Iap2 is required for a sustained response in the Drosophila Imd pathway

Fruit flies have effective immune response against Gram-negative bacteria. Upon infection, early JNK-signaling pathway mediated response is followed by the action of the Immune deficiency (Imd) signaling cascade, a Drosophila equivalent of mammalian TNF-receptor pathway, leading to the release of antimicrobial peptides. Recently, Tak1-binding protein 2 (Tab2) and Inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (Iap2) were identified as components of the Imd pathway. In this study, we carried out a genome-wide kinetic analysis of the role of Tab2 and Iap2 for immune response in Drosophila S2 cells using oligonucleotide microarrays. Tab2 RNAi abolished the induction of all immune response genes in S2 cells indicating its requirement for signaling both via the Imd and the JNK pathway. The role of Iap2 was more specific. Kinetic analysis indicated that Iap2 is required to sustain antimicrobial peptide gene expression in S2 cells. Furthermore, inactivation of Iap2 by RNAi resulted in impaired microbial resistance in Drosophila in vivo.     

Impact of polydextrose on the faecal microbiota: a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled feeding study in healthy human subjects

In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover human feeding study, the effects of polydextrose (PDX; 8?g/d) on the colonic microbial composition, immune parameters, bowel habits and quality of life were investigated. PDX is a complex glucose oligomer used as a sugar replacer. The main goal of the present study was to identify the microbial groups affected by PDX fermentation in the colon. PDX was shown to significantly increase the known butyrate producer Ruminococcus intestinalis and bacteria of the Clostridium clusters I, II and IV. Of the other microbial groups investigated, decreases in the faecal Lactobacillus-Enterococcus group were demonstrated. Denaturing gel gradient electrophoresis analysis showed that bacterial profiles between PDX and placebo treatments were significantly different. PDX was shown to be slowly degraded in the colon, and the fermentation significantly reduced the genotoxicity of the faecal water. PDX also affected bowel habits of the subjects, as less abdominal discomfort was recorded and there was a trend for less hard and more formed stools during PDX consumption. Furthermore, reduced snacking was observed upon PDX consumption. This study demonstrated the impact of PDX on the colonic microbiota and showed some potential for reducing the risk factors that may be associated with colon cancer initiation.     

Co-Leadership – A Management Solution for Integrated Health and Social Care

Introduction:Co-leadership has been identified as one approach to meet the managerial challenges of integrated services, but research on the topic is limited. In the present study, co-leadership, practised by pairs of managers – each manager representing one of the two principal organizations in integrated health and social care services – was explored.Aim:To investigate co-leadership in integrated health and social care, identify essential preconditions in fulfilling the management assignment, its operationalization and impact on provision of sustainable integration of health and social care.Method:Interviews with eight managers exercising co-leadership were analysed using directed content analysis. Respondent validation was conducted through additional interviews with the same managers.Results:Key contextual preconditions were an organization-wide model supporting co-leadership and co-location of services. Perception of the management role as a collective activity, continuous communication and lack of prestige were essential personal and interpersonal preconditions. In daily practice, office sharing, being able to give and take and support each other contributed to provision of sustainable integration of health and social care.

Conclusion and discussion:

Co-leadership promoted robust management by providing broader competence, continuous learning and joint responsibility for services. Integrated health and social care services should consider employing co-leadership as a managerial solution to achieve sustainability.     

Care of the adult Hodgkin lymphoma survivor

Of those individuals diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, 85% will survive and may be affected by residual effects of their cancer and its therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation). Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are at risk of developing secondary malignancies, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, thyroid disease, infertility, premature menopause, chronic fatigue, and psychosocial issues. These conditions usually have a long latency and therefore present years or decades after Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, when the patient's care is being managed by a primary care provider. This review summarizes these unique potential medical and psychologic sequelae of Hodgkin lymphoma, and provides screening and management recommendations.     

The Association between Healthy Diet and Burnout Symptoms among Finnish Municipal Employees

Background: Burnout is an undesirable mental condition, which may have a negative impact on individuals’ health and work ability. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between diet and burnout symptoms among female public sector employees. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 among 630 female employees from 10 municipal work units of the city of Pori, Finland. Burnout symptoms were assessed with the Bergen Burnout Indicator (BBI). The consumption of food items was determined using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The main food groups were categorized into healthy and unhealthy foods based on the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet. Results: In multivariate linear regression analysis, consumption of healthy food items had an inverse relationship with the severity of burnout symptoms independently of age, education years, physical activity, and depressive symptoms. De-tailed analysis revealed that subjects with lower BBI score consumed more often low-fat dairy produce, vegetables, fruit and berries, vegetable food, and white meat. Conclusions: Frequent consumption of healthy food items is associated with low level of burnout symptoms. Our results emphasize the importance of diverse and balanced healthy diet to promote work well-being.