Evaluation of DNA damage induced by decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in hemocytes of Dreissena polymorpha using the comet and micronucleus assays

The recent widespread production and use of flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), is one of the reason of the increasing contamination observed worldwide. At the present, deca-BDE mixture, in which the decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is the major congener (98%), dominates the EU market. The potential genotoxicity of BDE-209 was examined in the freshwater bivalve zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) by means of Comet assay and micronucleus assay (MN assay). Mussels were exposed in vivo to BDE-209 at nominal concentration of 0.1, 2, and 10 mug/l under laboratory conditions. The assays were performed on the bivalve hemocytes monitoring the levels of DNA strand breaks and the percentage of micronuclei until 168 and 96 hr of exposure, respectively. At the same time, BDE-209 levels were measured daily in mussel soft tissues to evaluate the bioaccumulation. Results of the Comet assay showed a significant increase of DNA damages compared to controls, but a lack of dose/effect relationship probably due to the formation of less-brominated congeners. By contrast, no significant changes in MN frequency from baseline levels were observed. These preliminary results about the potential genotoxicity of this compound in invertebrates indicated a clear BDE-209 capability to induce DNA damage, but no irreversible effects on DNA hemocytes. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of this high-molecular-weight substance and its uptake mechanism in zebra mussel are also discussed.     

Interleukin-22 but not interleukin-17 provides protection to hepatocytes during acute liver inflammation

The cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) is primarily expressed by T helper 17 (Th17) CD4(+) T cells and is highly upregulated during chronic inflammatory diseases. IL-22 receptor expression is absent on immune cells, but is instead restricted to the tissues, providing signaling directionality from the immune system to the tissues. However, the role of IL-22 in inflammatory responses has been confounded by data suggesting both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. Herein, we provide evidence that during inflammation, IL-22 played a protective role in preventing tissue injury. Hepatocytes from mice deficient in IL-22 were highly sensitive to the detrimental immune response associated with hepatitis. Additionally, IL-22-expressing Th17 cells provided protection during hepatitis in IL-22-deficient mice. On the other hand, interleukin-17 (IL-17), which is coexpressed with IL-22 and can induce similar cellular responses, had no observable role in liver inflammation. Our data suggest that IL-22 serves as a protective molecule to counteract the destructive nature of the immune response to limit tissue damage.     

The Antiretroviral Regimen Complexity Index. A novel method of quantifying regimen complexity

BACKGROUND: Individuals with HIV disease often must adhere to complex medication regimens. To date, regimen complexity has not been examined in the literature using standardized procedures incorporating all important elements of antiretroviral (ARV) regimens. OBJECTIVE: This article presents a novel method of quantifying regimen complexity using objective criteria addressing the factors that may complicate adherence to ARV regimens. METHODS: Part 1 of this article describes the development of the Antiretroviral Regimen Complexity (ARC) Index scoring system. Based on input from pediatric and adult patients, caregivers of pediatric patients, and health care professionals, this comprehensive system includes the number of medications, dosing schedules, administration methods, special instructions, and required preparations associated with ARV regimens. Weights are applied for each of these factors to produce an overall score representing the regimen's level of complexity. Part 2 of this article presents reliability and validity data for the system. RESULTS: The ARC Index demonstrates excellent test-retest and interrater reliability as well as strong construct and discriminant validity. An on-line version of this system minimizes computation errors. CONCLUSIONS: Although modifications may be necessary for patients requiring nonstandard dosing instructions, preliminary evidence supports the utility of this measure as a reliable and valid indicator of the complexity of antiretroviral treatment regimens.     

School Wellness Committees Are Associated With Lower Body Mass Index Z‐Scores and Improved Dietary Intakes in US Children: The Healthy Communities Study

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to examine the association between school wellness committees and implementation of nutrition wellness policies and children's weight status and obesity‐related dietary outcomes.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of 4790 children aged 4‐15 years recruited from 130 communities in the Healthy Communities Study. Multilevel statistical models assessed associations between school wellness policies and anthropometric (body mass index z‐score [BMIz]) and nutrition measures, adjusting for child and community‐level covariates.

RESULTS

Children had lower BMI z‐scores (?0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?0.19, ?0.03) and ate breakfast more frequently (0.14 days/week, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.25) if attending a school with a wellness committee that met once or more in the past year compared to attending a school with a wellness committee that did not meet/did not exist. Children had lower added sugar (p < .0001), lower energy‐dense foods (p = .0004), lower sugar intake from sugar‐sweetened beverages (p = .0002), and lower dairy consumption (p = .001) if attending a school with similar or stronger implementation of the nutrition components of the school wellness policies compared to other schools in the district.

CONCLUSIONS

A more active wellness committee was associated with lower BMI z‐scores in US schoolchildren. Active school engagement in wellness policy implementation appears to play a positive role in efforts to reduce childhood obesity.

     

Gene x Environment interactions in speech sound disorder predict language and preliteracy outcomes

Few studies have investigated the role of gene x environment interactions (G x E) in speech, language, and literacy disorders. Currently, there are two theoretical models, the diathesis-stress model and the bioecological model, that make opposite predictions about the expected direction of G x E, because environmental risk factors may either strengthen or weaken the effect of genes on phenotypes. The purpose of the current study was to test for G x E at two speech sound disorder and reading disability linkage peaks using a sib-pair linkage design and continuous measures of socioeconomic status, home language/literacy environment, and number of ear infections. The interactions were tested using composite speech, language, and preliteracy phenotypes and previously identified linkage peaks on 6p22 and 15q21. Results showed five G x E at both the 6p22 and 15q21 locations across several phenotypes and environmental measures. Four of the five interactions were consistent with the bioecological model of G x E. Each of these four interactions involved environmental measures of the home language/literacy environment. The only interaction that was consistent with the diathesis-stress model was one involving the number of ear infections as the environmental risk variable. The direction of these interactions and possible interpretations are explored in the discussion.