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Liu X, Zhang Y, Li W, Zhang Q, Zhou L, Hua Y, Duan H, Li Y. Misdiagnosed myocarditis in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy induced by a homozygous variant of DSG2: a case report. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1150657. [PMID: 37288269 PMCID: PMC10242036 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1150657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiomyopathy that is rarely diagnosed in infants or young children. However, some significant homozygous or compound heterozygous variants contribute to more severe clinical manifestations. In addition, inflammation of the myocardium and ventricular arrhythmia might lead to misdiagnosis with myocarditis. Here, we describe an 8-year-old patient who had been misdiagnosed with myocarditis. Timely genetic sequencing helped to identify this case as ACM induced by a homozygous variant of DSG2. Case presentation The proband of this case was an 8-year-old boy who initially presented with chest pain with an increased level of cardiac Troponin I. In addition, the electrocardiogram revealed multiple premature ventricular beats. Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed myocardial edema in the lateral ventricular wall and apex, indicating localized injuries of the myocardium. The patient was primarily suspected to have acute coronary syndrome or viral myocarditis. Whole-exome sequencing confirmed that the proband had a homozygous variation, c.1592T > G, of the DSG2 gene. This mutation site was regulated by DNA modification, which induced amino acid sequence changes, protein structure effects, and splice site changes. According to MutationTaster and PolyPhen-2 analyses, the variant was considered a disease-causing mutation. Next, we used SWISS-MODEL to illustrate the mutation site of p.F531C. The ensemble variance of p.F531C indicated the free energy changes after the amino acid change. Conclusion In summary, we reported a rare pediatric case initially presenting as myocarditis that transitioned into ACM during follow-up. A homozygous genetic variant of DSG2 was inherited in the proband. This study expanded the clinical feature spectrum of DSG2-associated ACM at an early age. Additionally, the presentation of this case emphasized the difference between homozygous and heterozygous variants of desmosomal genes in disease progression. Genetic sequencing screening could be helpful in distinguishing unexplained myocarditis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Letao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yimin Hua
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyu Duan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Miljoen H, Spera F, Van Kolen K, Saenen J, Claessen G, Huybrechts W, Sarkozy A, Heidbuchel H. Electrocardiographic phenotype of exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: A retrospective observational study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1052174. [PMID: 36505386 PMCID: PMC9726729 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1052174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The right ventricle can be susceptible to pathologic alterations with exercise. This can cause changes to the ECG. Our aim was to identify the electrocardiographic phenotype of exercise induced (ExI) arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). Methods A retrospective analysis of ECGs at rest, peak exercise and 1 min of recovery in four groups of individuals was performed: Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy with genetic confirmation (Gen-ACM; n = 16), (genetically negative) ExI-ACM (n = 15), control endurance athletes (End; n = 16) and sedentary individuals (Sed; n = 16). The occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and, at each stage, QRS duration, Terminal Activation Delay (TAD), the ratio of the sum of the QRS durations in the right precordials (V1-V3) over that in the left precordials (V4-V6; R/L duration ratio), the presence of complete RBBB and T-wave inversion (TWI) beyond lead V2 were evaluated. Results At rest, complete RBBB was exclusively found in Gen-ACM (6%) and ExI-ACM (13%). No epsilon waves were identified. TWI beyond V2 was uniquely present in Gen-ACM (73%) and ExI-ACM (38%; p < 0.001). VA was present in Gen-ACM (88%); ExI-ACM (80%), End (25%) and Sed (19%; p < 0.001). The presence of R/L duration ratio of >1.2 and TAD ≥ 55 ms were not significantly different over the four groups (p = 0.584 and p = 0.218, respectively). At peak exercise the most striking finding was a significant decrease of the R/L duration ratio in individuals with ACM, which was the result of lateral precordial QRS prolongation. Conclusion ExI-ACM shares important ECG-features with Gen-ACM, suggesting a similar underlying pathogenesis regardless of the presence or absence of desmosomal mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hielko Miljoen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Cardiovascular Research, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,*Correspondence: Hielko Miljoen
| | - Francesco Spera
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Johan Saenen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Cardiovascular Research, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guido Claessen
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiology, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Huybrechts
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Cardiovascular Research, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Cardiovascular Research, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium,Cardiovascular Research, Department GENCOR, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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3
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Obmiński A. Asbestos cement products and their impact on soil contamination in relation to various sources of anthropogenic and natural asbestos pollution. Sci Total Environ 2022; 848:157275. [PMID: 35905955 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The results of a quantitative analysis of asbestos content in the ground with varying degrees of concentration of this mineral as a result of natural phenomena such as rock weathering, contamination by the manufacture of asbestos and cement products, and the many years of use of "eternit roofs" are presented. Preliminary thermal treatment, soil grinding and sieving were used for the determinations, followed by electrostatic separation in order to obtain the concentration of asbestos in a smaller volume. It was used for microscopic preparations for the identification and planimetry of asbestos. A polarizing optical microscope was used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. The levels of re-emission of asbestos dust into the air as a result of the exploitation of contaminated soil were estimated. Polluted land in industrially areas, at a distance of up to 1200 m, contains 0.0003 % to 0.02 % asbestos. The content of 0.01 % asbestos does not require remediation in the absence of soil use. It may cause <500 fibres/m3. Removing the facade of asbestos-cement panels from the building at a distance of up to 10 m resulted in concentration <0.007 % of free asbestos in the ground, and for used roofs <0.001 % from above the distance of 3 m. This means that land in the vicinity of buildings with facade or roofing made of a-c products can be safely exploited. The direct discharge of rainwater from the gutter into the ground, however, contaminates it well above this value and those places should be treated as hazardous waste due to the presence of asbestos fibres in unbound form, containing <9,8 %. Ultimately, the size of the threat depends on many factors and can be comparable with the pollution of industrial production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Obmiński
- Thermal Physics, Acoustics and Environment Department in Building Research Institute (ITB), st. Filtrowa 1, Warsaw 00-611, Poland.
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4
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Lam JH, Shivhare D, Chia TW, Chew SL, Sinsinbar G, Aw TY, Wong S, Venkataraman S, Lim FWI, Vandepapeliere P, Nallani M. Artificial Cell Membrane Polymersome-Based Intranasal Beta Spike Formulation as a Second Generation Covid-19 Vaccine. ACS Nano 2022; 16:16757-16775. [PMID: 36223228 PMCID: PMC9578649 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Current parenteral coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines inadequately protect against infection of the upper respiratory tract. Additionally, antibodies generated by wild type (WT) spike-based vaccines poorly neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. To address the need for a second-generation vaccine, we have initiated a preclinical program to produce and evaluate a potential candidate. Our vaccine consists of recombinant Beta spike protein coadministered with synthetic CpG adjuvant. Both components are encapsulated within artificial cell membrane (ACM) polymersomes, synthetic nanovesicles efficiently internalized by antigen presenting cells, including dendritic cells, enabling targeted delivery of cargo for enhanced immune responses. ACM vaccine is immunogenic in C57BL/6 mice and Golden Syrian hamsters, evoking high serum IgG and neutralizing responses. Compared to an ACM-WT spike vaccine that generates predominantly WT-neutralizing antibodies, the ACM-Beta spike vaccine induces antibodies that neutralize WT and Beta viruses equally. Intramuscular (IM)-immunized hamsters are strongly protected from weight loss and other clinical symptoms after the Beta challenge but show delayed viral clearance in the upper airway. With intranasal (IN) immunization, however, neutralizing antibodies are generated in the upper airway concomitant with rapid and potent reduction of viral load. Moreover, antibodies are cross-neutralizing and show good activity against Omicron. Safety is evaluated in New Zealand white rabbits in a repeated dose toxicological study under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions. Three doses, IM or IN, at two-week intervals do not induce an adverse effect or systemic toxicity. Cumulatively, these results support the application for a Phase 1 clinical trial of ACM-polymersome-based Covid-19 vaccine (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05385991).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hang Lam
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Devendra Shivhare
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Teck Wan Chia
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Suet Li Chew
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Gaurav Sinsinbar
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Ting Yan Aw
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Siamy Wong
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Shrinivas Venkataraman
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
| | - Francesca Wei Inng Lim
- Department of Hematology, Singapore General
Hospital, Outram Road, Block 7, Level 2, 169608,
Singapore
| | | | - Madhavan Nallani
- ACM Biolabs Pte Ltd., 71
Nanyang Drive, #02M-02, NTU Innovation Center, 638075, Singapore
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5
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Hamstra SI, Braun JL, Chelko SP, Fajardo VA. GSK3-inhibition improves maximal SERCA activity in a murine model of Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166536. [PMID: 36057371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I Hamstra
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada; Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica L Braun
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada; Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen P Chelko
- Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Val A Fajardo
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada; Centre for Bone and Muscle Health, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.
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6
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Singh SM, Sharkey SW, Casey SA, Harris KM, Thaler CM, Chung M, Berg A, Bennett MK, Ducanson ER, Mackey-Bojack S, Sengupta JD. Acute Myocardial Infarction-Like Events in Related Patients With a Desmoplakin-Associated Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. JACC Case Rep 2021; 3:1667-1673. [PMID: 34766015 PMCID: PMC8571794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2021.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Patients with familial arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy typically present with ventricular arrhythmias or progressive heart failure. This paper characterizes a rare presentation of an underlying genetic cardiomyopathy with clinical manifestations mimicking an acute myocardial infarction in 2 siblings, each with the same mutation in the desmoplakin (DSP) gene. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
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Key Words
- ACM
- ACM, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
- CMR, cardiac magnetic resonance
- CP, chest pain
- DSP, desmoplakin
- ECG, electrocardiogram
- LGE, late gadolinium enhancement
- LV, left ventricle
- PVC, premature ventricular contraction
- RV, right ventricle
- TnI, troponin I
- genetic cardiomyopathy
- heart failure
- myocardial injury
- sudden cardiac death
- troponin I
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajya M Singh
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Scott W Sharkey
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Susan A Casey
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kevin M Harris
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Mina Chung
- Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison Berg
- Genetics, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mosi K Bennett
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Emily R Ducanson
- Jesse E. Edwards Registry of Cardiovascular Disease, Nasseff Heart Center, United Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shannon Mackey-Bojack
- Jesse E. Edwards Registry of Cardiovascular Disease, Nasseff Heart Center, United Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jay D Sengupta
- Minneapolis Heart Institute and Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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7
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Lam JH, Khan AK, Cornell TA, Chia TW, Dress RJ, Yeow WWW, Mohd-Ismail NK, Venkataraman S, Ng KT, Tan YJ, Anderson DE, Ginhoux F, Nallani M. Polymersomes as Stable Nanocarriers for a Highly Immunogenic and Durable SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Subunit Vaccine. ACS Nano 2021; 15:15754-15770. [PMID: 34618423 PMCID: PMC8525042 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Multiple successful vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are urgently needed to address the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. In the present work, we describe a subunit vaccine based on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein coadministered with CpG adjuvant. To enhance the immunogenicity of our formulation, both antigen and adjuvant were encapsulated with our proprietary artificial cell membrane (ACM) polymersome technology. Structurally, ACM polymersomes are self-assembling nanoscale vesicles made up of an amphiphilic block copolymer comprising poly(butadiene)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) and a cationic lipid, 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane. Functionally, ACM polymersomes serve as delivery vehicles that are efficiently taken up by dendritic cells (DC1 and DC2), which are key initiators of the adaptive immune response. Two doses of our formulation elicit robust neutralizing antibody titers in C57BL/6 mice that persist at least 40 days. Furthermore, we confirm the presence of functional memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that produce T helper type 1 cytokines. This study is an important step toward the development of an efficacious vaccine in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit K. Khan
- ACM
Biolabs Pte Ltd, Singapore 638075, Singapore
| | | | | | - Regine J. Dress
- Singapore Immunology
Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | | | - Nur Khairiah Mohd-Ismail
- Infectious
Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology
and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University
Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | | | - Kim Tien Ng
- Infectious
Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology
and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University
Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Yee-Joo Tan
- Infectious
Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology
and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University
Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology
and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Danielle E. Anderson
- Program
in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS
Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology
Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- SingHealth
Translational Immunology and Inflammation Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
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8
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Li TJ, Lin TW, Wu SP, Chu HT, Kuo YH, Chiou JF, Lu LS, Chen CC. Patient-Derived Tumor Chemosensitization of GKB202, an Antrodia Cinnamomea Mycelium-Derived Bioactive Compound. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196018. [PMID: 34641562 PMCID: PMC8512555 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal cancers are the three most common cancers, leading to 18,000 cases of cancer-related mortality in Taiwan per year. To bridge the gap towards clinical translation, we developed a circulating tumor cell (CTC) organoid culture workflow that efficiently expands CTC from patients to test Antrodia Cinnamomea mycelium-derived bioactive compounds. Three ACM-derived bioactive compounds were evaluated for tumor chemosensitization characteristics. Significant and consistent cytotoxic/5-FU sensitizing effects of GKB202 were found on 8 different patient-derived tumors. Acute toxicity profile and hepatic metabolism of GKB202 in rats suggest GKB202 is rapidly cleared by liver and is well tolerated up to the dose of 20 mg/kg. This comprehensive study provides new evidence that liquid fermentation of Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium (ACM) contains bioactive compounds that lead to effective control of CTC, especially when combined with 5-FU. Together, these data suggest ACM-derived GKB202 may be considered for further clinical investigation in the context of 5-FU-based combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Ju Li
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio, Taoyuan 32542, Taiwan; (T.-J.L.); (T.-W.L.); (H.-T.C.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Ting-Wei Lin
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio, Taoyuan 32542, Taiwan; (T.-J.L.); (T.-W.L.); (H.-T.C.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Shih-Pei Wu
- CancerFree Biotech Ltd., Taipei City 106, Taiwan;
| | - Hsin-Tung Chu
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio, Taoyuan 32542, Taiwan; (T.-J.L.); (T.-W.L.); (H.-T.C.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Yu-Hsuan Kuo
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio, Taoyuan 32542, Taiwan; (T.-J.L.); (T.-W.L.); (H.-T.C.); (Y.-H.K.)
| | - Jeng-Fong Chiou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City 110, Taiwan;
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
| | - Long-Sheng Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei City 110, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (L.-S.L.); (C.-C.C.)
| | - Chin-Chu Chen
- Biotech Research Institute, Grape King Bio, Taoyuan 32542, Taiwan; (T.-J.L.); (T.-W.L.); (H.-T.C.); (Y.-H.K.)
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Nutraceutical Biotechnology, Shih Chien University, Taipei City 104, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (L.-S.L.); (C.-C.C.)
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9
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Abstract
Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM), a defect that involves downward displacement of the hindbrain and herniation of the cerebellar vermis, tonsils, pons, medulla, and fourth ventricle through the foramen magnum, is the most complex of the 4 types of Chiari malformations. Unique to the other types of Chiari malformations, approximately 95 percent of infants with ACM also present with an associated myelomeningocele (MMC), the most severe form of spina bifida. Among affected infants, those with symptomatic comorbidities incur a significantly higher morbidity and mortality risk. Prompt identification and diagnosis of ACM, as well as evidence-based postnatal and postsurgical nursing and medical care, is critical. Early surgical intervention can repair an existing MMC and restore proper cerebrospinal fluid circulation, which can dramatically improve patient outcomes and quality of life, and reduce disease and health care burden.
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10
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Brodehl A, Meshkov A, Myasnikov R, Kiseleva A, Kulikova O, Klauke B, Sotnikova E, Stanasiuk C, Divashuk M, Pohl GM, Kudryavtseva M, Klingel K, Gerull B, Zharikova A, Gummert J, Koretskiy S, Schubert S, Mershina E, Gärtner A, Pilus P, Laser KT, Sinitsyn V, Boytsov S, Drapkina O, Milting H. Hemi- and Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutations in DSG2 (Desmoglein-2) Cause Recessive Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy with an Early Onset. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3786. [PMID: 33917638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
About 50% of patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) carry a pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation in the desmosomal genes. However, there is a significant number of patients without positive familial anamnesis. Therefore, the molecular reasons for ACM in these patients are frequently unknown and a genetic contribution might be underestimated. Here, we used a next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach and in addition single nucleotide polymor-phism (SNP) arrays for the genetic analysis of two independent index patients without familial medical history. Of note, this genetic strategy revealed a homozygous splice site mutation (DSG2–c.378+1G>T) in the first patient and a nonsense mutation (DSG2–p.L772X) in combination with a large deletion in DSG2 in the second one. In conclusion, a recessive inheritance pattern is likely for both cases, which might contribute to the hidden medical history in both families. This is the first report about these novel loss-of-function mutations in DSG2 that have not been previously identi-fied. Therefore, we suggest performing deep genetic analyses using NGS in combination with SNP arrays also for ACM index patients without obvious familial medical history. In the future, this finding might has relevance for the genetic counseling of similar cases.
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11
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Volani C, Rainer J, Hernandes VV, Meraviglia V, Pramstaller PP, Smárason SV, Pompilio G, Casella M, Sommariva E, Paglia G, Rossini A. Metabolic Signature of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11040195. [PMID: 33805952 PMCID: PMC8064316 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic-based cardiac disease accompanied by severe ventricular arrhythmias and a progressive substitution of the myocardium with fibro-fatty tissue. ACM is often associated with sudden cardiac death. Due to the reduced penetrance and variable expressivity, the presence of a genetic defect is not conclusive, thus complicating the diagnosis of ACM. Recent studies on human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) obtained from ACM individuals showed a dysregulated metabolic status, leading to the hypothesis that ACM pathology is characterized by an impairment in the energy metabolism. However, despite efforts having been made for the identification of ACM specific biomarkers, there is still a substantial lack of information regarding the whole metabolomic profile of ACM patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the metabolic profiles of ACM patients compared to healthy controls (CTRLs). The targeted Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ® p180 assay was used on plasma samples. Our analysis showed that ACM patients have a different metabolome compared to CTRLs, and that the pathways mainly affected include tryptophan metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism and beta oxidation of fatty acids. Altogether, our data indicated that the plasma metabolomes of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients show signs of endothelium damage and impaired nitric oxide (NO), fat, and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Volani
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Johannes Rainer
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Vinicius Veri Hernandes
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Viviana Meraviglia
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Peter Paul Pramstaller
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Sigurður Vidir Smárason
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (E.S.)
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Casella
- Heart Rhythm Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy;
- Cardiology and Arrhythmology Clinic, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I-Lancisi-Salesi, 60126 Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Special and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Elena Sommariva
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy; (G.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Paglia
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 20854 Vedano al Lambro, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Rossini
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Via Galvani 31, 39100 Bolzano, Italy; (J.R.); (V.V.H.); (V.M.); (P.P.P.); (S.V.S.); (A.R.)
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12
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Stege NM, de Boer RA, van den Berg MP, Silljé HHW. The Time Has Come to Explore Plasma Biomarkers in Genetic Cardiomyopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2955. [PMID: 33799487 PMCID: PMC7998409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), screening for pathogenic variants has become standard clinical practice. Genetic cascade screening also allows the identification of relatives that carry the same mutation as the proband, but disease onset and severity in mutation carriers often remains uncertain. Early detection of disease onset may allow timely treatment before irreversible changes are present. Although plasma biomarkers may aid in the prediction of disease onset, monitoring relies predominantly on identifying early clinical symptoms, on imaging techniques like echocardiography (Echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and on (ambulatory) electrocardiography (electrocardiograms (ECGs)). In contrast to most other cardiac diseases, which are explained by a combination of risk factors and comorbidities, genetic cardiomyopathies have a clear primary genetically defined cardiac background. Cardiomyopathy cohorts could therefore have excellent value in biomarker studies and in distinguishing biomarkers related to the primary cardiac disease from those related to extracardiac, secondary organ dysfunction. Despite this advantage, biomarker investigations in cardiomyopathies are still limited, most likely due to the limited number of carriers in the past. Here, we discuss not only the potential use of established plasma biomarkers, including natriuretic peptides and troponins, but also the use of novel biomarkers, such as cardiac autoantibodies in genetic cardiomyopathy, and discuss how we can gauge biomarker studies in cardiomyopathy cohorts for heart failure at large.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Herman H. W. Silljé
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, AB43, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (N.M.S.); (R.A.d.B.); (M.P.v.d.B.)
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13
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Jones N, Peck G, McKenna ST, Glockling JLD, Harbottle J, Stec AA, Hull TR. Burning behaviour of rainscreen façades. J Hazard Mater 2021; 403:123894. [PMID: 33264958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Four reduced-height (5 m) BS 8414-1 façade flammability tests were conducted, three having mineral-filled aluminium composite material (ACM-A2) with polyisocyanurate (PIR) and phenolic (PF) foam and stone wool (SW) insulation, the fourth having polyethylene-filled ACM (ACM-PE) with PIR insulation. Each façade was constructed from a commercial façade engineer's design, and built by practising façade installers. The ACM-PE/PIR façade burnt so ferociously it was extinguished after 13.5 min, for safety. The three ACM-A2 cladding panels lost their structural integrity, and melted away from the test wall, whereupon around 40% of both the combustible PIR and PF insulation burnt and contributed to the fire spread. This demonstrates why all façade products must be non-combustible, not just the outer panels. For the three ACM-A2 tests, while the temperature in front of the cavity was independent of the insulation, the temperatures within it varied greatly, depending on the insulation. The system using PF/A2 allowed fire to break through to the cavity first, as seen by a sharp increase in temperature after 17 min. For PIR/A2, the temperature increased sharply at 22 minutes, as the panel started to fall away from the wall. For SW/A2, no rapid temperature rise was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Jones
- Centre for Fire and Hazard Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Gabrielle Peck
- Centre for Fire and Hazard Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Sean T McKenna
- Centre for Fire and Hazard Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Jim L D Glockling
- Fire Protection Association, London Road, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RH, UK
| | - John Harbottle
- Fire Protection Association, London Road, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RH, UK
| | - Anna A Stec
- Centre for Fire and Hazard Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - T Richard Hull
- Centre for Fire and Hazard Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
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14
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Abstract
Cloud initialization is a challenge in numerical weather prediction. Probably the most relevant observations for this task come from geostationary satellites. These satellites provide the cloud mask with high spatio-temporal resolution and low latencies. The low latency is an attractive option for nowcasting systems such as the solar irradiance nowcasting model MAD-WRF. In this study we examine the potential of using the cloud mask from the GOES-16 satellite over the contiguous U.S. for this particular application. With this aim, the GOES-16 cloud mask product is compared against CALIPSO retrievals during a two year period. Both the GOES-16 data and the CALIPSO retrievals are interpolated to a grid that covers the contiguous U.S. at 9 km of horizontal grid spacing that is being used in MAD-WRF nowcasts. Results indicate a probability of detection, or accuracy, of all sky conditions of 86.0%. However, the accuracy is higher for cloud detections, 90.9% than for clear sky detections 74.8%. The lower performance of clear sky retrievals is a result of missdetections during daytime. This is especially clear for summer, and for regions to the north of parallel 36 during winter. However, regions to the south of parallel 36 show acceptable performance during both daytime and nighttime. It is over these regions wherein the cloud mask product should show its largest potential to enhance the cloud initialization in the MAD-WRF model.
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15
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Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a rare genetic disease that is mostly inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. It is associated predominantly with mutations in desmosomal genes and is characterized by the replacement of the ventricular myocardium with fibrous fatty deposits, arrhythmias and a high risk of sudden death. In vitro studies have contributed to our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease, including its genetic determinants, as well as its cellular, signaling and molecular defects. Here, we review what is currently known about the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and focus on the in vitro models that have advanced our understanding of the disease. Finally, we assess the potential of established and innovative cell platforms for elucidating unknown aspects of this disease, and for screening new potential therapeutic agents. This appraisal of in vitro models of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy highlights the discoveries made about this disease and the uses of these models for future basic and therapeutic research. Summary:In vitro models of ACM provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of this disease. This reappraisal offers a comprehensive vision of past discoveries and constitutes a tool for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sommariva
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy
| | - Ilaria Stadiotti
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy
| | - Gianluca L Perrucci
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy.,Cardiac Arrhythmia Research Center, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine Unit, Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, via Parea 4, Milan 20138, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20122, Italy
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16
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Gudina EK, Teklu AM, Berhan A, Gebreegziabhier A, Seyoum T, Nega A, Medhin G, Kebede A, Assefa Y. Magnitude of Antiretroviral Drug Toxicity in Adult HIV Patients in Ethiopia: A cohort study at seven teaching hospitals. Ethiop J Health Sci 2018; 27:39-52. [PMID: 28465652 PMCID: PMC5402801 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v27i1.5s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has resulted in significant mortality reduction and improvement in the quality of life. However, this has come at a cost of increased drug toxicity. The objective of this study was to assess the patterns and predictors of ART toxicity in adult HIV patients in Ethiopia. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study conducted at seven teaching hospitals between September 2009 and December 2013 involving 3921 HIV patients on ART. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) due to ART were identified based on clinical assessment and/or laboratory parameters. Multivariable random effects Poisson regression analysis was used to identify factors independently associated with toxicity. RESULT ADR due to ART drugs was reported in 867 (22.1 %) of the participants; 374 (9.5%) had severe forms. About 87% of reported toxicities were limited to three organ systems - the skin, nervous system and blood. The overall incidence of ADR was 9 per 100 person years. About a third of toxicities occurred during the first six months after ART initiation with the incidence rate of 22.4 per 100 person years. Concomitant anti-tuberculosis treatment was the strongest independent predictor of toxicity. CONCLUSION ADR was found to be highly prevalent in HIV patients on ART at tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia. Most of these conditions occurred early after ART initiation and in those with concomitant anti-tuberculosis treatment. Thus, routine monitoring of patients on ART should be strengthened with particular emphasis in the first 6 months. Strategies should also be devised to replace older and more toxic agents with newer and safer drugs available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asres Berhan
- Department of Pharmacology, Hawassa University, Hawassa
| | | | - Teshome Seyoum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hiwot Fana Hospital, Harar
| | - Abiy Nega
- MERQ Consultancy Services, Addis Ababa, Ethiopa
| | | | - Amha Kebede
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa
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17
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König E, Volpato CB, Motta BM, Blankenburg H, Picard A, Pramstaller P, Casella M, Rauhe W, Pompilio G, Meraviglia V, Domingues FS, Sommariva E, Rossini A. Exploring digenic inheritance in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. BMC Med Genet 2017; 18:145. [PMID: 29221435 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0503-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited genetic disorder, characterized by the substitution of heart muscle with fibro-fatty tissue and severe ventricular arrhythmias, often leading to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. ACM is considered a monogenic disorder, but the low penetrance of mutations identified in patients suggests the involvement of additional genetic or environmental factors. Methods We used whole exome sequencing to investigate digenic inheritance in two ACM families where previous diagnostic tests have revealed a PKP2 mutation in all affected and some healthy individuals. In family members with PKP2 mutations we determined all genes that harbor variants in affected but not in healthy carriers or vice versa. We computationally prioritized the most likely candidates, focusing on known ACM genes and genes related to PKP2 through protein interactions, functional relationships, or shared biological processes. Results We identified four candidate genes in family 1, namely DAG1, DAB2IP, CTBP2 and TCF25, and eleven candidate genes in family 2. The most promising gene in the second family is TTN, a gene previously associated with ACM, in which the affected individual harbors two rare deleterious-predicted missense variants, one of which is located in the protein’s only serine kinase domain. Conclusions In this study we report genes that might act as digenic players in ACM pathogenesis, on the basis of co-segregation with PKP2 mutations. Validation in larger cohorts is still required to prove the utility of this model. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-017-0503-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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18
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Reyes-Batlle M, Martín-Rodríguez AJ, López-Arencibia A, Sifaoui I, Liendo AR, Bethencourt Estrella CJ, García Méndez AB, Chiboub O, Hajaji S, Valladares B, Martínez-Carretero E, Piñero JE, Lorenzo-Morales J. In vitro interactions of Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff and Vibrio harveyi. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:167-170. [PMID: 28917709 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are opportunistic protozoa widely distributed in the environment. They are frequently found in water and soil samples, but they have also been reported to be associated with bacterial human pathogens such as Legionella spp. Campylobacter spp or Vibrio cholerae among others. Including within Vibrio spp. V. harveyi (Johnson and Shunk, 1936) is a bioluminescent marine bacteria which has been found swimming freely in tropical marine waters, being part of the stomach and intestine microflora of marine animals, and as both a primary and opportunistic pathogen of marine animals. Our aim was to study the interactions between Vibrio harveyi and Acanthamoeba castellanii Neff. Firstly, in order to analyze changes in it cultivability, V. harveyi was coincubated with A. castellanii Neff axenic culture and with Acanthamoeba Conditioned Medium (ACM) at different temperatures in aerobic conditions. Interestingly, at 4 °C and 18-20 °C bacteria were still cultivable in marine agar, at 28 °C, in aerobic conditions, but there weren't significant differences comparing with the controls. We also noted an enhanced migration of Acanthamoeba toward V. harveyi on non-nutrient agar plates compared to controls with no bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Reyes-Batlle
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | | | - Atteneri López-Arencibia
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Ines Sifaoui
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Aitor Rizo Liendo
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Carlos J Bethencourt Estrella
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Ana B García Méndez
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Olfa Chiboub
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain; Laboratoire Matériaux-Molécules et Applications, IPEST, B.P 51 2070, La Marsa, University of Cathage, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Hajaji
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de La Manouba, Ecole Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunisia
| | - Basilio Valladares
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Enrique Martínez-Carretero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - José E Piñero
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de La Laguna, Avda. Astrofísico Fco. Sánchez, S/N, 38203 La Laguna, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
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Wiemuth M, Junger D, Leitritz MA, Neumann J, Neumuth T, Burgert O. Application fields for the new Object Management Group (OMG) Standards Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) and Decision Management Notation (DMN) in the perioperative field. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 2017; 12:1439-1449. [PMID: 28516301 DOI: 10.1007/s11548-017-1608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Medical processes can be modeled using different methods and notations. Currently used modeling systems like Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) are not capable of describing the highly flexible and variable medical processes in sufficient detail. METHODS We combined two modeling systems, Business Process Management (BPM) and Adaptive Case Management (ACM), to be able to model non-deterministic medical processes. We used the new Standards Case Management Model and Notation (CMMN) and Decision Management Notation (DMN). RESULTS First, we explain how CMMN, DMN and BPMN could be used to model non-deterministic medical processes. We applied this methodology to model 79 cataract operations provided by University Hospital Leipzig, Germany, and four cataract operations provided by University Eye Hospital Tuebingen, Germany. Our model consists of 85 tasks and about 20 decisions in BPMN. We were able to expand the system with more complex situations that might appear during an intervention. CONCLUSION An effective modeling of the cataract intervention is possible using the combination of BPM and ACM. The combination gives the possibility to depict complex processes with complex decisions. This combination allows a significant advantage for modeling perioperative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wiemuth
- School of Informatics, Research Group Computer Assisted Medicine (CaMed) Reutlingen, Reutlingen University, Reutlingen, Germany.
| | - D Junger
- School of Informatics, Research Group Computer Assisted Medicine (CaMed) Reutlingen, Reutlingen University, Reutlingen, Germany
| | - M A Leitritz
- Centre for Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - J Neumann
- Innovation Center for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - T Neumuth
- Innovation Center for Computer Assisted Surgery (ICCAS), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - O Burgert
- School of Informatics, Research Group Computer Assisted Medicine (CaMed) Reutlingen, Reutlingen University, Reutlingen, Germany.
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Thorne D, Crooks I, Hollings M, Seymour A, Meredith C, Gaca M. The mutagenic assessment of an electronic-cigarette and reference cigarette smoke using the Ames assay in strains TA98 and TA100. Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen 2016; 812:29-38. [PMID: 27908385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100 were used to assess the mutagenic potential of the aerosol from a commercially available, rechargeable, closed system electronic-cigarette. Results obtained were compared to those for the mainstream smoke from a Kentucky reference (3R4F) cigarette. Two different test matrices were assessed. Aerosol generated from the e-cigarette was trapped on a Cambridge filter pad, eluted in DMSO and compared to cigarette smoke total particulate matter (TPM), which was generated in the same manner for mutagenicity assessment in the Salmonella assay. Fresh e-cigarette and cigarette smoke aerosols were generated on the Vitrocell® VC 10 smoking robot and compared using a modified scaled-down 35mm air agar interface (AAI) methodology. E-cigarette aerosol collected matter (ACM) was found to be non-mutagenic in the 85mm plate incorporation Ames assay in strains TA98 and TA100 conducted in accordance with OECD 471, when tested up to 2400μg/plate. Freshly generated e-cigarette aerosol was also found to be negative in both strains after an AAI aerosol exposure, when tested up to a 1L/min dilution for up to 3h. Positive control responses were observed in both strains, using benzo[a]pyrene, 2-nitrofluorene, sodium azide and 2-aminoanthracene in TA98 and TA100 in the presence and absence of metabolic activation respectively. In contrast, cigarette smoke TPM and aerosol from 3R4F reference cigarettes were found to be mutagenic in both tester strains, under comparable test conditions to that of e-cigarette exposure. Limited information exists on the mutagenic activity of captured e-cigarette particulates and whole aerosol AAI approaches. With the lower toxicant burden of e-cigarette aerosols compared to cigarette smoke, it is clear that a more comprehensive Ames package of data should be generated when assessing e-cigarettes, consisting of the standard OECD-five, TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537 (or TA97) and E. coli (or TA102). In addition, TA104 which is more sensitive to the carbonyl based compounds found in e-cigarette aerosols under dry-wicking conditions may also prove a useful addition in a testing battery. Regulatory standard product testing approaches as used in this study will become important when determining whether e-cigarette aerosols are in fact less biologically active than cigarette smoke, as this study suggests. Future studies should be supported by in vitro dosimetry approaches to draw more accurate comparisons between cigarette smoke, e-cigarette aerosol exposure and human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Thorne
- British American Tobacco, Group R&D, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, United Kingdom.
| | - I Crooks
- British American Tobacco, Group R&D, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, United Kingdom
| | - M Hollings
- Covance Laboratories Ltd, Otley Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1PY, United Kingdom
| | - A Seymour
- Covance Laboratories Ltd, Otley Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1PY, United Kingdom
| | - C Meredith
- British American Tobacco, Group R&D, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, United Kingdom
| | - M Gaca
- British American Tobacco, Group R&D, Southampton, Hampshire SO15 8TL, United Kingdom
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Tigha Bouaziz N, Tourab D, Nezzal AM. [Study of cardiovascular morbidity in nurses exposed to cytostatic drugs: Multivaried approach analysis]. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 2016; 65:179-184. [PMID: 27209491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ancard.2016.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between cardiovascular morbidity and exposure to cytostatic drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive analytical study was conducted with 74 nurses exposed to cytostatic drugs in oncology and 215 unexposed. A medical questionnaire was applied. Exposure to cytostatic drugs was estimated by the exposure time and the index of cytostatic contact (ICC). The statistical tests used are: relative risk, odds ratio, multivariate analysis: descriptive (ACM) and predictive (AIC system). RESULTS It is a young population; the average age is 42±9.9years with a female predominance (81%). The average length was 18.4±11.11years. The average of the ICC ranged from 0.60 to 12.6 with a highly significant difference. For morbidity, there was no difference for most cardiovascular disease (RR, 1.03; 95% CI [0.59; 1.82]) outside of hypertension and venous thrombosis. ACM objectified separation between the terms and the comments of the two groups for HTA. The interpretation of results at alpha=0.05 showed an association with cardiovascular disease. The study of the association between cardiovascular morbidity and exposure to cytostatic objectified association with seniority and the ICC with a statistically significant difference (P=0.01). CONCLUSION Multivariate analysis helped to eliminate confounding factors and retain the ICC and length of exposure to cytostatic in the onset of cardiovascular morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Tigha Bouaziz
- Service médecine du travail, faculté de médecine, université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba, 23000 Annaba, Algérie.
| | - D Tourab
- Service médecine du travail, faculté de médecine, université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba, 23000 Annaba, Algérie
| | - A M Nezzal
- Service médecine du travail, faculté de médecine, université Badji Mokhtar d'Annaba, 23000 Annaba, Algérie
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Bobadilla L, Asberg K, Johnson M, Shirtcliff EA. Experiences in the military may impact dual-axis neuroendocrine processes in veterans. Dev Psychobiol 2014; 57:719-30. [PMID: 25273377 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Military stressors such as survival training can affect endocrine functioning in the short term, and combat has been associated with endocrine changes linked to psychopathology. However, studies with military samples examining whether there are individual differences in these changes as part of normal development, or as an adaptive mechanism in adulthood are lacking. This study examined whether exposure to combat in a sample of veterans was associated with differential endocrine activity to a laboratory frustration task. Results indicated that Army veterans demonstrated significant testosterone reactivity to frustration and negative coupling between cortisol and testosterone. Alternatively, Navy and Marine veterans demonstrated little testosterone reactivity to frustration and positive coupling between cortisol and testosterone. Positive cortisol-testosterone coupling was stronger among individuals who had more dangerous combat experiences. This latter pattern may better prepare individuals for stressful life experiences and supports the contention that adulthood stressors may calibrate endocrine systems. Results are explained in the context of the Adaptive Calibration Model (Ellis et al., 2012, Developmental Psychology, 48(3), 598-623) which proposes that exposure to key environmental dimensions during endocrinologically malleable life stages (e.g., puberty) can change stress responsivity, resulting in a faster life history trajectory (e.g., increased risk-taking and aggression).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Bobadilla
- Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC.,Oregon State Hospital, Salem, OR
| | - Kia Asberg
- Charles George VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC.,Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
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