Increase in fine sediments in freshwater resulting from anthropogenic development is a potential stressor for fish and thus may cause population declines. Though a large body of literature exists on ...the topic, there have been few attempts to synthesize this information in a quantitative manner. Through meta-analysis we investigated the effects of sediment in lotic environments on resident ichthyofauna using ecologically-relevant endpoints for tolerant (e.g., northern pike Esox lucius) and intolerant (e.g., brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis) species. Further, the efficiency of sediment-control devices was explored to inform mitigation measures. An increase in suspended and deposited sediments was demonstrated to have a negative effect on all parameters and tolerances tested (feeding behavior feeding rate, reaction distance to food item; spawning success survival of fry to eyed stage, fry emergence; species richness; P < 0.001) except fish abundance (P = 0.058). Heterogeneity between studies was a factor in all analyses. Although there were insufficient studies to conduct meta-analysis on sediment-control devices, weighted percent efficiency estimates revealed that properly installed sediment-control fences tended to have a higher percent efficiency (73–80%) than sediment traps and basins (40–52%). These results highlight the negative impact that increases in suspended and deposited sediments can have on resident fishes from the individual to the population, and the need for more transparent and thorough statistical reporting. The analysis also identifies a clear need for rigorous experimental studies contrasting different sediment-control devices and strategies given that little such work has been published. That alone is remarkable given that sediment-control devices are often a requirement of regulators for riparian development activities, yet the evidence to support the effectiveness of the primary mitigative strategies is weak.
•Meta-analyses find negative effect of sediment on fish feeding, embryo development.•No effect found for fish abundance.•Sediment-control fences found to be more efficient than traps and basins.•Sediment-control devices rarely tested in peer review – implications for management discussed.
The adenylate cyclase type 9 (ADCY9) gene appears to determine atherosclerotic outcomes in patients treated with dalcetrapib. In mice, we recently demonstrated that Adcy9 inactivation potentiates ...endothelial function and inhibits atherogenesis. The objective of this study was to characterize the contribution of ADCY9 to the regulation of endothelial signalling pathways involved in atherosclerosis.
We show that ADCY9 is expressed in the endothelium of mouse aorta and femoral arteries. We demonstrate that ADCY9 inactivation in cultured endothelial cells paradoxically increases cAMP accumulation in response to the adenylate cyclase activators forskolin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Reciprocally, ADCY9 overexpression decreases cAMP production. Using mouse femoral artery arteriography, we show that Adcy9 inactivation potentiates VIP-induced endothelial-dependent vasodilation. Moreover, Adcy9 inactivation reduces mouse atheroma endothelial permeability in different vascular beds. ADCY9 overexpression reduces forskolin-induced phosphorylation of Ser157-vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and worsens thrombin-induced fall of RAP1 activity, both leading to increased endothelial permeability. ADCY9 inactivation in thrombin-stimulated human coronary artery endothelial cells results in cAMP accumulation, increases p-Ser157-VASP, and inhibits endothelial permeability. MLC2 phosphorylation and actin stress fibre increases in response to thrombin were reduced by ADCY9 inactivation, suggesting actin cytoskeleton regulation. Finally, using the Miles assay, we demonstrate that Adcy9 regulates thrombin-induced endothelial permeability in vivo in normal and atherosclerotic animals.
Adcy9 is expressed in endothelial cells and regulates local cAMP and endothelial functions including permeability relevant to atherogenesis.
Traditional food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) are influenced by systematic error, but web-based FFQ (WEB-FFQs) may mitigate this source of error. The objective of this study was to compare the ...accuracy of interview-based and web-based FFQs to assess energy requirements (mERs). The mER was measured in a series of controlled feeding trials in which participants daily received all foods and caloric drinks to maintain stable body weight over 4 to 6 weeks. FFQs assessing dietary intakes and hence mean energy intake were either interviewer-administered by a registered dietitian (IA-FFQ,
= 127; control method) or self-administered using a web-based platform (WEB-FFQ,
= 200; test method), on a single occasion. Comparison between self-reported energy intake and mER revealed significant under-reporting with the IA-FFQ (-9.5%; 95% CI, -12.7 to -6.1) and with the WEB-FFQ (-11.0%; 95% CI, -15.4 to -6.4), but to a similar extent between FFQs (
= 0.62). However, a greater proportion of individuals were considered as accurate reporters of energy intake using the IA-FFQ compared with the WEB-FFQ (67.7% vs. 48.0%, respectively), while the prevalence of over-reporting was lower with the IA-FFQ than with the WEB-FFQ (6.3% vs. 17.5%, respectively). These results suggest less accurate prediction of true energy intake by a self-administered WEB-FFQ than with an IA-FFQ.
BACKGROUND:Heart disease is related to the etiology of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress.
OBJECTIVE:The goal of this scoping review was to determine which ...factors pose a significant risk for the onset of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress in patients with heart disease, as well as to identify what might protect them from these afflictions.
METHOD:We conducted a thorough search of relevant medical and psychological databases (Scopus, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Sage Journals, and MEDLINE) and identified 41 studies that met inclusion criteria, which included all types of heart disease.
RESULTS:The results of our review indicate that mental health history, the tendency to stifle negative emotional experiences (known as “type D personality”), and social support in patients with heart disease are related to the onset of or protection from depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. These factors, along with gender and younger age, seem to be relatively consistent predictors of mental health problems in this population.
CONCLUSIONS:As per our results, it is important for clinicians to attend to the mental health history, type D personality, and presence and quality of social support in patients with heart disease. More research into prevention and gender differences is necessary to hone the detection and treatment of these problems in people with heart disease.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:Attention to their mental health history, their ability to express and regulate affect, their age, and their gender will most likely assist in identifying symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress in people with cardiac disease. Gender differences, particularly in the manifestation of depression, ought to be taken into account.
To quantify site-specific costs and their association with survival without major morbidity (SWMM) in Canada for neonates <28 weeks of gestation admitted to large tertiary neonatal intensive care ...units.
We conducted a retrospective analysis of infants born at <28 weeks of gestation and admitted to Canadian Neonatal Network sites from 2010 through 2021. Sites that cared for at least 50 eligible infants by gestational age in weeks over the study period were included. Using a validated costing algorithm that assessed physician, nursing, respiratory therapy, diagnostic imaging, transfusions, procedural, medication, and certain indirect costs, we calculated site and resource-specific costs in 2017 Canadian dollars (CAD) and evaluated their relationship with SWMM.
Seven sites with 8180 (range 841-1605) eligible neonates with a mean (SD) gestation of 25.4 1.3 weeks were included. Survival to discharge or transfer was 85.3% with a mean (SD) length of stay of 75 (46) days. The mean (SD) total and daily costs per neonate varied between $94 992 ($60 283) and $174 438 ($130 501) CAD and $1833 ($916) to $2307 ($1281) CAD, respectively. Between sites, there was no relationship between costs and SWMM.
There was marked variation in costs and SWMM between sites in Canada with universal health care. The lack of concordance between both outcomes and costs among sites may provide possibilities for outcomes improvement and cost containment.
BACKGROUND:Pharmacogenomic studies have shown that ADCY9 genotype determines the effects of the CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein) inhibitor dalcetrapib on cardiovascular events and ...atherosclerosis imaging. The underlying mechanisms responsible for the interactions between ADCY9 and CETP activity have not yet been determined.
METHODS:Adcy9-inactivated (Adcy9) and wild-type (WT) mice, that were or not transgenic for the CETP gene (CETPtgAdcy9 and CETPtgAdcy9), were submitted to an atherogenic protocol (injection of an AAV8 adeno-associated virus serotype 8 expressing a PCSK9 proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 gain-of-function variant and 0.75% cholesterol diet for 16 weeks). Atherosclerosis, vasorelaxation, telemetry, and adipose tissue magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated.
RESULTS:Adcy9 mice had a 65% reduction in aortic atherosclerosis compared to WT (P<0.01). CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68)-positive macrophage accumulation and proliferation in plaques were reduced in Adcy9 mice compared to WT animals (P<0.05 for both). Femoral artery endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation was improved in Adcy9 mice (versus WT, P<0.01). Selective pharmacological blockade showed that the nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase, and endothelial-dependent hyperpolarization pathways were all responsible for the improvement of vasodilatation in Adcy9 (P<0.01 for all). Aortic endothelium from Adcy9 mice allowed significantly less adhesion of splenocytes compared to WT (P<0.05). Adcy9 mice gained more weight than WT with the atherogenic diet; this was associated with an increase in whole body adipose tissue volume (P<0.01 for both). Feed efficiency was increased in Adcy9 compared to WT mice (P<0.01), which was accompanied by prolonged cardiac RR interval (P<0.05) and improved nocturnal heart rate variability (P=0.0572). Adcy9 inactivation–induced effects on atherosclerosis, endothelial function, weight gain, adipose tissue volume, and feed efficiency were lost in CETPtgAdcy9 mice (P>0.05 versus CETPtgAdcy9).
CONCLUSIONS:Adcy9 inactivation protects against atherosclerosis, but only in the absence of CETP activity. This atheroprotection may be explained by decreased macrophage accumulation and proliferation in the arterial wall, and improved endothelial function and autonomic tone.
Highlights ► A vaccine formulation containing influenza NP and the PapMV VLPs provide protection to influenza infection. ► The increased affinity of PapMV VLPs for NP improves significantly the IgG2a ...titres to the NP. ► The increased affinity of the PapMV VLPs for NP improves significantly the IFN-γ secretion by T cells.
Introduction: Up to 50% of community-dwelling older adults report living with some chronic pain that interferes with their daily functioning and leads to disabilities. Hence, it is crucial to provide ...these individuals with strategies to effectively manage pain. An interdisciplinary approach is warranted considering the numerous factors contributing to pain among older adults. Although several studies have been conducted on various interdisciplinary pain self-management programs, little effort has been made to synthesize knowledge about such programs for older adults. Objective: The objective of this review was to synthesize the characteristics and effects of interdisciplinary chronic pain self-management interventions targeting community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the steps recommended by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010). Keyword searches were performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Results: Sixty-six articles were included. Most interventions were based on a cognitive-behavioral group approach and used a combination of modalities, including education and training on the use of self-management strategies. The professionals most frequently involved in group interventions were psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists. Several benefits of these programs have been reported concerning pain intensity, independence in daily functioning, mental health, and quality of life. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary chronic pain self-management programs appear promising in guiding clinical and rehabilitation interventions for older adults living with chronic pain.
Medical genetic services are facing an unprecedented demand for counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in a context of limited resources. To help resolve this issue, a ...collaborative oncogenetic model was recently developed and implemented at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval; Quebec; Canada. Here, we present the protocol of the C-MOnGene (Collaborative Model in OncoGenetics) study, funded to examine the context in which the model was implemented and document the lessons that can be learned to optimize the delivery of oncogenetic services. Within three years of implementation, the model allowed researchers to double the annual number of patients seen in genetic counseling. The average number of days between genetic counseling and disclosure of test results significantly decreased. Group counseling sessions improved participants’ understanding of breast cancer risk and increased knowledge of breast cancer and genetics and a large majority of them reported to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the process. These quality and performance indicators suggest this oncogenetic model offers a flexible, patient-centered and efficient genetic counseling and testing for HBOC. By identifying the critical facilitating factors and barriers, our study will provide an evidence base for organizations interested in transitioning to an oncogenetic model integrated into oncology care; including teams that are not specialized but are trained in genetics.
To investigate the association between change in body mass index (BMI) from birth to 36 weeks gestation (ΔBMI) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) among infants born <30 weeks gestation.
This was a ...multicenter retrospective cohort study (2015-2018) of infants born <30 weeks gestation and alive at ≥34 weeks corrected. Main exposure was a change in BMI z score from birth to 36 weeks corrected age grouped into quartiles of change. Association between ΔBMI z scores and BPD was assessed using generalized linear mixed models.
Among 772 included infants, 51% developed BPD. From birth to 36 weeks CGA, the weight z score of infants with BPD decreased less than for BPD-free infants, despite a greater decrease in length z score and similar caloric intake resulting in increases in BMI z score (median IQR, 0.16 -0.64; 1.03 vs -0.29 -1.03; 0.49; P < 0.01). In the adjusted analysis, higher ΔBMI z score quartiles were associated with higher odds of BPD (Q3 vs Q2, AOR 95% CI, 2.02 1.23; 3.31 and Q4 vs Q2, AOR 95% CI, 2.00 1.20; 3.34).
Among preterm infants, an increase in BMI z score from birth to 36 weeks corrected is associated with higher odds of BPD.
Preterm infants with evolving lung disease often experience disproportionate growth in the neonatal period. In this multicenter cohort study, increases in BMI z score from birth to 36 weeks CGA were associated with higher odds of BPD. Despite similar caloric intake, infants with BPD had a higher weight- but lower length-for-age, resulting in higher BMI z score compared to BPD-free infants. This suggests that infants with evolving BPD may require different growth and nutritional targets compared to BPD-free infants.