Physiological processes of inflammation and edema initiated by sustained mechanical loading in subcutaneous tissues : a scoping review

Deep tissue injuries are pressure ulcers which initiate in the subcutaneous tissues and extend through a bottom-up pathway. Once deep tissue injuries are visual at skin level, serious irreversible tissue damage has already occurred. In pressure ulcer development, inflammation and edema are coupled physiological processes associated with tissue damage arising due to sustained mechanical loading. This study aimed to provide an in-depth overview of the physiological processes of inflammation and edema initiated by sustained mechanical loading in subcutaneous tissues, in the context of pressure ulceration. A scoping review was performed according to the framework by Arksey and O'Malley. The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, and the reference lists of included studies were searched for in vivo (animal, human), and in vitro studies matching the study objectives (from inception to 28 May 2018). No restrictions for inclusion were applied for study design, setting, participants, and year of publication. A total of 12 studies were included, varying in study design, sample characteristics, amount and duration of mechanical loads that were applied, follow-up time, and assessment methods. Neutrophil infiltration and edema occur in the subcutaneous tissues nearly immediately after the application of load on soft tissues. The amount of neutrophils and edema increase in the first days after the mechanical insult and decrease once healing has been initiated and no supplementary mechanical load was applied. One study indicated that edema may extend up to the level of the dermo-epidermal junction. Further research should focus on how deep tissue inflammation and edema are reflected into unique tissue changes at skin level, and how abnormal inflammatory responses manifest (e.g. when the nervous system is not functioning normally)

Winter Survival of Individual Honey Bees and Honey Bee Colonies Depends on Level of Varroa destructor Infestation

Background: Recent elevated winter loss of honey bee colonies is a major concern. The presence of the mite Varroa destructor in colonies places an important pressure on bee health. V. destructor shortens the lifespan of individual bees, while long lifespan during winter is a primary requirement to survive until the next spring. We investigated in two subsequent years the effects of different levels of V. destructor infestation during the transition from short-lived summer bees to long-lived winter bees on the lifespan of individual bees and the survival of bee colonies during winter. Colonies treated earlier in the season to reduce V. destructor infestation during the development of winter bees were expected to have longer bee lifespan and higher colony survival after winter. Methodology/Principal Findings: Mite infestation was reduced using acaricide treatments during different months (July, August, September, or not treated). We found that the number of capped brood cells decreased drastically between August and November, while at the same time, the lifespan of the bees (marked cohorts) increased indicating the transition to winter bees. Low V. destructor infestation levels before and during the transition to winter bees resulted in an increase in lifespan of bees and higher colony survival compared to colonies that were not treated and that had higher infestation levels. A variety of stress-related factors could have contributed to the variation in longevity and winter survival that we found between years. Conclusions/Significance: This study contributes to theory about the multiple causes for the recent elevated colony losses in honey bees. Our study shows the correlation between long lifespan of winter bees and colony loss in spring. Moreover, we show that colonies treated earlier in the season had reduced V. destructor infestation during the development of winter bees resulting in longer bee lifespan and higher colony survival after winter

Vitamin D and Omega 3 Field Study on Progression of Type 1 Diabetes

Chronic inflammation has been linked to the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, may slow or stop the progression of T1D. A field study is underway to assess the relationship between these nutrients and T1D progression among auto-antibody positive individuals who have not been diagnosed with T1D. The T1D Prevention Field Study is currently recruiting participants to complete online health surveys and home blood-spot tests for 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], Omega-3 Index, AA:EPA Ratio, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and HbA1c every three to four months for 5 years. Participants (or their parents/guardians) are given information about the importance of achieving a 25(OH)D level between 40–60 ng/ml and an AA:EPA Ratio between 1.5–3.0 to reduce inflammation. However, participants are free to choose their own supplement or dietary regimens. Data analysis will focus on associations between vitamin D and omega-3 status and progression of T1D. Initial enrollment in the T1D Prevention Field Study includes 103 participants from fifteen countries; total enrollment is expected to reach at least 400 participants by the end of 2022. The field study approach allows for cost-effective research that capitalizes on new technologies for recruitment, data collection, and blood level testing from home. However, some challenges have arisen. Many individuals are reading the open source protocols and some choose to supplement and test on their own so incentives may be needed to increase enrollment. Additionally, some participants do not have access to auto-antibody testing or are unable to get access to their test results; therefore, there is a need to provide blood spot auto-antibody testing through the field study

Critical points in glucosinolates analysis in seed and plant tis Critical points in glucosinolates analysis in seed and plant tissues by HPLC of desulfo-derivatives

In the EU the ISO 9167-1 is the reference method for glucosinolates content determination in rapeseed. This method is widely used also for other seeds or Brassica plant tissues analysis also in order to the large diffusion of HPLC instrumentation in analytical laboratories. Anyway, in our experience the use of this method has revealed some critical points which can considerably affect the final result, thus when this method is used to analyse materials different from seeds of B. napus some methodological modifications must be done especially in reason of the kind of glucosinolate present in the sample