Impact of RYGB surgery on plasma immunoglobulins: association between blood pressure and glucose levels six months after surgery.

We aimed to study levels of natural antibodies in plasma, and their associations to clinical and fecal biomarkers, before and 6 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Thirty individuals with obesity [16 type 2 diabetic, 14 non-diabetic (ND)] had RYGB surgery. Total plasma IgA, IgG and IgM antibody levels and specific antibodies to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducts, Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipain A hemagglutinin domain (Rgp44), and phosphocholine were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay.

Inflammation and Neutrophil Oxidative Burst in a Family with NFKB1 p.R157X LOF and Sterile Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in NFKB1, coding for p105, may cause common variable immunodeficiency due to dysregulation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κΒ) pathway. Monoallelic LOF variants of NFKB1 can predispose to uncontrolled inflammation including sterile necrotizing fasciitis or pyoderma gangrenosum. In this study, we explored the impact of a heterozygous NFKB1 c.

Heterozygous premature termination in zinc-finger domain of Krüppel-like factor 2 gene associates with dysregulated immunity.

Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is a transcription factor with significant roles in development, maturation, differentiation, and proliferation of several cell types. In immune cells, KLF2 regulates maturation and trafficking of lymphocytes and monocytes. KLF2 participates in regulation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway.

Total fecal IgA levels increase and natural IgM antibodies decrease after gastric bypass surgery.

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and increased systemic oxidative stress. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is known to ameliorate the obesity-induced metabolic dysfunctions. We aimed to study the levels of natural antibodies in feces, before and 6 months after RYGB surgery in obese individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Dual Transcriptional Profiling of Carrot and ' Liberibacter solanacearum' at Different Stages of Infection Suggests Complex Host-Pathogen Interaction.

The interactions between the phloem-limited pathogen ' Liberibacter solanacearum' haplotype C and carrot ( subsp. ) were studied at 4, 5, and 9 weeks postinoculation (wpi), by combining dual RNA-Seq results with data on bacterial colonization and observations of the plant phenotype. In the infected plants, genes involved in jasmonate biosynthesis, salicylate signaling, pathogen-associated molecular pattern- and effector-triggered immunity, and production of pathogenesis-related proteins were up-regulated.

Salivary IgA antibody to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde associates with mild periodontal pocket depth.

Objective: Oxidized epitopes such as malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis through activation of the humoral immune response. The exact mechanism of the association between atherosclerosis and periodontal diseases is not fully understood. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the association of oral humoral immune response to oxidized epitopes with parameters of periodontal disease.

Compensatory IgM to the Rescue: Patients with Selective IgA Deficiency Have Increased Natural IgM Antibodies to MAA-LDL and No Changes in Oral Microbiota.

IgA is the most abundant Ab in the human body. However, most patients with selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD) are asymptomatic. IgM, and to lesser extent IgG Abs, are generally presumed to compensate for the lack of IgA in SIgAD by multiplying and adopting functions of IgA.

Existence of natural mouse IgG mAbs recognising epitopes shared by malondialdehyde acetaldehyde adducts and .

Natural Abs are produced by B lymphocytes in the absence of external Ag stimulation. They recognise self, altered self and foreign Ags, comprising an important first-line defence against invading pathogens and serving as innate recognition receptors for tissue homeostasis. Natural IgG Abs have been found in newborns and uninfected individuals.

Tonsillar granuloma associated with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Background: Rare tonsillar granulomas may be caused for example by infections, malignancies or sarcoidosis. Granulomas also occur in inborn errors of immunity (IEI) such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) with B cell maturation defects and hypogammaglobulinemia. CVID shares various features with sarcoidosis and drug-induced secondary hypogammaglobulinemia; careful consideration of differential diagnosis between these conditions is warranted.

Humoral immune response to heat shock protein 60 of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and cross-reactivity with malondialdehyde acetaldehyde-modified LDL.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and major cause of mortality worldwide. One of the crucial steps for atherosclerotic plaque development is oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Through the oxidation, highly immunogenic epitopes are created and the immune system is activated.

Salivary IgA to MAA-LDL and Oral Pathogens Are Linked to Coronary Disease.

A large body of literature has established the link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins (OxLDLs) have a crucial role in atherosclerosis progression through initiation of immunological response. Monoclonal IgM antibodies to malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and to malondialdehyde acetaldehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MAA-LDL) have been shown to cross-react with the key virulence factors of periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Equalization of four cardiovascular risk algorithms after systematic recalibration: individual-participant meta-analysis of 86 prospective studies.

Aims: There is debate about the optimum algorithm for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk estimation. We conducted head-to-head comparisons of four algorithms recommended by primary prevention guidelines, before and after 'recalibration', a method that adapts risk algorithms to take account of differences in the risk characteristics of the populations being studied.

Methods And Results: Using individual-participant data on 360 737 participants without CVD at baseline in 86 prospective studies from 22 countries, we compared the Framingham risk score (FRS), Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE), pooled cohort equations (PCE), and Reynolds risk score (RRS).

Genetic Variation of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' Haplotype C and Identification of a Novel Haplotype from Trioza urticae and Stinging Nettle.

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (CLso) haplotype C is associated with disease in carrots and transmitted by the carrot psyllid Trioza apicalis. To identify possible other sources and vectors of this pathogen in Finland, samples were taken of wild plants within and near the carrot fields, the psyllids feeding on these plants, parsnips growing next to carrots, and carrot seeds. For analyzing the genotype of the CLso-positive samples, a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme was developed.

Immunization with gingipain A hemagglutinin domain of Porphyromonas gingivalis induces IgM antibodies binding to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde modified low-density lipoprotein.

Treatment of periodontitis has beneficial effects on systemic inflammation markers that relate to progression of atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate whether immunization with A hemagglutinin domain (Rgp44) of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a major etiologic agent of periodontitis, would lead to an antibody response cross-reacting with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and how it would affect the progression of atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) mice. The data revealed a prominent IgM but not IgG response to malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde modified LDL (MAA-LDL) after Rgp44 and Pg immunizations, implying that Rgp44/Pg and MAA adducts may share cross-reactive epitopes that prompt IgM antibody production and consequently confer atheroprotection.

Genomic sequence of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' haplotype C and its comparison with haplotype A and B genomes.

Haplotypes A and B of 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (CLso) are associated with diseases of solanaceous plants, especially Zebra chip disease of potato, and haplotypes C, D and E are associated with symptoms on apiaceous plants. To date, one complete genome of haplotype B and two high quality draft genomes of haplotype A have been obtained for these unculturable bacteria using metagenomics from the psyllid vector Bactericera cockerelli. Here, we present the first genomic sequences obtained for the carrot-associated CLso.

Elevated Levels of Plasma IgA Autoantibodies against Oxidized LDL Found in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy but Not in Nonproliferative Retinopathy.

. This study investigated the association of autoantibodies binding to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). .

Blood Pressure, Sodium Intake, and Hypertension Control: Lessons From the North Karelia Project.

From the very beginning of the North Karelia Project, prevention, detection, and control of hypertension were included as key aims in the project. An intensive hypertension prevention and control program was established in North Karelia in 1972 that included community-based activities to reduce blood pressure levels in the entire population, detect people with hypertension, improve their treatment, establish standard diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and to monitor blood pressure levels, control of hypertension, and the performance of the health care. After the first 5 years of the project, most of these activities were also implemented on the national level.

Background, Principles, Implementation, and General Experiences of the North Karelia Project.

The extremely high mortality of cardiovascular diseases in the 1960s in Finland, particularly in the Eastern Province of North Karelia and especially that of coronary heart disease in men, caused great concern among the local population. Action to reduce the problem was demanded in a petition signed in 1971 by the representatives of the population. In response, the North Karelia Project was launched in 1972 to carry out a comprehensive preventive project, first only in North Karelia as a national pilot (1972 to 1977), and thereafter continuing in North Karelia but at the same time transferring the experiences to a national level.

Contrast enhancement in EIT imaging of the brain.

We consider electrical impedance tomography (EIT) imaging of the brain. The brain is surrounded by the poorly conducting skull which has low conductivity compared to the brain. The skull layer causes a partial shielding effect which leads to weak sensitivity for the imaging of the brain tissue.

Association of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity With Mortality.

Importance: The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity is increasing.

Objective: To estimate reductions in life expectancy associated with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Age- and sex-adjusted mortality rates and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using individual participant data from the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration (689,300 participants; 91 cohorts; years of baseline surveys: 1960-2007; latest mortality follow-up: April 2013; 128,843 deaths).

Glycated hemoglobin measurement and prediction of cardiovascular disease.

Importance: The value of measuring levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for the prediction of first cardiovascular events is uncertain.

Objective: To determine whether adding information on HbA1c values to conventional cardiovascular risk factors is associated with improvement in prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Analysis of individual-participant data available from 73 prospective studies involving 294,998 participants without a known history of diabetes mellitus or CVD at the baseline assessment.

Natural antibodies of newborns recognize oxidative stress-related malondialdehyde acetaldehyde adducts on apoptotic cells and atherosclerotic plaques.

Malondialdehyde acetaldehyde (MAA) adducts are generated under oxidative stress and shown to be highly immunogenic. Our aim was to investigate the recognition of MAA adducts by human natural antibodies in newborns before or at the time of full-term pregnancy. Plasma samples of pre-term (n = 11) and full-term (n = 36) newborns were enriched in specific IgM binding to MAA adducts compared with the maternal plasma IgM levels.

The Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER): study design and progress.

Background: Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) is a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial ongoing in Finland.

Materials: Participants (1200 individuals at risk of cognitive decline) are recruited from previous population-based non-intervention studies. Inclusion criteria are CAIDE Dementia Risk Score ≥6 and cognitive performance at the mean level or slightly lower than expected for age (but not substantial impairment) assessed with the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) neuropsychological battery.

High vitreous concentration of IL-6 and IL-8, but not of adhesion molecules in relation to plasma concentrations in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Background/aim: Inflammatory markers have been observed in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). We assessed vitreous concentrations of adhesion molecules and cytokines in PDR and non-diabetic controls and plasma concentrations to differentiate local inflammation from the breakdown of the blood-retina barrier.

Methods: 38 patients with PDR and 16 controls with macular hole or epiretinal membrane underwent vitrectomy.

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae --internal quality control as a quality tool on a national level.

Knowledge of the quality and conformity of antimicrobial resistance data is important for comparing resistance rates regionally and over time. In this study, we have evaluated these features of the Finnish national susceptibility surveillance data for two respiratory tract pathogens, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. For this purpose internal quality control results for two isolates (S.