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Farnesyltransferase has been regarded as a promising drug target against cancer as it is critical for membrane association of several signal transduction proteins. In this study, a novel farnesyltransferase inhibitor (IMB-1406) was identified through virtual screening. It exhibits stronger potency (IC(50)s: 6.92–8.99 μM) than Sunitinib against all of the tested cancer cell lines. Preliminary studies on mechanism reveal that IMB-1406 induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase, altering anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of caspase-3. This anti-tumor effect is most probably related to the inhibition of farnesyltransferase as indicated by molecular docking. Overall, IMB-1406 is a novel lead compound with potent antitumor activity and deserves further structural modifications. |
Changes in lifestyle and environmental conditions give rise to an increasing prevalence of liver and lung fibrosis, and both have a poor prognosis. Promising results have been reported for recombinant angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein administration in experimental liver and lung fibrosis. However, the full potential of ACE2 may be achieved by localized translation of a membrane-anchored form. For this purpose, we advanced the latest RNA technology for liver- and lung-targeted ACE2 translation. We demonstrated in vitro that transfection with ACE2 chemically modified messenger RNA (cmRNA) leads to robust translation of fully matured, membrane-anchored ACE2 protein. In a second step, we designed eight modified ACE2 cmRNA sequences and identified a lead sequence for in vivo application. Finally, formulation of this ACE2 cmRNA in tailor-made lipidoid nanoparticles and in lipid nanoparticles led to liver- and lung-targeted translation of significant amounts of ACE2 protein, respectively. In summary, we provide evidence that RNA transcript therapy (RTT) is a promising approach for ACE2-based treatment of liver and lung fibrosis to be tested in fibrotic disease models. |
Oncolytic virotherapy has advanced since the days of its conception but therapeutic efficacy in the clinics does not seem to reach the same level as in animal models. One reason is premature oncolytic virus clearance in humans, which is a reasonable assumption considering the immune-stimulating nature of the oncolytic agents. However, several studies are beginning to reveal layers of restriction to oncolytic virotherapy that are present before an adaptive neutralizing immune response. Some of these barriers are present constitutively halting infection before it even begins, whereas others are raised by minute cues triggered by virus infection. Indeed, we and others have noticed that delivering viruses to tumors may not be the biggest obstacle to successful therapy, but instead the physical make-up of the tumor and its capacity to mount antiviral defenses seem to be the most important efficacy determinants. In this review, we summarize the constitutive and innate barriers to oncolytic virotherapy and discuss strategies to overcome them. |
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has a devastating impact on poultry production in developing countries. This study examined the transcriptome of tracheal epithelial cells from two inbred chicken lines that differ in NDV susceptibility after challenge with a high-titer inoculum of lentogenic NDV. The Fayoumi line had a significantly lower NDV load postchallenge than the Leghorn line, demonstrating the Fayoumi line's classification as a relatively NDV-resistant breed. Examination of the trachea transcriptome showed a large increase in immune cell infiltration in the trachea in both lines at all times postinfection. The pathways conserved across lines and at all three time points postinfection included iCOS-iCOSL signaling in T helper cells, NF-κB signaling, the role of nuclear factor of activated T cells in the regulation of the immune response, calcium-induced T lymphocyte apoptosis, phospholipase C signaling, and CD28 signaling in T helper cells. Although shared pathways were seen in the Fayoumi and Leghorn lines, each line showed unique responses as well. The downregulation of collagen and the activation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 signaling in the Fayoumis relative to the Leghorns at 2 days postinfection may contribute to the resistance phenotype seen in the Fayoumis. This study provides a further understanding of host-pathogen interactions which could improve vaccine efficacy and, in combination with genome-wide association studies, has the potential to advance strategies for breeding chickens with enhanced resistance to NDV. |
The current literature on intrinsically disordered proteins is overwhelming. To keep interested readers up to speed with this literature, we continue a “Digested Disorder” project and represent a series of reader’s digest type articles objectively representing the research papers and reviews on intrinsically disordered proteins. The only 2 criteria for inclusion in this digest are the publication date (a paper should be published within the covered time frame) and topic (a paper should be dedicated to any aspect of protein intrinsic disorder). The current digest issue covers papers published during the period of April, May, and June of 2013. The papers are grouped hierarchically by topics they cover, and for each of the included paper a short description is given on its major findings. |
BACKGROUND: Studies in murine models suggested that platelet desialylation was an important mechanism of thrombocytopenia during sepsis. METHODS: First, we performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study that enrolled septic patients with or without thrombocytopenia to determine the association between platelet desialylation and thrombocytopenia in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Gender- and age-matched healthy adults were selected as normal controls in analysis of the platelet desialylation levels (study I). Next, we conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which the patients who had severe sepsis with thrombocytopenia (platelet counts ≤50 × 10(9)/L) were randomly assigned to receive antimicrobial therapy alone (control group) or antimicrobial therapy plus oseltamivir (oseltamivir group) in a 1:1 ratio (study II). The primary outcomes were platelet desialylation level at study entry, overall platelet response rate within 14 days post-randomization, and all-cause mortality within 28 days post-randomization. Secondary outcomes included platelet recovery time, the occurrence of bleeding events, and the amount of platelets transfused within 14 days post-randomization. RESULTS: The platelet desialylation levels increased significantly in the 127 septic patients with thrombocytopenia compared to the 134 patients without thrombocytopenia. A platelet response was achieved in 45 of the 54 patients in the oseltamivir group (83.3%) compared with 34 of the 52 patients in the control group (65.4%; P = 0.045). The median platelet recovery time was 5 days (interquartile range 4–6) in the oseltamivir group compared with 7 days (interquartile range 5–10) in the control group (P = 0.003). The amount of platelets transfused decreased significantly in the oseltamivir group compared to the control group (P = 0.044). There was no difference in the overall 28-day mortality regardless of whether oseltamivir was used. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and platelet recovery time were independent indicators of oseltamivir therapy. The main reason for all of the mortalities was multiple-organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombocytopenia was associated with increased platelet desialylation in septic patients. The addition of oseltamivir could significantly increase the platelet response rate, shorten platelet recovery time, and reduce platelet transfusion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-16008542. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-017-0476-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
The human cytomegalovirus major immediate early proteins IE1 and IE2 are critical drivers of virus replication and are considered pivotal in determining the balance between productive and latent infection. IE1 and IE2 are derived from the same primary transcript by alternative splicing and regulation of their expression likely involves a complex interplay between cellular and viral factors. Here we show that knockdown of the host ubiquitin-dependent segregase VCP/p97, results in loss of IE2 expression, subsequent suppression of early and late gene expression and, ultimately, failure in virus replication. RNAseq analysis showed increased levels of IE1 splicing, with a corresponding decrease in IE2 splicing following VCP knockdown. Global analysis of viral transcription showed the expression of a subset of viral genes is not reduced despite the loss of IE2 expression, including UL112/113. Furthermore, Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated that VCP strongly colocalised with the viral replication compartments in the nucleus. Finally, we show that NMS-873, a small molecule inhibitor of VCP, is a potent HCMV antiviral with potential as a novel host targeting therapeutic for HCMV infection. |
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) plays important roles in renal physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, whether H(2)S could protect against CRF in rats remains unclear. In this study, we found that H(2)S alleviated gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in normal rat kidney-52E cells. We demonstrated that H(2)S significantly improved the kidney structure and function of CRF rats. We found that H(2)S decreased the protein levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and Cleaved-caspase-3, but increased the expression of Bcl-2. Treatment with H(2)S reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and ROS and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. H(2)S significantly abolished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 in the kidney of CRF rats. Furthermore, H(2)S decreased the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, as well as the protein levels of p50, p65, and p-p65 in the kidney of CRF rats. In conclusion, H(2)S could ameliorate adenine-induced CRF in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways. |
A growing body of literature suggests that most chronic autoimmune diseases are associated with inappropriate inflammation mediated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, TLR7/8, or TLR9. Therefore, research into blocking TLR activation to treat these disorders has become a hot topic. Here, we report the immunomodulatory properties of a nonstimulatory CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN), CpG-c41, which had previously only been known as a TLR9 antagonist. In this study, we found that both in vitro and in vivo CpG-c41 decreased levels of various proinflammatory factors that were induced by single activation or coactivation of intracellular TLRs, but not membrane-bound TLRs, no matter what downstream signal pathways the TLRs depend on. Moreover, CpG-c41 attenuated excessive inflammation in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model of skin inflammation by suppressing immune cell infiltration and release of inflammatory factors. We also found evidence that the immunosuppressive effects of CpG-c41 on other intracellular TLRs are mediated by a TLR9-independent mechanism. These results suggest that CpG-c41 acts as an upstream of signaling cascades, perhaps on the processes of ligand internalization and transfer. Taken together, these results suggest that CpG-c41 disrupts various aspects of intracellular TLR activation and provides a deeper insight into the regulation of innate immunity. |
Understanding biological invasions is crucial for their control and prevention. Specially, establishing whether invasive species operate within the constraint of conservative ecological niches, or if niche shifts occur at all commonly as part of the invasion process, is indispensable to identifying and anticipating potential areas of invasion. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) has been used to address such questions, but improvements and debate in study design, model evaluation, and methods are still needed to mature this field. We reanalyze data for Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), native to North America, but invasive in Europe. Our main finding was that, when the analysis extent is established carefully based on analogous sets of environmental conditions, all evidence of niche shifts disappears, suggesting that previous reports of niche shifts for this species are artifacts of methods and interpretation, rather than biological reality. Niche conservatism should be tested only within appropriate, similar, environmental spaces that are accessible to both species or populations being compared, thus avoiding model extrapolation related to model transfers. Testing for environmental similarity between native and invaded areas is critical to identifying niche shifts during species invasion robustly, but also in applications of ENM to understanding temporal dimensions of niche dynamics. |
Previously developed Asn-Gly-Arg (NGR) peptide-modified multifunctional poly(ethyleneimine)–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEI–PEG)-based nanoparticles (TPIC) have been considered to be promising carriers for the co-delivery of DNA and doxorubicin (DOX). As a continued effort, the aim of the present study was to further evaluate the interaction between TPIC and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to better understand the cellular entry mechanism. In the present investigation, experiments relevant to co-localization, endocytosis inhibitors and factors influencing the internalization were performed. Without any treatment, there was no co-localization between aminopeptidase N/CD13 (APN/CD13) and caveolin 1 (CAV1). However, co-localization between CD13 and CAV1 was observed when cells were incubated with an anti-CD13 antibody or TPIC. As compared with antibody treatment, TPIC accelerated the speed and enhanced the degree of co-localization. TPIC entered HUVEC not only together with CD13 but also together with CAV1. However, this internalization was not dependent on the enzyme activity of CD13 but could be inhibited by methyl-β-eyclodextfin (MβCD), further identifying the involvement of caveolae-mediated endocytosis (CvME). This conclusion was also verified by endocytosis inhibitor experiments. |
Our group recently identified 16 genes whose peripheral blood expression levels are differentially regulated in acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the early expression levels of any of these 16 genes are predictive for post-stroke blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Transcriptional expression levels of candidate genes were measured in peripheral blood sampled from ischemic stroke patients at emergency department admission, and BBB permeability was assessed at 24 hour follow up via perfusion-weighted imaging. Early heightened expression levels of AKAP7, a gene encoding a protein kinase A-binding scaffolding molecule, were significantly associated with BBB disruption 24 hours post-hospital admission. We then determined that AKAP7 is predominantly expressed by lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and strongly co-expressed with ITGA3, a gene encoding the adhesion molecule integrin alpha 3. Subsequent in vitro experiments revealed that heightened expression of AKAP7 and ITGA3 in primary human lymphocytes is associated with a highly adherent phenotype. Collectively, our results suggest that AKAP7 expression levels may have clinical utility as a prognostic biomarker for post-stroke BBB complications, and are likely elevated early in patients who later develop post-stroke BBB disruption due to the presence of an invasive lymphocyte population in the peripheral blood. |
This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and virologic characteristics of avian influenza A (H7N9) confirmed cases from two family clusters in Southeast China. Epidemiological data of the H7N9 confirmed cases and their close contacts were obtained through interviews and reviews of medical records. Of the four patients in these two family clusters, two cases had mild symptoms, one had severe symptoms, and one died. Three of the four patients had a history of exposure to live poultry or contaminated environments. The complete genome sequences of the H7N9 viruses from the same family cluster were highly homologous, and the four isolated viruses from the two family clusters exhibited the virologic features of the H7N9 virus, in terms of transmissibility, pathogenicity, host adaptation, and antiviral drug resistance. In addition, our findings indicated that the A/Fujian/18/2015 viral strain contained an additional hemagglutinin G225D substitution, which preferentially binds α2,6-linked sialic acids. The results of this study demonstrate that one family cluster was infected through common exposure to live poultry or contaminated environments, and the other was more likely to be infected through the human-to-human route. |
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by producing various mediators. Although preclinical studies demonstrated that TAMs preferentially express CD163 and CD204, the TAM subsets in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unknown. In this study, we examined the expression and role of TAM subsets in OSCC. Forty-six patients with OSCC were analyzed for expression of TAMs in biopsy samples by immunohistochemistry. We examined TAM subsets and their production of immune suppressive molecules (IL-10 and PD-L1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from three OSCC patients by flow cytometry. CD163 was detected around the tumor or connective tissue, while CD204 was detected in/around the tumors. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CD163(+)CD204(+) TAMs strongly produced IL-10 and PD-L1 in comparison with CD163(+)CD204(−) and CD163(−)CD204(+) TAMs. Furthermore, the number of activated CD3(+) T cells after co-culture with CD163(+)CD204(+) TAMs was significantly lower than that after co-culture with other TAM subsets. In clinical findings, the number of CD163(+)CD204(+) TAMs was negatively correlated with that of CD25(+) cells and 5-year progression-free survival. These results suggest that CD163(+)CD204(+) TAMs possibly play a key role in the invasion and metastasis of OSCC by T-cell regulation via IL-10 and PD-L1 production. |
OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Host genetic variability is an important determinant of the risk of developing TB in humans. Although the association between MBL polymorphisms and TB has been studied in various populations, the results are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in a Lur population of Iran. METHODS: In this case-control study, four functional MBL gene polymorphisms (HL, XY, PQ and AB) were genotyped by using PCR Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique in a Lur population living in Lorestan Province, consisting of 100 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) age and sex matched 100 healthy controls (HCs). Association analyses were performed with the SPSS 21 statistical software. RESULTS: We found that MBL (HH) genotype polymorphism significantly was associated with increased susceptibility to TB (35% in patients vs. 22% in controls, P = 0.0417, OR = 1.909, %95 CI = 1.020–3.573). Additionally, H allele showed a significant association with increased risk of TB (56.5% in patients vs. 46% in controls, P = 0.0357, OR = 1.525, %95 CI = 1.028–2.262). Also, the distribution of L allele in patients was significantly lower frequency in TB patients compared to controls (43.5% vs. 54%, P = 0.0357, OR = 0.656, %95 CI = 0.442–0.973). However, the allelic and genotypic frequencies of AB, XY and PQ polymorphisms were not significantly different between the patients and the controls. We couldn't detect any significant differences between haplotypes among TB patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that HH genotype and H allele may increase the susceptibility to pulmonary TB in the Lur population of Iran, although L allele may decrease the susceptibility to pulmonary TB in this population. We suggest that it is necessary to further more studies with larger sample size and other ethnic population. |
Glycoprotein B (gB) is the conserved herpesvirus fusion protein, and it is required for the entry of herpesviruses. The structure of the postfusion conformation of gB has been solved for several herpesviruses; however, the gB prefusion crystal structure and the details of how the protein refolds from a prefusion to a postfusion form to mediate fusion have not been determined. Using structure-based mutagenesis, we previously reported that three mutations (I671A, H681A, and F683A) in the C-terminal arm of the gB ectodomain greatly reduced cell-cell fusion. This fusion deficit could be rescued by the addition of a hyperfusogenic mutation, suggesting that the gB triple mutant was not misfolded. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), we constructed two independent herpes simplex virus 1 mutant strains (gB 3A) carrying the three arm mutations. The gB 3A viruses have 200-fold smaller plaques than the wild-type virus and demonstrate remarkably delayed entry into cells. Single-step and multistep growth curves show that gB 3A viruses have delayed replication kinetics. Interestingly, incubation at 40°C promoted the entry of the gB 3A viruses. We propose that the gB 3A viruses’ entry deficit is due to a loss of interactions between residues in the gB C-terminal arm and the coiled-coil core of gB. The results suggest that the triple alanine mutation may destabilize the postfusion gB conformation and/or stabilize the prefusion gB conformation and that exposure to elevated temperatures can overcome the defect in gB 3A viruses. |
BACKGROUND: Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a cell surface-bound proteoglycan which has been identified as a potential biomarker candidate in hepatocellular carcinoma, lung carcinoma, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The aim of our review is to evaluate whether GPC3 has utility as a disease-specific biomarker, to discuss the potential involvement of GPC3 in cell biology, and to consider the changes of GPC3 gene and protein expression and regulation in hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, severe pneumonia, and ARDS. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical studies have suggested that over-expression of GPC3 is associated with a poorer prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Expression of GPC3 leads to an increased apoptosis response in human lung carcinoma tumor cells, and is considered to be a candidate lung tumor suppressor gene. Increased serum levels of GPC3 have been demonstrated in ARDS patients with severe pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Glypican-3 could be considered as a clinically useful biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma, lung carcinoma, and ARDS, but further research is needed to confirm and expand on these findings. |
In this paper, we propose a model where two strains compete with each other at the expense of common susceptible individuals on heterogeneous networks by using pair-wise approximation closed by the probability-generating function (PGF). All of the strains obey the susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) mechanism. From a special perspective, we first study the dynamical behaviour of an SIR model closed by the PGF, and obtain the basic reproduction number via two methods. Then we build a model to study the spreading dynamics of competing viruses and discuss the conditions for the local stability of equilibria, which is different from the condition obtained by using the heterogeneous mean-field approach. Finally, we perform numerical simulations on Barabási–Albert networks to complement our theoretical research, and show some dynamical properties of the model with competing viruses. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’. |
Defective-Interfering RNAs (DI-RNAs) have long been known to play an important role in virus replication and transmission. DI-RNAs emerge during virus passaging in both cell-culture and their hosts as a result of non-homologous RNA recombination. However, the principles of DI-RNA emergence and their subsequent evolution have remained elusive. Using a combination of long- and short-read Next-Generation Sequencing, we have characterized the formation of DI-RNAs during serial passaging of Flock House virus (FHV) in cell-culture over a period of 30 days in order to elucidate the pathways and potential mechanisms of DI-RNA emergence and evolution. For short-read RNAseq, we employed ‘ClickSeq’ due to its ability to sensitively and confidently detect RNA recombination events with nucleotide resolution. In parallel, we used the Oxford Nanopore Technologies’s (ONT) MinION to resolve full-length defective and wild-type viral genomes. Together, these accurately resolve both rare and common RNA recombination events, determine the correlation between recombination events, and quantifies the relative abundance of different DI-RNAs throughout passaging. We observe the formation of a diverse pool of defective RNAs at each stage of viral passaging. However, many of these ‘intermediate’ species, while present in early stages of passaging, do not accumulate. After approximately 9 days of passaging we observe the rapid accumulation of DI-RNAs with a correlated reduction in specific infectivity and with the Nanopore data find that DI-RNAs are characterized by multiple RNA recombination events. This suggests that intermediate DI-RNA species are not competitive and that multiple recombination events interact epistatically to confer ‘mature’ DI-RNAs with their selective advantage allowing for their rapid accumulation. Alternatively, it is possible that mature DI-RNA species are generated in a single event involving multiple RNA rearrangements. These insights have important consequences for our understanding of the mechanisms, determinants and limitations in the emergence and evolution of DI-RNAs. |
INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is not proven to be effective in treating respiratory failure in severe pneumonia. However, some clinicians nevertheless attempt NIV to indirectly deliver adequate oxygenation and avoid unnecessary endotracheal intubation. CASE PRESENTATION: In this article, we report the case of a 24-year-old woman at 32 weeks' gestation who presented with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. She was successfully managed by NIV. DISCUSSION: However, NIV must be managed by providers who are trained in mechanical ventilation. This is of the utmost importance in avoiding any delay should the patient's condition worsen and require endotracheal intubation. Moreover, in pregnant women, the severity of illness may progress quickly due to the immunosuppression inherent in these patients. CONCLUSION: Special attention should be given to the choices of invasive ventilation and NIV to manage community acquired pneumonia patients in third trimester. |
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a 25-kDa protein of the lipocalin superfamily and its presence was initially observed in activated neutrophils. It has previously been demonstrated that the expression of NGAL is markedly increased in stimulated epithelia, and is important in the innate immunological response to various pathophysiological conditions, including infection, cancer, inflammation and kidney injury. The present study constructed a ventilator-associated lung injury model in mice. NGAL mRNA and protein expression levels in lung tissue were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. In addition, NGAL protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were measured via western blotting. The results of the present study suggested that NGAL expression increased under all mechanical ventilation treatments. The increase was most prominent in the high peak inflation pressure and high-volume mechanical ventilation groups, where there was the greatest extent of lung injury. In addition, NGAL expression increased in a time-dependent manner under high-volume mechanical ventilation, consistent with the degree of lung injury. These findings suggested that NGAL may serve as a potential novel biomarker in ventilator-associated lung injury. |
BACKGROUND: Poultry farmers are at high-risk from avian influenza A/H7N9 infection due to sustained occupational exposures to live poultry. This study examined factors associated with poultry farmers’ adoption of personal protective behaviours (PPBs) based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). METHODS: Totally, 297 poultry farmers in three cities of Jiangsu Province, China were interviewed during November 2013-January 2014. Data on PMT constructs, perceived trustworthiness of A/H7N9 information from mass media (formal sources), friends and family (informal sources), intention to adopt and actual adoption of PPBs and respondents’ demographics were collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) identified associations between demographic factors and PMT constructs associated with A/H7N9-oriented PPB intention. Moderated mediation analysis examined how demographics moderated the effects of information trust on PPB intention via risk perceptions of A/H7N9. RESULTS: Respondents generally perceived low vulnerability to A/H7N9 infection. The SEM found that male respondents perceived lower severity of (β = −0.23), and lower vulnerability to (β = -0.15) A/H7N9 infection; age was positively associated with both perceived personal vulnerability to (β = 0.21) and perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.24) in controlling A/H7N9; education was positively associated with perceived response efficacy (β = 0.40). Furthermore, perceived vulnerability (β = 0.16), perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.21) and response efficacy (β = 0.67) were positively associated with intention to adopt PPBs against A/H7N9. More trust in informal information (TII) was only significantly associated with greater PPB intention through its positive association with perceived response efficacy. Age significantly moderated the associations of TII with perceived Self-efficacy and perceived response efficacy, with younger farmers who had greater TII perceiving lower self-efficacy but higher response efficacy. CONCLUSION: Poultry farmers perceive A/H7N9 as a personally-irrelevant risk. Interventions designed to enhance perceived response efficacy, particularly among lower educated respondents may effectively motivate adoption of PPBs. Informal information may be an important resource for enhancing response efficacy. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4364-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
BACKGROUND: Influenza represents a serious public health concern. The emergence of resistance to anti-influenza drugs underlines the need to develop new drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-influenza viral activity and possible mechanisms of 12 phenanthrenes from the medicinal plant Bletilla striata (Orchidaceae family). METHODS: Twelve phenanthrenes were isolated and identified from B. striata. Influenza virus A/Sydney/5/97 (H3N2) propagated in embryonated chicken eggs was used. Phenanthrenes mixed with the virus were incubated at 37 °C for 1 h and then inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated chicken eggs via the allantoic route to survey the antiviral activity in vivo. A (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H–tetrazolium) (MTS)-based assay was performed to evaluate the reduction of cytopathic effect induced by H3N2 on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The hemagglutination inhibition assay was used to study the blockage of virus receptors by the phenanthrenes, and the neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay to evaluate the effects of the release of virus. The synthesis of influenza viral matrix protein mRNA in response to compound treatment was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: This study showed that phenanthrenes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11, and 12 significantly inhibited the viruses in vivo, with inhibition rates of 20.7, 79.3, 17.2, 34.5, 34.5, 34.5, 44.8, 75.9, and 34.5%, respectively. In MDCK models, the phenanthrenes did not show significant antiviral activity when administered as pretreatment, while phenanthrenes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 10, and 11 exhibited inhibitory activities as simultaneous treatment with 50% inhibition concentration (IC(50)) ranging from 14.6 ± 2.4 to 43.3 ± 5.3 μM. The IC(50) ranged from 18.4 ± 3.1 to 42.3 ± 3.9 μM in the post-treatment assays. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 6, 10, and 11 exhibited an inhibitory effect on NA; and compounds 2, 3, 4 6, 7, 10, and 11 resulted in the reduced transcription of virus matrix protein mRNA. However, no compound could inhibit hemagglutination by the influenza virus. CONCLUSION: Phenanthrenes from B. striata had strong anti-influenza viral activity in both embryonated eggs and MDCK models, and diphenanthrenes seemed to have stronger inhibition activity compared with monophenanthrenes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1780-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
A novel avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus emerged in China in 2013 and has caused zoonotic disease in over 1123 persons with an overall mortality around 30%. Amino acid changes at the residues 591, 627 and 701 of polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) have been found frequently in the human H7N9 isolates but not in viruses isolated from avian species. We have recently identified a cluster of H7N9 viruses in ducks which circulated in China prior to the first recognition of zoonotic disease in 2013. These duck viruses have genetic background distinct from the zoonotic H7N9 lineage. We found that the introduction of PB2 mutation with K at 627 but not K at 591 or N at 701 to the duck H7N9 virus led to increased pathogenicity in mice. We also found that the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IP-10, MCP-1 and MIP-1α were associated with increased severity of infection. We conclude that introduction of the mammalian adaptation mutations into the PB2 gene of duck H7N9 viruses, which are genetically unrelated to the zoonotic H7N9 lineage, can also enhance pathogenicity in mice. |
Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is a chronic enteric inflammatory disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) that causes large economic losses in the dairy industry. Spread of PTB is mainly provoked by a long subclinical stage during which MAP is shed into the environment with feces; accordingly, detection of subclinical animals is very important to its control. However, current diagnostic methods are not suitable for detection of subclinical animals. Therefore, the current study was conducted to develop a diagnostic method for analysis of the expression of genes of prognostic potential biomarker candidates in the whole blood of cattle naturally infected with MAP. Real-time PCR with nine potential biomarker candidates was developed for the diagnosis of MAP subclinical infection. Animals were divided into four groups based on fecal MAP PCR and serum ELISA. Eight genes (Timp1, Hp, Serpine1, Tfrc, Mmp9, Defb1, Defb10, and S100a8) were up-regulated in MAP-infected cattle (p <0.05). Moreover, ROC analysis revealed that eight genes (Timp1, Hp, Serpine1, Tfrc, Mmp9, Defb1, Defb10, and S100a8) showed fair diagnostic performance (AUC≥0.8). Four biomarkers (Timp1, S100a8, Defb1, and Defb10) showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in the PCR positive and ELISA negative group (PN group) and three biomarkers (Tfrc, Hp, and Serpine1) showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in the PCR negative and ELISA positive group (NP group). Moreover, three biomarkers (S100a8, Hp, and Defb10) were considered the most reliable for the PCR positive and ELISA positive group (PP group). Taken together, our data suggest that real-time PCR based on eight biomarkers (Timp1, Hp, Serpine1, Tfrc, Mmp9, Defb1, Defb10, and S100a8) might be useful for diagnosis of JD, including subclinical stage cases. |
We previously described that immunopotentiators, CVCVA5, increased the efficacy of H5 and H9 subtype avian influenza vaccines in chickens, ducks, and geese. In this study, we further investigated the effects of the CVCVA5 for improving the efficacy of other univalent or multivalent inactivated vaccines. The immune response administrated with half-dose of monovalent vaccine plus CVCVA5 were higher than those of one dose of monovalent vaccine without immunopotentiators as measured by levels of antibodies from serum, tears and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and cytokines of IFNγ and IL-4 from serum. Vaccines included the univalent vaccine of Newcastle Disease virus (ND), Egg Drop Syndrome virus (EDS), Infectious Bronchitis virus (IB), and Infectious Bursal Disease virus (IBD). The CVCVA5 also improved the immune response of both ND and IBD vaccines with less dosage. The sterile protective immunity was monitored with one- or a half-dose of adjuvanted ND vaccine or one dose of adjuvanted IBD vaccine, respectively. The improved immune efficacy was observed in a half-dose of adjuvanted bivalent vaccines compared to one dose of vaccines without CVCVA5 as measured by the antibody levels, including bivalent vaccine of ND-H9, ND-IB, and ND-IBD. The CVCVA5 also boosted the immune efficacy of the tetravalent vaccine (ND-IB-EDS-H9). A half-dose of adjuvanted commercial vaccine or 75% antigen-sparing adjuvanted vaccine elicited similar antibody levels to those of one dose non-adjuvanted commercial vaccines. The CVCVA5 improved the effect of a booster vaccination as measured by the antibody levels against H5 or H9 virus antigens, in which chickens primed with the adjuvanted ND-IB vaccines given a booster with H5–H9 bivalent vaccines without CVCVA5 using 5-day intervals. The inflammatory response may contribute to these additional effects by increasing the levels of IFNγ and IL-4 after the injection of the adjuvanted ND-IB vaccines. Results indicated that the CVCVA5 improved the serum and mucosal antibody levels, cytokine levels of the chickens given the univalent vaccine, and also improved serum antibody titers in bivalent and tetravalent vaccines. This has a potential as an improve vaccine. |
Objective: To investigate impacts of triamcinolone acetonide (TRI) on femoral head chondrocytic (FHC) structures when used for lumbosacral plexus block (LPB). Methods: A total of 32 6-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were selected (averagely weighing 2.75–3.25 kg) and added TRI into nerve block solution for LPB. The rabbit were randomly divided into four groups: group A1: 2.5 ml × 2 times, group A2 2.5 ml × 4 times, group B1 5 ml × 2 times, and group B2 5 ml × 4 times; the time interval among the injection was 5 days, and the structural changes of FHC were the observed using 50/100/200 light microscope; the modified Mankin pathological scoring was also performed for the evaluation. Results: There exhibited significant microscopic changes of FHC structures between the rabbits performed LPB and the normal rabbits, among which group B2 exhibited the most serious FHC damages, and the Mankin pathological score in group B2 was much higher than those in the other three groups, and the scores of the experimental group were higher than the control group. Conclusions: The addition of TRI in LPB can damage the FHC structures, and large-dose (5 ml/once) and long-course (four times) will result in more serious injuries. |
In pneumonia, specimens are rarely obtained directly from the infection site, the lung, so the pathogen causing infection is determined indirectly from multiple tests on peripheral clinical specimens, which may have imperfect and uncertain sensitivity and specificity, so inference about the cause is complex. Analytic approaches have included expert review of case-only results, case–control logistic regression, latent class analysis, and attributable fraction, but each has serious limitations and none naturally integrate multiple test results. The Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study required an analytic solution appropriate for a case–control design that could incorporate evidence from multiple specimens from cases and controls and that accounted for measurement error. We describe a Bayesian integrated approach we developed that combined and extended elements of attributable fraction and latent class analyses to meet some of these challenges and illustrate the advantage it confers regarding the challenges identified for other methods. |
Human rhinovirus (HRV) is the common virus that causes acute respiratory infection (ARI) and is frequently associated with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). We aimed to investigate whether HRV infection induces a specific gene expression pattern in airway epithelial cells. Alveolar epithelial cell monolayers were infected with HRV species B (HRV-B). RNA was extracted from both supernatants and infected monolayer cells at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours post infection (hpi) and transcriptional profile was analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip and the results were subsequently validated using quantitative Real-time PCR method. HRV-B infects alveolar epithelial cells which supports implication of the virus with LRTIs. In total 991 genes were found differentially expressed during the course of infection. Of these, 459 genes were up-regulated whereas 532 genes were down-regulated. Differential gene expression at 6 hpi (187 genes up-regulated vs. 156 down-regulated) were significantly represented by gene ontologies related to the chemokines and inflammatory molecules indicating characteristic of viral infection. The 75 up-regulated genes surpassed the down-regulated genes (35) at 12 hpi and their enriched ontologies fell into discrete functional entities such as regulation of apoptosis, anti-apoptosis, and wound healing. At later time points of 24 and 48 hpi, predominated down-regulated genes were enriched for extracellular matrix proteins and airway remodeling events. Our data provides a comprehensive image of host response to HRV infection. The study suggests the underlying molecular regulatory networks genes which might be involved in pathogenicity of the HRV-B and potential targets for further validations and development of effective treatment. |
Even if European Union (EU) Member States are obliged to implement EU Directives 2000/54/EC on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to biological agents at work, national biosafety regulations and practices varied from country to country. In fact, EU legislation on biological agents and genetically modified microorganisms is often not specific enough to ensure harmonization leading to difficulties in implementation for most laboratories. In the same way, biosecurity is a relatively new concept and a few EU Member States are known to have introduced national laboratory biosecurity legislation. In France, recent regulations have reinforced biosafety/biosecurity in containment level 3 (CL-3) laboratories but they concern a specific list of pathogens with no correlation in other European Members States. The objective of this review was to summarize European biosafety/biosecurity measures concerning CL-3 facilities focusing on French specificities. Essential requirements needed to preserve efficient biosafety measures when manipulating risk group 3 biological agents are highlighted. In addition, International, European and French standards related to containment laboratory planning, operation or biosafety equipment are described to clarify optimal biosafety and biosecurity requirements. |
Frameshifting is an essential process that regulates protein synthesis in many viruses. The ribosome may slip backward when encountering a frameshift motif on the messenger RNA, which usually contains a pseudoknot structure involving tertiary base pair interactions. Due to the lack of detailed molecular explanations, previous studies investigating which features of the pseudoknot are important to stimulate frameshifting have presented diverse conclusions. Here we constructed a bimolecular pseudoknot to dissect the interior tertiary base pairs and used single-molecule approaches to assess the structure targeted by ribosomes. We found that the first ribosome target stem was resistant to unwinding when the neighboring loop was confined along the stem; such constrained conformation was dependent on the presence of consecutive adenosines in this loop. Mutations that disrupted the distal base triples abolished all remaining tertiary base pairs. Changes in frameshifting efficiency correlated with the stem unwinding resistance. Our results demonstrate that various tertiary base pairs are coordinated inside a highly efficient frameshift-stimulating RNA pseudoknot and suggest a mechanism by which mechanical resistance of the pseudoknot may persistently act on translocating ribosomes. |
BACKGROUND: Interferon inducible transmembrane (IFITM) proteins are effectors of the immune system widely characterized for their role in restricting infection by diverse enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. The chicken IFITM (chIFITM) genes are clustered on chromosome 5 and to date four genes have been annotated, namely chIFITM1, chIFITM3, chIFITM5 and chIFITM10. However, due to poor assembly of this locus in the Gallus Gallus v4 genome, accurate characterization has so far proven problematic. Recently, a new chicken reference genome assembly Gallus Gallus v5 was generated using Sanger, 454, Illumina and PacBio sequencing technologies identifying considerable differences in the chIFITM locus over the previous genome releases. METHODS: We re-sequenced the locus using both Illumina MiSeq and PacBio RS II sequencing technologies and we mapped RNA-seq data from the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) to this finalized chIFITM locus. Using SureSelect probes capture probes designed to the finalized chIFITM locus, we sequenced the locus of a different chicken breed, namely a White Leghorn, and a turkey. RESULTS: We confirmed the Gallus Gallus v5 consensus except for two insertions of 5 and 1 base pair within the chIFITM3 and B4GALNT4 genes, respectively, and a single base pair deletion within the B4GALNT4 gene. The pull down revealed a single amino acid substitution of A63V in the CIL domain of IFITM2 compared to Red Jungle fowl and 13, 13 and 11 differences between IFITM1, 2 and 3 of chickens and turkeys, respectively. RNA-seq shows chIFITM2 and chIFITM3 expression in numerous tissue types of different chicken breeds and avian cell lines, while the expression of the putative chIFITM1 is limited to the testis, caecum and ileum tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Locus resequencing using these capture probes and RNA-seq based expression analysis will allow the further characterization of genetic diversity within Galliformes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3801-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
Steroid-associated osteonecrosis (SAON) might induce bone collapse and subsequently lead to joint arthroplasty. Core decompression (CD) is regarded as an effective therapy for early-stage SAON, but the prognosis is unsatisfactory due to incomplete bone repair. Parathyroid hormone[1–34] (PTH[1–34]) has demonstrated positive efficacy in promoting bone formation. We therefore evaluated the effects of PTH on improving the effects of CD in Early-Stage SAON. Distal femoral CD was performed two weeks after osteonecrosis induction or vehicle injection, with ten of the ON-induced rabbits being subjected to six-week PTH[1–34] treatment and the others, including ON-induced and non-induced rabbits, being treated with vehicle. MRI confirmed that intermittent PTH administration improved SAON after CD therapy. Micro-CT showed increased bone formation within the tunnel. Bone repair was enhanced with decreased empty osteocyte lacunae and necrosis foci area, resulting in enhanced peak load and stiffness of the tunnel. Additionally, PTH enlarged the mean diameter of vessels in the marrow and increased the number of vessels within the tunnels, as well as elevated the expression of BMP-2, RUNX2, IGF-1, bFGF and VEGF, together with serum OCN and VEGF levels. Therefore, PTH[1–34] enhances the efficacy of CD on osteogenesis and neovascularization, thus promoting bone and blood vessels repair in the SAON model. |
Human rhinoviruses are the most common respiratory viruses detected in patients after hematopoietic cell transplantation. Although rhinovirus appears to occasionally cause severe lower respiratory tract infection in immunocompromised patients, the clinical significance of rhinovirus detection in the lower respiratory tract remains unknown. We evaluated 697 recipients transplanted between 1993 and 2015 with rhinovirus in respiratory samples. As comparative cohorts, 273 recipients with lower respiratory tract infection caused by respiratory syncytial virus (N=117), parainfluenza virus (N=120), or influenza (N=36) were analyzed. Factors associated with mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models. Among 569 subjects with rhinovirus upper respiratory tract infection and 128 subjects with rhinovirus lower respiratory tract infection, probabilities of overall mortality at 90 days were 6% and 41%, respectively (P<0.001). The survival rate after lower respiratory tract infection was not affected by the presence of co-pathogens (55% in patients with co-pathogens, 64% in patients without, P=0.34). Low monocyte count (P=0.027), oxygen use (P=0.015), and steroid dose greater than 1 mg/kg/day (P=0.003) before diagnosis were significantly associated with mortality among patients with lower respiratory tract infection in multivariable analysis. Mortality after rhinovirus lower respiratory tract infection was similar to that after lower respiratory tract infection by respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus or influenza in an adjusted model. In summary, transplant recipients with rhinovirus detection in the lower respiratory tract had high mortality rates comparable to viral pneumonia associated with other well-established respiratory viruses. Our data suggest rhinovirus can contribute to severe pulmonary disease in immunocompromised hosts. |
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is widely used to investigate host–virus interactions. Cellular responses to HCV infection have been extensively studied in vitro. However, in human liver, interferon (IFN)‐stimulated gene expression can mask direct transcriptional responses to infection. To better characterize the direct effects of HCV infection in vivo, we analyze the transcriptomes of HCV‐infected patients lacking an activated endogenous IFN system. We show that expression changes observed in these patients predominantly reflect immune cell infiltrates rather than cell‐intrinsic pathways. We also investigate the transcriptomes of patients with endogenous IFN activation, which paradoxically cannot eradicate viral infection. We find that most IFN‐stimulated genes are induced by both recombinant IFN therapy and the endogenous IFN system, but with lower induction levels in the latter, indicating that the innate immune response in chronic hepatitis C is too weak to clear the virus. We show that coding and non‐coding transcripts have different expression dynamics following IFN treatment. Several microRNA primary transcripts, including that of miR‐122, are significantly down‐regulated in response to IFN treatment, suggesting a new mechanism for IFN‐induced expression fine‐tuning. |
The virome has been increasingly investigated in numerous animal species and in different sites of the body, facilitating the identification and discovery of a variety of viruses. In spite of this, the faecal virome of healthy dogs has not been investigated. In this study we describe the faecal virome of healthy dogs and dogs with acute diarrhoea in Australia, using a shotgun metagenomic approach. Viral sequences from a range of different virus families, including both RNA and DNA families, and known pathogens implicated in enteric disease were documented. Twelve viral families were identified, of which four were bacteriophages. Eight eukaryotic viral families were detected: Astroviridae, Coronaviridae, Reoviridae, Picornaviridae, Caliciviridae, Parvoviridae, Adenoviridae and Papillomaviridae. Families Astroviridae, Picornaviridae and Caliciviridae were found only in dogs with acute diarrhoea, with Astroviridae being the most common family identified in this group. Due to its prevalence, characterisation the complete genome of a canine astrovirus was performed. These studies indicate that metagenomic analyses are useful for the investigation of viral populations in the faeces of dogs. Further studies to elucidate the epidemiological and biological relevance of these findings are warranted. |
Astroviruses are a diverse family of viruses that infect a wide range of mammalian and avian hosts. Here we describe the phylogenetic diversity and current classification methodology of astroviruses based on the ORF1b and ORF2 genes, highlighting the propensity of astroviruses to undergo interspecies transmission and genetic recombination which greatly increase diversity and complicate attempts at a unified and comprehensive classification strategy. |
Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most important diseases of poultry worldwide. In the last decades, molecular research has gained a lot of new information about its causative agent, newcastle disease virus (NDV). In poultry industry, certain strains of NDV have been used for preventive vaccination for more than 60 years. NDV has also been applied to cancer patients with beneficial effects for about 50 years, but this is less well known. The molecular basis for these differential effects of NDV in birds and man have been elucidated in the last decades and are explained in this review. The anti-neoplastic and immune-stimulatory properties in non-permissive hosts such as mouse and man have to do with the strong type I interferon responses induced in these foreign species. Additionally, NDV has the potential to break various types of tumor resistances and also to affect liver fibrosis. A main section is devoted to the benefits of clinical application of NDV and NDV-based vaccines to cancer patients. Reverse genetics technology allowed developing NDV into a vector suitable for gene therapy. Examples will be provided in which genetically engineered NDV is being used successfully as vector against new emerging viruses. |
BACKGROUND: Alternative splicing of Vascular endothelial growth factor-A mRNA transcripts (commonly referred as VEGF) leads to the generation of functionally differing isoforms, the relative amounts of which have potentially significant physiological outcomes in conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The effect of such isoforms on pulmonary vascular permeability is unknown. We hypothesised that VEGF(165)a and VEGF(165)b isoforms would have differing effects on pulmonary vascular permeability caused by differential activation of intercellular signal transduction pathways. METHOD: To test this hypothesis we investigated the physiological effect of VEGF(165)a and VEGF(165)b on Human Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cell (HPMEC) permeability using three different methods: trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) and FITC-BSA passage. In addition, potential downstream signalling pathways of the VEGF isoforms were investigated by Western blotting and the use of specific signalling inhibitors. RESULTS: VEGF(165)a increased HPMEC permeability using all three methods (paracellular and transcellular) and led to associated VE-cadherin and actin stress fibre changes. In contrast, VEGF(165)b decreased paracellular permeability and did not induce changes in VE-cadherin cell distribution. Furthermore, VEGF(165)a and VEGF(165)b had differing effects on both the phosphorylation of VEGF receptors and downstream signalling proteins pMEK, p42/44MAPK, p38 MAPK, pAKT and peNOS. Interestingly specific inhibition of the pMEK, p38 MAPK, PI3 kinase and eNOS pathways blocked the effects of both VEGF(165)a and VEGF(165)b on paracellular permeability and the effect of VEGF(165)a on proliferation/migration, suggesting that this difference in cellular response is mediated by an as yet unidentified signalling pathway(s). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the novel isoform VEGF(165)a and VEGF(165)b induce differing effects on permeability in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. |
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease in young children and can cause severe cerebral and pulmonary complications and even fatality. This study aimed at elucidating whether and how EV71 infection is regulated by a cellular microRNA, miR‐127‐5p. We found that miR‐127‐5p can downregulate the expression of SCARB2, a main receptor of EV71, by targeting two potential sites in its 3′ UTR region and inhibit EV71 infection. Meanwhile, miR‐127‐5p expression was upregulated during EV71 infection. Notably, transfecting cells with miR‐127‐5p mimics led to a significant decrease in viral replication, while inhibition of endogenous miR‐127‐5p facilitated viral replication. Furthermore, our evidence showed that miR‐127‐5p did not affect postentry viral replication. Taken together, these results indicated that miR‐127‐5p inhibited EV71 replication by targeting the SCARB2 mRNA. |
Rodents, in particular Mus musculus, have a long and invaluable history as models for human diseases in biomedical research, although their translational value has been challenged in a number of cases. We provide some examples in which rodents have been suboptimal as models for human biology and discuss confounders which influence experiments and may explain some of the misleading results. Infections of rodents with protozoan parasites are no exception in requiring close consideration upon model choice. We focus on the significant differences between inbred, outbred and wild animals, and the importance of factors such as microbiota, which are gaining attention as crucial variables in infection experiments. Frequently, mouse or rat models are chosen for convenience, e.g., availability in the institution rather than on an unbiased evaluation of whether they provide the answer to a given question. Apart from a general discussion on translational success or failure, we provide examples where infections with single-celled parasites in a chosen lab rodent gave contradictory or misleading results, and when possible discuss the reason for this. We present emerging alternatives to traditional rodent models, such as humanized mice and organoid primary cell cultures. So-called recombinant inbred strains such as the Collaborative Cross collection are also a potential solution for certain challenges. In addition, we emphasize the advantages of using wild rodents for certain immunological, ecological, and/or behavioral questions. The experimental challenges (e.g., availability of species-specific reagents) that come with the use of such non-model systems are also discussed. Our intention is to foster critical judgment of both traditional and newly available translational rodent models for research on parasitic protozoa that can complement the existing mouse and rat models. |
The importance of spatial clusters, or “hotspots,” in infectious disease epidemiology has been increasingly recognized, and targeting hotspots is often seen as an important component of disease-control strategies. However, the precise meaning of “hotspot” varies widely in current research and policy documents. Hotspots have been variously described as areas of elevated incidence or prevalence, higher transmission efficiency or risk, or higher probability of disease emergence. This ambiguity has led to confusion and may result in mistaken inferences regarding the best way to target interventions. We surveyed the literature on epidemiologic hotspots, examining the multitude of ways in which the term is used; and highlight the difference in the geographic scale of hotspots and the properties they are supposed to have. In response to the diversity in the term's usage, we advocate the use of more precise terms, such as “burden hotspot,” “transmission hotspot,” and “emergence hotspot,” as well as explicit specification of the spatiotemporal scale of interest. Increased precision in terminology is needed to ensure clear and effective policies for disease control. |
Modulation of oxidative stress is therapeutically effective in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Myricitrin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, is a potent antioxidant. However, little is known about its effect on I/R injury to cardiac myocytes. The present study was performed to investigate the potential protective effect of myricitrin against hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury and its underlying mechanisms. Myricitrin pretreatment improved cardiomyocyte viability, inhibited ROS generation, maintained the mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced apoptotic cardiomyocytes, decreased the caspase-3 activity, upregulated antiapoptotic proteins and downregulated proapoptotic proteins during H/R injury. Moreover, the potential targets of myricitrin was predicted using Discovery Studio software, and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) was identified as the main disease-related target. Further mechanistic investigation revealed that 17-AAG, a pharmacologic inhibitor of Hsp90, significantly blocked the myricitrin-induced cardioprotective effect demonstrated by increased apoptosis and ROS generation. These results suggested that myricitrin provides protection to H9c2 cardiomyocytes against H/R-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, most likely via increased expression of Hsp90. |
The state of antileishmanial chemotherapy is strongly compromised by the emergence of drug-resistant Leishmania. The evolution of drug-resistant phenotypes has been linked to the parasites’ intrinsic genome instability, with frequent gene and chromosome amplifications causing fitness gains that are directly selected by environmental factors, including the presence of antileishmanial drugs. Thus, even though the unique eukaryotic biology of Leishmania and its dependence on parasite-specific virulence factors provide valid opportunities for chemotherapeutical intervention, all strategies that target the parasite in a direct fashion are likely prone to select for resistance. Here, we review the current state of antileishmanial chemotherapy and discuss the limitations of ongoing drug discovery efforts. We finally propose new strategies that target Leishmania viability indirectly via mechanisms of host–parasite interaction, including parasite-released ectokinases and host epigenetic regulation, which modulate host cell signaling and transcriptional regulation, respectively, to establish permissive conditions for intracellular Leishmania survival. |
Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides are emerging treatments for neuromuscular diseases, with several splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs) currently undergoing clinical trials such as for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, the development of systemically delivered antisense therapeutics has been hampered by poor tissue penetration and cellular uptake, including crossing of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to reach targets in the central nervous system (CNS). For SMA application, we have investigated the ability of various BBB-crossing peptides for CNS delivery of a splice-switching phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligonucleotide (PMO) targeting survival motor neuron 2 (SMN2) exon 7 inclusion. We identified a branched derivative of the well-known ApoE (141–150) peptide, which as a PMO conjugate was capable of exon inclusion in the CNS following systemic administration, leading to an increase in the level of full-length SMN2 transcript. Treatment of newborn SMA mice with this peptide-PMO (P-PMO) conjugate resulted in a significant increase in the average lifespan and gains in weight, muscle strength, and righting reflexes. Systemic treatment of adult SMA mice with this newly identified P-PMO also resulted in small but significant increases in the levels of SMN2 pre-messenger RNA (mRNA) exon inclusion in the CNS and peripheral tissues. This work provides proof of principle for the ability to select new peptide paradigms to enhance CNS delivery and activity of a PMO SSO through use of a peptide-based delivery platform for the treatment of SMA potentially extending to other neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. |
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging pathogen causally associated with serious sequelae in fetuses, inducing fetal microcephaly and other neurodevelopment defects. ZIKV is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, but can persist in human semen and sperm, and sexual transmission has been documented. Moreover, exposure of type-I interferon knockout mice to ZIKV results in severe damage to the testes, epididymis and sperm. Candidate ZIKV vaccines have shown protective efficacy in preclinical studies carried out in animal models, and several vaccines have entered clinical trials. Here, we report that administration of a synthetic DNA vaccine encoding ZIKV pre-membrane and envelope (prME) completely protects mice against ZIKV-associated damage to the testes and sperm and prevents viral persistence in the testes following challenge with a contemporary strain of ZIKV. These data suggest that DNA vaccination merits further investigation as a potential means to reduce ZIKV persistence in the male reproductive tract. |
It is now well recognised that cardiac events occur relatively commonly in patients with acute community-acquired pneumonia. While these events are more frequent in patients with underlying risk factors—such as those with underlying chronic cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities, the elderly, and in nursing home residents—they also occur in patients with no underlying risks other than severe pneumonia. Recent research elucidating the underlying pathogenic mechanisms related to these cardiac events has indicated a probable role for platelet activation, which is possibly exacerbated by pneumolysin in the case of pneumococcal infections. This, in turn, has resulted in the identification of possible therapeutic strategies targeting platelet activation, as well as the cardio-toxic activity of pneumolysin. These issues represent the primary focus of the current review. |
In recent years, there has been an increasing appreciation of the importance of secreted and extracellular proteins that traditionally have been considered as intracellular components. Vimentin is a highly abundant intermediate filament protein, and its intracellular functions have been investigated in a large number of studies. Recently, however, vimentin has been shown to take part in significant processes outside the cell. Our understanding of the functions of extracellular vimentin is, however, limited. In this study we demonstrate that a vimentin specific antibody, obtained by phage antibody technology, promotes tube formation of endothelial cells in a 2D matrigel assay. By binding vimentin, the antibody increases the tube formation by 21% after 5 hours of incubation. Addition of the antibody directly to cultured endothelial cells does not influence endothelial cell migration or proliferation. The enhanced tube formation can be seen for up to 10 hours where after the effect decreases. It is shown that the antibody-binding site is located on the coil 2 domain of vimentin. To our knowledge this is the first study that demonstrates an enhanced tube formation by binding vimentin in a 2D matrigel assay under normoxic conditions. |
In mammals, two factors likely to affect the diversity and composition of intestinal bacteria (bacterial microbiome) and eukaryotes (eukaryome) are social status and age. In species in which social status determines access to resources, socially dominant animals maintain better immune processes and health status than subordinates. As high species diversity is an index of ecosystem health, the intestinal biome of healthier, socially dominant animals should be more diverse than those of subordinates. Gradual colonization of the juvenile intestine after birth predicts lower intestinal biome diversity in juveniles than adults. We tested these predictions on the effect of: (1) age (juvenile/adult) and (2) social status (low/high) on bacterial microbiome and eukaryome diversity and composition in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), a highly social, female-dominated carnivore in which social status determines access to resources. We comprehensively screened feces from 35 individually known adult females and 7 juveniles in the Serengeti ecosystem for bacteria and eukaryotes, using a set of 48 different amplicons (4 for bacterial 16S, 44 for eukaryote 18S) in a multi-amplicon sequencing approach. We compared sequence abundances to classical coprological egg or oocyst counts. For all parasite taxa detected in more than six samples, the number of sequence reads significantly predicted the number of eggs or oocysts counted, underscoring the value of an amplicon sequencing approach for quantitative measurements of parasite load. In line with our predictions, our results revealed a significantly less diverse microbiome in juveniles than adults and a significantly higher diversity of eukaryotes in high-ranking than low-ranking animals. We propose that free-ranging wildlife can provide an intriguing model system to assess the adaptive value of intestinal biome diversity for both bacteria and eukaryotes. |
Massive studies have indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for the regulation of cellular biological processes by binding with RNA-related proteins. However, only a few experimentally supported lncRNA-protein associations have been reported. Existing network-based methods are typically focused on intrinsic features of lncRNA and protein but ignore the information implicit in the topologies of biological networks associated with lncRNAs. Considering the limitations in previous methods, we propose PLPIHS, an effective computational method for Predicting lncRNA-Protein Interactions using HeteSim Scores. PLPIHS uses the HeteSim measure to calculate the relatedness score for each lncRNA-protein pair in the heterogeneous network, which consists of lncRNA-lncRNA similarity network, lncRNA-protein association network and protein-protein interaction network. An SVM classifier to predict lncRNA-protein interactions is built with the HeteSim scores. The results show that PLPIHS performs significantly better than the existing state-of-the-art approaches and achieves an AUC score of 0.97 in the leave-one-out validation test. We also compare the performances of networks with different connectivity density and find that PLPIHS performs well across all the networks. Furthermore, we use the proposed method to identify the related proteins for lncRNA MALAT1. Highly-ranked proteins are verified by the biological studies and demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. |
Genetic polymorphisms in IFNL4 have been shown to predict responses to IFN-α-based therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The IFNL4-ΔG genotype, which encodes functional IFN-λ4 protein, is associated with a poor treatment response. In the present study, we investigated the induction and biological effects of IFN-λ4 in HCV-infected hepatocytes and their association with responsiveness to IFN-α. We also studied the effects of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment on IFN-λ4 expression and IFN-α responsiveness. HCV infection induced IFN-λ4 expression at mRNA and protein levels in primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). In hepatoma cells, IFNL4 gene transfection or recombinant IFN-λ4 protein treatment robustly increased the protein levels of ISG15 and USP18 in an IFNLR1-dependent manner and potently blocked IFN-α signalling. The ISG15/USP18-mediated IFN-α unresponsiveness was demonstrated by transfection of siRNAs targeting ISG15 and/or USP18. This potent IFN-λ4 effect was related to prolonged ISG expression after IFNL4 gene transfection. DAA treatment of HCV-infected PHHs reduced the expression of IFN-λs, including IFN-λ4, and restored IFN-α responsiveness. These results demonstrate that virus-induced IFN-λ4 potently blocks IFN-α signalling by inducing high protein levels of ISG15 and USP18. Moreover, the data clearly demonstrate that DAA therapy restores IFN-α responsiveness in HCV-infected cells. |
BACKGROUND: Postoperative operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after hepatic surgery are associated with increased length of hospital stays. Intraoperative blood transfusion, extensive resection and different comorbidities have been identified. Other parameters, like time of hepatic ischemia, have neither been clinically studied, though experimental studies show that hepatic ischemia can provide lung injury. The objective of this study was to determinate the risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after hepatic resection within 7 postoperative days. METHOD: Ninety-four patients consecutively who underwent elective hepatectomy between January and December 2013. Demographic data, pathological variables, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables had been prospectively collected in a data base. The dependant variables studied were the occurrence of PPCs, defined before analysis of the data. RESULTS: PPCs occurred in 32 (34%) patients. A multivariate analysis allowed identifying the risk factors for PPCs. On multivariate analysis, preoperative gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) elevation OR =5,12 [1,85-15,69] p = 0,002, liver ischemia duration OR = 1,03 [1,01-1,06] p = 0,01 and the intraoperative use of vasopressor OR = 4,40 [1,58-13,36] p = 0,006 were independently associated with PPCs. For every 10 min added in ischemia duration, the OR of the risk of PPCs was estimated to be 1.37 (CI(95%) = [1.08-1.81], p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Three risk factors for PPCs have been identified in a population undergoing liver resection: preoperative GGT elevation, ischemia duration and the intraoperative use of vasopressor. PPCs after liver surgery could be related to lung injury induced by liver ischemia reperfusion and not solely by direct infectious process. That could explain why factors influencing directly or indirectly liver ischemia were independently associated with PPCs. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12871-017-0372-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
Presence of ducks, and in particular of free-grazing ducks, has consistently been shown to be one of the most important risk factors for highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks which has compromised poultry production in South-East Asia since the early 2000s and continues to threaten public health, farmers’ livelihood and food security. Although free-grazing duck production has been practised for decades in South-East Asia, there are few published studies describing this production system, which is suspected to play an important role in the maintenance of avian influenza viruses. This study aimed at describing quantitatively the long-distance free-grazing duck production system in South Vietnam, characterising the movement and contact patterns of the duck flocks, and identifying potential associations between farming practices, movement and contact patterns and the circulation of avian influenza viruses. We conducted interviews among stakeholders involved in the free-grazing duck production system (duck farmers, transporters and rice paddy owners) in combination with a virological cross-sectional survey in South Vietnam. Results show that both direct and indirect contacts between free-grazing duck flocks were frequent and diverse. The flocks were transported extensively across district and province boundaries, mainly by boat but also by truck or on foot. A third of the investigated flocks had a positive influenza A virology test, indicating current circulation of avian influenza viruses, but none were positive for H5 subtypes. The age and size of the flock as well as its location at the time of sampling were associated with the risk of influenza A circulation in the flocks. These findings should be considered when developing risk assessment models of influenza virus spread aimed at informing the development of improved biosecurity practices leading to enhanced animal health, sustainable animal production and reliable income for farmers. |
AIM: To study the uptake, barriers and motivators of influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis vaccines among members of public in Arabian Gulf countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries’ residents. Data collected electronically through a smartphone app. The survey variables aimed to investigate the respondents’ awareness about vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal and pertussis infections. Collected data concerning the respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics, their perception toward vaccine uptake and the factors that motivate or demotivate them from taking influenza vaccine. The data were analysed statistically using the SPSS v.23.0. Differences in the characteristics of users from different countries were quantified through bivariate analysis. Other important variables and controlling factors were studied using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 1812 respondents participated in the study. Their mean age was 27 years, 82% were male and 24% had ≥ 1 chronic diseases. The overall uptake of influenza vaccine was 17% (21% among “at risk” people) and ranged from 15% in Saudi Arabia to 24% in Qatar. Doctor’s advice (23%) and a perception of having low body immunity (21%) were the main cited reasons for being vaccinated, whereas unawareness about the vaccine (43%) was the main barrier. The overall uptake of pneumococcal vaccine in the preceding three years was 22% (25% among “at risk” individuals) and ranged from 0% in Bahrain to 79% in Kuwait. The overall uptake of pertussis vaccine was 16% (31% among “vulnerable” people), and ranged from 7% in Saudi Arabia to 75% in Oman. The overall uptake of meningococcal vaccine was 20% (29% among the “at risk” people) and ranged from 3% in Oman to 50% in Bahrain. CONCLUSION: The vaccination uptake across GCC countries is suboptimal and varies widely across the countries. Further research is needed to unearth the reasons and formulate action plan. |
Under a traditional paradigm, only those with the expected background knowledge consume academic literature. The lay press, as well as government and non-government agencies, play a complementary role of extracting findings of high interest or importance and translating them for general viewing. The need for accurate reporting and public advising is paramount when attempting to tackle epidemic outbreaks through behavior change. Yet, public trust in media outlets is at a historic low. The Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) model for media reporting on public health emergencies was established in 2005 and has subsequently been used to analyze media reporting on outbreaks of influenza and measles as well as smoking habits and medication compliance. However, no media analysis had yet been performed on the 2013–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak. This study compared the EVD information relayed by lay press sources with general review articles in the academic literature through a mixed-methods analysis. These findings suggest that comprehensive review articles could not serve as a source to clarify and contextualize the uncertainties around the EVD outbreak, perhaps due to adherence to technical accuracy at the expense of clarity within the context of outbreak conditions. This finding does not imply inferiority of the academic literature, nor does it draw direct causation between confusion in review articles and public misunderstanding. Given the erosion of the barriers siloing academia, combined with the demands of today’s fast-paced media environment, contemporary researchers should realize that no study is outside the public forum and to therefore consider shifting the paradigm to take personal responsibility in the process of accurately translating their scientific words into public policy actions to best serve as a source of clarity. |
The isolation of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nmAbs) against the Zika virus (ZIKV) might lead to novel preventative strategies for infections in at-risk individuals, primarily pregnant women. Here we describe the characterization of human mAbs from the plasmablasts of an acutely infected patient. One of the 18 mAbs had the unusual feature of binding to and neutralizing ZIKV despite not appearing to have been diversified by affinity maturation. This mAb neutralized ZIKV (Neut(50) ~ 2 μg/ml) but did not react with any of the four dengue virus serotypes. Except for the expected junctional diversity created by the joining of the V-(D)-J genes, there was no deviation from immunoglobulin germline genes. This is a rare example of a human mAb with neutralizing activity in the absence of detectable somatic hypermutation. Importantly, binding of this mAb to ZIKV was specifically inhibited by human plasma from ZIKV-exposed individuals, suggesting that it may be of value in a diagnostic setting. |
Infectious diseases attributable to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene (e.g. Cholera, Leptospirosis, Giardiasis) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low-income countries. Climate and weather factors are known to affect the transmission and distribution of infectious diseases and statistical and mathematical modelling are continuously developing to investigate the impact of weather and climate on water-associated diseases. There have been little critical analyses of the methodological approaches. Our objective is to review and summarize statistical and modelling methods used to investigate the effects of weather and climate on infectious diseases associated with water, in order to identify limitations and knowledge gaps in developing of new methods. We conducted a systematic review of English-language papers published from 2000 to 2015. Search terms included concepts related to water-associated diseases, weather and climate, statistical, epidemiological and modelling methods. We found 102 full text papers that met our criteria and were included in the analysis. The most commonly used methods were grouped in two clusters: process-based models (PBM) and time series and spatial epidemiology (TS-SE). In general, PBM methods were employed when the bio-physical mechanism of the pathogen under study was relatively well known (e.g. Vibrio cholerae); TS-SE tended to be used when the specific environmental mechanisms were unclear (e.g. Campylobacter). Important data and methodological challenges emerged, with implications for surveillance and control of water-associated infections. The most common limitations comprised: non-inclusion of key factors (e.g. biological mechanism, demographic heterogeneity, human behavior), reporting bias, poor data quality, and collinearity in exposures. Furthermore, the methods often did not distinguish among the multiple sources of time-lags (e.g. patient physiology, reporting bias, healthcare access) between environmental drivers/exposures and disease detection. Key areas of future research include: disentangling the complex effects of weather/climate on each exposure-health outcome pathway (e.g. person-to-person vs environment-to-person), and linking weather data to individual cases longitudinally. |
Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide spread protozoan and is able to infect almost all warm-blood animals. No effective drugs are available clinically on toxoplasmosis. Chinese traditional herbal medicines have provided remedies for many health problems. There exists a possibility that Chinese herbs may provide protection against T. gondii. This work aims to assess the protective efficacy of combined Chinese herbs against T. gondii. We screened five herbal medicines that have different pharmacological effects and combined them into a prescription according to the traditional Chinese medicine compatibility principle. The drug potential and protective efficacy were evaluated through a mouse model by determining the survival time, the parasite load in blood and tissues, the change of cell proportions in blood and histological detection. The results showed that the survival time of mice in the 500 mg Chinese herbs group and sulfadiazine group was significantly longer than that of the PBS control group. Also the parasite load in blood and tissues of 500 mg Chinese herbs and sulfadiazine groups was significantly lower than that of PBS group at 7 days post infection (dpi), which was in accordance with the result of histological detection. Monocyte and neutrophil of infected mice were remarkably increased while lymphocyte was dramatically decreased compared to that of blank group at 7 dpi. The results demonstrated that the 500 mg dosage of our Chinese herbs could slow down the replication of T. gondii and prolong the survival time of mice and could be considered as possible candidate drug against toxoplasmosis. |
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is often overexpressed in human cancer and is an important target for developing antineoplastic drugs. In this study, a data set containing 2.3 million lead-like molecules and a data set of all the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs are virtually screened for potential Mcl-1 ligands using Protein Data Bank (PDB) ID 2MHS. The potential Mcl-1 ligands are evaluated and computationally docked on to three conformation ensembles generated by normal mode analysis (NMA), molecular dynamics (MD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), respectively. The evaluated potential Mcl-1 ligands are then compared with their clinical use. Remarkably, half of the top 30 potential drugs are used clinically to treat cancer, thus partially validating our virtual screen. The partial validation also favors the idea that the other half of the top 30 potential drugs could be used in the treatment of cancer. The normal mode-, MD-, and NMR-based conformation greatly expand the conformational sampling used herein for in silico identification of potential Mcl-1 inhibitors. |
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is neuroinflammation characterized by uncontrolled infiltration of peripheral leukocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). We previously demonstrated exacerbation of JE following CD11c(hi) dendritic cell (DC) ablation in CD11c-DTR transgenic mice. Moreover, CD11c(hi) DC ablation led to abnormal differentiation of CD11b(+)Ly-6C(hi) monocytes and enhanced permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resulting in promoting the progression of JE. Here, we examined changes in lymphoid and myeloid-derived leukocyte subpopulations associated with pro- and anti-inflammation during JE progression. The analyses of this study focused on regulatory CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), IL-17(+)CD4(+) Th17 cells, and CD11b(+)Ly-6C(hi) and Ly-6C(lo) monocytes. CD11c(hi) DC ablation resulted in the accumulation of IL-17(+)CD4(+) Th17 cells in the CNS, thereby leading to lower ratio of Tregs to Th17 cells. This result was corroborated by the higher expression levels of IL-17 and RORγT in CD4(+) T cells from the brains of CD11c(hi) DC-ablated mice. In addition, CD11c(hi) DC-ablated mice showed higher frequency and total number of inflammatory CD11b(+)Ly-6C(hi) monocytes, whereas CD11b(+)Ly-6C(lo) monocytes were detected with lower frequency and total number in CD11c(hi) DC-ablated mice. Furthermore, CD11c(hi) DC ablation altered the phenotype and function of CD11b(+)Ly-6C(lo) monocytes, resulting in lower levels of activation marker and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10 and TGF-β) expression. Collectively, these results indicate that CD11c(hi) DC ablation caused an imbalance in CD4(+) Th17/Treg cells and CD11b(+)Ly-6C(hi)/Ly-6C(lo) monocytes in the lymphoid tissue and CNS during JE progression. This imbalanced orchestration of pro- and anti-inflammatory leukocytes following CD11c(hi) DC ablation may contribute to the exacerbation of JE. |
BACKGROUND: Nipah virus infection (NiV) is a bat-borne zoonosis transmitted to humans through consumption of NiV-contaminated raw date palm sap in Bangladesh. The objective of this analysis was to measure the cost of an NiV prevention intervention and estimate the cost of scaling it up to districts where spillover had been identified. METHODS: We implemented a behavior change communication intervention in two districts, testing different approaches to reduce the risk of NiV transmission using community mobilization, interpersonal communication, posters and TV public service announcements on local television during the 2012–2014 sap harvesting seasons. In one district, we implemented a “no raw sap” approach recommending to stop drinking raw date palm sap. In another district, we implemented an “only safe sap” approach, recommending to stop drinking raw date palm sap but offering the option of drinking safe sap. This is sap covered with a barrier, locally called bana, to interrupt bats’ access during collection. We conducted surveys among randomly selected respondents two months after the intervention to measure the proportion of people reached. We used an activity-based costing method to calculate the cost of the intervention. RESULTS: The implementation cost of the “no raw sap” intervention was $30,000 and the “only safe sap” intervention was $55,000. The highest cost was conducting meetings and interpersonal communication efforts. The lowest cost was broadcasting the public service announcements on local TV channels. To scale up a similar intervention in 30 districts where NiV spillover has occurred, would cost between $2.6 and $3.5 million for one season. Placing the posters would cost $96,000 and only broadcasting the public service announcement through local channels in 30 districts would cost $26,000. CONCLUSIONS: Broadcasting a TV public service announcement is a potential low cost option to advance NiV prevention. It could be supplemented with posters and targeted interpersonal communication, in districts with a high risk of NiV spillover. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2549-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
Chitin-binding lectins form the hevein family in plants, which are defined by the presence of single or multiple structurally conserved GlcNAc (N-acetylglucosamine)-binding domains. Although they have been used as probes for chito-oligosaccharides, their detailed specificities remain to be investigated. In this study, we analyzed six chitin-binding lectins, DSA, LEL, PWM, STL, UDA, and WGA, by quantitative frontal affinity chromatography. Some novel features were evident: WGA showed almost comparable affinity for pyridylaminated chitotriose and chitotetraose, while LEL and UDA showed much weaker affinity, and DSA, PWM, and STL had no substantial affinity for the former. WGA showed selective affinity for hybrid-type N-glycans harboring a bisecting GlcNAc residue. UDA showed extensive binding to high-mannose type N-glycans, with affinity increasing with the number of Man residues. DSA showed the highest affinity for highly branched N-glycans consisting of type II LacNAc (N-acetyllactosamine). Further, multivalent features of these lectins were investigated by using glycoconjugate and lectin microarrays. The lectins showed substantial binding to immobilized LacNAc as well as chito-oligosaccharides, although the extents to which they bound varied among them. WGA showed strong binding to heavily sialylated glycoproteins. The above observations will help interpret lectin-glycoprotein interactions in histochemical studies and glyco-biomarker investigations. |
The US swine industry has been impaired over the last 25 years by the far-reaching financial losses caused by the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS). Here, we explored the relations between the spatial risk of PRRS outbreaks and its phylodynamic history in the U.S during 1998–2016 using ORF5 sequences collected from swine farms in the Midwest region. We used maximum entropy and Bayesian phylodynamic models to generate risk maps for PRRS outbreaks and reconstructed the evolutionary history of three selected phylogenetic clades (A, B and C). High-risk areas for PRRS were best-predicted by pig density and climate seasonality and included Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. Phylodynamic models demonstrated that the geographical spread of the three clades followed a heterogeneous spatial diffusion process. Furthermore, PRRS viruses were characterized by typical seasonality in their population size. However, endemic strains were characterized by a substantially slower population growth and evolutionary rates, as well as smaller spatial dispersal rates when compared to emerging strains. We demonstrated the prospects of combining inferences derived from two unique analytical methods to inform decisions related to risk-based interventions of an important pathogen affecting one of the largest food animal industries in the world. |
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and are both globally prevalent in the pig population. While HEV does not cause clinical disease in pigs, its zoonotic potential has raised concerns in the food safety sector. PRRS has become endemic in the United Kingdom (UK) since its introduction in 1991, and continues to cause considerable economic losses to the swine industry. A better understanding of the current prevalence and diversity of PRRSV and HEV in the UK, and their potential association, is needed to assess risks and target control measures appropriately. This study used plasma, tonsil, and cecal content samples previously collected from pigs in 14 abattoirs in England and Northern Ireland to study the prevalence of several pathogens including PRRSV and HEV. The diversity of PRRSV strains detected in these samples was analyzed by sequencing open reading frame 5 (ORF5), revealing no substantial difference in PRRSV strains from these clinically unaffected pigs relative to those from clinical cases of disease in the UK. Despite the potential immuno-modulatory effect of PRRSV infection, previously demonstrated to affect Salmonella and HEV shedding profiles, no significant association was found between positive PRRSV status and positive HEV status. |
The adaptive immune response is necessary for the development of protective immunity against infectious diseases. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a genetically heterogeneous and rapidly evolving RNA virus, is the most burdensome pathogen of swine health and wellbeing worldwide. Viral infection induces antigen-specific immunity that ultimately clears the infection. However, the resulting immune memory, induced by virulent or attenuated vaccine viruses, is inconsistently protective against diverse viral strains. The immunological mechanisms by which primary and memory protection are generated and used are not well understood. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding cellular and humoral components of the adaptive immune response to PRRSV infection that mediate primary and memory immune protection against viruses. |
COPD is characterized by an ongoing inflammatory process of the airways that leads to obstruction or limitation of airflow. It is mainly associated with exposure to cigarette smoke. In addition, it is considered, at present, a serious public health problem, ranking fourth in mortality worldwide. Many cells participate in the pathophysiology of COPD, the most important are neutrophils, macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Neutrophil migration to the inflammation area could be mediated largely by cytokines related to CD4+ Th17 lymphocytes, because it has been shown that IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22 act as inducers for CXCL8, CXCL1, CXCL5, G-CSF, and GM-CSF secretion by epithelial cells of the airways. The aims of these molecules are differentiation, proliferation and recruitment of neutrophils. Furthermore, it is believed that CD4+ lymphocytes Th17 may be involved in protection against pathogens for which Th1 and Th2 are not prepared to fight. In COPD exacerbations, there is an increased cellularity in the lung region and respiratory tract. Therefore, the increase in the number of neutrophils and macrophages in the airways and the increase in proinflammatory cytokines are directly related to the severity of exacerbations and that is the importance of the functions of Th17 profile in this entity. |
BACKGROUND: Syndromic surveillance of severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) is important to assess seriousness of disease as recommended by WHO for influenza. In 2015 the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) started to collaborate with a private hospital network to develop a SARI surveillance system using case-based data on ICD-10 codes. This first-time description of the system shows its application to the analysis of five influenza seasons. METHODS: Since week 40/2015, weekly updated anonymized data on discharged patients overall and on patients with respiratory illness including ICD-10 codes of primary and secondary diagnoses are transferred from the network data center to RKI. Retrospective datasets were also provided. Our descriptive analysis is based on data of 47 sentinel hospitals collected between weeks 1/2012 to 20/2016. We applied three different SARI case definitions (CD) based on ICD-10 codes for discharge diagnoses of respiratory tract infections (J09 - J22): basic CD (BCD), using only primary diagnoses; sensitive CD (SCD), using primary and secondary diagnoses; timely CD (TCD), using only primary diagnoses of patients hospitalized up to one week. We compared the CD with regard to severity, age distribution and timeliness and with results from the national primary care sentinel system. RESULTS: The 47 sentinel hospitals covered 3.6% of patients discharged from all German hospitals in 2013. The SCD comprised 2.2 times patients as the BCD, and 3.6 times as many as the TCD. Time course of SARI cases corresponded well to results from primary care surveillance and influenza virus circulation. The patients fulfilling the TCD had been completely reported after 3 weeks, which was fastest among the CD. The proportion of SARI cases among patients was highest in the youngest age group of below 5-year-olds. However, the age group 60 years and above contributed most SARI cases. This was irrespective of the CD used. CONCLUSIONS: In general, available data and the implemented reporting system are appropriate to provide timely and reliable information on SARI in inpatients in Germany. Our ICD-10-based approach proved to be useful for fulfilling requirements for SARI surveillance. The exploratory approach gave valuable insights in data structure and emphasized the advantages of different CD. |
P001 - Sepsis impairs the capillary response within hypoxic capillaries and decreases erythrocyte oxygen-dependent ATP efflux R. M. Bateman, M. D. Sharpe, J. E. Jagger, C. G. Ellis P002 - Lower serum immunoglobulin G2 level does not predispose to severe flu. J. Solé-Violán, M. López-Rodríguez, E. Herrera-Ramos, J. Ruíz-Hernández, L. Borderías, J. Horcajada, N. González-Quevedo, O. Rajas, M. Briones, F. Rodríguez de Castro, C. Rodríguez Gallego P003 - Brain protective effects of intravenous immunoglobulin through inhibition of complement activation and apoptosis in a rat model of sepsis F. Esen, G. Orhun, P. Ergin Ozcan, E. Senturk, C. Ugur Yilmaz, N. Orhan, N. Arican, M. Kaya, M. Kucukerden, M. Giris, U. Akcan, S. Bilgic Gazioglu, E. Tuzun P004 - Adenosine a1 receptor dysfunction is associated with leukopenia: A possible mechanism for sepsis-induced leukopenia R. Riff, O. Naamani, A. Douvdevani P005 - Analysis of neutrophil by hyper spectral imaging - A preliminary report R. Takegawa, H. Yoshida, T. Hirose, N. Yamamoto, H. Hagiya, M. Ojima, Y. Akeda, O. Tasaki, K. Tomono, T. Shimazu P006 - Chemiluminescent intensity assessed by eaa predicts the incidence of postoperative infectious complications following gastrointestinal surgery S. Ono, T. Kubo, S. Suda, T. Ueno, T. Ikeda P007 - Serial change of c1 inhibitor in patients with sepsis – A prospective observational study T. Hirose, H. Ogura, H. Takahashi, M. Ojima, J. Kang, Y. Nakamura, T. Kojima, T. Shimazu P008 - Comparison of bacteremia and sepsis on sepsis related biomarkers T. Ikeda, S. Suda, Y. Izutani, T. Ueno, S. Ono P009 - The changes of procalcitonin levels in critical patients with abdominal septic shock during blood purification T. Taniguchi, M. O P010 - Validation of a new sensitive point of care device for rapid measurement of procalcitonin C. Dinter, J. Lotz, B. Eilers, C. Wissmann, R. Lott P011 - Infection biomarkers in primary care patients with acute respiratory tract infections – Comparison of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein M. M. Meili, P. S. Schuetz P012 - Do we need a lower procalcitonin cut off? H. Hawa, M. Sharshir, M. Aburageila, N. Salahuddin P013 - The predictive role of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin biomarkers in central nervous system infections with extensively drug resistant bacteria V. Chantziara, S. Georgiou, A. Tsimogianni, P. Alexandropoulos, A. Vassi, F. Lagiou, M. Valta, G. Micha, E. Chinou, G. Michaloudis P014 - Changes in endotoxin activity assay and procalcitonin levels after direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin-b immobilized fiber A. Kodaira, T. Ikeda, S. Ono, T. Ueno, S. Suda, Y. Izutani, H. Imaizumi P015 - Diagnostic usefullness of combination biomarkers on ICU admission M. V. De la Torre-Prados, A. Garcia-De la Torre, A. Enguix-Armada, A. Puerto-Morlan, V. Perez-Valero, A. Garcia-Alcantara P016 - Platelet function analysis utilising the PFA-100 does not predict infection, bacteraemia, sepsis or outcome in critically ill patients N. Bolton, J. Dudziak, S. Bonney, A. Tridente, P. Nee P017 - Extracellular histone H3 levels are inversely correlated with antithrombin levels and platelet counts and are associated with mortality in sepsis patients G. Nicolaes, M. Wiewel, M. Schultz, K. Wildhagen, J. Horn, R. Schrijver, T. Van der Poll, C. Reutelingsperger P018 - Il-8: is this a more reliable biomarker for sepsis severity than CRP, Procalcitonin, E-selectin, IL-6 and TNF-[alpha] S. Pillai, G. Davies, G. Mills, R. Aubrey, K. Morris, P. Williams, P. Evans P019 - Relation between adrenomedullin and short-term outcome in ICU patients: Results from the frog ICU study E. G. Gayat, J. Struck, A. Cariou, N. Deye, B. Guidet, S. Jabert, J. Launay, M. Legrand, M. Léone, M. Resche-Rigon, E. Vicaut, A. Vieillard-Baron, A. Mebazaa P020 - Impact of disease severity assessment on performance of heparin-binding protein for the prediction of septic shock R. Arnold, M. Capan, A. Linder, P. Akesson P021 - Kinetics and prognostic value of presepsin (sCD14) in septic patients. A pilot study M. Popescu, D. Tomescu P022 - Comparison of CD64 levels performed by the facs and accellix systems C. L. Sprung, R. Calderon Morales, G. Munteanu, E. Orenbuch-Harroch, P. Levin, H. Kasdan, A. Reiter, T. Volker, Y. Himmel, Y. Cohen, J. Meissonnier P023 - Diagnosing sepsis in 5 minutes: Nanofluidic technology study with pancreatic-stone protein (PSP/ reg) L. Girard, F. Rebeaud P024 - How nanotechnology-based approaches could contribute to sepsis prevention, diagnosis and treatment I. Herrmann P025 - Il7r transcriptional expression analysis during septic shock B. Delwarde, E. Peronnet, E. Cerrato, F. Venet, A. Lepape, T. Rimmelé, G. Monneret, J. Textoris P026 - Disbalance of microbial metabolites of aromatic acids affects the severity in critically ill patients N. Beloborodova, V. Moroz, A. Osipov, A. Bedova, Y. Sarshor, A. Pautova, A. Sergeev, E. Chernevskaya P027 - Copeptin predicts 10-year all-cause mortality in community patients J. Odermatt, R. Bolliger, L. Hersberger, M. Ottiger, M. Christ-Crain, B. Mueller, P. Schuetz P028 - Identification of differential proteomic response in septic patients secondary to community and hospital acquired pneumonia N. K. Sharma, A. K. Tashima, M. K. Brunialti, F. R. Machado, M. Assuncao, O. Rigato, R. Salomao P029 - Monocyte HLA-DR expression in community-acquired bacteremic sepsis - dynamics associated to aetiology and prediction of secondary sepsis S. C. Cajander, G. Rasmussen, E. Tina, B. Söderquist, J. Källman, K. Strålin P030 - Soluble B- and T-lymphocyte attenuator: A possible prognostic marker in sepsis A. L. Lange, J. S. Sundén-Cullberg, A. M. Magnuson, O. H. Hultgren P031 - Fractal dimension: A new biomarker for quantifying clot microstructure in patients across the sepsis spectrum G. Davies, S. Pillai, G. Mills, R. Aubrey, K. Morris, P. Williams, P. Evans P032 - Comparison between the new biomarker for coagulation, clot microstructure (Df) with rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in patients across the sepsis spectrum S. Pillai, G. Davies, G. Mills, R. Aubrey, K. Morris, P. Williams, P. Evans P033 - Changes in fibrinolysis across the sepsis spectrum: The use of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) lysis index (LI60) and D-Dimer concentration S. Pillai, G. Davies, G. Mills, R. Aubrey, K. Morris, P. Williams, P. Evans P034 - The intensive care infection score – a promising marker for the prediction of infection and its severity. P. Van der Geest, M. Mohseni, J. Linssen, R. De Jonge, S. Duran, J. Groeneveld P035 - Challenges in the clinical diagnosis of sepsis R. Miller III, B. K. Lopansri, L. C. McHugh, A. Seldon, J. P. Burke P036 - Does zero heat flux thermometry more accurately identify sepsis on intensive care? J. Johnston, R. Reece-Anthony, A. Bond, A. Molokhia P037 - Advancing quality (AQ) sepsis programme: Improving early identification & treatment of sepsis in North West England. C. Mcgrath, E. Nsutebu P038 - Prehospital transport of acute septic patients P. Bank Pedersen, D. Pilsgaard Henriksen, S. Mikkelsen, A. Touborg Lassen P039 - Vasodilatory plant extracts gel as an alternative treatment for fever in critically ill patients R. Tincu, C. Cobilinschi, D. Tomescu, Z. Ghiorghiu, R. Macovei P040 - Host response and outcome of hypothermic sepsis M. A. Wiewel, M. B. Harmon, L. A. Van Vught, B. P. Scicluna, A. J. Hoogendijk, J. Horn, A. H. Zwinderman, O. L. Cremer, M. J. Bonten, M. J. Schultz, T. Van der Poll, N. P. Juffermans, W. J. Wiersinga P041 - Septic shock alert over SIRS criteria has an impact on outcome but needs to be revised G. Eren, Y Tekdos, M. Dogan, O. Acicbe, E. Kaya, O. Hergunsel P042 - Association between previous prescription of βblockers and mortality rate among septic patients: A retrospective observational study S. Alsolamy, G. Ghamdi, L. Alswaidan, S. Alharbi, F. Alenezi, Y. Arabi P043 - Recognition and treatment of sepsis on labour ward– teaching & information resources can improve knowledge J. Heaton, A. Boyce, L. Nolan, J. Johnston, A. Dukoff-Gordon, A. Dean, A. Molokhia P044 - Culture negative sepsis in the ICU – what is unique to this patient population? T. Mann Ben Yehudah P045 - Organ dysfunction in severe sepsis patients identified in administrative data in Germany, 2007-2013 C. Fleischmann, D. Thomas-Rueddel, C. Haas, U. Dennler, K. Reinhart P046 - A comparison of residents’ knowledge regarding; the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2012 guideline O. Suntornlohanakul, B. Khwannimit P047 - Effectiveness of a septic shock bundle to improve outcomes in the ICU F. Breckenridge, A. Puxty P048 - Dose of norepinephrine in the first 24 hours as a parameter evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock P. Szturz, P. Folwarzcny, J. Svancara, R. Kula, P. Sevcik P049 - Norepinephrine or vasopressin + norepinephrine in septic shock. A retrospective series of 39 patients L. Caneva, A. Casazza, E. Bellazzi, S. Marra, L. Pagani, M. Vetere, R. Vanzino, D. Ciprandi, R. Preda, R. Boschi, L. Carnevale P050 - Methylene blue effectiveness as contributory treatment in patients with septic shock V. Lopez, M. Aguilar Arzapalo, L. Barradas, A. Escalante, J. Gongora, M. Cetina P051 - Coagulation disorders in patients with severe sepsis and DIC evaluated with thromboelastometry. B Adamik, D Jakubczyk, A Kübler P052 - Frequency and outcome of early sepsis-associated coagulopathy A. Radford, T. Lee, J. Singer, J. Boyd, D. Fineberg, M. Williams, J. Russell P053 - Assessment of coagulopathy in cancer patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. A case-control pilot study E. Scarlatescu, D. Tomescu, G. Droc, S. Arama P054 - Thromboelastometry in critically ill patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation M. Müller, M. Straat, S. S. Zeerleder, N. P. Juffermans P055 - Cessation of a preexisting chronic antiplatelet therapy is associated with increased mortality rates in severe sepsis and septic shock C. F. Fuchs, C. S. Scheer, S. W. Wauschkuhn, M. V. Vollmer, K. M. Meissner, S. K. Kuhn, K. H. Hahnenkamp, S. R. Rehberg, M. G. Gründling P056 - Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) production under hypoxic condition N. Yamamoto, M. Ojima, S. Hamaguchi, T. Hirose, Y. Akeda, R. Takegawa, O. Tasaki, T. Shimazu, K. Tomono P057 - Impact of ultraviolet air sterilizer in intensive care unit room, and clinical outcomes of patients E. Gómez-Sánchez, M. Heredia-Rodríguez, E. Álvarez-Fuente, M. Lorenzo-López, E. Gómez-Pesquera, M. Aragón-Camino, P. Liu-Zhu, A. Sánchez-López, A. Hernández-Lozano, M. T. Peláez-Jareño, E. Tamayo P058 - Focus of infection in severe sepsis - comparison of administrative data and prospective cohorts from Germany D. O. Thomas-Rüddel, C. Fleischmann, C. Haas, U. Dennler, K. Reinhart P059 - “Zero CLABSI” – can we get there? Obstacles on the 4 year journey and our strategies to overcome them – experience from an Indian ICU V. Adora, A. Kar, A. Chakraborty, S. Roy, A. Bandyopadhyay, M. Das P060 - Novel molecular techniques to identify central venous catheter (CVC) associated blood stream infections (BSIs) T. Mann Ben Yehudah, G. Ben Yehudah, M. Salim, N. Kumar, L. Arabi, T. Burger, P. Lephart, E. Toth-martin P061 - Zero clabsi” – can we get there? Obstacles on the 4 year journey and our strategies to overcome them – experience from an Indian ICU R. Rao, A. Kar, A. Chakraborty P062 - Prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units: An international online survey C. Valencia, N. Hammami, S. Blot, J. L. Vincent, M. L. Lambert P063 - 30 days antimicrobial efficacy of non-leaching central venous catheters J. Brunke, T. Riemann, I. Roschke P064 - Efficacy of noble metal alloy-coated catheter in prevention of bacteriuria R. Tincu, C. Cobilinschi, D. Tomescu, Z. Ghiorghiu, R. Macovei P065 - Predicting bacteremic urinary tract infection in community setting: A prospective observational study S. Nimitvilai, K. Jintanapramote, S. Jarupongprapa P066 - Eight-year analysis of acinetobacter spp. monobacteremia in surgical and medical intensive care units at university hospital in Lithuania D. Adukauskiene, D. Valanciene P067 - Group A and group B streptococcal infections in intensive care unit – our experience in a tertiary centre G. Bose, V. Lostarakos, B. Carr P068 - Improved detection of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis by uritop + tm strip test and inoculation of blood culture bottles with ascitic fluid S. Khedher, A. Maaoui, A. Ezzamouri, M. Salem P069 - Increased risk of cellulitis in patients with congestive heart failure: a population based cohort study J. Chen P070 - Outcomes of severe cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis in the critically ill D. R. Cranendonk, L. A. Van Vught, M. A. Wiewel, O. L. Cremer, J. Horn, M. J. Bonten, M. J. Schultz, T. Van der Poll, W. J. Wiersinga P071 - Botulism outbreak associated with people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Scotland. M. Day, G. Penrice, K. Roy, P. Robertson, G. Godbole, B. Jones, M. Booth, L. Donaldson P072 - Surveillance of ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae fecal carriers in the ICU Y. Kawano, H. Ishikura P073 - Prevalence of ESBL and carbapenemase producing uropathogens in a newly opened hospital in south India S. Sreevidya, N. Brahmananda Reddy, P. Muraray Govind, R. Pratheema, J. Devachandran Apollo Speciality Hospital - OMR, Chennai, India P074 - Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization in critically ill patients H. Al-Dorzi, M. Almutairi, B. Alhamadi, A. Crizaldo Toledo, R. Khan, B. Al Raiy, Y. Arabi P075 - Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection in intensive care unit patients in a hospital with building construction: Is there an association? H. Talaie P076 - Multidrug-resistant organisms in a Dutch ICU J. A. Van Oers, A. Harts, E. Nieuwkoop, P. Vos P077 - Epidemiology and risk factors of ICU acquired infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram negative bacilli Y. Boussarsar, F. Boutouta, S. Kamoun, I. Mezghani, S. Koubaji, A. Ben Souissi, A. Riahi, M. S. Mebazaa P078 - Improving outcomes of severe infections by multidrug-resistant pathogens with polyclonal IgM-enriched immunoglobulins E. Giamarellos-Bourboulis, N. Tziolos, C. Routsi, C. Katsenos, I. Tsangaris, I. Pneumatikos, G. Vlachogiannis, V. Theodorou, A. Prekates, E. Antypa, V. Koulouras, N. Kapravelos, C. Gogos, E. Antoniadou, K. Mandragos, A. Armaganidis P079 - Must change the medical practice in ICU? A. R. Robles Caballero, B. Civantos, J. C. Figueira, J. López P080 - Mediterranean spotted fever in an infectious diseases intensive care unit A. Silva-Pinto, F. Ceia, A. Sarmento, L. Santos P081 - Clinical features and outcomes of patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome requiring admission to a saudi intensive care unit: A retrospective analysis of 31 cases G. Almekhlafi, Y. Sakr P082 - The ICU response to a hospital outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection H. Al-Dorzi, R. Khan, S. Baharoon, A. Aldawood, A. Matroud, J. Alchin, S. Al Johani, H. Balkhy, Y. Arabi P083 - Middle East respiratory syndrome: Surveillance data analysis S. Alsolamy, S. Y. Yousif, B. O. Alotabi, A. S. Alsaawi P085 - Use of Taqman array card molecular diagnostics in severe pneumonia: A case series J. Ang, MD Curran, D. Enoch, V. Navapurkar, A. Conway Morris P086 - ‘BUNS’: An investigation protocol improves the ICU management of pneumonia R. Sharvill, J. Astin P087 - Pneumonia in patients following secondary peritonitis: epidemiological features and impact on mortality M. Heredia-Rodríguez, E. Gómez-Sánchez, M. T. Peláez-Jareño, E. Gómez-Pesquera, M. Lorenzo-López, P. Liu-Zhu, M. Aragón-Camino, A. Hernández-Lozano, A. Sánchez-López, E. Álvarez-Fuente, E. Tamayo P088 - The use of the “CURB-65 score” by emergency room clinicians in a large teaching hospital J. Patel, C. Kruger P089 - Incidence of community acquired pneumonia with viral infection in mechanically ventilated patients in the medical intensive care unit J. O’Neal, H. Rhodes, J. Jancik P090 - The SAATELLITE Study: Prevention of S aureus Nosocomial Pneumonia (NP) with MEDI4893, a Human Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Against S aureus B. François, P. F. Laterre, P. Eggimann, A. Torres, M. Sánchez, P. F. Dequin, G. L. Bassi, J. Chastre, H. S. Jafri P091 - Risk factors and microbiological profile for nosocomial infections in trauma patients M. Ben Romdhane, Z. Douira, S. Kamoun, M. Bousselmi, A. Ben Souissi, Y. Boussarsar, A. Riahi, M.S. Mebazaa P092 - Correlation between percentages of ventilated patients developed vap and use of antimicrobial agents in ICU patients. A. Vakalos, V. Avramidis P093 - A comparison of two ventilator associated pneumonia surveillance techniques T. H. Craven, G. Wojcik, K. Kefala, J. McCoubrey, J. Reilly, R. Paterson, D. Inverarity, I. Laurenson, T. S. Walsh P094 - Lung ultrasound before and after fiberbronchoscopy - modifications may improve ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnosis S. Mongodi, B. Bouhemad, A. Orlando, A. Stella, G. Via, G. Iotti, A. Braschi, F. Mojoli P095 - Comparing the accuracy of predictors of mortality in ventilator-associated pneumonia M. Haliloglu, B. Bilgili, U. Kasapoglu, I. Sayan, M. Süzer Aslan, A. Yalcın, I. Cinel P096 - Impact of pRBCs transfusion on percentage of ventilated patients developed VAP in ICU patients A. Vakalos, V. Avramidis P097 - The impact of a series of interventions on the rate of ventilator associated pneumonia in a large teaching hospital H. E. Ellis, K. Bauchmuller, D. Miller, A Temple P098 - The EVADE study: Prevention of Nosocomial Pneumonia (NP) caused by P aeruginosa with MEDI3902, a Novel Bispecific Monoclonal Antibody, against P aeruginosa virulence factors J. Chastre, B. François, A. Torres, C. E. Luyt, M. Sánchez, M. Singer, H. S. Jafri P099 - Short-term inhaled colistin adjunctive therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia Y. Nassar, M. S. Ayad P100 - Effect of aerosolised colistin on weaning from mechanical ventilation A. Trifi, S. Abdellatif, F. Daly, R. Nasri, S. Ben Lakhal P101 - Septic shock is an independent risk factor for colistin-induced severe acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study B. Bilgili, M. Haliloglu, F. Gul, I. Cinel P102 - Nosocomial pneumonia - emphasis on inhaled tobramycin A. Kuzovlev, A. Shabanov, S. Polovnikov, V. Moroz P103 - In vitro evaluation of amikacin inhale and commercial nebulizers in a mechanical ventilator N. Kadrichu, T. Dang, K. Corkery, P. Challoner P104 - The effects of nebulized amikacin/fosfomycin and systemic meropenem on severe amikacin-resistant meropenem-susceptible P.aeruginosa pneumonia G. Li Bassi, E. Aguilera, C. Chiurazzi, C. Travierso, A. Motos, L. Fernandez, R. Amaro, T. Senussi, F. Idone, J. Bobi, M. Rigol, A. Torres P105 - Optimization of gentamicin peak concentrations in critically ill patients C. J. Hodiamont, N. P. Juffermans, J. M. Janssen, C. S. Bouman, R. A. Mathôt, M. D. De Jong, R. M. Van Hest P106 - Systematic review of cefepime induced neurotoxicity L. Payne, G. L. Fraser P107 - Unasyn® causes QT prolongation during treatment of intensive care patients B. Tudor, M. Lahner, G. Roth, C. Krenn P108 - Comparative study between teicoplanin and vancomycin in methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (mrsa) infectious of toxicological intensive care unit (ticu) patients – Tehran, Iran H. Talaie P109 - Phage therapy against antimicrobial resistance, design of the first clinical study phagoburn P. Jault, J. Gabard, T. Leclerc, S. Jennes, Y. Que, A. Rousseau, F. Ravat P110 - Antibiotic dosing errors in critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock H. Al-Dorzi, A. Eissa, S. Al-Harbi, T. Aldabbagh, R. Khan, Y. Arabi P111 - Does empiric antifungal therapy improve survival in septic critically ill patients? (immunocompromised excluded) A. Trifi, S. Abdellatif, F. Daly, R. Nasri, S. Ben Lakhal P112 - Neurocysticercosis-Qatar experience F. Paramba, N. Purayil, V. Naushad, O. Mohammad, V. Negi, P. Chandra P113 - Early indicators in acute haemorrhagic shock A. Kleinsasser P114 - Filtering of red blood cells reduces the inflammatory response of pulmonary cells in an in vitro model of mechanical ventilation M. R. Witrz, J. F. Buchner-Doeven, A. M. Tuip-de Boer, J. C. Goslings, N. P. Juffermans P115 - Microparticles from red blood cell transfusion induce a pro-coagulant and pro-inflammatory endothelial cell response M. Van Hezel, M. Straat, A Boing, R Van Bruggen, N Juffermans P116 - The contribution of cytokines on thrombosis development during hospitalization in ICU D. Markopoulou, K. Venetsanou, V. Kaldis, D. Koutete, D. Chroni, I. Alamanos P117 - Prophylactic enoxaparin dosing and adjustment through anti-xa monitoring in an inpatient burn unit L. Koch, J. Jancik, H. Rhodes, E. Walter P118 - Determination of optimal cut-off values of haemoglobin, platelet count and fibrinogen at 24 hours after injury associated with mortality in trauma patients K. Maekawa, M. Hayakawa, S. Kushimoto, A. Shiraishi, H. Kato, J. Sasaki, H. Ogura, T. Matauoka, T. Uejima, N. Morimura, H. Ishikura, A. Hagiwara, M. Takeda P119 - Trauma-induced coagulopathy - prothrombin complex concentrate vs fresh frozen plasma O. Tarabrin, S. Shcherbakow, D. Gavrychenko, G. Mazurenko, V. Ivanova, O. Chystikov P120 - First study to prove the superiority of prothrombin complex concentrates on mortality rate over fresh frozen plasma in patients with acute bleeding C. Plourde, J. Lessard, J. Chauny, R. Daoust P121 - Prothrombin complex concentrate vs fresh frozen plasma in obstetric massive bleeding S. Shcherbakow, O. Tarabrin, D. Gavrychenko, G. Mazurenko, O. Chystikov P122 - Impact of FFP transfusion on VAP in ICU patients A. Vakalos, V. Avramidis P123 - Preoperative platelet function test and the thrombin generation assay are predictive for blood loss after cardiac surgery L. Kropman, L. In het Panhuis, J. Konings, D. Huskens, E. Schurgers, M. Roest, B. De Laat, M. Lance P124 - Rotational thromboelastometry versus standard coagulation tests before surgical interventions M. Durila, P. Lukas, M. Astraverkhava, J. Jonas P125 - Correction of impaired clot quality and stability by fibrinogen and activated prothrombin complex concentrate in a model of severe thrombocytopenia I. Budnik, B. Shenkman P126 - Assessment of point-of-care prothrombin time analyzer as a monitor after cardiopulmonary bypass H. Hayami, Y. Koide, T. Goto P127 - Disseminated intravascular coagulation (dic) is underdiagnosed in critically ill patients: do we need d-dimer measurements? R. Iqbal, Y. Alhamdi, N. Venugopal, S. Abrams, C. Downey, C. H. Toh, I. D. Welters P128 - Validity of the age-adjusted d-dimer cutoff in patients with COPD B. Bombay, J. M. Chauny, R. D. Daoust, J. L. Lessard, M. M. Marquis, J. P. Paquet P129 - A scoping review of strategies for prevention and management of bleeding following paediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery K. Siemens, D. Sangaran, B. J. Hunt, A. Durward, A. Nyman, I. A. Murdoch, S. M. Tibby P130 - Nadir hemoglobulin during cardiopulmonary bypass: impact on postoperative morbidity and mortality F. Ampatzidou, D. Moisidou, E. Dalampini, M. Nastou, E. Vasilarou, V. Kalaizi, H. Chatzikostenoglou, G. Drossos P131 - Red blood cell transfusion do not influence the prognostic value of RDW in critically ill patients S. Spadaro, A. Fogagnolo, T. Fiore, A. Schiavi, V. Fontana, F. Taccone, C. Volta P132 - Reasons for admission in the paediatric intensive care unit and the need for blood and blood products transfusions E. Chochliourou, E. Volakli, A. Violaki, E. Samkinidou, G. Evlavis, V. Panagiotidou, M. Sdougka P133 - The implementation of a massive haemorrhage protocol (mhp) for the management of major trauma: a ten year, single-centre study R. Mothukuri, C. Battle, K. Guy, G. Mills, P. Evans P134 - An integrated major haemorrhage protocol for pre-hospital and retrieval medical teams J. Wijesuriya, S. Keogh P135 - The impact of transfusion thresholds on mortality and cardiovascular events in patients with cardiovascular disease (non-cardiac surgery): a systematic review and meta-analysis A. Docherty, R. O’Donnell, S. Brunskill, M. Trivella, C. Doree, L. Holst, M. Parker, M. Gregersen, J. Almeida, T. Walsh, S. Stanworth P136 - The relationship between poor pre-operative immune status and outcome from cardiac surgery is specific to the peri-operative antigenic threat S. Moravcova, J. Mansell, A. Rogers, R. A. Smith, C. Hamilton-Davies P137 - Impact of simple clinical practice guidelines for reducing post-operative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. A. Omar, M. Allam, O. Bilala, A. Kindawi, H. Ewila P138 - Dexamethasone administration during cardiopulmonary bypass has no beneficial effects on elective postoperative cardiac surgery patients F. Ampatzidou, D. Moisidou, M. Nastou, E. Dalampini, A. Malamas, E. Vasilarou, G. Drossos P139 - Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery (IABCS): preliminary results G. Ferreira, J. Caldas, J. Fukushima, E. A. Osawa, E. Arita, L. Camara, S. Zeferino, J. Jardim, F. Gaioto, L. Dallan, F. B. Jatene, R. Kalil Filho, .F Galas, L. A. Hajjar P140 - Effects of low-dose atrial natriuretic peptide infusion on cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury C. Mitaka, T. Ohnuma, T. Murayama, F. Kunimoto, M. Nagashima, T. Takei, M. Tomita P141 - Acute kidney injury influence on high sensitive troponin measurements after cardiac surgery A. Omar, K. Mahmoud, S. Hanoura, S. Sudarsanan, P. Sivadasan, H. Othamn, Y. Shouman, R. Singh, A. Al Khulaifi P142 - Complex evaluation of endothelial dysfunction markers for prognosis of outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery I. Mandel, S. Mikheev, I. Suhodolo, V. Kiselev, Y. Svirko, Y. Podoksenov P143 - New-onset atrial fibrillation in intensive care: incidence, management and outcome S. A. Jenkins, R. Griffin P144 - One single spot measurement of the sublingual microcirculation during acute pulmonary hypertension in a pig model of shock M. S. Tovar Doncel, A. Lima, C. Aldecoa, C. Ince P145 - Assessment of levosimendan as a therapeutic option to recruit the microcirculation in cardiogenic shock – initial experience in cardiac ICU A. Taha, A. Shafie, M. Mostafa, N. Syed, H. Hon P146 - Terlipressin vs. norepinephrine in the Potential Multiorgan Donor(PMD) F. Righetti, E. Colombaroli, G. Castellano P147 - Echocardiography in the potential heart donor exposed to substitution hormonotherapy F. Righetti, E. Colombaroli P148 - Machine learning can reduce rate of monitor alarms M. Hravnak, L. C. Chen, A. D. Dubrawski, G. C. Clermont, M. R. Pinsky P149 - Peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU S. Gonzalez, D. Macias, J. Acosta, P. Jimenez, A. Loza, A. Lesmes, F. Lucena, C. Leon P150 - Recordings of abnormal central venous pressure waveform morphology during an episode of pulmonary hypertension in a porcine shock model M. S. Tovar Doncel, C. Ince, C. Aldecoa, A. Lima P151 - Ultrasound guided central venous access technique among French intensivists M. Bastide, J. Richecoeur, E. Frenoy, C. Lemaire, B. Sauneuf, F. Tamion, S. Nseir, D. Du Cheyron, H. Dupont, J. Maizel P152 - Predictive ability of the Pv-aCO2 gap in patients with shock M. Shaban, R. Kolko, N. Salahuddin, M. Sharshir, M. AbuRageila, A. AlHussain P153 - Comparison of echocardiography and pulmonary artery catheter measurements of hemodynamic parameters in critical ill patients P. Mercado, J. Maizel, L. Kontar, D. Titeca, F. Brazier, A. Riviere, M. Joris, T. Soupison, B. De Cagny, M. Slama P154 - The volume clamp method for noninvasive cardiac output measurement in postoperative cardiothoracic surgery patients: a comparison with intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution J. Wagner, A. Körner, M. Kubik, S. Kluge, D. Reuter, B. Saugel P155 - Hemodynamic monitoring in patients with septic shock (SS) – CPCCO (continuous pulse contour cardiac output) vs. TEE (transesophageal echocardiography) E. Colombaroli, F. Righetti, G. Castellano P156 - Cardiac output measurement with transthoracic echocardiography in critically ill patients: a pragmatic clinical study T. Tran, D. De Bels, A. Cudia, M. Strachinaru, P. Ghottignies, J. Devriendt, C. Pierrakos P157 - Left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral correlates with stroke volume index in mechanically ventilated patients Ó. Martínez González, R. Blancas, J. Luján, D. Ballesteros, C. Martínez Díaz, A. Núñez, C. Martín Parra, B. López Matamala, M. Alonso Fernández, M. Chana P158 - Transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) derived from femoral vs. jugular central venous catheter: validation of a previously published correction formula and a proprietary correction formula for global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) W. Huber, M. Eckmann, F. Elkmann, A. Gruber, I. Klein, R. M. Schmid, T. Lahmer P160 - Dynamic arterial elastance calculated with lidcoplus monitor does not predict changes in arterial pressure after a fluid challenge in postsurgical patients D. Bastoni, H. Aya, L. Toscani, L. Pigozzi, A. Rhodes, M. Cecconi P159 - Venous return driving pressure and resistance in acute blood volume changes P. W. Moller, S. Sondergaard, S. M. Jakob, J. Takala, D. Berger P160 - Dynamic arterial elastance calculated with lidcoplus monitor does not predict changes in arterial pressure after a fluid challenge in postsurgical patients D. Bastoni, H. Aya, L. Toscani, L. Pigozzi, A. Rhodes, M. Cecconi P161 - Analysis of duration of post-operative goal-directed therapy protocol C. Ostrowska, H. Aya, A. Abbas, J. Mellinghoff, C. Ryan, D. Dawson, A. Rhodes, M. Cecconi P162 - Hemodynamic optimization – back to square one? M. Cronhjort, O. Wall, E. Nyberg, R. Zeng, C. Svensen, J. Mårtensson, E. Joelsson-Alm P163 - Effectiveness of fluid thoracic content measurement by bioimpedance guiding intravascular volume optimization in patients with septic shock M. Aguilar Arzapalo, L. Barradas, V. Lopez, M. Cetina P164 - A systematic review on the role of internal jugular vein ultrasound measurements in assessment of volume status in critical shock patients N. Parenti, C. Palazzi, L. A. Amidei, F. B. Borrelli, S. C. Campanale, F. T. Tagliazucchi, G. S. Sedoni, D. L. Lucchesi, E. C. Carella, A. L Luciani P165 - Importance of recognizing dehydration in medical Intensive Care Unit M. Mackovic, N. Maric, M. Bakula P166 - Effect of volume for a fluid challenge in septic patients H. Aya, A. Rhodes, R. M. Grounds, N. Fletcher, M. Cecconi P167 - Fluid bolus practices in a large Australian intensive care unit B. Avard, P. Zhang P168 - Liberal late fluid management is associated with longer ventilation duration and worst outcome in severe trauma patients: a retrospective cohort of 294 patients M. Mezidi, J. Charbit, M. Ould-Chikh, P. Deras, C. Maury, O. Martinez, X. Capdevila P169 - Association of fluids and outcomes in emergency department patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia P. Hou, W. Z. Linde-Zwirble, I. D. Douglas, N. S. Shapiro P170 - Association of positive fluid balance with poor outcome in medicosurgical ICU patients A. Ben Souissi, I. Mezghani, Y. Ben Aicha, S. Kamoun, B. Laribi, B. Jeribi, A. Riahi, M. S. Mebazaa P171 - Impact of fluid balance to organ dysfunction in critically ill patients C. Pereira, R. Marinho, R. Antunes, A. Marinho P172 - Volume bolus in ICU patients: do we need to balance our crystalloids? M. Crivits, M. Raes, J. Decruyenaere, E. 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Kindgen-Milles P188 - Citrate regional anticoagulation for post dilution continuous renal replacement therapy S. Ghabina P189 - Citrate 18 mmol/l improves anticoagulation during RRT with adsorbing filters F. Turani, A. Belli, S. Busatti, G. Barettin, F. Candidi, F. Gargano, R. Barchetta, M. Falco P190 - Calcium gluconate instead of calcium chloride in citrate-anticoagulated CVVHD O. Demirkiran, M. Kosuk, S. Bozbay P191 - Enhanced clearance of interleukin-6 with continuous veno-venous haemodialysis (CVVHD) using Ultraflux EMiC2 vs. Ultraflux AV1000S V. Weber, J. Hartmann, S. Harm, I. Linsberger, T. Eichhorn, G. Valicek, G. Miestinger, C. Hoermann P192 - Removal of bilirubin with a new adsorbent system: in vitro kinetics S. Faenza, D. Ricci, E. Mancini, C. Gemelli, A. Cuoghi, S. Magnani, M. Atti P193 - Case series of patients with severe sepsis and septic shock treated with a new extracorporeal sorbent T. Laddomada, A. Doronzio, B. Balicco P194 - In vitro adsorption of a broad spectrum of inflammatory mediators with CytoSorb® hemoadsorbent polymer beads M. C. Gruda, P. O’Sullivan, V. P. Dan, T. Guliashvili, A. Scheirer, T. D. Golobish, V. J. Capponi, P. P. Chan P195 - Observations in early vs. late use of cytosorb therapy in critically ill patients K. Kogelmann, M. Drüner, D. Jarczak P196 - Oxiris membrane decreases endotoxin during rrt in septic patients with basal EAA > 0,6 F. Turani, A. B. Belli, S. M. Martni, V. C. Cotticelli, F. Mounajergi, R. Barchetta P197 - An observational prospective study on the onset of augmented renal clearance: the first report S. Morimoto, H. Ishikura P198 - An ultrasound- guided algorithm for the management of oliguria in severe sepsis I. Hussain, N. Salahuddin, A. Nadeem, K. Ghorab, K. Maghrabi P199 - Ultrasound in acute kidney injury (aki). First findings of farius, an education-programme in structural ultrasonography S. K. Kloesel, C. Goldfuss, A. Stieglitz, A. S. 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Hana P205 - Early diagnosis of septic acute kidney injury in medical critical care patients with a urine cell cycle arrest marker: insulin like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP-7) M. Aydogdu, N. Boyaci, S. Yuksel, G. Gursel, A. B. Cayci Sivri P206 - Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as early biomarker of severe acute kidney injury in intensive care J. Meza-Márquez, J. Nava-López, R. Carrillo-Esper P207 - Shrunken pore syndrome is associated with a sharp rise in mortality in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting A. Dardashti, A. Grubb P208 - The biomarker nephrocheck™ can discriminate the septic shock patients with an akin 1 or 2 acute renal failure who will not progress toward the akin 3 level J. Maizel, M. Wetzstein, D. Titeca, L. Kontar, F. Brazier, B. De Cagny, A. Riviere, T. Soupison, M. Joris, M. 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O’Sullivan, L. Sweeney, R. MacLoughlin P232 - Evaluation of vibrating mesh and jet nebuliser performance at two different attachment setups in line with a humidifier nebuliser system A. O’Sullivan, P. Kelly, L. Sweeney, E. Mukeria, M. Wolny , R. MacLoughlin P233 - Psv-niv versus cpap in the treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema A. Pagano, F. Numis, G. Vison, L. Saldamarco, T. Russo, G. Porta, F. Paladino P234 - Noninvasive ventilation in patients with haematologic malignancy: a retrospective review C. Bell, J. Liu, J. Debacker, C. Lee, E. Tamberg, V. Campbell, S. Mehta P235 - Use of non-invasive ventilation in infectious diseases besides classical indications A. Silva-Pinto, A. Sarmento, L. Santos P236 - The impact of fragility on noninvasive mechanical ventilation application and results in the ICU Ý. Kara, F. Yýldýrým, A. Zerman, Z. Güllü, N. Boyacý, B. Basarýk Aydogan, Ü. Gaygýsýz, K. Gönderen, G. Arýk, M. Turkoglu, M. Aydogdu, G. Aygencel, Z. Ülger, G. 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Dean, A. Stilwell, G. Friedlaender P308 Dispatcher-assisted telephone cardiopulmonary resuscitation using a French-language compression-ventilation pediatric protocol M. Peters, S. Stipulante, A. Delfosse, AF Donneau, A. Ghuysen P309 Dantrolene versus amiodarone for resuscitation – an experimental study C. Feldmann, D. Freitag, W. Dersch, M. Irqsusi, D. Eschbach, T. Steinfeldt, H. Wulf, T. Wiesmann P310 Long term survival and functional neurological outcome in comatose survivors undergoing therapeutic hypothermia N. Kongpolprom, J. Cholkraisuwat P311 Impact of kidney disease on mortality and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective observational study S. Beitland , E. Nakstad, H. Stær-Jensen , T. Drægni , G. Andersen , D. Jacobsen , C. Brunborg, B. Waldum-Grevbo , K. Sunde P312 ICU dependency of patients admitted after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) following out of the hospital cardiac arrest K. Hoyland, D. Pandit P313 Prognostic indicators and outcome prediction model for patients with return of spontaneous circulation from cardiopulmonary arrest: comprehensive registry of in-hospital intensive care on OHCA survival (critical) study in Osaka, Japan K. Hayakawa P314 Cerebral oxygen saturation during resuscitation in a porcine model of cardiac arrest E. Oloktsidou, K. Kotzampassi, B. Fyntanidou, S. Patsatzakis, L. Loukipoudi, E. Doumaki, V. Grosomanidis P315 Presumption of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for sustaining cerebral oxidation using regional cerebral saturation of oxygen: observational cohort study (press study) H. Yasuda P316 EEG reactivity in patients after cardiac arrest: a close look at stimuli MM Admiraal, M. Van Assen, MJ Van Putten, M. Tjepkema-Cloostermans, AF Van Rootselaar, J. Horn P317 Prognostic value of neuron-specific enolase after cardiac arrest F. Ragusa, A. Marudi , S. Baroni, A. Gaspari, E. Bertellini P318 Correlation between electroencephalographic findings and serum neuron specific enolase with outcome of post cardiac arrest patients A. Taha, T. Abdullah, S. Abdel Monem P319 Introduction of a targeted temperature management strategy following cardiac arrest in a district general hospital intensive care unit. S. Alcorn, S. McNeill, S. Russell P320 The evolution of cerebral oxygen saturation in post-cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia W. Eertmans, C. Genbrugge, I. Meex, J. Dens, F. Jans, C. De Deyne P321 Prognostic factors and neurological outcomes of therapeutic hypothermia in comatose survivors from cardiac arrest: 8-year single center experience J. Cholkraisuwat, N. Kongpolprom P322 Adherence to targeted temperature management after out of hospital cardiac arrest B. Avard, R. Burns P323 Implementation of a therapeutic hypothermia protocol for comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A. Patarchi, T. Spina P324 Factors associated with ventilator weaning after targeted temperature management for cardiac arrest patients in japan H. Tanaka, N. Otani, S. Ode, S. Ishimatsu P325 Differential activation of c-fos in paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and thalamus of the rat following myocardial infarction J. Cho, J. B. Moon, C. W. Park, T. G. Ohk, M. C. Shin, M. H. Won P326 Monitoring of cTroponin I in patients with acute ischemic stroke - predictor of inhospital mortality S. Dakova, Z. Ramsheva, K. Ramshev P327 Hyperthermic preconditioning severely accelerates neuronal damage in the gerbil ischemic hippocampal dentate gyrus via decreasing sods expressions J. Cho, J. B. Moon, C. W. Park, T. G. Ohk, M. C. Shin P328 Failure in neuroprotection of remote limb ischemic post conditioning in the hippocampus of a gerbil model of transient cerebral ischemia J. Cho, J. B. Moon, C. W. Park, T. G. Ohk, M. C. Shin P329 Brain death and admission diagnosis in neurologic intensive care unit, a correlation? A Marudi, S Baroni, A Gaspari, E Bertellini P330 Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with septic shock G. Orhun, E. Senturk, P. E. Ozcan, S. Sencer, C. Ulusoy, E. Tuzun, F . Esen P331 Benefits of L-carnitine in valproic acid induced encephalopathy R. Tincu, C. Cobilinschi, D. Tomescu, Z. Ghiorghiu, R. Macovei P332Automatic analysis of EEG reactivity in comatose patients M. Van Assen, M. M. Admiraal, M. J. Van Putten, M. Tjepkema-Cloostermans, A. F. Van Rootselaar, J. Horn P333 Usefulness of common ICU severity scoring systems in predicting outcome after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage M. Fallenius, M. B. Skrifvars, M. Reinikainen, S. Bendel, R. Raj P334 Evalution of patients with suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage and negative ct imaging M. Abu-Habsa, C. Hymers, A. Borowska, H. Sivadhas, S. Sahiba, S. Perkins P335 Timing of endovascular and surgical treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: early but not so fast. J. Rubio, J. A. Rubio, R. Sierra P336 Red blood cell transfusion in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage – the Sahara cohort study S. English, M. Chasse, A. Turgeon, F. Lauzier, D. Griesdale, A. Garland, D. Fergusson, R. Zarychanski, A. Tinmouth, C. Van Walraven, K. Montroy, J. Ziegler, R. Dupont Chouinard, R. Carignan, A. Dhaliwal, C. Lum, J. Sinclair, G. Pagliarello, L. McIntyre P337 - Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and anemia: a canadian multi-centre retrospective cohort study S. English, M. Chasse, A. Turgeon, F. Lauzier, D. Griesdale, A. Garland, D. Fergusson, R. Zarychanski, A. Tinmouth, C. Van Walraven, K. Montroy, J. Ziegler, R. Dupont Chouinard, R. Carignan, A. Dhaliwal, C. Lum, J. Sinclair, G. Pagliarello, L. McIntyre P338 - Does the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratio predict symptomatic vasospasm or delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH)? T. Groza, N. Moreau, D. Castanares-Zapatero, P. Hantson P339 - ICU-acquired infections in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients: impact on ICU and hospital length of stay M. Carbonara , F. Ortolano, T. Zoerle, S. Magnoni, S. Pifferi, V. Conte, N. Stocchetti P340 - Cerebral metabolic effects of normobaric hyperoxia during the acute phase of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage L. Carteron, T. Suys, C. Patet, H. Quintard, M. Oddo P341 - Postoperative care for elective craniotomy: where is best done? J. A. Rubio, J. Rubio, R. Sierra P342 - 5-year follow-up of patients after transplantation of organs from donors from neurocritical care V. Spatenkova, E. Pokorna, P. Suchomel P343 - Evaluation of levetiracetam pharmacokinetics after severe traumatic brain injury in neurocritical care patients at a level one trauma center N. Ebert, J. Jancik, H. Rhodes P344 - Model based time series cluster analysis to determine unique patient states in traumatic brain injury T. Bylinski, C. Hawthorne, M. Shaw, I. Piper, J. Kinsella P345 - Brain compartment monitoring capabilities from ICP to BI (bioimpedance) during HS (hypertonic saline) administration. State of art simulation outcome depending on brain swelling type A. K. Kink , I. R. Rätsep P346 - Transfusion of red blood cells in patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to Canadian trauma health centers: a multicenter cohort study A. Boutin, L. Moore, M. Chasse, R. Zarychanski, F. Lauzier, S. English, L. McIntyre, J. Lacroix, D. Griesdale, P. Lessard-Bonaventure, A. F. Turgeon P347 - Hemoglobin thresholds and red blood cell transfusions in adult patients with moderate or severe traumatic brain injury: a retrospective cohort study A. Boutin, L. Moore, R. Green, P. Lessard-Bonaventure, M. Erdogan, M. Butler, F. Lauzier, M. Chasse, S. English, L. McIntyre, R. Zarychanski, J. Lacroix, D. Griesdale, P. Desjardins, D. A. Fergusson, A. F. Turgeon P348 - Characteristics of patients with gunshot wounds to the head - an observational Brazilian study B. Goncalves, B. Vidal, C. Valdez, A. C. Rodrigues, L. Miguez, G. Moralez P349 - Base excess as predictor for ICU admission and the injury severity in blunt trauma patients T. Hong P350 - Enhancement of usual emergency department care with proadrenomedullin to improve outcome prediction - Results from the multi-national, prospective, observational TRIAGE study A. Kutz, P. Hausfater, D. Amin, T. Struja, S. Haubitz, A. Huber, B. Mueller, P. Schuetz P351 - Developing an innovative emergency medicine point-of-care simulation programme T. Brown, J. Collinson, C. Pritchett, T. Slade P352 - The InSim program: an in situ simulation program for junior trainees in intensive care M. Le Guen, S. Hellings, R. Ramsaran P353 - Impact of excessive and inappropriate troponin testing in the emergency setting how good are we A. Alsheikhly P354 - The development of time tracking monitor at emergency department T. Abe P355 - Role of focussed echocardiography in emergency assessment of syncope L. Kanapeckaite, M. Abu-Habsa, R. Bahl P356 - Insertion of an open-ended 14-gauge catheter through the chest wall causes a significant pneumothorax in a self-ventilating swine model M. Q Russell, K. J. Real, M. Abu-Habsa , R. M. Lyon, N. P. Oveland P357 - Ez-io® intraosseous access teaching in the workplace using a mobile ‘tea trolley’ training method J. Penketh, M. Mcdonald, F. Kelly P358 - Black widow envenomation in Saudi Arabia: a prospective observational case series M. Alfafi, S. Alsolamy, W. Almutairi, B. Alotaibi P359 - Mechanical ventilation in patients with overdose not yet intubated on icu admission A. E. Van den Berg, Y. Schriel, L. Dawson, I. A. Meynaar P360 - Central nervous system depressants poisoning and ventilator associated pneumonia: an underrated risk factor in toxicological intensive care unit H. Talaie P361 - Acute barium intoxication treated with hemodiafiltration D. Silva, S. Fernandes, J. Gouveia, J. Santos Silva P362 - Major trauma presenting to the emergency department. the spectrum of cycling injuries in Ireland J. Foley, A. Kaskovagheorgescu, D. Evoy, J. Cronin, J. Ryan P363 - Burns from French military operations: a 14-year retrospective observational analysis. M. Huck, C. Hoffmann, J. Renner, P. Laitselart, N. Donat, A. Cirodde, J. V. Schaal, Y. Masson, A. Nau, T. Leclerc P364 - A comparison of mortality scores in burns patients on the intensive care unit. O. Howarth, K. Davenport, P. Jeanrenaud, S. Raftery P365 - Clasification of pain and its treatment and an intensive care rehabiliation clinic P. MacTavish, H. Devine, J. McPeake, M. Daniel, J. Kinsella, T. Quasim P366 - Pain management adequacy in critical care areas ,the process and the barriers perceived by critical care nurses S. Alrabiee, A. Alrashid , S. Alsolamy P367 - Pain assessment in critically ill adult patients: validation of the Turkish version of the critical-care pain observation tool O. Gundogan, C. Bor, E. Akýn Korhan, K. Demirag , M. Uyar P368 - An audit of pain and sedation assessments in the intensive care unit: recommendations for clinical practice F. Frame, C. Ashton, L. Bergstrom Niska P369 - Impact of pharmaceutical care on treatment of pain and agitation in medical intensive care unit P. Dilokpattanamongkol, T. Suansanae, C. Suthisisang, S. Morakul, C. Karnjanarachata, V. Tangsujaritvijit P370 - Agitation in trauma ICU, prevention and outcome S. Mahmood, H. Al Thani, A. Almenyar P371 Correlation between percentages of ventilated patients developed vap and use of sedative agents in icu patients. A. Vakalos , V. Avramidis P372 - Improving recording of sedation events in the Emergency Department: The implementation of the SIVA International Taskforce adverse event reporting tool for procedural sedation R. Sharvill, J. Penketh P373 - Impact of sedative drug use on the length of mechanical ventilation S. E. Morton, Y. S. Chiew, C. Pretty, J. G. Chase, G. M. Shaw P374 - Co-administration of nitric oxide and sevoflurane using anaconda R. Knafelj, P. Kordis P375 - A retrospective study of the use of Dexmedetomidine in an oncological critical care setting S. Patel, V. Grover P376 - Dexmedetomidine and posttraumatic stress disorder incidence in alcohol withdrawal icu patients I. Kuchyn, K. Bielka P377 - Hemodynamic effects of dexmedetomidine in a porcine model of septic shock Z. Aidoni, V. Grosomanidis, K. Kotzampassi, G. Stavrou, B. Fyntanidou, S. Patsatzakis, C. Skourtis P378 - Ketamine for analgosedation in severe hypoxic respiratory failure S. D. Lee, K. Williams, I. D. Weltes P379 - Madness from the moon? lunar cycle and the incidence of delirium on the intensive care unit S. Berhane, C. Arrowsmith, C. Peters, S. Robert P380 - Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation after coronary artery bypass grafting and association with postoperative delirium J. Caldas, R. B. Panerai, T. G. Robinson, L. Camara, G. Ferreira, E. Borg-Seng-Shu, M. De Lima Oliveira, N. C. Mian, L. Santos, R. Nogueira, S. P. Zeferino, M. Jacobsen Teixeira, F. Galas, L. A. Hajjar P381 - Risk factors predicting prolonged intensive care unit length of stay after major elective surgery. P. Killeen, M. McPhail, W. Bernal, J. Maggs, J. Wendon, T. Hughes P382 - Systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and hospital mortality prediction in a brazilian cohort of critically ill patients L. U. Taniguchi, E. M. Siqueira, J. M. Vieira Jr, L. C. Azevedo P383 - Evaluating the efficacy of a risk predictor panel in identifying patients at elevated risk of morbidity following emergency admission A. N. Ahmad, M. Abu-Habsa, R. Bahl, E. Helme, S. Hadfield, R. Loveridge P384 - A retrospective comparison of outcomes for elective surgical patients admitted post-operatively to the critical care unit or general ward J. Shak, C. Senver, R. Howard-Griffin P385 - Effect of obesity on mortality in surgical critically ill patients. P. Wacharasint, P. Fuengfoo, N. Sukcharoen, R. Rangsin P386 - The national early warning score (news) reliably improves adverse clinical outcome prediction in community-acquired pneumonia - results from a 6 year follow-up D. Sbiti-Rohr, P. Schuetz P387 - Clinical usefulness of the charlson¡¯s weighted index of comorbidities _as prognostic factor in patients with prolonged acute mechanical ventilation H. Na, S. Song, S. Lee, E. Jeong, K. Lee P388 - Comparison of mortality prediction scoring systems in patients with cirrhosis admitted to general intensive care unit M. Cooper, K. Milinis, G. Williams, E. McCarron, S. Simants, I. Patanwala, I. D. Welters P389 - Impact of admission source and time of admission on outcome of pediatric intensive care patients: retrospective 15 years study E. Zoumpelouli, EA Volakli, V. Chrysohoidou, S. Georgiou, K. Charisopoulou, E. Kotzapanagiotou, V. Panagiotidou, K. Manavidou, Z. Stathi, M. Sdougka P390 - Heart rate variability and outcomes prediction in critical illness N. Salahuddin, B. AlGhamdi, Q. Marashly, K. Zaza, M. Sharshir, M. Khurshid, Z. Ali, M. Malgapo, M. Jamil, A. Shafquat, M. Shoukri, M. Hijazi P391 - The incidence and outcome of hyperlactatemia in the post anaesthesia care unit T. Abe, S. Uchino, M. Takinami P392 - Correlation between arterial blood gas disturbances and arterial lactate levels during hospitalization and outcome in critically septic patients N. R. Rangel Neto, S. Oliveira, F. Q. Reis, F. A. Rocha P393 - External validation of saps 3 and mpm iii scores in 48,816 patients from 72 brazilian icus G. Moralez, K. Ebecken, L. S. Rabello, M. F. Lima, R. Hatum, F. V. De Marco, A. Alves, J. E. Pinto, M. Godoy, P. E. Brasil, F. A. Bozza, J. I. Salluh, M. Soares P394 - The frailty penalty: pre-admission functional status confounds mortality prediction models in critically ill patients J. Krinsley, G. Kang P395 - ‘sooner rather than later”: how delayed discharge from critical care leads to increased out of hours discharges and subsequent increase in in-hospital mortality. J. Perry, H. Hines P396 - Identifying poor outcome patient groups in a resource-constrained critical care unit K. M. Wilkinson, C. Tordoff, B. Sloan, M. C. Bellamy P397 - Effects of icu weekend admission and discharge on mortality. E. Moreira, F. Verga, M. Barbato, G. Burghi P398 - Organizational factors, outcomes and resource use in 9,946 cancer patients admitted to 70 ICUs M Soares, U. V. Silva, L. C. Azevedo, A. P. Torelly, J. M. Kahn, D. C. Angus, M. F. Knibel, P. E. Brasil, F. A. Bozza, J. I. Salluh P399 - Evaluation of oncological critically ill patients, severity score and outcome compared to not oncological in a particular hospital cti. M. B. Velasco, D. M. Dalcomune P400 - Outcomes of patients admitted to a large uk critical care department with palliative oncological diagnoses R. Marshall, T. Gilpin, A. Tridente, A. Raithatha P401 - Predictors of mortality in febrile neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies admitted to an intensive care unit of a cancer center D. Mota, B. Loureiro, J. Dias, O. Afonso, F. Coelho, A. Martins, F. Faria P402 - Patients with hematologic malignancies requiring invasive mechanical ventilation: characteristics and predictors of mortality H. Al-Dorzi, H. Al Orainni , F. AlEid, H. Tlaygeh, A. Itani, A. Hejazi, Y. Arabi P403 - Patient-important outcomes in randomized controlled trials in critically ill patients: a systematic review S. Gaudry, J. Messika, J. D. Ricard, S. Guillo, B. Pasquet, E. Dubief, D. Dreyfuss, F. Tubach P404 - Alopecia in survivors of critical illness: a qualitative study C . Battle, K. James, P. Temblett P405 - The impact of mental health on icu admission L. Davies, C. Battle, C. Lynch P406 - Cognitive impairment 5 years after ICU discharge S. Pereira, S. Cavaco, J. Fernandes, I. Moreira, E. Almeida, F. Seabra Pereira, M. Malheiro, F. Cardoso, I. Aragão, T. Cardoso P407 - Apache ii versus apache iv for octagenerians in medical icu M. Fister, R. Knafelj P408 - Outcomes of octagenarians in an indian icu P. Muraray Govind, N. Brahmananda Reddy, R. Pratheema, E. D. Arul, J. Devachandran P409 - Mortality and outcomes in elderly patients 80 years of age or older admitted to the icu M. B. Velasco , D. M. Dalcomune P410 - Octagenerians in medical icu - adding days to life or life to days? R. Knafelj, M. Fister P411 - The very elderly admitted to intensive care unit: outcomes and economic evaluation N. Chin-Yee, G. D’Egidio, K. Thavorn, D. Heyland, K. Kyeremanteng P412 - The very elderly in intensive care: relationship between acuity of illness and long-term mortality A. G. Murchison, K. Swalwell, J. Mandeville, D. Stott P413 - Acquired weakness in an oncological intensive care unit I. Guerreiro P414 - Musculoskeletal problems in intensive care unit (ICU) patients post-discharge H. Devine, P. MacTavish, J. McPeake, T. Quasim, J. Kinsella, M. Daniel P415 - Premorbid obesity, but not nutrition, prevents critical illness-induced muscle wasting and weakness C. Goossens M. B. Marques, S. Derde, S. Vander Perre, T. Dufour, S. E. Thiessen, F. Güiza, T. Janssens, G. Hermans, I. Vanhorebeek, K. De Bock, G. Van den Berghe, L. Langouche P416 - Physical outcome measures for critical care patients following intensive care unit (icu) discharge H. Devine, P. MacTavish, T. Quasim, J. Kinsella, M. Daniel, J. McPeake P417 - Improving active mobilisation in a general intensive care unit B. Miles , S. Madden, H. Devine P418 - Mobilization in patients on vasoactive drugs use – a pilot study. M. Weiler, P. Marques, C. Rodrigues, M. Boeira, K. Brenner, C. Leães, A. Machado, R. Townsend, J. Andrade P419 - Pharmacy intervention at an intensive care rehabilitation clinic P. MacTavish, J. McPeake, H. Devine, J. Kinsella, M. Daniel, R. Kishore, C. Fenlon, T. Quasim P420 - Interactive gaming is feasible and potentially increases icu patients’ motivation to be engaged in rehabilitation programs T. Fiks, A. Ruijter, M. Te Raa, P. Spronk P421 - Simulation-based design of a robust stopping rule to ensure patient safety Y. S. Chiew, P. Docherty, J. Dickson, E. Moltchanova, C. Scarrot, C. Pretty, G. M. Shaw, J. G. Chase P422 - Are daily blood tests on the intensive care unit necessary? T. Hall, W. C. Ngu, J. M. Jack, P. Morgan P423 - Measuring urine output in ward patients: is it helpful? B. Avard, A. Pavli, X. Gee P424 - The incidence of pressure ulcers in an adult mixed intensive care unit in turkey C . Bor, E. Akin Korhan, K. Demirag, M. Uyar P425 - Intensivist/patient ratios in closed ICUs in Alexandria, Egypt; an overview M. Shirazy, A. Fayed P426 - Eicu (electronic intensive care unit): impact on ALOS (average length of stay) in a developing country like India S. Gupta, A. Kaushal, S. Dewan, A. Varma P427 - Predicting deterioration in general ward using early deterioration indicator E. Ghosh, L. Yang, L. Eshelman, B. Lord, E. Carlson P428 - High impact enhanced critical care outreach - the imobile service: making a difference E. Helme, R. Broderick, S. Hadfield, R. Loveridge P429 - Impact of bed availability and cognitive load on intensive care unit (ICU) bed allocation: a vignette-based trial J. Ramos, D. Forte P430 - Characteristics of critically ill patients admitted through the emergency department F. Yang, P. Hou P431 - Admission to critical care: the quantification of functional reserve J. Dudziak, J. Feeney, K. Wilkinson, K. Bauchmuller, K. Shuker, M. Faulds, A. Raithatha, D. Bryden, L. England, N. Bolton, A. Tridente P432 - Admission to critical care: the importance of frailty K. Bauchmuller, K Shuker, A Tridente, M Faulds, A Matheson, J. Gaynor, D Bryden, S South Yorkshire Hospitals Research Collaboration P433 - Development of an instrument to aid triage decisions for intensive care unit admission J. Ramos, B. Peroni, R. Daglius-Dias, L. Miranda, C. Cohen, C. Carvalho, I . Velasco, D. Forte P434 - Using selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors in critical care: a systematic review of the evidence for benefit or harm J. M. Kelly, A. Neill, G. Rubenfeld, N. Masson, A. Min P435 - Measuring adaptive coping of hospitalized patients with a severe medical condition:the sickness insight in coping questionnaire (sicq) E. Boezeman, J. Hofhuis , A. Hovingh, R. De Vries, P. Spronk P436 - Results of a national survey regarding intensive care medicine training G. Cabral-Campello, I. Aragão, T. Cardoso P437 - Work engagement among healthcare professionals in the intensive care unit M. Van Mol, M. Nijkamp, E . Kompanje P438 - Empowering the intensive care practitioners. is it a burnout ameliorating intervention? P. Ostrowski, A. Omar P439 - Icu patients suffer from circadian rhythm desynchronisation K. Kiss , B. Köves, V. Csernus, Z. Molnár P440 - Noise reduction in the ICU: feasible ? Y. Hoydonckx, S. Vanwing, B. Stessel, A. Van Assche, L. Jamaer, J. Dubois P441 - Accidental removal of invasive devices in the critical patient into the bed-washing. does the presence of professional nurse modify his incidence? V. Medo, R. Galvez, J. P. Miranda P442 - Deprivation of liberty safeguards (dols): audit of compliance in a of a 16-bed specialist cancer critical care unit. C. Stone, T. Wigmore P443 - Use of a modified cristal score to predict futility of critical care in the elderly Y. Arunan, A. Wheeler, K. Bauchmuller, D. Bryden P444 - Improvement of Referral Rate to Palliative Care for Patients with Poor Prognosis in Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Y. Wong, C. Poi, C. Gu P445 - Factors associated with limitation of life supporting care (lsc) in a medico-surgical intermediate care unit, and outcome of patients with lsc limitation: a monocentric, six-month study. P. Molmy, N. Van Grunderbeeck, O. Nigeon, M. Lemyze, D. Thevenin, J. Mallat P446 - Palliative care consultation and intensive care unit admission request: a cohort study J. Ramos, M. Correa, R. T. Carvalho, D. Forte P447 - Nursing and medicine together in postsurgical intensive care unit: situations of prognostic conflict at the end of life. our critical care nurses suffer with our medical activism? A. Fernandez, C. McBride P448 - End of life who may decide E. Koonthalloor, C. Walsh P449 - Correctly diagnosing death A. Webber, M. Ashe, K. Smith, P. Jeanrenaud P450 - Skin procurement performed by intensive care physicians: yes, we can. A. Marudi , S. Baroni, F. Ragusa, E. Bertellini P451 - Death analysis in pediatric intensive care patients E. A. Volakli , E. Chochliourou, M. Dimitriadou, A. Violaki, P. Mantzafleri, E. Samkinidou, O. Vrani, A. Arbouti, T. Varsami, M. Sdougka P452 - The potential impact of euthanasia on organ donation: analysis of data from belgium J. A. Bollen, T. C. Van Smaalen, W. C. De Jongh, M. M. Ten Hoopen, D. Ysebaert, L. W. Van Heurn, W. N. Van Mook P453 - Communication within an intensive care setting K. Sim, A. Fuller P454 - Development and implementation of a longitudinal communication curriculum for critical care medicine fellows A. Roze des Ordons, P. Couillard, C. Doig P455 - Staff-family conflict in a multi-ethnic intensive care unit R. V. Van Keer, R. D. Deschepper, A. F. Francke, L. H. Huyghens, J. B. Bilsen P456 - Does the source of admission to critical care affect family satisfaction? B. Nyamaizi, C. Dalrymple, A. Molokhia, A. Dobru P457 - A simple alternative to the family satisfaction survey (fs-icu) E. Marrinan, A. Ankuli, A. Molokhia P458 - A study to explore the experiences of patient and family volunteers in a critical care environment: a phenomenological analysis J. McPeake, R. Struthers, R. Crawford , H. Devine , P. Mactavish , T. Quasim P459 - Prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in relatives of burn patients. P. Morelli, M. Degiovanangelo, F. Lemos, V. MArtinez, F. Verga, J. Cabrera, G. Burghi P460 - Guidance of visiting children at an adult intensive care unit (icu) A. Rutten , S. Van Ieperen, S. De Geer, M. Van Vugt, E. Der Kinderen P461 - Visiting policies in Italian pediatric ICUs: an update A. Giannini, G Miccinesi, T Marchesi, E Prandi |
This is one of the few examples in which the diverse products have been synthesized just by changing the applied potential. The synthesis of sulfonyl derivatives of p-methylaminophenol were carried out by reaction of the electrogenerated p-methylquinoneimine with sulfinic acids. Various types of mono (MSP), bis (BSP) and tris (TSP) sulfonyl p-methyl aminophenols were obtained by changing the electrode potential, in one pot under green conditions. The mono sulfonyl-p-(methylamino)phenol derivatives (MSP) were assessed for their in vitro antibacterial activity against the gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) strains. It was found that the tested compounds were more active against Staphylococcus aureus than Escherichia coli. We also found that the antimicrobial activity of MSP derivatives to vary in the order MSP(4) (R = CH(3)) > MSP(1) (R = p-tolyl) ≈ MSP(2) (R = phenyl) > MSP(3) (R = p-ClC(6)H(4)). Moreover, the observed homogeneous rate constants (k (obs)) of the reaction of p-methyl quinoneimine with sulfinic acids were estimated in various pH values, based on the EC and ECEC mechanisms, by comparing the simulated cyclic voltammograms with the experimental ones. |
Ten reference genes were investigated for normalization of gene expression data in the shell gland of laying hens. Analyses performed with geNorm revealed that hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT1) and hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS) were the two most stable reference genes in response to post-oviposition time alone (POT) or with nicarbazin treatment (POT+N) of laying hens. NormFinder analyses showed that the two most stable reference genes in response to POT and POT+N were 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) and HMBS, RPL4, respectively. BestKeeper analyses showed that 18S rRNA, RPL4 and HPRT1, HMBS were the two most stable reference genes for POT, and POT+N, respectively. Of the ten reference genes, all except B2M showed geNorm M <0.5, suggesting that they were stably expressed in the shell gland tissue. Consensus from these three programs suggested HPRT1 and HMBS could be used as the two most stable reference genes in the present study. Expression analyses of four candidate target genes with the two most and the two least stable genes showed that a combination of stable reference genes leads to more discriminable quantification of expression levels of target genes, while the least stable genes failed to do so. Therefore, HMBS and HPRT1 are recommended as the two most stable reference genes for the normalization of gene expression data at different stages of eggshell formation in brown-egg laying hens. Available statistical programs for reference gene ranking should include more robust analysis capability to analyse the gene expression data generated from factorial design experiments. |
Outbreaks of Streptococcus pyogenes hypervirulent clones are constant public health threats. In western Switzerland, an increase of severe cases of S. pyogenes invasive infections was observed between December 2015 and March 2016. Our aim was (i) to investigate these cases by the use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and (ii) to determine the specific virulome and resistome of each isolate in order to undertake adequate public health measures. Eleven Streptococcus pyogenes strains isolated from 11 patients with severe invasive infections between December 13, 2015 and March 12, 2016 were included in our study. Practically, emm-typing, MLST and WGS were used to investigate the relatedness between the isolates. The presence of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes as well as mutations in transcriptional regulators of virulence and in genes encoding for antibiotic targets were assessed. Three and two groups of isolates shared the same emm-type and ST type, respectively. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed 14 to 32 SNPs between the strains of the same emm-type group, ruling out the possibility of a clonal outbreak. Mutations found in covS and rocA could partially explain an increased virulence. As these reassuring results were obtained in less than 10 days, no specific hospital hygiene and no dedicated public health measures had to be undertaken. WGS is a powerful technique to discriminate between closely related strains, excluding an outbreak in less than 10 days. Moreover, WGS provided extensive data on the virulome and resistome of all these strains. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10096-017-2905-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. |
OBJECTIVE: The global resurgence of dengue has been attributed to rapid population growth, urban expansion, increased air travel, globalization, and climate change. Dengue is now endemic in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is at risk for Zika, another emerging arbovirus. The interrelationship between climatic, ecological, social, and cultural factors that affect dengue and other arboviruses' transmission is understudied. DESIGN: The objective of this systematic review is to examine the interrelationship between climatic, ecological, social, and cultural factors on dengue transmission in Puerto Rico and to draw lessons for Zika response. RESULTS: A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journal articles was performed, producing 562 articles; 26 were selected for this review. Findings indicate that human activities and behaviors (urbanization, migration, and consumption) as well as climate have a significant impact on the abundance and the transmission potential of Ae. aegypti, the vector for dengue, Zika, and other viruses. CONCLUSION: Despite the public health burden of dengue limited investments have been made in research and surveillance. Future research is needed to develop models that integrate the multivariate effects of climatic, ecological, social, and cultural factors, which for Puerto Rico have mostly been examined independently. Such models have the potential to inform response to dengue, Zika, and other arboviruses. |
BACKGROUND: Proenkephalin (PENK) has been suggested as a novel biomarker for kidney function. We investigated the diagnostic and prognostic utility of plasma PENK in comparison with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in septic patients. METHODS: A total of 167 septic patients were enrolled: 99 with sepsis, 37 with septic shock, and 31 with suspected sepsis. PENK and NGAL concentrations were measured and GFR was estimated by using the isotope dilution mass spectrometry traceable-Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study and three Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations: CKD-EPI(Cr), CDK-EPI(CysC), and CKD-EPI(Cr-CysC). The PENK, NGAL, and eGFR results were compared according to sepsis severity, presence or absence of acute kidney injury (AKI), and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The PENK, NGAL, and eGFR results were significantly associated with sepsis severity and differed significantly between patients with and without AKI only in the sepsis group (all P<0.05). PENK was superior to NGAL in predicting AKI (P=0.022) and renal replacement therapy (RRT) (P=0.0085). Regardless of the variable GFR category by the different eGFR equations, PENK showed constant and significant associations with all eGFR equations. Unlike NGAL, PENK was not influenced by inflammation and predicted the 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: PENK is a highly sensitive and objective biomarker of AKI and RRT and is useful for prognosis prediction in septic patients. With its diagnostic robustness and predictive power for survival, PENK constitutes a promising biomarker in critical care settings including sepsis. |
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity, causing ∼1.5 million deaths annually. CD4(+) T cells and several cytokines, such as the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ, are critical in the control of this infection. Conversely, the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 has been shown to dampen Th1 cell responses to M. tuberculosis infection impairing bacterial clearance. However, the critical cellular source of IL-10 during M. tuberculosis infection is still unknown. Using IL-10 reporter mice, we show in this article that during the first 14 d of M. tuberculosis infection, the predominant cells expressing IL-10 in the lung were Ly6C(+) monocytes. However, after day 21 postinfection, IL-10–expressing T cells were also highly represented. Notably, mice deficient in T cell–derived IL-10, but not mice deficient in monocyte-derived IL-10, showed a significant reduction in lung bacterial loads during chronic M. tuberculosis infection compared with fully IL-10–competent mice, indicating a major role for T cell–derived IL-10 in TB susceptibility. IL-10–expressing cells were detected among both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, expressed high levels of CD44 and Tbet, and were able to coproduce IFN-γ and IL-10 upon ex vivo stimulation. Furthermore, during M. tuberculosis infection, Il10 expression in CD4(+) T cells was partially regulated by both IL-27 and type I IFN signaling. Together, our data reveal that, despite the multiple immune sources of IL-10 during M. tuberculosis infection, activated effector T cells are the major source accounting for IL-10–induced TB susceptibility. |
MDA5 is a cytosolic sensor of double-stranded RNA (ds)RNA including viral byproducts and intermediates. We studied a child with life-threatening, recurrent respiratory tract infections, caused by viruses including human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We identified in her a homozygous missense mutation in IFIH1 that encodes MDA5. Mutant MDA5 was expressed but did not recognize the synthetic MDA5 agonist/(ds)RNA mimic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid. When overexpressed, mutant MDA5 failed to drive luciferase activity from the IFNB1 promoter or promoters containing ISRE or NF-κB sequence motifs. In respiratory epithelial cells or fibroblasts, wild-type but not knockdown of MDA5 restricted HRV infection while increasing IFN-stimulated gene expression and IFN-β/λ. However, wild-type MDA5 did not restrict influenza virus or RSV replication. Moreover, nasal epithelial cells from the patient, or fibroblasts gene-edited to express mutant MDA5, showed increased replication of HRV but not influenza or RSV. Thus, human MDA5 deficiency is a novel inborn error of innate and/or intrinsic immunity that causes impaired (ds)RNA sensing, reduced IFN induction, and susceptibility to the common cold virus. |
Since the emergence of the pandemic H1N1pdm09 virus in Mexico and California, biannual increases in the number of cases have been detected in Mexico. As observed in previous seasons, pandemic A/H1N1 09 virus was detected in severe cases during the 2011–2012 winter season and finally, during the 2013–2014 winter season it became the most prevalent influenza virus. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses of the whole viral genome are necessary to determine the antigenic and pathogenic characteristics of influenza viruses that cause severe outcomes of the disease. In this paper, we analyzed the evolution, antigenic and genetic drift of Mexican isolates from 2009, at the beginning of the pandemic, to 2014. We found a clear variation of the virus in Mexico from the 2011–2014 season due to different markers and in accordance with previous reports. In this study, we identified 13 novel substitutions with important biological effects, including virulence, T cell epitope presented by MHC and host specificity shift and some others substitutions might have more than one biological function. The systematic monitoring of mutations on whole genome of influenza A pH1N1 (2009) virus circulating at INER in Mexico City might provide valuable information to predict the emergence of new pathogenic influenza virus |
The recent Zika viral (ZIKV) epidemic has been associated with severe neurological pathologies such as neonatal microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome but unfortunately no vaccine or medication is effectively available yet. Zika NS2B-NS3pro is essential for the proteolysis of the viral polyprotein and thereby viral replication. Thus NS2B-NS3pro represents an attractive target for anti-Zika drug discovery/design. Here, we have characterized the solution conformations and catalytic parameters of both linked and unlinked Zika NS2B-NS3pro complexes and found that the unlinked complex manifested well-dispersed NMR spectra. Subsequently with selective isotope-labeling using NMR spectroscopy, we demonstrated that C-terminal residues (R73-K100) of NS2B is highly disordered without any stable tertiary and secondary structures in the Zika NS2B-NS3pro complex in the free state. Upon binding to the well-characterized serine protease inhibitor, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), only the extreme C-terminal residues (L86-K100) remain disordered. Additionally, we have identified five flavonoids and one natural phenol rich in edible plants including fruits and vegetables, which inhibit Zika NS2B-NS3pro in a non-competitive mode, with Ki ranging from 770 nM for Myricetin to 34.02 μM for Apigenin. Molecular docking showed that they all bind to a pocket on the back of the active site and their structure-activity relationship was elucidated. Our study provides valuable insights into the solution conformation of Zika NS2B-NS3pro and further deciphers its susceptibility towards allosteric inhibition by natural products. As these natural product inhibitors fundamentally differ from the currently-known active site inhibitors in terms of both inhibitory mode and chemical scaffold, our finding might open a new avenue for development of better allosteric inhibitors to fight ZIKV infection. |
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is set to become the leading cause of neurological disability across all age groups. Currently, no reliable biomarkers exist to help diagnose the severity of TBI to identify patients who are at risk of developing secondary injuries. Thus, the discovery of reliable biomarkers for the management of TBI would improve clinical interventions. Inflammatory markers are particularly suited for biomarker discovery as TBI leads to very early alterations in inflammatory proteins. Using the Proseek Multiplex Inflammation assay, we measured in patients that had suffered mild TBI (n = 10) or severe TBI (n = 10) with extra-cranial injury or extracranial injury only (EC) (n = 10), 92 inflammation-associated proteins in serum obtained: <1 hr (within 1-hour), 4–12 hr and 48–72 hr post injury. Changes were compared to healthy volunteers (HV). Our results identified CST5, AXIN1 and TRAIL as novel early biomarkers of TBI. CST5 identified patients with severe TBI from all other cohorts and importantly was able to do so within the first hour of injury. AXIN1 and TRAIL were able to discriminate between TBI and HV at <1 hr. We conclude that CST5, AXIN1 and TRAIL are worthy of further study in the context of a pre-hospital or pitch-side test to detect brain injury. |
The pathogenesis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is complex and unclearly defined, and in particular, the effects of the JEV receptor (JEVR) on diverse susceptible cells are elusive. In contrast to previous studies investigating JEVR in rodent or mosquito cells, in this study, we used primate Vero cells instead. We noted that few novel proteins co-immunoprecipitated with JEV, and discovered that one of these was heat shock protein 90β (HSP90β), which was probed by mass spectrometry with the highest score of 60.3 after questing the monkey and human protein databases. The specific HSP90β-JEV binding was confirmed by western blot analysis under non-reducing conditions, and this was significantly inhibited by an anti-human HSP90β monoclonal antibody in a dose-dependent manner, as shown by immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometry. In addition, the results of confocal laser scanning microscopic examination demonstrated that the HSP90β-JEV binding occurred on the Vero cell surface. Finally, JEV progeny yields determined by plaque assay were also markedly decreased in siRNA-treated Vero cells, particularly at 24 and 36 h post-infection. Thus, our data indicate that HSP90β is a binding receptor for JEV in Vero cells. |
A three-year study examined changes in N95 filtering-facepiece respirator (FFR) fit at six-month intervals and the relationship between fit and changes in weight for 229 subjects. During each visit, subjects performed a total of nine fit tests using three samples of the same FFR model. Inward leakage and filter penetration were measured for each donned respirator to determine face seal leakage (FSL). A total of 195 subjects completed the second visit and 134 subjects completed all seven visits. Acceptable fit was defined as 90th percentile FSL ≤ 5% and at least one fit factor ≥ 100. An unacceptable fit was observed for 14, 10, 7, 12, 15, and 16% of subjects on Visits 2–7, respectively. The predicted risk of an unacceptable fit increased with increasing length of time between fit tests, from 10% at Year 1 to 20% at Year 2 and to 25% at Year 3. Twenty-four percent of subjects who lost ≥ 20 lb had an unacceptable fit; these percentages ranged from 7–17% for subjects with lower weight losses or any degree of weight gain. Results support the current OSHA requirement for annual fit testing and suggest that respirator users who lose more than 20 lb should be re-tested for respirator fit. |
Background: Influenza viruses are among the major causes of serious human respiratory tract infection worldwide. In line with the high disease burden attributable to influenza, these viruses play an important, but often neglected, role in travel medicine. Guidelines and recommendations regarding prevention and management of influenza in travellers are scarce. Of special interest for travel medicine are risk populations and also circumstances that facilitate influenza virus transmission and spread, like travel by airplane or cruise ship and mass gatherings. Methods: We conducted a PUBMED/MEDLINE search for a combination of the MeSH terms Influenza virus, travel, mass gathering, large scale events and cruise ship. In addition we gathered guidelines and recommendations from selected countries and regarding influenza prevention and management in travellers. By reviewing these search results in the light of published knowledge in the fields of influenza prevention and management, we present best practice advice for the prevention and management of influenza in travel medicine. Results: Seasonal influenza is among the most prevalent infectious diseases in travellers. Known host-associated risk factors include extremes of age and being immune-compromised, while the most relevant environmental factors are associated with holiday cruises and mass gatherings. Conclusions: Pre-travel advice should address influenza and its prevention for travellers, whenever appropriate on the basis of the epidemiological situation concerned. Preventative measures should be strongly recommended for travellers at high-risk for developing complications. In addition, seasonal influenza vaccination should be considered for any traveller wishing to reduce the risk of incapacitation, particularly cruise ship crew and passengers, as well as those participating in mass gatherings. Besides advice concerning preventive measures and vaccination, advice on the use of antivirals may be considered for some travellers. |
Bats are suspected to be a reservoir of several bacterial and viral pathogens relevant to animal and human health, but studies on Escherichia coli in these animals are sparse. We investigated the presence of E. coli in tissue samples (liver, lung and intestines) collected from 50 fruit bats of five different species (Eidolon helvum, Epomops franqueti, Hypsignathus monstrosus, Myonycteris torquata, Rousettus aegyptiacus) of two different areas in the Republic of Congo between 2009 and 2010. To assess E. coli pathotypes and phylogenetic relationships, we determined the presence of 59 virulence associated genes and multilocus sequence types (STs). Isolates were further tested for their susceptibility to several antimicrobial substances by agar disk diffusion test and for the presence of an Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase phenotype. E. coli was detected in 60% of the bats analysed. The diversity of E. coli strains was very high, with 37 different STs within 40 isolates. Occasionally, we detected sequence types (e.g. ST69, ST127, and ST131) and pathotypes (e.g. ExPEC, EPEC and atypical EPEC), which are known pathogens in human and/or animal infections. Although the majority of strains were assigned to phylogenetic group B2 (46.2%), which is linked with the ExPEC pathovar, occurrence of virulence-associated genes in these strains were unexpectedly low. Due to this, and as only few of the E. coli isolates showed intermediate resistance to certain antimicrobial substances, we assume a rather naïve E. coli population, lacking contact to humans or domestic animals. Future studies featuring in depth comparative whole genome sequence analyses will provide insights into the microevolution of this interesting strain collection. |
Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne viruses that represent a significant threat to public health at a global level. While the formation of alphaviral nucleocapsid cores, consisting of cargo nucleic acid and the viral capsid protein, is an essential molecular process of infection, the precise interactions between the two partners are ill-defined. A CLIP-seq approach was used to screen for candidate sites of interaction between the viral Capsid protein and genomic RNA of Sindbis virus (SINV), a model alphavirus. The data presented in this report indicates that the SINV capsid protein binds to specific viral RNA sequences in the cytoplasm of infected cells, but its interaction with genomic RNA in mature extracellular viral particles is largely non-specific in terms of nucleotide sequence. Mutational analyses of the cytoplasmic viral RNA-capsid interaction sites revealed a functional role for capsid binding early in infection. Interaction site mutants exhibited decreased viral growth kinetics; however, this defect was not a function of decreased particle production. Rather mutation of the cytoplasmic capsid-RNA interaction sites negatively affected the functional capacity of the incoming viral genomic RNAs leading to decreased infectivity. Furthermore, cytoplasmic capsid interaction site mutants are attenuated in a murine model of neurotropic alphavirus infection. Collectively, the findings of this study indicate that the identified cytoplasmic interactions of the viral capsid protein and genomic RNA, while not essential for particle formation, are necessary for genomic RNA function early during infection. This previously unappreciated role of capsid protein during the alphaviral replication cycle also constitutes a novel virulence determinant. |
Pathogens that spill over between species cause a significant human and animal health burden. Here, we describe characteristics of animal reservoirs that are required for pathogen spillover. We assembled and analyzed a database of 330 disease systems in which a pathogen spills over from a reservoir of one or more species. Three-quarters of reservoirs included wildlife, and 84% included mammals. Further, 65% of pathogens depended on a community of reservoir hosts, rather than a single species, for persistence. Among mammals, the most frequently identified reservoir hosts were rodents, artiodactyls, and carnivores. The distribution among orders of mammalian species identified as reservoirs did not differ from that expected by chance. Among disease systems with high priority pathogens and epidemic potential, we found birds, primates, and bats to be overrepresented. We also analyzed the life history traits of mammalian reservoir hosts and compared them to mammals as a whole. Reservoir species had faster life history characteristics than mammals overall, exhibiting traits associated with greater reproductive output rather than long-term survival. Thus, we find that in many respects, reservoirs of spillover pathogens are indeed special. The described patterns provide a useful resource for studying and managing emerging infectious diseases. |
There is a lack of definitive data on the effective management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infants and children. The development and validation of the Berlin definition (BD) for ARDS and the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC) recommendations in children represented a major advance in optimizing research and treatment, mainly due to the introduction of a severe ARDS category. Proposed reasons for the lack of consistent results with surfactants in children and infants compared with neonates include different causes, type of lung damage (direct or indirect), timing and mode of administration as well as the type of surfactant used. Secretory phospholipase A2 plays an important role in inflammation and possible dysfunction of surfactants in ARDS. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with normal saline and surfactant allows the removal of inhaled material, the recruitment of non-ventilating areas and the maintenance of the surfactant pool size. BAL with diluted surfactant allows rapid absorption of the surfactant at the air/liquid interface, which blocks the progression of pathological lung disease and in turn disrupts the inflammatory cycle. Importantly, it is now recognized that the type of surfactant, the time of administration and the method of administration could all play an important role in the management of ARDS, and there is evidence that surfactant is effective and well tolerated in children and infants with ARDS. |
BACKGROUND. Antibody and T-cell immunity to conserved influenza virus antigens can protect animals against infection with diverse influenza strains. Although immunity against conserved antigens occurs in humans, whether such responses provide cross-protection in humans and could be harnessed as the basis for universal influenza vaccines is controversial. The 2009 pandemic provided an opportunity to investigate whether pre-existing cross-reactive immunity affected susceptibility to infection. METHODS. In 2009, we banked sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from blood donors, then monitored them for pandemic influenza infection (pH1N1) by polymerase chain reaction or seroconversion. Antibodies to hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), nucleoprotein (NP), matrix 2 (M2), and HA-pseudotypes were measured in sera. T-cell inteferon-γ enzyme-linked immunospot responses were measured in PBMC. RESULTS. There were 13 infections in 117 evaluable donors. Pre-existing T-cell reactivity to pH1N1 was substantial (of 153 donors tested, 146 had >100 spot-forming cells/10(6) cells). Antibodies reactive with pH1N1 were common: anti-NP (all donors) and anti-M2 (44% of donors). Pseudotype-neutralizing antibodies to H1 were detected, but not to highly conserved HA epitopes. Unexpectedly, donors with symptomatic pH1N1 infection had sharp rises in HA pseudotype-neutralizing antibodies, not only pH1N1 but also against multiple seasonal H1s. In addition, an exploratory study of a T-cell marker (response to NP(418-426)) identified probable infection missed by standard criteria. CONCLUSIONS. Although the number of infections was inadequate for conclusions about mechanisms of protection, this study documents the wide variety of pre-existing, cross-reactive, humoral and cellular immune responses to pandemic influenza virus antigens in humans. These responses can be compared with results of other studies and explored in universal influenza vaccine studies. |
The giant triton snail (Charonia tritonis) is one of the few natural predators of the adult Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS), a corallivore that has been damaging to many reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Charonia species have large salivary glands (SGs) that are suspected to produce either a venom and/or sulphuric acid which can immobilize their prey and neutralize the intrinsic toxic properties of COTS. To date, there is little information on the types of toxins produced by tritons. In this paper, the predatory behaviour of the C. tritonis is described. Then, the C. tritonis SG, which itself is made up of an anterior lobe (AL) and posterior lobe (PL), was analyzed using an integrated transcriptomics and proteomics approach, to identify putative toxin- and feeding-related proteins. A de novo transcriptome database and in silico protein analysis predicts that ~3800 proteins have features consistent with being secreted. A gland-specific proteomics analysis confirmed the presence of numerous SG-AL and SG-PL proteins, including those with similarity to cysteine-rich venom proteins. Sulfuric acid biosynthesis enzymes were identified, specific to the SG-PL. Our analysis of the C. tritonis SG (AL and PL) has provided a deeper insight into the biomolecular toolkit used for predation and feeding by C. tritonis. |
Viruses co-evolve with their hosts, and many viruses have developed mechanisms to suppress or modify the host cell apoptotic response for their own benefit. Recently, evidence has emerged for the opposite strategy. Some viruses have developed the ability to co-opt apoptotic caspase activity to facilitate their own proliferation. In these strategies, viral proteins are cleaved by host caspases to create cleavage products with novel activities which facilitate viral replication. This represents a novel and interesting class of viral–host interactions, and also represents a new group of non-apoptotic roles for caspases. Here we review the evidence for such strategies, and discuss their origins and their implications for our understanding of the relationship between viral pathogenesis and programmed cell death. |
Little is known about the specific contributions of aging to the neuron dysfunction and death in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is characterized by the pathological accumulation of abnormal tau (a microtubule-associated protein), and the mislocalization of tau from the axon to the somatodendritic compartment is thought to play an important role in disease pathogenesis. The axon initial segment (AIS) is thought to play a role in the selective localization of tau in the axonal compartment. Thus, disruption in the AIS barrier may allow tau to diffuse freely back into the somatodendritic compartment and potentially lead to neurotoxicity. Here, we analyzed AISs using stereological methods and protein immunoblotting, and the localization of tau was assessed with immunofluorescence optical density measurements and protein immunoblotting. None of the outcome measurements assessed, including AIS structure, AIS protein levels, the distribution of tau in neurons of the hippocampus (HP), and total tau or phospho-tau protein levels were different in young, middle-, and old-age Fischer 344 rats. The outcome measurements assessed, including AIS structure, AIS protein levels, the distribution of tau in neurons of the HP, and total tau or phospho-tau protein levels were not different in young, middle-, and old-age Fischer 344 rats, with the exception of a small reduction in AIS volume and diameter in the CA2 region of aged animals. These data suggest that aging largely has no effect on these properties of the AIS or tau distribution, and thus, may not contribute directly to tau mislocalization. |
To investigate the role of the protein C system, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and thrombomodulin (TM) in the pathogenesis of malaria-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in relation to hemozoin and proinflammatory cytokines-induced type II pneumocyte injury and -aggravated pulmonary resolution. A total of 29 left-over lung specimens that were obtained from patients who died from severe falciparum malaria were examined. Histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analyses revealed that ARDS coexisted with pulmonary edema and systemic bleeding; the severity was dependent on the level of hemozoin deposition in the lung and internal alveolar hemorrhaging. The loss of EPCR and TM was primarily identified in ARDS patients and was related to the level of hemozoin, parasitized red blood cell (PRBC) and white blood cell accumulation in the lung. Moreover, an in vitro analysis demonstrated that interleukin-13 and -31 and hemozoin induced pneumocytic cell injury and apoptosis, as assessed by EB/AO staining, electron microscopy and the up-regulation of CARD-9 mRNA (caspase recruitment domain-9 messenger-ribonucleic acid). The dysregulation of EPCR and TM in the lung, especially in those with increased levels of hemozoin, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of malaria-associated ARDS through an apoptotic pathway. |
BACKGROUND: The Ebola virus has been responsible for numerous outbreaks since the 1970s, with the most recent outbreak taking place between 2014 and 2016 and causing an international public health emergency. Ebola virus disease (EVD) has a high mortality rate and no approved targeted treatment exists to date. A number of established drugs are being considered as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of EVD. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify potential drug repositioning candidates and to assess the scientific evidence available on their efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, and other relevant trial registry platforms for studies published between January 1976 and January 2017. We included drug screening, preclinical studies, and clinical studies on repurposed drugs for the treatment of EVD. The risk of bias for animal studies and nonrandomized clinical studies was assessed. The quality of reporting for case series and case reports was evaluated. Finally, we selected drugs approved by established regulatory authorities, which have positive in vitro study outcomes and at least one additional animal or clinical trial. RESULTS: We identified 3301 publications, of which 37 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of study type, methodology, and intervention. The risk of bias was high for 13 out of 14 animal studies. We selected 11 drugs with potential anti-EVD therapeutic effects and summarized their evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Several established drugs may have therapeutic effects on EVD, but the quality and quantity of current scientific evidence is lacking. This review highlights the need for well-designed and conducted preclinical and clinical research to establish the efficacy of potential repurposed drugs against EVD. |
Extensive functional studies of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) family of signaling molecules have demonstrated that EPAC proteins play a fundamental role in several physiological and pathophysiological responses, therefore are attractive drug targets. In this report, the development of a cell-based, medium to high throughput screening assay that is capable of monitoring EPAC-mediated activation of cellular Rap1 in an isoform-specific manner is described. This assay adapts a conventional ELISA format with immobilized RalGDS-RBD as a bait to selectively capture GTP-bound active Rap1. As a result, it fills an urgent need for a cell-based EPAC assay that can be conveniently performed using microtiter plates for the discovery and/or validation of isoform-specific EPAC agonists and antagonists. |
The definition of the immunological response to Zika (ZIKV) infection in humans represents a key issue to identify protective profile useful for vaccine development and for pathogenesis studies. No data are available on the cellular immune response in the acute phase of human ZIKV infection, and its role in the protection and/or pathogenesis needs to be clarified. We studied and compared the phenotype and functionality of T-cells in patients with acute ZIKV and Dengue viral (DENV) infections. A significant activation of T-cells was observed during both ZIKV and DENV infections. ZIKV infection was characterized by a CD4 T cell differentiation toward effector cells and by a lower frequency of IFN-γ producing CD4 T cells. Moreover, a substantial expansion of CD3(+)CD4(−)CD8(−) T-cell subset expressing Vδ2 TCR was specifically observed in ZIKV patients. Vδ2 T cells presented a terminally differentiated profile, expressed granzyme B and maintained their ability to produce IFN-γ. These findings provide new knowledge on the immune response profile during self-limited infection that may help in vaccine efficacy definition, and in identifying possible immuno-pathogenetic mechanisms of severe infection. |
H9N2 viruses are the most widespread influenza viruses in poultry in Asia. We evaluated the infection and tropism of human and avian H9 influenza virus in the human respiratory tract using ex vivo respiratory organ culture. H9 viruses infected the upper and lower respiratory tract and the majority of H9 viruses had a decreased ability to release virus from the bronchus rather than the lung. This may be attributed to a weak neuraminidase (NA) cleavage of carbon-6-linked sialic acid (Sia) rather than carbon-3-linked Sia. The modified cleavage of N-acetlylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) by NA in H9 virus replication was observed by reverse genetics, and recombinant H9N2 viruses with amino acids (38KQ) deleted in the NA stalk, and changing the amino acid at position 431 from Proline-to-Lysine. Using recombinant H9 viruses previously evaluated in the ferret, we found that viruses which replicated well in the ferret did not replicate to the same extent in the human ex vivo cultures. The existing risk assessment models for H9N2 viruses in ferrets may not always have a strong correlation with the replication in the human upper respiratory tract. The inclusion of the human ex vivo cultures would further strengthen the future risk-assessment strategies. |
The synthesis and molecular characterization of new isatin-based hydrazonoindolin-2-ones 4a-o and 7a-e are reported. The in vitro anti-proliferative potential of the synthesized compounds 4a-o and 7a-e was examined against HT-29 (colon), ZR-75 (breast) and A549 (lung) human cancer cell lines. Compounds 7b, 7d and 7e were the most active congeners against the tested human cancer cell lines with average IC(50) values of 4.77, 3.39 and 2.37 μM, respectively, as compared with the reference isatin-based drug, sunitinib, which exhibited an average IC(50) value of 8.11 μM. Compound 7e was selected for further pharmacological evaluation in order to gain insight into its possible mechanism of action. It increased caspase 3/7 activity by 2.4- and 1.85-fold between 4 and 8 h of treatment, respectively, at 10 μM and it caused a decrease in the percentage of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle with a corresponding increase in the S-phase. In addition, compound 7e increased phosphorylated tyrosine (p-Tyr) levels nearly two-fold with an apparent IC(50) value of 3.8 μM. The 7e-loaded PLGA microspheres were prepared using a modified emulsion-solvent diffusion method. The average encapsulation efficiency of the 7e-loaded PLGA microspheres was 85% ± 1.3. While, the in vitro release profile of the 7e-loaded microspheres was characterized by slow and continuous release of compound 7e during 21 days and the release curve was fitted to zero order kinetics. Incorporation of 7e into PLGA microspheres improved its in vitro anti-proliferative activity toward the human cancer cell line A549 after 120 h incubation period with an IC(50) value less than 0.8 μM. |
Orthobunyaviruses include several recently emerging viruses of significant medical and veterinary importance. There is currently very limited understanding on what determines the host species range of these pathogens. In this study we discovered that BST-2/tetherin restricts orthobunyavirus replication in a host-specific manner. We show that viruses with human tropism (Oropouche virus and La Crosse virus) are restricted by sheep BST-2 but not by the human orthologue, while viruses with ruminant tropism (Schmallenberg virus and others) are restricted by human BST-2 but not by the sheep orthologue. We also show that BST-2 blocks orthobunyaviruses replication by reducing the amount of envelope glycoprotein into viral particles egressing from infected cells. This is the first study identifying a restriction factor that correlates with species susceptibility to orthobunyavirus infection. This work provides insight to help us dissect the adaptive changes that bunyaviruses require to cross the species barrier and emerge into new species. |
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