Mathematical birth of Early Afterdepolarizations in a cardiomyocyte model

Early Afterdepolarizations (EADs) are abnormal behaviors that can lead to cardiac failure and even cardiac death. In this paper we investigate the occurrence and development of these phenomena in a reduced Luo-Rudy cardiac model. Through a comprehensive dynamical analysis, we map out the distinct patterns observed in the parametric plane, differentiating between normal beats without EADs and pathological beats with EADs. By examining the bifurcation structure of the model, we elucidate the dynamical elements associated with these patterns and their transitions. Using a fast-slow analysis, we explore the emergence and evolution of EADs in the model. Notably, our approach combines the two commonly used fast-slow approaches (1-slow-2-fast and 2-slow-1-fast), and we show how both approaches together provide a more complete understanding of this phenomenon.

A Quality Assurance Discrimination Tool for the Evaluation of Satellite Laboratory Practice Excellence in the Context of the European Official Meat Inspection for Trichinella spp

Trichinellosis is a parasitic foodborne zoonotic disease transmitted by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat containing the first larval stage (L1) of the nematode. To ensure the quality and safety of food intended for human consumption, meat inspection for detection of Trichinella spp. larvae is a mandatory procedure according to EU regulations. The implementation of quality assurance practices in laboratories that are responsible for Trichinella spp. detection is essential given that the detection of this parasite is still a pivotal threat to public health, and it is included in list A of Annex I, Directive 2003/99/EC, which determines the agents to be monitored on a mandatory basis. A Quality Management System (QMS) was applied to slaughterhouses and game handling establishments conducting Trichinella spp. testing without official accreditation but under the supervision of the relevant authority. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the outcomes of implementing the QMS in slaughterhouses and game handling establishments involved in Trichinella testing in southern Spain. Canonical discriminant analyses (CDAs) were performed to design a tool enabling the classification of SLs while determining whether linear combinations of measures of quality-assurance-related traits describe within- and between-SL clustering patterns. The participation of two or more auditors improves the homogeneity of the results deriving from audits. However, when training expertise ensures that such levels of inter-/intralaboratory homogeneity are reached, auditors can perform single audits and act as potential trainers for other auditors. Additionally, technical procedure issues were the primary risk factors identified during audits, which suggests that they should be considered a critical control point within the QMS.

The Bioactive Value of Tamarix gallica Honey from Different Geographical Origins

This study was conducted to assess the bioactive value of Tamarix gallica honey samples collected from three countries. In total, 150 Tamarix gallica honey samples from Saudi Arabia (50), Libya (50), and Egypt (50) were collected and compared, based on the results of the melissopalynological analysis, their physicochemical attributes, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and biochemical properties, together with their total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. Depending on the geographical origin, we observed different levels of growth suppression for six resistant bacterial strains. The pathogenic microorganisms tested in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was a strong correlation between the polyphenol and flavonoid contents, as well as significant (p < 0.05) radical scavenging activities. The melissopalynological analysis and physicochemical properties complied with the recommendation of the Gulf and Egyptian Technical Regulations on honey, as well as the Codex Alimentarius of the World Health Organization and the European Union Normative related to honey quality. It was concluded that Tamarix gallica honey from the three countries has the capacity to suppress pathogenic bacterial growth and has significant radical scavenging activities. Moreover, these findings suggest that Tamarix gallica honey may be considered as an interesting source of antimicrobial compounds and antioxidants for therapeutical and nutraceutical industries or for food manufacturers.

Influence of the Slaughter Method on the Hygienic Quality of Beef Cattle Meat and Animal Welfare Biomarkers

The main objective of this research was to carry out a comparative study between different types of slaughter in beef cattle with and without stunning. In addition, the hygienic quality of the obtained meat was determined through microbiological analysis and the animal welfare at the time of slaughtering was assessed by means of physiological parameters. A total of 52 blood samples collected at the slaughterhouse during slaughter (10 for each type of slaughter: regular, halal, and halal with stunning; 10 at the time of resting; and 12 from rotating box slaughter) were analysed for physiological parameters indicating animal welfare status, namely, glucose, cortisol, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). In addition, the meat from 30 of the above animals was analysed for aerobic mesophilic bacteria, enterobacteria and coliforms. Moreover, a radiological study of the possible skull damage due to the non-penetrative captive bolt used at the time of stunning in the halal rite slaughter was carried out. A significance difference (p < 0.05) in the microbiological counts per type of slaughter was observed. It was proven that the amounts of glucose, LDH, CK, and cortisol in plasma were influenced (p < 0.05) by the type of slaughter. The halal rite slaughter using stunning with a non-penetrative captive bolt resulted in the best hygienic quality of meat and obtained the lowest values for all animal welfare biomarkers.

P11.36.A Could a transcriptome profile predict local control for glioblastoma?

Background

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. The standard of care is surgery followed by radiotherapy in combination with temozolomide. GB molecular subtypes (Classical [CL], Mesenchimal [MES] and Proneural [PN]) have been correlated with prognosis. In the preclinical setting, CL and MES glioma stem-like initiating cells have also been shown to be more radioresistant than PN subtype. If confirmed in patients, the molecular subtype could predict the specific benefit of adjuvant treatment. The aim of this work is therefore to investigate whether GB molecular profiles are associated with treatment resistance in vivo.

Material and Methods

We analyzed the spatiotemporal pattern of recurrence (progression-free survival [PFS] and local control) in 37 GB patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (30 x 2 Gy, following EORTC contouring guidelines) plus temozolomide in the context of a multi-centric study. Relapse was defined following the RANO criteria (gadolinium enhanced area on MRI T1 sequence) and classified into 3 groups: in-field relapse (Dmean &gt; 57 Gy), out-of-field relapse (Dmean &lt; 48 Gy) and not-defined relapse (no follow-up MR data or marginal relapse). We used three different classification algorithms (SVM, K-Nearest Neighbor and single sample gene set enrichment analysis) for the transcriptomic classification of tumor samples, and we only assigned a molecular profile when all three classifications agreed, otherwise we called it Mixed profile. Patients with a not-defined spatial pattern of recurrence were included in the PFS analysis, but excluded from the local control analysis.

Results

The transcriptomic classification resulted in 14 CL, 1 MES, 9 PN and 13 Mixed. Median PFS after radiotherapy was 6 months, with a mean follow-up of 11 months. No differences in PFS were found between CL, PN and Mixed groups (the single MES case was excluded). Local control was analyzed in 24 patients (10 CL, 4 PN, 10 Mixed). Non- statistically significant differences were found between PN/Mixed and CL subtypes, with a median in-field relapse-free survival of 6.9 months (PN), 6.3 months (Mixed) and 4.7 months (CL).

Conclusion

Although there is no difference in PFS among GB molecular subtypes, these results suggest that the Classical subtypes seem to relapse faster inside the radiotherapy field. This would suggest a higher radioresistance compared to Proneural and Mixed subtypes, in agreement with preclinical data. Due to the low number of patients these differences are statistically non-significant, but they provide the rationale for further investigation in a larger patient cohort. Grant: Marató -TV3

Dark Energy Survey Year 1 Results: Cosmological Constraints from Cluster Abundances, Weak Lensing, and Galaxy Correlations

We present the first joint analysis of cluster abundances and auto or cross-correlations of three cosmic tracer fields: galaxy density, weak gravitational lensing shear, and cluster density split by optical richness. From a joint analysis (4×2pt+N) of cluster abundances, three cluster cross-correlations, and the auto correlations of the galaxy density measured from the first year data of the Dark Energy Survey, we obtain Ω_{m}=0.305_{-0.038}^{+0.055} and σ_{8}=0.783_{-0.054}^{+0.064}. This result is consistent with constraints from the DES-Y1 galaxy clustering and weak lensing two-point correlation functions for the flat νΛCDM model. Consequently, we combine cluster abundances and all two-point correlations from across all three cosmic tracer fields (6×2pt+N) and find improved constraints on cosmological parameters as well as on the cluster observable-mass scaling relation. This analysis is an important advance in both optical cluster cosmology and multiprobe analyses of upcoming wide imaging surveys.

Constraints on Dark Matter Properties from Observations of Milky Way Satellite Galaxies

We perform a comprehensive study of Milky Way (MW) satellite galaxies to constrain the fundamental properties of dark matter (DM). This analysis fully incorporates inhomogeneities in the spatial distribution and detectability of MW satellites and marginalizes over uncertainties in the mapping between galaxies and DM halos, the properties of the MW system, and the disruption of subhalos by the MW disk. Our results are consistent with the cold, collisionless DM paradigm and yield the strongest cosmological constraints to date on particle models of warm, interacting, and fuzzy dark matter. At 95% confidence, we report limits on (i) the mass of thermal relic warm DM, m_{WDM}>6.5  keV (free-streaming length, λ_{fs}≲10h^{-1}  kpc), (ii) the velocity-independent DM-proton scattering cross section, σ_{0}<8.8×10^{-29}  cm^{2} for a 100 MeV DM particle mass [DM-proton coupling, c_{p}≲(0.3  GeV)^{-2}], and (iii) the mass of fuzzy DM, m_{ϕ}>2.9×10^{-21}  eV (de Broglie wavelength, λ_{dB}≲0.5  kpc). These constraints are complementary to other observational and laboratory constraints on DM properties.

Detection of Cross-Correlation between Gravitational Lensing and γ Rays

In recent years, many γ-ray sources have been identified, yet the unresolved component hosts valuable information on the faintest emission. In order to extract it, a cross-correlation with gravitational tracers of matter in the Universe has been shown to be a promising tool. We report here the first identification of a cross-correlation signal between γ rays and the distribution of mass in the Universe probed by weak gravitational lensing. We use data from the Dark Energy Survey Y1 weak lensing data and the Fermi Large Area Telescope 9-yr γ-ray data, obtaining a signal-to-noise ratio of 5.3. The signal is mostly localized at small angular scales and high γ-ray energies, with a hint of correlation at extended separation. Blazar emission is likely the origin of the small-scale effect. We investigate implications of the large-scale component in terms of astrophysical sources and particle dark matter emission.

Detection of CMB-Cluster Lensing using Polarization Data from SPTpol

We report the first detection of gravitational lensing due to galaxy clusters using only the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). The lensing signal is obtained using a new estimator that extracts the lensing dipole signature from stacked images formed by rotating the cluster-centered Stokes QU map cutouts along the direction of the locally measured background CMB polarization gradient. Using data from the SPTpol 500  deg^{2} survey at the locations of roughly 18 000 clusters with richness λ≥10 from the Dark Energy Survey (DES) Year-3 full galaxy cluster catalog, we detect lensing at 4.8σ. The mean stacked mass of the selected sample is found to be (1.43±0.40)×10^{14}M_{⊙} which is in good agreement with optical weak lensing based estimates using DES data and CMB-lensing based estimates using SPTpol temperature data. This measurement is a key first step for cluster cosmology with future low-noise CMB surveys, like CMB-S4, for which CMB polarization will be the primary channel for cluster lensing measurements.

A34 Molecular characterization of Zika virus in Cuba

Until now, three genotypes of Zika virus (ZIKV) have been detected (two African lineages and one Asian lineage). After the declaration of Public Health Emergency of International Concern issued by The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization authors from some Latin American countries have identified the Asian genotype as the lineage responsible for the Zika epidemic in the western hemisphere. However, data from the Caribbean are sparse, and there is no published data regarding the genotypes that produced isolated outbreaks in Cuba. Aiming to realize the molecular characterization of ZIKV in Cuba, we will sequence by next-generation sequencing the full genome of the ZIKV identified in samples from Cuban patients of different provinces in which ZIKV produced outbreaks. All samples required for this study have been collected during the molecular surveillance of Arboviral diseases conducted at the National Reference Laboratory at Pedro Kourí Tropical Medicine Institute. Viral RNA will be purified from urine and serum samples collected from patients with confirmed ZIKV infection by real time PCR. Using evolutionary dynamics studies, we will map the spread of a virus or of particular variants in time and space in order to understand how frequently ZIKV has been introduced into Cuba. Moreover, we will evaluate the amino acid diversity of each ZIKV proteins. Further, we will evaluate the population dynamics of ZIKV in samples from patients with varying clinical outcomes. The results will allow us to characterize the ZIKV genome and its evolution into the Cuban population that would also have impact for vaccine development, diagnosis, and pathogenesis studies.

Cosmological Constraints from Multiple Probes in the Dark Energy Survey

The combination of multiple observational probes has long been advocated as a powerful technique to constrain cosmological parameters, in particular dark energy. The Dark Energy Survey has measured 207 spectroscopically confirmed type Ia supernova light curves, the baryon acoustic oscillation feature, weak gravitational lensing, and galaxy clustering. Here we present combined results from these probes, deriving constraints on the equation of state, w, of dark energy and its energy density in the Universe. Independently of other experiments, such as those that measure the cosmic microwave background, the probes from this single photometric survey rule out a Universe with no dark energy, finding w=-0.80_{-0.11}^{+0.09}. The geometry is shown to be consistent with a spatially flat Universe, and we obtain a constraint on the baryon density of Ω_{b}=0.069_{-0.012}^{+0.009} that is independent of early Universe measurements. These results demonstrate the potential power of large multiprobe photometric surveys and pave the way for order of magnitude advances in our constraints on properties of dark energy and cosmology over the next decade.

Peripheral Blood and Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Analysis at the Population and Clonal Level

Tumor infiltrating (TIL) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were isolated from 18 patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing radical surgery. Surface marker analysis revealed that TILs and PBLs mainly consisted of CD3+T cells and that TILs generally displayed a lower CD4/CD8 ratio. Differences were found in the expression of CD25 (IL-2 receptor) and DR (MHC class II) antigens, which were increased in TILs, and in the percentage of CD16+ natural killer (NK) cells, which was reduced in TILs as compared to PBLs. Accordingly, the NK activity of TILs was lower than that of PBLs, whereas neither TILs nor PBLs expressed spontaneous cytolytic activity against fresh autologous tumor cells, melanoma cells and the « NK-resistant » A549 lung carcinoma cell line. After 4 days of culture in medium with recombinant-inter-leukin-2 (rIL-2), TILs and PBLs acquired cytolytic activity against all cell targets, but TILs expressed higher levels of cytotoxicity than autologous PBLs only in 3 patients out of 16 tested. More importantly, both TILs and PBLs displayed similar levels of cytotoxic activity against autologous tumor cells. TILs and PBLs from 8 patients were also analyzed by a limiting dilution microculture system. Cloning efficiency was remarkably lower in TILs, and surface marker analysis of T cell clones confirmed that an accumulation of CD8+ lymphocytes, which displayed cytolytic activity in a lectin-dependent assay, occurred at the tumor site. The non-MHC-restricted cytolytic activity of TIL- and PBL-derived T cell clones against K562, A549, and allogeneic melanoma cells and the cytolytic activity against autologous tumor cells showed no significant differences. Only 53% of TIL clones released IL-2 in response to PHA+TPA stimulation, whereas 68% of PBL-derived clones were IL-2 producers. Moreover, most PBL- and TIL-derived clones released tumor necrosis factor alpha in response to mitogen stimulation.

[Strategies to improve influenza vaccination coverage in Primary Health Care]

INTRODUCTION

Vaccination coverage reached in adults is insufficient, and there is a real need for new strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare strategies for improving influenza vaccination coverage in persons older than 64 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

New strategies were introduced in our health care centre during 2013-2014 influenza vaccination campaign, which included vaccinating patients in homes for the aged as well as in the health care centre. A comparison was made on vaccination coverage over the last 4 years in 3 practices of our health care centre: P1, the general physician vaccinated patients older than 64 that came to the practice; P2, the general physician systematically insisted in vaccination in elderly patients, strongly advising to book appointments, and P3, the general physician did not insist.

RESULTS

These practices looked after P1: 278; P2: 320; P3: 294 patients older than 64 years. Overall/P1/P2/P3 coverages in 2010: 51.2/51.4/55/46.9% (P=NS), in 2011: 52.4/52.9/53.8/50.3% (P=NS), in 2012: 51.9/52.5/55.3/47.6% (P=NS), and in 2013: 63.5/79.1/59.7/52.7 (P=.000, P1 versus P2 and P3; P=NS between P2 and P3). Comparing the coverages in 2012-2013 within each practice P1 (P=.000); P2 (P=.045); P3 (P=.018). In P2 and P3 all vaccinations were given by the nurses as previously scheduled. In P3, 55% of the vaccinations were given by the nurses, 24.1% by the GP, 9.7% rejected vaccination, and the remainder did not come to the practice during the vaccination period (October 2013-February 2014).

CONCLUSIONS

The strategy of vaccinating in the homes for the aged improved the vaccination coverage by 5% in each practice. The strategy of "I've got you here, I jab you here" in P1 improved the vaccination coverage by 22%.

Folliculitis decalvans: a multicentre review of 82 patients

BACKGROUND

Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a rare neutrophilic scarring alopecia that represents a therapeutic challenge for dermatologists.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiology, comorbidities, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and therapeutic options in a large series of patients with FD.

METHODS

This retrospective multicentre review includes patients diagnosed with FD based on clinical and histopathologic findings. The clinical severity was determined by the maximum diameter of the largest alopecic patch (slight: <2 cm, moderate: 2-4.99 cm, severe: 5 cm or more). Response to therapy was assessed as improvement, worsening or stabilization depending on the clinical symptoms (pruritus and trichodynia), inflammatory signs (erythema, pustules and crusts) and the extension of the alopecic patch.

RESULTS

Overall, 82 patients (52 males and 30 females) with a mean age of 35 years were included. No significant comorbidities were present. A family history was present in three males. Severe FD was observed in 17 patients (21%). The independent factors associated with severe FD after multivariate analysis were: onset of FD before 25 years of age and presence of pustules. Oral antibiotics (tetracyclines and the combination of clindamycin and rifampicin) improved 90% and 100% of the patients, with a mean duration of response of 4.6 and 7.2 months respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of FD before 25 years of age and the presence of pustules within the alopecic patch were associated with severe FD. Tetracyclines and the combination of clindamycin and rifampicin were the most useful treatments.

Spread and partitioning of arsenic in soils from a mine waste site in Madrid province (Spain)

The formation of scorodite is an important mechanism for the natural attenuation of arsenic in a wide range of environments. It is dumped on site by metallurgical industries to minimize arsenic release. However, the long-term stability of these deposits is unclear. Sequential As extractions and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy were used to determine both As and Fe speciation in a small catchment area affected by a scorodite-rich waste pile at an abandoned smelting factory. Our results indicate that this deposit behaves as an acute point source of As and metal pollution and confirms the strong association of As(V) with Fe(III) oxide phases, highlighting the important role of ferrihydrite as an As scavenger in natural systems. In this seasonally variable system, other trapping forms such as jarosite-like minerals also play a role in the attenuation of As. Overall, our results demonstrate that scorodite should not be considered an environmental stable repository for As attenuation when dumped outside because natural rainfall and the resulting runoff drive As dispersion in the environment and indicate the need to monitor and reclamate As-rich mine deposits.

Nuclear PARP-1 protein overexpression is associated with poor overall survival in early breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a highly promising novel target in breast cancer. However, the expression of PARP-1 protein in breast cancer and its associations with outcome are yet poorly characterized.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Quantitative expression of PARP-1 protein was assayed by a specific immunohistochemical signal intensity scanning assay in a range of normal to malignant breast lesions, including a series of patients (N = 330) with operable breast cancer to correlate with clinicopathological factors and long-term outcome.

RESULTS

PARP-1 was overexpressed in about a third of ductal carcinoma in situ and infiltrating breast carcinomas. PARP-1 protein overexpression was associated to higher tumor grade (P = 0.01), estrogen-negative tumors (P < 0.001) and triple-negative phenotype (P < 0.001). The hazard ratio (HR) for death in patients with PARP-1 overexpressing tumors was 7.24 (95% CI; 3.56-14.75). In a multivariate analysis, PARP-1 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor for both disease-free (HR 10.05; 95% CI 5.42-10.66) and overall survival (HR 1.82; 95% CI 1.32-2.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear PARP-1 is overexpressed during the malignant transformation of the breast, particularly in triple-negative tumors, and independently predicts poor prognosis in operable invasive breast cancer.

Classification of morphological features extracted from intracranial pressure recordings in the diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

The intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a common procedure in neuro-intensive care for pathologies such traumatic brain injuries or hemorrhages, but also for chronic ones as the Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). The only available treatment for NPH is the surgical implantation of a shunt with the aim of routing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain to another part of the body. In this study, using the classification software WEKA, an intensive investigation of ICP signals has been conducted. In particular we studied 14 ICP recordings of different patients who underwent an infusion test, with the aim of investigating the presence of NPH through the ICP recording. More precisely, 20 morphological features are extracted from the ICP pulsed wave, the trend have been computed and, for each one, 9 statistical functions determined. The 180 features have been selected and passed for the classification. The results obtained shows how, among the 14 patients, a number of 12 out of 14 (85.7%) have been correctly classified, looking at just 3 features. In particular 8 out of 9 not-NPH-affected patients were correctly identified (88.89%) while 4 out of 5 NPH-affected patients were correctly identified (80%).

Analysis of intracranial pressure recordings: comparison of PCA and signal averaging based filtering methods and signal period estimation

Intracranial pressure monitoring is a common used approach for neuro-intensive care in cases of brain damages and injuries or to investigate chronic pathologies. Several types of noises and artifacts normally contaminate ICP recordings. They can be sorted in 2 classes, i.e. high-frequency noises (due to measurement and amplifier devices or electricity supply presence) and low-frequency noises (due to unwanted patient's movement, speeches, coughing during the recording and quantization noise). Thus, deep investigations on ICP components aimed to extract features from ICP signal, require a denoised signal. For this reason the authors have addressed a study upon the most common filtering techniques. On each ICP recording we have performed 4 configurations of filters, which involve the use of a FIR filter together with Signal Averaging filters or PCA based filters. Next step is period estimation for absolute minima detection. The results obtained by the algorithm for automatic ICP marking are compared to those ones obtained from manual marking (peaks are manually identified and annotated by a brain surgeon). The procedure is repeated varying the filters sliding window size to minimize the mean square error. The results show how the configurations FIR filter + Signal averaging provides smaller mean squared error (MSE=118.84[sample(2)]) than the others 3 configurations FIR filter + PCA filter based (MSE=135.29-147.15[sample(2)]).

R-point detection for noise affected ECG recording through signal segmentation

In this work we propose a novel approach for filtering noise-affected electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The proposed method, mainly based on signal approximation by means of linear segments, has been applied for R-peaks recognition and has been compared with both cardiologists' manual marking and the automatic Laguna's method. The obtained results show that when compared to the Laguna's method the proposed algorithm provides a smaller mean error and a better error distribution.