Review: Embryonic stem cells as tools for in vitro gamete production in livestock

The goal of in vitro gametogenesis is to reproduce the events of sperm and oocyte development in the laboratory. Significant advances have been made in the mouse in the last decade, but evolutionary divergence from the murine developmental program has prevented the replication of these advances in large mammals. In recent years, intensive work has been done in humans, non-human primates and livestock to elucidate species-specific differences that regulate germ cell development, due to the number of potential applications. One of the most promising applications is the use of in vitro gametes to optimize the spread of elite genetics in cattle. In this context, embryonic stem cells have been posed as excellent candidates for germ cell platforms. Here, we present the most relevant advances in in vitro gametogenesis of interest to livestock science, including new types of pluripotent stem cells with potential for germline derivation, characterization of the signaling environment in the gonadal niche, and experimental systems used to reproduce different stages of germ cell development in the laboratory.

Shark depredation: future directions in research and management

Shark depredation is a complex social-ecological issue that affects a range of fisheries worldwide. Increasing concern about the impacts of shark depredation, and how it intersects with the broader context of fisheries management, has driven recent research in this area, especially in Australia and the United States. This review synthesises these recent advances and provides strategic guidance for researchers aiming to characterise the occurrence of depredation, identify the shark species responsible, and test deterrent and management approaches to reduce its impacts. Specifically, the review covers the application of social science approaches, as well as advances in video camera and genetic methods for identifying depredating species. The practicalities and considerations for testing magnetic, electrical, and acoustic deterrent devices are discussed in light of recent research. Key concepts for the management of shark depredation are reviewed, with recommendations made to guide future research and policy development. Specific management responses to address shark depredation are lacking, and this review emphasizes that a "silver bullet" approach for mitigating depredation does not yet exist. Rather, future efforts to manage shark depredation must rely on a diverse range of integrated approaches involving those in the fishery (fishers, scientists and fishery managers), social scientists, educators, and other stakeholders.

Equilibrium and symmetries of altitudinal magnetic rotors on a circle

Macroscopic magnets can easily be manipulated and positioned so that interactions between themselves and with external fields induce interesting dynamics and equilibrium configurations. In this work, we use rotating magnets positioned in a line or at the vertices of a regular polygon. The rotation planes of the magnets can be modified at will. The rich structure of stable and unstable configurations is dictated by symmetry and the side of the polygon. We show that both symmetric solutions and their symmetry-breaking bifurcations can be explained with group theory. Our results suggest that the predicted magnetic textures should emerge at any length scale as long as the interaction is polar, and the system is endowed with the same symmetries.

bESC from cloned embryos do not retain transcriptomic or epigenetic memory from somatic donor cells

In brief

Epigenetic reprogramming after mammalian somatic cell nuclear transfer is often incomplete, resulting in low efficiency of cloning. However, gene expression and histone modification analysis indicated high similarities in transcriptome and epigenomes of bovine embryonic stem cells from in vitro fertilized and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) indefinitely maintain the pluripotent state of the blastocyst epiblast. Stem cells are invaluable for studying development and lineage commitment, and in livestock, they constitute a useful tool for genomic improvement and in vitro breeding programs. Although these cells have been recently derived from bovine blastocysts, a detailed characterization of their molecular state is lacking. Here, we apply cutting-edge technologies to analyze the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape of bovine ESC (bESC) obtained from in vitro fertilized (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. bESC were efficiently derived from SCNT and IVF embryos and expressed pluripotency markers while retaining genome stability. Transcriptome analysis revealed that only 46 genes were differentially expressed between IVF- and SCNT-derived bESC, which did not reflect significant deviation in cellular function. Interrogating histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation, histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation, and histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation with cleavage under targets and tagmentation, we found that the epigenomes of both bESC groups were virtually indistinguishable. Minor epigenetic differences were randomly distributed throughout the genome and were not associated with differentially expressed or developmentally important genes. Finally, the categorization of genomic regions according to their combined histone mark signal demonstrated that all bESC shared the same epigenomic signatures, especially at gene promoters. Overall, we conclude that bESC derived from SCNT and IVF embryos are transcriptomically and epigenetically analogous, allowing for the production of an unlimited source of pluripotent cells from high genetic merit organisms without resorting to transgene-based techniques.

Spatial and seasonal analysis and geovisualization of Fasciola hepatica-free bovine bacillary hemoglobinuria outbreaks in eastern Uruguay, 1999-2019

Bovine bacillary hemoglobinuria (BBH) produced by Clostridium novyi type D, is an endemic, highly fatal disease of cattle in the temperate grassland region of eastern Uruguay. A previous study showed that in this region, BBH is not associated with Fasciola hepatica or any other known focal-ischemic liver injury, so the reasons for its high incidence remains undetermined. The objective of this study was to analyze data from 45 Fasciola hepatica-free BBH outbreaks (1999-2019) in order to find common animal, seasonal and/or geographical risk factors, which may explain the occurrence of the epizootics. Fisher's goodness-of-fit testing showed a significantly higher case proportion of adult cows (N = 368, 80.5%) and lower of calves (N  =8, 1.8%), as compared to the expected proportions of the censused population in the study area and historical submissions computed from the laboratory database (Chi-Sq = 346.2 and 174.8, df = 7, P < 0.00). Time series decomposition showed a bi-seasonal pattern, with a larger peak in spring and early summer (October to January) and a smaller increase in autumn (March-May). The lowest seasonal indices were on mid-summer (February) and winter (June-September). A combination of spatial statistics was used to assess the different spatial features of the disease and consistency of the findings. Global spatial autocorrelation showed BBH was significantly clustered (Moran's I = 0.407, P < 0.001). Both smoothed Anselin's Local Indicator of Spatial Autocorrelation and Kulldorff's spatial scan Poisson and Bernoulli models, detected roughly the same high-risk areas in the southeastern part of the Merin Lagoon basin, with the most likely cluster centered in the large wetland biosphere reserve "Eastern Wetlands and Coastal Strip" (RR = 9.12, P < 0.001). Outbreaks were georeferenced (latitude, longitude) and thematic dot-mapping geovisualization in Google Earth™ showed that the results were robust and truly geographic in nature. Most outbreaks (40/45, 88.8%) occurred on wetlands areas and large river valleys, characterized by poorly drained and frequently flooded soils, indicating that moisture-laden soils are the natural habitat of C. novyi type D. Grasslands in these endemic areas support rapid fattening of cattle during spring-summer, and somewhat less in autumn, in almost exact correspondence with BBH peaks, suggesting a close causal association in high-risk areas. Risk is significantly higher in adult cows probably because the spore content in the liver is highest in this category. The altered lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity in the liver may be the precipitating factor for spore germination and epizootic occurrence.

Low dose antibiotic ingestion potentiates systemic and microbiome changes induced by silver nanoparticles

Changes in the mammalian gut microbiome are linked to the impairment of immunological function and numerous other pathologies. Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into numerous consumer products (e.g., clothing, cosmetics, food packaging), which may directly impact the gut microbiome through ingestion. The human health impact of chronic AgNP ingestion is still uncertain, but evidence from exposure to other antimicrobials provides a strong rationale to assess AgNP effects on organ function, immunity, metabolism, and gut-associated microbiota. To investigate this, mice were gavaged daily for 5 weeks with saline, AgNPs, antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and metronidazole), or AgNPs combined with antibiotics. Animals were weighed daily, assessed for glucose tolerance, organ function, tissue and blood cytokine and leukocyte levels. At the end of the study, we used 16S rDNA amplicon and whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing to assess changes in the gut microbiome. In mice exposed to both AgNPs and antibiotics, silver was found in the stomach, and small and large intestines, but negligible amounts were present in other organs examined. Mice exposed to AgNPs alone showed minimal tissue silver levels. Antibiotics, but not AgNPs, altered glucose metabolism. Mice given AgNPs and antibiotics together demonstrated slower weight gain, reduced peripheral lymphocytes, and elevated splenic, but not circulatory markers of inflammation. 16S rDNA profiling of cecum and feces and metagenomic sequencing of fecal DNA demonstrated that combined AgNP-antibiotic treatment also significantly altered the structure and function of the gut microbiota, including depletion of the indicator species Akkermansia muciniphila. This study provides evidence for possible biological effects from repeated ingestion of AgNP-containing consumer products when antibiotics are also being used and raises concern that an impaired gut microbiome (e.g., through antibiotic use) can potentiate the harm from chemical exposures such as AgNPs.

Corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduce in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective study in a Spanish hospital

Background

There is an urgent need to reduce mortality of COVID-19. We examined if corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduce risk for death in patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in a single university hospital. All adult patients admitted with confirmed severe COVID-19 pneumonia from 9 March to 9 April 2020 were included. Severe pneumonia was defined as multi-lobar or bilateral pneumonia and a ratio of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry to the fraction of inspired oxygen (SpFi)<315. All patients received antiviral and antibiotic treatment. From March 26, patients also received immunomodulatory treatment with corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 250 mg/day for 3 days), or tocilizumab or both. In-hospital mortality in the entire cohort and in a 1:1 matched cohort sub-analysis was evaluated.

Results

255 patients were included, 118 received only antiviral and antibiotic treatment while 137, admitted after March 26, also received immunomodulators. In-hospital mortality of patients on immunomodulatory treatment was significantly lower than in those without [47/137(34.3%) vs. 69/118(58.5%), (p < .001)]. The risk of death was 0.44 (CI, 0.26–0.76) in patients receiving corticosteroids alone and 0.292 (CI, 0.18–0.47) in those treated with corticosteroids and tocilizumab. In the sub-analysis with 202 matched patients, the risk of death was 0.356 (CI 0.179–0.707) in patients receiving corticosteroids alone and 0.233 (0.124–0.436) in those treated with the combination.

Conclusions

Combined treatment with corticosteroids and tocilizumab reduced mortality with about 25% in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Corticosteroids alone also resulted in lower in-hospital mortality rate compared to patients receiving only antiviral and antibiotic treatment. Corticosteroids alone or combined with tocilizumab may be considered in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Thermal and solvatochromic effects on the emission properties of a thienyl-based dansyl derivative

Environmental conditions have a profound effect on the photophysical behavior of highly conjugated compounds, which can be exploited in a large variety of applications. In this context, we use a combination of experimental and computational methods to investigate thermal and solvatochromic effects on the fluorescence properties of a dansyl derivative bearing a thienyl substituent, namely 2-(3-thienyl)ethyl dansylglycinate (TEDG). In particular, we analyze how the solvent polarity and temperature affect the ground and excited state energies of TEDG by using time-resolved and steady-state fluorescence techniques. We determine the changes in dipole moment of the TEDG molecule upon photoexcitation, as well as the solvent polarity effects on the excited state lifetime. Besides, we provide theoretical modeling of the HOMO–LUMO orbitals and the vertical absorption and emission energies using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) as well as the polarizable continuum model (PCM) to include the solvent contribution to the absorption and emission energies. Our results show that the emission mechanism of TEDG involves locally excited states derived from hybrid molecular orbitals, accompanied by a moderate variation of the molecular dipole moment upon light excitation. Our findings demonstrate that TEDG exhibits desirable fluorescence properties that make it a promising candidate for use as a photoactive material in electrochromic, optical thermometry, and thermography applications.

We use a combination of experimental and computational methods to investigate thermal and solvatochromic effects on the fluorescence properties of a dansyl derivative bearing a thienyl substituent, 2-(3-thienyl)ethyl dansylglycinate (TEDG).

Intrathecal AAVrh10 corrects biochemical and histological hallmarks of mucopolysaccharidosis VII mice and improves behavior and survival

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII is a lysosomal storage disease caused by ß-glucuronidase deficiency, prompting glycosaminoglycan accumulation in enlarged vesicles, leading to peripheral and neuronal dysfunction. Here, we present a gene therapy strategy using lumbar puncture of AAVrh10 encoding human β-glucuronidase (AAVrh10-GUSB) to adult MPS VII mice. This minimally invasive technique efficiently delivers the recombinant vector to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a single intrathecal injection. We show that AAVrh10 delivery to the CSF allows global, stable transduction of CNS structures. In addition, drainage of AAVrh10-GUSB from the CSF to the bloodstream resulted in the transduction of somatic organs such as liver, which provided a systemic β-glucuronidase source sufficient to achieve serum enzyme activity comparable to wild type mice. ß-glucuronidase levels were enough to correct biochemical and histopathological hallmarks of the disease in the CNS and somatic organs at short and long term. Moreover, the progression of the bone pathology was also reduced. Importantly, the biochemical correction led to a significant improvement in the physical, cognitive and emotional characteristics of MPS VII mice, and doubling their life span. Our strategy may have implications for gene therapy in patients with lysosomal storage diseases.

Death of a neonatal lamb due to Clostridium perfringens type B in New Zealand

Case history and clinical findings: A flock of 20 sheep was kept within three paddocks on a single property. None of the animals in the flock had been vaccinated against any disease for at least three years. Abdominal bloating and haemorrhagic diarrhoea were observed in Lamb 1 at 24 hours-of-age. The lamb subsequently died within an hour of the onset of clinical signs. Lamb 2 was 3-days-old when observed to be recumbent with opisthotonus. The lamb was treated with dextrose, vitamins B1 and B12, and penicillin G, but died 4 hours later.Pathological findings: Examination of Lamb 1 revealed markedly increased gas within the peritoneum and within dilated loops of intestine. The intestines were dark red and contained large quantities of haemorrhagic fluid. Histology of the intestines revealed peracute mucosal necrosis with minimal accompanying inflammation. The intestinal lumen contained cell debris, haemorrhage, and myriad large Gram-positive bacilli. The intestines of Lamb 2 did not appear bloated or reddened. However, multiple fibrin clots were visible within the pericardial sac. Histopathological examination revealed small foci of necrosis within the mucosa of the distal intestine. The necrotic foci were often associated with large numbers of large Gram-positive bacilli.Immunohistochemsitry and molecular biology: Intestinal samples from Lamb 1 were processed for Clostridium perfringens immunohistochemistry, which revealed large numbers of intralesional, positively immunostained rods. Fragments corresponding to the expected sizes for genes encoding alpha, beta, and epsilon C. perfringens typing toxins were amplified by PCR from DNA extracted from formalin-fixed sections of intestine.Diagnosis: Lamb dysentery due to C. perfringens type B.Clinical relevance: C. perfringens bacteria have a worldwide distribution, but disease due to C. perfringens type B has only been diagnosed in a small number of countries and has never been reported in New Zealand or Australia. C. perfringens type B produce both beta toxin and epsilon toxins, therefore both haemorrhagic enteritis and systemic vascular damage can develop. As many animals are exposed to C. perfringens without developing disease, there must be additional unknown factors that resulted in disease in these particular sheep. Vaccines that specifically protect against C. perfringens type B are available and may be recommended for use in smaller non-commercial flocks, as in the present case.

P729 A shocking tumor

Introduction

Primary cardiac tumors are a relatively uncommon condition, which may appear both in asymptomatic patients or in a myriad of clinical presentations. Imaging techniques are crucial for its diagnosis, and a multi-modality approach may be useful in the evaluation of this masses.

Case description

A 57 year-old man with history of hypertension presented in the emergency department with acute pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. He was admitted to the coronary care unit, and on bedside echocardiography a mass on the tricuspid valve was observed.

Upon clinical improvement, a cardiac CT and cardiac MRI was performed (figure 1). A solid mass with no calcium content and dependent exclusively on the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve was seen on CT-scan (fig 1, A and B). Thrombus on the right atrial appendage could also be appreciated.

MRI confirmed the presence of a 18x19 mm mass with isointense signal on T1-turbo spin echo black-blood (fig 1, C) and cine steady-state free precession sequences, whereas an hyperintense signal was evident on T2 weighted images (T2-STIR; fig 1 D). In first pass sequences the central core was hypointense and late gadolinium enhancement showed peripheral enhancement with a non captating central core (fig 1, E).

The patient underwent surgery and the anatomopathological results showed a tumor constituted by dense connective tissue, scarce cellular content and an avascular matrix of mucopolysaccharides, elastic fibers and fusiform cells consistent with the diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma.

Discussion

The imaging characteristics of papillary fibroelastoma are not commonly reported on MRI. We present an unusually large right-sided fibroelastoma with a characteristic distribution of late gadolinium enhancement, which has not been consistently described on a fibroelastoma.

Cardiac tumors are rare, and a non-invasive differential diagnosis is always a challenge. A multi-modality approach (echocardiography, cardiac-CT and cardiac MRI) as well as integration of relevant morphological information, including the location of the lesion and tissue characteristics was essential to the orientate the most plausible diagnosis. The distinctive images are presented.

Abstract P729 Figure 1.

Review: Chemosensing of nutrients and non-nutrients in the human and porcine gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is an interface between the external and internal milieus that requires continuous monitoring for nutrients or pathogens and toxic chemicals. The study of the physiological/molecular mechanisms, mediating the responses to the monitoring of the GIT contents, has been referred to as chemosensory science. While most of the progress in this area of research has been obtained in laboratory rodents and humans, significant steps forward have also been reported in pigs. The objective of this review was to update the current knowledge on nutrient chemosensing in pigs in light of recent advances in humans and laboratory rodents. A second objective relates to informing the existence of nutrient sensors with their functionality, particularly linked to the gut peptides relevant to the onset/offset of appetite. Several cell types of the intestinal epithelium such as Paneth, goblet, tuft and enteroendocrine cells (EECs) contain subsets of chemosensory receptors also found on the tongue as part of the taste system. In particular, EECs show specific co-expression patterns between nutrient sensors and/or transceptors (transport proteins with sensing functions) and anorexigenic hormones such as cholecystokinin (CCK), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) or glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), amongst others. In addition, the administration of bitter compounds has an inhibitory effect on GIT motility and on appetite through GLP-1-, CCK-, ghrelin- and PYY-labelled EECs in the human small intestine and colon. Furthermore, the mammalian chemosensory system is the target of some bacterial metabolites. Recent studies on the human microbiome have discovered that commensal bacteria have developed strategies to stimulate chemosensory receptors and trigger host cellular functions. Finally, the study of gene polymorphisms related to nutrient sensors explains differences in food choices, food intake and appetite between individuals.

P1551A genetic risk score predicts recurrent events after myocardial infarction in young adults

Background

To evaluate whether a genetic risk score (GRS) improves the prediction of recurrent events in young non-diabetic patients presenting with an acute myocardial infarction and identifies a more aggressive form of atherosclerosis in this population.

Methods and results

We performed a prospective study including 81 consecutive non-diabetic patients aged below 55 y.o. presenting with an acute myocardial infarction (48±6 y.o., 89% male). A comprehensive study including serum biomarkers, genetic testing and cardiac CT was performed. We studied the association of a GRS composed of 11 genetic variants with a primary composite end-point (all-cause mortality, recurrent acute coronary syndrome, and cardiac re-hospitalisation). After a median follow-up of 4.1 (3.5 - 4.4) years 24 recurrent events were documented. A significantly higher prevalence of 9 out of 11 risk alleles was noted compared with general population. The GRS was significantly associated with recurrent events, especially when baseline LDL-cholesterol levels were elevated. Compared with the low-risk GRS category, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio for recurrent events for the intermediate-risk GRS category was 10.2 (95% CI 1.1–100.3, p=0.04) and for the high-risk GRS was 20.7 (2.4–181.0, p=0.006) when LDL-C ≥2.8 mmol/L. Inclusion of the GRS improved the C statistic (ΔC statistic =0.086), the continuous Net Reclassification Index (30%) and the Integrated Discrimination Improvement (0.05) compared with a multivariate clinical risk model. Cardiac CT detected coronary calcified atherosclerosis and numerous plaques but it had a limited value for prediction of recurrences. No association was observed between extracellular matrix metabolism biomarkers and GRS or recurrent events in this population.

Cox regression analysis between GRS terciles and LDL-C Univariate analysis Multivariate analysis* HR (95% CI) p-value HR (95% CI) p-value* Low GRS 1 1 Intermediate GRS 2.0 (0.7–5.8) 0.21 LDL-C≤110 mg/dL (≤2.8 mmol/L) 1.0 (0.3–4.0) >110 mg/dL (>2.8 mmol/L) 10.2 (1.1–100.3) 0.04 High GRS 3.0 (1.0–9.2) 0.05 LDL-C≤110 mg/dL (≤2.8 mmol/L) 0.3 (0.1–1.9) >110 mg/dL (>2.8 mmol/L) 20.7 (2.4–181.0) 0.006 *Multivariate model adjusted for GRACE risk score and LDL-C and interaction. There was a strong interaction between GRS terciles and LDL-C (p<0.01).

Recurrent events based on genetic risk

Conclusions

A multilocus genetic risk score identified non-diabetic young patients at increased risk for recurrent events after a myocardial infarction. The significance of LDL-cholesterol in relation to genetic predisposition for recurrences merits further evaluation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI12/0564, PI14/01152 and PI15/00667), the CIBERCV and the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2015/CC)

P14.58 Extending adjuvant temozolomide longer than six cycles doesn’t add any benefit to glioblastoma patients according to the randomized GEINO-014 TRIAL

BACKGROUND

Standard treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) is focal radiation with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) for 6 cycles. The GEINO-14-01 trial (NCT02209948) investigated the role of extending adjuvant TMZ to 12 cycles in a randomized multicenter study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between Aug/2014 and Nov/2018, 166 patients (p) were screened and 159 randomized to extend (80p) or not (79p) TMZ treatment to 12 cycles after proving stable disease in the MRI performed before inclusion. The trial was stratified by MGMT status and presence or absence of residual disease (defined as a residual enhancement larger than 1cm on the MRI). The primary endpoint was differences in 6monthsPFS, secondary endpoints were differences in PFS, OS, toxicity, between arms and per stratification factors.

RESULTS

Median age was 60.4 (range 29–83), 97p (61%) were methylated and 83 p (52.2%) were reported with residual disease. Median (m) PFS was 7.9 months (95%CI: 6.1–9.8) and mOS: 20.9 (95%CI: 17.6–24.1). A methylated status was a factor of better PFS (HR=0.29, 95% CI 0.46–0.95; p=0.029) and better OS (HR= 0.43: 95% CI 0.28–0.66; p=0.000) as well as the absence of residual disease (PFS: HR = 0.84: 95% CI =0.71–1.01; p=0.068; OS: HR=0.77, 95%CI 0.63–0.96; p=0.019). We didn’t find any difference in PFS (HR=1.02, 95%CI 0.85–1.21; p=0.82), or OS (HR=0.90; 0.73–1.11; p=0.34) on extending treatment with temozolomide longer than 6 cycles.

CONCLUSION

There is no benefit of continuing TMZ treatment for more than 6 cycles in the adjuvant treatment of glioblastoma. Final data will be presented at the congress. Supported by a Grant of the ISCIII: PI13/01751

2 Role of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation during bovine pre-implantation embryonic development

Histones play an important role in DNA’s compaction and organisation into the cellular nucleus. Depending on which histone modification occurs, chromatin can take a conformation of heterochromatin or euchromatin, which are associated with gene repression or expression, respectively. Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) trimethylation (H3K9me3) is associated with gene silencing. At least 3 methyltransferases are able to change the methylation status of H3K9: SUV39H1, SUV39H2, and SETDB1. In several mammalian species, modulation of H3K9 methylation status has been demonstrated to be necessary to achieve a successful pre-implantation embryonic development after IVF or somatic cell NT. The aim of this work was to study the role of H3K9me3 in IVF pre-implantation bovine embryos. For this purpose, immunostaining of H3K9me3 at different pre-implantation stages of development was performed. Further, the relative abundances of the methyltransferases SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 were measured by real-time PCR using luciferase transcript as an exogenous gene for normalization. Finally, to evaluate H3K9me3 involvement during pre-implantation embryonic development, we generated SUV39H1 or SUV39H2 knockout embryos by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We designed guide RNA targeting SUV39H1 or SUV39H2 and co-injected the presumptive zygote’s cytoplasm 18h post-fertilization with Cas9 protein. At Day 8 post-fertilization, the number of blastocysts was assessed and embryos were immunostained to evaluate H3K9me3. Results were analysed using Student’s t-test or ANOVA with the post-hoc Tukey test depending on data set (P ≤ 0.05) and reported as means±standard errors of the mean. Oocytes at germinal vesicle stage and metaphase II as well as embryos at different stages of pre-implantation development (2, 4, and 8 cells, morula, and blastocyst; n=6) were immunoreactive for H3K9me3. Expression of SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 mRNA decreased significantly as embryonic development progressed, reaching undetectable levels at stages where genome activation had already occurred (morula and blastocyst; P&lt;0.0001, n=3). When zygotes were co-injected with the guide RNA targeting SUV39H1/Cas9, embryonic production showed a significant increase compared with the control [42.26%±5.03 (28/65) v. 23.86%±3.99 (21/88), respectively; P=0.034, n=4], and H3K9me3 immunostaining was reduced in treated embryos. Editing efficiency was estimated at 66%. In contrast, no statistical differences were found in embryonic production or H3K9me3 immunostaining in embryos co-injected with the guide RNA targeting SUV39H2/Cas9 (P=0.57, n=3). In conclusion, we were able to characterise H3K9me3 and determine transcript levels of methyltransferases SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 in oocytes and different stages of pre-implantation embryonic development. We also demonstrated that SUV39H1 deletion led to an increased embryonic production, suggesting that H3K9me3 removal would allow a greater relaxation of the heterochromatin and consequently a successful activation of embryonic genes. This highlights the essential role of H3K9me3 during bovine pre-implantation embryonic development.

Influence of the micro-oxygenation dose and supplementation with oak staves of different potential of ellagitannin release on wine color and composition

Aliquots of a wine of Merlot were micro-oxygenated at two doses of oxygen (2.5 and 5.0 mg of O2/L.month) in the presence or not of oak staves of different potential ellagitannin release (PER) for three months. In general, micro-oxygenation increased the color intensity and stability probably because favor the formation of new pigments. The presence of staves increased the total phenolic index and the ellagitannin concentration, and this effect was higher when greater was the PER of the staves. Finally, the dose of microoxygenation only affects the concentration of total furanic compounds whereas the PER of the staves seems to determine the concentration of furanic compounds, volatile phenols and β-methyl-γ-octolactones.

Comparison of effectiveness and discontinuation of interferon-free therapy for hepatitis C in prison inmates and noninmates

Chronic hepatitis C treatment with direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy during incarceration is an attractive option, due to its short duration and to the possibility of directly observed treatment or supervision. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and rates of discontinuation of DAA treatment in prisoners and nonprisoners. We studied all patients treated in the 10 prisons of Catalonia and at 3 public hospitals in the Barcelona area between 1 January 2015 and 30 April 2016. We analysed sustained viral response (SVR) and rates of discontinuation through intention-to-treat and modified-intention-to-treat analyses, the latter excluding discontinuations due to release from prison. One hundred and eighty-eight inmates and 862 noninmates were included. Prisoners were significantly younger than nonprisoners, with higher proportions of men, drug users, HIV infection, genotypes 1a and 3 and more treatment with psychiatric drugs. Overall, 98.4% of patients completed treatment. The discontinuation rate was low, but higher in inmates (3.7% vs 1.2% noninmates; P = .003) and in community patients >65 years old (2.8% vs 1.2% in under 65 seconds; P = .008). Among the inmates, 7 (42.8%) discontinuations were due to release. SVR was 93.1% in inmates vs 96.5% in noninmates (P = .08) by intention-to-treat and 95.1% vs 96.5% (P = .37) by modified intention-to-treat. Virologic failure rates were similar (3.8% vs 3% in noninmates; P = .60). SVR, virologic failure and discontinuation rates were similar in inmates and noninmates. Currently, prisons are considered a priority for the implementation of DAA. Improved coordination between penitentiary and community health systems would help to ensure therapeutic continuity in released prisoners.

Addison's Disease Secondary to Prostatic Carcinoma. A Case Report

Adrenal cortical insufficiency secondary to destruction of the cortex by a metastatic tumor is a rare condition. Addison's disease is usually caused by an autoimmune process or by a tuberculous infection. We report a case of adrenal Insufficiency as the first clinical manifestation of a metastatic prostate carcinoma that occurred simultaneously with an active pulmonary infection by M. tuberculosis.

Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia Syndrome Associated with Short-Term Continuous Infusion (5 Days) of 5-Fluorouracil

A case of palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES) observed during a 120-h infusion of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is presented. This syndrome has been described in the literature after protracted infusion chemotherapy of over 30 days. The agent most frequently associated with this syndrome was 5-FU. A 53-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone. The patient received 100 mg/m2 of cisplatin on day 1 and 120-h continuous infusion of 1000 mg/m2 of 5-FU every 3 weeks. After the second course, the patient developed clinical features consistant with PPES. This side effect has not been previously reported with short-term (5-day or 120-h) continuous infusion of 5-FU. Less frequently, the syndrome has also been described with 10-day continuous infusion. The etiopathogenesis of PPES is unclear, but it seems to be dose-dependent and probably related to cutaneous drug accumulation.

Physiological and metabolic control of diet selection

The fact that most farm animals have no dietary choice under commercial practices translates the dietary decisions to the carers. Thus, a lack of understanding of the principles of dietary choices is likely to result in a high toll for the feed industry. In healthy animals, diet selection and, ultimately, feed intake is the result of factoring together the preference for the feed available with the motivation to eat. Both are dynamic states and integrate transient stimulus derived from the nutritional status, environmental and social determinants of the animal with hard-wired genetic mechanisms. Peripheral senses are the primary inputs that determine feed preferences. Some of the sensory aspects of feed, such as taste, are innate and genetically driven, keeping the hedonic value of feed strictly associated with a nutritional frame. Sweet, umami and fat tastes are all highly appetitive. They stimulate reward responses from the brain and reinforce dietary choices related to essential nutrients. In contrast, aroma (smell) recognition is a plastic trait and preferences are driven mostly by learned experience. Maternal transfer through perinatal conditioning and the individual’s own innate behaviour to try or to avoid novel feed (often termed as neophobia) are known mechanisms where the learning process strongly affects preferences. In addtition, the motivation to eat responds to episodic events fluctuating in harmony with the eating patterns. These signals are driven mainly by gastrointestinal hormones (such as cholecystokinin [CCK] and glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1]) and load. In addition, long-term events generate mechanisms for a sustainable nutritional homeostasis managed by tonic signals from tissue stores (i.e. leptin and insulin). Insulin and leptin are known to affect appetite by modulating peripheral sensory inputs. The study of chemosensory mechanisms related to the nutritional status of the animal offers novel tools to understand the dynamic states of feed choices so as to meet nutritional and hedonic needs. Finally, a significant body of literature exists regarding appetite driven by energy and amino acids in farm animals. However, it is surprising that there is scarcity of knowledge regarding what and how specific dietary nutrients may affect satiety. Thus, a better understanding on how bitter compounds and excess dietary nutrients (i.e. amino acids) play a role in no-choice animal feeding is an urgent topic to be addressed so that right choices can be made on the animal’s behalf.

sFlt-1/PlGF for prediction of early-onset pre-eclampsia: STEPS (Study of Early Pre-eclampsia in Spain)

OBJECTIVE

A high ratio of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) has been linked to pre-eclampsia (PE). We evaluated the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a predictive marker for early-onset PE in women at risk of PE.

METHODS

This prospective, Spanish, multicenter study included pregnant women with a risk factor for PE, including intrauterine growth restriction, PE, eclampsia or hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count syndrome in previous pregnancy, pregestational diabetes or abnormal uterine artery Doppler. The primary objective was to show that the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at 20, 24 and 28 weeks' gestation was predictive of early-onset PE (< 34 + 0 weeks). Serum sFlt-1 and PlGF were measured at 20, 24 and 28 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to develop a predictive model.

RESULTS

A total of 819 women were enrolled, of which 729 were suitable for analysis. Of these, 78 (10.7%) women developed PE (24 early onset and 54 late onset). Median sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at 20, 24 and 28 weeks was 6.3 (interquartile range (IQR), 4.1-9.3), 4.0 (IQR, 2.6-6.3) and 3.3 (IQR, 2.0-5.9), respectively, for women who did not develop PE (controls); 14.5 (IQR, 5.5-43.7), 18.4 (IQR, 8.2-57.9) and 51.9 (IQR, 11.5-145.6) for women with early-onset PE; and 6.7 (IQR, 4.6-9.9), 4.7 (IQR, 2.8-7.2) and 6.0 (IQR, 3.8-10.5) for women with late-onset PE. Compared with early-onset PE, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly lower in controls (P < 0.001 at each timepoint) and in women with chronic hypertension (P < 0.001 at each timepoint), gestational hypertension (P < 0.001 at each timepoint) and late-onset PE (P < 0.001 at each timepoint). A prediction model for early-onset PE was developed, which included the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio plus mean arterial pressure, being parous and previous PE, with areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curves of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.77-0.95), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.85-0.97) and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86-0.99) at 20, 24 and 28 weeks, respectively, and was superior to models using the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio alone or uterine artery mean pulsatility index.

CONCLUSIONS

The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio can improve prediction of early-onset PE for women at risk of this condition. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The international phase 4 validation study of the EORTC QLQ-SWB32: A stand-alone measure of spiritual well-being for people receiving palliative care for cancer

The EORTC Quality of Life Group has just completed the final phase (field-testing and validation) of an international project to develop a stand-alone measure of spiritual well-being (SWB) for palliative cancer patients. Participants (n = 451)-from 14 countries on four continents; 54% female; 188 Christian; 50 Muslim; 156 with no religion-completed a provisional 36-item measure of SWB plus the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL (PAL), then took part in a structured debriefing interview. All items showed good score distribution across response categories. We assessed scale structure using principal component analysis and Rasch analysis, and explored construct validity, and convergent/divergent validity with the PAL. Twenty-two items in four scoring scales (Relationship with Self, Relationships with Others, Relationship with Someone or Something Greater, and Existential) explained 53% of the variance. The measure also includes a global SWB item and nine other items. Scores on the PAL global quality-of-life item and Emotional Functioning scale weakly-moderately correlated with scores on the global SWB item and two of the four SWB scales. This new validated 32-item SWB measure addresses a distinct aspect of quality-of-life, and is now available for use in research and clinical practice, with a role as both a measurement and an intervention tool.

Clinical impact and prevalence of MRSA CC398 and differences between MRSA-TetR and MRSA-TetS in an area of Spain with a high density of pig farming: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Tetracycline resistance (Tet^R) is a phenotypic marker of the livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) CC398 clone. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of MRSA CC398 in patients in contact with healthcare facilities and differences between patients with MRSA-Tet^R and MRSA tetracycline-susceptible (Tet^S) strains.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with MRSA from January 2012 to December 2015 were divided into two groups, MRSA-Tet^R and MRSA-Tet^S. Epidemiologic and clinical data were evaluated. Molecular analysis was performed (multilocus sequence typing, spa typing) on MRSA-Tet^R strains.

RESULTS

Data from 288 MRSA patients were obtained, and 106 (36.8%) carried MRSA-Tet^R (93 typed as CC398 (87.7%); the remaining 13 isolates were ascribed to CC9, CC1, CC121, CC30, CC97, CC146 and CC152). The most frequent spa type was t011 (56.6%, 61/106). Detection of MRSA-Tet^R increased over the years (21.9%, 16/73, in 2012; 50.7%, 36/71, in 2015; p <0.001). Hospital acquisition was found in 16.7% (19/114) of MRSA-Tet^R patients vs. 83.3% (95/114) in MRSA-Tet^S patients (p <0.001). Frequency of MRSA-Tet^R patients in nursing homes was lower than in MRSA-Tet^S patients (4.7%, 5/106, vs. 27.5%, 50/182, p <0.001). MRSA-Tet^R as distinct from MRSA-Tet^S was associated with workers on pig farms (49.0%, 52/106, vs. 1.0%, 2/182; p <0.001), fewer admissions to hospital (46.2%, 49/106, vs. 68.1%, 124/182; p <0.001) and fewer comorbidities (81.1%, 86/106, vs. 59.9%, 109/182; p <0.001). Sixty cases of MRSA-CC398 infection were diagnosed, including, among others, endocarditis, septic arthritis, prosthetic joint infection, pneumonia and bacteraemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of MRSA-Tet^R (especially CC398) at the hospital level in a Spanish region with intensive pig farming activity is high and is responsible for severe infections. Significant differences were detected in clinical and epidemiologic characteristics among MRSA-Tet^R and MRSA-Tet^S patients.

Study of the degradation performance (TOC, BOD, and toxicity) of bisphenol A by the photo-Fenton process

Degradation of bisphenol A (BPA, 0.5 L, 30 mg L^-1) was studied by photo-Fenton treatment, while Fenton reagents were variables. The efficiency of the degradation process was evaluated by the reduction of total organic carbon (TOC), the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and toxicity. For toxicity analysis, bacterial methods were found infeasible, but the in vitro assay of VERO cells culture was successfully applied. Experiments according to a 2² design of experiments (DOE) with star points and three center points for statistical validity allowed selecting those process conditions (Fe(II) and H₂O₂ load) that maximized the process performance. Photo-Fenton process effectively eliminated BPA and partly degraded its by-products (residual TOC <15 %) under substoichiometric H₂O₂ dose (100.62 mg L^-1) and at least 4 mg L^-1 Fe(II), after a 90-min treatment. All treated samples were at least partially biodegradable. The cytotoxic concentration (LD₅₀) of BPA for VERO cells was 7 mg L^-1. With small H₂O₂ amount (15.24 mg L^-1), only low BPA mineralization (TOC = 92 %) was attained. Toxicity was also detected to 50 % of cellular mortality even at long reaction times. However, 40.25 mg L^-1 of H₂O₂ decreased residual TOC to 70 % while cell mortality decreased down to 25 %. With more H₂O₂, the residual TOC decreased down to 15 % but cell mortality remained within the 20-25 % level. Photo-Fenton increased the biodegradability and reduced the toxicity of the studied sample.

Relationship between CCR5(WT/Δ32) heterozygosity and HIV-1 reservoir size in adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection

BACKGROUND

Several host factors contribute to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression in the absence of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Among them, the CC-chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is known to be the main co-receptor used by HIV-1 to enter target cells during the early stages of an HIV-1 infection.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the association of CCR5^(WT/Δ32) heterozygosity with HIV-1 reservoir size, lymphocyte differentiation, activation and immunosenescence in adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection receiving cART.

METHODS

CCR5 genotype was analysed in 242 patients with vertically transmitted HIV-1 infection from Paediatric Spanish AIDS Research Network Cohort (coRISpe). Proviral HIV-1 DNA was quantified by digital-droplet PCR, and T-cell phenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry in a subset of 24 patients (ten with CCR5^(Δ32/WT) genotype and 14 with CCR5^(WT/WT) genotype).

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients were heterozygous for the Δ32 genotype but none was homozygous for the mutated CCR5 allele. We observed no difference in the HIV-1 reservoir size (455 and 578 copies of HIV-1 DNA per million CD4⁺ T cells in individuals with CCR5^(WT/WT) and CCR5^(Δ32/WT) genotypes, respectively; p 0.75) or in the immune activation markers between both genotype groups. However, we found that total HIV-1 DNA in CD4⁺ T cells correlated with the percentage of memory CD4⁺ T cells: a direct correlation in CCR5^(WT/Δ32) patients but an inverse correlation in those with the CCR5^(WT/WT) genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding suggests a differential distribution of the viral reservoir compartment in CCR5^(WT/Δ32) patients with perinatal HIV infection, which is a characteristic that may affect the design of strategies for reservoir elimination.

LAM study: Effects of lacosamide on behaviour and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

INTRODUCTION

Psychiatric comorbidities are common in epileptic patients, and evaluating the impact of antiepileptic drugs on patients' moods is therefore essential. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of lacosamide on behaviour and quality of life in people with epilepsy.

METHODS

We conducted a multicentre prospective observational study of poorly-controlled epileptic patients who received lacosamide as an adjuvant treatment. Patients were evaluated on 4 occasions during a 12-month period. The impact of lacosamide on patients' mood and quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). As a secondary objective, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of lacosamide.

RESULTS

We included 55 patients with a mean age of 47.1±18.4 years. At baseline, 34.5% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities; the mean number of crises in the previous month was 3.6±4.3. The QOLIE-10 and HADS scales revealed statistically significant improvements in patients with a poor baseline condition (anxiety, depression, and/or poor quality of life). The BIS-11 scale detected no impulsive behaviour during follow-up. After 12 months of treatment, 51.9% of the patients were seizure-free and 77.8% experienced a reduction of at least 50% in seizure frequency. Adverse effects were mild in most cases; lacosamide was discontinued in 10 patients (18.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Lacosamide is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities.

Tracer-Encapsulated Solid Pellet (TESPEL) injection system for the TJ-II stellarator

A tracer-encapsulated solid pellet (TESPEL) injection system for the TJ-II stellarator was recently developed. In order to reduce the time and cost for the development, we combined a TESPEL injector provided by National Institute for Fusion Science with an existing TJ-II cryogenic pellet injection system. Consequently, the TESPEL injection into the TJ-II plasma was successfully achieved, which was confirmed by several pellet diagnostics including a normal-incidence spectrometer for monitoring a tracer impurity behavior.

Safe Reduction in CD4 Cell Count Monitoring in Stable, Virally Suppressed Patients With HIV Infection or HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that routine CD4 cell count monitoring in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-monoinfected patients with suppressed viral loads and CD4 cell counts >300 cell/μL could be reduced to annual. HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is frequent, but evidence supporting similar reductions in CD4 cell count monitoring is lacking for this population. We determined whether CD4 cell count monitoring could be reduced in monoinfected and coinfected patients by estimating the probability of maintaining CD4 cell counts ≥200 cells/µL during continuous HIV suppression.

METHODS

The PISCIS Cohort study included data from 14 539 patients aged ≥16 years from 10 hospitals in Catalonia and 2 in the Balearic Islands (Spain) since January 1998. All patients who had at least one period of 6 months of continuous HIV suppression were included in this analysis. Cumulative probabilities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator stratified by the initial CD4 cell count at the period of continuous suppression initiation.

RESULTS

A total of 8695 patients were included. CD4 cell counts fell to <200 cells/µL in 7.4% patients, and the proportion was lower in patients with an initial count >350 cells/µL (1.8%) and higher in those with an initial count of 200-249 cells/µL (23.1%). CD4 cell counts fell to <200 cells/µL in 5.7% of monoinfected and 11.1% of coinfected patients. Of monoinfected patients with an initial CD4 cell count of 300-349 cells/µL, 95.6% maintained counts ≥200 cells/µL. In the coinfected group with the same initial count, this rate was lower, but 97.6% of coinfected patients with initial counts >350 cells/µL maintained counts ≥200 cells/µL.

CONCLUSIONS

From our data, it can be inferred that CD4 cell count monitoring can be safely performed annually in HIV-monoinfected patients with CD4 cell counts >300 cells/µL and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with counts >350 cells/µL.

Growth in stratospheric chlorine from short-lived chemicals not controlled by the Montreal Protocol

We have developed a chemical mechanism describing the tropospheric degradation of chlorine containing very short-lived substances (VSLS). The scheme was included in a global atmospheric model and used to quantify the stratospheric injection of chlorine from anthropogenic VSLS ( ClyVSLS) between 2005 and 2013. By constraining the model with surface measurements of chloroform (CHCl₃), dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), tetrachloroethene (C₂Cl₄), trichloroethene (C₂HCl₃), and 1,2-dichloroethane (CH₂ClCH₂Cl), we infer a 2013 ClyVSLS mixing ratio of 123 parts per trillion (ppt). Stratospheric injection of source gases dominates this supply, accounting for ∼83% of the total. The remainder comes from VSLS-derived organic products, phosgene (COCl₂, 7%) and formyl chloride (CHClO, 2%), and also hydrogen chloride (HCl, 8%). Stratospheric ClyVSLS increased by ∼52% between 2005 and 2013, with a mean growth rate of 3.7 ppt Cl/yr. This increase is due to recent and ongoing growth in anthropogenic CH₂Cl₂-the most abundant chlorinated VSLS not controlled by the Montreal Protocol.