between vitamin D and chemotherapy-induced toxicity - a pilot study

BACKGROUND

There are anecdotal data that lower levels of vitamin D may be associated with increased levels of toxicity in individuals receiving chemotherapy; we therefore wished to investigate this further.

METHODS

From a cohort of over 11 000 individuals, we included those who had vitamin D levels (serum 1,25(OH)(2)D3) measured before and during chemotherapy. They were analysed for side effects correlating Chemotherapy Toxicity Criteria with vitamin D levels, normalising data for general markers of patient health including C-reactive protein and albumin.

RESULTS

A total of 241 (2% of the total cohort) individuals entered the toxicity analysis. We found no overall difference in toxicity effects experienced by patients depending on whether they were vitamin D depleted or had sufficient levels (P=0.78).

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests routine vitamin D measurement during treatment does not appear to be necessary in the management of chemotherapy-induced toxicity.

Cold urticaria, immunodeficiency, and autoimmunity related to PLCG2 deletions

BACKGROUND

Mendelian analysis of disorders of immune regulation can provide insight into molecular pathways associated with host defense and immune tolerance.

METHODS

We identified three families with a dominantly inherited complex of cold-induced urticaria, antibody deficiency, and susceptibility to infection and autoimmunity. Immunophenotyping methods included flow cytometry, analysis of serum immunoglobulins and autoantibodies, lymphocyte stimulation, and enzymatic assays. Genetic studies included linkage analysis, targeted Sanger sequencing, and next-generation whole-genome sequencing.

RESULTS

Cold urticaria occurred in all affected subjects. Other, variable manifestations included atopy, granulomatous rash, autoimmune thyroiditis, the presence of antinuclear antibodies, sinopulmonary infections, and common variable immunodeficiency. Levels of serum IgM and IgA and circulating natural killer cells and class-switched memory B cells were reduced. Linkage analysis showed a 7-Mb candidate interval on chromosome 16q in one family, overlapping by 3.5 Mb a disease-associated haplotype in a smaller family. This interval includes PLCG2, encoding phospholipase Cγ(2) (PLCγ(2)), a signaling molecule expressed in B cells, natural killer cells, and mast cells. Sequencing of complementary DNA revealed heterozygous transcripts lacking exon 19 in two families and lacking exons 20 through 22 in a third family. Genomic sequencing identified three distinct in-frame deletions that cosegregated with disease. These deletions, located within a region encoding an autoinhibitory domain, result in protein products with constitutive phospholipase activity. PLCG2-expressing cells had diminished cellular signaling at 37°C but enhanced signaling at subphysiologic temperatures.

CONCLUSIONS

Genomic deletions in PLCG2 cause gain of PLCγ(2) function, leading to signaling abnormalities in multiple leukocyte subsets and a phenotype encompassing both excessive and deficient immune function. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Programs and others.).

Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K3 of the air-kerma standards of the NIST, USA and the BIPM in medium-energy x-rays

A key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the NIST, USA and the BIPM in the medium-energy x-ray range. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the standard uncertainty of the comparison of 3.8 parts in 10³, except at 250 kV where the difference is 1.5 times the standard uncertainty. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Self-help parenting interventions for childhood behaviour disorders: a review of the evidence

The use of self-help interventions for parents of children with behaviour problems is becoming more prevalent. This review critically evaluated the evidence supporting the efficacy of such programmes for children with behaviour problems. Using a systematic literature search, two modes of delivery were evaluated, namely bibliotherapy and multimedia. Programmes that included minimal therapist support were also included. Overall, there is good evidence supporting the efficacy of self-help programmes in improving child behaviour, over the short and longer term. Self-help programmes led to outcomes similar to those achieved with more intensive therapist input. Including minimal levels of therapist support in addition to self-help materials enhances child and parent outcomes. Parents view self-help favourably but significantly less so than programmes including some form of therapist input. The future directions for self-help parent programmes include the need for longer-term follow-ups, the identification of moderators of outcome and economic evaluations of self-help programmes.