GDP and the Value of Family Caretaking: How Much Does Europe Care?

This study estimates the size and value of unpaid family caretaking activities at a European level. While at a country level several studies are available, a comprehensive evaluation for Europe as a whole was missing so far, mainly due to data limitations. This paper fills this gap using a method that merges the information of an EU household survey (EU-SILC) with a time use survey (HETUS). Monetary values of unpaid family domestic work and unpaid family childcare work are obtained applying both the opportunity cost and the market replacement approaches. For Europe as a whole, the total value of these activities ranges between 20.1 per cent and 36.8 per cent of the EU GDP, depending on the applied methodology. The national values of these activities are discussed and an interpretation of the country differentials in the family caretaking gender gaps is given in terms of differences in culture, economic development and welfare state.unpaid domestic work, family care work, gender inequality, opportunity cost, market replacement approach

Prevalence of bla TEM-220 gene in Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains carrying Toronto/Rio plasmid in Argentina, 2002 – 2011

BACKGROUND: Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorroheae (PPNG) was first isolated in 1976. PPNG strains carrying bla(TEM-1) and bla(TEM-135) gene have been described in different countries. Recently, a novel bla(TEM-220) allele was detected in PPNG isolates carrying Toronto/Rio plasmid. The prevalence and characteristics of TEM-220 strains worldwide are unknown, and therefore, it needs to be studied. The purpose of this study was to detect bla(TEM-220) gene in PPNG strains possessing Toronto/Rio plasmid over a period of ten years in Argentina, and to evaluate the proportion of isolates producing non-TEM-220 containing the T539C substitution in the bla(TEM) allele. METHODS: One hundred and fifty one PPNG isolates carrying Toronto/Rio plasmid were studied between 2002 and 2011. A mismatch amplification mutation assay (MAMA) PCR was used to identify the T539C substitution in the bla(TEM) allele and a MAMA-PCR protocol was developed to detect the G547A substitution in the bla(TEM-220). The reference agar dilution method of the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) was used for susceptibility testing to five β-lactams antibiotics, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and azithromycin. In all TEM-220-producing isolates, the whole bla(TEM) gene was sequenced and the isolates were typed using N. gonorroheae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST). RESULTS: MAMA PCR successfully identified the G547A substitution in the bla(TEM-220) allele. The proportion of isolates that possessed the bla(TEM-220) allele was 2.6 %, and 93.2 % MAMA TEM-220 PCR-negative isolates showed the T539C substitution in the bla(TEM) gene. No differences in the susceptibility to five beta-lactam antibiotics tested were observed in PPNG isolates TEM-220-producing and PPNG isolates carrying the T539C substitution in the bla(TEM) gene. All TEM-220 isolates were indistinguishable by NG-MAST. CONCLUSION: This is the first study which shows the prevalence of bla(TEM-220) in N. gonorrhoeae isolates carrying Toronto/Rio plasmid in Argentina. Although the bla(TEM-220) allele does not appear to be associated with an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype of resistance, a single nucleotide polymorphism added to the bla(TEM-220) or bla(TEM) containing the T539C substitution could lead to the emergence of ESBL. Thus, it is imperative to investigate in surveillance programs, not only the plasmid type in PPNG isolates and the bla(TEM) allele associated, but phenotypical characteristics and geographical distribution of isolates

In vitro cultures of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay synthesize the phytoalexin nerolidol upon infection by Phaeoacremonium parasiticum

This study investigated terpene synthase (TPS) activity and terpene antifungal metabolites in calluses and cell suspension cultures of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay infected with Phaecremonium parasiticum, one of the fungi associated with the grapevine diseases known as “hoja de malvón” and young vine decline. The highest TPS activity, assessed as tritiated farnesyl pyrophosphate ([1-3H]-FPP) transformed into hexane-soluble radioactive products, was observed in both inoculated calluses and cell suspension cultures (CSC). When tested in inoculated cell suspension cultures the TPS activity was maximal at 8 h after [1-3H]-FPP application and then declined; this was associated with a temporary increase of the sesquiterpene nerolidol. Grape calluses produced: α-pinene, nerolidol and squalene whether or not they were inoculated with Pm. parasiticum. As fungal amount raised the relative concentration of α-pinene and nerolidol increased in respect to squalene in calluses. The TPS activity and nerolidol and α-pinene accumulation was correlated with the increase in the amount of inoculated fungus. Of the mentioned metabolites mainly squalene was identified from extracts of fungal cultures. The results suggest that the response of grapevine tissues to Pm. parasiticum is dependent on the pathogen concentration and is characterized by increasing TPS activity through de novo synthesis.Fil: Escoriaza, María Georgina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Cuyo Mendoza - San Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; Argentina;Fil: Sansberro, Pedro Alfonso. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste (i); Argentina;Fil: Garcia Lampasona, Sandra Claudia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Cuyo Mendoza-San Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Consulta; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular; Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mendoza; Argentina;Fil: Gatica, Marta. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Cuyo Mendoza - San Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza; Argentina;Fil: Bottini, Rubén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Mendoza. Instituto de Biologia Agricola de Mendoza; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina;Fil: Piccoli, Patricia Noemi. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Mendoza. Instituto de Biologia Agricola de Mendoza; Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Cuyo; Argentina

The diet and haemodialysis dyad: Three eras, four open questions and four paradoxes. A narrative review, towards a personalized, patient-centered approach

The history of dialysis and diet can be viewed as a series of battles waged against potential threats to patientsâ\u80\u99 lives. In the early years of dialysis, potassium was identified as â\u80\u9cthe killerâ\u80\u9d, and the lists patients were given of forbidden foods included most plant-derived nourishment. As soon as dialysis became more efficient and survival increased, hyperphosphatemia, was identified as the enemy, generating an even longer list of banned aliments. Conversely, the â\u80\u9cthird eraâ\u80\u9d finds us combating protein-energy wasting. This review discusses four questions and four paradoxes, regarding the diet-dialysis dyad: are the â\u80\u9cmagic numbersâ\u80\u9d of nutritional requirements (calories: 30â\u80\u9335 kcal/kg; proteins > 1.2 g/kg) still valid? Are the guidelines based on the metabolic needs of patients on â\u80\u9cconventionalâ\u80\u9d thrice-weekly bicarbonate dialysis applicable to different dialysis schedules, including daily dialysis or haemodiafiltration? The quantity of phosphate and potassium contained in processed and preserved foods may be significantly different from those in untreated foods: what are we eating? Is malnutrition one condition or a combination of conditions? The paradoxes: obesity is associated with higher survival in dialysis, losing weight is associated with mortality, but high BMI is a contraindication for kidney transplantation; it is difficult to limit phosphate intake when a patient is on a high-protein diet, such as the ones usually prescribed on dialysis; low serum albumin is associated with low dialysis efficiency and reduced survival, but on haemodiafiltration, high efficiency is coupled with albumin losses; banning plant derived food may limit consumption of â\u80\u9cvascular healthyâ\u80\u9d food in a vulnerable population. Tailored approaches and agreed practices are needed so that we can identify attainable goals and pursue them in our fragile haemodialysis populations

In vitro cultures of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay synthesize the phytoalexin nerolidol upon infection by Phaeoacremonium parasiticum

This study investigated terpene synthase (TPS) activity and terpene antifungal metabolites in calluses and cell suspension cultures of Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay infected with Phaecremonium parasiticum, one of the fungi associated with the grapevine diseases known as “hoja de malvón” and young vine decline. The highest TPS activity, assessed as tritiated farnesyl pyrophosphate ([1-3H]-FPP) transformed into hexane-soluble radioactive products, was observed in both inoculated calluses and cell suspension cultures (CSC). When tested in inoculated cell suspension cultures the TPS activity was maximal at 8 h after [1-3H]-FPP application and then declined; this was associated with a temporary increase of the sesquiterpene nerolidol. Grape calluses produced: α-pinene, nerolidol and squalene whether or not they were inoculated with Pm. parasiticum. As fungal amount raised the relative concentration of α-pinene and nerolidol increased in respect to squalene in calluses. The TPS activity and nerolidol and α-pinene accumulation was correlated with the increase in the amount of inoculated fungus. Of the mentioned metabolites mainly squalene was identified from extracts of fungal cultures. The results suggest that the response of grapevine tissues to Pm. parasiticum is dependent on the pathogen concentration and is characterized by increasing TPS activity through de novo synthesis.Fil: Escoriaza, Maria Georgina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza. Laboratorio de Fitopatología; ArgentinaFil: Sansberro, Pedro. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas.Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; ArgentinaFil: Garcia Lampasona, Sandra Claudia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Consulta; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Laboratorio de Biología Molecular; ArgentinaFil: Gatica, Marta Elcira. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza. Laboratorio de Fitopatología; ArgentinaFil: Bottini, Rubén. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Piccoli, Patricia Noemí. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; Argentin

Quality or Quantity of Proteins in the Diet for CKD Patients: Does "Junk Food" Make a Difference? Lessons from a High-Risk Pregnancy.

Background: How to manage patients with severe kidney disease in pregnancy is still a matter of discussion, and deciding if and when to start dialysis is based on the specialist's experience and dialysis availability. The effect of toxic substances usually cleared by the kidney may be more severe and readily evident. The review, and related case, underlines the importance of considering the presence of additives in food in delicate conditions, such as CKD pregnancy. The Case: A 39-year-old indigenous woman from a low-resourced area in Mexico was referred to the obstetric nephrology at 25 gestational weeks because of serum creatinine at 3.6 mg/dL, hypertension on low-dose alpha-methyl-dopa, and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Kidney ultrasounds showed small poorly differentiated kidneys; foetal ultrasounds detected a female foetus, normal for gestational age. The patient's baseline protein intake, which was estimated at 1.2–1.3 g/kg/day, was mostly of animal-origin (>70%) poor-quality food ("junk food"). In the proposed diet, protein intake was only slightly reduced (1.0–1.2 g/kg/day), but the source of proteins was changed (only 30% of animal origin) with attention to food quality. A remarkable decrease in BUN was observed, in concomitance with adequate dietary follow-up, with rapid rise of BUN when the patient switched temporarily back to previous habits. A healthy female baby weighing 2,460 g (11th centile for gestational age) was delivered at 37 gestational weeks. Discussion and Literature Review: While data on patients with chronic kidney disease are scant, the long list of contaminants present in food, especially if of low quality, should lead us to reflect on their potential negative effect on kidney function and make us realize that eating healthy, unprocessed "organic" food should be encouraged, in delicate conditions such as pregnancy and breastfeeding and for young children, in particular when kidney function is failing. The case herein described gave us the opportunity to reflect on the importance of diet quality and on the potential risks linked to food additives, many of which, including phosphates and potassium, are not declared on food labels, while others, including dyes, antioxidants, thickeners, emulsifiers, and preservatives, are qualitatively, but not quantitatively, reported

Mitofusin-2 Down-Regulation Predicts Progression of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Identification of markers predicting disease outcome is a major clinical issue for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The present study aimed to determine the role of the mitochondrial proteins Mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) and caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) in predicting the outcome of NMIBC. The study population consisted of patients scheduled for transurethral resection of bladder tumor upon the clinical diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC). Samples of the main bladder tumor and healthy-looking bladder wall from patients classified as NMIBC were tested for Mfn2 and ClpP. The expression levels of these proteins were correlated to disease recurrence, progression. Mfn2 and ClpP expression levels were significantly higher in lesional than in non-lesional tissue. Low-risk NMIBC had significantly higher Mfn2 expression levels and significantly lower ClpP expression levels than high-risk NMIBC; there were no differences in non-lesional levels of the two proteins. Lesional Mfn2 expression levels were significantly lower in patients who progressed whereas ClpP levels had no impact on any survival outcome. Multivariable analysis adjusting for the EORTC scores showed that Mfn2 downregulation was significantly associated with disease progression. In conclusion, Mfn2 and ClpP proteins were found to be overexpressed in BC as compared to non-lesional bladder tissue and Mfn2 expression predicted disease progression

SP420LOW PROTEIN DIETS IN CKD: MULTIPLE AND FEASIBLE. A MULTICENTER STUDY (THE TOPI STUDY)

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Low protein diets in patients with chronic kidney disease: a bridge between mainstream and complementary-alternative medicines?

Dietary therapy represents an important tool in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), mainly through a balanced reduction of protein intake aimed at giving the remnant nephrons in damaged kidneys a "functional rest". While dialysis, transplantation, and pharmacological therapies are usually seen as "high tech" medicine, non pharmacological interventions, including diets, are frequently considered lifestyle-complementary treatments. Diet is one of the oldest CKD treatments, and it is usually considered a part of "mainstream" management. In this narrative review we discuss how the lessons of complementary alternative medicines (CAMs) can be useful for the implementation and study of low-protein diets in CKD. While high tech medicine is mainly prescriptive, prescribing a "good" life-style change is usually not enough and comprehensive counselling is required; the empathic educational approach, on which CAMs are mainly, though not exclusively based, may support a successful personalized nutritional intervention.There is no gold-standard, low-protein diet for all CKD patients: from among a relatively vast choice, the best compliance is probably obtained by personalization. This approach interferes with the traditional RCT-based analyses which are grounded upon an assumption of equal preference of treatments (ideally blinded). Whole system approaches and narrative medicine, that are widely used in the study of CAMs, may offer ways to integrate EBM and personalised medicine in the search for innovative solutions respecting individualization, but gaining sound data, such as with partially-randomised patient preference trials