Supporting Coastal Resiliency by Investigating Tidal Reach and Inter-Connected Factors in Coastal Georgia

The South Carolina Water Resources Conference (SCWRC) provides an integrated forum for discussion of water policies, research projects and water management in order to prepare for and meet the growing challenge of providing water resources to sustain and grow South Carolina’s economy, while preserving our natural resources

Whole-exome sequencing in relapsing chronic lymphocytic leukemia: clinical impact of recurrent RPS15 mutations

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) is first-line treatment for medically fit chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, however despite good response rates many patients eventually relapse. Whilst recent high-throughput studies have identified novel recurrent genetic lesions in adverse-prognostic CLL, the mechanisms leading to relapse after FCR therapy are not completely understood. To gain insight into this issue, we performed whole-exome sequencing of sequential samples from 41 CLL patients who were uniformly treated with FCR but relapsed after a median of 2 years. In addition to mutations with known adverse-prognostic impact (TP53, NOTCH1, ATM, SF3B1, NFKBIE, BIRC3) a large proportion of cases (19.5%) harbored mutations in RPS15, a gene encoding a component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Extended screening, totaling 1119 patients, supported a role for RPS15 mutations in aggressive CLL, with one-third of RPS15-mutant cases also carrying TP53 aberrations. In most cases selection of dominant, relapse-specific subclones was observed over time. However, RPS15 mutations were clonal prior to treatment and remained stable at relapse. Notably, all RPS15 mutations represented somatic missense variants and resided within a 7 amino-acid evolutionarily conserved region. We confirmed the recently postulated direct interaction between RPS15 and MDM2/MDMX and transient expression of mutant RPS15 revealed defective regulation of endogenous p53 compared to wildtype RPS15. In summary, we provide novel insights into the heterogeneous genetic landscape of CLL relapsing after FCR treatment and highlight a novel mechanism underlying clinical aggressiveness involving a mutated ribosomal protein, potentially representing an early genetic lesion in CLL pathobiology

Common variation at 12q24.13 (OAS3) influences chronic lymphocytic leukemia risk

Common variation at 12q24.13 (OAS3) influences chronic lymphocytic leukemia ris

Comparison of different sampling types across the rearing period in broiler flocks for isolation of Campylobacter spp

This is a pre-copyedited, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Poultry Science following peer review. The version of recordS. Ingresa-Capaccioni, S. González-Bodí, E. Jiménez-Trigos, F. Marco-Jiménez, P. Catalá, S. Vega, and C. Marin Comparison of different sampling types across the rearing period in broiler flocks for isolation of Campylobacter spp. Poultry Science (April 2015) 94 (4): 766-771 first published online March 5, 2015 doi:10.3382/ps/pev023 is available online at: http://ps.oxfordjournals.org/content/94/4/766[EN] Campylobacter is the most common bacterial cause of human gastrointestinal disease in most developed countries. It is generally accepted that poultry products are a significant source of foodborne Campylobacter infections in humans. Assessing the effectiveness of any potential intervention at farm level requires monitoring of the Campylobacter status of broiler flocks, using appropriate sampling methods. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the sample type across the rearing period for the detection of Campylobacter spp. at farm level. During this study, 21 commercial broiler farms were intensively sampled. Each farm was visited and sampled at different times during the rearing period (d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42). On the first day of rearing, the status of the house and the day-old flock was evaluated, and environmental and cecal samples were collected. During rearing, 4 different sample types were collected: feces with sock swabs (sock swabs), feces directly from the litter (feces), cloacal swabs, and cecal content. All samples were analyzed according to ISO 10272-1:2006 (Annex E) and also by direct culture. The results of this study showed that Campylobacter spp. were detected in all of the sample types on d 14 of rearing. From this point on, the detection increased significantly, with a maximum detection rate by the end of rearing, regardless of the sample type. All samples that were negative upon direct culture were also negative after pre-enrichment. At the end of rearing, the percentage of samples positive for Campylobacter spp. was 71.4% for cecal samples, 61.9% for cloacal swabs, 45.2% for sock swabs, and 69.1% for fecal samples. C. jejuni was detected in all the sample types, with positive rates ranging from 67.1 to 76.0% for cecal samples and cloacal content, respectively. Cecal samples, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples cultured by direct plating onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) without pre-enrichment have the same sensitivity for detection of Campylobacter spp. in broiler flocks independent of the day of rearing. Guardar / Salir Siguiente >We would like to thank the staff of the Valencian Poultry Association (ASAV) for funding this project, the Centre for Poultry Quality and Animal Feed of Valencia (CECAV) for offering us their facilities, and all his staff for their cooperation and dedication to this work. I would also like to thank the staff of the Department of Animal Science at the Polytechnic University of Valencia for their support of this study.Ingresa-Capaccioni, S.; González-Bodí, S.; Jiménez Trigos, ME.; Marco Jiménez, F.; Catalá, P.; Vega, S.; Marín, C. (2015). Comparison of different sampling types across the rearing period in broiler flocks for isolation of Campylobacter spp. Poultry Science Journal. 94(4):766-771. doi:10.3382/ps/pev023S76677194

A multicenter study to evaluate harmonization of assays for C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (ß-CTX): A report from the IFCC-IOF Committee for Bone Metabolism (C-BM)

Background Biochemical bone turnover markers are useful tools to assess bone remodeling. C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) has been recommended as a reference marker for bone resorption in research studies. Methods We describe the results of a multicenter study for routine clinical laboratory assays for ß-CTX in serum and plasma. Four centers (Athens GR, Copenhagen DK, Liege BE and Sheffield UK) collected serum and plasma (EDTA) samples from 796 patients presenting to osteoporosis clinics. Specimens were analyzed in duplicate with each of the available routine clinical laboratory methods according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Passing-Bablok regressions, Bland–Altman plots, V-shape evaluation method, and Concordance correlation coefficient for ß-CTX values between serum and plasma specimens and between methods were used to determine the agreement between results. A generalized linear model was employed to identify possible variables that affected the relationship between the methods. Two pools of serum were finally prepared and sent to the four centers to be measured in 5-plicates on 5 consecutive days with the different methods. Results We identified significant variations between methods and between centers although comparison results were generally more consistent in plasma compared to serum. We developed univariate linear regression equations to predict Roche Elecsys®, IDS-iSYS, or IDS ELISA ß-CTX results from any other assay and a multivariable model including the site of analysis, the age, and weight of the patient. The coefficients of determination (R2) increased from approximately 0.80 in the univariate model to approximately 0.90 in the multivariable one, with the site of analysis being the major contributing factor. Results observed on the pools also suggest that long-term storage could explain the difference observed with the different methods on serum. Conclusion Our results show large within- and between-assay variation for ß-CTX measurement, particularly in serum. Stability of the analyte could be one of the explanations. More studies should be undertaken to overcome this problem. Until harmonization is achieved, we recommend measuring ß-CTX by the same assay on EDTA plasma, especially for research purposes in large pharmacological trials where samples can be stored for long periods before they are assayed

Vertebral anti-fracture efficacy of strontium ranelate according to pre-treatment bone turnover

Osteoporotic post-menopausal women patients in two randomised trials comparing the anti-fracture efficacy of strontium ranelate with placebo were separated into tertiles according to their baseline levels of biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption. The vertebral anti-fracture efficacy of strontium ranelate was shown to be independent of baseline bone turnover levels. INTRODUCTION: Bone turnover (BTO) levels vary among women at risk of osteoporotic fracture. Strontium ranelate is an anti-osteoporotic treatment increasing bone formation and reducing bone resorption. It was hypothesised that its anti-fracture efficacy would be independent of baseline BTO levels. METHODS: Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis from two pooled studies were stratified in tertiles according to baseline levels of two BTO markers: bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP, n = 4995) and serum C-telopeptide cross-links (sCTX, n = 4891). Vertebral fracture risk was assessed over 3 years with strontium ranelate 2 g/day or placebo. RESULTS: In the placebo group, relative risk of vertebral fractures increased with BTO tertiles by 32% and 24% for patients in the highest tertile for b-ALP and CTX, respectively, compared to those in the lowest tertile. In the strontium ranelate group, incidences of vertebral fracture did not differ significantly across BTO tertiles. Significant reductions in vertebral fractures with strontium ranelate were seen in all tertiles of both markers, with relative risk reductions of 31% to 47% relative to placebo. Risk reduction did not differ among tertiles (b-ALP: p = 0.513; sCTX: p = 0.290). CONCLUSION: The vertebral anti-fracture efficacy of strontium ranelate was independent of baseline BTO levels. Strontium ranelate offers clinical benefits to women across a wide range of metabolic states

Combined analysis of HPV DNA, p16, p21 and p53 to predict prognosis in patients with stage IV hypopharyngeal carcinoma

We examined p16, p21 and p53 expression in combination with the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA as molecular markers to predict survival in patients with stage IV hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC).Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tSCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

The Contribution of Social Networks to the Health and Self-Management of Patients with Long-Term Conditions: A Longitudinal Study

Evidence for the effectiveness of patient education programmes in changing individual self-management behaviour is equivocal. More distal elements of personal social relationships and the availability of social capital at the community level may be key to the mobilisation of resources needed for long-term condition self-management to be effective. Aim: To determine how the social networks of people with long-term conditions (diabetes and heart disease) are associated with health-related outcomes and changes in outcomes over time. Methods: Patients with chronic heart disease (CHD) or diabetes (n = 300) randomly selected from the disease registers of 19 GP practices in the North West of England. Data on personal social networks collected using a postal questionnaire, alongside face-to-face interviewing. Follow-up at 12 months via postal questionnaire using a self-report grid for network members identified at baseline. Analysis: Multiple regression analysis of relationships between health status, self-management and health economics outcomes, and characteristics of patients’ social networks. Results: Findings indicated that: (1) social involvement with a wider variety of people and groups supports personal self-management and physical and mental well-being; (2) support work undertaken by personal networks expands in accordance with health needs helping people to cope with their condition; (3) network support substitutes for formal care and can produce substantial saving in traditional health service utilisation costs. Health service costs were significantly (p0.01) reduced for patients receiving greater levels of illness work through their networks. Conclusions: Support for self-management which achieves desirable policy outcomes should be construed less as an individualised set of actions and behaviour and more as a social network phenomenon. This study shows the need for a greater focus on harnessing and sustaining the capacity of networks and the importance of social involvement with community groups and resources for producing a more desirable and cost-effective way of supporting long term illness management

Neck circumference is associated with adipose tissue content in thigh skeletal muscle in overweight and obese premenopausal women

Neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as a simple and practical tool, independently associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the association of NC with inter-muscular adipose tissue (IMAT) is still to be determined. We aimed to examine the association of NC with thigh IMAT, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured with computed tomography (CT) in overweight/obese women. 142 premenopausal overweight and obese Caucasian women participated in this crosssectional study. NC was measured with an inextensible metallic tape above the thyroid cartilage according to International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol. Thigh IMAT and VAT volumes were measured with a single cross-sectional CT. Regarding the covariates, fat mass (FM) was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and physical activity was objectively measured with accelerometry. NC was positively associated with thigh IMAT and VAT volumes (standardized β coefcient: β=0.45, P-value= ≤0.001, β=0.60, P=≤0.001; respectively), which persisted after adjusting for age, height, overall FM or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Our fndings show that NC is associated with thigh IMAT volume in overweight and obese premenopausal Caucasian women, regardless of the amount of lower-body fatness. These results suggest underscoring the relevance of NC as a marker of adipose tissue content in thigh skeletal muscle.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology Sapiens 358007/99Oeiras City CouncilBecel PortugalRoche Pharmaceuticals PortugalCompal PortugalUniversity of Granada Plan Propio de Investigacion 2016 -Excellence actions: Unit of Excellence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)Junta de AndaluciaEuropean Union (EU) SOMM17/6107/UGRFundacion Carolina C.201657496

A strategy to discover new organizers identifies a putative heart organizer

Organizers are regions of the embryo that can both induce new fates and impart pattern on other regions. So far, surprisingly few organizers have been discovered, considering the number of patterned tissue types generated during development. This may be because their discovery has relied on transplantation and ablation experiments. Here we describe a new approach, using chick embryos, to discover organizers based on a common gene expression signature, and use it to uncover the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) endoderm as a putative heart organizer. We show that the AIP can induce cardiac identity from non-cardiac mesoderm and that it can pattern this by specifying ventricular and suppressing atrial regional identity. We also uncover some of the signals responsible. The method holds promise as a tool to discover other novel organizers acting during development