Discovery of Potent Glycosidases Enables Quantification of Smoke-Derived Phenolic Glycosides through Enzymatic Hydrolysis

When grapes are exposed to wildfire smoke, certain smoke-related volatile phenols (VPs) can be absorbed into the fruit, where they can be then converted into volatile-phenol (VP) glycosides through glycosylation. These volatile-phenol glycosides can be particularly problematic from a winemaking standpoint as they can be hydrolyzed, releasing volatile phenols, which can contribute to smoke-related off-flavors. Current methods for quantitating these volatile-phenol glycosides present several challenges, including the requirement of expensive capital equipment, limited accuracy due to the molecular complexity of the glycosides, and the utilization of harsh reagents. To address these challenges, we proposed an enzymatic hydrolysis method enabled by a tailored enzyme cocktail of novel glycosidases discovered through genome mining, and the generated VPs from VP glycosides can be quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The enzyme cocktails displayed high activities and a broad substrate scope when using commercially available VP glycosides as the substrates for testing. When evaluated in an industrially relevant matrix of Cabernet Sauvignon wine and grapes, this enzymatic cocktail consistently achieved a comparable efficacy of acid hydrolysis. The proposed method offers a simple, safe, and affordable option for smoke taint analysis.

The influence of late prematurity on the encephalopathy exam of infants with neonatal encephalopathy

BACKGROUND

Late preterm (LPT) infants are increasingly treated for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, neurodevelopmental differences of LPT infants may independently influence the neurologic exam and confound care.

METHODS

Perinatal and outcome characteristics were extracted along with the worst autonomic and state/neuromuscular/reflex Sarnat components in a cross-section of infants with moderate/severe HIE. Infants were classified as late preterm (LPT, 34-36 weeks) or term (>36 weeks).

RESULTS

250 infants were identified, 55 were late preterm. LPT infants had lower mean gestational age and birthweight and greater length of stay (LOS). LPT infants had higher median scores for the Moro and respiratory autonomic components, but no difference in total score.

CONCLUSIONS

LPT infants had increased LOS, worse Moro reflex, and respiratory status, but no clinically or statistically significant differences in total Sarnat scores. Although it is important to note the impact of immaturity on the exam, it is unlikely to independently alter management.

Cost, reach, and representativeness of recruitment efforts for an online skin cancer risk reduction intervention trial for young adults

Despite its increasing use, few studies have reported on demographic representativeness and costs of research recruitment via social media. It was hypothesized that cost, reach, enrollment, and demographic representativeness would differ by social media recruitment approach. Participants were 18-25 year-olds at moderate to high risk of skin cancer based on phenotypic and behavioral characteristics. Paid Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter ads, unpaid social media posts by study staff, and unpaid referrals were used to recruit participants. Demographic and other characteristics of the sample were compared with the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) sample. Analyses demonstrated significant differences among recruitment approaches regarding cost efficiency, study participation, and representativeness. Costs were compared across 4,274 individuals who completed eligibility screeners over a 7-month period from: Instagram, 44.6% (of the sample) = 1,907, $9 (per individual screened); Facebook, 31.5% = 1,345, $8; Twitter, 1% = 42, $178; unpaid posts by study staff, 10.6% and referred, 6.5%, $1. The lowest rates of study enrollment among individuals screened was for Twitter. Most demographic and skin cancer risk factors of study participants differed from those of the 2015 NHIS sample and across social media recruitment approaches. Considering recruitment costs and number of participants enrolled, Facebook and Instagram appeared to be the most useful approaches for recruiting 18-25 year-olds. Findings suggest that project budget, target population and representativeness, and participation goals should inform selection and/or combination of existing and emerging online recruitment approaches.

Role of QRS amplitude, fractionation and duration in predicting clinical response to anti-inflammatory treatment in cardiac sarcoidosis

Background

Low QRS amplitude (QRSa), QRS fractionation (QRSf) and longer QRS duration (QRSd) are markers of myocardial fibrosis and inflammation in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

Objective

To determine if reduction of inflammation with treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) may reverse these 12 lead ECG parameter changes.

Methods

21 patients (pts) with CS and VT ablation with a positive baseline positron emission tomographic (PET 1) scan were studied. All pts received prednisone ≥40 mg for 4 to 8 weeks followed by a taper and maintenance with methotrexate ± low-dose prednisone, <10 mg/day, until clinically stable and resolution of inflammation on PET 2 one year after initial. In addition, pts with low LV ejection fraction (13/21) received guideline directed medical therapy for heart failure. Pts at 1yr with positive PET2 (9) were compared to those with negative PET2 (12). Baseline and 1yr 12-lead ECGs were analyzed for QRSd, ≥2QRSf contiguous leads and QRSa in the limb leads.

Results

Pts in PET2(+) vs PET2(−) groups has similar gender (men 89% vs 100%, p=0.42), age (57±8 vs 56±10 years, p=0.8) and LV ejection fraction (41±11 vs 46±11, p=0.31). Baseline 12-lead ECGs showed similar QRSd, ≥2QRSf contiguous leads and QRSa for PET2(+) vs PET2(−); P all >0.15 (Table 1). At 1 yr there was a lower prevalence of ≥2QRSf contiguous leads and strong trend for shorter QRS duration and larger QRSa in lead DI if PET2(−) vs PET2(+). 4 pts demonstrated loss of QRSf 2 contiguous leads and/or increase in QRSa in DI by at least 0.15 mV from baseline if PET2(−) and none if PET2(+).

Conclusions

In pts with CS and VT, reversal of inflammation may result in a greater QRSa and reduction in QRSf. An increase in QRSa in lead 1 by >0.15mV and/or loss of QRSf identifies a clear positive response to treatment and negative PET at 1 year.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Richard T and Angela Clark Innovation Fund in Cardiovascular Medicine, the Mark S Marchlinski EP Research and Education Fund and the Winkelman Family Fund in Cardiovascular Innovation. Table 1

A single-arm pilot of a web-based intervention to improve itch-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

Many patients with chronic itch and atopic dermatitis (AD) or psoriasis do not receive/use available medical and psychosocial treatments properly due to system, provider and/or patient factors.

OBJECTIVE

An educational website (ITCH-RELIEF) to improve itch-related quality of life (QoL) for adults with AD or psoriasis and chronic itch was developed and assessed. ITCH RELIEF stands for Interactive Toolbox of Comprehensive Health Resources to Enhance Living with Itch - Educational Facilitation (for Adults).

METHODS

Single-arm pre- and post-test design with 1-month follow-up (N = 137 at baseline).

RESULTS

There was statistically and clinically significant improvement in the primary outcome of itch-related QoL impairment as assessed by the ItchyQoL from baseline [M = 78.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 75.9, 81.9] to follow up (M = 75.4, CI = 72.4, 78.5), P = 0.007, as well as statistically significant improvement in several itch-related secondary outcomes (all Ps < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated initial effectiveness of an online intervention to improve itch-related QoL among individuals with AD or psoriasis and chronic itch. Future studies should address limitations by randomizing more heterogeneous participants, utilizing a longer follow-up and assessing medication use.

Society of Behavioral Medicine Position Statement: promote sun-safety policies and practices for youth in educational, childcare, and recreational settings

Youth should be allowed and encouraged to engage in sun-safe behaviors in educational, childcare, and recreational settings, including use of sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, other sun-protective clothing, and shade.

Correction: Association Between State Indoor Tanning Legislation and Google Search Trends Data in the United States From 2006 to 2019: Time-Series Analysis

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/26707.].

Association Between State Indoor Tanning Legislation and Google Search Trends Data in the United States From 2006 to 2019: Time-Series Analysis

BACKGROUND

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning is the cause of most skin cancers. Although indoor tanning has decreased in recent years, it remains most common among adolescents and young adults, whose skin is particularly vulnerable to long-term damage. US states have adopted several types of legislation to attempt to minimize indoor tanning among minors: a ban on indoor tanning among all minors, a partial minor ban by age (eg, <14 years), or the requirement of parental consent or accompaniment for tanning. Currently, only 6 US states have no indoor tanning legislation for minors.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether internet searches (as an indicator of interest) related to indoor tanning varied across US states by the type of indoor tanning legislation, using data from Google Trends from 2006 to 2019.

METHODS

We conducted a time-series analysis of Google Trends data on indoor tanning from 2006 to 2019 by US state. Time-series linear regression models were generated to assess the Google Trends data over time by the type of indoor tanning legislation.

RESULTS

We found that indoor tanning search rates decreased significantly for all 50 states and the District of Columbia over time (P<.01). The searches peaked in 2012 when indoor tanning received marked attention (eg, indoor tanning was banned for all minors by the first state-California). The reduction in search rates was more marked for states with a complete ban among minors compared to those with less restrictive types of legislation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are consistent with those of other studies on the association between indoor tanning regulations and attitudinal and behavioral trends related to indoor tanning. The main limitation of the study is that raw search data were not available for more precise analysis. With changes in interest and norms, indoor tanning and skin cancer risk among young people may change. Future studies should continue to determine the impact of such public health policies in order to inform policy efforts and minimize risks to public health.

Discovery of a natural cyan blue: A unique food-sourced anthocyanin could replace synthetic brilliant blue

The color of food is critical to the food and beverage industries, as it influences many properties beyond eye-pleasing visuals including flavor, safety, and nutritional value. Blue is one of the rarest colors in nature's food palette-especially a cyan blue-giving scientists few sources for natural blue food colorants. Finding a natural cyan blue dye equivalent to FD&C Blue No. 1 remains an industry-wide challenge and the subject of several research programs worldwide. Computational simulations and large-array spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the 3D chemical structure, color expression, and stability of this previously uncharacterized cyan blue anthocyanin-based colorant. Synthetic biology and computational protein design tools were leveraged to develop an enzymatic transformation of red cabbage anthocyanins into the desired anthocyanin. More broadly, this research demonstrates the power of a multidisciplinary strategy to solve a long-standing challenge in the food industry.

Prevalence and correlates of skin self-examination behaviors among melanoma survivors: a systematic review

Melanoma is the most common cause of skin cancer deaths, and individuals who have had melanoma have an increased risk of developing new melanomas. Doing regular self-examinations of skin enables one to detect thinner melanomas earlier when the disease is more treatable. The aim of this systematic review is to characterize and evaluate the existing literature on the prevalence and correlates of skin self-examination (SSE) behaviors among adult melanoma survivors in the USA and Canada. A computerized literature search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria for the studies were: (a) reported results for adult melanoma survivors in the USA or Canada, (b) papers described empirical research, (c) assessed SSE and related behaviors, and (d) papers were published in a peer-reviewed journal in the past 20 years. Key phrases such as "skin self-examination/SSE in melanoma survivors in the United States" and "correlates of skin self-examination/SSE" were used. Based on the inclusion criteria, 30 studies were included in the systematic review. SSE prevalence varied depending on how SSE was defined. Demographics and factors (gender, education level, patient characteristics, partner assistance, and physician support) associated with SSE were identified. Findings of this review show evidence for the need to have a consistent way to assess SSE and suggest different types of correlates on which to focus in order to promote SSE and reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence in survivors. This systematic review and its protocol have been registered in the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care (PROSPERO; ID: 148878).

Qualitative Research in EMDR Therapy: Exploring the Individual Experience of the How and Why

This narrative literature review examines 12 eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy studies published in peer-reviewed journals that implement qualitative methodology other than case studies. Qualitative studies in the EMDR community and in mental health research can get overlooked because they are not perceived to be as scientific as quantitative studies. However, the presence of proper, systematic methodology in qualitative research can reveal another layer of important data about the how and why of EMDR therapy's impact. A variety of study types are reviewed (grounded theory, phenomenology, content and thematic analysis, and several other published forms) that offer evidence-based insight in six major areas of relevance to the EMDR community: the value of the therapeutic relationship and attunement, the role of EMDR therapy preparation and safety measures, the perceived impact of reprocessing phases, and insights for EMDR therapy training and implementation. The authors conclude that it is imperative that clinicians attend to the therapeutic relationship and provide adequate preparation. A discussion about clinical implementation and training EMDR therapists is also included, with suggestions made for advancing qualitative research in EMDR therapy.

Development and Initial Psychometric Properties of Two Itch-Related Measures: Scratch Intensity and Impact, Sleep-Related Itch and Scratch

Self-report measures are needed to better understand the relationships among sleep, itching, scratching, and chronic itch conditions and their associations with disease severity, QOL, health, and functioning. Two scales related to sleep and/or scratch were recently developed and assessed in 137 patients with chronic itch and atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. The Scratch Intensity and Impact Scale consisted of two factors (scratching intensity and impact of scratching on QOL) that accounted for 64.59% of the variance with a total of 13 items, overall Cronbach's α of 0.93, and test-retest reliability of 0.66. The Sleep-Related Itch and Scratch Scale consisted of one factor that accounted for 63.01% of the variance with a total of 16 items, overall Cronbach's α of 0.98, and test-retest reliability of 0.66. Both measures demonstrated significant correlations with each other as well as other itch-related measures and nonsignificant correlations with scales hypothesized to be unrelated. The final measures demonstrated adequate preliminary psychometric characteristics. It is hoped that these scales will be used for future research and clinical purposes to help fill recognized gaps in understanding about sleep, itch, scratching, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

TechCare: Mobile-assessment and therapy for psychosis: An intervention for clients within the early intervention service

Introduction

In the UK, mental illness is a major source of disease burden costing in the region of £105 billion pounds. mHealth is a novel and emerging field in psychiatric and psychological care for the treatment of mental health difficulties such as psychosis.

Objective

To develop an intelligent real-time therapy (iRTT) mobile intervention (TechCare) which assesses participant's symptoms in real-time and responds with a personalised self-help based psychological intervention, with the aim of reducing participant's symptoms. The system will utilise intelligence at two levels:

– intelligently increasing the frequency of assessment notifications if low mood/paranoia is detected;

– an intelligent machine learning algorithm which provides interventions in real-time and also provides recommendations on the most popular selected interventions.

Aim

The aim of the current project is to develop a mobile phone intervention for people with psychosis, and to conduct a feasibility study of the TechCare App.

Methods

The study consists of both qualitative and quantitative components. The study will be run across three strands:

– qualitative work;

– test run and intervention refinement;

– feasibility trial.

Results

Preliminary analysis of qualitative data from Strand 2 (test run and intervention refinement) in-depth interviews with service users (n = 2) and focus group with health professionals (n = 1), highlighted main themes around security of the device, multimedia and the acceptability of psychological interventions being delivered via the TechCare App.

Conclusions

Research in this area can be potentially helpful in addressing the demand on mental health services globally, particularly improving access to psychological interventions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Development and psychometrics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire

Background

The aim of this study was to validate the English version of the Itch Cognition Questionnaire in a sample of patients with chronic itch due to psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. An English-language version of an instrument assessing itch-related cognitions is needed since cognitions can contribute to a worsening of itch, and chronic itch is prevalent in English-speaking counties and internationally.

Methods

The German Itch Cognitions Questionnaire was translated into English, and cognitive interviewing was conducted to finalize item wording. Internal and test-retest reliability, item discrimination, responsiveness to change, and construct, convergent, and discriminant validity were assessed in a national sample of 137 individuals with chronic itch due to atopic dermatitis or psoriasis recruited online.

Results

Internal reliability was high with Cronbach’s alphas of 0.93 for the Catastrophizing subscale and 0.88–0.90 for Coping. The Pearson’s correlation assessing 1-month test-retest reliability for the Catastrophizing subscale was r = 0.62 and for the Coping subscale was r = 0.61. The corrected item-total correlation revealed that items were relatively consistent with the scores for the subscales (with correlations ranging from 0.58 to 0.79), indicating very good item discrimination. Results of factor analysis, convergent and discriminant, and responsiveness to change analyses provided evidence for validity.

Conclusions

This study showed good psychometric characteristics of the English version of the Itch Cognitions Questionnaire. We suggest that future studies investigate the use of the measure in clinical practice to assist with treatment planning and outcome assessment related to itch as well as address study limitations such as sampling and replication.

Awareness, understanding, use, and impact of the UV index: A systematic review of over two decades of international research

The ultraviolet radiation index (UVI) was adopted internationally to raise awareness about and encourage the public to protect their skin from skin cancer. The current paper is a systematic review of over 20 years of research investigating awareness, comprehension, use, and impact of the UVI. Thirty-one studies were included from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Awareness of the UVI varies by country, with samples from some countries demonstrating high awareness. However, comprehension and use of the UVI to inform sun safety behaviors are typically much lower. In fact, greater UVI awareness has sometimes been associated with riskier UV-related behaviors such as intentional tanning. Fewer studies have evaluated interventions, and their results have been mixed. In summary, more research is needed to determine how to help the public understand and use the UVI for effective skin protection. This review offers suggestions for future use of and research with the UVI.

Using community-based participatory research to develop healthy retail strategies in Native American-owned convenience stores: The THRIVE study

In rural Native American communities, access to healthy foods is limited and diet-related disparities are significant. Tribally owned and operated convenience stores, small food stores that sell ready-to-eat foods and snacks primarily high in fat and sugar, serve as the primary and, in some areas, the only food stores. The Tribal Health and Resilience in Vulnerable Environments or "THRIVE" study, implemented between 2013 and 2018, is the first healthy retail intervention study implemented in tribally owned and operated convenience stores. THRIVE aims to increase vegetable and fruit intake among Native Americans living within the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The study comprises three phases: 1) formative research assessing tribal community food environments and associated health outcomes; 2) intervention development to assess convenience stores and tailor healthy retail product, pricing, promotion, and placement strategies; and 3) intervention implementation and evaluation. In this paper we share the participatory research process employed by our tribal-university partnership to develop this healthy retail intervention within the unique contexts of tribal convenience stores. We summarize our methods to engage tribal leaders across diverse health, government, and commerce sectors and adapt and localize intervention strategies that test the ability of tribal nations to increase fruit and vegetable purchasing and consumption among tribal members. Study processes will assist in developing a literature base for policy and environmental strategies that intervene broadly to improve Native community food environments and eliminate diet-related disparities among Native Americans.

Prescribing practice for intermittent oxygen therapy: a GP survey

Introduction:UK figures show that the prescription of home oxygen cylinders for intermittent use is substantial. Aim: To examine GP assessment criteria and prescribing practice for intermittent oxygen therapy in patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Northern Ireland. Methods:A postal questionnaire was sent to all GPs (n = 534) in two health boards who had prescribed cylinder oxygen in a six month period prior to the study. The questionnaire was piloted to establish reliability and validity. Results:Completed questionnaires were returned by 52% (280/534) of GPs. GPs ‘most frequently’ used advice from hospital specialists [82% (230/280)] to determine the need for intermittent oxygen. Criteria such as breathlessness score on exercise (e.g., BORG), oximetry on exercise, local guidelines or national guidelines were used less frequently or never. Conclusions:Most patients are likely to have been prescribed intermittent oxygen without any objective assessment. Implementation of evidence-based guidelines and a formal oxygen assessment service, would rationalize the use of intermittent oxygen therapy and enable better targeting of this expensive resource.

ApTiC: A feasibility trial of a communication method using mobile technology to improve assessment within an early intervention service

Introduction

The early intervention service (EIS) approach is based on therapeutic interactions, which promote service user recovery from first episode psychosis. Collaborative therapeutic work between the service user and case manager depends on good communication. This can be a challenge for people with psychosis as the process of thought can be disrupted or stimulus misinterpreted leading to communication errors.

Objective

The objective is to develop an interactive tool that can assist service user's communication of distress, whilst employing a psychoeducational approach to the use of an informal therapeutic measurement scale; subjective units of distress (SUDs) and early warning signs (EWS). The ApTiC mobile intervention will include ten numerically graded emoticons from low to extreme distress. Each emoticon is associated with specific individualised service user descriptors and linked to an individually agreed action plan and level of response to be offered by a staff member.

Aim

The aim of the present study will be to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the ApTic mobile intervention in preparation for a larger randomised controlled trial.

Methods

Phase one: qualitative research to inform the development of the complimentary tool and mobile app (qualitative). Phase two: a 12-week rater-blinded randomized control trial of ApTiC compared to routine EIS case management (quantitative).

Results

The qualitative data will be presented.

Conclusions

It is expected that once validated, the SUDs based ApTiC will enhance rapport and understanding thus improving the recovery approach to well-being and hopefully preventing relapse or the involvement of the crisis team or hospital admissions.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Short communication: a food-systems approach to assessing dairy product waste

Concern about world population increase, food security, and the environmental burdens of food production have made food-waste reduction a social and environmental priority. In this context, the quantification of dairy product waste is especially difficult due to the varied means of disposal, by solid and liquid waste streams, and due to inclusion as an ingredient in many processed foods. In this study, food intake data from the Australian National Nutrition Survey (>13,000 participants; >4,500 food items) were disaggregated into basic foods and total national dairy product intake was expressed in whole-milk equivalents. This result was compared with total domestic milk supply, indicating a level of waste of 29% for dairy products in the Australian food system. With national food-waste reduction targets becoming increasingly common, reliable estimates of food waste at the national scale are important for goal setting, baseline reporting, and performance monitoring. For this purpose, the systems approach to assessing food waste demonstrated in this project is deemed to have advantages over other common methods of food-waste assessment, such as bin audits, waste diaries, and surveys.

Incidental findings in youths volunteering for brain MRI research

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MRIs are obtained in research in healthy and clinical populations, and incidental findings have been reported. Most studies have examined adults with variability in parameters of image acquisition and clinical measures available. We conducted a prospective study of youths and documented the frequency and concomitants of incidental findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Youths (n = 1400) with an age range from 8-23 years were imaged on the same 3T scanner, with a standard acquisition protocol providing 1.0 mm(3) isotropic resolution of anatomic scans. All scans were reviewed by an experienced board-certified neuroradiologist and were categorized into 3 groups: 1) normal: no incidental findings; 2) coincidental: incidental finding(s) were noted, further reviewed with an experienced pediatric neuroradiologist, but were of no clinical significance; 3) incidental findings that on further review were considered to have potential clinical significance and participants were referred for appropriate clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 148 incidental findings (10.6% of sample) were noted, and of these, 12 required clinical follow-up. Incidental findings were not related to age. However, whites had a higher incidence of pineal cysts, and males had a higher incidence of cavum septum pellucidum, which was associated with psychosis-related symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidental findings, moderated by race and sex, occur in approximately one-tenth of participants volunteering for pediatric research, with few requiring follow-up. The incidence supports a 2-tiered approach of neuroradiologic reading and clinical input to determine the potential significance of incidental findings detected on research MR imaging scans.

Morphology and texture evolution of nanostructured CaF2 films on amorphous substrates under oblique incidence flux

The morphology and biaxial texture of vacuum evaporated CaF(2) films on amorphous substrates as a function of vapour incident angle, substrate temperature and film thickness were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray pole figure and reflection high energy electron diffraction surface pole figure analyses. Results show that an anomalous [220] out-of-plane texture was preferred in CaF(2) films deposited on Si substrates at < 200 °C with normal vapour incidence. With an increase of the vapour incident angle, the out-of-plane orientation changed from [220] to [111] at a substrate temperature of 100 °C. In films deposited with normal vapour incidence, the out-of-plane orientation changed from [220] at 100 °C to [111] at 400 °C. In films deposited with an oblique vapour incidence at 100 °C, the texture changed from random at small thickness (5 nm) to biaxial at larger thickness (20 nm or more). Using first principles density functional theory calculation, it was shown that [220] texture formation is a consequence of energetically favourable adsorption of CaF(2) molecules onto the CaF(2)(110) facet.

Detailed analysis of the expression of an alpha-gliadin promoter and the deposition of alpha-gliadin protein during wheat grain development

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Alpha-gliadin proteins are important for the industrial quality of bread wheat flour, but they also contain many epitopes that can trigger celiac (coeliac) disease (CD). The B-genome-encoded alpha-gliadin genes, however, contain very few epitopes. Controlling alpha-gliadin gene expression in wheat requires knowledge on the processes of expression and deposition of alpha-gliadin protein during wheat grain development.

METHODS

A 592-bp fragment of the promotor of a B-genome-encoded alpha-gliadin gene driving the expression of a GUS reporter gene was transformed into wheat. A large number of transgenic lines were used for data collection. GUS staining was used to determine GUS expression during wheat kernel development, and immunogold labelling and tissue printing followed by staining with an alpha-gliadin-specific antibody was used to detect alpha-gliadin protein deposited in developing wheat kernels. The promoter sequence was screened for regulatory motifs and compared to other available alpha-gliadin promoter sequences.

KEY RESULTS

GUS expression was detected primarily in the cells of the starchy endosperm, notably in the subaleurone layer but also in the aleurone layer. The alpha-gliadin promoter was active from 11 days after anthesis (DAA) until maturity, with an expression similar to that of a 326-bp low molecular weight (LMW) subunit gene promoter reported previously. An alpha-gliadin-specific antibody detected alpha-gliadin protein in protein bodies in the starchy endosperm and in the subaleurone layer but, in contrast to the promoter activity, no alpha-gliadin was detected in the aleurone cell layer. Sequence comparison showed differences in regulatory elements between the promoters of alpha-gliadin genes originating from different genomes (A and B) of bread wheat both in the region used here and upstream.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that additional regulator elements upstream of the promoter region used may specifically repress expression in the aleurone cell layer. Observed differences in expression regulator motifs between the alpha-gliadin genes on the different genomes (A and B) of bread wheat leads to a better understanding how alpha-gliadin expression can be controlled.

The effect of a knee brace on gait parameters of hypertonic hemiplegic patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the useof a knee brace on 15 subjects with hypertonic hemiparesis. The middlecerebral artery was involved in all subjects. The Ashworth scale was usedto screen for the presence of spasticity in the quadriceps muscles.Measurements of gait speed, step and stride length were taken in the middle 10 metres of a 15 metre paper walkway. A comparison of these gait parameters without and with the use of a knee brace was made. A ques-tionnaire was also used to evaluate how subjects responded to the use of aknee brace.The results showed that the mean speed for all 15 subjects increased withthe use of a brace, (p = 0.05). Step and stride length without and with the use of a brace showed no statistical differences.It was therefore concluded that the FECK brace appears to have an effect on the walking speed of subjects withhypertonic  hemiparesis

Higher maternal dietary protein intake in late pregnancy is associated with a lower infant ponderal index at birth

AIM

A high ponderal index at birth has been associated with later obesity and it has been suggested that intervention to prevent obesity and its sequela should consider the antenatal period. In this context, we investigated the association between maternal nutrition and birth anthropometry.

DESIGN

We analyzed data on 1040 mother-infant pairs collected during the Tasmanian Infant Health Survey (TIHS), Tasmania, 1988-1989. Maternal dietary intake during pregnancy was measured by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) applied soon after birth. Outcomes of interest were birth weight, birth length, head circumference, ponderal index, head circumference -to-ponderal index ratio, placenta-to-birth weight ratio and head circumference-to-birth length index.

RESULTS

In multiple regression model, an increase of 10 g of absolute protein intake/day was associated with a reduction in birth weight of 17.8 g (95% CI: -32.7, -3.0; P=0.02). Protein intake was also associated negatively with ponderal index (beta=-0.01; 95% CI: -0.02, -0.00; P=0.01). A 1 % increase in carbohydrate intake resulted in a 1% decline in placental weight relative to birth weight. Higher protein intake in the third trimester was associated with a reduced ponderal index among large birth weight infants but not low birth weight infants.

CONCLUSIONS

This raises the possibility that any effect of high protein in altering infant anthropometry at birth may involve changes in body composition and future work to examine how a high-protein diet influences body composition at birth is warranted.

Do patients prescribed short-burst oxygen therapy meet criteria for ambulatory oxygen?

The aim of this study was to determine whether patients (n = 40) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently receiving short-burst oxygen therapy meet existing criteria for ambulatory oxygen. A prospective randomised balanced double-blind crossover design was used. Criterion (i) for ambulatory oxygen (desaturation by 4% to below 90% on the practice walk) was met in 21 patients; 15 of these 21 patients also met criterion (ii) (10% improvement in distance and/or breathlessness score with oxygen). Despite no evidence of desaturation in 19/40 patients, 9/19 improved their distance and/or breathlessness score with oxygen. This study has shown that many patients on short-burst oxygen meet existing criteria for ambulatory oxygen and may have been receiving suboptimal therapy. It supports recent proposals for the development of comprehensive assessment services which incorporate assessment for all categories of oxygen.

Sociodemographic factors associated with calcium intake in premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To describe associations between sociodemographic factors and calcium intake in premenopausal women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Population-based.

SUBJECTS

A total of 467 randomly selected, predominantly Caucasian Tasmanian women aged 25-44 y, response rate 63%.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

calcium intake, sociodemographic factors, anthropometrics, osteoporosis knowledge and self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Education level, calcium-specific osteoporosis knowledge and self-efficacy were all independently associated with calcium intake (P<0.05). The odds of achieving the recommended dietary intake for calcium increased with higher levels of calcium-specific self-efficacy and knowledge, and decreased in smokers or if the household's main financial provider was unemployed (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who have lower levels of education, who are in households where the main financial provider is unemployed, who are smokers, and those with low levels of calcium-specific self-efficacy and knowledge are at risk of not achieving adequate calcium intake. This information will assist targeting of public health strategies aimed at improving the calcium intake of premenopausal women.

Expression of scaffolding, signalling and contractile-filament proteins in human myometria: effects of pregnancy and labour

Successful parturition requires the co-ordination of numerous myometrial signalling events to allow for timely and efficient uterine contractions. Late pregnancy and labour onset in humans may be associated with changes in the expression of myometrial proteins implicated in such uterine contractile signal integration. Accordingly, in myometria from non-pregnant women and pregnant women, not in labour or in labour, we examined the content of putative plasmalemmal scaffolding proteins (caveolin-1 and -2) and compared these to the proportions of signal transducing rho-associated kinases (ROKalpha and beta) and contractile filament-associated proteins alpha-actin, myosin regulatory light chain (MLC(20)) and h-caldesmon. There was no effect of pregnancy or labour on the proportion of caveolin, ROK betaor alpha-actin. However, pregnancy was associated with a decrease in ROKalpha and MLC(20) such that ROK alpha: alpha-actin and MLC(20): alpha-actin ratios were reduced compared to myometria of non-pregnant women. In contrast, h-caldesmon was up-regulated in pregnancy resulting in an elevated h-caldesmon: alpha-actin ratio. There were, however, no further significant changes in ROK alpha, MLC(20) or h-caldesmon expression with spontaneous or oxytocin-induced labour. These data suggest that the mechanism(s) integrating myometrial signalling events with the onset of human labour does not involve differential alterations of the cellular expressions of caveolins, ROK, alpha-actin, MLC(20) or h-caldesmon.

A case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis masquerading as a lung abscess

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) is a rare T cell rich, B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma which is difficult to diagnose. We present a patient with LG who demonstrated many of the difficulties in diagnosis and highlighted the importance of reviewing the diagnosis if treatment does not have the anticipated effect.