Acetate attenuates hypothalamic pyroptosis in experimentally induced polycystic ovarian syndrome.

This study hypothesized that SCFA, acetate impacts positively on hypothalamic pyroptosis and its related abnormalities in experimentally induced PCOS rat model, possibly through NrF2/HIF1-α modulation. Eight-week-old female Wister rats were divided into groups (n = 5), namely control, PCOS, acetate and PCOS + acetate groups. Induction of PCOS was performed by administering 1 mg/kg body weight of letrozole for 21 days. After PCOS confirmation, the animals were treated with 200 mg/kg of acetate for 6 weeks. Rats with PCOS were characterized with insulin resistance, leptin resistance, increased plasma testosterone as well as degenerated ovarian follicles. There was also a significant increase in hypothalamic triglyceride level, triglyceride-glucose index, inflammatory biomarkers (SDF-1 and NF-kB) and caspase-6 as well as plasma LH and triglyceride. A decrease was observed in plasma adiponectin, GnRH, FSH, and hypothalamic GABA with severe inflammasome expression in PCOS rats. These were accompanied by decreased level of NrF2/HIF1-α, and the alterations were reversed when treated with acetate. Collectively, the present results suggest the therapeutic impact of acetate on hypothalamic pyroptosis and its related comorbidity in PCOS, a beneficial effect that is accompanied by modulation of NrF2/HIF1-α.

Peripheral Arterial Disease prevalence and risk factors in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) indicates generalised atherosclerotic disease but is often asymptomatic. The prevalence and potential risk factors of PAD were studied in ECHORN cohort study participants. METHODS: Representative samples of community-dwelling people ≥40 years of age residing in Barbados, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and the USVI were recruited. The survey included questions on diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and smoking status. Body Mass Index, HbA1c, blood glucose and lipids were determined. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was evaluated in one leg. An oscillometric device measured arm and leg systolic BP simultaneously. ABI classifications were PAD ≤0.90, borderline 0.91 to 0.99, normal 1.00 to 1.40, and non-compressible >0.40. Multivariable logistic regression tested associations of potential risk factors with PAD. RESULTS: Of 2772 participants (mean age 57.3, 65.2% female), 35.8% were overweight, 38.1% obese, 32.4% had diabetes, 60% hypertension, and 15.4% reported heart. ABI prevalence (95% CI) by category was PAD 4.4% (3.6%, 5.1%), borderline 5.2% (4.4%, 6.1%), normal 87.0% (85.8%, 88.3%) and noncompressible 3.4% (2.7%, 4.0%). Female sex (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.77), diabetes (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.4), heart disease history (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.83) and less than high school education vs having a university degree (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.22) were independently associated with PAD. CONCLUSIONS: Testing one leg only would underestimate PAD prevalence. Increasing the ABI cutoff for identifying PAD to <1.0 when using oscillometric devices is suggested by some studies but would more than double the estimated prevalence. Guidelines need to address this issue. Female sex and lower educational attainment are important considerations when screening. While diabetes and a history of heart disease were confirmed as risk factors, the lack of association of increasing age and cigarette smoking with PAD was unexpected.

Risk factors for household food insecurity in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network cohort study.

Background: Globally, 1.3 billion people were considered food insecure as of 2022. In the Caribbean region, the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity was 71.3% as of 2020, the highest of all subregions in Latin America. Experienced based measurement scales, like the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, are efficient measurement tools of food insecurity used globally. The Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study is a population-based longitudinal cohort study in the two Caribbean U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. The purpose of this research was to examine the demographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and environmental risk factors associated with household food insecurity (HFI) among adults ≥40 years of age in the ECHORN cohort. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline ECHORN cohort study data was conducted. The primary outcome was household food insecurity (none, mild, moderate/severe). A total of 16 known and potential risk factors were examined for their association with HFI. The ANOVA and chi-square statistics were used in bivariate analysis. Ordinal logistic regression was used for the multivariable and sex stratified analyses. Results: More than one-quarter of the sample (27.3%) experienced HFI. In bivariate analyses, all risk factors examined except for sex, were significantly associated with HFI status. In the multivariable analysis, all variables except sex, education, marital status, smoking status, and residing in Puerto Rico were significant predictors of HFI in the adjusted model. In sex stratified analysis, depression, food availability, self-rated physical health, and island site were significantly associated with increased odds of worsening HFI for women, but not for men. Source of potable water was an important risk factor for both men and women. Discussion: The prevalence of HFI in the ECHORN cohort study is comparable to other studies conducted in the region. While women did not have an increased risk of HFI compared to men, a different set of risk factors affected their vulnerability to HFI. More research is needed to understand how water and food security are interrelated in the ECHORN cohort.

Low dose spironolactone-mediated androgen-adiponectin modulation alleviates endocrine-metabolic disturbances in letrozole-induced PCOS.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a multifactorial endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. It usually associates with metabolic disorders (MDs), which aggravates the risk of infertility, cardiometabolic events and associated comorbidities in women with PCOS. Adiponectin, a circulating protein produced by adipocytes, which has been suggested to inversely correlate with MDs. Spironolactone, a non-selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, has been in wide clinical use for several decades. Herein, we investigated the effects of low dose spironolactone (LDS) and the role of adiponectin in endocrine-metabolic disturbances in experimentally-induced PCOS rats. Eighteen female Wistar rats (160-180 g) were randomly allotted into 3 groups and treated with vehicle (p.o.), letrozole (LET; 1 mg/kg) and LET + LDS (0.25 mg/kg), once daily for 21 days, respectively. The results showed that LET-treated animals had features of PCOS, characterized by elevated plasma testosterone and prolactin, increased body weight gain and ovarian weight as well as disrupted ovarian cytoarchitecture and degenerated follicles. Additionally, elevated fasting blood glucose, 1 h-postload glucose and plasma insulin, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, reduced insulin sensitivity, increased plasma and ovarian lipid profile, plasma lipid peroxidation, TNF-α, IL-6 and decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase and glutathione content were observed. These alterations were associated with decreased circulating adiponectin and were reversed when treated with LDS. The present results suggest that LDS ameliorates endocrine-metabolic disturbances and inflammation-related comorbidities associated with LET-induced PCOS by modulating circulating androgen-adiponectin status.

Polyvinylpyrolidone-functionalized silver nanoparticles do not affect aerobic performance or fractional rates of protein synthesis in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Aerobic performance in fish is linked to individual and population fitness and can be impacted by anthropogenic contaminants. Exposure to some engineered nanomaterials, including silver nanoparticles (nAg), reduces rates of oxygen consumption in some fish species, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In addition, their effects on swim performance have not been studied. Our aim was to quantify the impact of exposure to functionalized nAg on aerobic scope and swim performance in rainbow trout (Oncorhychus mykiss) and to characterize the contribution of changing rates of protein synthesis to these physiological endpoints. Fish were exposed for 48 h to 5 nm polyvinylpyrolidone-functionalized nAg (nAgPVP; 100 µg L-1) or 0.22 µg L-1 Ag+ (as AgNO3), which was the measured quantity of Ag released from the nAgPVP over that time period. Aerobic scope, critical swimming speed (Ucrit), and fractional rates of protein synthesis (Ks), were then assessed, along with indicators of osmoregulation and cardiotoxicity. Neither nAgPVP, nor Ag+ exposure significantly altered aerobic scope, its component parts, or swim performance. Ks was similarly unaffected in 8 tissue types, though it tended to be lower in liver of nAgPVP treated fish. The treatments tended to decrease gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity, but effects were not significant. The latter results suggest that a longer or more concentrated nAgPVP exposure may induce significant effects. Although this same formulation of nAgPVP is bioactive in other fish, it had no effects on rainbow trout under the conditions tested. Such findings on common model animals like trout may thus misrepresent the safety of nAg to more sensitive species.

Is hypertension in African-descent populations contributed to by an imbalance in the activities of the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas and the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axes?

INTRODUCTION: Low plasma renin activity hypertension is prevalent in Afro-Caribbean persons. Reduced angiotensin converting enzyme 2 activity from the counter angiotensin converting enzyme 2 /angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system has been reported in people with pre-hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic renal disease. This study investigates whether an imbalance in the regulatory mechanisms between the pressor arm of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin II/AT1 receptor) and the depressor axis (angiotensin converting enzyme 2/angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor) predisposes persons of African descent to hypertension. METHODS: In total, 30 normotensives and 30 recently diagnosed hypertensives aged 18-55 of Afro-Caribbean origin who are naïve to antihypertensive treatment will be recruited from public sector polyclinics in Barbados. Demographic and anthropometric data, clinical blood pressure readings, 24-hour urine collections and venous blood samples will be collected. Biological samples will be analysed for renin angiotensin aldosterone system peptide markers using radioimmunoassay. CONCLUSION: We describe the design, methods and rationale for the characterization of renin angiotensin aldosterone system mechanisms that may contribute to hypertension predisposition in persons of African descent. Our findings will characterize any imbalance in the counter axes of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system in hypertensive Afro-Caribbeans with a potential view of identifying novel approaches with the use of renin angiotensin aldosterone system and mineralocorticoid blockers to manage the condition.

Does peak expiratory flow measured sitting differ from that measured standing? A cross-over study in primary care in Barbados.

BACKGROUND: Several authorities recommend measuring peak expiratory flow (PEF) standing. Limited evidence suggests that PEF obtained sitting is similar in magnitude but there are no studies in African populations. AIM: To determine in adults aged 18-60 years if PEF measured sitting differs from that measured standing. DESIGN & SETTING: Crossover design with alternating position of initial measurement in people attending primary care clinics in Barbados. METHOD: Quota sampling by age, sex, and clinic of adults aged 18-60 years was done and an interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed. PEF sitting and standing was measured with an European Union (EU) scale Mini-Wright® meter. The highest of three readings in each position was used and the difference in means tested for significance using the paired sample t-test. RESULTS: Characteristics of the 199 participants were 44% male; 96.5% of African descent; mean age 37 years (standard deviation [SD] 12.8); 22% with an asthma diagnosis; 23% tobacco users; and 22% marijuana users. Mean PEF standing was 438.4 versus 429.7 lmin-1 sitting, mean difference 8.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.6 to 13.8). For men, mean PEF standing was 518.7 versus 506.3 lmin-1 sitting, mean difference 12.4 (95% CI = 3.3 to 21.5). For women, mean PEF was 374.7 standing versus 368.9 lmin-1 sitting, mean difference 5.8 (95% CI = 0.11 to 11.5). A Bland-Altman plot accounting for trend and a Lin's correlation coefficient of 0.935 demonstrated good agreement between standing and sitting PEF. CONCLUSION: PEF measurements are reduced when performed sitting compared to standing. The difference is small and unlikely to alter clinical management in most cases.

Non-communicable chronic diseases and timely breast cancer screening among women of the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The Caribbean population faces a growing burden of multiple non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in the Caribbean. Given the substantial burden of NCDs across the region, cancer prevention and control strategies may need to be specifically tailored for people with multiple co-morbidities. Preventive screening, such as timely mammography, is essential but may be either facilitated or hampered by chronic disease control. The main objective of this study is to examine the relationship between a chronic disease and timely breast cancer screening. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional data analysis using baseline data from the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study-ECS. Our independent variables were presence of chronic diseases (hypertension or diabetes), defined as having been told by a clinical provider. Our dependent variable was timely screening mammography, as defined by receipt of mammography within the past 2 years. We examined bivariate and multivariate associations of covariates and timely screening mammography. RESULTS: In our sample (n = 841), 52% reported timely screening mammography. Among those with timely screening, 50.8% reported having hypertension, and 22.3% reported having diabetes. In our bivariate analyses, both diabetes and hypertension were associated with timely screening mammography. In partially adjusted models, we found that women with diabetes were significantly more likely to report timely screening mammography than women without diabetes. In our fully adjusted models, the association was no longer significant. Having a usual source of healthcare and a woman's island of residence were significantly associated with timely screening mammography (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that half of eligible women received timely screening mammography. Diabetes and hypertension, though common, are not associated with timely screening mammography. Usual source of care remains an important factor to timely breast cancer screening.

[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy]. / Progressive multifokale Leukenzephalopathie.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a disease of immunosuppressed patients caused by the JC polyomavirus (JCPyV). Due to the elevated risk in patients treated with natalizumab for multiple sclerosis (MS) and also treatment with other biologicals for different indications, the relevance of PML has increased in recent years. This article summarizes the published knowledge on the biology and pathogenesis of PML with a focus on the role of cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics in the work-up for PML and the current PML case definition. Current recommendations regarding risk management are discussed, as are possible therapies and prevention.

Reliable LC3 and p62 autophagy marker detection in formalin fixed paraffin embedded human tissue by immunohistochemistry.

Autophagy assures cellular homeostasis, and gains increasing importance in cancer, where it impacts on carcinogenesis, propagation of the malignant phenotype and development of resistance. To date, its tissue-based analysis by immunohistochemistry remains poorly standardized. Here we show the feasibility of specifically and reliably assessing the autophagy markers LC3B and p62 (SQSTM1) in formalin fixed and paraffin embedded human tissue by immunohistochemistry. Preceding functional experiments consisted of depleting LC3B and p62 in H1299 lung cancer cells with subsequent induction of autophagy. Western blot and immunofluorescence validated antibody specificity, knockdown efficiency and autophagy induction prior to fixation in formalin and embedding in paraffin. LC3B and p62 antibodies were validated on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded cell pellets of treated and control cells and finally applied on a tissue microarray with 80 human malignant and non-neoplastic lung and stomach formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples. Dot-like staining of various degrees was observed in cell pellets and 18/40 (LC3B) and 22/40 (p62) tumors, respectively. Seventeen tumors were double positive for LC3B and p62. P62 displayed additional significant cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of unknown significance. Interobserver-agreement for grading of staining intensities and patterns was substantial to excellent (kappa values 0.60 - 0.83). In summary, we present a specific and reliable IHC staining of LC3B and p62 on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded human tissue. Our presented protocol is designed to aid reliable investigation of dysregulated autophagy in solid tumors and may be used on large tissue collectives.

Efficient control of pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus infection with intravenous zanamivir despite the lack of immune function.

A teenager who acquired 2009 H1N1 influenza A lower respiratory tract infection during total bone marrow and lymphoid aplasia, in the setting of human leukocyte antigen-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, was successfully treated with intravenous zanamivir. This case demonstrates efficient control of pandemic influenza infection by intravenous zanamivir in the absence of any functional immune system, thus suggesting profound antiviral activity.

Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza infection in pediatric hemato-oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

BACKGROUND: For children with hemato-oncologic diseases, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the risk for developing complications related to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 (pH1N1) infection is largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective chart study was performed of pH1N1 cases diagnosed between October 2009 to January 2010 in the hemato-oncologic unit of the University Children's Hospital of Düsseldorf, Germany. FINDINGS: In total, 21 children were diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed pH1N1; in 16 patients with malignancies (acute leukemia 7, lymphoma 4, solid tumors 2, others 3) and in 5 with benign hematologic disorders. Five patients had undergone prior HSCT, although 1 patient was diagnosed during conditioning therapy with high-dose chemotherapy in preparation for haploidentical HSCT. Most frequent symptoms were fever (>38.5°C) and cough (in 100%), and rhinorrhea (57%). The 2 patients acquiring pH1N1 infection under high-dose or intensive chemotherapy did not require intensive care or mechanical ventilation, and both recovered under antiviral therapy. Oseltamivir was administered to 11 patients; in 1 patient, therapy was switched, on a compassionate-use basis, to intravenous zanamivir because of lack of clinical improvement after oseltamivir therapy. Complications were hospitalization (19%), demand of oxygen supplementation, delay/interruption of antineoplastic therapy, and prolonged administration of antibiotics and antipyretics. CONCLUSION: In the investigated patient population, pH1N1 was mild in most cases, but was associated with substantial morbidity in a proportion of patients and led to interruption and delay in anticancer treatment.

Are primary care practitioners in Barbados following diabetes guidelines? - a chart audit with comparison between public and private care sectors.

BACKGROUND: Over 19% of the population ≥ 40 years of age in Barbados are diabetic. The quality of diabetes primary care is uncertain. FINDINGS: Charts of diabetic and hypertensive patients were randomly sampled at all public and 20 private sector primary care clinics. Charts of all diabetic patients ≥ 40 years of age were then selected. Processes of care, and quality targets for blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were documented.252 charts of diabetic patients (125 public and 127 private) were audited. Patients had the following characteristics: mean age 64 years, female gender 61%, mean duration of diagnosis 9 years, and hypertension diagnosed 78%. Patients had an average of 4.7 clinic visits per year, 66% were prescribed metformin, 68% a sulphonylurea, 25% a statin, 21% insulin, 15% aspirin and 12% a glucosidase inhibitor. Public patients compared to private patients were more likely to be female (77% vs. 46%, p < 0.01); have a longer duration of diagnosis (11.4 vs. 6.6 years, p < 0.01), have more clinic visits per year (5.2 vs. 4.3, p < 0.01), and to be using insulin (28 vs. 15% p = 0.01). Over a 2 year period, the proportion of charts with the following recorded at least once was: BP 98%, weight 80%, FBG 76%, total cholesterol 72%, urine tested for albumin 66%, serum creatinine 62%, dietary advice 61%, exercise advice 49%, lipid profile 48%, foot examination 41%, HbA1c 33%, dietician referral 23%, retinal examination 18%, tobacco use 17%, body mass index 0%, and waist circumference 0%. Public patients were more likely to have recorded: weight (92% vs. 68%, p = < 0.01); tests for total cholesterol (78% vs. 65%, p = 0.02), albuminuria (72% vs. 59%, p = 0.03), serum creatinine (79% vs. 44%, p < 0.01), and foot examination (50% vs. 32%, p = < 0.01); dietician referral (37% vs. 8%, p < 0.01), and tobacco use (26% vs. 8%, p < 0.01). For those tested, the most recent BP was < 140/90 for 43%, HBA1c was < 7% for 28%, and FBG was < 6.7 mmol/L for 27%. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions such as body mass assessment, lifestyle advice, screening for retinopathy, monitoring blood glucose control, and achieving BP and glycaemic targets need improvement.

[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy under natalizumab. Initial possibilities for risk stratification?]. / Progressive multifokale Leukenzephalopathie unter Natalizumab. Erste Möglichkeiten einer Risikostratifizierung?

Natalizumab (Tysabri®) is the first monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) but while treatment is highly efficient, it carries the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Based on reports of confirmed cases of PML, the risk of PML might increase beyond 24 months of treatment. Thus, attempts to stratify patients treated with natalizumab into those carrying higher or lower risk for developing PML are currently being undertaken. Among these strategies JC virus serology might potentially be the first tool available. As a large variety of methods have been published resulting in controversial results for JC virus seroprevalence, standardized testing will be mandatory when applying this method in clinical practice. In addition, risk management strategies for the seropositive majority of patients need to be redefined and optimized further.

Are primary care practitioners in Barbados following hypertension guidelines? - a chart audit.

BACKGROUND: About 55% of the population 40 to 80 years of age in Barbados is hypertensive. The quality of hypertension primary care compared to available practice guidelines is uncertain. FINDINGS: Charts of hypertensive and diabetic patients were randomly sampled at all public and 20 private sector primary care clinics. Charts of all hypertensive patients ≥ 40 years of age were then selected and processes of care and blood pressure (BP) maintenance < 140/90 documented.343 charts of hypertensive patients (170 public, and 173 private) were audited. Patients had the following characteristics: mean age 64 years, female gender 63%, mean duration of diagnosis 9.1 years, and diabetes diagnosed 58%. Patients had an average of 4.7 clinic visits per year, 70% were prescribed a thiazide diuretic, 42% a calcium channel blocker, 40% an angiotensin receptor blocker, and 19% a beta blocker. Public patients compared to private patients were more likely to be female (73% vs. 52%, p < 0.01); have a longer duration of diagnosis (11.7 vs. 6.5 years, p < 0.01), and more clinic visits per year (5.0 vs. 4.5, p < 0.01). Over a 2 year period, the proportion of charts with the following recorded at least once was: BP 98%, weight 80%, total cholesterol 71%, urine tested for albumin 67%, serum creatinine 59%, dietary advice 55%, lipid profile 48%, exercise advice 45%, fasting blood glucose for non-diabetics 39%, dietician referral 21%, tobacco advice 17%, retinal examination 16%, body mass index 1%, and waist circumference 0%. Public patients were more likely to have recorded: weight (92% vs. 68%, p = < 0.01); tests for total cholesterol (77% vs. 67%, p = 0.04), albuminuria (77% vs. 58%, p = < 0.01), serum creatinine (75% vs. 43%, p < 0.01), and fasting blood glucose for non-diabetics (49% vs. 30%, p = 0.02); dietician referral (34% vs. 9%, p < 0.01), and tobacco advice (24% vs. 10%, p < 0.01). Most (92%) diastolic BP readings ended in 0 or 5 (72% ended in 0). At the last visit 36% of patients had a BP < 140/90 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Improvements are needed in following guidelines for basic interventions such as body mass assessment, accurate BP measurement, use of thiazide diuretics and lifestyle advice. BP control is inadequate.

Prospective, comprehensive, and effective viral monitoring in children undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Major advances in the monitoring and treatment of viral infections after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been achieved over the last decade. The appropriate extent of viral monitoring and antiviral therapy remains controversial, and reports in pediatric patients receiving allogeneic unmanipulated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are sparse. A total of 40 pediatric patients who underwent HSCT with either peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs, n = 30) or bone marrow (BM; n = 10) were prospectively monitored every week for viral DNAemia (VDNA) by simultaneous detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), human adenovirus (ADV), and polyoma BK virus (BKV) using real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All patients received prophylactic acyclovir and preemptive ganciclovir (GCV) when 500 copies/microg DNA (EBV/HHV6) or >1 copy/microg DNA (CMV) were detected on 2 consecutive measurements. VDNA occurred in 25 of 40 recipients (CMV, 11/40 patients [28%]; EBV, 19/40 [48%]; HHV6, 2/40 [5%]; ADV/BKV, 1/40) and was found exclusively after neutrophil engraftment and in most cases up to day +100. Recurrent VDNA (P = .028) and (readily treatable) viral disease (P = .003) were observed predominantly in patients suffering from nonmalignant diseases, a cohort characterized by delayed lymphocyte engraftment. VDNA occurred more frequently in HLA-mismatched HSCT and in the 24 of 40 patients receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The incidence of EBV, but not that of CMV, was increased in the ATG group. Yet, in these patients, viral loads of both EBV and CMV were higher, but with prompt initiation of preemptive GCV, no posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder or other life-threatening morbidities occurred. HHV6 was typically detected at low viral loads (<10(2) copies/microg DNA), with only 5% of HSC recipients fulfilling our HHV6 criteria for triggering GCV treatment. In multivariate analysis, ATG treatment, HLA mismatch, recipient CMV seropositivity, and stem cell source, but not severe acute graft-versus-host disease were identified as independent risk factors for VDNA. This comprehensive viral monitoring program with defined thresholds for initiation of preemptive GCV effectively prevents the development of critical viral disease, even in high-risk patients receiving ATG.

Differential degradation of crude oil (Bonny Light) by four Pseudomonas strains.

Four hydrocarbon degraders isolated from enriched oil- and asphalt-contaminated soils in Lagos, Nigeria, were tested for their petroleum degradation potentials. All the isolates were identified as species of Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas putida P11 demonstrated a strong ability to degrade kerosene, gasoline, diesel, engine oil and crude oil while P. aeruginosa BB3 exhibited fair degradative ability on crude oil, gasoline, engine oil, anthracene and pyrene but weak on kerosene, diesel and dibenzothiophene. Pseudomonas putida WL2 and P. aeruginosa MVL1 grew on crude oil and all its cuts tested with the latter possessing similar polycyclic aromatic potentials as P11. All the strains grew logarithmically with 1-2 orders of magnitude and with generation time ranging significantly between 3.07 and 8.55 d at 0.05 level of confidence. Strains WL2 and MVL1 utilized the oil substrate best with more than 70% in 6 d experimental period, whereas the same feat was achieved by P11 in 12 d period. BB3 on the other hand degraded only 46% within 6 d. Interestingly, data obtained from gas chromatographic analysis of oil recovered from the culture fluids of MVL1 confirmed near-disappearance of major peaks (including aliphatics and aromatics) in the hydrocarbon mixture.