| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Ibanez, L., et al.
(author)
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Multi-ancestry GWAS reveals excitotoxicity associated with outcome after ischaemic stroke
- 2022
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In: Brain. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0006-8950 .- 1460-2156. ; 145:7, s. 2394-2406
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- During the first hours after stroke onset, neurological deficits can be highly unstable: some patients rapidly improve, while others deteriorate. This early neurological instability has a major impact on long-term outcome. Here, we aimed to determine the genetic architecture of early neurological instability measured by the difference between the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 6 h of stroke onset and NIHSS at 24 h. A total of 5876 individuals from seven countries (Spain, Finland, Poland, USA, Costa Rica, Mexico and Korea) were studied using a multi-ancestry meta-analyses. We found that 8.7% of NIHSS at 24 h of variance was explained by common genetic variations, and also that early neurological instability has a different genetic architecture from that of stroke risk. Eight loci (1p21.1, 1q42.2, 2p25.1, 2q31.2, 2q33.3, 5q33.2, 7p21.2 and 13q31.1) were genome-wide significant and explained 1.8% of the variability suggesting that additional variants influence early change in neurological deficits. We used functional genomics and bioinformatic annotation to identify the genes driving the association from each locus. Expression quantitative trait loci mapping and summary data-based Mendelian randomization indicate that ADAM23 (log Bayes factor = 5.41) was driving the association for 2q33.3. Gene-based analyses suggested that GRIA1 (log Bayes factor = 5.19), which is predominantly expressed in the brain, is the gene driving the association for the 5q33.2 locus. These analyses also nominated GNPAT (log Bayes factor = 7.64) ABCB5 (log Bayes factor = 5.97) for the 1p21.1 and 7p21.1 loci. Human brain single-nuclei RNA-sequencing indicates that the gene expression of ADAM23 and GRIA1 is enriched in neurons. ADAM23, a presynaptic protein and GRIA1, a protein subunit of the AMPA receptor, are part of a synaptic protein complex that modulates neuronal excitability. These data provide the first genetic evidence in humans that excitotoxicity may contribute to early neurological instability after acute ischaemic stroke. Ibanez et al. perform a multi-ancestry meta-analysis to investigate the genetic architecture of early stroke outcomes. Two of the eight genome-wide significant loci identified-ADAM23 and GRIA1-are involved in synaptic excitability, suggesting that excitotoxicity contributes to neurological instability after ischaemic stroke.
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| 5. |
- Deming, Y., et al.
(author)
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The MS4A gene cluster is a key modulator of soluble TREM2 and Alzheimer's disease risk
- 2019
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In: Science Translational Medicine. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1946-6234 .- 1946-6242. ; 11:505
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). TREM2 plays a critical role in microglial activation, survival, and phagocytosis; however, the pathophysiological role of sTREM2 in AD is not well understood. Understanding the role of sTREM2 in AD may reveal new pathological mechanisms and lead to the identification of therapeutic targets. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic modifiers of CSF sTREM2 obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Common variants in the membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A (MS4A) gene region were associated with CSF sTREM2 concentrations (rs1582763; P = 1.15 x 10(-15)); this was replicated in independent datasets. The variants associated with increased CSF sTREM2 concentrations were associated with reduced AD risk and delayed age at onset of disease. The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1582763 modified expression of the MS4A4A and MS4A6A genes in multiple tissues, suggesting that one or both of these genes are important for modulating sTREM2 production. Using human macrophages as a proxy for microglia, we found that MS4A4A and TREM2 colocalized on lipid rafts at the plasma membrane, that sTREM2 increased with MS4A4A overexpression, and that silencing of MS4A4A reduced sTREM2 production. These genetic, molecular, and cellular findings suggest that MS4A4A modulates sTREM2. These findings also provide a mechanistic explanation for the original GWAS signal in the MS4A locus for AD risk and indicate that TREM2 may be involved in AD pathogenesis not only in TREM2 risk-variant carriers but also in those with sporadic disease.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Le Pavec, J. M., et al.
(author)
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Lung transplantation for sarcoidosis: outcome and prognostic factors
- 2021
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In: European Respiratory Journal. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 58:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Study question In patients with sarcoidosis, past and ongoing immunosuppressive regimens, recurrent disease in the transplant and extrapulmonary involvement may affect outcomes of lung transplantation. We asked whether sarcoidosis lung phenotypes can be differentiated and, if so, how they relate to outcomes in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis treated by lung transplantation. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed data from 112 patients who met international diagnostic criteria for sarcoidosis and underwent lung or heart-lung transplantation between 2006 and 2019 at 16 European centres. Results Patient survival was the main outcome measure. At transplantation, median (interaquartile range (IQR)) age was 52 (46-59) years; 71 (64%) were male. Lung phenotypes were individualised as follows: 1) extended fibrosis only; 2) airflow obstruction; 3) severe pulmonary hypertension (sPH) and airflow obstruction; 4) sPH, airflow obstruction and fibrosis; 5) sPH and fibrosis; 6) airflow obstruction and fibrosis; 7) sPH; and 8) none of these criteria, in 17%, 16%, 17%, 14%, 11%, 9%, 5% and 11% of patients, respectively. Post-transplant survival rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 86%, 76% and 69%, respectively. During follow-up (median (IQR) 46 (16-89) months), 31% of patients developed chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Age and extended lung fibrosis were associated with increased mortality. Pulmonary fibrosis predominating peripherally was associated with short-term complications. Answer to the study question Post-transplant survival in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis was similar to that in patients with other indications for lung transplantation. The main factors associated with worse survival were older age and extensive pre-operative lung fibrosis.
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| 8. |
- Deming, Yuetiva, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide association study identifies four novel loci associated with Alzheimer’s endophenotypes and disease modifiers
- 2017
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In: Acta Neuropathologica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6322 .- 1432-0533. ; 133:5, s. 839-856
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- More than 20 genetic loci have been associated with risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but reported genome-wide significant loci do not account for all the estimated heritability and provide little information about underlying biological mechanisms. Genetic studies using intermediate quantitative traits such as biomarkers, or endophenotypes, benefit from increased statistical power to identify variants that may not pass the stringent multiple test correction in case–control studies. Endophenotypes also contain additional information helpful for identifying variants and genes associated with other aspects of disease, such as rate of progression or onset, and provide context to interpret the results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We conducted GWAS of amyloid beta (Aβ42), tau, and phosphorylated tau (ptau181) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 3146 participants across nine studies to identify novel variants associated with AD. Five genome-wide significant loci (two novel) were associated with ptau181, including loci that have also been associated with AD risk or brain-related phenotypes. Two novel loci associated with Aβ42 near GLIS1 on 1p32.3 (β = −0.059, P = 2.08 × 10−8) and within SERPINB1 on 6p25 (β = −0.025, P = 1.72 × 10−8) were also associated with AD risk (GLIS1: OR = 1.105, P = 3.43 × 10−2), disease progression (GLIS1: β = 0.277, P = 1.92 × 10−2), and age at onset (SERPINB1: β = 0.043, P = 4.62 × 10−3). Bioinformatics indicate that the intronic SERPINB1 variant (rs316341) affects expression of SERPINB1 in various tissues, including the hippocampus, suggesting that SERPINB1 influences AD through an Aβ-associated mechanism. Analyses of known AD risk loci suggest CLU and FERMT2 may influence CSF Aβ42 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively) and the INPP5D locus may affect ptau181 levels (P = 0.009); larger studies are necessary to verify these results. Together the findings from this study can be used to inform future AD studies.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Harari, A, et al.
(author)
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An HIV-1 clade C DNA prime, NYVAC boost vaccine regimen induces reliable, polyfunctional, and long-lasting T cell responses
- 2008
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In: The Journal of experimental medicine. - : Rockefeller University Press. - 1540-9538 .- 0022-1007. ; 205:1, s. 63-77
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The EuroVacc 02 phase I trial has evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a prime-boost regimen comprising recombinant DNA and the poxvirus vector NYVAC, both expressing a common immunogen consisting of Env, Gag, Pol, and Nef polypeptide domain from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 clade C isolate, CN54. 40 volunteers were randomized to receive DNA C or nothing on day 0 and at week 4, followed by NYVAC C at weeks 20 and 24. The primary immunogenicity endpoints were measured at weeks 26 and 28 by the quantification of T cell responses using the interferon γ enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Our results indicate that the DNA C plus NYVAC C vaccine regimen was highly immunogenic, as indicated by the detection of T cell responses in 90% of vaccinees and was superior to responses induced by NYVAC C alone (33% of responders). The vaccine-induced T cell responses were (a) vigorous in the case of the env response (mean 480 spot-forming units/106 mononuclear cells at weeks 26/28), (b) polyfunctional for both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, (c) broad (the average number of epitopes was 4.2 per responder), and (d) durable (T cell responses were present in 70% of vaccinees at week 72). The vaccine-induced T cell responses were strongest and most frequently directed against Env (91% of vaccines), but smaller responses against Gag-Pol-Nef were also observed in 48% of vaccinees. These results support the development of the poxvirus platform in the HIV vaccine field and the further clinical development of the DNA C plus NYVAC C vaccine regimen.
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| 11. |
- Hruba, Frantiska, et al.
(author)
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Blood cadmium, mercury, and lead in children : An international comparison of cities in six European countries, and China, Ecuador, and Morocco
- 2012
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In: Environment International. - Oxford : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 41, s. 29-34
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Children's blood-lead concentration (B-Pb) is well studied, but little is known about cadmium (B-Cd) and mercury (B-Hg), in particular for central Europe. Such information is necessary for risk assessment and management. Therefore, we here describe and compare B-Pb, B-Cd and B-Hg in children in six European, and three non-European cities, and identify determinants of these exposures. About 50 school children (7-14 years) from each city were recruited (totally 433) in 2007-2008. Interview and questionnaire data were obtained. A blood sample was analyzed: only two laboratories with strict quality control were used. The European cities showed only minor differences for B-Cd (geometric means 0.11-0.17 mu g/L) and B-Pb (14-20 mu g/L), but larger for B-Hg (0.12-0.94 mu g/L). Corresponding means for the non-European countries were 0.21-0.26, 32-71, and 0.3-3.2 mu g/L, respectively. For B-Cd in European samples, traffic intensity close to home was a statistically significant determinant, for B-Hg fish consumption and amalgam fillings, and for B-Pb sex (boys higher). This study shows that European city children's B-Cd and B-Pb vary only little between countries; B-Hg differs considerably, due to varying tooth restoration practices and fish intake. Traffic intensity seemed to be a determinant for B-Cd. The metal concentrations were low from a risk perspective but the chosen non-European cities showed higher concentrations than the cities in Europe. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
- Ntani, G., et al.
(author)
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Patterns of change of multisite pain over 1 year of follow-up and related risk factors
- 2022
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In: European Journal of Pain. - : Wiley. - 1090-3801 .- 1532-2149. ; 26:7, s. 1499-1509
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Multisite musculoskeletal pain is common and disabling. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the distribution of musculoskeletal pain anatomically, and explore risk factors for increases/reductions in the number of painful sites. Methods Using data from participants working in 45 occupational groups in 18 countries, we explored changes in reporting pain at 10 anatomical sites on two occasions 14 months apart. We used descriptive statistics to explore consistency over time in the number of painful sites, and their anatomical distribution. Baseline risk factors for increases/reductions by >= 3 painful sites were explored by random intercept logistic regression that adjusted for baseline number of painful sites. Results Among 8927 workers, only 20% reported no pain at either time point, and 16% reported >= 3 painful sites both times. After 14 months, the anatomical distribution of pain often changed but there was only an average increase of 0.17 painful sites. Some 14% workers reported a change in painful sites by >= 3. Risk factors for an increase of >= 3 painful sites included female sex, lower educational attainment, having a physically demanding job and adverse beliefs about the work-relatedness of musculoskeletal pain. Also predictives were as follows: older age, somatizing tendency and poorer mental health (each of which was also associated with lower odds of reductions of >= 3 painful sites). Conclusions Longitudinally, the number of reported painful sites was relatively stable but the anatomical distribution varied considerably. These findings suggest an important role for central pain sensitization mechanisms, rather than localized risk factors, among working adults. Significance Our findings indicate that within individuals, the number of painful sites is fairly constant over time, but the anatomical distribution varies, supporting the theory that among people at work, musculoskeletal pain is driven more by factors that predispose to experiencing or reporting pain rather than by localized stressors specific to only one or two anatomical sites.
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| 14. |
- Pavec, J. L., et al.
(author)
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Characteristics, Survival, and Outcomes of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in a Multicenter European Study Characteristics, Survival, and Outcomes of Lung and Heart-Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in a Multicenter European Study
- 2020
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In: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1557-3117. ; 39:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: In the context of sarcoidosis, lung transplantation is often performed in patients with irreversible advanced lung disease unresponsive to medical therapy. The clinical phenotypes and posttransplant survival remain unclear, due primarily to the recurring nature of the disease and extrapulmonary involvement. The objective of this study in a large multicenter European cohort was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis treated by lung transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 147 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis who underwent lung or heart-lung transplantation between 1990 and 2019 at 15 European centers. Inclusion criteria were sarcoidosis meeting international diagnostic criteria and availability of data from pretransplantation right heart catheterization, lung function testing, and chest computed tomography (CT) staged using a standardized system. RESULTS: At transplantation, mean age was 50±8 years, 62% were male, and 20% had extrapulmonary manifestations. Mean values before transplantation were as follows: FVC (%pred), 46±17%; FEV1 (%pred), 38±19; FVC/FEV1 (%), 55±32; DLCO (%pred), 31±13; mPAP (mmHg), 36±13; PCWP (mmHg), 10±5; cardiac index (L/min/m²), 3.0±0.8; and pulmonary vascular resistance (dyn·s·cm-5), 480±340; furthermore, 60% of patients had severe pulmonary hypertension. Posttransplant survival rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 85%, 69%, and 63%, respectively. During the median [range] follow-up of 43 [17-79] months, 38% of patients developed chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Factors significantly associated with outcomes were high emergency transplantation, era of transplantation, preoperative extrapulmonary sarcoidosis, and extent of fibrosis by CT. CONCLUSION: Posttransplant survival rates and freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis were similar to those in patients with other reasons for lung transplantation. Factors associated with worse outcomes were high emergency transplantation, earlier transplantation era, preoperative extrapulmonary sarcoidosis, and greater burden of fibrosis by CT. Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.
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| 15. |
- Pawlas, Natalia, et al.
(author)
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Cadmium, mercury and lead in the blood of urban women in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, China, Ecuador and Morocco
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health. - 1896-494X .- 1232-1087. ; 26:1, s. 58-72
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of the study was to make an international comparison of blood levels of cadmium (B-Cd), lead (B-Pb) and mercury (B-Hg) of women in seven European, and three non-European cities, and to identify determinants. About 50 women (age: 46-62) from each city were recruited (totally 480) in 2006-2009. Interview and questionnaire data were obtained. Blood samples were analysed in one laboratory to avoid interlaboratory variation. Between the European cities, the B-Pb and B-Cd results vary little (range of geometric means: 13.5-27.0 mu g/l and 0.25-0.65 mu g/l, respectively); the variation of B-Hg was larger (0.40-1.38 mu g/l). Between the non-European cities the results for B-Pb, B-Cd and B-Hg were 19.2-68.0, 0.39-0.99 and 1.01-2.73 mu g/l, respectively. Smoking was a statistically significant determinant for B-Cd, while fish and shellfish intakes contributed to B-Hg and B-Pb, amalgam fillings also contributed to B-Hg. The present results confirm the previous results from children; the exposure to lead and cadmium varies only little between different European cities suggesting that other factors than the living area are more important. The study also confirms the previous findings of higher cadmium and lead levels in some non-European cities. The geographical variation for mercury is significant.
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| 16. |
- Rentschler, Gerda, et al.
(author)
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Platinum, palladium, rhodium, molybdenum and strontium in blood of urban women in nine countries
- 2018
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In: International journal of hygiene and environmental health. - : Elsevier. - 1438-4639 .- 1618-131X. ; 221:2, s. 223-230
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There is little reliable information on human exposure to the metals platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh), despite their use in enormous quantities in catalytic converters for automobile exhaust systems.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate blood concentrations of Pt (B-Pt), Pd (B-Pd) and Rh (B-Rh) in women from six European and three non-European countries, and to identify potentially influential factors. In addition, molybdenum (Mo) and strontium (Sr) were analysed.METHODS: Blood from 248 women aged 47-61 was analysed by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry under strict quality control.RESULTS: The medians were: B-Pt 0.8 (range <0.6-5.2), B-Pd <5 (<5-9.3), B-Rh <0.4 (<0.4-3.6)ng/L and B-Mo 2.0 (0.2-16) and B-Sr 16.6 (3.5-49) μg/L. Two women with highly elevated B-Pt (242 and 60ng/L), previously cancer treated with cis-platinum, were not included in the data analysis. All elements varied geographically (2-3 times) (B-Pd P=0.05; all other elements P<0.001); variations within each area were generally 5-10 times. Traffic was not associated with increased concentrations.CONCLUSIONS: General population blood concentrations of Pt, Pd and Rh are within or below the single digit ng/L range, much lower than in most previous reports. This is probably due to improved analytical performance, allowing for more reliable information at ultra-trace levels. In general, Mo and Sr agreed with previously reported concentrations. All elements showed geographical and inter-individual variations, but no convincing relationships with self-reported traffic intensity were found. Pt from the antineoplastic drug cis-platinum is retained in the body for years.
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| 17. |
- Sandoz, V, et al.
(author)
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Improving mental health and physiological stress responses in mothers following traumatic childbirth and in their infants: study protocol for the Swiss TrAumatic biRth Trial (START)
- 2019
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In: BMJ open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 9:12, s. e032469-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Emergency caesarean section (ECS) qualifies as a psychological trauma, which may result in postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Maternal PTSD may not only have a significant negative impact on mother–infant interactions, but also on long-term infant development. The partner’s mental health may also affect infant development. Evidence-based early interventions to prevent the development of postpartum PTSD in mothers are lacking. Immediately after a traumatic event, memory formation is vulnerable to interference. There is accumulating evidence that a brief behavioural intervention including a visuospatial task may result in a reduction in intrusive memories of the trauma.Methods and analysisThis study protocol describes a double-blind multicentre randomised controlled phase III trial testing an early brief maternal intervention including the computer game ‘Tetris’ on intrusive memories of the ECS trauma (≤1 week) and PTSD symptoms (6 weeks, primary outcome) of 144 women following an ECS. The intervention group will carry out a brief behavioural procedure including playing Tetris. The attention-placebo control group will complete a brief written activity log. Both simple cognitive tasks will be completed within the first 6 hours following traumatic childbirth. The intervention is delivered by midwives/nurses in the maternity unit.The primary outcome will be differences in the presence and severity of maternal PTSD symptoms between the intervention and the attention-placebo control group at 6 weeks post partum. Secondary outcomes will be physiological stress and psychological vulnerability, mother–infant interaction and infant developmental outcomes. Other outcomes will be psychological vulnerability and physiological regulation of the partner and their bonding with the infant, as well as the number of intrusive memories of the event.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Canton de Vaud (study number 2017–02142). Dissemination of results will occur via national and international conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, public conferences and social media.Trial registration numberNCT 03576586.
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| 18. |
- Sarwar, Nadeem, et al.
(author)
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Interleukin-6 receptor pathways in coronary heart disease : a collaborative meta-analysis of 82 studies
- 2012
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In: The Lancet. - New York, NY, USA : Elsevier. - 0140-6736 .- 1474-547X. ; 379:9822, s. 1205-1213
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Persistent inflammation has been proposed to contribute to various stages in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) signalling propagates downstream inflammation cascades. To assess whether this pathway is causally relevant to coronary heart disease, we studied a functional genetic variant known to affect IL6R signalling. Methods: In a collaborative meta-analysis, we studied Asp358Ala (rs2228145) in IL6R in relation to a panel of conventional risk factors and inflammation biomarkers in 125 222 participants. We also compared the frequency of Asp358Ala in 51 441 patients with coronary heart disease and in 136 226 controls. To gain insight into possible mechanisms, we assessed Asp358Ala in relation to localised gene expression and to postlipopolysaccharide stimulation of interleukin 6. Findings: The minor allele frequency of Asp358Ala was 39%. Asp358Ala was not associated with lipid concentrations, blood pressure, adiposity, dysglycaemia, or smoking (p value for association per minor allele >= 0.04 for each). By contrast, for every copy of 358Ala inherited, mean concentration of IL6R increased by 34.3% (95% CI 30.4-38.2) and of interleukin 6 by 14.6% (10.7-18.4), and mean concentration of C-reactive protein was reduced by 7.5% (5.9-9.1) and of fibrinogen by 1.0% (0.7-1.3). For every copy of 358Ala inherited, risk of coronary heart disease was reduced by 3.4% (1.8-5.0). Asp358Ala was not related to IL6R mRNA levels or interleukin-6 production in monocytes. Interpretation: Large-scale human genetic and biomarker data are consistent with a causal association between IL6R-related pathways and coronary heart disease.
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| 19. |
- Ameer, Shegufta, et al.
(author)
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Exposure to Inorganic Arsenic Is Associated with Increased Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Longer Telomere Length in Peripheral Blood
- 2016
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In: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2296-634X. ; 4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) through drinking water causes cancer. Alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length in blood have been associated with cancer risk. We elucidated if arsenic exposure alters mtDNAcn and telomere length in individuals with different arsenic metabolizing capacity.METHODS: We studied two groups in the Salta province, Argentina, one in the Puna area of the Andes (N = 264, 89% females) and one in Chaco (N = 169, 75% females). We assessed arsenic exposure as the sum of arsenic metabolites [iAs, methylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)] in urine (U-As) using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hydride generation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Efficiency of arsenic metabolism was expressed as percentage of urinary metabolites. MtDNAcn and telomere length were determined in blood by real-time PCR.RESULTS: Median U-As was 196 (5-95 percentile: 21-537) μg/L in Andes and 80 (5-95 percentile: 15-1637) μg/L in Chaco. The latter study group had less-efficient metabolism, with higher %iAs and %MMA in urine compared with the Andean group. U-As was significantly associated with increased mtDNAcn (log2 transformed to improve linearity) in Chaco (β = 0.027 per 100 μg/L, p = 0.0085; adjusted for age and sex), but not in Andes (β = 0.025, p = 0.24). U-As was also associated with longer telomere length in Chaco (β = 0.016, p = 0.0066) and Andes (β = 0.0075, p = 0.029). In both populations, individuals with above median %iAs showed significantly higher mtDNAcn and telomere length compared with individuals with below median %iAs.CONCLUSIONS: Arsenic was associated with increased mtDNAcn and telomere length, particularly in individuals with less-efficient arsenic metabolism, a group who may have increased risk for arsenic-related cancer.
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| 20. |
- Ameer, S. S., et al.
(author)
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Exposure to inorganic arsenic and mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length in peripheral blood
- 2016
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In: Arsenic Research and Global Sustainability - Proceedings of the 6th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment, AS 2016. - 9781138029415 ; , s. 450-452
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a risk factor for cancer. Alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length (TL) have been associated with cancer risk. Two Argentinean groups were studied: A) Puna area of Andes and B) Chaco. Arsenic exposure was assessed as the sum of arsenic metabolites (iAs, MMA, and DMA) in urine (U-As) using HPLC-HG-ICPMS. MtDNAcn, TL, and genotype of the arsenic-methylating gene AS3MT were determined in blood by real-timePCR. The Chaco participants had less-efficient metabolism, with higher%iAs and%MMA in urine, and lower frequency of the efficient-metabolizing AS3MT haplotype. U-As was associated with increased mtDNAcn in Chaco but not in Andes. U-As was associated with longer TL in Chaco, but less so in Andes. Individuals with%iAs>median showed significantly higher mtDNAcn and TL in both groups. Arsenic was associated with increased mtDNAcn and TL, particularly in individuals with less-efficient arsenic metabolism, who might have increased risk for arsenic-related cancer.
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| 21. |
- Favrod, Celine, et al.
(author)
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Spontaneous childbirth-related mental images among pregnant women : a mixed-method study
- 2018
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In: Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. - : ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. - 0264-6838 .- 1469-672X. ; 36:4, s. 393-405
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Mental imagery may reflect the present, past or future. Childbirth is often anticipated with joy but also in some cases with fear, which may negatively impact on the childbirth experience. So far, research on birth-related mental imagery in pregnancy is lacking. This study aimed to investigate in detail the phenomenology of spontaneous childbirth-related mental images and the association between main imagery characteristics (valence, positive/negative percentage ratio and impact on behaviour and decision-making) and fear of childbirth.Methods: A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design was employed. Thirty-seven nulliparous, French-speaking women, aged 18years in their third trimester of pregnancy completed self-report questionnaires assessing fear of childbirth, spontaneous use of mental imagery, prenatal depression and trait anxiety, and participated in a mental imagery interview to assess spontaneous childbirth-related mental images. Women with a prenatal diagnosis of malformation were excluded.Results: All participants reported having spontaneous mental images of their impending childbirth. The images captured were rich in detail and included a variety of sensory modalities. More positive mental images were associated with less fear of childbirth (r=-0.533, p=.008) and women who had a higher proportion of negative mental images had a higher fear of childbirth (r=0.428, p=.005). The impact of the most negative mental images on behaviour and decision-making was positively correlated with fear of childbirth (r=0.342, p=.038).Conclusion: Our results indicate that negative spontaneous childbirth-related imagery is associated with fear of childbirth. Intervention techniques could be developed that focus on enhancing positive childbirth-related mental images during pregnancy and thus fostering a more positive childbirth experience.
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| 22. |
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Herlin, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Exploring telomere length in mother-newborn pairs in relation to exposure to multiple toxic metals and potential modifying effects by nutritional factors
- 2019
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In: BMC Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1741-7015. ; 17:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The uterine environment may influence telomere length at birth, which is essential for cellular function, aging, and disease susceptibility over the lifespan. However, little is known about the impact of toxic chemicals on early-life telomeres. Therefore, we assessed the potential impact of multiple toxic metals on relative telomere length (rTL) in the maternal blood, cord blood, and placenta, as well as the potential modifying effects of pro-oxidants. Method: In a mother-child cohort in northern Argentina (n = 169), we measured multiple toxic metals in the maternal blood or urine collected during late pregnancy, as well as the placenta and cord blood collected at delivery, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We assessed associations of log 2 -transformed metal concentrations with rTL, measured in maternal and cord blood leukocytes and the placenta by real-time PCR, using multivariable-adjusted linear regression. Additionally, we tested for modifications by antioxidants (zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamin D 3 ). Results: Exposure to boron and antimony during pregnancy was associated with shorter maternal rTL, and lithium with longer maternal rTL; a doubling of exposure was associated with changes corresponding to 0.2-0.4 standard deviations (SD) of the rTL. Arsenic concentrations in the placenta (n = 98), blood, and urine were positively associated with placental rTL, about 0.2 SD by doubled arsenic. In the cord blood (n = 88), only lead was associated with rTL (inversely), particularly in boys (p for interaction 0.09). Stratifying by newborn sex showed ten times stronger association in boys (about 0.6 SD) than in girls. The studied antioxidants did not modify the associations, except that with antimony. Conclusions: Elevated exposure to boron, lithium, arsenic, and antimony was associated with maternal or newborn rTL in a tissue-specific, for lead also sex-specific, manner. Nutritional antioxidants did not generally influence the associations. © 2019 The Author(s).
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| 25. |
- Horsch, Antje, et al.
(author)
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Reducing intrusive traumatic memories after emergency caesarean section : A proof-of-principle randomized controlled study
- 2017
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In: Behaviour Research and Therapy. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0005-7967 .- 1873-622X. ; 94, s. 36-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Preventative psychological interventions to aid women after traumatic childbirth are needed. This proof of-principle randomized controlled study evaluated whether the number of intrusive traumatic memories mothers experience after emergency caesarean section (ECS) could be reduced by a brief cognitive intervention. 56 women after ECS were randomized to one of two parallel groups in a 1:1 ratio: intervention (usual care plus cognitive task procedure) or control (usual care). The intervention group engaged in a visuospatial task (computer-game 'Tetris' via a handheld gaming device) for 15 min within six hours following their ECS. The primary outcome was the number of intrusive traumatic memories related to the ECS recorded in a diary for the week post-ECS. As predicted, compared with controls, the intervention group reported fewer intrusive traumatic memories (M = 4.77, SD = 10.71 vs. M = 9.22, SD = 10.69, d = 0.647 [95% CI: 0.106,1.182]) over 1 week (intention-to-treat analyses, primary outcome). There was a trend towards reduced acute stress re-experiencing symptoms (d = 0.503 [95% CI: -0.032, 1.033]) after 1 week (intention-to-treat analyses). Times series analysis on daily intrusions data confirmed the predicted difference between groups. 72% of women rated the intervention "rather" to "extremely" acceptable. This represents a first step in the development of an early (and potentially universal) intervention to prevent postnatal posttraumatic stress symptoms that may benefit both mother and child. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02502513. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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| 28. |
- Soler-Blasco, R., et al.
(author)
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Influence of genetic polymorphisms on arsenic methylation efficiency during pregnancy: Evidence from a Spanish birth cohort
- 2023
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In: Science of the Total Environment. - 0048-9697. ; 900
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a widespread toxic metalloid. It is well-known that iAs metabolism and its toxicity are mediated by polymorphisms in AS3MT and other genes. However, studies during pregnancy are scarce. We aimed to examine the role of genetic polymorphisms in AS3MT, GSTO2, N6AMT1, MTHFR, MTR, FTCD, CBS, and FOLH1 in iAs methylation efficiency during pregnancy.Methods: The study included 541 pregnant participants from the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Spanish cohort. Using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass, we measured arsenic (iAs and the metabolites monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)) in urine samples collected during the first trimester. iAs methylation efficiency was determined based on relative concentrations of the As metabolites in urine (%MMA, %DMA, and %iAs). Thirty-two single nucleotide poly-morphisms (SNPs) in nine genes were determined in maternal DNA; AS3MT haplotypes were inferred. We assessed the association between genotypes/haplotypes and maternal As methylation efficiency using multi-variate linear regression models. Results: The median %MMA and %DMA were 5.3 %, and 89 %, respectively. Ancestral alleles of AS3MT SNPs (rs3740393, rs3740390, rs11191453, and rs11191454) were significantly associated with higher %MMA, %iAs, and lower %DMA. Pregnant participants with zero copies of the GGCTTCAC AS3MT haplotype presented a higher%MMA. Statistically significant associations were also found for the FOLH1 SNP rs202676 (& beta; 0.89 95%CI: 0.24, 1.55 for carriers of the G allele vs. the A allele).Conclusions: Our study shows that ancestral alleles in AS3MT polymorphisms were associated with lower As methylation efficiency in early pregnancy and suggests that FOLH1 also plays a role in As methylation efficiency. These results support the hypothesis that As metabolism is multigenic, being a key element for identifying susceptible populations.
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