Comparisons of serum vitamin d levels, status, and determinants in populations with and without chronic kidney disease not requiring renal dialysis: a 24-hour urine collection population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in the general population and might be even more prevalent among populations with kidney failure. We compared serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency status, and vitamin D level determinants in populations without chronic kidney disease (CKD) and with CKD not requiring renal dialysis. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter, population-based study conducted from 2010 to 2011. Participants were from 10 centers that represent the geographical and cultural diversity of the Swiss adult population (≥15 years old). INTERVENTION: CKD was defined using estimated glomerular filtration rate and 24-hour albuminuria. Serum vitamin D was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical procedures adapted for survey data were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We compared 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL) in participants with and without CKD. We tested the interaction of CKD status with 6 a priori defined attributes (age, sex, body mass index, walking activity, serum albumin-corrected calcium, and altitude) on serum vitamin D level or insufficiency/deficiency status taking into account potential confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 11.8% (135 of 1,145) participants had CKD. The 25(OH)D adjusted means (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 23.1 (22.6-23.7) and 23.5 (21.7-25.3) ng/mL in participants without and with CKD, respectively (P = .70). Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was frequent among participants without and with CKD (75.3% [95% CI 69.3-81.5] and 69.1 [95% CI 53.9-86.1], P = .054). CKD status did not interact with major determinants of vitamin D, including age, sex, BMI, walking minutes, serum albumin-corrected calcium, or altitude for its effect on vitamin D status or levels. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D concentration and insufficiency/deficiency status are similar in people with or without CKD not requiring renal dialysis.

Levels of PSP toxins in bivalves exposed to natural blooms of Alexandrium minutum in Catalan harbours

The development, validation, comparison and evaluation of analytical methods for marine toxins rely on the availability of toxic material. Within the project JACUMAR PSP, our interest is mainly focused on autochthonous bivalve species with the toxic profile of Alexandrium minutum, since this is the principal species involved regionally in PSP outbreaks. Mussels and oysters were exposed during few days in the harbor of Vilanova i la Geltrú, to blooms reaching a maximum A. minutum concentration of 200,000 cells L-1 in 2008, and 40,000 and 800,000 cells L-1, in 2009. Mussels, oysters and clams were exposed to one bloom of 22,000 cells L-1 in the harbor of Cambrils in 2009. In all situations higher toxic levels analyzed by HPLC-FD with postcolumn oxidation were observed in mussels (i.e. 1,200-2,500 μg eq. STX kg-1) than in oysters (i.e. 60-800 μg eq. STX kg-1) exposed to the same bloom. Blooms with higher concentrations of A. minutum did not correspond to higher levels of PSP toxins in bivalves. These differences may be explained by differences in A. minutum population dynamics, toxin production or in the physiological state or behaviour of shellfish. These results confirm that mussels concentrate more PSP toxins from A. minutum than oysters and clams.

Assessment of particulate exposure and surface characteristics in association with urinary levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, considered as marker of oxidative stress

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that exposure to fine particles is associated to adverse health effects, including cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, mechanisms by which particles induce health effects remain unclear. According to one of the most investigated hypotheses, particles cause adverse effects through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are very hazardous compounds able to attack directly biological structures, including the DNA strand or the lipid bilayer of the cells. If the defense mechanisms, constituted of antioxidants, are not able to counter ROS, then these compounds will cause in the body a range of oxidation reactions called "oxidative stress". The aim of the present research project was to better understand mechanisms by which exposure to fine particles induces oxidative stress. The first point of this project was to check whether exposure to high levels of fine particles is directly linked to oxidative stress, and whether this oxidative stress is accompanied by the activation of the defense mechanisms (antioxidants). The second point was to study the role played by the particle surface characteristics in the oxidative stress process. For that purpose, a study was conducted in bus depots with the participation of 40 mechanics. First, occupational exposure to particles (PM4) and to other pollutants (NOx, O3) was measured over a two-day period. Then, urine samples of mechanics were collected in order to measure levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and antioxidants. 8OHdG is a molecule formed by the oxidation of DNA and allowing to assess the oxidative stress status of the mechanics. Finally, particles were collected on filters, and functional groups located on the particle surface were analyzed in the laboratory using a Knudsen flow reactor. This technique allows not only to quantify functional groups on the particle surface, but also to measure the reaction kinetics. Results obtained during the field campaign in bus depots showed that mechanics were exposed to rather low levels of PM4 (20-85 μg/m3) and of pollutants (NOx: 100-1000 ppb; O3: <15 ppb). However, despite this low exposure, urinary levels of the oxidative stress biomarker (8OHdG) increased significantly for non-smoking workers over a two-day period of shift. This oxidative stress was accompanied by an increase of antioxidants, indicating the activation of defense mechanisms. On the other hand, the analysis of functional groups on the particle surface showed important differences, depending on the workplace, the date and the activities of workers. The particle surface contained simultaneously antagonistic functional groups which did not undergo internal reactions (such as acids and bases), and was usually characterized by a high density of carbonyl functions and a low density of acidic sites. Reaction kinetics measured using the Knudsen flow reactor pointed out fast reactions of oxidizable groups and slow reactions of acidic sites. Several exposure parameters were significantly correlated with the increase of the oxidative stress status: the presence of acidic sites, carbonyl functions and oxidizable groups on the particle surface; reaction kinetics of functional groups on the particle surface; particulate iron and copper concentrations; and NOx concentration.

Impaired antibody memory to varicella zoster virus in HIV-infected children: low antibody levels and avidity*.

OBJECTIVE: HIV-infected children have impaired antibody responses after exposure to certain antigens. Our aim was to determine whether HIV-infected children had lower varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibody levels compared with HIV-infected adults or healthy children and, if so, whether this was attributable to an impaired primary response, accelerated antibody loss, or failure to reactivate the memory VZV response. METHODS: In a prospective, cross-sectional and retrospective longitudinal study, we compared antibody responses, measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), elicited by VZV infection in 97 HIV-infected children and 78 HIV-infected adults treated with antiretroviral therapy, followed over 10 years, and 97 age-matched healthy children. We also tested antibody avidity in HIV-infected and healthy children. RESULTS: Median anti-VZV immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were lower in HIV-infected children than in adults (264 vs. 1535 IU/L; P<0.001) and levels became more frequently unprotective over time in the children [odds ratio (OR) 17.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.36-72.25; P<0.001]. High HIV viral load was predictive of VZV antibody waning in HIV-infected children. Anti-VZV antibodies did not decline more rapidly in HIV-infected children than in adults. Antibody levels increased with age in healthy (P=0.004) but not in HIV-infected children. Thus, antibody levels were lower in HIV-infected than in healthy children (median 1151 IU/L; P<0.001). Antibody avidity was lower in HIV-infected than healthy children (P<0.001). A direct correlation between anti-VZV IgG level and avidity was present in HIV-infected children (P=0.001), but not in healthy children. CONCLUSION: Failure to maintain anti-VZV IgG levels in HIV-infected children results from failure to reactivate memory responses. Further studies are required to investigate long-term protection and the potential benefits of immunization.

Relationship of imatinib-free plasma levels and target genotype with efficacy and tolerability

Imatinib has revolutionised the treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Using a nonlinear mixed effects population model, individual estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters were derived and used to estimate imatinib exposure (area under the curve, AUC) in 58 patients. Plasma-free concentration was deduced from a model incorporating plasma levels of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein. Associations between AUC (or clearance) and response or incidence of side effects were explored by logistic regression analysis. Influence of KIT genotype was also assessed in GIST patients. Both total (in GIST) and free drug exposure (in CML and GIST) correlated with the occurrence and number of side effects (e.g. odds ratio 2.7+/-0.6 for a two-fold free AUC increase in GIST; P<0.001). Higher free AUC also predicted a higher probability of therapeutic response in GIST (odds ratio 2.6+/-1.1; P=0.026) when taking into account tumour KIT genotype (strongest association in patients harbouring exon 9 mutation or wild-type KIT, known to decrease tumour sensitivity towards imatinib). In CML, no straightforward concentration-response relationships were obtained. Our findings represent additional arguments to further evaluate the usefulness of individualizing imatinib prescription based on a therapeutic drug monitoring programme, possibly associated with target genotype profiling of patients.

Efficacy of elevated levels of a Citrobacter braakii phytase in turkey poult diets

The efficacy of elevated levels of RONOZYME® HiPhos was assessed for turkey poults fed a low-P corn/SBM-based diet with an estimated 0.25% phytate

Effects of recommended levels of physical activity on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the relation between recommended levels of physical activity during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an observational study with energy expenditure, aerobic fitness, and sleeping heart rate measured in 44 healthy women in late pregnancy. Medical records were examined for pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: Active women, who engaged in > or = 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, had significantly better fitness and lower sleeping heart rate compared to the inactive. Duration of second stage of labor was 88 and 146 minutes in the active vs inactive women, respectively (P = .05). Crude odds ratio of operative delivery in the inactive vs the active was 3.7 (95% confidence interval, 0.87-16.08). Birthweight, maternal weight gain, and parity adjusted odds ratio was 7.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-45.8). Neonatal condition and other obstetric outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Active women have better aerobic fitness as compared to inactive women. The risk for operative delivery is lower in active women compared to inactive, when controlled for birthweight, maternal weight gain, and parity. Further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm the association between physical activity and pregnancy outcomes.

Steady state plasma levels of the enantiomers of trimipramine and of its metabolites in CYP2D6-, CYP2C19- and CYP3A4/5-phenotyped patients.

Steady state plasma concentrations of the (L)- and (D)-enantiomers of trimipramine (TRI), desmethyltrimipramine (DTRI), 2-hydroxytrimipramine (TRIOH) and 2-hydroxydesmethyl-trimipramine (DTRIOH) were measured in 27 patients receiving between 300 and 400 mg/day racemic TRI. The patients were phenotyped with dextromethorphan and mephenytoin, and the 8-hour urinary ratios of dextromethorphan/dextrorphan, dextromethorphan/3-methoxymorphinan, and (S)-mephenytoin/(R)mephenytoin were used as markers of cytochrome P-450IID6 (CYP2D6), CYP3A4/5 and CYP2C19 activities, respectively. One patient was a CYP2D6 and one was a CYP2C19 poor metabolizer. A stereoselectivity in the metabolism of TRI has been found, with a preferential N-demethylation of (D)-TRI and a preferential hydroxylation of (L)-TRI. CYP2D6 appears to be involved in the 2-hydroxylation of (L)-TRI, (L)DTRI and (D)-DTRI, but not of (D)-TRI, as significant correlations were measured between the dextromethorphan/dextrorphan ratios and the (L)-TRI/(L)-TRIOH (r = 0.45, p = 0.019), the (L)-DTRI/(L)-DTRIOH (r = 0.47, p = 0.014), and the (D)-DTRI/(D)-DTRIOH (r = 0.51, p = 0.006), but not with the (D)-TRI/(D)-TRIOH ratios (r = 0.29, NS). CYP2C19, but not CYP2D6, appears to be involved in the demethylation pathway, with a stereoselectivity toward the (D)-enantiomer of TRI, as a significant positive correlation was calculated between the mephenytoin (S)/(R) ratios and the concentrations to dose-to-weight ratios of (D)-TRI (r = 0.69, p = 0.00006). CYP3A4/5 appears to be involved in the metabolism of (L)-TRI to a presently not determined metabolite. The CYP2D6 poor metabolizer had the highest (L)-DTRI and (D)-DTRI concentrations to dose-to-weight ratios, and the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer had the highest (L)-TRI and (D)-TRI concentrations to dose-to-weight ratios of the group.

The relevance of the Laplacian of intracule and extracule density distributions for analyzing electron-electron interactions in molecules

A topological analysis of intracule and extracule densities and their Laplacians computed within the Hartree-Fock approximation is presented. The analysis of the density distributions reveals that among all possible electron-electron interactions in atoms and between atoms in molecules only very few are located rigorously as local maxima. In contrast, they are clearly identified as local minima in the topology of Laplacian maps. The conceptually different interpretation of intracule and extracule maps is also discussed in detail. An application example to the C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6 series of molecules is presented

Whole-Body Vibration Training Elevates Creatine-Kinase Levels in Sedentary Subjects

METHODS: 20 inactive (10 male, 10 female) underwent a single typical WBV session, with a total of 27 minutes of exercise on an oscillating platform at 26 Hz, involving upper and lower body muscles. Each exercise lasted 90 seconds, with 40 seconds pauses inbetween. Muscle enzymes (CK, transaminase, LDH, troponin I) were measured before, at 24, 48 and 96 hours post exercise. Lactate was measured immediately after the session. Muscle aches were assessed during 4 days post-exercise.RESULTS: Subjects' mean age was 23.0 ± 3.5 (male), 22.4 ± 1.4 (female), BMI 22.8 ± 2.3 and 22.1 ± 1.9, and all had been inactive for at least 12 months. Post exercise lactatemia was 10.0 ± 2.4 and 6.9 ± 2.4. CK elevation was significant (at least doubling of baseline values) in 1 male and 4 female subjects, while they remained at baseline values for the remaining 15 subjects. One female subject peaked at 3520 U/l at 96 hours post exercise, and all but one peaked at the same late time. Troponin and CK-MB never increased. No correlation was found between muscle soreness and CK levels.CONCLUSIONS: WBV can elicit important anaerobic processes reflected by the high lactacidemia, and CK elevation was significant in 25 % of subjects, peaking at the fourth day after exercise for 80 % of those. Such exercises should not be regarded as trivial and "easy" as they are advertised, since they can provoke important anaerobia and CK elevation. Many fragile patients or patients treated for cardiovascular disease could benefit from WBV but it is important to recognise these potential effects, especially in those treated with statins, known to cause a myopathy and CK elevation. Before considering a side effect of an important therapeutic agent, doctors should be aware of the possible interaction with not-so-harmless exercising machines.

Genomic organization and gene expression in a chromosomal region of Leishmania major.

Little is known about the relation between the genome organization and gene expression in Leishmania. Bioinformatic analysis can be used to predict genes and find homologies with known proteins. A model was proposed, in which genes are organized into large clusters and transcribed from only one strand, in the form of large polycistronic primary transcripts. To verify the validity of this model, we studied gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and translational levels in a unique locus of 34kb located on chr27 and represented by cosmid L979. Sequence analysis revealed 115 ORFs on either DNA strand. Using computer programs developed for Leishmania genes, only nine of these ORFs, localized on the same strand, were predicted to code for proteins, some of which show homologies with known proteins. Additionally, one pseudogene, was identified. We verified the biological relevance of these predictions. mRNAs from nine predicted genes and proteins from seven were detected. Nuclear run-on analyses confirmed that the top strand is transcribed by RNA polymerase II and suggested that there is no polymerase entry site. Low levels of transcription were detected in regions of the bottom strand and stable transcripts were identified for four ORFs on this strand not predicted to be protein-coding. In conclusion, the transcriptional organization of the Leishmania genome is complex, raising the possibility that computer predictions may not be comprehensive.