bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Study of SUMOylation During Solanum tuberosum–Phytophthora infestans Interactions
Authors: Colignon Bertrand , Dieu Marc , Demazy Catherine , Delaive Edouard , Muhovski Yordan , Raes Martine , Mauro Sergio
Published: July 2017

Invasive plant pathogens have developed the ability to modify the metabolism of their host, promoting metabolic processes that facilitate the growth of the pathogen at the general expense of the host. The particular enzymatic process SUMOylation, which performs posttranslational modification of target proteins, leading to changes in many aspects of protein activity and, hence, metabolism, has been demonstrated to be active in many eukaryotic organisms, both animals and plants. Here, we provide experimental evidence that indicates that, in leaves of Solanum tuberosum that have been infected by Phytophthora infestans, the SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) pathway enzymes of the host are partially under transcriptional control exerted by the oomycete. Using a recently developed approach that employs three-dimensional gels, we show that, during the infection process, the abundances of most of the known SUMO conjugates of S. tuberosum change significantly, some decreasing, but many increasing in abundance. The new proteomic approach has the potential to greatly facilitate investigation of the molecular events that take place during the invasion by a pathogen of its host plant.
Comparison of Post-Cesarean Section Opioid Analgesic Requirements in Women With Opioid Use Disorder Treated With Methadone or Buprenorphine
Authors: Vilkins Annmarie L. , Bagley Sarah M. , Hahn Kristen A. , Rojas-Miguez Florencia , Wachman Elisha M. , Saia Kelley , Alford Daniel P.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Buprenorphine is a highly effective treatment for opioid use disorders, but its continuation in the perioperative setting remains controversial, unlike the accepted practice of perioperative methadone continuation.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2006 to 2014 comparing post-cesarean section opioid analgesic requirements of women with opioid use disorders treated with methadone or buprenorphine. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative opioid requirements (morphine equivalent dose [MED]), postoperative complications, and length of stay were compared between the methadone and buprenorphine groups.

Results:

During the 9-year study period, there were 185 women treated with methadone (mean dose 93.7 mg, SD 2.6) and 88 women treated with buprenorphine (mean dose 16.1 mg, SD 7.8). There were no statistically significant differences in MED requirements in the methadone versus buprenorphine groups: preoperative MED (11.4 mg [SD 31.5] vs 20.0 mg [SD 15.1]; mean difference [MD] 8.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.9, 19.1), intraoperative MED (3.5 mg [SD 6.6] vs 5.2 mg [SD 13.7]; MD 1.8, 95% CI −1.1, 4.6), and postoperative MED during hospitalization (97.7 mg [SD 65.6] vs 85.1 mg [SD 73.0]; MD −12.6, 95% CI −31.1, 5.8). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative complications or length of stay.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that buprenorphine treatment will not interfere more than methadone with pain management after a cesarean section with no significant differences in opioid analgesic requirements, postoperative complications, or length of hospital stay. Future studies should investigate the generalizability to other surgeries.
Pain Catastrophizing and Pain Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Endometriosis
Authors: McPeak Allison E. , Allaire Catherine , Williams Christina , Albert Arianne , Lisonkova Sarka , Yong Paul J.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

To determine if pain catastrophizing is independently associated with pain health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) in women with endometriosis, independent of potential confounders.

Materials and Methods:

Analysis of cross-sectional baseline data from a prospective database at a tertiary referral center for endometriosis/pelvic pain. Referrals to the center were recruited between December 2013 to April 2015, with data collected from online patient questionnaires, physical examination, and review of medical records. The primary outcome was HRQoL as measured by the 11-item pain subscale of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale was the independent variable of interest. Other independent variables (potential confounders) included other psychological measures, pain severity, comorbid pain conditions, and social-behavioral and demographic variables. Multivariable linear regression was used to control for these potential confounders and assess independent associations with the primary outcome.

Results:

In total, 236 women were included (87% consent rate). The mean age was 35.0±7.3 years, and 98 (42%) had stage I to II endometriosis, 110 (47%) had stage III to IV endometriosis, and 28 (11%) were of unknown stage after review of operative records. Regression analysis demonstrated that higher pain catastrophizing (P<0.001), more severe chronic pelvic pain (P<0.001), more severe dysmenorrhea (P<0.001), and abdominal wall pain (positive Carnett test) (P=0.033) were independently associated with worse pain HRQoL.

Discussion:

Higher pain catastrophizing was associated with a reduced pain HRQoL in women with endometriosis at a tertiary referral center, independent of pain severity and other potential confounders.
Perioperative Gabapentin Does Not Reduce Postoperative Delirium in Older Surgical Patients
Authors: Leung Jacqueline M. , Sands Laura P. , Chen Ningning , Ames Christopher , Berven Sigurd , Bozic Kevin , Burch Shane , Chou Dean , Covinsky Kenneth , Deviren Vedat , Kinjo Sakura , Kramer Joel H. , Ries Michael , Tay Bobby , Vail Thomas , Weinstein Philip ,   the Perioperative Medicine Research Group
Published: July 2017

Background

Postoperative pain and opioid use are associated with postoperative delirium. We designed a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, double-blinded trial to determine whether perioperative administration of gabapentin reduced postoperative delirium after noncardiac surgery.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo (N = 347) or gabapentin 900 mg (N = 350) administered preoperatively and for the first 3 postoperative days. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium as measured by the Confusion Assessment Method. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, opioid use, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Data for 697 patients were included, with a mean ± SD age of 72 ± 6 yr. The overall incidence of postoperative delirium in any of the first 3 days was 22.4% (24.0% in the gabapentin and 20.8% in the placebo groups; the difference was 3.20%; 95% CI, 3.22% to 9.72%; P = 0.30). The incidence of delirium did not differ between the two groups when stratified by surgery type, anesthesia type, or preoperative risk status. Gabapentin was shown to be opioid sparing, with lower doses for the intervention group versus the control group. For example, the morphine equivalents for the gabapentin-treated group, median 6.7 mg (25th, 75th quartiles: 1.3, 20.0 mg), versus control group, median 6.7 mg (25th, 75th quartiles: 2.7, 24.8 mg), differed on the first postoperative day (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Although postoperative opioid use was reduced, perioperative administration of gabapentin did not result in a reduction of postoperative delirium or hospital length of stay.
White Wine Consumption Influences Inflammatory Phase of Repair After Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Ključević Nikola , Milat Ana Marija , Grga Mia , Mudnić Ivana , Boban Mladen , Grković Ivica
Published: July 2017

Effects of white wine (WW) consumption on the expression of inflammatory markers/mediators (MMP-2, MMP-9, NF-ĸB p65 and TGF-β1) in myocardial tissue after experimentally induced permanent myocardial ischemia was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were given either a combination of WW and water or only water, for 28 days. After coronary ligation, animals were left to survive for 24 hours. Three representative areas: infarct/ischemic, peri-infarct/border zone, and control/non-ischemic zones were analyzed for expression of immunoreactivity by measuring the threshold area % of signal density. For MMP-9, significantly smaller expression was found in all 3 zones of wine drinking animals (P < 0.001). There was no difference in MMP-2 immunoreactivity between the 2 groups, except in peri-infarct zones, where the signal was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). The same pattern of expression was found for the NF-κB p65 signal, although no differences between experimental groups were observed for TGF-β1. White wine consumption decreases the expression of the 3 investigated inflammatory markers/mediators in the peri-infarct zone, suggesting its significant modulatory effect. For MMP-9 and MMP-2, expression was similar to the effect of postischemic reperfusion. No effect on TGF-β1 was observed, highlighting its role in being the master-switch, changing from the inflammatory to the proliferative stage of infarct healing.
Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Mahfood Haddad Toufik , Saurav Alok , Smer Aiman , Azzouz Muhammad S. , Akinapelli Abhilash , Williams Mark A. , Alla Venkata M.
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) has been demonstrated to improve functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, there are limited data on the effect of EBCR in patients with advanced HF and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). This meta-analysis sought to evaluate the effects of EBCR on functional capacity in patients with LVAD.

Methods:

PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized studies assessing the impact of EBCR in patients following LVAD implantation compared with standard therapy (ST). Using pre-defined criteria, appropriate studies were identified and selected. Data from selected studies were extracted in a standardized fashion and a meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with DerSimonian Liard weighting. Analysis employed weighted mean difference (WMD) as the effect size and intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Study quality, publication bias, and heterogeneity were assessed.

Results:

Six trials with a total of 183 patients (EBCR: 125; ST: 58) were identified. Mean age was 51 years and 83% were males. The initiation of EBCR varied from LVAD implantation during the index hospitalization to 10 mo post-LVAD implantation. The median rehabilitation period ranged from 6 to 10 wk. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with improved peak oxygen uptake (

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2) in all trials. Quantitative analysis was performed on 3 randomized studies involving 61 patients (EBCR = 39, ST = 22). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with significantly greater peak

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2 (WMD: 3.00 mL/kg/min; 95% CI: 0.64-5.35, P = .001). Similarly, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) showed significantly greater improvement in the EBCR group than in the ST group (WMD: 60.06 m; 95% CI, 22.61-97.50, P = .002). Heterogeneity was low among the included trials. Exclusion sensitivity and per-protocol analysis demonstrated results consistent with ITT analysis. None of the included studies reported serious adverse events related to EBCR, which supports the safety of EBCR after LVAD implantation.

Conclusion:

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that EBCR following LVAD implantation is associated with greater improvement in functional capacity compared with ST as reflected by improved peak

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2 and 6MWD. However, given the small number of patients, further research into the clinical impact of EBCR in LVAD patients is necessary.
Comprehensive Cardiac Rehabilitation for Secondary Prevention After Transient Ischemic Attack or Mild Stroke
Authors: Prior Peter L. , Hachinski Vladimir , Chan Richard , Unsworth Karen , Mytka Sharon , Harnadek Michael , O'Callaghan Christina , Suskin Neville
Published: July 2017

Purpose:

Having previously reported that comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) is effective for secondary prevention post-transient ischemic attack (TIA)/mild nondisabling stroke (MNDS), we present psychometric findings for the same sample that elucidate subacute TIA/MNDS psychological outcomes and test whether CCR would be independently associated with psychological improvements.

Methods:

In this prospective cohort trial patients with ≥1 risk factor, recruited from a stroke prevention clinic within 12 months (mean = 11.5 weeks) post-TIA/MNDS, entered CCR.

Results:

Of the 110 recruited patients, 100 (mean age = 65.4 years; 46 females) entered CCR and 80 completed CCR (mean duration = 7.6 months). At CCR entry, 16.5% and 39.2% screened positively for depression and anxiety, decreasing nonsignificantly at exit to 4.2%, and significantly to 16.9% (P = .008), respectively. Age-corrected deficits occurred more frequently than expected (P ≤ .03); at entry, mental health status (13.3%), clock-drawing (31.6%), oral-verbal fluency (16.9%), word-list learning (11.2%), and recall (12.6%); at exit, clock-drawing (30.0%). Entry-to-exit, mean depression, anxiety, mental and physical health status, word-list learning, memory, digit-symbol coding, and oral-verbal fluency scores improved significantly (P ≤ .031). No reliable change indices were significant. Psychological service recipients improved significantly more than nonrecipients in depression (P = .049). Baseline North American Adult Reading Test score predicted exercise attendance (R = 0.275; P = .044); New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and depression score predicted exit physical health status (R = 0.770, P < .001); and depression score predicted exit mental health status (R = 0.523, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Anxiety and executive dysfunction persisted post-TIA/MNDS. Although promising for secondary prevention post-TIA/MNDS, CCR was not independently associated with psychological improvements. CCR psychological treatment may benefit depression. Subacute NYHA class and depression may later affect quality of life.
Effects of 12-Week Resistance Exercise on Electroencephalogram Patterns and Cognitive Function in the Elderly With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hong Soon-Gook , Kim June-Hong , Jun Tae-Won
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To investigate the effects of a 12-week resistance exercise program with an elastic band on electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns and cognitive function in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Community center.

Participants:

Twenty-two subjects with MCI and 25 healthy volunteer subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: subjects with MCI who undertook the exercise program (MCI-EX; n = 10), an MCI control group (MCI-Con; n = 12), a healthy volunteer exercise group (NG-EX; n = 12), and a healthy volunteer control group (NG-Con; n = 13).

Intervention:

The exercise group engaged in a 15-repetition maximum (15RM; 65% of 1RM) resistance exercise program for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures:

Electroencephalograms, neuropsychological tests, and Senior Fitness Test.

Results:

The 12-week 15RM (65% of 1RM) resistance exercise program significantly improved variables related to the physical fitness of the elderly subjects. Furthermore, for the EEG test, the MCI and NG groups showed significant differences at baseline in relative beta waves on electrodes Fp1 (P < 0.05) and F3 (P < 0.05), as well as in relative beta2 waves on F3 (P < 0.05). In addition, after the 12-week exercise intervention, differences in a region that benefits from exercise were observed between (1) the MCI-EX group in the relative theta power on F3 (P < 0.05) and the relative alpha power on T3 (P < 0.05) and in (2) the NG-EX group in the relative theta power on P3 (P < 0.05) and P4 (P < 0.01). In addition, only the score of the digit span backward in the MCI-EX group changed significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The 12-week resistance exercise with an elastic band had a positive effect on EEG patterns in elderly subjects with MCI, along with providing physical benefits and slight changes in cognitive function in MCI-EX group.

Significance:

A 15RM resistance exercise program can be an effective treatment for delaying cognitive decline and improving physical fitness.
Acquired External Auditory Canal Atresia: A Comparison of Acellular Dermal Matrix and Split-thickness Skin Grafting Techniques
Authors: Evans Michel A. , Sugihara Eric M. , Chan Eleanor Y.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To describe the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the repair of acquired external auditory canal atresia (AEACA), and compare surgical results to AEACA repair by split-thickness skin grafting (STSG).

Study Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Neurotology clinical practice.

Patients and Intervention:

From 2007 to 2015, 25 AEACA surgeries (8 ADM and 17 STSG) were identified meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre- and postoperative audiometric data with clinical follow-up were examined.

Outcome Measures:

Rate of external auditory canal restenosis, improvement of conductive hearing loss, and resolution of otorrhea.

Results:

Both surgical groups had similar preoperative air bone gaps (ABG). Mean follow-up was 24 months. There was no significant difference in restenosis rates between the ADM (13%, n = 1/8) and STSG (12%, n = 2/17) groups. ABG improved from 28 dB to 11 dB in the ADM group and from 24 dB to 9 dB in the STSG group. ABG closure with surgery was statistically significant (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the two groups. There was no significant reduction of otorrhea.

Conclusion:

Acellular dermal matrix grafting has not been previously reported for use in AEACA repair, and is a reasonable alternative to STSG with similar hearing, restenosis, and otorrhea outcomes.
Same-day Versus Split-dose Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Lung , Huang Kuang-Wei , Liao Wei-Chih , Luo Jiing-Chyuan , Lan Keng-Hsin , Su Chien-Wei , Wang Yuan-Jen , Hou Ming-Chih
Published: July 2017

Background:

Split-dose regimens (SpDs) were recommended as a first choice for bowel preparation, whereas same-day regimens (SaDs) were recommended as an alternative; however, randomized trials compared them with mixed results. The meta-analysis was aimed at clarifying efficacy level between the 2 regimens.

Materials and Methods:

We used MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized trials published from 1990 to 2016, comparing SaDs to SpDs in adults. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for preparation quality, cecal intubation rate (CIR), adenoma detection rate (ADR), and any other adverse effects.

Results:

Fourteen trials were included. The proportion of individuals receiving SaDs and SpDs with adequate preparation in the pooled analysis were 79.4% and 81.7%, respectively, with no significant difference [OR=0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62-1.36] in 11 trials. Subgroup analysis revealed that the odds of adequate preparation for SaDs with bisacodyl were 2.45 times that for SpDs without bisacodyl (95% CI, 1.45-4.51, in favor of SaDs with bisacodyl). Subjects received SaDs experienced better sleep.

Conclusions:

SaDs were comparable with SpDs in terms of bowel cleanliness, CIR, and ADR, and could also outperform SpDs in preparation quality with bisacodyl. SaDs also offered better sleep the previous night than SpDs did, which suggests that SaDs might serve as a superior alternative to SpDs. The heterogenous regimens and measurements likely account for the low rates of optimal bowl preparations in both arms. Further studies are needed to validate these results and determine the optimal purgatives and dosages.
Central Nervous System Fungal Infection and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children: What is the Optimal Duration of Antifungal Therapy?
Authors: Lashkari Harsha P. , Fernandes Neil , Alva Kishan , Rai Santosh
Published: July 2017

Invasive fungal infections are rare in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It compromises the antileukemia therapy should it happen. Central nervous system fungal infections carry high mortality. We here report the case of a 6.5-year-old girl who developed multiple central nervous system fungal abscesses possibly due to Aspergillus infection during induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia who has been successfully managed without compromising antileukemia therapy. She has been receiving antifungal therapy and maintenance chemotherapy for 20 months from diagnosis. We reviewed literature about the optimal duration of therapy for such children as the reported cases duration ranged between 4 and 24 months.
Human Bocavirus: Can It Trigger Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis?
Authors: Tanir Basaranoglu Sevgen , Aykac Kubra , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Bajin Inci , Tavil Betul , Gumruk Fatma , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: July 2017

With improvements in molecular diagnostic methods, report of Human bocavirus (HBoV) as an etiologic agent in many studies on viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections has been increasing. Two pediatric patients who presented with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis were examined for etiologic causes, including viruses. Whole bacterial and fungal cultures and viral serological studies were negative. Viral polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal secretions showed HBoV. One was successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, whereas the other died with multiorgan failure. Here we report 2 pediatric patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and detection of HBoV as the sole agent, predicting an association.
The Effect on Bone Outcomes of Home-based Exercise Intervention for Prostate Cancer Survivors Receiving Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Seong Do Hwan , Yoon Sang Min , Choi Young Deuk , Choi Eunju , Song Youngkyu , Song Hosook
Published: July 2017

Background:

Cancer treatment–induced bone loss has important long-term effects in prostate cancer survivors (PCSs) receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but little is known about preventive interventions.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 6-month home-based exercise intervention in PCSs.

Methods:

In this pilot, randomized controlled trial, 51 men (mean age, 70.8 years) were randomized to a 6-month home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group (n = 26) or an exercise placebo intervention of stretching exercise group (n = 25). Primary outcomes were bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Secondary outcomes were physical performance (level of physical activity, muscle strength, and balance) and health-related quality of life.

Results:

The patient retention rate for 6 months was 80.4%. The mean adherence rate was 84.7% for weight-bearing exercise and 64.8% for resistance exercise. No adverse events during the study period were reported. Although primary outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups, the home-based exercise intervention for preventing osteoporosis group demonstrated significantly greater increased muscle strength than the stretching exercise group.

Conclusions:

A home-based exercise program is relatively feasible and safe and may improve muscle strength but not bone outcomes.

Implications for Practice:

Given the importance of preventing cancer treatment–induced bone loss among PCSs receiving ADT, a home-based exercise intervention can be considered, but further trials with a larger sample are required to determine its effect for bone outcomes.
Determination of Colorectal Cancer Risk Levels, Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates, and Factors Affecting Screening Participation of Individuals Working in Agriculture in Turkey
Authors: Ilgaz Ays¸egül , Gözüm Sebahat
Published: July 2017

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth ranked malignancy leading to death in Turkey. Agricultural workers with low socioeconomic level are particularly at risk due to the intense use of pesticides.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine CRC risk levels, status of participation in CRC screenings, and the factors affecting participation in screenings among individuals between 50 and 70 years old working in agriculture.

Methods:

Data in this cross-sectional study were collected from 244 agricultural workers in Turkey.

Results:

The rate of participation in CRC screenings among these workers at high risk was low. Their knowledge and health beliefs did not affect their participation in CRC screenings. Having a friend or neighbor with CRC and knowing which doctor to consult increased participation in CRC screenings 10 times, and having abdominal pain increased participation in CRC screenings 4 times.

Conclusions:

The rate of participation in CRC screenings is low in this group of workers, but rates may increase when these individuals are directed to be screened.

Implications for Practice:

Health professionals should advise agricultural workers to participate in CRC screenings and should inform workers about the locations where screenings are conducted.
Alcohol Use Disorder Moderates the Effect of Age on Heart Rate Variability in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Ray John M. , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Gevirtz Richard N.
Published: July 2017

Research on heart rate variability (HRV) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) is limited despite its use as a biomarker of both disorders. This study examined whether AUD comorbidity contributes an additive effect on HRV for veterans with PTSD. HRV was assessed in 70 male Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans with PTSD, including 32 with co-occurring AUD. Mean HRV values for both groups were below the mean for healthy adults, but additive effects of PTSD and AUD on HRV were not observed. Consistent with prior studies, hierarchical regressions showed that HRV decreased with age in the PTSD-only group. However, HRV increased slightly with age among veterans with both PTSD and AUD. This interaction remained significant after controlling for common HRV covariates. These findings support HRV as a biomarker of PTSD and extend research by demonstrating the complex relationship between PTSD and HRV in the context of co-occurring AUD.
Steady progress toward a malaria vaccine
Authors: Lyke Kirsten E.
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

Great progress has been made in reducing malaria morbidity and mortality, yet the parasite continues to cause a startling 200 million infections and 500 000 deaths annually. Malaria vaccine development is pushing new boundaries by steady advancement toward a licensed product.

Recent findings

Despite 50 years of research, the complexity of Plasmoidum falciparum confounds all attempts to eradicate the organism. This very complexity has pushed the boundaries of vaccine development to new heights, yet it remains to be seen if an affordable vaccine can provide durable and high-level protection. Novel vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01E are on the edge of licensure, but old techniques have resurged with the ability to deliver vialed, whole organism vaccines. Novel adjuvants, multistage/multiantigen approaches and transmission blocking vaccines all contribute to a multipronged battle plan to conquer malaria.

Vaccines are the most cost-effective tools to control infectious diseases, yet the complexity of malaria has frustrated all attempts to develop an effective product. This review concentrates on recent advances in malaria vaccine development that lend hope that a vaccine can be produced and malaria eradicated.
Current perspectives on invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease
Authors: Haselbeck Andrea H. , Panzner Ursula , Im Justin , Baker Stephen , Meyer Christian G. , Marks Florian
Published: July 2017

Purpose of review

We searched PubMed for scientific literature published in the past 2 years for relevant information regarding the burden of invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease and host factors associated with nontyphoidal Salmonella infection and discuss current knowledge on vaccine development. The following search terms were used: Salmonella, non typhoidal/nontyphoidal, NTS, disease, bloodstream infection, invasive, sepsis/septicaemia/septicemia, bacteraemia/bacteremia, gastroenteritis, incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, case fatality, host/risk factor, vaccination, and prevention/control.

Recent findings

Estimates of the global invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease burden have been recently updated; additional data from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are now available. New data bridge various knowledge gaps, particularly with respect to host risk factors and the geographical distribution of iNTS serovars. It has also been observed that Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type 313 is emergent in several African countries. Available data suggest that genetic variation in the sequence type 313 strain has led to increased pathogenicity and human host adaptation. A bivalent efficacious vaccine, targeting Salmonella serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis, would significantly lower the disease burden in high-risk populations.

The mobilization of surveillance networks, especially in Asia and Latin America, may provide missing data regarding the invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease burden and their corresponding antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Efforts and resources should be directed toward invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella disease vaccine development.
Evaluation of Noninvasive Hemoglobin Monitoring in Trauma Patients with Low Hemoglobin Levels
Authors: Gamal Medhat , Abdelhamid Bassant , Zakaria Dina , Dayem Omnia Abd El , Rady Ashraf , Fawzy Maher , Hasanin Ahmed
Published: July 2017

Objective:

Bleeding is a leading cause of death among trauma patients. Delayed assessment of blood hemoglobin level might result in either unnecessary blood transfusion in nonindicated patients or delayed blood transfusion in critically bleeding patients. In this study, we evaluate the precision of noninvasive hemoglobin monitoring in trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels.

Methods:

We included trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels (less than 8 g/dL) scheduled for surgical intervention. Blood samples were obtained on admission and after each blood unit with concomitant measurement of serum hemoglobin using radical-7 Masimo device. The change in blood hemoglobin after every transfused blood unit was also assessed by both methods (change in noninvasive Masimo hemoglobin [Delta-Sp-Hb] and change in laboratory hemoglobin [Delta-Lab-Hb]). The precision of Masimo hemoglobin level (Sp-Hb) compared with Laboratory hemoglobin level (Lab-Hb) was determined using both Bland–Altman and Pearson correlation analyses.

Results:

One hundred eighty-four time-matched samples were available for final analysis. Bland–Altman analysis showed excellent accuracy of Sp-Hb compared with Lab-Hb with mean bias of 0.12 g/dL and limits of agreement between −0.56 g/dL and 0.79 g/dL. Excellent correlation was reported between both measures with Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.872. Excellent agreement was also reported between both Delta-Sp-Hb and Delta-Lab-Hb with mean bias of −0.05 and limits of agreement from −0.62 to 0.51

Conclusions:

Sp-Hb showed accurate precision in both absolute values and trend values compared with Lab-Hb measurement in trauma patients with low hemoglobin levels.
Open Colectomies of Shorter Operative Time Do Not Result in Improved Outcomes Compared With Prolonged Laparoscopic Operations
Authors: Zettervall Sara L. , Haskins Ivy N. , Deery Sarah E. , Amdur Richard L. , Lin Paul P. , Vaziri Khashayar
Published: July 2017

Background:

Laparoscopic colectomies are associated with reduced perioperative morbidity and mortality compared with open surgery. Nevertheless, many surgeons continue to utilize an open surgical approach due to the perceived benefits of shorter operative times. This study aims to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic versus open colectomies of equal or shorter operative duration.

Methods:

All patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or open colectomy in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) were identified from the years 2005 through 2012. Patients were stratified first by operative procedure including partial colectomy, total colectomy, or low anterior resection. Each surgical group was then divided into 4 groups according to operative time: <90 minutes, ≥90 minutes and <3 hours, ≥3 hours and <6 hours, and ≥6 hours. In total, 30-day outcomes were compared between laparoscopic operations and open procedures of shorter or equivalent durations within each surgical group. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to account for differences in patient demographics and comorbidities between the surgical groups.

Results:

In total, 156,503 patients met inclusion criteria; 112,053 (71.6%) patients underwent a partial colectomy, 13,838 (8.8%) patients underwent a total colectomy, and 30,612 (19.6%) patients underwent a low anterior resection. A laparoscopic approach was used in 34% (37,789 patients) of the partial colectomies performed, 31% (4285 patients) of the total colectomies performed, and 45% (13,850 patients) of the low anterior resections performed. For all procedures, laparoscopic operations <6 hours were associated with superior outcomes compared with shorter open procedures. The benefit of laparoscopic operations was lost when operative time exceeded 6 hours.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic colectomies are associated with improved outcomes compared with open operations that do not exceed an operative time of 6 hours. Given the potential to improve patient outcomes, consideration should be given to the laparoscopic approach for all colon surgeries expected to be completed in <6 hours.
Surgical Anatomy of the Uterosacral Ligament Colpopexy
Authors: Siff Lauren N. , Jallad Karl , Hickman Lisa C. , Walters Mark D.
Published: July 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the relationship of the uterosacral ligament (USL) to the ureter and rectum along a surgeon's target location for suture placement under conditions simulating live surgery.

Methods

Dissections were performed in 11 unembalmed female cadavers. Steps were taken to identify the USL simulating USL colpopexy. Pins were placed in the midportion of the USL at the level of the IS, and at 1-cm, 2-cm, and 3-cm increments traveling proximally toward the sacrum (Fig. 1). We measured minimum distances from the USL to the ureter and rectum at each target location.

Results

In general, the ureters range from 1.3 to 2.0 cm lateral to the USLs along the target length. The rectum ranges from 1.9 to 2.6 cm from the right USL and remains 1.5 cm from the left USL. The mean change in distance between the ureter and USL for every 1 cm advanced toward the sacrum is 0.2 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.24) on the right and 0.2 cm (95% CI, 0.18–0.27) on the left. The mean change in distance between the rectum and USL for every 1 cm advanced toward the sacrum is 0.2 cm (95% CI, 0.19–0.24) on the right and 0.0 cm (95% CI, 0–0) on the left.

Conclusions

For every centimeter traveled along the bilateral USLs from the IS toward the sacrum, the ureter moves 0.2 cm laterally away from the ligament, the rectum moves 0.2 cm medially away from the right USL, but maintains its position from the left USL.
Variables Affecting Intra-abdominal Pressure During Lifting in the Early Postpartum Period
Authors: Hsu Yvonne , Hitchcock Robert , Niederauer Stefan , Nygaard Ingrid E. , Shaw Janet M. , Sheng Xiaoming
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may contribute to pelvic floor health, although the direction and magnitude of such an effect, if any, are not yet known. Identifying individual characteristics, and in particular modifiable factors, associated with higher IAP during recovery from vaginal childbirth might serve to mitigate early pelvic floor dysfunction. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics associated with maximal IAP during lifting in postpartum primiparous women who delivered vaginally.

Methods

At 6 to 10 weeks postpartum, we measured maximal IAP, assessed via an upper vaginal sensor, as participants (enrolled in an ongoing cohort study) lifted a weighted car seat (12.5 kg). We evaluated whether the following independent variables were associated with maximal IAP: age, ethnicity, body mass index, height, abdominal circumference, weight gain during pregnancy, lifting time, breath holding during lifting, lifting technique, measures of muscular fitness, and days since delivery.

Results

In the 206 participants, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, and days since delivery were positively associated with mean maximal IAP during lifting, whereas IAP decreased as height increased. As the duration of the lifting task increased, mean maximal IAP during lifting also increased, but there were no associations between lifting technique or breath holding during lifting and IAP. Neither pelvic floor muscle strength nor abdominal muscle endurance was associated with IAP during lifting.

Conclusions

Other than measures of body habitus and lifting duration, we did not identify modifiable factors that could mitigate maximal pressures experienced by the pelvic floor during the early postpartum period.
TDCPP exposure affects the concentrations of thyroid hormones in zebrafish
Authors: Song Jingxin
Published: July 2017

Previous studies show that TDCPP may interrupt the thyroid endocrine system, however, the potential mechanisms involved in these processes were largely unknown. In this study, zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to TDCPP until 120 hpf, by which time most of the organs of the larvae have completed development. In this study, the effects of TDCPP on HPT axis were examined and the thyroid hormone levels were measured after TDCPP treatment. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were treated with a series concentration of TDCPP (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 μg/L) from 1 day post-fertilization (dpf) to 5 dpf. Exposure concentrations of TDCPP were determined based on the survival rates in each group. Total mRNA were isolated, first-strand cDNA were synthesis and qPCR were performed to detect the mRNA expression levels in hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. The mRNA expression levels of genes involved in thyroid hormone homeostasis were increased in the TDCPP-treated larvae. The mRNA levels of genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis were also increased in the embryos treated with TDCPP. Furthermore, exposure to TDCPP led to a dose-dependent effect on zebrafish development, including diminished hatching and survival rates, increased malformation. TDCPP treatment significantly reduced the T4 concentration in the 5 dpf zebrafish larvae, but increased the concentration of T3, suggesting the function of thyroid endocrine were interrupted in the TDCPP-exposed zebrafish. Taken together, these data indicated that TDCPP affected the thyroid hormone levels in the zebrafish larvae and could increased the mRNA expression levels of genes related to HPT axis, which further impaired the endocrine homeostasis and thyroid system.
Safety and Lack of Negative Effects of Wearable Augmented-Reality Social Communication Aid for Children and Adults with Autism
Authors: Sahin Ned T. , Keshav Neha U. , Salisbury Joseph P. , Vahabzadeh Arshya
Published: July 2017

There is growing interest in the use of augmented reality (AR) to assist children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, little investigation has been conducted into the safety of devices for AR such as smartglasses. The objective of this report was to assess the safety and negative effects of theBrain Power Autism System(BPAS), a novel AR smartglasses-based social communication aid for people with ASD. A sequential series of 18 children and adults aged 4.4 to 21.5 years (mean 12.2 years) with clinically diagnosed ASD of varying severity used the BPAS. Users and caregivers were interviewed about perceived negative effects and design concerns. Most users were able to wear and use the BPAS (n=16/18, 89%), with most of them reporting no negative effects (n=14/16, 87.5%). Two users reported temporary negative effects: eye strain, dizziness, and nasal discomfort. Caregivers observed no negative effects in users (n=16/16, 100%). Most users (77.8%) and caregivers (88.9%) had no design concerns. This report found no major negative effects in using an AR smartglasses-based social communication aid across a wide age and severity range of people with ASD. Further research is needed to explore longer-term effects of using AR smartglasses in this population.
SnakeChunks: modular blocks to build Snakemake workflows for reproducible NGS analyses
Authors: Rioualen Claire , Charbonnier-Khamvongsa Lucie , Helden Jacques van
Published: July 2017

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is becoming a routine approach for most domains of life sciences, yet there is a crucial need to improve the automation of processing for the huge amounts of data generated and to ensure reproducible results. We present SnakeChunks, a collection of Snakemake rules enabling to compose modular and user-configurable workflows, and show its usage with analyses of transcriptome (RNA-seq) and genome-wide location (ChIP-seq) data.

Availability

The code is freely available (github.com/SnakeChunks/SnakeChunks), and documented with tutorials and illustrative demos (snakechunks.readthedocs.io).

Contact

claire.rioualen@inserm.fr,jacques.van-helden@univ-amu.fr

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Orientation-dependentDxz4contacts shape the 3D structure of the inactive X chromosome
Authors: Bonora G. , Deng X. , Fang H. , Ramani V. , Qui R. , Berletch J. , Filippova G. N. , Duan Z. , Schendure J. , Noble W. S. , Disteche C. M.
Published: July 2017

The mammalian inactive X chromosome (Xi) condenses into a bipartite structure with two superdomains of frequent long-range contacts separated by a boundary or hinge region. Using in situ DNase Hi-C in mouse cells with deletions or inversions within the hinge we show that the conserved repeat locusDxz4alone is sufficient to maintain the bipartite structure and thatDxz4orientation controls the distribution of long-range contacts on the Xi. Frequent long-range contacts betweenDxz4and the telomeric superdomain are either lost after its deletion or shifted to the centromeric superdomain after its inversion. This massive reversal in contact distribution is consistent with the reversal of CTCF motif orientation atDxz4.De-condensation of the Xi afterDxz4deletion is associated with partial restoration of TADs normally attenuated on the Xi. There is also an increase in chromatin accessibility and CTCF binding on the Xi afterDxz4deletion or inversion, but few changes in gene expression, in accordance with multiple epigenetic mechanisms ensuring X silencing. We propose thatDxz4represents a structural platform for frequent long-range contacts with multiple loci in a direction dictated by the orientation of a bank of CTCF motifs atDxz4,which may work as a ratchet to form the distinctive bipartite structure of the condensed Xi.
Polygenic hazard score: an enrichment marker for Alzheimer’s associated amyloid and tau deposition
Authors: Tan Chin Hong , Fan Chun Chieh , Mormino Elizabeth C. , Sugrue Leo P. , Broce Iris J. , Hess Christopher P. , Dillion William P. , Bonham Luke W. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Karch Celeste M. , Brewer James B. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Miller Bruce L. , Schellenberg Gerald D. , Kauppi Karolina , Feldman Howard A. , Holland Dominic , McEvoy Linda K. , Hyman Bradley T. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dale Anders M. , Desikan Rahul S. ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2017

Background

There is an urgent need for the early identification of nondemented individuals at the highest risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia for early therapeutic interventions. Our goal was to evaluate whether a recently validated polygenic hazard score (PHS) can be integrated with knownin vivoCSF or PET biomarkers of amyloid or tau pathology to prospectively predict cognitive decline and clinical progression to AD dementia in nondemented older individuals.

Methods

We evaluated 347 cognitive normal (CN) and 599 mild cognitively impaired (MCI) individuals. We first investigated whether PHS can predict CSF or PET amyloid and tau deposition. We evaluated differences in positive and negative predictive values of biomarker status, as a function of PHS risk. Next, we used linear mixed-effects (LME) to examine if PHS and biomarker status in conjunction, best predict longitudinal cognitive and clinical progression. Lastly, we used survival analysis to investigate whether a combination of PHS and biomarker positivity predicts progression to AD dementia better than using PHS or biomarker positivity alone.

Findings

In CN and MCI individuals, we found that amyloid and total tau positivity systematically varies as a function of PHS. For individuals in greater than the 50thpercentile PHS, the positive predictive value for amyloid approached 100%. Similarly, for individuals in less than the 25thpercentile PHS, the negative predictive value for total tau approached 85%. BeyondAPOE, high PHS individuals with amyloid and tau pathology showed the fastest rate of longitudinal cognitive decline and time to AD dementia progression. Among the CN subgroup, we similarly found that PHS was strongly associated with amyloid positivity and the combination of PHS and biomarker status significantly predicted longitudinal clinical progression.

Interpretation

Among asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic older individuals, PHS considerably improves the predictive value of CSF or PET amyloid and tau biomarkers. BeyondAPOE, PHS may be useful for risk stratification and cohort enrichment for MCI and preclinical AD therapeutic trials.