The mental health impacts of human-ecosystem-animal relationships: A systematic scoping review of Eco-, Planetary, and One Health approaches

The threats to human and animal health, biodiversity conservation, and our living planet's future are ever-present and increasingly more severe due to climate change and environmental degradation. There is an emerging discourse exploring the mental health dimensions contained within these changes. To better understand and respond to these impacts requires novel and creative methodological approaches built on conceptual frameworks that integrate perspectives from the social and natural sciences. Three of the most influential interdisciplinary frameworks at the human-animal-ecosystem interface include: One Health, EcoHealth, and Planetary Health. These frameworks report mental health as an integral component within overall health-related outcomes. However, a comprehensive synthesis of the state of the literature that examines how mental health is explored within these approaches does not currently exist. A systematic scoping review was therefore conducted to obtain clear understandings of patterns, gaps, and broad themes, and to highlight future research needs and considerations. Standardized PRISMA guidelines, including explicitly defined inclusion/exclusion criteria and dual screening/extractions, were used. 13 papers were included: seven using the One Health Framework, with Planetary and EcoHealth each represented by three. Trends observed include a predominate focus on companion animals as interventions, "sense of place" used as a component of mental well-being, and non-physical health-related measurements of animal well-being as an outcome within One Health research. The lack in retrieved studies also highlight the dearth in literature on mental health as a pillar of these three well established frameworks. Compiling what is known in the evidence-base as a launching point for scientific engagement, this review describes guidance for investigators on how to conduct mental health research within these framework parameters so that future studies can elucidate mechanisms underpinning the intersections between the biosphere and human mental-health and data-driven interventions and policy recommendations that simultaneously address mental health and global change can be proposed and enacted.

Effect of food additives on key bacterial taxa and the mucosa-associated microbiota in Crohn's disease. The ENIGMA study

Food additives have been linked to the pro-inflammatory microbial dysbiosis associated with Crohn's disease (CD) but the underlying ecological dynamics are unknown. Here, we examine how selection of food additives affects the growth of multiple strains of a key beneficial bacterium (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii), axenic clinical isolates of proinflammatory bacteria from CD patients (Proteus, Morganella, and Klebsiella spp.), and the consortia of mucosa-associated microbiota recovered from multiple Crohn's disease patients. Bacterial growth of the axenic isolates was evaluated using a habitat-simulating medium supplemented with either sodium sulfite, aluminum silicate, carrageenan, carboxymethylcellulose, polysorbate 80, saccharin, sucralose, or aspartame, intended to approximate concentrations found in food. The microbial consortia recovered from post-operative CD patient mucosal biopsy samples were challenged with either carboxymethylcellulose and/or polysorbate 80, and the bacterial communities compared to unchallenged consortia by 16S rRNA gene amplicon profiling. Growth of all F. prausnitzii strains was arrested when either sodium sulfite or polysorbate 80 was added to cultures at baseline or mid-exponential phase of growth, and the inhibitory effects on the Gram-negative bacteria by sodium sulfite were conditional on oxygen availability. The effects from polysorbate 80, saccharin, carrageenan, and/or carboxymethylcellulose on these bacteria were strain-specific. In addition to their direct effects on bacterial growth, polysorbate 80 and/or carboxymethylcellulose can drive profound changes in the CD mucosa-associated microbiota via niche expansion of Proteus and/or Veillonellaceae - both implicated in early Crohn's disease recurrence. These studies on the interaction of food additives with the enteric microbiota provide a basis for dietary management in Crohn's disease.

Distinctive gut microbiomes of ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease patients suggest differing roles in pathogenesis and correlate with disease activity

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have confirmed dysbiosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, due to methodological differences across studies, it has not been possible to determine if these diseases have similar or different gut microbiomes.

RESULTS

In this study, faecal and intestinal biopsies were obtained from 33 Australian AS patients (including 5 with concomitant IBD, 'AS-IBD'), 59 IBD patients and 105 healthy controls. Stool samples were also obtained from 16 Italian AS patients and 136 Swedish AS patients. Focusing on the Australian cohort, AS, AS-IBD and IBD patients differed from one another and from healthy controls in both alpha and beta diversity. AS patients with and without clinical IBD could be distinguished from one another with moderate accuracy using stool microbiome (AUC=0.754). Stool microbiome also accurately distinguished IBD patients from healthy controls (AUC=0.757). Microbiome composition was correlated with disease activity measured by BASDAI and faecal calprotectin (FCP) levels. Enrichment of potentially pathogenic Streptococcus was noted in AS, AS-IBD and IBD patients. Furthermore, enrichment of another potentially pathogenic genus, Haemophilus, was observed in AS, AS-IBD, IBD, AS patients with increased BASDAI, and IBD patients with faecal calprotectin >100 μg/mg. Apart from these genera, no other taxa were shared between AS and IBD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the distinct gut microbiome of AS and AS-IBD patients compared to IBD patients and healthy controls is consistent with immunological and genetic evidence suggesting that the gut plays a different role in driving AS compared with IBD. However, enrichment of two potentially pathogenic genera in both diseases suggests that the presence of a shared/common microbial trigger of disease cannot be discounted.

Cognitive Dysfunction: Feasibility of a Brief Intervention to Help Breast Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND

Many cancer survivors experience cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD), which is believed to be the result of multiple contributing biologic, situational, and personal factors. Efficacious, clinically implementable interventions addressing the multifactorial nature of CRCD are needed.

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the feasibility of an intervention to help breast cancer survivors mitigate the effects of modifiable factors that contribute to CRCD and improve cognitive functioning.

METHODS

A single-group pre-/post-test design was used. Treatment fidelity was tracked to evaluate implementability; attendance rates, experience surveys, and homework engagement were used to characterize acceptability. Pre- and post-test cognitive functioning, stress, fatigue, and mood were measured to evaluate preliminary efficacy.

FINDINGS

The intervention was implementable and acceptable to participants. Participants made statistically significant improvements.

Novel strain-level resolution of Crohn's disease mucosa-associated microbiota via an ex vivo combination of microbe culture and metagenomic sequencing

The mucosa-associated microbiota is widely recognized as a potential trigger for Crohn's disease pathophysiology but remains largely uncharacterised beyond its taxonomic composition. Unlike stool microbiota, the functional characterisation of these communities using current DNA/RNA sequencing approaches remains constrained by the relatively small microbial density on tissue, and the overwhelming amount of human DNA recovered during sample preparation. Here, we have used a novel ex vivo approach that combines microbe culture from anaerobically preserved tissue with metagenome sequencing (MC-MGS) to reveal patient-specific and strain-level differences among these communities in post-operative Crohn's disease patients. The 16 S rRNA gene amplicon profiles showed these cultures provide a representative and holistic representation of the mucosa-associated microbiota, and MC-MGS produced both high quality metagenome-assembled genomes of recovered novel bacterial lineages. The MC-MGS approach also produced a strain-level resolution of key Enterobacteriacea and their associated virulence factors and revealed that urease activity underpins a key and diverse metabolic guild in these communities, which was confirmed by culture-based studies with axenic cultures. Collectively, these findings using MC-MGS show that the Crohn's disease mucosa-associated microbiota possesses taxonomic and functional attributes that are highly individualistic, borne at least in part by novel bacterial lineages not readily isolated or characterised from stool samples using current sequencing approaches.

Multispecialty tracheostomy experience

INTRODUCTION

Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure used to create a secure airway in patients, now performed by a variety of specialties, with a notable rise in critical care environments. It is unclear whether this rise is seen in units with large head and neck surgery departments, and how practice in such units compares with the rest of the UK.

METHODS

A three-year retrospective audit was carried out between anaesthetic, surgical and critical care departments. All tracheostomy procedures were recorded anonymously.

RESULTS

A total of 523 tracheostomies were performed, 66% of which were in men. The mean patient age was 60 years. The majority (83%) were elective, performed for various indications, while the remaining 17% were emergency tracheostomies performed for pending airway obstruction. A fifth of the tracheostomies were percutaneous procedures. Most emergency tracheostomies (78%) were performed by otolaryngology. Three cricothyroidotomies were performed within critical care and theatres. Complications related to tracheostomy occurred in 47 cases (9%), most commonly lower respiratory tract infection. The mean time to decannulation was 12.8 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper discusses the findings of a comprehensive, multispecialty audit of tracheostomy experience in a large health board, with over 150 tracheostomies performed annually. Elective cases form the majority although there is a significant case series of emergency tracheostomies performed for a range of pathologies. Around a quarter of those requiring tracheostomy ultimately died, mostly as a result of advanced cancer.

What Trauma Looks Like for Incarcerated Men: A Study of Men's Lifetime Trauma Exposure in Two State Prisons

OBJECTIVE

While it is understood that high rates of trauma exposure are common among incarcerated male populations, there is limited data on the nature of the trauma exposure. This study sought to develop foundational knowledge about the trauma experiences of incarcerated men in order to provide a basis for further theory building in this area.

METHOD

This study used a quantitative-qualitative approach to examine the trauma histories of a randomly selected sample of 67 men incarcerated in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

RESULTS

The analyses revealed several patterns among study participants, including near universal trauma exposure in adolescence with the most frequent exposures involving witnessing or being proximate to violent deaths of family and friends. The mean age of exposure for all trauma exposure types measured was 17 years old. We found that for this group of incarcerated men, trauma exposures in childhood tended to result more from community violence than child maltreatment (e.g., abuse and neglect by caregivers).

CONCLUSION

The study results suggested that further research may be needed into the effects of close proximity to violent death during this particular window in adolescent development. Neuroscience research has shown that this is a "sensitive period" in brain development with potential negative outcomes in early adulthood, including emotional regulation deficits that can potentially lead to increased risk of arrest. Further research on trauma exposure within this population is needed both to appropriately serve men while in prison or in the process of reentering society and to support efforts to reduce mass incarceration.

A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

Preventing Neurodegenerative Memory Loss in Hopfield Neuronal Networks Using Cerebral Organoids or External Microelectronics

Developing technologies have made significant progress towards linking the brain with brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) which have the potential to aid damaged brains to perform their original motor and cognitive functions. We consider the viability of such devices for mitigating the deleterious effects of memory loss that is induced by neurodegenerative diseases and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our computational study considers the widely used Hopfield network, an autoassociative memory model in which neurons converge to a stable state pattern after receiving an input resembling the given memory. In this study, we connect an auxiliary network of neurons, which models the BMI device, to the original Hopfield network and train it to converge to its own auxiliary memory patterns. Injuries to the original Hopfield memory network, induced through neurodegeneration, for instance, can then be analyzed with the goal of evaluating the ability of the BMI to aid in memory retrieval tasks. Dense connectivity between the auxiliary and Hopfield networks is shown to promote robustness of memory retrieval tasks for both optimal and nonoptimal memory sets. Our computations estimate damage levels and parameter ranges for which full or partial memory recovery is achievable, providing a starting point for novel therapeutic strategies.

An examination of a proposed scoring procedure for the clock drawing test: Reliability and predictive validity of the clock scoring system (CSS)

The clock drawing test (CDT) is usedfor a variety of diagnostic purposes, including screening for dementia. Individuals have relied on subjective judgments in distinguishing between normal and abnormal clocks. This studyproposesaformal, objective scoring procedure called the Clock Scoring System (CSS). The CDTwas administered to 23 dementia patients and 27 normal, elderly controls. The inter-rater reliability estimates of the CSS rangedfrom 82 to .98 across diagnostic groups. Scores discriminated between the patient and comparison groups, even after controlling for age and education. A discussion of the usefulness of this measure as well as ftture research directions is presented.

Characterisation of the gastrointestinal mucosa-associated microbiota: a novel technique to prevent cross-contamination during endoscopic procedures

BACKGROUND

The mucosa-associated microbiota appears to be highly relevant to host-microbe interactions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Thus, precise characterisation of the mucosa-associated microbiota may provide important insights for diagnostic and therapeutic development. However, for technical reasons, mucosal biopsies taken during standard endoscopic procedures are potentially contaminated by GI luminal contents.

AIM

To develop and validate a biopsy device that minimises contamination during sampling of the mucosa-associated microbiota.

METHODS

A new, encased biopsy forceps was developed, the Brisbane Aseptic Biopsy Device (BABD). This comprises sterile forceps encased by a sheath with a plug at the tip, allowing targeted, aseptic sampling of the mucosa. Matched duodenal biopsies were obtained using the BABD, standard biopsy forceps, and a sterile brush, from patients undergoing upper GI endoscopy for iron deficiency (n = 6). Total genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) was extracted from samples and bacterial 16S rRNA gene libraries sequenced to investigate the mucosa-associated microbiota.

RESULTS

Microbial DNA was recovered from biopsies obtained by the BABD, confirming the presence of a duodenal mucosa-associated microbiota. This microbiota was dominated by the genus Streptococcus, with lower levels of Prevotella, Veillonella and Neisseria. At the individual patient level, substantial differences were observed between matched samples obtained using the different devices. A greater degree of bacterial diversity was observed in samples collected using the standard forceps, indicating the BABD affords collection of samples more representative of the mucosa-associated microbiota, by precluding luminal cross-contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-contamination can occur when mucosal biopsies are taken during standard endoscopic procedures. Utilising the novel Brisbane Aseptic Biopsy Device can reduce cross-contamination, and it offers improved opportunities to more precisely examine host-mucosa-associated microbiota interactions.

Inflammasome signaling affects anxiety- and depressive-like behavior and gut microbiome composition

The inflammasome is hypothesized to be a key mediator of the response to physiological and psychological stressors, and its dysregulation may be implicated in major depressive disorder. Inflammasome activation causes the maturation of caspase-1 and activation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, two proinflammatory cytokines involved in neuroimmunomodulation, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In this study, C57BL/6 mice with genetic deficiency or pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 were screened for anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, and locomotion at baseline and after chronic stress. We found that genetic deficiency of caspase-1 decreased depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, and conversely increased locomotor activity and skills. Caspase-1 deficiency also prevented the exacerbation of depressive-like behaviors following chronic stress. Furthermore, pharmacological caspase-1 antagonism with minocycline ameliorated stress-induced depressive-like behavior in wild-type mice. Interestingly, chronic stress or pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 per se altered the fecal microbiome in a very similar manner. When stressed mice were treated with minocycline, the observed gut microbiota changes included increase in relative abundance of Akkermansia spp. and Blautia spp., which are compatible with beneficial effects of attenuated inflammation and rebalance of gut microbiota, respectively, and the increment in Lachnospiracea abundance was consistent with microbiota changes of caspase-1 deficiency. Our results suggest that the protective effect of caspase-1 inhibition involves the modulation of the relationship between stress and gut microbiota composition, and establishes the basis for a gut microbiota-inflammasome-brain axis, whereby the gut microbiota via inflammasome signaling modulate pathways that will alter brain function, and affect depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Our data also suggest that further elucidation of the gut microbiota-inflammasome-brain axis may offer novel therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.

Microbial biofilms associated with intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult intensive care patients

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is one of the most serious complications in hospitalised patients, leading to increased hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, extensive antibiotic treatment and mortality. A greater understanding of these bacterial infections is needed to improve the prevention and the management of CRBSIs. We describe here the systematic culture-independent evaluation of intravascular catheter (IVC) bacteriology. Twelve IVCs (6 central venous catheters and 6 arterial catheters) were collected from 6 patients. By using traditional culture methods, 3 patients were diagnosed with catheter colonisation including 1 patient who also had CRBSI, and 3 had no colonisation. From a total of 839,539 high-quality sequence reads from high-throughput sequencing, 8 microbial phyla and 76 diverse microbial genera were detected. All IVCs examined in this study were colonised with complex microbial communities including "non-colonised IVCs," as defined using traditional culture methods. Two main community types were observed: Enterobacteriaceae spp., dominant in patients without colonisation or CRBSI; and Staphylococcus spp., dominant in patients with colonisation and CRBSI. More diverse pathogens and a higher microbial diversity were present in patients with IVC colonisation and CRBSI. Community composition did not appear to be affected by patients' antibiotic treatment or IVC type. Characterisation of these communities is the first step in elucidating roles of these pathogens in disease progression, and to ultimately facilitate the improved prevention, refined diagnosis and management of CRBSI.

Microbial diversity on intravascular catheters from paediatric patients

Microorganisms play important roles in intravascular catheter (IVC)-related infections, which are the most serious complications in children with IVCs, leading to increased hospitalisation, intensive care admissions, extensive antibiotic treatment and mortality. A greater understanding of bacterial communities is needed in order to improve the management of infections. We describe here the systematic culture-independent evaluation of IVC bacteriology in IVC biofilms. Twenty-four IVC samples (six peripherally inserted central catheters, eight central venous catheters and ten arterial catheters) were collected from 24 paediatric patients aged 0 to 14 years old. Barcoded amplicon libraries produced from genes coding 16S rRNA and roll-plate culture methods were used to determine the microbial composition of these samples. From a total of 1,043,406 high-quality sequence reads, eight microbial phyla and 136 diverse microbial genera were detected, separated into 12,224 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Three phyla (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria) predominate the microorganism on the IVC surfaces, with Firmicutes representing nearly half of the OTUs found. Among the Firmicutes, Staphylococcus (15.0% of 16S rRNA reads), Streptococcus (9.6%) and Bacillus (6.1%) were the most common. Community composition did not appear to be affected by patients' age, gender, antibiotic treatment or IVC type. Differences in IVC microbiota were more likely associated with events arising from catheter dwell time, rather than the type of IVC used.

[Olfactory function after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery]

Pituitary surgery remains mainly performed trough a transnasal, transseptal and transsphenoidal way. This surgical approach can damage intranasal structures and, in particular, may impede olfactory function. Our study investigates olfactory function in 67 patients undergoing this type of surgery before and 3 months after surgery. Mean olfactory scores were identical pre- and postoperatively. However, on an individual bases seven percent of the patients showed a clear decrease in olfactory function. In conclusion, transnasal, transseptal and transsphenoidal surgery is relativelv safe with regards to olfactory function

Review article: Associations between Helicobacter pylori and obesity--an ecological study

BACKGROUND

There is emerging debate over the effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on body mass index (BMI). A recent study demonstrated that individuals who underwent H. pylori eradication developed significant weight gain as compared to subjects with untreated H. pylori colonisation.

AIM

To elucidate the association between H. pylori colonisation and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in developed countries.

METHODS

The literature was searched for publications reporting data on H. pylori prevalence rates and obesity prevalence rates. Studies selected reported H. pylori prevalence in random population samples with sample sizes of more than 100 subjects in developed countries (GDP >25,000 US$/person/year). Corresponding BMI distributions for corresponding countries and regions were identified. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the association between H. pylori and overweight and obesity rates.

RESULTS

Forty-nine studies with data from 10 European countries, Japan, the US and Australia were identified. The mean H. pylori rate was 44.1% (range 17-75%), the mean rates for obesity and overweight were 46.6 (± 16)% and 14.2 (± 8.9)%. The rate of obesity and overweight were inversely and significantly (r = 0.29, P < 0.001) correlated with the prevalence of H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an inverse correlation between H. pylori prevalence and rate of overweight/obesity in countries of the developed world. Thus, the gradual decrease of the H. pylori colonisation that has been observed in recent decades (or factors associated with decrease of) could be causally related to the obesity endemic observed in the Western world.

Bacterial census of poultry intestinal microbiome

The objective of this study was to generate a phylogenetic diversity census of bacteria identified in the intestinal tract of chickens and turkeys using a naïve analysis of all the curated 16S rRNA gene sequences archived in public databases. High-quality sequences of chicken and turkey gastrointestinal origin (3,184 and 1,345, respectively) were collected from the GenBank, Ribosomal Database Project, and Silva comprehensive ribosomal RNA database. Through phylogenetic and statistical analysis, 915 and 464 species-equivalent operational taxonomic units (defined at 0.03 phylogenetic distance) were found in the chicken and the turkey sequence collections, respectively. Of the 13 bacterial phyla identified in both bird species, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the largest phyla, accounting for >90% of all the sequences. The chicken sequences represent 117 established bacterial genera, and the turkey sequences represent 69 genera. The most predominant genera found in both the chicken and the turkey sequence data sets were Clostridium, Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides, but with different distribution between the 2 bird species. The estimated coverage of bacterial diversity of chicken and turkey reached 89 and 68% at species-equivalent and 93 and 73% at genus-equivalent levels, respectively. Less than 7,000 bacterial sequences from each bird species from various locations would be needed to reach 99% coverage for either bird species. Based on annotation of the sequence records, cecum was the most sampled gut segment. Chickens and turkeys were shown to have distinct intestinal microbiomes, sharing only 16% similarity at the species-equivalent level. Besides identifying gaps in knowledge on bacterial diversity in poultry gastrointestinal tract, the bacterial census generated in this study may serve as a framework for future studies and development of analytic tools.

Effects of feeding fiber-fermenting bacteria to pigs on nutrient digestion, fecal output, and plasma energy metabolites

Inclusion of feedstuffs with higher plant cell wall (fiber) content in swine diets has increased in recent years due to greater availability and lower cost, especially coproduct feeds, such as corn distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS). Limitations of feeding higher fiber diets include increased fecal output, which can exceed manure storage volumes, and decreased energy density, which can decrease growth performance; dietary treatments that ameliorate these limitations would benefit pork producers. Grower pigs (n = 48; 61.1 kg initial BW) were used to establish the effects of supplementation of fiber-fermenting bacteria in a 2 × 4 factorial, consisting of 2 diets (standard and high fiber) and 4 bacterial treatments (A, no bacteria; and B, C, and D bacterial supplements). Increased fiber came from inclusion of soybean hulls (10%) and corn DDGS (20%) in the diet. The 3 bacterial supplements (all Bacteroides strains) were isolated from fecal enrichment cultures and selected for their fiber-fermenting capacity. The high fiber diet increased fecal output, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations, and digestibility of NDF, ADF, and S; CP digestibility decreased (P ≤ 0.10). The improved fiber digestibility and altered energy status of pigs fed the high fiber diet was primarily due to fermentation of soybean hulls, resulting in increased short-chain fatty acid production and absorption, and decreased dietary starch content. Overall, pigs fed the bacterial treatments had only increased blood cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.10). When individual bacterial treatments were compared, pigs fed Bacteria B had decreased fecal output (P ≤ 0.10) and both blood glucose and cholesterol concentrations were increased (P ≤ 0.10) compared with the other 3 treatments, indicating an improved energy status. Pigs fed Bacteria B increased both CP and ADF (P ≤ 0.10), and tended (P = 0.16) to have increased NDF digestibilities compared with pigs fed no bacteria (Treatment A), whereas pigs fed the other 2 bacterial treatments did not differ from pigs fed Bacteria B for nutrient digestibility. Both had similar fecal outputs to pigs fed no bacteria. This is the first report of reduction in fecal output and increased fiber digestibility with pigs fed live bacteria. Successful application of this bacterial treatment could result in improved pig performance and decreased manure volumes, both of which would improve profitability of producers.

The symbiotic rumen microbiome and cattle performance: a brief review

The rumen of the dairy cow contains a rich and diverse collection of microbes that during feed digestion produce significant quantities of methane gas and ammonia, both of which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies to redirect rumen carbon and nitrogen metabolism away from these products provide opportunities for significant productivity improvements in livestock systems not only by improving nutrient retention, but also by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to develop these strategies, a greater knowledge of the diversity of the microbes within their rumen and their genomic capability is required. Many have used several techniques to study the rumen microbes, and the technology continues to improve. Among them include researchers at the Department of Primary Industries Victoria (DPI Vic) and the Dairy Futures Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) who are addressing the issue of regulation of methane emissions in dairy cattle, while scientists in Queensland and New South Wales, as part of the most recent Beef CRC program, focus on beef cattle. In this brief review, we examine how the techniques used in rumen microbial ecology have changed, and how technology improvements continue to allow us to examine the rumen microbiota of cattle and other ruminants, so as to better understand and possibly select animals with superior traits, leading to improvements in feed efficiency, methane emissions and nitrogen retention.

Aplastic anemia with concurrent temozolomide treatment in a patient with glioblastoma multiforme

Temozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent used during concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. Temozolomide is generally well tolerated and improves survival; however, severe adverse events have occasionally been reported. Here, we report the case of a patient who developed aplastic anemia with related complications in the setting of concurrent TMZ treatment with radiotherapy. This case illustrates that aplastic anemia is a rare side effect of TMZ that can occur relatively early in the course of concurrent chemotherapy, and underscores the importance of clinician awareness of this potentially devastating side effect.

Beyond the 'embryo question': human embryonic stem cell ethics in the context of biomaterial donation in the UK

Discussion about the ethics of human embryonic stem cell (ESC) research in the UK tends to be dominated by the divisive and potentially intractable issue of the moral status of the embryo. This can have the effect of silencing or marginalizing other concerns, especially in the context of public engagement with science in this field. One such area of potential public concern is the donation of oocytes and embryos to stem cell research. Contemporary research on the views of donors and potential donors about a wide range of biomaterials, from solid organs to gametes and bone marrow, is reviewed and used to illustrate the range and types of ethical concerns articulated by this important group of stakeholders. Attitudes to donation are found to vary according to the type of tissue being donated or collected, the purpose for which donation is being sought and the nature of the recipient of the donation. Pertinently, attitudes towards donating oocytes are found to differ in some respects from donation of embryos or fetal tissue. The implications of these findings for ensuring ethically robust informed consent and publicly acceptable sourcing of human biomaterials for stem cell research are then considered.

Engineered high-affinity affibody molecules targeting platelet-derived growth factor receptor β in vivo

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) β is a marker of stromal pericytes and fibroblasts and represents an interesting target for both diagnosis and therapy of solid tumors. A receptor-specific imaging agent would be a useful tool for further understanding the prognostic role of this receptor in vivo. Affibody molecules constitute a class of very small binding proteins that are highly suited for in vivo imaging applications and that can be selected to specifically recognize a desired target protein. Here we describe the isolation of PDGFRβ-specific Affibody molecules with subnanomolar affinity. First-generation Affibody molecules were generated from a large naive library using phage display selection. Subsequently, sequences from binders having a desired selectivity profile and competing with the natural ligand for binding were used in the design of an affinity maturation library, which was created using a single partially randomized oligonucleotide. From this second-generation library, Affibody molecules with a 10-fold improvement in affinity (K(d)=0.4-0.5 nM) for human PDGFRβ and a 4-fold improvement in affinity (K(d)=6-7 nM) for murine PDGFRβ were isolated and characterized. Complete reversible folding after heating to 90 °C, as demonstrated by circular dichroism analysis, supports tolerance to labeling conditions for molecular imaging. The binders were highly specific, as verified by dot blot showing staining reactivity only with human and murine PDGFRβ, but not with human PDGFRα, or a panel of control proteins including 16 abundant human serum proteins. The final binder recognized the native conformation of PDGFRβ expressed in murine NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and human AU565 cells, and inhibited ligand-induced receptor phosphorylation in PDGFRβ-transfected porcine aortic endothelial cells. The PDGFRβ-specific Affibody molecule also accumulated around tumoral blood vessels in a model of spontaneous insulinoma, confirming a potential for in vivo targeting.

Highlighting new phylogenetic specificities of Crohn's disease microbiota

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that gastrointestinal (GI) microbes play a part in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

Fecal samples were collected from 16 healthy individuals and 16 CD patients (age- and sex-matched). The DNA extracted from these samples were subjected to two different methods of microbiome analysis. Specific bacterial groups were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods using primers designed using a high-throughput in-house bioinformatics pipeline. The same DNA extracts were also used to produce fluorescently labeled cRNA amplicons to interrogate a custom-designed phylogenetic microarray for intestinal bacteria.

RESULTS

Even though the intersubject variability was high, differences in the fecal microbiomes of healthy and CD patients were detected. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Escherichia coli were more represented in healthy and ileal CD patients, respectively. Additionally, probes specific for Ruminococcus bromii, Oscillibacter valericigenes, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Eubacterium rectale produced stronger hybridization signals with the DNA samples from healthy subjects. Conversely, species overrepresented in CD patients were E. coli, Enterococcus faecium, and species from the Proteobacteria not normally found in the healthy human GI tract. Furthermore, we detected "healthy specific" molecular species or operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that are not closely related to any known species (Faecalibacterium, Subdoligranulum, and Oscillospora species), indicating that the phylogenetic dysbiosis is broader than at strain or species level.

CONCLUSIONS

These two techniques of microbiome analysis provided a statistically robust new picture of the dysbiosis in fecal microbiota from ileal CD patients. Specifically, we identified a set of six species discriminant for CD, which provides a preliminary diagnostic tool.

3-Phenylpropanoic Acid Improves the Affinity of Ruminococcus albus for Cellulose in Continuous Culture

A continuous-culture device, adapted for use with solid substrates, was used to evaluate the effects of 3-phenylpropanoic acid (PPA) upon the ability of the South African strain Ruminococcus albus Ce63 to ferment cellulose. Steady states of fermentation were established with a dilution rate of 0.17 h, and the extent and volumetric rates of cellulose fermentation were determined over four consecutive days. When the growth medium contained no additions (control), 25 muM phenylacetate alone, 25 muM PPA alone, or 25 muM each of phenylacetate and PPA, the extent of cellulose hydrolysis was determined to be 41.1, 35.7, 90.2, and 86.9%, respectively, and the volumetric rate of cellulose hydrolysis was 103.0, 97.9, 215.5, and 230.4 mg liter h, respectively. To evaluate the effect of PPA availability on affinity for cellulose, the values for dilution rate and extent of cellulose hydrolysis were used in combination with values for maximum specific growth rate determined from previous studies of growth rates and kinetics of cellulose hydrolysis. The findings support the contention that PPA maintains a competitive advantage for R. albus when grown in a dynamic, fiber-rich environment.

Combining nanotechnology with current biomedical knowledge for the vascular imaging and treatment of atherosclerosis

Activation of vasa vasorum (the microvessels supplying the major arteries) at specific sites in the adventitia initiates their proliferation or 'angiogenesis' concomitant with development of atherosclerotic plaques. Haemorrhagic, leaky blood vessels from unstable plaques proliferate abnormally, are of relatively large calibre but are immature neovessels poorly invested with smooth muscle cells and possess structural weaknesses which may contribute to instability of the plaque by facilitation of inflammatory cell infiltration and haemorrhagic complications. Weak neovascular beds in plaque intima as well as activated adventitial blood vessels are potential targets for molecular imaging and targeted drug therapy, however, the majority of tested, currently available imaging and therapeutic agents have been unsuccessful because of their limited capacity to reach and remain stably within the target tissue or cells in vivo. Nanoparticle technology together with magnetic resonance imaging has allowed the possibility of imaging of neovessels in coronary or carotid plaques, and infusion of nanoparticle suspensions using infusion catheters or implant-based drug delivery represents a novel and potentially much more efficient option for treatment. This review will describe the importance of angiogenesis in mediation of plaque growth and development of plaque instability and go on to investigate the possibility of future design of superparamagnetic/perfluorocarbon-derived nanoparticles for imaging of the vasculature in this disease or which could be directed to the adventitial vasa vasorum or indeed intimal microvessels and which can release active payloads directed against primary key external mitogens and intracellular signalling molecules in endothelial cells responsible for their activation with a view to inhibition of angiogenesis.

Patenting human pluripotent cells: balancing commercial, academic and ethical interests

The article addresses the issue of the ethics of patenting in human embryonic stem (hES) cells. The current stance of the European Patent Office in citing moral objections to patents on hES cells and the monopolistic scope of the Wisconsin Research Alumni Fund/Geron patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office represent twin obstacles to achieving an ethical balance in patent rights in this field. The particular issues and strategies around granting patents on hES cells can be better understood by placing them in the context of the biotechnology industry and its role in the global bioeconomy. Some possible avenues of redress are considered based on the potential to open up cell pluripotency as new terrain for intellectual property offered by new technological breakthroughs such as induced pluripotent cells. Any changes in patent law should be accompanied by increased collaboration through devices such as patent pools.

A randomised controlled trial to evaluate both the role and optimal fractionation of radiotherapy in the conservative management of early breast cancer

Abstract #5125

Background: Postoperative radiotherapy is routinely used in early breast cancer using 50Gy in 25 daily fractions (Long). Both the role of radiotherapy and shorter regimens require validation.&#x2028; Methods: Patients with clinical stage 1 and 2 disease were randomised to receive immediate postoperative (RT) or delayed salvage treatment (No RT). Patients receiving RT were further randomised to Long or Short (40Gy in 15 daily fractions) regimens. The primary outcome measure was time to first relapse. Reported results are at median follow up of 16.9 years (IQR 15.4 - 18.8).&#x2028; Results: 707 women were recruited between 1985 and 1992: median age 59 years (range 28-80), 72% post menopausal, median tumour size 2.0cms (range 0.12-8.0). 271 patients have relapsed: 110 RT, 161 No RT. Site of first relapse was reported as 158 (64%) locoregional and 87 (36%) distant. Immediate RT significantly reduced the risk of relapse by 42% (HR=0.58 (95%CI: 0.45, 0.73), chi2LR=20.40, p&lt;0.001) consistent across all prognostic subgroups. Immediate RT reduced the risk of locoregional relapse by 65% (HR=0.35 (95%CI: 0.25, 0.47), (chi2LR=40.47, p&lt;0.001). No difference in relapse site, or frequency was seen between the 2 fractions. No differences were seen in overall or breast cancer specific survival.&#x2028; Discussion: With a median follow-up of 17 years, this study confirms the benefit for patients with early breast cancer receiving radiotherapy. We conclude that a radiotherapy schedule of 40 Gy in 15 daily fractions is a safe, efficient and effective regime at least as good as the international conventional regime of 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5125.

Technical note: Occurrence in fecal microbiota of genes conferring resistance to both macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B and tetracyclines concomitant with feeding of beef cattle with tylosin

Development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals receiving antimicrobials has been well documented among bacterial isolates, especially pathogens, but information on development of antimicrobial resistance at the microbial community level during long-term feeding of antimicrobials is lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the association between inclusion of tylosin in feed and occurrence of resistance to macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS(B)) in the entire fecal microbial communities of beef cattle over a feeding study of 168 d. A completely randomized design included 6 pens housed together in 1 barn, with each pen housing 10 to 11 steers. The control and tylosin groups each had 3 pens, with the former receiving no antimicrobial whereas the latter received both tylosin and monensin (11 and 29.9 mg/ kg of feed, respectively, DM) in feed. The abundance of genes conferring resistance to MLS(B) (erm genes) and tetracyclines (tet genes) were quantified using class-specific, real-time PCR assays. The abundances of erm and tet genes were analyzed with pens as experimental units using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Correlations between abundance of different resistance genes were calculated using the CORR procedure of SAS. We identified 4 classes (B, F, T, and X) of erm genes in fresh fecal samples collected at wk 2, 17, and 21 of feeding. From wk 2 to 17, the abundance of erm(T) and erm(X) increased (P < 0.05), whereas that of erm(B) and erm(F) did not. The abundance of the erm genes did not further change from wk 17 to 21. The tet(A/C), tet(G), and tet gene variants encoding ribosomal protection proteins (including classes M, O, P, Q, S, T, and W) appeared to be co-selected by tylosin feeding. Such co-selection of multiresistance at community level by one antimicrobial drug used in animals has the important implication that future studies should examine resistance to not only the antimicrobials used in animals, but also other antimicrobials, especially those used in human medicine, to fully assess the potential risk associated with antimicrobial use in animals. Both the erm and tet genes appeared to be disseminated among the microbial populations in all steers housed together.