May brominated flame retardants in our homes damage the thyroid gland of our cats?

Bromerade flamskyddsmedel (BFR) är kemiska föreningar innehållandes brom som tillsätts till föremål med syfte att minimera skador vid en eventuell brand. De finns bland annat i möbler, textiler och elektronisk utrustning och de blev under senare delen av 1900-talet mycket frekvent använda över hela världen. I dag har man börjat fundera på om dessa ämnen lämnat oönskade spår i våra hem som kan ha negativa följder för vår och våra husdjurs hälsa. Man misstänker att vissa grupper av BFR stör det endokrina systemet i kroppen och en specifik frågeställning som ställt av många forskare är om de har en negativ effekt på sköldkörteln och dess hormon. Sköldkörteln är ett av kroppens viktigaste endokrina organ och styr bland annat tillväxt och metabolism i flera olika vävnader. En ökad eller nedsatt funktion hos sköldkörteln kan leda till mycket allvarliga konsekvenser för kroppen. Samtidigt som användningen av BFR ökade under slutet av 1970-talet upptäcktes också de första fallen av hypertyroidism, en överproduktion av sköldkörtelhormon, hos katt. Denna sjukdom har sedan dess ökat och är idag kattens vanligaste endokrina rubbning. I denna litteraturstudie studeras om det finns något påvisat samband mellan en specifik typ av BFR, polybromerade difenyletrar (PBDE), och hypertyroidism hos katt. PBDE är till strukturen väldigt lik sköldkörtelhormonet thyroxin vilket har väckt intresse för mer ingående studier av just denna grupp av BFR. Man har ställt sig frågan om PBDE kan konkurrera ut tyroxin vid olika receptorer och transportprotein i kroppen. Det har också i flertalet studier kunnat visas att PBDE har en negativ endokrin påverkan. Dock har resultaten varit varierande och svaren i många fall otillräckliga vilket gör att ytterligare forskning kommer krävas gällande PBDE och dess påverkan på sköldkörteln.Brominated flame retardants (BFR) are chemical compounds consisting partly of bromine and are added to objects in order to minimize the damage in case of a fire. They can be found in furniture, textiles and electronic equipment and during the later part of the 20thcentury their presence escalated in households worldwide. It is not until today that we have started to discover the negative impact these compounds have on our ant our pet´s health. It has been suggested that some groups of BFRs disrupt the endocrine system of the body and many researchers debate whether or not they have a negative effect on the thyroid gland and its hormones. The thyroid gland is one of the body´s most important endocrine organs and among many things it controls growth and metabolism in various tissues. A reduced or intensified function in this gland could have a major effect on the body. At the same time as the use of BFRs increased during the late 1970s the first cases of feline hyperthyroidism, an overproduction of the thyroid hormones, were diagnosed. Since then the disease has increased and is now the most common endocrine disorder in cats. The goal of this study is to analyse whether there is a clarified relationship between a specific type of BFRs, polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE), and feline hyperthyroidism. The structure of PBDEs is similar to the structure of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which has increased the interest for more detailed study of this particular group of BFRs. It has been suggested that PBDEs can compete with the receptors and transport proteins of thyroxin. Many studies have shown that PBDEs have a negative endocrine effect. However, the results are inconsistent and in many cases inadequate, which means that further research in this specific area will be required to show exactly how much PBDE affects the thyroid gland in cats

Impact of equipment and handling on systolic blood pressure measurements in conscious dogs in an animal hospital environment

Background Situational hypertension and differences between devices complicate interpretations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurements in dogs.Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate if time point of in-clinic SBP measurement, type of oscillometric device, and operator affect SBP measurements in conscious dogs.Animals Sixty-seven privately owned dogs with or without chronic kidney disease, divided into 2 study samples (A and B).Methods Cross-sectional diagnostic study. In part A, SBP measurements in dogs were performed using 2 different devices (HDO and petMap) after acclimatization at 3 standardized time points during a clinical visit. In part B, SBP measurements (HDO) were performed in dogs by a trained final year veterinary student and by the owner alone, at the same occasion.Results For all dogs, there was no difference in mean SBP (mSBP) among the 3 time points for HDO (P = .12) or petMAP (P = .67). However, intraindividual mSBP differences of up to 60 mm Hg between time points were documented. Mean SBP obtained with petMAP was on average 14 (95% CI: 8-20) mm Hg higher than mSBP obtained with HDO, and this difference increased with increasing SBP. Mean SBP measurements obtained by the trained student were 7 (95% CI: 2-11) mm Hg higher than mSBP measurements obtained by the owner.Conclusions and Clinical Importance According to the results of this study, time point of in-clinic SBP measurement in dogs is of minor importance, and instructing owners to perform measurements might reduce suspected situational hypertension. Differences in mSBP measured with HDO and petMAP underscore the need for validation of BP devices used clinically

Effect of Storage Temperature on Structure and Function of Cultured Human Oral Keratinocytes

Purpose/Aims To assess the effect of storage temperature on the viability, phenotype, metabolism, and morphology of cultured human oral keratinocytes (HOK). Materials and Methods Cultured HOK cells were stored in HEPES- and sodium bicarbonate-buffered Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) at nine temperatures in approximately 4°C increments from 4°C to 37°C for seven days. Cells were characterized for viability by calcein fluorescence, phenotype retention by immunocytochemistry, metabolic parameters (pH, glucose, lactate, and O2) within the storage medium by blood gas analysis, and morphology by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Results: Relative to the cultured, but non-stored control cells, a high percentage of viable cells were retained only in the 12°C and 16°C storage groups (85%±13% and 68%±10%, respectively). Expression of ABCG2, Bmi1, C/EBPδ, PCNA, cytokeratin 18, and caspase-3 were preserved after storage in the 5 groups between 4°C and 20°C, compared to the non-stored control. Glucose, pH and pO2 in the storage medium declined, whereas lactate increased with increasing storage temperature. Morphology was best preserved following storage of the three groups between 12°C, 16°C, and 20°C. Conclusion: We conclude that storage temperatures of 12°C and 16°C were optimal for maintenance of cell viability, phenotype, and morphology of cultured HOK. The storage method described in the present study may be applicable for other cell types and tissues; thus its significance may extend beyond HOK and the field of ophthalmology

The association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization and the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma: A systematic review

Background. Identifying deliberate self-harm in the young and its relationship with bullying victimization is an important public health issue. Methods. A systematic review was performed to explore evidence of the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in young people, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma on this association. An advanced search in the following electronic databases was conducted in January 2018: PubMed/Medline; CINAHL; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; Science Direct; Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further assessed for theirmethodological integrity. The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services tool was applied for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme instrument for the cohort studies. Only empirical quantitative studies published in the English language in peer reviewed journals during the last decade (2007-2018) aimed at exploring the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in community-based schoolchildren with a mean age of under 20 years were included. Results. The reviewed cross-sectional and cohort studies (22) revealed a positive association between school bullying victimization and deliberate self-harm, including nonsuicidal self-injury, which remained statistically significant when controlled for the main confounders. The mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization was confirmed. A dose-response effect was shown in the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and school bullying victimization, whilst the mediating effect of depressive symptoms needs to be further explored. No studies were found directly exploring the mediating effect of self-stigma in the association between deliberate self-harm and bullying victimization. Conclusion. Targeted interventions aimed at eliminating victimization behaviours within the school context are therefore proposed, as well as interventions to promote healthy parenting styles for the parents of schoolchildren. Moreover, school healthcare professionals should screen students involved in bullying for self-injury, and vice versa

The association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization and the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma: A systematic review

Background. Identifying deliberate self-harm in the young and its relationship with bullying victimization is an important public health issue. Methods. A systematic review was performed to explore evidence of the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in young people, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma on this association. An advanced search in the following electronic databases was conducted in January 2018: PubMed/Medline; CINAHL; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; Science Direct; Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further assessed for theirmethodological integrity. The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services tool was applied for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme instrument for the cohort studies. Only empirical quantitative studies published in the English language in peer reviewed journals during the last decade (2007-2018) aimed at exploring the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in community-based schoolchildren with a mean age of under 20 years were included. Results. The reviewed cross-sectional and cohort studies (22) revealed a positive association between school bullying victimization and deliberate self-harm, including nonsuicidal self-injury, which remained statistically significant when controlled for the main confounders. The mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization was confirmed. A dose-response effect was shown in the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and school bullying victimization, whilst the mediating effect of depressive symptoms needs to be further explored. No studies were found directly exploring the mediating effect of self-stigma in the association between deliberate self-harm and bullying victimization. Conclusion. Targeted interventions aimed at eliminating victimization behaviours within the school context are therefore proposed, as well as interventions to promote healthy parenting styles for the parents of schoolchildren. Moreover, school healthcare professionals should screen students involved in bullying for self-injury, and vice versa

The Association between Deliberate Self-Harm and School Bullying Victimization and the Mediating Effect of Depressive Symptoms and Self-Stigma: A Systematic Review

Background. Identifying deliberate self-harm in the young and its relationship with bullying victimization is an important public health issue. Methods. A systematic review was performed to explore evidence of the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in young people, as well as the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and self-stigma on this association. An advanced search in the following electronic databases was conducted in January 2018: PubMed/Medline; CINAHL; PsycINFO; PsycARTICLES; Science Direct; Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further assessed for their methodological integrity. The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for Health Services tool was applied for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme instrument for the cohort studies. Only empirical quantitative studies published in the English language in peer reviewed journals during the last decade (2007-2018) aimed at exploring the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization in community-based schoolchildren with a mean age of under 20 years were included. Results. The reviewed cross-sectional and cohort studies (22) revealed a positive association between school bullying victimization and deliberate self-harm, including nonsuicidal self-injury, which remained statistically significant when controlled for the main confounders. The mediating role of depressive symptoms in the association between deliberate self-harm and school bullying victimization was confirmed. A dose-response effect was shown in the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and school bullying victimization, whilst the mediating effect of depressive symptoms needs to be further explored. No studies were found directly exploring the mediating effect of self-stigma in the association between deliberate self-harm and bullying victimization. Conclusion. Targeted interventions aimed at eliminating victimization behaviours within the school context are therefore proposed, as well as interventions to promote healthy parenting styles for the parents of schoolchildren. Moreover, school healthcare professionals should screen students involved in bullying for self-injury, and vice versa

Serum-Free and Xenobiotic-Free Preservation of Cultured Human Limbal Epithelial Cells

Aim/Purpose of the Study To develop a one-week storage method, without serum and xenobiotics, that would maintain cell viability, morphology, and phenotype of cultured human limbal epithelial sheets. Materials and Methods Human limbal explants were cultured on intact human amniotic membranes for two weeks. The sheets were stored in a hermetically sealed container at 23°C in either a serum-free medium with selected animal serum-derived compounds (Quantum 286) or a xenobiotic-free medium (Minimal Essential Medium) for 4 and 7 days. Stored and non-stored cultures were analyzed for cell viability, amniotic membrane and epithelial sheet thickness, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers for immature cells (ΔNp63α, p63, Bmi-1, C/EBP∂, ABCG2 and K19), differentiated cells (K3 and Cx43), proliferation (PCNA), and apoptosis (Caspase-3). Results The cell viability of the cultures was 98 ± 1% and remained high after storage. Mean central thickness of non-stored limbal epithelial sheets was 23 ± 3 μm, and no substantial loss of cells was observed after storage. The non-stored epithelial sheets expressed a predominantly immature phenotype with ΔNp63α positivity of more than 3% in 9 of 13 cultures. After storage, the expression of ABCG2 and C/EBP∂ was reduced for the 7 day Quantum 286-storage group; (P = 0.04), and Bmi-1 was reduced after 4 day Quantum 286-storage; (P = 0.02). No other markers varied significantly. The expression of differentiation markers was unrelated to the thickness of the epithelia and amniotic membrane, apart from ABCG2, which correlated negatively with thickness of limbal epithelia (R = -0.69, P = 0.01) and ΔNp63α, which correlated negatively with amniotic membrane thickness (R = -0.59, P = 0.03). Conclusion Limbal epithelial cells cultured from explants on amniotic membrane can be stored at 23°C in both serum-free and xenobiotic-free media, with sustained cell viability, ultrastructure, and ΔNp63α-positivity after both 4 and 7 days