Baltic cod endohelminths reflect recent ecological changes.

We suggest helminthological investigations of cod as a supplement to traditional biological and hydrographical methods for elucidation of ecological changes in the Baltic Sea. It is under discussion if oxygen deficit or seal abundance should explain the present critical situation of Baltic cod. A comparative investigation of endoparasitic helminths in Baltic cod (Gadus morhua), captured in the same marine habitat with an interval of 35 years (1983/2018) recorded 11 species of helminths comprising trematodes (Hemiurus luehei, Podocotyle atomon, Lepidapedon elongatum), nematodes (Contracaecum osculatum, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Capillaria gracilis, Cucullanus cirratus), cestodes (Bothriocephalus sp.) and acanthocephalans (Echinorhynchus gadi, Pomphorhynchus laevis, Corynosoma semerme). Significant prevalence and intensity increases were recorded for third-stage larvae of the nematode C. osculatum (liver location) and larvae of C. semerme (encapsulated in viscera). Both parasite species use grey seal as their final host, indicating the recent expansion of the Baltic seal population. A lower E. gadi intensity and an increased prevalence of L. elongatum of small cod (31-40 cm body length) suggest a lowered intake of amphipods (intermediate host) and elevated ingestion of polychaetes, respectively, but no significant changes were seen for other helminths.

Probiotic or synbiotic alters the gut microbiota and metabolism in a randomised controlled trial of weight management in overweight adults.

The gut microbiota contributes to host energy metabolism, and altered gut microbiota has been associated with obesity-related metabolic disorders. We previously reported that a probiotic alone or together with a prebiotic controls body fat mass in healthy overweight or obese individuals in a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01978691). We now aimed to investigate whether changes in the gut microbiota may be associated with the observed clinical benefits. Faecal and plasma samples were obtained from a protocol compliant subset (n=134) of participants from a larger clinical study where participants were randomised (1:1:1:1) into four groups: (1) placebo, 12 g/d microcrystalline cellulose; (2) Litesse® Ultra™ polydextrose (LU), 12 g/day; (3) Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420™ (B420), 1010 cfu/d in 12 g microcrystalline cellulose; (4) LU+B420, 1010 cfu/d of B420 in 12 g/d LU for 6 months of intervention. The faecal microbiota composition and metabolites were assessed as exploratory outcomes at baseline, 2, 4, 6 months, and +1 month post-intervention and correlated to obesity-related clinical outcomes. Lactobacillus and Akkermansia were more abundant with B420 at the end of the intervention. LU+B420 increased Akkermansia, Christensenellaceae and Methanobrevibacter, while Paraprevotella was reduced. Christensenellaceae was consistently increased in the LU and LU+B420 groups across the intervention time points, and correlated negatively to waist-hip ratio and energy intake at baseline, and waist-area body fat mass after 6 months treatment with LU+B420. Functional metagenome predictions indicated alterations in pathways related to cellular processes and metabolism. Plasma bile acids glycocholic acid, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, and taurohyodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid were reduced in LU+B420 compared to Placebo. Consumption of B420 and its combination with LU resulted in alterations of the gut microbiota and its metabolism, and may support improved gut barrier function and obesity-related markers.

Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on neural response to affective pictures: A randomized, sham-controlled fMRI study.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for severe depression but its neurocognitive mechanisms are unclear. This randomized, sham-controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study explored the effects of a single ECT on neural response to affective pictures. Twenty-seven patients with major depressive disorder were randomized to a single active ECT (N = 15) or sham (N = 12) session in a double-blind, parallel-group design. On the following day, patients underwent fMRI during which they viewed pleasant, unpleasant and neutral pictures and performed a free recall test after the scan. Mood symptoms were assessed before ECT/sham and at the time of fMRI. Subsequently, all patients continued active ECT as usual. Mood symptoms were reassessed after six active ECT sessions. A single ECT vs. sham session reduced neural response to unpleasant vs. pleasant pictures in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region showing greater response in the more depressed patients. This effect occurred in the absence of between-group differences in picture recall, mood symptoms or concomitant medication. In conclusion, modulation of medial prefrontal hyper-activity during encoding of negative affective information may be a common mechanism of distinct biological depression treatments.

Vertical zonation and functional diversity of fish assemblages revealed by ROV videos at oil platforms in The Gulf.

An assessment of vertical distribution, diel migration, taxonomic and functional diversity of fishes was carried out at offshore platforms in The (Arabian-Iranian-Persian) Gulf. Video footage was recorded at the Al Shaheen oil field between 2007 and 2014 using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). A total of 12 822 individual fishes, from 83 taxonomic groups were recorded around the platforms. All the species identified are considered native to The Gulf, although Cyclichthys orbicularis and Lutjanus indicus were recorded for the first time in Qatari waters. Several trends were uncovered in the vertical distribution of the fish community; most species were observed between 20 and 50 m depth and fish abundance decreased towards the bottom, with the highest abundances recorded in the upper layers, i.e. down to 40 m depth. Vertical variation in fish diversity, however, was generally not accompanied by differences in vertical movements. Carnivores and invertivores were the dominant trophic groups, being found at each depth range from surface to seabed. The functional indices showed no significant differences between water depths or diel cycles. The study demonstrates that oil platforms represent a hotspot of fish diversity and interesting sites for studying fish communities, abundance and behaviour.

TRALI is due to pulmonary venule damage from leucocytes with cholesterol crystal formation.

BACKGROUND: There are two presumed mechanisms for the pulmonary oedema in transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). One is antibodies to leucocytes while the other is biologically active lipids. We evaluated the vascular injury due to the former. METHODS: The pulmonary vasculature was studied by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in three fatal cases of TRALI and compared with that of two autopsied control patients. Lung tissue from two of the TRALI cases and both controls was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify crystals present in the former. RESULTS: All three TRALI cases exhibited massive pulmonary oedema by weight and light microscopy and extensive defects by SEM in the endothelium of venules of the lungs. Such endothelial defects were absent in controls. Thrombi, composed of crystals, were present in venules and small veins diffusely throughout the lungs in Case 1. Similar crystals were identified in Case 2. The crystals in the lung vessels were identified morphologically as cholesterol and were proximate to the cytoplasmic defects of the endothelial surfaces. By GC-MS, there were markedly elevated levels of cholesterol and fatty acids in the two TRALI lungs tested compared with the lungs of the two controls. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary damage in TRALI is related to formation of cholesterol crystals that appear to pierce endothelial membranes of venules. The endothelial defects lead to plasma extravasation into the alveoli causing TRALI.

Norovirus binds to blood group A-like antigens in oyster gastrointestinal cells.

AIMS: To determine if histo-blood group antigens (HBGA) present in oyster gastrointestinal (GI) cells mediate accumulation of human noroviruses (NoV) in oyster GI cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: HBGA-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were used to determine the presence of the corresponding HBGA in oyster GI cells. All oyster samples tested contained type A-like HBGA in GI tissue as measured by ELISA. Recombinant Norwalk virus viral like particles (rNVLP) were bound to plates coated with oyster GI homogenate. The binding was inhibited when rNVLPs were pre-incubated with MAbs specific for type A HBGA, or samples of human saliva from type A individuals. Co-localization of rNVLP and type A-like HBGA, but not type B-like or type H-like HBGA, on GI epithelial cells was observed by immunofluorescent histochemical staining and three-channel confocal scanning laser microscopy. CONCLUSION: Type A-like HBGA is present in oyster GI cells and responsible for binding of rNVLP. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report of the presence of type A-like HBGA in oyster GI cells and the specific binding of rNVLP to type A-like HBGA on oyster GI cells. The results of this study suggest that human NoV concentrate in oyster GI cells by specific binding to concentrated type A-like HBGA rather than by a nonmolecular entrapment within the tissues.

Mammographic densities and the prevalence and incidence of histological types of benign breast disease. Reference Pathologists of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study.

There is now a large amount of evidence indicating that women with extensive areas of mammographic densities are 4-6 times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with little or no density in the mammogram. We have examined one potential biological explanation for this association by estimating the incidence of various histological types of benign breast disease in relation to mammographic density. We studied the large cohort of women taking part in the National Breast Screening Study (NBSS), a randomized trial of screening with mammography. Mammograms from subjects with biopsies (n = 423) and from a comparison group of subjects randomly selected from the NBSS (n = 465) were included. Histological slides from biopsied subjects (n = 353) were classified independently by the pathologists of the NBSS and by a review pathologist (H.M.J.). Mammographic density in more than 75% of the breast area was associated with an increased risk of incidence of hyperplasia without atypia, and of atypical hyperplasia and/or carcinoma in situ. The classifications of the review pathologist showed that, compared to women with no density, the relative risk of incident lesions for women with density in more than 75% of breast was 13.85 (95% CI 2.65-72.49) for hyperplasia, and 9.23 (95% CI 1.66-51.48) for atypical hyperplasia and/or carcinoma in situ. These findings suggest that the association between extensive mammographic density and breast cancer risk may, at least in part, be attributable to biological processes in the breast that give rise to these histological features that are known to be related to breast cancer risk.

Differential effects of cis and trans fatty acids on insulin release from isolated mouse islets.

In vitro and in vivo studies in animals have shown that elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) induce impaired beta-cell function corresponding to the abnormalities observed in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Previously, it was demonstrated that the chain length and degree of unsaturation are of importance for the insulinotropic effect of fatty acids. However, it is not known if the spatial configuration of the fatty acid influences beta-cell function. The present study examines whether cis and trans fatty acids acutely influence insulin release and glucose oxidation in isolated mouse islets in the same way and to the same extent. Thus, we studied the impact of both cis and trans forms of C 18:1 fatty acids. We found that cis and trans vaccenic acid (cis and trans C 18:1 delta11), as well as oleic acid (cis C 18:1 delta9) and elaidic acid (trans 18:1 delta9), caused a dose-dependent increase in glucose (16.7 mmol/L)-stimulated insulin secretion during static islet incubations. The maximal stimulatory effect for cis and trans vaccenic acid and for oleic and elaidic acid was observed at concentrations of 2.0 and 3.0 mmol/L, respectively. The trans isomers, trans vaccenic and elaidic acid, elicited a higher maximal insulin output than the respective cis isomers, cis vaccenic and oleic acid. In the presence of another insulin secretagogue, L-leucine, trans vaccenic but not elaidic acid caused a higher response than their cis isomeric fatty acids. The higher potency of trans fatty acids compared with the cis forms was confirmed in perifusion experiments. Both cis and trans C 18:1 fatty acids stimulated insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. Also, glucose oxidation was influenced differentially by the isomers of fatty acids. Glucose oxidation at 16.7 mmol/L glucose was significantly inhibited by oleic and cis vaccenic acid compared with elaidic and trans vaccenic acid, respectively. In summary, our results demonstrate that the fatty acid spatial configuration modulates glucose oxidation and insulin secretion in mouse beta cells.

[Profile of the strain on the psychiatric departments in the county of Arhus]. / Belastningsprofilen af de psykiatriske afdelinger i Arhus Amt.

In order to describe the psychiatric morbidity in the population of the county of Arhus, the following census study was performed. The psychiatric hospital services in the county of Arhus are divided into five separate units. The population in each of the catchment areas was checked in The National Psychiatric Case Register, which contains information on all admissions to psychiatric hospitals in Denmark since 1970 and all referrals to psychiatric community services since 1995. The study describes the prevalence of former or present patients living in each of the five units. The study focuses on patients suffering from schizophrenia, affective disorders or disorders due to abuse of alcohol or drugs. The study finds an uneven distribution of former or present patients in the county suffering from the above mentioned disorders, indicating variation in the extent to which psychiatric treatment is needed.

Preliminary investigation of ultrasound scattering analysis to identify women at risk for later invasive cancer. I: Motivation and experimental technique for characterization of isolated breast tissue lobules.

A new experimental technique is described that allows the characterization of the angle-dependent ultrasonic scattering properties of isolated breast tissue lobules. A review of breast tissue micro-architecture is presented as background material. Measured estimates of the scatter angle-dependent differential scatter cross-sections (DSC) from 31 excised lobules (14 cancer in situ, 17 noncancer) were examined, and dominant trends described by statistical factors. Three factors were extracted, using principal component factor analysis, which collectively accounted for over 70% of the scatter angle-dependent variation exhibited by the measured data.

Preliminary investigation of ultrasound scattering analysis to identify women at risk for later invasive cancer. II: Extraction of dominant scattering angle-dependent trends from excised breast tissue.

Normalized estimates of the scattering angle-dependent differential scattering cross-section (DSC) at 1.0 MHz were measured from 278 samples of excised breast tissue taken from 66 women. A comparison of results for samples that contained tissue structures previously associated with an increased probability of developing breast cancer to those that did not contain high-risk structures showed that the average magnitude of DSC estimates was insufficient to identify samples with high-risk lesions. Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was applied to extract scattering angle-dependent trends common to the entire data base. The normalized estimates of the measured DSCs (NDSC) from tissue samples are compared to estimates previously obtained from isolated breast tissue lobules as well as with results from the PCFA. Results are presented that indicate that the dominant angle-dependent trends in the NDSC results are independent of the age of the patient and are similar to trends extracted from isolated breast tissue lobules. The breast tissue structure common to all of these specimens is the terminal duct.

Relationship between mammographic and histological risk factors for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Information on breast cancer risk can be obtained both from the histological appearance of the breast epithelium in biopsy specimens and from the pattern of parenchymal densities in the breast revealed by mammography. It is not understood, however, how parenchymal densities influence breast cancer risk or whether these densities are associated with histological risk factors. PURPOSE: We have estimated, in a large cohort of women, the relative risk of detecting carcinoma in situ, atypical hyperplasia, hyperplasia without atypia, or nonproliferative disease in biopsy specimens from women with different extents of mammographic density. We also examined the association between these histological classifications and radiological features present specifically at the biopsy site. METHODS: The source of study material was a population of women aged 40-49 years who were enrolled in the Canadian National Breast Screening Study (NBSS). Mammograms from women who had undergone a biopsy (n = 441) and from a comparison group of women (n = 501) randomly selected from the mammography arm of the NBSS were classified according to the extent of mammographic density. The corresponding histological slides were independently classified by a review pathologist. RESULTS: Compared with women showing no mammographic densities, women with the most extensive densities (i.e., occupying greater than 75% of the breast volume) had a 9.7 times greater risk of developing carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.75-53.97), a 12.2 times greater risk of developing hyperplasia without atypia (95% CI = 2.97-50.14), and a 3.1 times greater risk of developing non-proliferative disease (95% CI = 1.20-8.11). The gradients in risk were not monotonic across the five classifications of mammographic density. The association could not be explained by the presence of mammographic densities at the biopsy site, but calcification at the biopsy site was strongly associated with high-risk histological changes (relative risk = 24; 95% CI = 5.0-156.0). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the radiological patterns referred to as mammographic dysplasia may influence breast cancer risk by virtue of their association with high-risk histological changes in the breast epithelium. IMPLICATIONS: Identification of the factors responsible for high-risk histological changes may offer new insights into the etiology of breast cancer and potentially lead to the development of methods for its prevention.

Preliminary results for shear wave speed of sound and attenuation coefficients from excised specimens of human breast tissue.

A pilot study involving 53 specimens of excised human female breast tissue was performed to provide preliminary estimates of the acoustic shear wave speed of sound and linear attenuation coefficient associated with high risk for development of invasive breast cancer. The measured shear wave properties were studied as a function of: 1. whether the tissue was presented as a 2.0 to 4.0 gram mass biopsy sample or a 2.0 to 4.0 gram mass subsample taken from a larger mastectomy source; 2. the time post-excision prior to shear wave characterization; 3. the risk factor associated with the number and types of lesions found in the specimen; and 4. the percent by volume of fat or collagen present in the sample. The shear speed of sound was found to range between 20 and 900 m/s with a tendency for lower speeds as a function of time post excision. The results for shear attenuation coefficients ranged from 300 to 9000 cm-1 and did not show a marked time dependence. Average results from mastectomy specimens differed from those for biopsies, but the difference may have been due to variations in tissue composition and time post excision before shear wave characterization.

Quantitative DNA patterns in human preneoplastic breast lesions.

In 12 cases of human mammary carcinoma in which a preneoplastic atypical ductal hyperplasia was also identified, quantitative DNA (QDNA) measurements of thionein-stained samples from both lesions were performed using the Cell Image Analysis 100 system. The QDNA values in the preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions from each case showed concordance (six as euploid and six as aneuploid/hyperdiploid). Such congruence suggests a stable inheritance of the somatic mutation(s) that is involved in carcinogenesis and that affects ploidy. If this relationship between concurrent preneoplasia and neoplasia in the ipsilateral breast is confirmed, it offers the possibilities of (1) identifying individuals at risk for developing neoplasias with defined biologic characteristics and (2) developing therapeutic regimens more appropriate to the risk assessment of each patient. It may be possible to conceive of a rational preventive regimen for cancer of the breast.

Inclusion of geriatric nutrition in ADA-approved undergraduate programs.

All ADA Plan IV programs were surveyed to determine whether geriatric nutrition was included in their curriculums. Of the 268 Plan IV programs, 66% responded. Less than one-fifth of the programs offered or planned to offer a specific geriatric nutrition course. An overview of geriatric nutrition occurred most frequently in a human nutrition course. A practicum/clinical experience or a course other than nutrition most frequently provided in-depth study, if such was available. Nursing homes and congregate meal sites were the primary locations for experiences with the geriatric population. Major activities with that age group included (a) taking diet histories, (b) making nutrition assessments, and (c) providing diet instruction. In some programs, didactic and experiential training with the geriatric population may not be adequate to prepare dietetic undergraduate students to meet the health care needs of that growing segment of society.

Rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome b5. A simple large-scale purification procedure and antibody production by antigen-containing liposomes.

Cytochrome b5 from rat liver microsomes (microsomal fractions) was purified in its native form. The procedure described has great capacity, is fast, and the final product is pure as judged from SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Antibodies to cytochrome b5 are obtained after administration of the antigen inserted into small unilamellar lipid vesicles.

The association of histological and radiological indicators of breast cancer risk.

Previous work has shown that extensive mammographic dysplasia in women aged less than 50 was strongly associated with breast cancer but that the radiological appearance of ductal prominence was not associated with risk. In the present paper we examine the association between these mammographic signs in the breast and histological patterns in the terminal ductal lobular unit (TDLU), the region of the breast where breast cancer is believed to originate. Surgical biopsies from a consecutive series of women aged less than 50 were reviewed and classified according to the histopathology of the epithelium in the TDLU. Mammograms from the same subjects were independently classified according to the extent of the radiological signs of dysplasia and ductal prominence. Degree of histopathology and the extent of mammographic dysplasia were associated and atypia of the ductal type was found more frequently in patients with extensive dysplasia. However, the strength and statistical significance of the association varied according to the radiologist who classified the mammograms. No association was found between degree of histopathology and ductal prominence. These results add to the evidence that extensive mammographic dysplasia in women aged less than 50 is a risk factor for breast cancer. They do not indicate that the radiological signs of dysplasia are caused by histological changes in the TDLU.

Steroid hormone concentrations in relation to patient prognosis and prostate tumour grade.

Survival of patients who received endocrine therapy as first-line treatment for their prostatic cancer was statistically analysed in relation to several parameters, primary tumour stage, metastatic status, age, pretreatment plasma hormone concentrations and Gleason grade. Prognostic indices were derived for both M0 and M1 patients in which Gleason grade and plasma testosterone concentrations were significant prognostic factors. In the M1 patients growth hormone values were also significant and to a lesser degree age. The relationship of Gleason grade to testosterone, growth hormone, prolactin, the gonadotrophins and age was also analysed. No significant differences in any of these hormones was noted with increasing Gleason grade but the age of patients with Grade 5 tumours was significantly lower.