Dioxin-like Activity in Pregnant Women and Indices of Fetal Growth: The ACCEPT Birth Cohort

Exposure to lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (lipPOPs) elicits a number of species- and tissue-specific toxic responses, many of which involve the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). This study aims to measure the combined serum dioxin-like activity of lipPOPs in Greenlandic Inuit pregnant women and the associations with fetal growth indices. The combined dioxin-like activity of serum lipPOPs extracts was determined using the AhR reporter gene bioassay and expressed as pico-gram (pg) TCDD equivalent (TEQ) per gram serum lipid [AhR-TEQ (pg/g lipid)]. Significant AhR-TEQ was found in > 87% of serum samples with the median level of 86.2 pg TEQ/g lipid. The AhR-TEQ level positively correlated with the marine food intake biomarker n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio, while negatively correlated with body mass index and parity. Women giving birth to infants with low birth weight (<2500 g) and length (<50 cm) had higher AhR-TEQ level compared to those with normal weight and length infants. For previous smokers, we found significant inverse associations between maternal AhR-TEQ level and fetal growth indices. In conclusion, exposure of Greenlandic Inuit pregnant women to dioxin-like compounds through traditional marine food can adversely influence the fetal growth via induced AhR activity. Smoking might have modifying effects.

Environmental and Biological Monitoring of Organochlorine Pesticides in the City of Salamanca, Mexico

The former Tekchem Industrial Unit located in the city of Salamanca, Mexico, constitutes an environmental liability in which the presence of high levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has been reported. In the present study, levels of OCPs were quantified using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry in 52 soil samples and in 88 blood samples from school-age children in the city of Salamanca. A median concentration of 70.6 ng/g (6.93 - 3276) was obtained for total OCPs in soil, while for the total sum of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) the value was 49.6 ng/g (6.93 - 3276). In children, the median level of the total sum of OCPs was 390 ng/g lipid (7.34 - 14895), and for the total sum of DDT was 175 ng/g lipid (<LOD - 14802). The OCPs that resulted in highest concentrations in soil were DDT and its metabolites, as well as aldrin and heptachlor epoxide; while in blood the highest levels corresponded to 4,4’-DDT and its metabolites, followed by heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. The spatial distribution of the concentrations of OCPs in soil shows that the facilities of Teckchem may be a significant potential source for the dispersion of these compounds towards the metropolitan area of Salamanca. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate the presence of OCPs in soil and in child population, providing important bases to study the problem from a broader perspective, while reiterating the importance of continuing efforts to generate resolute and precautionary measures with respect to the environmental liability of Tekchem.

Cord blood microRNA-376c and microRNA-1268a as biomarkers for neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy: a diagnostic accuracy study

BackgroundHypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates. There is a critical need for non-invasive novel biomarkers to detect HIE early, predict its outcomes and monitor its progression. We conducted this observational study to assess the relative expression of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a in cord blood as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HIE.MethodsA total of 100 neonates divided into two independent groups were included. The case group included 50 neonates with HIE, while the control group included 50 matched healthy neonates. Relative expressions of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a were measured in whole cord blood at birth using real-time PCR.ResultsCompared with the control group, patients with HIE had a significantly lower median level of miRNA-376c (0.168, IQR=0.011–0.411 vs 1, IQR=0.80–1.20) and a higher median level of miRNA-1268a (13.46, IQR=2.7–22.8 vs 1, IQR=0.4–1.6). Comparing neonates with HIE who survived versus those who did not survive, no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a (p=0.124 and p=0.279) was elicited. Our diagnostic analysis showed that, at 0.90 points, miRNA-376c has a sensitivity and a specificity of 88% and 68.40%, with an area under the curve of 84%. At 2.70 points, miRNA-1268a has a sensitivity and a specificity of 76% and 100%, with an area under the curve of 96%.ConclusionThe relative expression of miRNA-376c and miRNA-1268a was altered in the cord blood of neonates with HIE. In addition, they have moderate diagnostic accuracy in detecting HIE.

Scrutiny on Indonesian EFL Teachers’ Willingness to Understand and Implement the TPACK in VLE

During this pandemic, all countries focused on the issue of transforming the education system, media, teaching strategies, and materials, from face-to-face teaching and learning to teach in a Virtual Environment (TVE)-based, including in Indonesia. However, this sudden change of situation made all education systems change in a hurry. The fact that English teachers are more proficient at applying their content and pedagogical knowledge than technological knowledge makes this study aim to determine how willing teachers are to add and apply their TPACK, particularly in TVE at the moment, and also to reveal the effect of willingness to increase TPACK with a willingness to apply TPACK. The respondents in this survey were 43 EFL teachers. The instrument used in collecting data is a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, normality and homogeneity tests, and independent t-tests were used in the quantitative data analysis. The data shows that most Indonesian EFL teachers are at the median level of readiness to learn and practice TPACK. However, there is no relationship between willingness to understand and willingness to apply TPACK among English teachers. This finding influences the perspective of educators and researchers on how external pressures need to be reduced and teachers in Indonesia to need internal motivation towards technology-based education.

The Relationship between Haemodialysis Procedures and Interleukin-6 Levels in Regular Hemodialysis Patients in Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is kidney damage characterized by the presence of protein in the urine or a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). CKD is a global problem throughout the world, including Indonesia, which requires special attention. IL-6 is known to play a role in regulating hemostatic functions, including glucose metabolism, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, influencing mood, fatigue, depression, and hematopoiesis. As an inflammatory cytokine, IL-6 is an inflammatory mediator that most plays a role in various conditions, such as infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. In CKD patients undergoing dialysis (HD), elevated serum IL-6 levels beginning from the start of the treatment is a strong predictor of mortality. The study aimed to determine the association between hemodialysis procedures and interleukin-6 levels in regular hemodialysis CKD patients in Haji Adam Malik Central General Hospital. Methods: This is an analytical study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 20 study subjects met the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, underwent history taking, physical examination, anthropometry, and laboratory examination to measure hemoglobin, creatinine, albumin, and IL-6 levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Results: The median level of IL-6 before hemodialysis was 10.39 pg/mL with the lowest level and the highest level being 1.50 – 74.79 pg/mL, the median level of IL-6 after hemodialysis was 29.13 pg/mL with the lowest level and the lowest level. the highest is 2.11 – 316.20 pg/mL. Based on the results of the analysis, the levels of IL-6 after hemodialysis were higher than the levels of IL-6 before hemodialysis, there was a statistically significant relationship between regular hemodialysis and interleukin-6 levels before and after in patients with kidney disease. Conclusion: Regular hemodialysis and interleukin-6 levels have a statistically significant relationship before and after hemodialysis in CKD patients. Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; haemodialysis; interleukin-6.

Leptin, Obesity Parameters, and Atopy Among Children with Asthma

Leptin, as a major adipokine, positively correlates with the body’s fat, while atopy is an important feature in the development of childhood asthma. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between leptin, parameters of obesity, and atopy in children with asthma. The study included 112 children (73 boys, 39 girls, mean age 11.1±2.4). 41 were overweight, 38 had asthma and a normal body mass index (BMI), and 33 were overweight asthmatics. Serum leptin levels, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist to hips ratio (WHR) were measured. Skin prick test (SPT)/CAP, total serum IgE, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and pulmonary function tests were performed. In asthmatic children, serum leptin median level was 9.2±16.2 ng/ml, in overweight children was 30.6±21.6 ng/ml, and in overweight asthmatics was 31.1±20.3 ng/ml with a significant difference between the groups (p=0.0374), yet with a significantly lower median level in the group of children with asthma compared to the overweight children: with asthma (p=0.00001) and without asthma (p=0.00001). In the three groups of patients, BMI and WC displayed a significant positive correlation with leptin (for BMI r=0.652 vs. r=0.530 vs. r=0.563, respectively and for WC r=0.508 vs. r=0.426 vs. r=0.527, respectively). No significant correlations of leptin within atopy parameters (Eo, IgE, SPT/CAP, FeNO) in all three analyzed groups (p>0.05) was detected. Conclusion: Atopy was not confirmed as an underlying mechanism of the association between asthma and being overweight. Leptin had a significant linear correlation as a parameter of central obesity with BMI and WC in all three groups, but not with WHR.

Vitronectin (VTN): A Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) On Top Of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Related Diseases

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the most common form of primary liver cancer. Aim of the study to study the level of serum vitronectin (VTN) compared to AFP in diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma on top of HCV-related liver diseases. Patients and Methods This prospective observational study included a total number of 60 subjects who were divided into 4 groups: Group 1: include 10 normal persons. Group 2: included 10 patients who have Hepatitis C Virus infection. Group 3: included 20 cirrhotic patients. Group 4: included 20 patients with HCC (on top of hepatitis C virus related cirrhosis), in which we tested them for vitronectin before first intervention and after intervention within 3 months. Results The mean age of the cases showed high statistically significant difference between the study groups (P &lt; 0.001).There were a total number of 29 males and 31 females with significant difference in the sex distribution between the study groups. 80% of the cases in HCC group were males. This sex distribution can be attributed to high prevalence of risk factors like smoking, DM and HCV in males in addition to possible role of sex hormones. On analyzing laboratory characters of the studied groups, we found statistically significant difference between cirrhosis group and non-cirrhotic groups with low platelets count, high serum creatinine, high INR, lower serum albumin, high bilirubin and higher AST. The median level of AFP in group 4 (HCC patients) was 110 IU/ml which was higher than its median value in the other study groups with high level of significance between the study groups. The median level of vitronectin levels in the different study groups didn’t reveal a statistically significant difference between the different study groups. Serum level of vitronectin in group 3 (cirrhotic patients) has no statistically significant difference between the three subgroups according to child's classification. By the analysis of serum level of AFP and vitronectin level in group IV (HCC patients) before and after treatment, the median level of AFP was significantly lower than its level before intervention, while the decrease in vitronectin level was statistically insignificant after intervention. Conclusions Chronic HCV infection and its serious complicatons specially HCC are still representing a health challenge in Egypt, reflecting wide HCV prevalence and late diagnosis. Serum AFP alone has an unreliable role in HCC surveillance as it has low sensitivity because it may be normal in up to 40% of HCC cases especially early stages of the tumor, and low specificity as its levels may be elevated in conditions other than HCC as cirrhosis or exacerbation of chronic hepatitis or even in some cases of cholangiocarcinoma. AFP is useful in clinical practice in screening and diagnosis of HCC in association with US and CT. According to our study, we can't use Vitronectin alone in diagnosis and prognosis of HCC on top of cirrhosis related to HCV +ve infection. It didn’t reveal a statistically significant difference between the different study groups ,so it may require further study and research.

ABX464 decreases the total HIV reservoir and HIV transcription initiation in CD4 + T cells from HIV-infected ART-suppressed individuals

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) intensification and disruption of latency have been suggested as strategies to eradicate HIV. ABX464 is a novel antiviral that inhibits HIV RNA biogenesis. We investigated the effect of ABX464 on HIV transcription and total and intact HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells from ART-suppressed participants enrolled in the ABIVAX-005 clinical trial (NCT02990325). Methods Peripheral CD4 + T cells were available for analysis from nine ART-suppressed participants who were treated daily with 150mg of ABX464 for 4 weeks. Total and intact HIV DNA, and initiated, 5’elongated, unspliced, polyadenylated and multiply-spliced HIV transcripts, were quantified at weeks 0, 4 and 8 using droplet digital PCR. Results We observed a significant decrease in total HIV DNA (p=0.008, median fold-change=0.8) and a lower median level of intact HIV DNA (p=n.s., median fold-change=0.8) after ABX464 treatment (wk 0 vs. 4). Moreover, we observed a decrease in initiated HIV RNA per million CD4 + T cells and per provirus (p=0.05, median fold-change=0.7; p=0.004, median fold-change=0.5, respectively), a trend towards a decrease in the 5’elongated HIV RNA per provirus (p=0.07, median fold-change=0.5), and a lower median level of unspliced HIV RNA (p=n.s., median fold-change=0.6), but no decrease in polyadenylated or multiply-spliced HIV RNA. Conclusion In this substudy, ABX464 had a dual effect of decreasing total HIV DNA (and possibly intact proviruses) and decreasing the amount of HIV transcription per provirus. To further characterize its specific mechanism of inhibiting HIV transcription, long-term administration of ABX464 should be studied in a larger cohort.

Pain induced by investigations and procedures commonly administered to older adults in the emergency department: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the level of pain induced by common interventions performed in older adults consulting to the ED.MethodsWe conducted a prospective multicentre observational cohort study in two academic EDs (Quebec City, Canada) between June 2018 and December 2019. A convenience sample of well-oriented and haemodynamically stable older adults (≥65 years old) who underwent at least two interventions during their ED stay was recruited. The level of pain was assessed using an 11-point Numerous Rating Scale (NRS) and is presented using median and IQR or categorised as no pain (0), mild (1–3), moderate (4–6) or severe pain (7–10).ResultsA total of 318 patients were included. The mean age was 77.8±8.0 years old and 54.4% were female . The number of pain assessments per intervention ranged between 22 (urinary catheterisation) and 240 (intravenous catheter). All imaging investigations (X-rays, CT and bedside ultrasound) were associated with a median level of pain of 0. The median level of pain for other interventions was as follows: blood samplings (n=231, NRS 1 (IQR 0–3)), intravenous catheters (n=240, NRS 2 (IQR 0–4)), urinary catheterisations (n=22, NRS 4.5 (IQR 2–6)), cervical collars (n=50, NRS 5 (IQR 0–8)) and immobilisation mattresses (n=34, NRS 5 (IQR 0–8)). Urinary catheterisations (63.8%), cervical collars (56.0%) and immobilisation mattresses (52.9%) frequently induced moderate or severe pain.ConclusionsMost interventions administered to older adults in the ED are associated with no or low pain intensity. However, urinary catheterisation and spinal motion restriction devices are frequently associated with moderate or severe pain.

Interest in long-acting injectable buprenorphine among syringe services program participants

Objective: To examine syringe services program (SSP) participants’ interest in long-acting injectable buprenorphine.Design: SSP participants completed a 136-item questionnaire by phone. Items assessed quantitative ratings of interest in sublingual and injectable buprenorphine, preference for sublingual versus injectable buprenorphine, and reasons for preferences.Setting: Two large urban SSPs.Participants: SSP participants ≥18 years of age with current or lifetime opioid use disorder (OUD).Main outcome measure(s): (1) Interest in sublingual and injectable buprenorphine, respectively, on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no interest and 10 = high interest); and (2) preference for sublingual buprenorphine versus injectable buprenorphine. Participants were also asked whether they agreed with statements that presented potential reasons for preferring each formulation.Results: A total of 104 unique participants were interviewed, of which 72 (69 percent) were currently receiving or considering buprenorphine treatment. Among these 72 participants, the median level of interest in starting or continuing sublingual buprenorphine was 8 out of 10 (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-10) and in starting injectable buprenorphine was 5 out of 10 (IQR: 1-9). Thirty-six (50 percent) preferred sublingual, 27 (38 percent) preferred injectable, and 9 (13 percent) preferred neither or declined to answer. Participants who preferred injectable buprenorphine most commonly agreed that the convenience of the monthly injection was the reason for their preference.Conclusions: Among SSP participants with OUD, we found moderate interest in injectable buprenorphine. Introducing this new form of buprenorphine treatment at SSPs could help meet the needs of individuals who are not well-served by standard OUD treatment models.