Single-step production of autologous bovine platelet concentrate for clinical applications in cattle.

Platelet concentrate (PC) is an alternative therapy to treat mastitis in dairy cattle and is an alternative treatment for reproduction problems such as endometritis. Unfortunately, double-centrifugation processing methods described are time-consuming, require specialized laboratory equipment, and are usually done in a heterologous way, which risks herd health. To overcome this limitation, we evaluated single-step bovine PC processing methods readily applicable to a farm setting using an autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) production system. We investigated the hematologic findings, cytokines, and growth factors of the obtained PC samples. Autologous conditioned plasma was prepared using whole blood (WB) from 4 cows (group 1) using single-step centrifugation and 16 different processing methods. The 2 protocols that yielded the highest ratio of platelet to white blood cell (WBC) concentration were ACP-1 [720 × g (2,200 rpm), 5 min] and ACP-2 [929 × g (2,500 rpm), 3 min]. They were subsequently reproduced and compared using WB from 8 cows (group 2). Hematologic findings were quantified, IL-1ß (cytokine) and growth factors [platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, bovine fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF)] were measured, and enrichment factors were compared between samples and processing methods. Hematological characteristics and platelet enrichment varied markedly among tested protocols and all were statistically different from WB. Protocol ACP-2 resulted in significantly greater platelet enrichment (mean 169% of WB) than ACP-1 (125% of WB). We found no significant difference between the 2 ACP preparation protocols with regard to leukocyte reduction (7.53-9.75% WBC compared with WB) or growth factor enrichment (124-125% PDGF, 95-100% TGF-ß, 102-104% b-FGF, and 56-74% IL-1ß compared with WB). In conclusion, both ACP protocols yielded a platelet concentration shown to promote healing for clinical applications in cattle, and the ACP-2 protocol resulted in a greater degree of platelet enrichment. Therefore, this protocol could be used for ACP production for clinical applications in cattle.

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii seropositivity and shedding in farm, pet and feral cats and associated risk factors in farm cats in Quebec, Canada.

Cats represent a potential source of Coxiella burnetii, the aetiological agent of Q fever in humans. The prevalence and risk factors of C. burnetii infection in farm, pet and feral cats were studied in Quebec, Canada, using a cross-sectional study. Serum samples were tested using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the presence of antibodies against C. burnetii, whereas rectal swabs were assayed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the molecular detection of the bacteria. Potential risk factors for farm cats were investigated using clinical examinations, questionnaires and results from a concurrent study on C. burnetii farm status. A total of 184 cats were tested: 59 from ruminant farms, 73 pets and 52 feral cats. Among farm cats, 2/59 (3.4%) were ELISA-positive, 3/59 (5.1%) were ELISA-doubtful and 1/59 (1.7%) was qPCR-positive. All pets and feral cats were negative to C. burnetii ELISA and qPCR. Farm cat positivity was associated with a positive C. burnetii status on the ruminant farm (prevalence ratio = 7.6, P = 0.03). Our results suggest that although pet and feral cats do not seem to pose a great C. burnetii risk to public health, more active care should be taken when in contact with cats from ruminant farms.

Changes in spinal bone density, back muscle size, and visceral adipose tissue and their interaction following a multi-component exercise program in older men: secondary analysis of an 18-month randomized controlled trial.

In middle-aged and older men, an 18-month multi-component exercise program improved spinal trabecular BMD, paraspinal, and psoas muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) but not visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, changes in both muscle and VAT CSA were associated with changes in spinal BMD, independent of the exercise intervention. INTRODUCTION: In older men, we previously reported that a multi-component exercise program improved lumbar spine (LS) trabecular volumetric BMD (Tb.vBMD) compared with no exercise. This study aimed to investigate the following: (1) the effect of the exercise program on paraspinal and psoas (back) muscle CSA and VAT, and 2) if any exercise-related changes in muscle CSA and/or VAT were associated with changes in spinal BMD. METHODS: Men (n = 180) aged 50-79 years were randomized to an exercise or no-exercise group. Exercise involved high-intensity progressive resistance training (60-85% max) with weight-bearing impact exercise (3 days/week) for 18 months. Quantitative computed tomography was used to assess L1-L3 Tb.vBMD, paraspinal, and psoas muscle CSA and VAT. RESULTS: Exercise resulted in a 2.6% ((95% CI, 1.1, 4.1), P < 0.01) net gain in back muscle CSA, but no effect on VAT (-1.6% (95% CI, -7.3, 4.2)) relative to no exercise. Robust regression indicated that percentage changes in Tb.vBMD were positively associated with changes (expressed as z-scores) in back muscle CSA in both the exercise (beta (ß)-coefficient = 1.9, 95% CI 0.5, 3.2, P = 0.007) and no-exercise (ß = 2.6, 95% CI, 1.1, 4.1, P = 0.001) group, and negatively with the changes in VAT (ß = -2.0, 95% CI -3.3, -0.7, P = 0.003) in the exercise only group. There were no group differences in the slopes for the muscle-bone or VAT-bone relationships. Regression analysis (pooled data) revealed that back muscle CSA and VAT were independent predictors of the change in Tb.vBMD, explaining 14% of the variance. CONCLUSION: A multi-component exercise program in middle-aged and older men improved spinal BMD and back muscle size but not visceral fat. However, changes in back muscle size and VAT were associated with the changes in spinal BMD, independent of exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN 12617001224314, 22/08/2017 retrospectively registered.

A major release of urban untreated wastewaters in the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada) altered growth, reproduction, and redox status in experimentally exposed Daphnia magna.

In 2015, five billion liters of untreated urban wastewater (UWW) were released into the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada) over the course of four days in order to repair the Montreal's sewer interceptor network related to the city's primary wastewater treatment plant. The UWW discharge originated mainly from household, industrial, and hospital sources. The objective of this study was to investigate the toxicological effects of this unprecedented punctual UWW release on aquatic invertebrates to gather information that could help understand the potential impacts to the receiving environment of overflow episodes occurring during heavy rain events. Water samples were collected at four impacted and non-impacted sites during and four weeks after the release. The freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna were experimentally exposed to surface water collected from UWW-impacted sites for 13 days and analyzed for life-history endpoints and suitable biomarkers related to oxidative stress (i.e., catalase, superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione-s-transferase) and reproduction (chitinase). Results indicated that D. magna growth and reproduction were significantly increased by exposure to UWWs. These effects were correlated with an increase in chitinase activity, which is primarily controlled by reproductive hormones and involved in growth, suggesting potential impacts on these processes. Results also indicated that some UWW samples might have caused oxidative stress during the release but that it was overcome by antioxidant defenses and did not lead to cellular damage. Overall, current results contribute to a better understanding of the biological impacts of UWW to aquatic invertebrates for a better stormwater management.

Effects of Ionic Strength, Salt, and pH on Aggregation of Boehmite Nanocrystals: Tumbler Small-Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering and Imaging Analysis.

The US government currently spends significant resources managing the legacies of the Cold War, including 300 million liters of highly radioactive wastes stored in hundreds of tanks at the Hanford (WA) and Savannah River (SC) sites. The materials in these tanks consist of highly radioactive slurries and sludges at very high pH and salt concentrations. The solid particles primarily consist of aluminum hydroxides and oxyhydroxides (gibbsite and boehmite), although many other materials are present. These form complex aggregates that dramatically affect the rheology of the solutions and, therefore, efforts to recover and treat these wastes. In this paper, we have used a combination of transmission and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray and neutron small and ultrasmall-angle scattering to study the aggregation of synthetic nanoboehmite particles at pH 9 (approximately the point of zero charge) and 12, and sodium nitrate and calcium nitrate concentrations up to 1 m. Although the initial particles form individual rhombohedral platelets, once placed in solution they quickly form well-bonded stacks, primary aggregates, up to ∼1500 Å long. These are more prevalent at pH = 12. Addition of calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate has a similar effect as lowering pH, but approximately 100 times less calcium than sodium is needed to observe this effect. These aggregates have fractal dimension between 2.5 and 2.6 that are relatively unaffected by salt concentration for calcium nitrate at high pH. Larger aggregates (>∼4000 Å) are also formed, but their size distributions are discrete rather than continuous. The fractal dimensions of these aggregates are strongly pH-dependent, but only become dependent on solute at high concentrations.

An investigation of the immunotoxicity of oil sands processed water and leachates in trout leukocytes.

Increased oil sands (OS) mining activity has raised concerns about impacts on aquatic organisms. This study sought to examine the effects of single representative compounds from OS (benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene), a mixture of naphthenic acids (NAs), OS-processed water (OSPW) and OS leachate (OSL) extracts on rainbow trout leukocytes. Primary cultures of trout leukocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene, NAs, OSPW and OSL for 48h at 18°C. Immunocompetence was followed by measuring changes in lymphocyte and macrophage viability and phagocytosis. Changes in the expression of 10 transcripts were also followed: interleukin 1, 2 and 6 (Il-1, Il-2 and Il-6), calreticulin (CRT), caspase 9 (Cas9), aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and p53 tumor suppressor. The results revealed that exposure to OSPW extracts decreased the capacity of macrophages to engulf three beads or more, while the other compounds generally increased phagocytosis activity. Lymphocyte apoptosis was increased by all compounds and mixtures except naphthalene. Both OSPW and OSL induced apoptosis in macrophages. At the gene expression level, Cas9, CRT, Il-1 (inhibition) and Il-2 were specifically influenced by OSPW, while CAT, p53, COX2 and Il-1 (induction) transcripts were specifically expressed by OSL. Leukocyte exposure to OSPW produced characteristic changes in immunocompetence and genes involved in proinflammatory, apoptosis and protein damage (CRT) pathways which could not be explained by OSL, benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene and NA mixture.

Psychological characteristics of patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1.

OBJECTIVES: Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common adult-onset muscular dystrophy. It is associated with motor symptoms but patients also display non-motor symptoms such as particular personality traits. Studies have reported mixed results about personality characteristics which may be attributable to small sample sizes, different disease severity of groups studied, and use of different questionnaires or method. This study aimed to describe the psychological characteristics of a large cohort of patients with DM1, to characterize those at risk of developing a psychiatric disorder, and to compare characteristics between two DM1 phenotypes, a mild and more severe adult-onset phenotype. METHODS: Two hundred patients with DM1 (152 adult-onset; 48 mild) were asked to complete questionnaires assessing personality traits, psychological symptoms, self-esteem, and suicidal risk. Neurological and neuropsychological assessments were performed to compare personality characteristics to clinical and cognitive measures. RESULTS: Patients with DM1 globally showed personality traits and psychological symptoms in the average range compared to normative data, with normal levels of self-esteem and suicidal ideation. However, 27% of patients were found to be at high risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. Moreover, psychological traits differed across phenotypes, with the most severe phenotype tending to show more severe psychological symptoms. The presence of higher phobic anxiety and lower self-esteem was associated with lower education, a higher number of CTG repeats, more severe muscular impairment, and lower cognitive functioning (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Different phenotypes should thus be taken into account in clinical settings for individual management of patients and optimizing therapeutic success.

Key factors influencing Hg levels and trends in unperturbed oligotrophic temperate and boreal lakes.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that presents a major risk to ecosystems, biota, human health, and remains a priority concern. In temperate and boreal lakes Hg and methylmercury (MMHg) are expected to vary as a function of atmospheric Hg deposition, lake water chemistry, catchment characteristics and climate variables. The aim of this study was to quantify Hg and MMHg in unperturbed oligotrophic lakes and to identify the factors controlling their distribution. We first hypothesized that lake Hg (and MMHg to lesser extent) spatial variations are linked to atmospheric deposition, catchment characteristics, and terrestrial exportation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We secondly examined if lake Hg concentrations have followed the decrease in atmospheric Hg emission observed between the mid-1990s to the end-2010s. We found that overall, atmospheric Hg has little impact on lake Hg and MMHg concentrations, which are both primarily influenced by DOC input originating from the forest catchment. The relationship between DOC and Hg differed between the spring and the fall, with a Hg-to-DOC ratio twice as high in spring. This seems related to snowmelt input of Hg (with a relatively reduced input of DOC) or the internal lake build-up of Hg during the ice-covered period. Of the 10 lakes intensively visited over a 20-year period, only 3 showed significant lake Hg decreases despite significant negative trends in atmospheric Hg concentrations, suggesting a lag between atmospheric and surface water temporal trends. Overall, terrestrial catchments retain around 80% of atmospheric Hg implying that large Hg pools have been built up in soils in the last decades. As such, the reduction of atmospheric Hg alone will not necessarily result in Hg decreases in lakes, since the Hg concentrations may be modulated by DOC export trends and catchment characteristics. This stresses the need to improve our understanding of the processes governing Hg transfers from catchments into lakes.

Comparison of different RT-qPCR assays for the detection of human and bovine group A rotaviruses and characterization by sequences analysis of genes encoding VP4 and VP7 capsid proteins.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of four RT-qPCR assays for the detection of human and bovine group A rotaviruses and to characterize the positive samples by sequence analysis of VP4 and VP7 genes. METHODS AND RESULTS: RNA extracted from eight human rotavirus strains, and a panel of 33 human and 25 bovine faecal samples was subjected to different RT-qPCR detection systems. Among these assays, only RT-qPCR primers and probe systems B and C were able to detect all human rotavirus strains from cell culture solutions and faecal samples. However, the results showed that the system C was generally more sensitive by one or two logs than the other RT-qPCR assays tested. With the bovine faecal samples, the most efficient RT-qPCR systems were B and A with the detection in 100 and 92% of samples tested, respectively. Human group A rotavirus G1P[8] and bovine G6P[11] were the most frequently used strains identified in this study. A G3P[9] strain, closely related to a feline rotavirus isolated in the USA, was also discovered in a human rotavirus infection. CONCLUSION: The RT-qPCR system B was the only TaqMan assay evaluated in this study able to detect rotavirus RNA in all positive human and bovine faecal samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Utilization of only one RT-qPCR for the detection of human and bovine group A rotaviruses and the possibility of human infection by a feline rotavirus strain.

Sublethal effects of silver nanoparticles and dissolved silver in freshwater mussels.

The increasing application of silver nanoparticles (nAg) in various consumer products has raised concerns regarding toxicological impacts in the environment. It is unclear at present whether the toxicity of nAg is mainly the result of the release of ionic Ag(+) in mussels. The freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata was exposed to increasing concentrations of 20-nm nAg, 80-nm nAg, and dissolved Ag(+) for 48 h at 15°C. The following biomarkers were used to determine the mode of action of nAg-induced adverse effects: metallothioneins (MT) (ionic Ag(+) release), lipid peroxidation (LPO) (ionic Ag(+) and nanosurface interactions), heat-shock proteins (HSP) (size-related effects), protein-ubiquitin levels (size-related effects), and DNA strand breaks (ionic Ag(+) and size effects). Results revealed that the response pattern of 80 nm nAg was more closely related to ionic Ag(+) than 20 nm nAg, suggesting a more important release of dissolved Ag from 80 nm nAg. Data showed that all forms of Ag were able to increase the levels of MT and LPO, which suggests the presence of ionic Ag(+) leads to oxidative stress. However, nanoparticles were also able to induce changes in protein-ubiquitin and to a lesser extent actinomyosin-ATPase, MT, and DNA strand breaks in the digestive gland in a manner different from Ag(+), which permitted discrimination of the forms of Ag. Moreover, LPO was closely associated with DNA strand breaks in the digestive gland and was not entirely explained by induction of MT, suggesting another type of toxic interaction. It was concluded that the presence of nAg not only increases the toxic loadings of released Ag ions but also generates other and perhaps cumulative effects of nanoparticle-induced toxicity related to size and surface properties.

Bioavailability and immunotoxicity of silver nanoparticles to the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Ag nanoparticles (nAg) of two different sizes (20 and 80 nm) and Ag(+) on the immune system of the freshwater mussel Elliptio complanata. Mussels were exposed to increasing concentrations of nAg and dissolved Ag (AgNO3) for 48 h at 15°C and concentration of 0, 0.8, 4, or 20 µg/L. Immunocompetence was determined by hemocyte viability, phagocytosis, and cell cytotoxicity. Ag tissue loadings and levels of metallothioneins (MT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and labile zinc (Zn) were also determined. Results revealed first that 20- and 80-nm nAg readily formed aggregates in freshwater. Ag was detected in soft tissues with each form of Ag with bioconcentration factors of 20, 9, and 7 for Ag(+), 20-nm nAg, and 80-nm nAg, respectively. Significant induction in phagocytosis and decreased cell cytotoxicity were observed. All forms of Ag were able to induce LPO in gills and digestive glands at concentrations below those from the initial fraction of dissolved Ag. The effects of nAg on MT levels in mussels were not discernible from those of dissolved Ag, but the 80-nm was 25-fold more potent than 20-nm nAg in inducing MT. Multivariate analysis revealed that the global responses of the 20- and 80-nm nAg were generally similar to those of dissolved Ag. Data also demonstrated that nAg are bioavailable for mussels where the immune system is a target during early exposure to nanoparticles.

A comparative toxicogenomic investigation of oil sand water and processed water in rainbow trout hepatocytes.

The purpose of this study was to compare the expression of gene transcripts involved in toxic stress in rainbow trout hepatocytes exposed to oil sand water (OSW), lixiviate (OSLW), and processed water (OSPW). We pose the hypothesis that the changes in gene expression responses in cells exposed to a simulated oil sand extraction procedure (OSPW) differ from the gene expression responses of OSLW and OS. Rainbow trout hepatocytes were exposed to increasing concentrations of OSW, OSLW, and OSPW for 48 h at 15 °C. Cell viability was assessed by measuring membrane permeability, total RNA levels, and gene expression using an array of 16 genes involved in xenobiotic biotransformation (GST, CYP1A1, CYP3A4, MDR), metal homeostasis and oxidative stress (MT, SOD, and CAT), estrogenicity (VTG, ERß), DNA repair (LIG, APEX, UNG, and OGG), cell growth (GADD45 and PCNA), and glycolysis (GAPDH). The results showed that the toxicogenomic properties of OSPW differed from those of OSLW and OSW. Gene transcripts that were influenced by OSW and OSLW, and strongly expressed in OSPW, were MT, CAT, GST (induction), CYP1A1, VTG, UNG/OGG, and PCNA. These genes are therefore considered not entirely specific to OSPW but to water in contact with OS. We also found gene transcripts that responded only with OSPW: SOD, GST (inhibition), MDR (inhibition), CYP3A4, GAPDH, GADD45, and APEX. Of these gene transcripts, the ones strongly associated with toxicity (loss of cell viability and RNA levels) were CYP3A4, GST, and GAPDH. Genes involved in DNA repair were also strongly related to the loss of cell viability but responded to both OSLW and OSPW. The observed changes in cell toxicity and gene expression therefore support the hypothesis that OSPW has a distinct toxic fingerprint from OSLW and OSW.

Screening test of silver nanoparticles in biological samples by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry.

A simple, rapid and inexpensive screening test is presented to determine the presence of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in biological samples. The method is based on graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (Zeeman background correction) where an increase in the atomization temperature is observed with an increase in the particle size of Ag. The method is able to determine the presence of Ag ions from the presence of nano-Ag of 20, 60 and 80 nm, but the methodology was less apt to resolve nanoparticles between 20 and 60 nm. The proposed methodology was capable of determining the presence of dissolved Ag(+) from 20 nm in prepared mixtures, and in the liver of rainbow trout exposed to either dissolved or 20-nm nano-Ag.

Ecotoxicological impacts of oil sand mining activity to endemic caged mussels Pyganodon grandis.

The intense mining extraction of oil sand (OS) has increased over the last few decades, raising concerns about the release of OS contaminants and toxicity in resident aquatic organisms in the Athabasca River (Alberta, Canada). To address this, endemic Pyganodon grandis mussels were caged for 6 weeks at various upstream and downstream sites of industrial OS mining activities. Post-exposure mussels were then analyzed for light/medium/heavy polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tissues, general health (weight to length ratio, growth rate, air survival time), biotransformation (cytochrome P4501A and 3A and glutathione S-transferase activities), oxidative stress/inflammation (lipid peroxidation-LPO and arachidonate cyclooxygenase-COX), genotoxicity (DNA strand breaks), and gonad status (triglycerides, GSI and vitellogenin-like proteins). The following effects significantly differed between OS mining area and natural/background sites: health condition, growth rate, air survival time, COX (immune/inflammation) activity, P4501A/GST activity, LPO and DNA breaks in the digestive gland and vitellogenin-like proteins in the gonad. Correlation analysis revealed that the biochemical responses were scaled to at least one of the following impacts at the individual level: air survival time, weight to length ratio, growth rate and vitellogenin-like proteins. These indices were therefore identified as key adverse outcome pathways of mussels impacted by OS mining activities. Based on the relative levels of light/medium/heavy PAHs in tissues, the observed effects appears to be associated rather to the disturbance of OS in this area than contamination from OS tailing ponds leaching into the aquatic environment.

The Rare Knowledge Mining Methodological Framework for the Development of Practice Guidelines and Knowledge Translation Tools for Rare Diseases.

Rare diseases bring on a heavy health, social and economic burden that impacts patients' lives and puts pressure on the healthcare system. Furthermore, they are often associated with limited published studies to inform multidisciplinary clinical practice thus limiting evidence-based practice. Moreover, the development of knowledge translation products including clinical care guidelines are often very challenging based on the current available methodological frameworks relying mostly on critical appraisal of the published research evidence where randomized clinical trial design is considered as the gold standard. To overcome this barrier, we proposed the Rare Knowledge Mining Methodological Framework (RKMMF). The RKMMF is one possible answer to improve the development of knowledge translation products for rare diseases. This framework includes other sources of evidence including registry information and qualitative studies and the involvement of expert patients. This article documents the RKMMF structure and its application is exemplified through knowledge translation products developed for a neuromuscular population.

Modeling one-handed grip strangulation: Intentionality of the gesture and age influence.

Strangulation is a violent act which can be lethal and is often studied in forensic context. The neck includes several anatomical elements that can evolve with aging. We therefore created a numerical human neck model including the main anatomical elements and simulated one-handed grip strangulation cases. In addition, we created 3 models each representing age groups: 20-30 years old, 30-50 years old and over 50 years old. The main changes between the different age groups are the ossification of the cartilages and the muscles mechanical properties. Several initial and boundary conditions have been tested to perform a realistic simulation of one-handed grip strangulation. Stress analysis and fracture observation were compared with the grip strength of an average man, 552 N, to look at the intentionality of the gesture. In each age group, the results show no model fracture for a force of 552 N. It is necessary to reach a minimum of 1406 N before observing a first fracture on the hyoid bone. However, it is possible to get stresses on the hyoid bone and on the thyroid cartilage way before 552 N. It thus appears that the force created by one-handed grip strangulation is not sufficient to cause fractures of the bony elements of the neck, but it remains sufficient to compress the larynx and at least reduce airflow.

Association between hyperglycaemia and fracture risk in non-diabetic middle-aged and older Australians: a national, population-based prospective study (AusDiab).

SUMMARY: The association between pre-diabetes and fracture risk remains unclear. In this large cohort of middle-aged and older Australian men and women without diabetes, elevated 2-h plasma glucose and pre-diabetes were associated with a reduced 5-year risk of low trauma and all fractures in women, independently of BMI, fasting insulin and other lifestyle factors. INTRODUCTION: We aimed to (1) examine associations between fasting and 2-h plasma glucose (FPG and 2-h PG), fasting insulin and risk of low trauma and all fractures in non-diabetic adults and (2) compare fracture risk between adults with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose) and those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). METHODS: Six thousand two hundred fifty-five non-diabetic men and women aged ≥40 years with NGT (n = 4,855) and pre-diabetes (n = 1,400) were followed for 5 years in the AusDiab Study. Fractures were self-reported. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-nine participants suffered at least one fracture (368 women, 171 men), of which the majority (318) occurred after a low-energy trauma (258 women, 60 men). In women, a 2-h PG ≥ 7.2 mmol/L (highest quartile) was associated with a decreased risk of low trauma and all fractures independent of age and BMI [OR (95% CI) for low trauma fractures, 0.59 (0.40-0.88)], but also fasting insulin, smoking, physical activity, history of fracture, dietary calcium and alcohol intake or menopausal status. There was no effect of 2-h PG on fracture risk in men [OR (95% CI), 1.39 (0.60-3.26)] or any relationship between fracture risk and quartiles of FPG or insulin in either sex. Compared to women with NGT, those with pre-diabetes had a reduced risk of fracture [OR (95% CI) for all fractures, 0.70 (0.52-0.95); for low trauma fractures, 0.75 (0.53-1.05)]. CONCLUSION: Elevated 2-h PG levels and pre-diabetes were inversely associated with low trauma and/or all fractures in non-diabetic women, independent of BMI and fasting insulin levels.

Immunocompetence and alterations in hepatic gene expression in rainbow trout exposed to CdS/CdTe quantum dots.

Cadmium (Cd) tellurium quantum dots (QDs) are long-lived fluorescent nanocrystals that have the ability to produce potentially toxic reactive oxygen species at the surface of the nanoparticle and release toxic cadmium ions. The purpose of this study was to examine the sublethal effects of CdS/CdTe QDs and dissolved Cd on the immune system of rainbow trout. Changes in hepatic gene expression were also monitored to provide insight on the mode of action of both forms of cadmium. Oncorhynchus mykiss fish were exposed to increasing concentrations of CdS/CdTe or dissolved Cd (CdSO(4)) for 48 h at 15 degrees C. The anterior head kidney was analyzed for leukocyte count, viability and phagocytic activity. The livers were harvested and prepared for gene expression analysis using a DNA microarray comprised of 207 stress-related genes. An analysis of total Cd in the aquarium water revealed that the nominal concentrations corresponded well to the actual concentrations and that a small proportion (0.4%) of Cd in the QDs was found in the dissolved fraction. Exposure to QDs led to significant reductions in leukocyte counts, viability and both resting and active phagocytic activity. On a mass concentration basis, QDs were more potent than dissolved Cd in suppressing immunocompetence in rainbow trout. The analysis revealed that both forms of Cd were strong inducers of metallothionein and CP2K1 gene expressions, which are respectively involved in metal detoxification processes and xenobiotic transformation/inflammation conditions. The analysis revealed different modes of action for each form of Cd. For QDs, 25 genes specific to QDs and related to the immune endpoints were found. The genes were involved in inflammation, xenobiotic biotransformation and endocrine system (including the induction of vitellogenin and its receptor). The effect for dissolved Cd was narrower than for QDs, with 9 genes specific to dissolved Cd being strongly correlated with the observed effects on immunocompetence. The involved genes were binding and transport of various solutes (urea, sodium, potassium) and the complement system. The present study revealed that each form of Cd produced a different pattern of gene expression and lowered fish immunocompetence.

Couple dissatisfaction and eating profile: a mediation effect of coping style.

Individuals' ways of coping with psychological stress have often been associated with body weight regulation through their impact on eating behaviours. In particular, emotion-oriented and distraction-oriented coping styles have been steadily related to disordered eating. Couple dissatisfaction may be experienced as an important psychological stressor and could therefore affect eating behaviours through the use of inadequate coping strategies. The study proposes 1) to compare women reporting a low vs a high level of couple satisfaction, and 2) to test mediational models including couple satisfaction, coping styles, and eating variables. Analyses were performed among 65 overweight/obese premenopausal women who reported being weight-preoccupied. Women exhibiting couple dissatisfaction (34.8%) showed a higher level of EDE-Q restraint, more intense concerns about eating and shape, a higher level of disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger and endorsed more often a distraction-oriented coping style, independently of their body weight. Furthermore, distraction- oriented coping style seemed to be a valid mediator of the relation between couple dissatisfaction and eating behaviours. Since non-normative eating behaviours, namely disinhibition and susceptibility to hunger, have been particularly linked to a higher body weight status, it is relevant to extend the scope of interest to more distal contributing factors, such as couple dissatisfaction.

Effects of protease inhibitors and substrates on motility of mammalian spermatozoa.

A series of protease inhibitors were tested on the motility of human, rat, bull, and rabbit demembranated reactivated spermatozoa. Some inhibitors, including aprotinin, boc-gln-leu-lys-H, and D-phe-pro-arg-H, could inhibit motility as well as prevent initiation of motility. In general, with the exception of aprotinin, protease inhibitors were more potent in preventing the initiation of movement than in blocking motility of demembranated spermatozoa. Protease substrates could also block sperm motility. Of the substrates tested only those with arg or lys ester bonds were active. The inhibition of motility by protease substrates was reversible, as once spermatozoa hydrolyzed the added exogenous protease substrates, motility reappeared. The importance of ester bond in the inhibitory action of protease substrates was confirmed by experiments that showed the lack of effect of pre-hydrolyzed protease substrates. The results suggest that a serine protease with lys and arg ester bond specificity is involved in the control of sperm motility. The fact that protease substrates also block motility of intact spermatozoa further emphasizes the physiological relevance of this new regulatory system.