Endurance running acutely raises plasma osteoprotegerin and lowers plasma receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand

Abstract The balance of the 2 cytokines, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (soluble (s)RANKL), is known to have considerable influence on bone formation and degradation. Plasma concentrations of OPG and (s)RANKL were determined in a total of 31 long-distance runners before and immediately after running distances of either 15 or 42.195 km, respectively. In both groups of endurance runners, a significant decrease of sRANKL was observed during the run, the extent of which correlated to the running distance. Furthermore, OPG increased only in runners covering the marathon distance of 42.195 km. We hypothesize that the known positive effect of long-distance running on the skeletal mass may be mediated by the OPG/sRANKL system.     

A Lifetime of Allograft Function with Kidneys from Older Donors

Strategies to increase expanded criteria donor (ECD) transplantation are needed. We quantified the extent to which ECD kidneys provide recipients with a lifetime of allograft function by determining the difference between patient survival and death-censored allograft survival (graft survival). Initial analyses compared 5-year outcomes in the Eurotransplant Senior Program (European) and the United States Renal Data System. Among European recipients ≥65 years, patient survival exceeded graft survival, and ECD recipients returned to dialysis for an average of 5.2 months after transplant failure. Among United States recipients ≥60 years, graft survival exceeded patient survival. Although patient survival in elderly recipients in the United States was low (49% at 5 years), the average difference in patient survival at 10 years in elderly recipients in the United States with an ECD versus non-ECD transplant was only 7 months. The probability of patient survival with a functioning allograft at 5 years was higher with ECD transplantation within 1 year after activation to the waiting list than with delayed non-ECD transplantation ≥3 years after activation to the waiting list. Subsequent analyses demonstrated that ECD transplants do not provide a lifetime of allograft function in recipients <50 years in the United States. These findings should encourage ECD transplantation in patients ≥60 years, demonstrate that rapid ECD transplantation is superior to delayed non-ECD transplantation, and challenge the policy in the United States of allowing patients <50 years to receive an ECD transplant.     

Comparison of structural genetics of non-schistosoma-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Little is known about genetic changes in squamous differentiation of non-schistosomiasis-associated bladder cancer. Therefore, we investigated pure squamous cell carcinomas (SqCC), squamous parts of mixed urothelial carcinomas with squamous differentiation (MIX) and mere urothelial cancers (UC) for structural genetic differences. Tissue microarray slides (n = 29 SqCC, n = 35 MIX and n = 23 UC) were analyzed by ZytoLight SPEC p16/CEN3/7/17 Quadruple Color Probe fluorescence-in-situ-hybridization (FISH) and DNA was investigated by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) (n = 35 SqCCs, n = 40 MIX and n = 36 UC). By FISH the mean number of polysomic cells was lowest in SqCC (CEN3 P = 0.0498, CEN17 P = 0.0009). A slight tendency of lower copy numbers of chromosomes 3, 7 and 17 and higher numbers of the p16-locus in SqCC (P = 0.45) indicated less aneuploid tumor cells in SqCC compared to MIX and UC. In CGH SqCC showed the lowest mean number of aberrations per tumor (SqCC 5.37 changes, MIX 6.75 and UC 7.64; P = 0.1754). Significant differences between the three groups were found for loss of chromosome 3p (P = 0.004), 6q (P = 0.028), 11p (P = 0.024) and gains of 5p (P = 0.020). Loss of 3p was more frequent in SqCC (51.4%) than in MIX (37.5%) or UC (13.9%). To conclude, SqCCs show less polysomy and genetic alterations than MIX and UC. Loss of 3p is more frequent in SqCC but there are no absolute specific alterations for each tumor group. Squamous parts of mixed tumors show similar alterations than UC and should be considered as further development of UC, while pure SqCC seem to be a separate tumor group.     

Treatment options in painful chronic pancreatitis: a systematic review

Background

Longlasting and unbearable pain is the most common and striking symptom of chronic pancreatitis. Accordingly, pain relief and improvement in patients'' quality of life are the primary goals in the treatment of this disease. This systematic review aims to summarize the available data on treatment options.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Library was performed according to the PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Reference lists were then hand-searched for additional relevant titles. The results obtained were examined individually by two independent investigators for further selection and data extraction.

Results

A total of 416 abstracts were reviewed, of which 367 were excluded because they were obviously irrelevant or represented overlapping studies. Consequently, 49 full-text articles were systematically reviewed.

Conclusions

First-line medical options include the provision of pain medication, adjunctive agents and pancreatic enzymes, and abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. If medical treatment fails, endoscopic treatment offers pain relief in the majority of patients in the short term. However, current data suggest that surgical treatment seems to be superior to endoscopic intervention because it is significantly more effective and, especially, lasts longer.     

Failure of productive infection of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) with H16 subtype of avian influenza viruses

Background

Mallard ducks and other waterfowl represent the most important reservoirs of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV). In addition, mallards are the most abundant duck species in Eurasia that migrate over long distances. Despite extended wild bird monitoring studies over the past decade in many Eurasian countries and investigating hundreds of thousands of wild bird samples, no mallard duck was found to be positive for avian influenza virus of subtype H16 in faecal, cloacal or oropharyngeal samples. Just three cases of H16 infections in Anseriformes species were described worldwide. In contrast, H16 viruses have been repeatedly isolated from birds of the Laridae family.

Objective

Here, we tested the hypothesis that mallards are less permissive to infection with H16 viruses.

Methods

Groups of mallard ducks of different age were inoculated via the oculo-nasal-oral route with different infectious doses of an H16N3 AIV.

Results

The ducks did not show any clinical symptoms, and no virus shedding was evident from cloacal and respiratory routes after experimental infection as shown by negative RT-qPCR results. In addition, all serum samples taken on days 8, 21 and 24 post-inoculation were negative by competitive NP-ELISA.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that mallards are resistant to infection with H16N3 LPAIV.     

Informal Home Care for Elderly in Belgium: A Study on the Features and Challenges of Informal Care at Local Level

In Belgium, and in other OECD countries, there is a growing awareness about the importance of informal home care for the elderly’s well-being. Informal care is considered as an intrinsically valuable social phenomenon. Public authorities in Belgium have been advocating an active policy of support for informal carers. In 2007, an extensive survey was carried out in the Belgian municipality of Kruibeke in order to establish a better picture of the various needs of the elderly in their home situation, but also to better understand the way in which informal care is provided and perceived by care receivers and care givers. The study points to the need for support for the difficult burden of informal care and highlights the need for a coordinated and integrated approach to elderly care.