Negligible In Vitro Recovery of Macromolecules from Microdialysis Using 100 kDa Probes and Dextran in Perfusion Fluid.

Microdialysis is applied in neurointensive care to monitor cerebral glucose metabolism. If recoverable, macromolecules may also serve as biomarkers in brain disease and provide clues to their passage across the blood-brain barrier. Our study aimed to investigate the in vitro recovery of human micro- and macromolecules using microdialysis catheters and perfusion fluids approved for clinical use. In vitro microdialysis of a bulk solution containing physiological or supraphysiological concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, human IgG, serum albumin, and hemoglobin was performed using two different catheters and perfusion fluids. One had a membrane cut-off of 20 kDa and was used with a standard CNS perfusion fluid, and the other had a membrane cut-off of 100 kDa and was perfused with the same solution supplemented with dextran. The flow rate was 0.3 µl/min. We used both push and push-pull methods. Dialysate samples were collected at 2-h intervals for 6 h and analyzed for relative recovery of each substance. The mean relative recovery of glucose, pyruvate, and lactate was > 90% in all but two sets of experiments. In contrast, the relative recovery of human IgG, serum albumin, and hemoglobin from both bulk solutions was below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). Using a push-pull method, recovery of human IgG, serum albumin, and hemoglobin from a bulk solution with supraphysiological concentrations were above LLOQ but with low relative recovery (range 0.9%-1.6%). In summary, exchanging the microdialysis setup from a 20 kDa catheter with a standard perfusion fluid for a 100 kDa catheter with a perfusion solution containing dextran did not affect the relative recovery of glucose and its metabolites. However, it did not result in any useful recovery of the investigated macromolecules at physiological levels, either with or without a push-pull pump system.

Protocolized reduction of non-resuscitation fluids versus usual care in septic shock patients (REDUSE): a randomized multicentre feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Non-resuscitation fluids constitute the majority of fluid administered for septic shock patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This multicentre, randomized, feasibility trial was conducted to test the hypothesis that a restrictive protocol targeting non-resuscitation fluids reduces the overall volume administered compared with usual care. METHODS: Adults with septic shock in six Swedish ICUs were randomized within 12 h of ICU admission to receive either protocolized reduction of non-resuscitation fluids or usual care. The primary outcome was the total volume of fluid administered within three days of inclusion. RESULTS: Median (IQR) total volume of fluid in the first three days, was 6008 ml (interquartile range [IQR] 3960-8123) in the restrictive fluid group (n = 44), and 9765 ml (IQR 6804-12,401) in the control group (n = 48); corresponding to a Hodges-Lehmann median difference of 3560 ml [95% confidence interval 1614-5302]; p < 0.001). Outcome data on all-cause mortality, days alive and free of mechanical ventilation and acute kidney injury or ischemic events in the ICU within 90 days of inclusion were recorded in 98/98 (100%), 95/98 (98%) and 95/98 (98%) of participants respectively. Cognition and health-related quality of life at six months were recorded in 39/52 (75%) and 41/52 (79%) of surviving participants, respectively. Ninety out of 134 patients (67%) of eligible patients were randomized, and 15/98 (15%) of the participants experienced at least one protocol violation. CONCLUSION: Protocolized reduction of non-resuscitation fluids in patients with septic shock resulted in a large decrease in fluid administration compared with usual care. A trial using this design to test if reducing non-resuscitation fluids improves outcomes is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05249088, 18 February 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05249088.

Different protein sources in concentrate feed for dairy cows affect cheese-making properties and yield.

Soybean meal (SBM) is a commonly used protein source in feed. Yeast microbial protein could be used as a substitute for SBM, but its effect on cheese-making properties and yield is not known. Norwegian Red dairy cows (n = 48) in early or mid lactation were divided in 3 groups and fed a ration consisting of grass silage and concentrate, where the concentrates were barley based but with different additional protein sources. These were: completely barley based with no additional protein source (BAR), additional protein from SBM, or additional protein from yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii; YEA). The SBM and YEA concentrates had a higher protein content than the barley concentrate. Four batches of cheese were made from pooled milk from each of the 3 groups of dairy cows. Milk samples were collected 5 times during the experiment. Milk from cows fed BAR concentrate showed inferior cheese-making properties (lower casein content, longer renneting time, lower content of phosphorus, and lower cheese yield) compared with SBM and YEA concentrates. Overall, SBM or YEA bulk milk had similar cheese-making properties, but when investigating individual milk samples, YEA milk showed better coagulation properties.

Extreme ecchymoses in a migraine patient using concomitant treatment with calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antibodies and fish oil supplements: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Erenumab, a monoclonal antibody against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, is registered for migraine prevention. Compared to other conventional migraine prevention medicines (i.e. topiramate, betablockers and amitriptyline) erenumab has better tolerability. Impaired hemostasis has not been reported previously. Here, we report the first case of an increased tendency to bruise in a migraine patient treated with erenumab. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year old female migraine patient was treated with erenumab for 12 months, which led to a significant reduction of headache and migraine days. Three months after treatment start, she experienced increased tendency to bruise leading to extreme ecchymosis after 4 months treatment. Platelet counts and aggregation, thromboelastography, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) were all normal. Thorough interview revealed intake of fish oil supplements for many years prior to treatment. The increased tendency to bruise subsided after discontinuation of fish oil supplements. CONCLUSION: The combination of fish oil supplements and erenumab may cause increased tendency to bruise. Erenumab has no effect on the platelets per se but may cause impaired wound healing by suppression of CGRP. Thus, small and unnoticeable bruises may be aggravated instead in patients with tendency to bruise caused by for instance fish oil supplements.

Feeding concentrates with different protein sources to high-yielding, mid-lactation Norwegian Red cows: Effect on cheese ripening.

Soybean meal is one of the most important protein sources in concentrate feeds for dairy cows. The objective of the present study was to provide knowledge on the effects of using a novel yeast microbial protein source (Candida utilis) in concentrate feed for dairy cows on the production and quality of a Gouda-type cheese. Forty-eight Norwegian Red dairy cows in early to mid lactation were fed a basal diet of grass silage, which was supplemented with 3 different concentrate feeds. The protein source of the concentrates was based on conventional soybean meal (SBM), novel yeast (C. utilis; YEA), or barley (BAR; used as negative control because barley has a lower protein content). The experiment was carried out for a period of 10 wk, with the first 2 wk as an adaptation period where all dairy cows were fed grass silage and the SBM concentrate. The cows were then randomly allocated to 1 of the 3 different compound feeds: SBM, yeast, or barley. Cheeses were made during wk 8 and 9 of the experiment, with 4 batches of cheese made from milk from each of the 3 groups. The cheeses made from milk from cows fed SBM concentrate (SBM cheese) had a higher content of dl-pyroglutamic acid and free amino acids than the other cheeses, indicating a faster ripening in the SBM cheeses. Despite these differences, the sensory properties, the microbiota, and the Lactococcus population at 15 wk of ripening were not significantly different between the cheeses. This experiment showed that although the raw materials used in the concentrate feed clearly influenced the ripening of the cheeses, this did not affect cheese quality. Yeast (C. utilis) as a protein source in concentrate feed for dairy cows can be used as a replacement for soybean meal without compromising the quality of Norwegian Gouda-type cheeses.

How do multimorbidity and lifestyle factors impact the perceived health of adults with intellectual disabilities?

BACKGROUND: Adults with intellectual disability (ID) have poorer physical and perceived health than the general population. Knowledge of perceived health predictors is both limited and important for guiding the development of preventive actions. The aims of this study were to investigate (1) the associations between perceived health and demographics, degree of ID, physical health conditions, and weight and physical activity level and (2) lifestyle factors and multimorbidity as predictors for perceived health adjusted for age, gender, and level of ID. METHOD: The North Health in Intellectual Disability study is a community based cross-sectional survey. The POMONA-15 health indicators were used. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with poor versus good health as the dependent variable were applied. RESULTS: The sample included 214 adults with a mean age 36.1 (SD 13.8) years; 56% were men, and 27% reported perceiving their health as poor. In univariate analyses, there were significant associations between poor health ratings and female gender, lower motor function, number of physical health conditions and several indicators of levels of physical activity. In the final adjusted model, female gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.4, P < 0.05], level of ID (OR 0.65, P < 0.05), numbers of physical health conditions (OR 1.6, P < 0.001) and lower motor function (OR 1.5 P < 0.05) were significant explanatory variables for poor perceived health, with a tendency to independently impact failure to achieve 30 min of physical activity daily (OR 2.0, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Adults with ID with female gender, reduced motor function and more physical health conditions are at increased risk of lower perceived health and should be given attention in health promoting interventions. A lack of physical activity tends to negatively influence perceived health.

Prevalence of visual snow syndrome in the UK.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Visual snow syndrome is a recently described condition of unknown prevalence. We investigated the prevalence in a representative population sample from the UK and tested the hypothesis that visual snow syndrome is associated with young age, headache, tinnitus and mood impairment. METHODS: Using a crowdsourcing platform, we recruited a representative sample of 1015 adult laypeople from the UK, matched for age, gender and ethnicity according to national census data. Participants were unprimed, i.e. were inquired about the 'frequency of certain medical conditions' but not 'visual snow syndrome'. RESULTS: A total of 38 of 1015 participants reported symptoms compatible with visual snow [3.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.7-5.2] and 22/1015 met criteria for visual snow syndrome (2.2%; 95% CI, 1.4-3.3). The female-to-male ratio for visual snow syndrome was 1.6:1. Subjects with visual snow syndrome were older (50.6 ± 14 years) than the population mean (44.8 ± 15 years), although this was not statistically different (P = 0.06). Of 22 participants with visual snow syndrome, 16 had mood symptoms (72.7%; P = 0.01), 12 had headache (54.5%; P = 0.06), including five with visual migraine aura (22.7%; P = 0.15) and 13 had tinnitus (59.1%; P < 0.001). No participant had diabetes or a cleft lip (control questions). Following a multivariable regression analysis to adjust for age and gender, only the association between visual snow syndrome and tinnitus remained significant (odds ratio, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.63-9.9; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The UK prevalence of visual snow syndrome is around 2%. We confirmed an association with tinnitus, but unprimed laypeople with visual snow syndrome are on average older than those seeking medical attention.

Baseline findings of the population-based, randomized, multifaceted Danish cardiovascular screening trial (DANCAVAS) of men aged 65-74 years.

BACKGROUND: The challenge of managing age-related diseases is increasing; routine checks by the general practitioner do not reduce cardiovascular mortality. The aim here was to reduce cardiovascular mortality by advanced population-based cardiovascular screening. The present article reports the organization of the study, the acceptability of the screening offer, and the relevance of multifaceted screening for prevention and management of cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Danish men aged 65-74 years were invited randomly (1 : 2) to a cardiovascular screening examination using low-dose non-contrast CT, ankle and brachial BP measurements, and blood tests. RESULTS: In all, 16 768 of 47 322 men aged 65-74 years were invited and 10 471 attended (uptake 62·4 per cent). Of these, 3481 (33·2 per cent) had a coronary artery calcium score above 400 units. Thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed in the ascending aorta (diameter 45 mm or greater) in 468 men (4·5 per cent), in the arch (at least 40 mm) in 48 (0·5 per cent) and in the descending aorta (35 mm or more) in 233 (2·2 per cent). Abdominal aortic aneurysm (at least 30 mm) and iliac aneurysm (20 mm or greater) were diagnosed in 533 (5·1 per cent) and 239 (2·3 per cent) men respectively. Peripheral artery disease was diagnosed in 1147 men (11·0 per cent), potentially uncontrolled hypertension (at least 160/100 mmHg) in 835 (8·0 per cent), previously unknown atrial fibrillation confirmed by ECG in 50 (0·5 per cent), previously unknown diabetes mellitus in 180 (1·7 per cent) and isolated severe hyperlipidaemia in 48 men (0·5 per cent). In all, 4387 men (41·9 per cent), excluding those with potentially uncontrolled hypertension, were referred for additional cardiovascular prevention. Of these, 3712 (35·5 per cent of all screened men, but 84·6 per cent of those referred) consented and were started on medication. CONCLUSION: Multifaceted cardiovascular screening is feasible and may optimize cardiovascular disease prevention in men aged 65-74 years. Uptake is lower than in aortic aneurysm screening.

Mesoscopic Dynamical Differences from Quantum State Preparation in a Bose-Hubbard Trimer.

Conventional wisdom is that quantum effects will tend to disappear as the number of quanta in a system increases, and the evolution of a system will become closer to that described by mean-field classical equations. In this Letter we combine newly developed theoretical and experimental techniques to propose and analyze an experiment using a Bose-Hubbard trimer where the opposite is the case. We find that differences in the preparation of a centrally evacuated trimer can lead to readily observable differences in the subsequent dynamics which increase with system size. Importantly, these differences can be detected by the simple measurements of atomic number.

Sex differences in coronary plaque composition evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes: association with low-grade inflammation.

AIM: To determine differences in coronary plaque composition and inflammatory biomarkers between men and women with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes without known cardiovascular disease. METHODS: A total of 88 people with newly diagnosed (<1 year) Type 2 diabetes underwent contrast-enhanced coronary computed tomography angiography. Advanced coronary plaque analysis was performed using semi-automated software. Plasma concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers were determined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between men (n=60) and women (n=28) regarding age or cardiovascular risk factors (all P>0.05). The median (quartiles) serum levels of fibrinogen [10.9 (9.8-12.6) µmol/l vs 9.7 (8.8-10.9) µmol/l], fibrin d-dimer [0.3 (0.2-0.4) mg/l vs 0.27 (0.2-0.4) mg/l] and C-reactive protein [3.1 (1.1-5.2) mg/l vs (0.8-2.6) 1.6 mg/l] were significantly higher in women (all P<0.05). Overall, men more often had multi-vessel involvement [28 men (47%) vs 4 women (14%)], and higher total plaque burden [median (quartiles) 11.6 (2.3-36.0)% vs 2.0 (0.4-5.4)%; both P<0.05]. The median (quartiles) total plaque volume [269.9 (62.6-641.9) mm3 vs 61.1 (7.6-239.9) mm3 ] and absolute calcified plaque volume [33.5 (8.3-148.3) mm3 vs 4.7 (0.9-17.3) mm3 ] were higher in men (both P<0.05). Women had a lower relative proportion of the calcified plaque component [median (quartiles) 7.8 (4.7-15.4)% vs 23.7 (8.4-31.1)%] and a higher relative proportion (median [quartiles]) of the non-low-density non-calfied plaque component [77.6 (66.0-86.0)% vs 63.6 (54.0-72.9)%; both P<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: In people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, women had lower absolute coronary plaque volumes but a more unfavourable plaque composition and enhanced systemic inflammation compared with men.

Epidemiology and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection in allogeneic hematopoietic cell and lung transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common complication of lung and allogeneic hematopoietic cell (HCT) transplant, but the epidemiology and outcomes of CDI after transplant are poorly described. METHODS: We performed a prospective, multicenter study of CDI within 365 days post-allogeneic HCT or lung transplantation. Data were collected via patient interviews and medical chart review. Participants were followed weekly in the 12 weeks post-transplant and while hospitalized and contacted monthly up to 18 months post-transplantation. RESULTS: Six sites participated in the study with 614 total participants; 4 enrolled allogeneic HCT (385 participants) and 5 enrolled lung transplant recipients (229 participants). One hundred and fifty CDI cases occurred within 1 year of transplantation; the incidence among lung transplant recipients was 13.1% and among allogeneic HCTs was 31.2%. Median time to CDI was significantly shorter among allogeneic HCT than lung transplant recipients (27 days vs 90 days; P = .037). CDI was associated with significantly higher mortality from 31 to 180 days post-index date among the allogeneic HCT recipients (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.80; P = .007). There was a trend towards increased mortality among lung transplant recipients from 120 to 180 days post-index date (HR = 4.7, P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology and outcomes of CDI vary by transplant population; surveillance for CDI should continue beyond the immediate post-transplant period.

"FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe in the Faroe Islands: Effects on health markers and physical fitness in 10- to 12-year-old schoolchildren.

We evaluated effects of the school-based intervention "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe on health and fitness profile in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren. 392 fifth-grade children were randomized into a control group (CG: n = 100, 11.1 ± 0.3 years, 149.0 ± 6.7 cm, 42.4 ± 10.2 kg) and an intervention group (IG: n = 292, 11.1 ± 0.3 years, 150.6 ± 6.9 cm, 44.2 ± 9.4 kg). IG underwent an 11-week intervention in which 2 weekly sessions of 45 minutes were included in the school curriculum focusing on health aspects, football skills, and 3v3 small-sided games. CG continued with their regular activities. Body composition, blood pressure, and resting heart rate, as well as Yo-Yo intermittent recovery children's test (YYIR1C) performance, horizontal jumping ability and postural balance were assessed pre and post intervention. Systolic blood pressure decreased more (-2.8 ± 9.9 vs 2.9 ± 8.4 mm Hg, P < .05) in IG than in CG. Lean body mass (1.0 ± 1.7 vs 0.7 ± 1.6 kg), postural balance (0.3 ± 3.9 vs -1.2 ± 5.9 seconds) and horizontal jump performance (5 ± 9 vs -5 ± 10 cm) increased more (P < .05) in IG than in CG. YYIR1C performance improved in CG (17%, 625 ± 423 to 730 ± 565 m) and IG (18%, 689 ± 412 vs 813 ± 391 m), but without between-group differences. A within-group decrease from 23.1 ± 8.4 to 22.5 ± 8.3% (P < .05) was observed in body fat percentage in IG only. In conclusion, the "FIFA 11 for Health" for Europe program had beneficial effects on SBP, body composition, jump performance and postural balance in 10- to 12-year-old Faroese schoolchildren, supporting the notion that school-based football interventions can facilitate health of children in a small-scale society and serve as an early step in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Psoriasis and risk of myocardial infarction before and during an era with biological therapy: a population-based follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Attention towards cardiovascular disease prevention in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis increased with the introduction of biological therapy. OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) following hospital-diagnosed psoriasis compared with the general population, in eras before and following the introduction of biological therapy. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study in Denmark utilising nationwide prospectively collected data from population-based registries. For the early era cohort, we identified subjects with first time hospital-diagnosed psoriasis between 1995 and 2002, and, for the late era cohort, those diagnosed between 2006 and 2013. Comparison cohorts from the general population were matched (10:1) on sex and birth year. All individuals were followed from date of psoriasis diagnosis (index date for matched controls) until incidence of MI, death, emigration or end of study (1 January 2002 for the early era cohort; 1 January 2013 for the late era cohort). We computed the cumulative MI incidence at 5 years of follow-up, and used Cox regression to compute HRs of MI comparing psoriasis subjects with general population subjects. RESULTS: For the early era, we identified 4302 psoriatic subjects and 43 791 general population subjects; and for the late era, 4577 psoriatic subjects (4% received biologic therapy) and 46 376 general population subjects. The cumulative incidence of MI among psoriatic subjects in the early era was 2.5% and it was 2.2% in the late era. The HRs comparing MI risk in the psoriasis and general population cohorts were 1.40 (95% CI: 1.09-1.80), for the early era, and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.10-1.75) for the late era, adjusting for educational level and use of cardiovascular drugs. CONCLUSION: The increased risk of MI among patients with hospital-diagnosed psoriasis, relative to the general population, remained unchanged during the initial years of increased attention towards cardiovascular disease prevention and availability of biologic therapy.

Long-term health outcomes in patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome: a nationwide cohort study in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare congenital disease that affects growth, sexual development, cognitive function and behavior. Individuals exhibit food preoccupation and hyperphagia, which may lead to obesity with premature morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work was to evaluate the risk of venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), myocardial infarction, pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and all-cause mortality among persons with PWS as compared with an age- and sex-matched general-population cohort. METHODS: All persons diagnosed with PWS (n=155) were identified in the Danish Health Registries; an age- and sex-matched comparison group was selected from the general population of Denmark (n=15 500); diseases of interest were identified through the health registry and cause of death register. Follow-up began on date of birth or first medical record availability through to first occurrence of an outcome of interest; follow-up ceased at emigration from Denmark or end of study. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated and Cox's proportional hazards models were used to understand the relative risk (RR) of disease. RESULTS: The IRs for VTE among patients with PWS was 144 (60-347) per 100 000 person-years. Risks for VTE events and all-cause mortality were 9.4 times (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.7-23.5) and 11.0 times (95% CI: 5.7-21.1) higher, respectively, for patients with PWS versus the general population. Increased risks were also found individually for deep venous thromboses (DVTs) (RR: 9.1; 95% CI: 3.2-25.2), pulmonary embolisms (RR: 11.0; 95% CI: 1.4-86.9), myocardial infarction (RR: 7.2; 95% CI: 1.7-30.2) and anxiety (RR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.0-7.5). No cases of pulmonary hypertension, sleep apnea or depressive disorders were identified within this PWS cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple cardiovascular and behavioral illnesses are more likely to occur among patients with PWS than within the general population. These increased risks may provide an impetus for enhanced disease prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Controlled Asymmetry of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Steering with an Injected Nondegenerate Optical Parametric Oscillator.

We propose and analyze a nonlinear optical apparatus in which the direction of asymmetric steering is controllable within the apparatus, rather than by adding noise to measurements. Using a nondegenerate parametric oscillator with an injected signal field, we show how the directionality and extent of the steering can be readily controlled for output modes that can be up to one octave apart. The two down-converted modes, which exhibit the greater violations of the steering inequalities, can also be controlled to exhibit asymmetric steering in some regimes.

The DanCavas Pilot Study of Multifaceted Screening for Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Men and Women Aged 65-74 Years.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: This pilot study of a large population based randomised screening trial investigated feasibility, acceptability, and relevance (prevalence of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease [CVD] and proportion receiving insufficient prevention) of a multifaceted screening for CVD. METHODS: In total, 2060 randomly selected Danish men and women aged 65-74 years were offered (i) low dose non-contrast computed tomography to detect coronary artery calcification (CAC) and aortic/iliac aneurysms; (ii) detection of atrial fibrillation (AF); (iii) brachial and ankle blood pressure measurements; and (iv) blood levels of cholesterol and hemoglobin A1c. Web based self booking and data management was used to reduce the administrative burden. RESULTS: Attendance rates were 64.9% (n = 678) and 63.0% (n = 640) for men and women, respectively. In total, 39.7% received a recommendation for medical preventive actions. Prevalence of aneurysms was 12.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.9-14.9) in men and 1.1% (95% CI 0.3-1.9) in women, respectively (p < .001). A CAC score > 400 was found in 37.8% of men and 11.3% of women (p < .001), along with a significant increase in median CAC score with age (p = .03). Peripheral arterial disease was more prevalent in men (18.8%, 95% CI 15.8-21.8) than in women (11.2%, 95% CI 8.7-13.6). No significant differences between the sexes were found with regard to newly discovered AF (men 1.3%, women 0.5%), potential hypertension (men 9.7%, women 11.5%), hypercholesterolemia (men 0.9%, women 1.1%) or diabetes mellitus (men 2.1%, women 1.3%). CONCLUSION: Owing to the higher prevalence of severe conditions, such as aneurysms and CAC ≥ 400, screening for CVD seemed more prudent in men than women. The attendance rates were acceptable compared with other screening programs and the logistical structure of the screening program proved successful.

Gatemon Benchmarking and Two-Qubit Operations.

Recent experiments have demonstrated superconducting transmon qubits with semiconductor nanowire Josephson junctions. These hybrid gatemon qubits utilize field effect tunability characteristic of semiconductors to allow complete qubit control using gate voltages, potentially a technological advantage over conventional flux-controlled transmons. Here, we present experiments with a two-qubit gatemon circuit. We characterize qubit coherence and stability and use randomized benchmarking to demonstrate single-qubit gate errors below 0.7% for all gates, including voltage-controlled Z rotations. We show coherent capacitive coupling between two gatemons and coherent swap operations. Finally, we perform a two-qubit controlled-phase gate with an estimated fidelity of 91%, demonstrating the potential of gatemon qubits for building scalable quantum processors.

Genetic structure of West Greenland populations of lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus.

In this study, 11 microsatellite markers were used to determine the structure of West Greenlandic lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus populations across six spawning locations spanning >1500 km and compared with neighbouring populations in Canada and Iceland. To evaluate whether data allow for identification of origin of C. lumpus in Greenlandic waters, genetic assignment analysis was performed for 86 C. lumpus sampled on a feeding migration. Significant structuring with isolation by distance was observed in the West Greenland samples and two major subpopulations, north and south, were suggested. Based on FST values, closer relationships were observed between Greenland and Canada, than Greenland and Iceland. Surprisingly, the North Greenland population showed more similarities with Canadian samples, than did the geographically closer south-west Greenland population. Origin could be assigned for a high proportion of non-spawning fish and demonstrated a marked east-west spatial separation of fish of Greenlandic and Icelandic genotypes.

Who are the cancer survivors? A nationwide study in Denmark, 1943-2010.

BACKGROUND: No nationwide studies on social position and prevalence of comorbidity among cancer survivors exist. METHODS: We performed a nationwide prevalence study defining persons diagnosed with cancer 1943-2010 and alive on the census date 1 January 2011 as cancer survivors. Comorbidity was compared by social position with the non-cancer population. RESULTS: Cancer survivors composed 4% of the Danish population. Somatic comorbidity was more likely among survivors (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.57-1.60) and associated with higher age, male sex, short education, and living alone among survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Among cancer survivors, comorbidity is common and highly associated with social position.

Lipid-based nutrient supplements do not affect efavirenz but lower plasma nevirapine concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV patients.

OBJECTIVES: Lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) are increasingly used in HIV programmes in resource-limited settings. However, the possible effects of LNSs on the plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs have not been assessed. Here, we aimed to assess the effects of LNSs on plasma efavirenz and nevirapine trough concentrations in Ethiopian adult HIV-infected patients. METHODS: The effects of LNSs were studied in adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a randomized trial. Patients with body mass index (BMI) > 17 kg/m(2) (n = 282) received daily supplementation of an LNS containing whey (LNS/w), an LNS containing soy (LNS/s) or no LNS. Trough plasma concentrations of efavirenz and nevirapine were measured at 1 and 2 months. Genotyping for 516 G>T and 983 T>C polymorphisms of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 locus was performed. Multilevel linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between LNS and plasma efavirenz and nevirapine concentrations. RESULTS: In patients with BMI > 17 kg/m(2), nevirapine concentrations were lower in the LNS/w and LNS/s groups by a median of -2.3 µg/mL [interquartile range (IQR) -3.9; -0.9 µg/mL; P = 0.002] and -2.1 µg/mL (IQR -3.9; -0.9 µg/mL; P = 0.01), respectively, compared with the group not receiving supplements. There were no differences between groups with respect to efavirenz plasma concentrations. The CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism was associated with a 5 µg/mL higher plasma efavirenz concentration compared with the wild type (P < 0.0001), while it was not associated with plasma nevirapine concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Intake of an LNS was associated with lower plasma nevirapine trough concentrations, indicating possible drug-LNS interactions. The clinical relevance of such reductions in nevirapine exposure is not clear. Plasma efavirenz concentration was not affected by the LNS.