Assessing acute thermal assays as a rapid screening tool for coral restoration

Escalating environmental threats to coral reefs coincides with global advancements in coral restoration programs. To improve long-term efficacy, practitioners must consider incorporating genotypes resilient to ocean warming and disease while maintaining genetic diversity. Identifying such genotypes typically occurs under long-term exposures that mimic natural stressors, but these experiments can be time-consuming, costly, and introduce tank effects, hindering scalability for hundreds of nursery genotypes used for outplanting. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of the acute Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System (CBASS) against long-term exposures on the bleaching response of Acropora cervicornis, the dominant restoration species in Florida's Coral Reef. Comparing bleaching metrics, Fv/Fm, chlorophyll, and host protein, we observed similar responses between the long-term heat and the CBASS treatment of 34.3 °C, which was also the calculated bleaching threshold. This suggests the potential of CBASS as a rapid screening tool, with 90% of restoration genotypes exhibiting similar bleaching tolerances. However, variations in acute bleaching phenotypes arose from measurement timing and experiment heat accumulation, cautioning against generalizations solely based on metrics like Fv/Fm. These findings identify the need to better refine the tools necessary to quickly and effectively screen coral restoration genotypes and determine their relative tolerance for restoration interventions.

Trauma Communications Center Coordinated Severity-Based Stroke Triage: Protocol of a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Study

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) can improve the outcomes of patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), but a minority of patients with LVO are treated and there are disparities in timely access to MT. In part, this is because in most regions, including Alabama, the emergency medical service (EMS) transports all patients with suspected stroke, regardless of severity, to the nearest stroke center. Consequently, patients with LVO may experience delayed arrival at stroke centers with MT capability and worse outcomes. Alabama's trauma communications center (TCC) coordinates EMS transport of trauma patients by trauma severity and regional hospital capability. Our aims are to develop a severity-based stroke triage (SBST) care model based on Alabama's trauma system, compare the effectiveness of this care pathway to current stroke triage in Alabama for improving broad, equitable, and timely access to MT, and explore stakeholder perceptions of the intervention's feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability.

Methods: This is a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study with a multi-phase mixed methods sequential design and an embedded observational stepped wedge cluster trial. We will extend TCC guided stroke severity assessment to all EMS regions in Alabama; conduct stakeholder interviews and focus groups to aid in development of region and hospital specific prehospital and inter-facility stroke triage plans for patients with suspected LVO; implement a phased rollout of TCC Coordinated SBST across Alabama's six EMS regions; and conduct stakeholder surveys and interviews to assess context-specific perceptions of the intervention. The primary outcome is the change in proportion of prehospital stroke system patients with suspected LVO who are treated with MT before and after implementation of TCC Coordinated SBST. Secondary outcomes include change in broad public health impact before and after implementation and stakeholder perceptions of the intervention's feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability using a mixed methods approach. With 1200 to 1300 total observations over 36 months, we have 80% power to detect a 15% improvement in the primary endpoint.

Discussion: This project, if successful, can demonstrate how the trauma system infrastructure can serve as the basis for a more integrated and effective system of emergency stroke care.

An automated approach to determine antibody endpoint titers for COVID-19 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

While a variety of therapeutic options continue to emerge for COVID-19 treatment, convalescent plasma (CP) has been used as a possible treatment option early in the pandemic. One of the most significant challenges with CP therapy, however, both when defining its efficacy and implementing its approach clinically, is accurately and efficiently characterizing an otherwise heterogenous therapeutic treatment. Given current limitations, our goal is to leverage a SARS antibody testing platform with a newly developed automated endpoint titer analysis program to rapidly define SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in CP donors and hospitalized patients. A newly developed antibody detection platform was used to perform a serial dilution enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Data were then analyzed using commercially available software, GraphPad Prism, or a newly developed program developed in Python called TiterScape, to analyze endpoint titers. Endpoint titer calculations and analysis times were then compared between the two analysis approaches. Serial dilution analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels revealed a high level of heterogeneity between individuals. Commercial platform analysis required significant time for manual data input and extrapolated endpoint titer values when the last serial dilution was above the endpoint cutoff, occasionally producing erroneously high results. By contrast, TiterScape processed 1008 samples for endpoint titer results in roughly 14 minutes compared with the 8 hours required for the commercial software program analysis. Equally important, results generated by TiterScape and Prism were highly similar, with differences averaging 1.26 ± 0.2 percent (mean ± SD). The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges when seeking to accurately test large numbers of individuals for SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels with a rapid turnaround time. ELISA platforms capable of serial dilution analysis coupled with a highly flexible software interface may provide a useful tool when seeking to define endpoint titers in a high-throughput manner. Immunohematology 2021;37:33-43. While a variety of therapeutic options continue to emerge for COVID-19 treatment, convalescent plasma (CP) has been used as a possible treatment option early in the pandemic. One of the most significant challenges with CP therapy, however, both when defining its efficacy and implementing its approach clinically, is accurately and efficiently characterizing an otherwise heterogenous therapeutic treatment. Given current limitations, our goal is to leverage a SARS antibody testing platform with a newly developed automated endpoint titer analysis program to rapidly define SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in CP donors and hospitalized patients. A newly developed antibody detection platform was used to perform a serial dilution enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and IgA SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Data were then analyzed using commercially available software, GraphPad Prism, or a newly developed program developed in Python called TiterScape, to analyze endpoint titers. Endpoint titer calculations and analysis times were then compared between the two analysis approaches. Serial dilution analysis of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels revealed a high level of heterogeneity between individuals. Commercial platform analysis required significant time for manual data input and extrapolated endpoint titer values when the last serial dilution was above the endpoint cutoff, occasionally producing erroneously high results. By contrast, TiterScape processed 1008 samples for endpoint titer results in roughly 14 minutes compared with the 8 hours required for the commercial software program analysis. Equally important, results generated by TiterScape and Prism were highly similar, with differences averaging 1.26 ± 0.2 percent (mean ± SD). The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges when seeking to accurately test large numbers of individuals for SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels with a rapid turnaround time. ELISA platforms capable of serial dilution analysis coupled with a highly flexible software interface may provide a useful tool when seeking to define endpoint titers in a high-throughput manner. Immunohematology 2021;37:33–43.

Serum pooling for rapid expansion of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing capacity

Objectives

Examine possible pooling strategies designed to expand SARS-CoV-2 serological testing capacity.

Methods

Negative pools were assessed to determine optimal optical density (OD) cutoffs, followed by spiking weak or strong positive samples to assess initial assay performance. Samples were then randomly subjected to pool and individual testing approaches.

Results

Single positive specimens consistently converted pools of 5, 10, or 20 into positive outcomes. However, weaker IgG-positive samples failed to similarly convert pools of 50 to a positive result. In contrast, a stronger individual positive sample converted all pools tested into positive outcomes. Finally, examination of 150 samples configured into pools of 5, 10, 20 or 50 accurately predicted the presence of positive or negative specimens within each pool.

Conclusions

These results suggest that pooling strategies may allow expansion of serological testing capacity. While limitations exist, such strategies may aid in large-scale epidemiological screening or identification of optimal convalescent plasma donors.

1181 Community-based Organizations Seek Sleep Health Education

Introduction

Increasing attention to the importance of sleep among children raises questions about how to implement accessible, effective interventions. Part of answering those questions rests in determining interest in and demand for programming. Pajama Program (PJP), a 501(c)(3), works with nearly 4,000 community-based organizations (CBOs) nationally that work with children exposed to adversity, including: foster care/child welfare; shelters; low-income schools, after-school, and early care and education programs; and social-service providers. Anticipating its launch of sleep health education programs, PJP and its Good Night Advisory Council of sleep experts designed a CBO needs assessment.

Methods

The survey was distributed electronically to staff at 3,911 CBOs; 1,635 organizations responded (42%).

Results

Across respondents, 65% work with children birth to 18 in settings that were non-residential (39%), residential (18%), or both (43%); most (91%) worked with participants for over one month. CBOs included child welfare/foster care (20.6% of respondents); transitional housing/shelter (20.5%); social services (15.6%); and early care and education (12.7%). Interest in sleep health education was high across all program types: 80 to 89% of programs within each type wanted information for staff and/or caregivers, specifically handouts (among 93% of programs), articles (88%), videos (85%), and workshops (70%). At least 90% of respondents who provided early care and education, parenting, and crisis services were interested in sleep health education for program staff. These program types also had high interest in sleep health education for caregivers, as did child welfare/foster care, school/after school, and shelters (all at least 90% of respondents).

Conclusion

The CBOs in this sample recognize sleep is an issue among the children they serve, but most did not have access to information on sleep health. These results establish the need for sleep health education and suggest preferred modalities. The project is a model for partnerships involving researchers, nonprofits, and community-based organizations.

Support

Funding for this project was provided by Pajama Program, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit.

1179 Barriers To Sleep Among Children Exposed To Adversity

Introduction

Children exposed to adversity (e.g., homelessness, poverty) are at risk of poor sleep. Community settings that serve these children, both residential (e.g., foster care group homes, shelters) and non-residential (e.g., early care and education, schools), hold important understandings to the barriers to sleep they experience. We surveyed a heterogeneous national sample of community-based organizations (CBOs) in our Pajama Program sample to explore these barriers.

Methods

Pajama Program, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, administered an online needs assessment in May 2016 to staff at 3,911 CBOs. This poster reports on qualitative responses to the question, What are the primary barriers to sleep and bedtime among children your organization serves? Responses from residential and non-residential CBOs were analyzed separately. Two trained coders independently used the constant comparative method to analyze transcripts.

Results

Survey respondents (1,635) provided services in non-residential (42%), residential (18%) and combined (43%) settings. Organizations provided child welfare/foster care (20.6% of programs); transitional housing/shelter (20.5%); social services (15.6%); and early care and education (12.7%) services. Responses to the target open-ended item were from 127 non-residential and 55 residential programs. Sleep barriers common to both settings included: late/irregular bedtimes; no bedtime routine; lack of sleep education; housing/food insecurity; stress; disrupted/uncomfortable sleep; and adapting to new environments. Trauma was a barrier among residential (vs. non-residential) programs. Non-residential providers noted unstable family situations, bedding insecurity, and poor sleep hygiene.

Conclusion

Our research highlights barriers to sleep among children exposed to adversity, a largely understudied yet high risk group. Barriers reported by residential and non-residential CBOs were more similar than different. was Across program types and settings, CBOs expressed a need for sleep health education interventions for children and caregivers.

Support

Funding for this project was provided by Pajama Program, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit.

0408 Myths About Infant, Child, and Adolescent Sleep: Addressing False Beliefs That Hinder Sleep Health During These Crucial Developmental Stages

Introduction

Sleep is vital for healthy development from infancy through adolescence. Despite its importance, false beliefs that conflict with scientific evidence (myths) may be common among caregivers and impair sleep health during these crucial stages.

Methods

Researchers compiled a list of potential myth statements using internet searches of popular press and scientific literature. We utilized a Delphi process with experts (n=12) from the fields of pediatric, sleep, and circadian research and clinical practice. Selection and refinement of myths by sleep experts proceeded in three phases, including: focus groups (Phase 1); email-based feedback to edit, add, or remove myths (Phase 2); and closed-ended questionnaires (Phase 3) where experts rated myths on two dimensions: (1) falseness and (2) public health significance using 5-point Likert scale: 1 (“not at all”) to 5 (“extremely false/important”).

Results

Thirty-two sleep myths were identified across three developmental categories: infant (14 myths), child (6 myths), and adolescent (12 myths). Mean expert ratings illuminated the most pressing myths in each developmental category: infant sleep (“Sleep training causes psychological harm, including reduced parent-child attachment:” falseness =4.7, s.d.=0.7; public health significance=4.0, s.d.=1.1); child sleep (“Heavy, loud snoring for my child means he’s sleeping deeply:” falseness=4.8, s.d.=0.6; public health significance=4.7, s.d.=0.7), and teenager sleep (“Falling asleep in class means your teenager is lazy and not motivated:” falseness=4.8, s.d.=0.5; public health significance=4.3, s.d.=0.8).

Conclusion

The current study identified commonly-held myths about infant, child, and adolescent sleep that are not supported by (or worse, counter to) scientific evidence. If unchecked, these myths may hinder sleep at a critical developmental stage. Future research may include public health education to correct myths and promote healthy sleep among infants, children, and teenagers.

Support

5T32HL007901

A45 INFLAMMATION AND INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY IN PEDIATRIC SHORT BOWEL SYNDROME

Background

Both intestinal dysbiosis and central-line associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) have been well documented in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Gastrointestinal microbiota prime and regulate mucosal immunity, therefore we hypothesize children with SBS may have longstanding increased intestinal permeability which could lead to mucosal inflammation and predispose to bacteremia.

Aims

We sought to investigate intestinal permeability as well as both intestinal and systemic activation of the inflammatory cascade in children with SBS.

Methods

Two cohorts of children with SBS were consented; with Group 1 including children with SBS requiring central venous catheter (CVC) for parenteral nutrition, and Group 2 including children with SBS without CVC. SBS groups were compared to three control groups including age and sex-matched children with CVC for hematologic disease (Group 3), children without a CVC (Group 4) and healthy adult controls (Group 5). To evaluate intestinal permeability, we quantified circulating bacterial products LPS and MDP through the binding of their respective receptors, TLR4 and NOD2. To determine colonic inflammation, fecal calprotectin was quantified from a single stool sample. Cytokine profiles included IFN-γ, IL-Iβ, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, TNFα were quantified by Multiplex Immunoassay while gene expression of transcription factors FoxP3+, RORγT, TLR2, and TLR4, were determined by RNA extraction and quantitative PCR.

Results

22 children were recruited in the study (Group 1 n=6, Group 2 n=6, Group 3 n=5, Group 4 n=5) as well as 10 adult control samples (Group 5). The median age of Group 1 was 67 months with a residual small intestine of 26.5cm (IQR 24.7–40) while those in Group 2 were 51 months with a residual small intestine of 55cm (IQR 31.2–89). Circulating bacterial products of LPS and MDP were not different between SBS groups and control children. Serum analysis of cytokine TNFα was significant (p<0.005) however multiple comparator analysis did not identify within group differences. Other cytokines did not differ between groups. Fecal calprotectin levels were not elevated however statistically lower in Group 1 (median 12.8mg/kg; IQR 9.3- 34.9) compared to in Group 2 (median 96mg/kg, IQR 71.6–188.2;) p <0.01. Relative quantification of RNA expression of FoxP3+, RORγT, TLR2, and TLR4 did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Despite concern of compromised intestinal epithelial barrier function in children with SBS, this study did not detect differences in circulating bacterial products compared to control children as an assessment of intestinal permeability nor increased systemic inflammation. Further research is required to investigate intestinal epithelial barrier function over time and the mechanism of bacteremia in children with SBS.

Funding Agencies

CAGRegional Medical Associates of Hamilton

Performance of the inFLUenza Patient-Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO) diary in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI)

BACKGROUND

The inFLUenza Patient Reported Outcome (FLU-PRO) measure is a daily diary assessing signs/symptoms of influenza across six body systems: Nose, Throat, Eyes, Chest/Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Body/Systemic, developed and tested in adults with influenza.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of FLU-PRO scores in adults with influenza-like illness (ILI).

METHODS

Data from the prospective, observational study used to develop and test the FLU-PRO in influenza virus positive patients were analyzed. Adults (≥18 years) presenting with influenza symptoms in outpatient settings in the US, UK, Mexico, and South America were enrolled, tested for influenza virus, and asked to complete the 37-item draft FLU-PRO daily for up to 14-days. Analyses were performed on data from patients testing negative. Reliability of the final, 32-item FLU-PRO was estimated using Cronbach's alpha (α; Day 1) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC; 2-day reproducibility). Convergent and known-groups validity were assessed using patient global assessments of influenza severity (PGA). Patient report of return to usual health was used to assess responsiveness (Day 1-7).

RESULTS

The analytical sample included 220 ILI patients (mean age = 39.3, 64.1% female, 88.6% white). Sixty-one (28%) were hospitalized at some point in their illness. Internal consistency reliability (α) of FLU-PRO Total score was 0.90 and ranged from 0.72-0.86 for domain scores. Reproducibility (Day 1-2) was 0.64 for Total, ranging from 0.46-0.78 for domain scores. Day 1 FLU-PRO scores correlated (≥0.30) with the PGA (except Gastrointestinal) and were significantly different across PGA severity groups (Total: F = 81.7, p<0.001; subscales: F = 6.9-62.2; p<0.01). Mean score improvements Day 1-7 were significantly greater in patients reporting return to usual health compared with those who did not (p<0.05, Total and subscales, except Gastrointestinal and Eyes).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest FLU-PRO scores are reliable, valid, and responsive in adults with influenza-like illness.

Control and formation mechanism of extended nanochannel geometry in colloidal mesoporous silica particles

A large class of colloidal multi-micron mesoporous silica particles have well-defined cylindrical nanopores, nanochannels which self-assembled in the templated sol-gel process. These particles are of broad interest in photonics, for timed drug release, enzyme stabilization, separation and filtration technologies, catalysis, etc. Although the pore geometry and mechanism of pore formation of such particles has been widely investigated at the nanoscale, their pore geometry and its formation mechanism at a larger (extended) scale is still under debate. The extended geometry of nanochannels is paramount for all aforementioned applications because it defines accessibility of nanochannels, and subsequently, kinetics of interaction of the nanochannel content with the particle surrounding. Here we present both experimental and theoretical investigation of the extended geometry and its formation mechanism in colloidal multi-micron mesoporous silica particles. We demonstrate that disordered (and consequently, well accessible) nanochannels in the initially formed colloidal particles gradually align and form extended self-sealed channels. This knowledge allows to control the percentage of disordered versus self-sealed nanochannels, which defines accessibility of nanochannels in such particles. We further show that the observed aligning the channels is in agreement with theory; it is thermodynamically favored as it decreases the Gibbs free energy of the particles. Besides the practical use of the obtained results, developing a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of morphogenesis of complex geometry of nanopores will open doors to efficient and controllable synthesis that will, in turn, further fuel the practical utilization of these particles.

Effect of experimental change in children's sleep duration on television viewing and physical activity

BACKGROUND

Paediatric observational studies demonstrate associations between sleep, television viewing and potential changes in daytime activity levels.

OBJECTIVE(S)

To determine whether experimental changes in sleep lead to changes in children's sedentary and physical activities.

METHODS

Using a within-subject counterbalanced design, 37 children 8-11 years old completed a 3-week study. Children slept their typical amount during a baseline week and were then randomized to increase or decrease mean time in bed by 1.5 h/night for 1 week; the alternate schedule was completed the final week. Children wore actigraphs on their non-dominant wrist and completed 3-d physical activity recalls each week.

RESULTS

Children reported watching more television (p < 0.001) and demonstrated lower daytime actigraph-measured activity counts per epoch (p = 0.03) when sleep was decreased (compared with increased). However, total actigraph-measured activity counts accrued throughout the entire waking period were higher when sleep was decreased (and children were awake for longer) than when it was increased (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION(S)

Short sleep during childhood may lead to increased television viewing and decreased mean activity levels. Although additional time awake may help to counteract negative effects of short sleep, increases in reported sedentary activities could contribute to weight gain over time.

The acceptability of healthcare: from satisfaction to trust

The assessment of healthcare quality increasingly emphasises lay acceptability, as evidenced by the emergence of patient satisfaction and patient-centred care in the literature and in policy. In this paper we aim to provide a conceptual overview of acceptability and propose ways to enhance its assessment. Firstly, we map how acceptability's importance in quality assessments has increased and how the term acceptability has been used as synonymous with patient satisfaction, despite it being a broader concept. We then critique the concept of patient satisfaction and its measurement and challenge its use as an indicator of acceptability and quality. By drawing on our research and those of others, the second half of the paper describes how trust in clinicians and health services has emerged as a related concept, including a theoretical discussion of trust in healthcare outlining how it can be built, undermined and abused. We propose trust as an alternative indicator of acceptability in healthcare quality and review its measurement. Finally, we consider how healthcare policy may impact on trust and make recommendations for future research.

The oral health of people with learning disabilities - a user-friendly questionnaire survey

Impetus for action

To conduct a user-friendly questionnaire survey of the oral health and service needs of adults with learning disabilities.

Solution

Researchers collaborated with local self-advocacy services to develop a questionnaire adapted from one used in a regional postal survey. The questionnaire, which covered dental status, oral health and dental services use, was sent to a random sample of people from the learning disability case register.

Outcome

Of 2,000 questionnaires mailed, 117 were returned undelivered and 625 were completed (response rate 31.3%). The self-reported dental status of people with learning disabilities appeared similar to that of the 2008 postal survey of the general population in Sheffield. The major difference in dental status was 11.5% of people with learning disabilities wore upper dentures and 7.2% wore lower dentures, compared to 21.2% and 12.1% of the general population in Sheffield.

Challenges

Using the case register as a recruitment instrument may have excluded people with learning disabilities not registered. Time and finances only permitted one mailing. Analysis on the basis of deprivation could not be conducted.

Future implications and learning points

Contrary to current practice, it is possible to include people with learning disabilities in oral health surveys. A multidisciplinary team was essential for enabling the progression and implementation of inclusive research and for people with learning disabilities and their supporters to engage meaningfully. This level of collaboration appears necessary if we are committed to ensuring that people with learning disabilities and their supporters are made visible to policy and decision-makers.

357 EARLY FETAL DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR TRANSFER BOVINE EMBRYOS GENERATED FROM FIBROBLASTS GENETICALLY MODIFIED BY piggyBac TRANSPOSITION

Transposon-mediated transgenesis is a well-established tool for genome manipulation in small animal models. However, translation of this active transgenesis method to the large animal setting requires further investigation. We have previously demonstrated that a helper-independent piggyBac (PB) transposon system can efficiently transpose transgenes into the bovine genome [Alessio et al. 2014 Reprod. Domest. Anim. 49 (Suppl. 1), 8]. The aims of the current study were a) to investigate the effectiveness of a hyperactive version of the PB transposase, and b) to determine the ability of the genetically modified cells to support early embryo and fetal development upon somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFF) were chemically transfected with either pmGENIE-3 (a helper-independent PB transposon conferring genes for hygromycin resistance and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP); Urschitz et al. 2010 PNAS USA 107, 8117–8122), pmhyGENIE-3 (carrying an hyperactive version of the PB transposase; Marh et al. 2012 PNAS USA 109, 19 184–19 189), or pmGENIE-3/Δ PB (a control plasmid lacking a functional PB transposase). Upon transfection, cell cultures were subjected to 14 days of hygromycin selection. Antibiotic-resistant and EGFP+ colonies were counted and data analysed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. For SCNT, pmhyGENIE-3 and pmGENIE-3 polyclonal cell lines were selected by FACS and individual cells used as nuclear donors. Day 7 blastocysts were nonsurgically transferred to synchronized recipients. Conceptuses were recovered by Day 35 of gestation, observed under fluorescence excitation, and genotyped. The mean number of colonies in pmhyGENIE-3 group was significantly higher than those in pmGENIE-3 and the control group (324.0 ± 17.8 v. 100.0 ± 16.1 and 2.8 ± 0.8 respectively, n = 4–7; P < 0.05). The hyperactive transposase increased transgene integration efficiency 3.24 times compared with the conventional PB transposase. The SCNT and early fetal development data are summarised in Table 1. Phenotypic analysis revealed that both transgenic fetuses and the extraembryonic membranes expressed EGFP with no macroscopic evidence of variegated transgene expression. Molecular analysis by PCR confirmed that both fetuses carried the transposon DNA. Here, we demonstrate that a hyperactive version of the PB transposase is more active in bovine cells than the conventional PB transposase. In addition, SCNT embryos generated from genetically modified cells by the pGENIE transposon system can progress to early stages of fetal development. Table 1.SCNT and early fetal development of bovine fibroblasts transposed with piggyBac1 The financial support of UNRC, CONICET and ANPCyT from Argentina is gratefully acknowledged.

Spanish version of the Sleep Self-Report (SSR): factorial structure and psychometric properties

BACKGROUND

The Sleep Self-Report (SSR) is a questionnaire initially created for use with a sample from the USA to assess sleep patterns and problems in school-aged children. The objective of this study was to validate the SSR among a Spanish sample.

METHODS

Participants were 1228 Spanish children from 8 to 12 years of age who completed the questionnaires at school anonymously.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was good (ω = 0.85). Convergent validity with anxiety (r = 0.54) and perceived welfare (r = -0.53) measures, and divergent validity with a measure of academic performance and positive influence of peers (r = -0.22) were acceptable. Exploratory analysis suggested a factorial structure composed by four subscales: sleep quality, sleep anxiety, bedtime refusal and sleep routines. Confirmatory analysis indicated a good fit for the model (RMSEA = 0.04; GFI = 0.95; AGFI = 0.93; χ(2)/gl = 2.48).

CONCLUSIONS

The SSR has demonstrated to have good psychometric properties in the Spanish-speaking sample of children. The factorial structure supported by exploratory and confirmatory analysis examines the most relevant areas of sleep in children. The satisfactory psychometric properties support the use of the Spanish version of the SSR by researchers and clinicians.

'Too withdrawn' or 'too friendly': considering social vulnerability in two neuro-developmental disorders

In some neuro-developmental disorders, the combined effect of intellectual disability and atypicalities of social cognition may put individuals at increased vulnerability in their social environment. The neuro-developmental disorders Williams syndrome, characterised by 'hypersociability', and autism spectrum disorders, characterised by 'social withdrawal', are at two extremes of atypical social functioning in humans. In this article, we use Williams syndrome and autism spectrum disorders as exemplars to demonstrate how atypicalities of social cognition may contribute to social vulnerability in these populations. The lives of individuals with both these disorders are marred by an increased risk of social isolation, bullying, unsteady relationships, employment difficulties and abuse. While different behavioural interventions have been tried to improve social functioning in these populations, there has been great variability in their success. Finally, we discuss different issues regarding social independence of these individuals; including employment, safety and decision making.

Safety evaluation and treatment affect of LY2190416, a CB-1 antagonist/inverse agonist in growing beagle dogs

The objective of this study was to assess the safe use of LY2190416, a cannabinoid receptor 1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist, for obesity management in dogs. Twenty-four clinically normal young beagle dogs were administered LY2190416 at doses of 3, 9, or 18 mg/kg or placebo, orally, once daily for 13 weeks. Food consumption and body weight were determined, and dogs were evaluated for changes in hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and serum cortisol. LY2190416 had no significant effect on hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and serum cortisol. All dogs consumed 100% of their entire daily allowance throughout the study. All dogs gained weight during the study, but treated dogs gained less than control dogs by the end of the study. During the first month, dogs exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in rate of weight gain (19.7 g/day for control dogs vs. 10.6 g/day for the 18 mg/kg dose group). LY2190416 was found to be safe at doses up to 18 mg/kg administered daily for 3 months. Results suggest that LY2190416 decreases rate of weight gain without affecting appetite or causing significant adverse health effects in normal growing dogs. Possible mechanisms for a proposed metabolic effect are discussed.

166. MATERNAL OBESITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF PROSTATE ABNORMALITIES IN ADULT RAT OFFSPRING

The World Health Organization has stated that 75% of adults worldwide are overweight, and in Australia nearly 25% of men are obese. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, with 30 to 40% of the latter possibly preventable by maintaining a healthy weight (The International Association for the Study of Obesity). Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and there is increasing evidence that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer mortality. High birth weight, an indication of excess nutrition during foetal development, has been associated with an increased risk of childhood and adult obesity, and for cancer. Using an animal model, we investigated whether obese mothers are more likely to have obese sons who are at an increased risk of developing prostate abnormalities and thus prostate cancer, in adulthood. Female rats were fed with either a control diet (4g fat/kg) or high fat diet (100g fat/kg) from before mating and throughout pregnancy. Prostate tissues were collected from the male offspring at 90 days (post-puberty) and 180 days (young adult). Histological analysis of the day 90 prostates identified hyperplasia in 100% of the ventral lobes (VL) and 64% of the dorsolateral lobes (DLP) in offspring of the maternal high fat group compared to 0% in each respectively, in those of the maternal control diet group. The VL is the most hormone sensitive prostate lobe of the rat, while the DLP is considered the equivalent of the human peripheral zone, the region from which the majority of human prostate cancers arise. These results suggest for the first time that maternal high fat diet may induce prostate abnormalities in male offspring that may in turn, predispose to an increased risk of prostate cancer in later life.

The case report in 21st century child dental literature

AIM

To review recent dental child case reports to determine: 1 the main focus of the paper; 2 perceived contribution to the dental literature and, 3 involvement of the child.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

Case reports published between 2000 and 2005 were identified using Medline via Ovid and Embase databases. Papers were reviewed to determine: their perceived value; whether they related to a single case or case series; the main dental condition; how the child was referred to, and inclusion of any child-centred input within the report.

RESULTS AND STATISTICS

663 case reports, from 82 journal titles, were subject to review. The majority presented a single patient (82%) and discussed a type of intervention or treatment (58%). The most common themes related to oral pathology/medicine (28%), and orthodontics (26%). Most children were referred to as 'patients' (74%) with little use of personalised terms (4%). Few reports included any child-centred input or contribution from a proxy (10% and 2% respectively). Inter- and intra-examiner repeatability for categorisation was excellent.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of child-related reports described a treatment or intervention which is surprising given the low level of case reports in the hierarchy of evidence. The child's perspective in the presenting complaint or outcome needs greater consideration.

Maintaining a high level of suspicion for recurrent malignant disease: report of a case with periapical involvement

AIM

To report the unusual endodontic presentation and radiographic features of a subgroup of pleomorphic adenoma called carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and to stress the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion in cases where primary or recurrent neoplasia is included in the differential diagnosis.

SUMMARY

This paper describes a case in which a patient with a previous history of malignant neoplasm presented with signs and symptoms similar to a dental infection. The pathology report however confirmed recurrence of the previous tumour in a malignant fashion. The importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion in early management of such disease is highlighted.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

*Pleomorphic adenomas, also known as benign mixed tumours, are common salivary gland tumours, which infrequently undergo malignant transformation, with potentially devastating consequences. *Malignant salivary gland tumours can present as dental swelling, dental pain and sudden loss of vitality of teeth so both general practitioners and specialists have the responsibility to evaluate such patients with a broad vision. *Radiographic differential diagnosis of periapical radiolucency should also include malignant salivary gland tumours. *This case highlights the need of vigilance at all times and emphasizes the benefits of biopsy and histological examination in the diagnosis of recurrent malignant salivary gland tumours.