Changing climate and outbreaks of forest pest insects in a cold northern country, Finland

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Early Levels of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and Neurofilament Light Protein in Predicting the Outcome of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The purpose of this study was to correlate the early levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light protein (NF-L) with outcome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). A total of 107 patients with mTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ≥13) who had blood samples for GFAP and NF-L available within 24 h of arrival were included. Patients with mTBI were divided into computed tomography (CT)–positive and CT-negative groups. Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE) was used to assess the outcome. Outcomes were defined as complete (GOSE 8) versus incomplete (GOSE p = 0.005). The levels of GFAP and NF-L were significantly higher in patients with unfavorable outcome than in patients with favorable outcome (p = 0.002 for GFAP and p </p

A genome-wide association study of total child psychiatric problems scores.

Substantial genetic correlations have been reported across psychiatric disorders and numerous cross-disorder genetic variants have been detected. To identify the genetic variants underlying general psychopathology in childhood, we performed a genome-wide association study using a total psychiatric problem score. We analyzed 6,844,199 common SNPs in 38,418 school-aged children from 20 population-based cohorts participating in the EAGLE consortium. The SNP heritability of total psychiatric problems was 5.4% (SE = 0.01) and two loci reached genome-wide significance: rs10767094 and rs202005905. We also observed an association of SBF2, a gene associated with neuroticism in previous GWAS, with total psychiatric problems. The genetic effects underlying the total score were shared with common psychiatric disorders only (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, insomnia) (rG > 0.49), but not with autism or the less common adult disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders) (rG 0.29). The results suggest that many common genetic variants are associated with childhood psychiatric symptoms and related phenotypes in general instead of with specific symptoms. Further research is needed to establish causality and pleiotropic mechanisms between related traits

Autoimmunity, hypogammaglobulinemia, lymphoproliferation and mycobacterial disease in patients with dominant activating mutations in STAT3

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors orchestrate hematopoietic cell differentiation. Recently, mutations in STAT1, STAT5B, and STAT3 have been linked to development of IPEX-like syndrome. Here, we immunologically characterized three patients with de novo activating mutations in the DNA binding or dimerization domains of STAT3 (p.K392R, p.M394T and p.K658N, respectively). The patients displayed multi-organ autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and delayed-onset mycobacterial disease. Immunologically, we noted hypogammaglobulinemia with terminal B cell maturation arrest, dendritic cell deficiency, peripheral eosinopenia, increased double-negative (CD4-CD8-) T cells, and decreased NK, Th17, and regulatory T cell numbers. Notably, the patient harboring the K392R mutation developed T cell LGL leukemia at age 14. Our results broaden the spectrum of phenotypes caused by activating STAT3 mutations, highlight the role of STAT3 in the development and differentiation of multiple immune cell lineages, and strengthen the link between the STAT family of transcription factors and autoimmunity.</p

An update on molecular cat allergens: Fel d 1 and what else? Chapter 1: Fel d 1, the major cat allergen

Background: Cats are the major source of indoor inhalant allergens after house dust mites. The global incidence of cat allergies is rising sharply, posing a major public health problem. Ten cat allergens have been identified. The major allergen responsible for symptoms is Fel d 1, a secretoglobin and not a lipocalin, making the cat a special case among mammals. Main body: Given its clinical predominance, it is essential to have a good knowledge of this allergenic fraction, including its basic structure, to understand the new exciting diagnostic and therapeutic applications currently in development. The recent arrival of the component-resolved diagnosis, which uses molecular allergens, represents a unique opportunity to improve our understanding of the disease. Recombinant Fel d 1 is now available for in vitro diagnosis by the anti-Fel d 1 specific IgE assay. The first part of the review will seek to describe the recent advances related to Fel d 1 in terms of positive diagnosis and assessment of disease severity. In daily practice, anti-Fel d 1 IgE tend to replace those directed against the overall extract but is this attitude justified? We will look at the most recent arguments to try to answer this question. In parallel, a second revolution is taking place thanks to molecular engineering, which has allowed the development of various forms of recombinant Fel d 1 and which seeks to modify the immunomodulatory properties of the molecule and thus the clinical history of the disease via various modalities of anti-Fel d 1-specific immunotherapy. We will endeavor to give a clear and practical overview of all these trends

Panel 6 : Vaccines

Objective. To review the literature on progress regarding (1) effectiveness of vaccines for prevention of otitis media (OM) and (2) development of vaccine antigens for OM bacterial and viral pathogens. Data Sources. PubMed database of the National Library of Science. Review Methods. We performed literature searches in PubMed for OM pathogens and candidate vaccine antigens, and we restricted the searches to articles in English that were published between July 2011 and June 2015. Panel members reviewed literature in their area of expertise. Conclusions. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are somewhat effective for the prevention of pneumococcal OM, recurrent OM, OM visits, and tympanostomy tube insertions. Widespread use of PCVs has been associated with shifts in pneumococcal serotypes and bacterial pathogens associated with OM, diminishing PCV effectiveness against AOM. The 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine containing Haemophilus influenzae protein D (PHiD-CV) is effective for pneumococcal OM, but results from studies describing the potential impact on OM due to H influenzae have been inconsistent. Progress in vaccine development for H influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and OM-associated respiratory viruses has been limited. Additional research is needed to extend vaccine protection to additional pneumococcal serotypes and other otopathogens. There are likely to be licensure challenges for protein-based vaccines, and data on correlates of protection for OM vaccine antigens are urgently needed. Implications for Practice. OM continues to be a significant health care burden globally. Prevention is preferable to treatment, and vaccine development remains an important goal. As a polymicrobial disease, OM poses significant but not insurmountable challenges for vaccine development.Peer reviewe

Approaches in biotechnological applications of natural polymers

Natural polymers, such as gums and mucilage, are biocompatible, cheap, easily available and non-toxic materials of native origin. These polymers are increasingly preferred over synthetic materials for industrial applications due to their intrinsic properties, as well as they are considered alternative sources of raw materials since they present characteristics of sustainability, biodegradability and biosafety. As definition, gums and mucilages are polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates consisting of one or more monosaccharides or their derivatives linked in bewildering variety of linkages and structures. Natural gums are considered polysaccharides naturally occurring in varieties of plant seeds and exudates, tree or shrub exudates, seaweed extracts, fungi, bacteria, and animal sources. Water-soluble gums, also known as hydrocolloids, are considered exudates and are pathological products; therefore, they do not form a part of cell wall. On the other hand, mucilages are part of cell and physiological products. It is important to highlight that gums represent the largest amounts of polymer materials derived from plants. Gums have enormously large and broad applications in both food and non-food industries, being commonly used as thickening, binding, emulsifying, suspending, stabilizing agents and matrices for drug release in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In the food industry, their gelling properties and the ability to mold edible films and coatings are extensively studied. The use of gums depends on the intrinsic properties that they provide, often at costs below those of synthetic polymers. For upgrading the value of gums, they are being processed into various forms, including the most recent nanomaterials, for various biotechnological applications. Thus, the main natural polymers including galactomannans, cellulose, chitin, agar, carrageenan, alginate, cashew gum, pectin and starch, in addition to the current researches about them are reviewed in this article.. }To the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientfíico e Tecnológico (CNPq) for fellowships (LCBBC and MGCC) and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nvíel Superior (CAPES) (PBSA). This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UID/BIO/04469/2013 unit, the Project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and COMPETE 2020 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006684) (JAT)