Assessment of the antifungal efficacy of whey fermentate alone or in combination with citrus extract to control Aspergillus flavus mold in semi-moist pet food for dogs

Semi-moist pet foods contain moisture levels ranging from 15 to 40%, making them ideal for mold growth and mycotoxin production. To control spoilage, synthetic mold inhibitors such as potassium sorbate have been used, but consumers prefer "natural" preservatives. Whey fermentate (WPF) is an efficient antifungal, but it requires large doses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the antifungal effect of WPF alone or in combination with citrus extract oil (CEX) against Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist pet food. Nutritionally complete semi-moist pet foods were produced with WPF alone [0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% (w/w)] and in combination with CEX; 0.25% WPF+ 0.015% CEX, 0.25% WFP+ 0.15% CEX, 0.5% WPF+ 0.015% CEX, and 0.5% WFP+ 0.15% CEX (w/w). The negative control (NC) contained no antifungal additive and the positive control (PC) had potassium sorbate (0.1% w/w). The semi-moist pet food was thermally formed and was cut into 3 cm × 3 cm square pieces. Individual food pieces were inoculated with 0.1 mL of Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 204304) to achieve a final concentration of ~5.0 log CFU/piece. The inoculated pieces were individually incubated at 25°C. Fungal analysis was performed on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 28 by surface plating on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) followed by incubation at 25°C for 72 h. The total log reductions were calculated by subtracting the initial inoculum from the final log counts on day 28. Higher log reductions of Aspergillus flavus (p < 0.05) were observed when WPF at 0.25 and 0.5% was combined with 0.15% CEX compared to when 0.015% CEX was used individually. All treatments were different from the NC (p < 0.05). Citrus extract at 0.15% potentiated the antifungal effect of WPF at 0.5% to give a similar log reduction (p > 0.05) to WPF at 1.0% in the food. In conclusion, CEX potentiated the antifungal efficacy and reduced the dose of WPF required to control Aspergillus flavus in semi-moist dog food.

Antibody response in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease after pneumococcal polysaccharide prime vaccination or revaccination

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the pneumococcal antibody response in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIIRD) patients receiving 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) as a prime vaccination or revaccination.

METHOD

Antibodies to 12 serotypes occurring in the commonly applied pneumococcal vaccines in Denmark were measured in AIIRD patients receiving biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (bDMARD) treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. Patients with a non-protective level of pneumococcal antibodies (geometric mean pneumococcal antibody level < 1 μg/mL) were invited to receive vaccination with PPV23 followed by control of antibody titre 3 months later.

RESULTS

In total, 224 (74%) of 301 patients were included in the analyses, of whom 126 patients had previously received PPV23 vaccination. Post-vaccination antibody measurement revealed that only 80 patients (36%) achieved a protective level of antibodies. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, significantly more patients without a previous PPV23 vaccination history achieved a protective antibody level compared with patients with a history of PPV23 vaccination less than 5 years ago (p = 0.005). This difference was not seen when comparing the former group with patients vaccinated 5 years ago or more. Methotrexate (MTX) treatment at the time of vaccination was associated with a non-protective antibody level (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Only 36% of patients with a non-protective antibody level achieved a protective level in response to pneumococcal vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination within the last 5 years and MTX treatment at the time of vaccination were independently associated with a poor antibody response.

Consensus on revised definitions of Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) features of adenomyosis: results of modified Delphi procedure

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether the Morphological Uterus Sonographic Assessment (MUSA) features of adenomyosis need to be better defined and, if deemed necessary, to reach consensus on the updated definitions.

METHODS

A modified Delphi procedure was performed among European gynecologists with expertise in ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis. To identify MUSA features that might need revision, 15 two-dimensional (2D) video recordings (four recordings also included three-dimensional (3D) still images) of transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) examinations of the uterus were presented in the first Delphi round (online questionnaire). Experts were asked to confirm or refute the presence of each of the nine MUSA features of adenomyosis (described in the original MUSA consensus statement) in each of the 15 videoclips and to provide comments. In the second Delphi round (online questionnaire), the results of the first round and suggestions for revision of MUSA features were shared with the experts before they were asked to assess a new set of 2D and 3D still images of TVS examinations and to provide feedback on the proposed revisions. A third Delphi round (virtual group meeting) was conducted to discuss and reach final consensus on revised definitions of MUSA features. Consensus was predefined as at least 66.7% agreement between experts.

RESULTS

Of 18 invited experts, 16 agreed to participate in the Delphi procedure. Eleven experts completed and four experts partly finished the first round. The experts identified a need for more detailed definitions of some MUSA features. They recommended use of 3D ultrasound to optimize visualization of the junctional zone. Fifteen experts participated in the second round and reached consensus on the presence or absence of ultrasound features of adenomyosis in most of the still images. Consensus was reached for all revised definitions except those for subendometrial lines and buds and interrupted junctional zone. Thirteen experts joined the online meeting, in which they discussed and agreed on final revisions of the MUSA definitions. There was consensus on the need to distinguish between direct features of adenomyosis, i.e. features indicating presence of ectopic endometrial tissue in the myometrium, and indirect features, i.e. features reflecting changes in the myometrium secondary to presence of endometrial tissue in the myometrium. Myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands and echogenic subendometrial lines and buds were classified unanimously as direct features of adenomyosis. Globular uterus, asymmetrical myometrial thickening, fan-shaped shadowing, translesional vascularity, irregular junctional zone and interrupted junctional zone were classified as indirect features of adenomyosis.

CONCLUSION

Consensus between gynecologists with expertise in ultrasound diagnosis of adenomyosis was achieved regarding revised definitions of the MUSA features of adenomyosis and on the classification of MUSA features as direct or indirect signs of adenomyosis. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Soil organic carbon is not just for soil scientists: measurement recommendations for diverse practitioners

Soil organic carbon (SOC) regulates terrestrial ecosystem functioning, provides diverse energy sources for soil microorganisms, governs soil structure, and regulates the availability of organically bound nutrients. Investigators in increasingly diverse disciplines recognize how quantifying SOC attributes can provide insight about ecological states and processes. Today, multiple research networks collect and provide SOC data, and robust, new technologies are available for managing, sharing, and analyzing large data sets. We advocate that the scientific community capitalize on these developments to augment SOC data sets via standardized protocols. We describe why such efforts are important and the breadth of disciplines for which it will be helpful, and outline a tiered approach for standardized sampling of SOC and ancillary variables that ranges from simple to more complex. We target scientists ranging from those with little to no background in soil science to those with more soil-related expertise, and offer examples of the ways in which the resulting data can be organized, shared, and discoverable.

A New Species of Tetragona Lepeletier & Serville, 1828 from the "truncata group" and New Distribution Records of T. truncata Moure, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Tetragona Lepeletier & Serville is a genus of stingless bees with 14 recognized species occurring from Mexico to Argentina. The genus is characterized by velvety genal area, mesotibial spur present, and propodeal triangle glabrous. Within the genus, the truncata species group (T. truncata Moure and T. atahualpa sp. nov.) is characterized by worker metabasitarsus with posterior angle rounded and the mandible with two short teeth of similar length. Tetragona truncata is reported with new records for Ecuador (Napo and Orellana), Peru (Huánuco, Loreto, and San Martín), and Brazil (Acre [Rio Branco] and Tocantins [Itacá, Lizarda and Palmas]). In addition, T. atahualpa sp. nov. is described as a new species from regions of altitudes above 1,800 m in Colombia (Boyacá), Ecuador (Napo, Zamora-Chinchipe), and Peru (Pasco). We illustrate and discuss the identification of these two species.

COVID-19 and Involvement of the Corpus Callosum: Potential Effect of the Cytokine Storm?

Neurologic findings are being increasingly recognized in coronavirus disease 2019. We present a patient with a unique involvement of the corpus callosum that we relate to the cytokine storm seen in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. As the infection is increasingly seen around the world, recognition of these unique patterns may facilitate early identification of the progression of this disease and potentially facilitate appropriate management.

SAT0600 PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES, TREATED WITH BIOLOGICAL THERAPY AND WITH A LOW LEVEL OF ANTIBODIES - A COHORT STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH VARYING VACCINATION STATUS

Background:

Risk of infection is increased in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD)1. Furthermore, disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment contributes to this risk2. To reduce the risk of serious infections, it is recommended that patients are vaccinated againstStreptococcus pneumoniae3. However, some AIRD patients do not develop or maintain an adequate antibody response after pneumococcal vaccination4.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to examine the proportion of patients with low antibody levels, who achieved a protective level of pneumococcal antibodies after vaccination.

Methods:

Pneumococcal antibodies were measured by a serological assay in patients treated with biologics in a rheumatology outpatient clinic. Vaccination with 23-valent-pneumococcal polysaccarid vaccine was then offered to patients with a protective antibody level below the defined threshold and pneumococcal antibody level was measured at follow-up 2-3 months later. The patients continued their DMARD treatment without any changes.

Demographic and clinical data were collected, including age, sex, AIRD diagnosis, duration and activity (high/low), in addition to treatment (biologics, prednisolone, methotrexate) and previous vaccination history.

Results:

A total of 248 patients with inadequate antibody level accepted vaccination and among those, 137 patients (55%) had previously been vaccinated, 98 patients had not previously been vaccinated and for 13 patients data on vaccination status could not be obtained.

At follow-up, 84 patients (34%) achieved a protective level of antibodies. Use of methotrexate as part of the DMARD regimen was associated with an unprotected level of pneumococcal antibodies (Figure 1) (p<0,001). There was no similar association with respect to use of biologics.

Figure 1

In the group of patients who had previously been vaccinated, time between vaccinations spanned from 20 to 111 months, median 49 months.

There was an association between previous vaccination, and failure in achieving a protective antibody level (Figure 1) (p=0,02), as well as an association between less than 5 years (60 months) between vaccinations and not achieving a protective level.

Conclusion:

We found that only one-third of patients achieved a protective pneumococcal antibody level after vaccination. Methotrexate treatment was associated with a decreased antibody response, which was not the case for treatment with biologics or prednisolone.

Among patients who had previously been vaccinated, significantly less achieved a protective level of antibodies, compared to patients who had not been vaccinated. All 248 patients had a low antibody level at baseline, despite 137 being previously vaccinated.

Further studies are warranted to show whether or not a short discontinuation of methotrexate, will better the response to vaccination.

References:

[1]Wolfe, F. et al. The mortality of rheumatoid arthritis.Arthritis Rheum1994;37(4):481–494.

[2]Ramiro, S. et al.). Safety of synthetic and biological DMARDs: a systematic literature review informing the 2016 update of the EULAR recommendations for management of rheumatoid arthritis.Ann Rheum Dis2017;76(6):1101–1136.

[3]van Assen S. et al. (). EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.Ann Rheum Dis2011;70(3):414–422.

[4]Hua, C. et al. Effect of methotrexate, anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha, and rituximab on the immune response to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Arthritis Care Res 2014;66(7):1016–1026.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

FRI0525 INFLUENZA VACCINATION COMPLIANCE AND RESPONSE IN AUTOIMMUNE INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASE PATIENTS: A COHORT STUDY

Background:

Patients diagnosed with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) have higher risk of developing infections due to immunological dysfunction and immunosuppressive treatments. Current guidelines recommend annual influenza vaccination to reduce infection risk in this group of patients. However, vaccination response in these patients is uncertain.

Objectives:

To study influenza vaccination compliance and response in a Danish AIIRD patient population.

Methods:

AIIRD patients on biological treatment ± synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (sDMARDs) in our department of rheumatology and registered in the Danish Rheumatology database (DANBIO) were included in the current study. The patients were encouraged to be vaccinated against influenza in the 2018/19 winter season. Status of influenza vaccination for the period of 1.9.2018 to 31.12.2018 was reviewed in each patient using the Danish Vaccination Register (DDV) and Danish Electronic Medicine Module (FMK). Patient data were collected by review of the medical files. Serum samples from each patient were collected on two occasions: 1) from 1.6.2017 to 15.5.2018 (before vaccination) and 2) from 1.11.2018 to 1.3.2019 (after vaccination), respectively. Antibody titers against the three antigens included in the trivalent 2018/2019 seasonal influenza vaccine were measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay followed by determination of geometric mean titers (GMT).

Results:

Among a total of 226 study eligible AIIRD patients, 111 (49%) had been influenza vaccinated. In the remaining group of 115 (51%) non-vaccinated patients, 50 were randomly contacted by telephone to ensure the accuracy of DDV registration. All 50 confirmed non-vaccinated status. Median age of vaccinated group was 65 years while of non-vaccinated group was 57 years (p≤0.00001). Median GMT increased from 10 to 22 in the group of vaccinated patients versus from 6 to 10 in the group of non-vaccinated patients (p<0.0001). GMT increased ≥2-fold in 79 (71%) of 111 influenza vaccinated in comparison to 60 (52%) of 115 non-vaccinated patients (p≤0.003). Among influenza vaccinated patients, median age of responders (≥2-fold increase in GMT) was 66 years versus non-responders 63 years (p=0.3). In the influenza vaccinated group, ≥2-fold increase in GMT was seen in 51 (73%) of 70 patients receiving methotrexate compared to 28 (68%) of 41 in patients not receiving methotrexate (p=0,6).

Conclusion:

Only half of the patients were compliant to the vaccination recommendations in the 2018/2019 influenza season despite the information campaign. Response rate of influenza vaccination (≥2-fold GMT increase) was 71% in AIIRD patients receiving immunosuppressive treatments. In contrast to other studies, concurrent methotrexate treatment did not attenuate serological response of influenza vaccination. We are still exploring the causes of increased influenza antibody titers in non-vaccinated group.

References:

[1] Kapetanovic MC, Kristensen LE, Saxne T, et al. Impact of anti-rheumatic treatment on immunogenicity of pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine in patients with arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2014;16:R2.

[2] Hua C, Barnetche T, Combe B, et al. Effect of methotrexate, anti-tumor necrosis factor α, and rituximab on the immune response to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Care Res 2014;66:1016–26.

[3] Furer V, et al. 2019 update of EULAR recommendations for vaccination in adult patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:39–52. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-215882

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

AB0202 GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND PHENOTYPE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IN DANISH AND TURKISH PATIENTS

Background:

Previous studies indicate that genetic susceptibility and phenotype of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differ between the populations.

Objectives:

To compare the clinical, serologic expression and the presence of shared epitopes (SE) of incident RA in two different populations, one from Northern and the other from Southern Europe.

Methods:

Data on incident RA patients fulfilling EULAR/ACR 2010 classifications criteria for RA were collected at Rheumatology Departments in Denmark and Turkey in 2015-2016. Patients were assessed using the same standardized protocol in both populations. SE carrier status were assigned, according to the du Montcel classification based, into six allele groups:S1, S2,S3D,S3PandX, where S2 and S3P are RA risk-enhancing alleles and S1 and S3D are RA protective alleles of the shared epitope(1).

Results:

109 incident RA patients from Denmark and 114 incident RA patients from Turkey were enrolled. Genetic data were available from 87% of the patients.

Table 1.

Characteristics of incident rheumatoid arthritis patients in Denmark and Turkey

Danish patientsn=109Turkish patientsn=114P-valueAge at diagnosis, years60 (49-69)52 (43-64)0.003Female, %64740.12Symptom duration, months7 (4-21)6 (2-22)0.6Smoking status Never smoker, %43440.98 Former smoker, %28310.68 Current smoker, %29250.54VAS pain (0-100 mm)45 (28-66)60 (41-72)0.01VAS fatigue (0-100 mm)51 (29-69)50 (20-70)0.32VAS global, patient (0-100 mm)60 (31-80)60 (41-73)0.77Swollen joint count (0-28)7 (4-11)3 (1-6)<0.00001Tender joint count (0-28)7 (3-11)5 (2-8)0.04HAQ score (0-3)0.75 (0.34-1.25)1.0 (0.25-1.75)0.02DAS284.7 (4.1-5.5)4.3 (3.3-5.2)0.01CRP, mg/l7 (3.0-18.5)8 (3.1-22.6)0.54IgM RF positive, %70660.58ACPA positive, %63750.1

Medians (interquartile range) for continuous variables

VAS – Visual Analog Scale, HAQ - Health Assessment Questionnaire, DAS28 - Disease Activity Score 28 joints, CRP – C-reactive protein, RF – Rheumatoid Factor, ACPA - Anti-Citrullinated Protein Antibodies.

Table 2.

Shared epitope allele carrier frequencies.

AlleleDanish patientsn=98Turkish patientsn=95P-valueS1, % (n)19 (37)22 (42)0,43S2, % (n)26 (51)8 (16)<0,00001S3D, % (n)6 (12)21 (39)0,000029S3P, % (n)27 (52)29 (56)0,52X, % (n)22 (44)19 (37)0,47

We found no associations between the risk-enhancing alleles and the presence of IgM rheumatoid factor or ACPA.

Conclusion:

The Turkish patients were younger and had lower disease activity than Danish at the time of diagnosis. Our study found an enhanced genetic susceptibility to RA in Danish compared to Turkish patients with a higher prevalence of risk-enhancing RA alleles and a lower prevalence of protective alleles.

References:

[1]Tezenas du Montcel S, Michou L, Petit-Teixeira E, Osorio J, Lemaire I, Lasbleiz S, et al. New classification of HLA–DRB1 alleles supports the shared epitope hypothesis of rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility.Arthritis Rheum2005; 52: 1063–8.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Pneumococcal antibody protection in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases with varying vaccination status

Objectives: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to assess the pneumococcal antibody coverage in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIRD) and to identify predictors associated with inadequate protective antibody levels. Method: Antibodies to 12 serotypes occurring in the commonly applied pneumococcal vaccines in Denmark were measured in AIRD patients with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or psoriatic arthritis attending the Department of Rheumatology at the North Denmark Regional Hospital. Immunization against pneumococcal infection was defined as a geometric mean level ≥ 1 μg antibodies/mL. Clinical information about vaccination status and disease/treatment history was retrieved from the medical file system. Results: Results of antibody measurement and vaccination status were available from 346 AIRD patients, of whom 200 (58%) were registered as receiving pneumococcal vaccination, whereas the remaining 146 patients (42%) were not. Of all 346 patients, only 61 (18%) were measured with an adequate level of protective antibodies (30% vs 1%, respectively). Methotrexate treatment at the time of vaccination and increasing age were identified as predictors of poor vaccination outcome in multiple logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: This post-vaccination study showed that less than one-fifth of the AIRD patients are adequately protected against pneumococcal infection, although the immunization programme had been implemented in more than half of the study population. Development of improved vaccination strategies is required to achieve a higher immunization coverage rate and more efficient lasting antibody response.

Diagnostic potential of sarcoplasmic myxovirus resistance protein A expression in subsets of dermatomyositis

AIMS

To elucidate the diagnostic value of sarcoplasmic expression of myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) for dermatomyositis (DM) specifically analysing different DM subforms, and to test the superiority of MxA to other markers.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry for MxA and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) was performed on skeletal muscle samples and compared with the item presence of perifascicular atrophy (PFA) in 57 DM patients with anti-Mi-2 (n = 6), -transcription intermediary factor 1 gamma (n = 10), -nuclear matrix protein 2 (n = 13), -melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) (n = 10) or -small ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme (n = 1) autoantibodies and with no detectable autoantibody (n = 17). Among the patients, nine suffered from cancer and 22 were juvenile-onset type. Disease controls included antisynthetase syndrome (ASS)-associated myositis (n = 30), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (n = 9) and inclusion body myositis (n = 5).

RESULTS

Sarcoplasmic MxA expression featured 77% sensitivity and 100% specificity for overall DM patients, while RIG-I staining and PFA reached respectively 14% and 59% sensitivity and 100% and 86% specificity. In any subset of DM, sarcoplasmic MxA expression showed higher sensitivity than RIG-I and PFA. Some anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM samples distinctively showed a scattered staining pattern of MxA. No ASS samples had sarcoplasmic MxA expression even though six patients had DM skin rash.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcoplasmic MxA expression is more sensitive than PFA and RIG-I expression for a pathological diagnosis of DM, regardless of the autoantibody-related subgroup. In light of its high sensitivity and specificity, it may be considered a pathological hallmark of DM per se. Also, lack of MxA expression in ASS supports the idea that ASS is a distinct entity from DM.

Alignment of diet prescription to genotype does not promote greater weight loss success in women with obesity participating in an exercise and weight loss program

OBJECTIVE

Genetics contribute to variability in individual response to weight-loss interventions. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a commercially available exercise and weight-loss program and whether alignment of diet to genotype related to lipid metabolism promotes greater success.

DESIGN

Sedentary women with obesity (n = 63) had genotype (FABP2rs1799883, PPARG2rs1801282, ADRB3rs4994C3, ADRB2rs1042713, rs1042714) determined using a direct-to-consumer genetic screening kit purported to promote greater weight-loss success through dietary recommendations based on these genes. Participants were randomly assigned to follow a moderate carbohydrate (MC) or lower carbohydrate (LC) hypo-energetic diet that aligned (A) or did not align (NA) with genotype for 24 weeks while participating in a resistance training and walking program. Data were analysed by general linear model repeated measures adjusted for baseline variables and are presented as mean (95% confidence interval) changes from baseline.

RESULTS

Participants in the LC group experienced greater improvements (p = 0.051, ηp 2 = 0.025) in per cent changes in body composition (weight: MC -3.32 [-1.4, -5.2], LC -5.82 [-4.1, -7.6]; fat mass: MC -7.25 [-3.2, -11.2], LC -10.93 [-7.3, -14.5]; fat-free mass: MC -0.32 [1.4, -2.0], LC -1.48 [0.7, -3.0]; and body fat percentage: MC -4.19 [-1.6, -6.8], LC -5.60 [-3.3, -7.9] %). No significant differences were observed between genotype groups (weight: A -5.00 [-3.3, -6.7], NA -4.14 [-2.2, -6.1]; fat mass: A -10.15 [-7.0, -13.6], NA -8.02 [-4.0, -12.0]; fat-free mass: A -1.23 [0.3, -2.8], NA -0.56 [1.12, -2.3]; and body fat: A -5.28 [-3.0, -7.6], NA -4.51 [-1.9, -7.1] %).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to this exercise and weight-loss program promoted improvements in body composition and health outcomes. While individuals following the LC diet experienced greater benefits, alignment of these diets to this genetic profile did not promote greater health outcomes.

Real-time transmission of 16 Tb/s over 1020km using 200Gb/s CFP2-DCO

We demonstrate real-time transmission of 16 Tb/s (80x200Gb/s) over 1020km TeraWave ULL fiber with 170km span length using the world's first 200Gb/s CFP2-DCO module with a record low power consumption less than 0.1W/Gbps.

Non-parametric Classification of Esophagus Motility by Means of Neural Networks

Automatic long-term recording of esophageal pressures by means of intraluminal transducers is used increasingly for evaluation of esophageal function. Most automatic analysis techniques are based on detection of derived parameters from the time series by means of arbitrary rule-based criterions. The aim of the present work has been to test the ability of neural networks to identify abnormal contraction patterns in patients with nonobstructive dysphagia (NOBD).

Nineteen volunteers and 22 patients with NOBD underwent simultaneous recordings of four pressures in the esophagus for at least 23 hours. Data from 21 subjects were selected for training. The performances of two trained networks were subsequently verified on reference data from 20 subjects. The results show that non-parametric classification by means of neural networks has good potentials. Back propagation shows good performance with a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.8.

Treatment profiles in a Danish psychiatric university hospital department

Introduction

Despite concerns about rising treatment of psychiatric patients with psychotropic medications and declining treatment with psychotherapy, actual treatment profiles of psychiatric patients is largely unknown.

Aims

To describe patterns in the treatment of patients in a large psychiatric university hospital department.

Methods

A descriptive mapping of treatment of in- and outpatients in a psychiatric department at Aarhus University Hospital Risskov, Denmark. Information was collected by health care staff using a 25-item survey form. The P-value was calculated with a Chi2 test and P < 0.05 was considered significant. The study was preceded by a pilot study on 41 patients.

Results

Over a 1 month period we assessed a total of 343 consecutive patients and hereof included 200 in the age range 18–90 years (mean 53.76); 86 men and 114 women. One hundred and eighty-eight patients (94%) used psychotropic medication, 37 (19%) as monotherapy and 148 (74%) in combination with non-pharmacological therapy. Ninety-seven (49%) had psychotherapy and 104 (52%) social support. Among inpatients, 21 (64%) had physical therapy, and 10 (30%) electroconvulsive therapy. In total, 163 (82%) had non-pharmacological therapy. Fifty-two (26%) patients had monotherapy and 148 (74%) polytherapy. Mean number of treatment modalities used pr. patient was 2.07 for all patients and 3.23 for inpatients.

Conclusions

In our department, polytherapy including non-pharmacological modalities is applied widely across all settings and patient categories. However, psychotropic medication clearly dominates as the most frequently applied treatment.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Beneficial effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on inflammation and analgesic use in psoriatic arthritis: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on disease activity, use of analgesics, and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHOD

Patients with established PsA (n = 145) were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants received a supplement of 3 g n-3 PUFA/day or 3 g olive oil/day (control) for 24 weeks. Outcome measures for disease activity, use of analgesics, and leukotriene formation from activated granulocytes were assessed at baseline and at study end.

RESULTS

In total, 145 patients were included and 133 completed the study. After 24 weeks, the n-3 PUFA group showed a decrease in Disease Activity Score (DAS28-CRP), 68 tender joint count, enthesitis score, and psoriasis area and severity index, although not significantly different from the controls. There was a significant reduction in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and paracetamol use compared with controls (p = 0.04). In addition, the participants in the n-3 PUFA group had significantly lower formation of leukotriene B₄ (p = 0.004) from stimulated granulocytes and significantly higher formation of leukotriene B₅ (p < 0.001) compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

The n-3 PUFA-supplemented group showed improvement in outcome measures for disease activity, although the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. However, use of NSAIDs and paracetamol was significantly reduced in the n-3 PUFA group compared to the control group. Finally, there was a significant decrease in leukotriene B₄ formation in the n-3 PUFA group compared with controls.

Proceedings of the Thirteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo

P1 Impact of antioxidant-enriched nutrient bar supplementation on the serum antioxidant markers and physical fitness components of track and field athletes

Lalitha Ramaswamy, Supriya Velraja

P2 The effects of phosphatidic acid supplementation on fitness levels in resistance trained women

Guillermo Escalante, Phil Harvey, Michelle Alencar, Bryan Haddock

P3 The effects of phosphatidic acid supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in resistance trained men

Phil Harvey, Guillermo Escalante, Michelle Alencar, Bryan Haddock

P4 The efficacy of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on physical capacity and selected biochemical markers in elite wrestlers

Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski, Jan Jeszka, Bogna Zawieja, Tomasz Podgórski

P5 Effects of different nutritional strategies in hydration and physical performance in healthy well-trained males

Ana Paula Trussardi Fayh, Alexandre Hideki Okano, Amanda Maria de Jesus Ferreira

P6 Reduction of plasma creatine concentrations as an indicator of improved bioavailability

Ralf Jäger, Martin Purpura, Roger C Harris

P7 Effect of three different breakfast meals on energy intake and nutritional status in college-age women

Molly M. Krause, Kiley A. Lavanger, Nina O. Allen, Allison E. Lieb, Katie A. Mullen, Joan M. Eckerson

P8 Accuracy of the ASA24® Dietary Recall system for assessing actual dietary intake in normal weight college-age women.

Kiley A. Lavanger, Molly M. Krause, Nina O. Allen, Allison E. Lieb, Katie A. Mullen, Joan M. Eckerson

P9 β-aminoisobutyric acid does not regulate exercise induced UCP-3 expression in skeletal muscle

Elisa Morales, Jeffrey Forsse, Thomas Andre, Sarah McKinley, Paul Hwang, Grant Tinsley, Mike Spillane, Peter Grandjean, Darryn Willoughby

P10 The ability of collegiate football athletes to adhere to sport-specific nutritional recommendations

A. Jagim, G. Wright, J. Kisiolek, M. Meinking, J. Ochsenwald, M. Andre, M.T. Jones, J. M. Oliver

P11 A single session of low-volume high intensity interval exercise improves appetite regulation in overweight men

Victor Araújo Ferreira, Daniel Costa de Souza, Victor Oliveira Albuquerque dos Santos, Rodrigo Alberto Vieira Browne, Eduardo Caldas Costa, Ana Paula Trussardi Fayh

P12 Acute effects of oral peppermint oil ingestion on exercise performance in moderately-active college students

Suresh T. Mathews, Haley D. Bishop, Clara R. Bowen, Yishan Liang, Emily A. West, Rebecca R. Rogers, Mallory R. Marshall, John K. Petrella

P13 Associations in body fat and liver triglyceride content with serum health markers in sedentary and exercised rats fed a ketogenic diet, Western diet or standard chow over a 6-week period

A. Maleah Holland, Wesley C. Kephart, Petey W. Mumford, C. Brooks Mobley, Ryan P. Lowery, Jacob M. Wilson, Michael D. Roberts

P14 Physiological changes following competition in male and female physique athletes: A pilot study

Eric T. Trexler, Katie R. Hirsch, Bill I. Campbell, Meredith G. Mock, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan

P15 Relationship between cognition and hydration status in college students at a large Southwestern university

Kate Zemek, Carol Johnston

P16 Whey protein-derived exosomes increase protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes

C. Brooks Mobley, Petey W. Mumford, David D. Pascoe, Christopher M. Lockwood, Michael E. Miller, Michael D. Roberts

P17 The effect of three different energy drinks on 1.5-mile running performance, oxygen consumption, and perceived exertion

Gabriel J. Sanders, Willard Peveler, Brooke Warning, Corey A. Peacock

P18 The Ketogenic diet improves rotarod performance in young and older rats

Wesley C. Kephart, Petey W. Mumford, Ryan P. Lowery, Michael D. Roberts, Jacob M. Wilson

P19 Absorption of bonded arginine silicate compared to individual arginine and silicon components

David Sandler, Sara Perez Ojalvo, James Komorowski

P20 Effects of a high (2.4 g/kg) vs. low/moderate (1.2 g/kg) protein intake on body composition in aspiring female physique athletes engaging in an 8-week resistance training program

Bill I. Campbell, Danielle Aguilar, Andres Vargas, Laurin Conlin, Amey Sanders, Paola Fink-Irizarry, Layne Norton, Ross Perry, Ryley McCallum, Matthew R. Wynn, Jack Lenton

P21 Effects of a high (2.4 g/kg) vs. low/moderate (1.2 g/kg) protein intake on maximal strength in aspiring female physique athletes engaging in an 8-week resistance training program

Bill I. Campbell, Chris Gai, Seth Donelson, Shiva Best, Daniel Bove, Kaylee Couvillion, Jeff Dolan, Dante Xing, Kyshia Chernesky, Michael Pawela, Andres D. Toledo, Rachel Jimenez

P22 Monitoring of female collegiate athletes over a competitive season reveals changes in nutritional biomarkers

M. Rabideau, A. Walker, J. Pellegrino, M. Hofacker, B. McFadden, S. Conway, C. Ordway, D. Sanders, R. Monaco, M. S. Fragala, S. M. Arent

P23 Comparison of prediction equations to indirect calorimetry in men and women athletes

Jason D. Stone, Andreas Kreutzer, Jonathan M. Oliver, Jacob Kisiolek, Andrew R. Jagim

P24 Regional variations in sweat-based electrolyte loss and changes in plasma electrolyte content in Division I female athletes over the course of a competitive season

M. Hofacker, A. Walker, J. Pellegrino, M. Rabideau, B. McFadden, S. Conway, D. Sanders, C. Ordway, R. Monaco, M. S. Fragala, S. M. Arent

P25 In-season changes in plasma amino acid levels in Division I NCAA female athletes

Ozlem Tok, Joseph K. Pellegrino, Alan J. Walker, David J. Sanders, Bridget A. McFadden, Meaghan M. Rabideau, Sean P. Conway, Chris E. Ordway, Marissa Bello, Morgan L. Hofacker, Nick S. Mackowski, Anthony J. Poyssick, Eddie Capone, Robert M. Monaco, Maren S. Fragala, Shawn M. Arent

P26 Effects of a ketogenic diet with exercise on serum markers of bone metabolism, IGF-1 and femoral bone mass in rats

Petey W. Mumford, A. Maleah Holland, Wesley C. Kephart, Ryan P. Lowery, C. Brooks Mobley, Romil K. Patel, Annie Newton, Darren T. Beck, Michael D. Roberts, Jacob M. Wilson, Kaelin C. Young

P27 Casein supplementation in trained men and women: morning versus evening

Tobin Silver, Anya Ellerbroek, Richard Buehn, Leo Vargas, Armando Tamayo, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

P28 A high protein diet has no harmful effects: a one-year crossover study in resistance-trained males

Anya Ellerbroek, Tobin Silver, Richard Buehn, Leo Vargas, Armando Tamayo, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

P29 SUP (Stand-up Paddling) athletes: nutritional intake and body composition

Adam Pollock, Anya Ellerbroek, Tobin Silver, Corey Peacock, Jose Antonio

P30 The effects of 8 weeks of colostrum and bio-active peptide supplementation on body composition in recreational male weight lifters

A. Kreutzer, P. Zavala, S. Fleming, M. Jones, J. M. Oliver, A. Jagim

P31 Effects of a Popular Women’s Thermogenic Supplement During an Energy-Restricted High Protein Diet on Changes in Body Composition and Clinical Safety Markers

Cody T. Haun, Petey W. Mumford, Parker N. Hyde, Ciaran M. Fairman, Wesley C. Kephart, Darren T. Beck, Jordan R. Moon, Michael D. Roberts, Kristina L. Kendall, Kaelin C. Young

P32 Three days of caffeine consumption following caffeine withdrawal yields small strength increase in knee flexors

Geoffrey M Hudson, Tara Hannings, Kyle Sprow, Loretta DiPietro

P33 Comparison of cellular nitric oxide production from various sports nutrition ingredients

Doug Kalman, Sara Perez Ojalvo, James Komorowski

P34 The effects of 8 weeks of bio-active peptide supplementation on training adaptations in recreational male weight lifters

P. Zavala, S. Fleming, M. Jones, J. Oliver, A. Jagim

P35 Effects of MusclePharm Assault Black^TM on lower extremity spinal excitability and postactivation potentiation: A pilot study

Brian Wallace, Haley Bergstrom, Kelly Wallace

P36 Effects of four weeks of Ketogenic Diet alone and combined with High intensity Interval Training or Continuous-Moderate intensity on body composition, lipid profile and physical performance on healthy males

Matias Monsalves-Alvarez, Sebastian Oyharçabal, Victoria Espinoza

P37 Effect of branched-chain amino acid supplementation on creatine kinase, muscular performance, and perceived muscle soreness following acute eccentric exercise

Trisha A. VanDusseldorp, Kurt A. Escobar, Kelly E. Johnson, Nathan Cole, Terence Moriarty, Matthew Stratton, Marvin R. Endito, Christine M. Mermier, Chad M. Kerksick

P38 Effects of endurance training on markers of ribosome biogenesis in rodents fed a high fat diet

Matthew A. Romero, C. Brooks Mobley, Melissa Linden, Grace Margaret-Eleanor Meers, R. Scott Rector, Michael D. Roberts

P39 The effects of acute citrulline-malate on lower-body isokinetic performance in recreationally active individuals

Joshua L Gills, Hocheng Lu, Kimberly Parker, Chris Dobbins, Joshua N Guillory, Braden Romer, David Szymanski, Jordan Glenn

P40 The effect pre-ingested L-isoleucine and L-leucine on blood glucose responses and glycemic hormones in healthy inactive adults: Preliminary data.

Daniel E. Newmire, Eric Rivas, Sarah E. Deemer, Robert Wildman, Victor Ben-Ezra

P41 Does protein and source impact substrate oxidation and energy expenditure during and after moderate intensity treadmill exercise?

C Kerksick, B Gieske, R Stecker, C Smith, K Witherbee

P42 Effects of a pre-workout supplement on peak power and power maintenance during lower and upper body testing

Michael T. Lane, M. Travis Byrd, Zachary Bell, Emily Frith, Lauren M.C. Lane

P43 Effects of a pre-workout supplement on peak power production during lower and upper body testing in college-age females

Michael T. Lane, M. Travis Byrd, Zachary Bell, Emily Frith, Lauren M.C. Lane

P44 A comparison of whey versus casein protein supplementation on resting metabolic rate and body composition: a pilot study

Corey A. Peacock, Tobin A. Silver, Megan Colas, Mauricio Mena, Winter Rodriguez, Gabriel J. Sanders, Jose Antonio

P45 A novel mixed-tocotrienol intervention enhances recovery after eccentric exercise: preliminary findings

Andrea Vansickle, Brittany DiFiore, Stephanie Stepp, Grant Slack, Bridget Smith, Kayla Ruffner, Ronald Mendel, Lonnie Lowery

P46 The effects of post-exercise ingestion of a high molecular weight glucose on cycle performance in female cyclists

Katie R. Hirsch, Meredith G. Mock, Malia M.N. Blue, Eric T. Trexler, Erica J. Roelofs, Abbie E. Smith-Ryan

P47 Inclusive vs. exclusive dieting and the effects on body composition in resistance trained individuals

Laurin Conlin, Danielle Aguilar, Bill I. Campbell, Layne Norton, Katie Coles, Eric T. Trexler, Nic Martinez

P48 A whey protein hydrolysate may positively augment resting metabolism compared to intact whey protein

Jordan M. Joy, Roxanne M. Vogel, Thomas H. Hoover, K. Shane Broughton

P49 Seven days of high and low dose creatine nitrate supplementation I: hepatorenal, glucose and muscle enzyme function

R Dalton, R Sowinski, T Grubic, PB Collins, A Colletta, A Reyes, B Sanchez, M Kozehchain, YP Jung, C Rasmussen, P Murano, CP Earnest, M Greenwood, RB Kreider

P50 Seven days of high and low dose creatine nitrate supplementation II: performance

T Grubic, R Dalton, R Sowinski, PB Collins, A Colletta, A Reyes, B Sanchez, M Kozehchain, YP Jung, C Rasmussen, P Murano, CP Earnest, M Greenwood, RB Kreider

P51 Seven days of high and low dose creatine nitrate supplementation III: hemodynamics

R Sowinski, R Dalton, T Grubic, PB Collins, A Colletta, A Reyes, B Sanchez, M Kozehchain, YP Jung, C Rasmussen, P Murano, CP Earnest, M Greenwood, RB Kreider

P52 The efficacy of a β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplementation on physical capacity, body composition and biochemical markers in highly-trained combat sports athletes

Krzysztof Durkalec-Michalski, Jan Jeszka, Tomasz Podgórski

P53 Does protein and source impact substrate oxidation and energy expenditure during and after moderate intensity treadmill exercise?

C Kerksick, B Gieske, R Stecker, C Smith, K Witherbee

P54 Effects of 30 days of Cleanse™ supplementation on measure of body composition, waist circumference, and markers of gastrointestinal distress in females

Stacie Urbina, Emily Santos, Katelyn Villa, Alyssa Olivencia, Haley Bennett, Marissa Lara, Cliffa Foster, Colin Wilborn, Lem Taylor

P55 The effects of moderate- versus high-load training on body composition, muscle growth, and performance in college aged females

Jason M Cholewa, Amy Hewins, Samantha Gallo, Ashley Micensky, Christian De Angelis, Christopher Carney, Bill Campbell, Laurin Conlin, Layne Norton, Fabricio Rossi

P56 Effect of a multi-ingredient preworkout supplement on cognitive function and perceptions of readiness to perform

MS Koozehchian, PB Collins, R Sowinski, T Grubic, R Dalton, A O’Connor, SY Shin, Y Peter Jung, BK Sanchez, A Coletta, M Cho, A Reyes, C Rasmussen, CP Earnest, PS Murano, M Greenwood, RB Kreider

Frequency of Proximal Tubal Obstruction in Patients Undergoing Infertility Evaluation

Fallopian tube recanalization is a technique for treatment of proximal tubal obstruction caused by debris. The true frequency of infertile women for whom this treatment is suitable is not well known. In this study all hysterosalpingograms (HSGs) performed over a 3-year period (1986–88) were reviewed. The HSGs were performed as part of an infertility evaluation program in 494 women, with a mean duration of infertility of 2.4 years. Bilateral proximal tubal obstruction was found in 3% and unilateral proximal obstruction in 2% of the cases. In women examined in the first 2 years (1986–87) (n = 328), the birth frequency after HSG was 25%. When HSG was performed with optimal technique the number of patients who were suitable for Fallopian tube recanalization was low.

Establishing a community-wide DNA barcode library as a new tool for arctic research

DNA sequences offer powerful tools for describing the members and interactions of natural communities. In this study, we establish the to-date most comprehensive library of DNA barcodes for a terrestrial site, including all known macroscopic animals and vascular plants of an intensively studied area of the High Arctic, the Zackenberg Valley in Northeast Greenland. To demonstrate its utility, we apply the library to identify nearly 20 000 arthropod individuals from two Malaise traps, each operated for two summers. Drawing on this material, we estimate the coverage of previous morphology-based species inventories, derive a snapshot of faunal turnover in space and time and describe the abundance and phenology of species in the rapidly changing arctic environment. Overall, 403 terrestrial animal and 160 vascular plant species were recorded by morphology-based techniques. DNA barcodes (CO1) offered high resolution in discriminating among the local animal taxa, with 92% of morphologically distinguishable taxa assigned to unique Barcode Index Numbers (BINs) and 93% to monophyletic clusters. For vascular plants, resolution was lower, with 54% of species forming monophyletic clusters based on barcode regions rbcLa and ITS2. Malaise catches revealed 122 BINs not detected by previous sampling and DNA barcoding. The insect community was dominated by a few highly abundant taxa. Even closely related taxa differed in phenology, emphasizing the need for species-level resolution when describing ongoing shifts in arctic communities and ecosystems. The DNA barcode library now established for Zackenberg offers new scope for such explorations, and for the detailed dissection of interspecific interactions throughout the community.

Sampling a biodiversity hotspot: the orchid-bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apidae) of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, the richest and most diverse site of the Neotropics

The orchid-bee fauna of the region of Tarapoto, northeastern Peru, was surveyed using seventeen different scents as baits to attract orchid-bee males. Six hundred and fifty-nine males belonging to 41 species were actively collected with insect nets during 120 hours in late July and early August, 2012. Euglossa dressleri Moure, 1968, Euglossa laurensi Bembé, 2008, and Euglossa maculilabris Moure, 1968, three species belonging to the Euglossa cybelia species-group, are here reported for Peru for the first time. Previous sporadic and unpublished samplings in the area recorded eleven additional species. With 53 species, the region of Tarapoto can be considered the richest single site in the Neotropics for orchid bees. Diversity, estimated with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H' = 3.02), was also the highest ever recorded for orchid bees.