Effect of vitrification on biogenesis pathway and expression of development-related microRNAs in preimplantation mouse embryos.

Abstract: Vitrification of embryos has been known as the most efficient cryopreservation method in assisted reproductive technology clinics. Vitrification of preimplantation embryo might be associated with altered gene expression profile and biochemical changes of vitrified embryos. Stringent regulation of gene expression in early embryonic stages is very critical for normal development. In the present study, we investigated the effect of vitrification on the canonical miRNA biogenesis pathway, and also the expression of developmental related miRNAs, in 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos. Although the expression pattern of the miRNA biogenesis pathway genes differed between 8-cell and blastocyst mouse embryos, vitrification did not affect the expression level of these genes in preimplantation embryos. The expression levels of miR-21 and let-7a were significantly decreased in vitrified 8-cell embryos and fresh blastocysts when compared with fresh 8-cell embryos. The expression of Stat3 was significantly reduced in blastocysts after vitrification. The alteration in the expression pattern of miRNAs, due to their mode of action, can affect broad downstream key developmental signaling pathways. Therefore, the blastocyst stage is the preferred point for embryo vitrification as they are less susceptible to cryo-damages regarding the stability of miRNAs related to the developmental and implantation competence of embryo.

Vitrification
Preimplantation embryo
microRNA biogenesis
microRNA expression


Understanding personalized dynamics to inform precision medicine: a dynamic time warp analysis of 255 depressed inpatients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Major depressive disorder (MDD) shows large heterogeneity of symptoms between patients, but within patients, particular symptom clusters may show similar trajectories. While symptom clusters and networks have mostly been studied using cross-sectional designs, temporal dynamics of symptoms within patients may yield information that facilitates personalized medicine. Here, we aim to cluster depressive symptom dynamics through dynamic time warping (DTW) analysis.

METHODS
The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) was administered every 2 weeks for a median of 11 weeks in 255 depressed inpatients. The DTW analysis modeled the temporal dynamics of each pair of individual HRSD-17 items within each patient (i.e., 69,360 calculated "DTW distances"). Subsequently, hierarchical clustering and network models were estimated based on similarities in symptom dynamics both within each patient and at the group level.

RESULTS
The sample had a mean age of 51 (SD 15.4), and 64.7% were female. Clusters and networks based on symptom dynamics markedly differed across patients. At the group level, five dynamic symptom clusters emerged, which differed from a previously published cross-sectional network. Patients who showed treatment response or remission had the shortest average DTW distance, indicating denser networks with more synchronous symptom trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS
Symptom dynamics over time can be clustered and visualized using DTW. DTW represents a promising new approach for studying symptom dynamics with the potential to facilitate personalized psychiatric care.

Hebbrecht|K|K|
Stuivenga|M|M|
Birkenhäger|T|T|
Morrens|M|M|
Fried|E I|EI|
Sabbe|B|B|
Giltay|E J|EJ|

Major depressive disorder
Symptom dynamics
Symptom trajectories
Cluster analysis
Inter-individual variation
Intra-individual variation
Routine outcome monitoring


Corrigendum: The Human Neonatal Gut Microbiome: A Brief Review.

Abstract: [This corrects the article on p. 17 in vol. 3, PMID: 25798435.].

gut
microbiome
necrotizing enterocolitis
newborn
probiotics


Analgecine enhances the anti-tumor response of radiotherapy by increasing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract: We investigated whether Analgecine treatment enhanced the antitumor response of radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mice treated with Analgecine plus irradiation showed reduced tumor growth and increased survival. Tumor cell apoptosis was enhanced by Analgecine, based on TUNEL assays. It also increased plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ) and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGFβ and IL-10), suggesting an enhanced immune response. Analgecine plus irradiation reduced cell viability and colony formation by A549 NSCLC cells. Analgecine treatments also activated apoptotic signaling with increased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, including cytochrome c, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, caspase-9, p53 and Bax, and decreased Bcl2. Analgecine enhanced G2/M phase arrest in A549 cells by decreasing cyclinB1 and CDK1. These observations demonstrate that Analgecine combined with radiotherapy enhances anti-tumor responses by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, they suggest possible future clinical application of Analgecine for the treatment of NSCLC.

Chen|Xue|X| Zhuang|Xibing|X| Zhang|Qi|Q| Luo|Youjun|Y| Yuan|Sujuan|S| Qiao|Tiankui|T|

analgecine
radiotherapy
apoptosis
cell cycle
non-small cell lung cancer


Mobile-ECG screening in rural pharmacies: rates of atrial fibrillation and associated risk factors.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a growing health concern, affecting more than 40 million patients worldwide and increasing stroke risk by five times. Community screening initiatives in rural healthcare establishments are becoming more feasible with the development of innovative, mobile-ECG (mECG) technology. The purpose of this research was to characterize increased rates of stroke risk factors and to determine AFib incidence in rural, pharmacy settings.

METHODS
The researchers examined the prevalence of risk factors associated with AFib and calculated CHA₂DS₂-VASc stroke risk scores in a previously undiagnosed AFib community sample of 250 participants. Eligible participants at two rural pharmacies were administered a 1-lead mECG reading. Participants were then asked to complete questionnaires on demographic and medical history information. All participants were given educational materials on AFib and medical referrals when indicated.

RESULTS
Prevalence rates of six, known independent stroke risk factors (CHA₂DS₂-VASc scores: (2.68 ± 1.35)) were significantly higher in the study sample than reported national US averages. Screening via mECG indicated preliminary AFib rates of approximately 4%; however, upon independent adjudication of the readings from three electrophysiologists AFib prevalence ranged between 1% and 8%.

DISCUSSION
Collectively, an alarming rate of untreated stroke risk in a rural pharmacy sample was identified by the researchers utilizing mECG technology. These results suggest potential value to the use of mECG technology to screen for AFib in at-risk communities.

Kropp|Caley M|CM|
Huber|Nichelle L|NL|
Sager|David|D|
Tripp|Connor|C|
Burch|Ashley|A|
Naniwadekar|Aditi|A|
Nekkanti|Rajasekhar|R|
Sadaf|Murrium I|MI|
Mounsey|J Paul|JP|
Sears|Samuel F|SF|

Atrial fibrillation
Community screening
ECG
Health tracking
Mobile health
Patient engagement
Rural health


Changes in Selected Food Groups Consumption and Quality of Meals in Japanese School Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: In 2020, a state of emergency was declared to control the devastating impact of coronavirus, leading to temporary school closures in Japan, meaning that school lunches were not provided to the majority of schoolchildren. Using questionnaires completed by participants' guardians, we examined the relationship between household income and the quality of meals in Japanese schoolchildren before, during, and after the state of emergency. Participants (1111 children, 10-14 years old) were chosen to form a nationally representative sample of the Japanese population. "Well-balanced dietary intake" was defined as the intake of (i) meat, fish, or eggs and (ii) vegetables. The desired prevalence was defined as equal to or more than twice a day. Household income was divided into quartiles. "Well-balanced dietary intake" was lower in all households during the state of emergency compared with before. The proportion of those with a "well-balanced dietary intake" at least twice a day was notably low in both Q3 and Q4 during the state of emergency compared with before the declared state of emergency; relative risk increase (95% CI) were Q1: -19.0% (-19.6% to -18.4%), p < 0.001, Q2: -21.3% (-22.1% to -20.6%) p < 0.001, Q3: -25.4% (-26.1% to -24.7%), p < 0.001, and Q4: -34.8% (-35.6% to -34.0%), p < 0.001. The interaction p (vs. Q1) of Q2, Q3, and Q4 were all <0.001. Guardians from low-income households had significantly higher rates of having less: time, psychological room, and financial position to prepare meals during the state of emergency. Our results suggest that schoolchildren's quality of meals worsened during the state of emergency, especially in low-income households, because school lunches were not provided.

quality of meals
COVID-19
Japan
schoolchildren
household income
vegetables
animal protein sources
burden for preparing meals
fruit


Diagnosis and Management of Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children and Adolescents: ICMR Consensus Document.

Abstract: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a highly malignant tumor which is thought to originate from the pluripotent mesenchyme. It is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of childhood. This review article summarizes the recent and older published literature and gives an overview of management of RMS in children. RMS can arise in a wide variety of primary sites, some of which are associated with specific patterns of local invasion, regional lymph nodal spread, therapeutic response and long term outcome, hence requiring physicians to be familiar with site-specific staging and treatment details. Most common primary sites include the head and neck region, genitourinary tract, and extremities. Prognosis for children and adolescents with RMS has recently improved substantially, especially for patients with local or locally extensive disease because of the development of multi-modal therapy incorporating surgery, dose-intensive combination chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Despite aggressive approaches the outcome for patients who present with metastatic disease remains unsatisfactory. Clinical trials are ongoing to reduce toxicity and improve outcomes of such patients; newer agents in combination are being investigated.

Panda|Saroj Prasad|SP|
Chinnaswamy|Girish|G|
Vora|Tushar|T|
Prasad|Maya|M|
Bansal|Deepak|D|
Kapoor|Gauri|G|
Radhakrishnan|Venkatraman|V|
Agarwala|Sandeep|S|
Laskar|Siddharth|S|
Arora|Brijesh|B|
Kaur|Tanvir|T|
Rath|G K|GK|
Bakhshi|Sameer|S|

Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment Alveolar Embryonal Pediatric


Golgi-Dependent Copper Homeostasis Sustains Synaptic Development and Mitochondrial Content.

Abstract: Rare genetic diseases preponderantly affect the nervous system causing neurodegeneration to neurodevelopmental disorders. This is the case for both Menkes and Wilson disease, arising from mutations in ATP7A and ATP7B, respectively. The ATP7A and ATP7B proteins localize to the Golgi and regulate copper homeostasis. We demonstrate genetic and biochemical interactions between ATP7 paralogs with the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex, a Golgi apparatus vesicular tether. Disruption of Drosophila copper homeostasis by ATP7 tissue-specific transgenic expression caused alterations in epidermis, aminergic, sensory, and motor neurons. Prominent among neuronal phenotypes was a decreased mitochondrial content at synapses, a phenotype that paralleled with alterations of synaptic morphology, transmission, and plasticity. These neuronal and synaptic phenotypes caused by transgenic expression of ATP7 were rescued by downregulation of COG complex subunits. We conclude that the integrity of Golgi-dependent copper homeostasis mechanisms, requiring ATP7 and COG, are necessary to maintain mitochondria functional integrity and localization to synapses.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Menkes and Wilson disease affect copper homeostasis and characteristically afflict the nervous system. However, their molecular neuropathology mechanisms remain mostly unexplored. We demonstrate that copper homeostasis in neurons is maintained by two factors that localize to the Golgi apparatus, ATP7 and the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex. Disruption of these mechanisms affect mitochondrial function and localization to synapses as well as neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. These findings suggest communication between the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria through homeostatically controlled cellular copper levels and copper-dependent enzymatic activities in both organelles.

copper Menkes Wilson ATP7A Golgi mitochondria


Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Two Freshwater Peritrich Ciliates, Epistylis chlorelligerum Shen 1980 and Epistylis chrysemydis Bishop and Jahn 1941 (Ciliophora, Peritrichia).

Abstract: Two populations of Epistylis chlorelligerum Shen 1980, a colonial limnetic peritrich ciliate, were collected from different locations in China: E. chlorelligerum 1 from West Lake, Hangzhou; E. chlorelligerum 2 from East Lake, Wuhan. The morphology, infraciliature and SSU rRNA gene sequence of the two populations were investigated based on living and protargol-stained specimens. Although both populations are consistent with previous descriptions of protargol-stained specimens of this species, some differences in the morphology in vivo were observed. The two populations had identical SSU rRNA gene sequences. A second species, Epistylis chrysemydis Bishop and Jahn 1941, was also collected from East Lake, Wuhan, and was investigated for its morphology, infraciliature and SSU rRNA gene sequence. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene sequence data indicate that the two populations of E. chlorelligerum are nested within the Epistylididae clade near E. wenrichi and E. urceolata. Epistylis chrysemydis is sister to the group comprising E. chlorelligerum, E. wenrichi, and E. urceolata.

Jiang|Chuanqi|C| Shi|Xinlu|X| Liu|Guijie|G| Jiang|Yu|Y| Warren|Alan|A|


Reorganization of the nuclear architecture in the Drosophila melanogaster Lamin B mutant lacking the CaaX box.

Abstract: Lamins interact with the nuclear membrane and chromatin but the precise players and mechanisms of these interactions are unknown. Here, we tested whether the removal of the CaaX motif from Lamin B disrupts its attachment to the nuclear membrane and affects chromatin distribution. We usedDrosophila melanogaster Lam  homozygous mutants that lack the CaaX box. We found that the mutant Lamin B was not confined to the nuclear periphery but was distributed throughout the nuclear interior, colocalizing with chromosomes in salivary gland and proventriculus. The peripheral position of Lamin C, nuclear pore complex (NPC), heterochromatin protein 1a (HP1a), H3K9me2- and H3K27me3-associated chromatin remained intact. The fluorescence intensity of the DAPI-stained peripheral chromatin significantly decreased and that of the central chromatin significantly increased in the proventriculus nuclei of the mutantflies compared to wild-type. However, the mutation had little effect on chromatin radial distribution inside highly polytenized salivary gland nuclei.

Drosophila
Lamin B
chromatin
proventriculus nuclei
salivary gland nuclei
Dm0
Lama25  mutant
B-type lamin
Nuclear lamina
confocal microscopy
nuclear envelope


Safety in out-of-hours operating in trauma and orthopaedics at a district general hospital.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION According to the National Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Deaths (NCEPOD), out-of-hours operating in trauma and orthopaedics should be reserved for life or limb threatening cases only. The aim of our study was to determine the nature of non-emergency work carried out in our trust at night in 2015. The overall efficacy and clinical safety of the services provided was evaluated. METHODS Surgical activity undertaken after 9pm was reviewed along with patient ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade, grade of operating surgeon and any complications that occurred following the procedure. Furthermore, the clinical urgency and safety of cases was assessed based on whether there was any record of life or limb threatening indications at the time of admission. RESULTS Overall, 131 procedures were performed after 9pm, with 102 performed between 9pm and midnight, and 29 after midnight. Consultants performed 16 cases and the remaining 115 cases were operated on by middle grades or specialty trainees. A fifth (20%) of the cases were genuinely life or limb threatening. A total of 123 procedures were classed as having good outcomes. The complication rate was 8%. CONCLUSIONS In our study, 80% of the procedures performed after 9pm could not be categorised as life or limb threatening. Appropriate NCEPOD classification would ensure that only life or limb threatening cases were listed for theatre after 9pm. Alternative methods of operating within working hours should be considered.

Gulamhussein|M A|MA|
Chaudhry|S|S|
Noor|S|S|
Chaudhry|T|T|
Guha|A|A|
Knebel|R|R|

D000293:Adolescent
D000328:Adult
D050723:Fractures, Bone
D006767:Hospitals, District
D006769:Hospitals, General
D006801:Humans
D009873:Operating Rooms
D019637:Orthopedic Procedures
D061214:Patient Safety
D013997:Time Factors
D055815:Young Adult

Safety
Trauma and orthopaedics
NCEPOD
Life or limb threatening
Out of hours


Sea of bodies: a medical discourse of the refugee crisis in Tears of Salt: A Doctor's Story.

Abstract: In the memoir Tears of Salt: A Doctor's Story, Pietro Bartolo (2018) relates visceral descriptions of illness, injury and death endured by refugees on their journey of escape to the shores of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean. The medical gaze of the doctor/author further complicates the political and philosophical discourse of mass migration, foregrounding and calling into question the myriad ways in which the migrating human body is subjugated to forms of structural violence that render it ungrievable and inhuman. The migrating body, a production of and outcast from nation-states, is destined to make its way to news outlets where its suffering is gazed upon, sympathised with and later forgotten about. The surge of images revealing the realities of migrating bodies afflicted with pain, disease, trauma and sexual assault is illustrative of the asymmetric power of biopolitics at work, in which some bodies are, according to the formulations of Judith Butler and Giorgio Agamben, allowed to die or made killable. This paper will examine issues of illness, death and dying in relation to Bartolo's accounts of refugees in order to observe what is gained and what is lost in applying a medical gaze to the 'refugee crisis'. In addition to the memoir, we examine the scholarship of violence against the refugee body, the realities of ignoring their pain and how these exploited bodies are portrayed within a global narrative. This article reconfigures the detachment between the human as a socially constructed centre of subjectivity and the body in pain. The corporeality of illness and death that migrants face positions them in an abject position and distances them farther from the rhetoric of human rights. The ontological being of these individuals in medical discourse rarely goes beyond acknowledging that it is normal and expected for these bodies to be in pain. In what ways can we in the humanities gear the discussion towards the raw physicality of fragmentation, distortion and rejection of refugees and immigrants? What role can such a view play in building an ethic of lasting care for the dispossessed? Our research addresses these questions through our reading of the memoir.


Vectorial Catalysis in Surface-Anchored Nanometer-Sized Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Microfluidic Devices.

Abstract: Vectorial catalysis-controlling multi-step reactions in a programmed sequence and by defined spatial localization in a microscale device-is an enticing goal in bio-inspired catalysis research. However, translating concepts from natural cascade biocatalysis into artificial hierarchical chemical systems remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate integration of two different surface-anchored nanometer-sized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in a microfluidic device for modelling vectorial catalysis. Catalyst immobilization at defined sections along the microchannel and a two-step cascade reaction was conducted with full conversion after 30 seconds and high turnover frequencies (TOF≈105  h-1 ).

Vectorial catalysis
Catalysis
Microfluidic devices
Metal-organic frameworks
Surface anchoring


Engaging People in Tobacco Prevention and Cessation: Reflecting Back Over 20 Years Since the Master Settlement Agreement.

Abstract: Over the past 20 years, tobacco prevention and cessation efforts have evolved to keep pace with the changing tobacco product landscape and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. In 2019, Truth Initiative was awarded the Society of Behavioral Medicine's Jessie Gruman Award for Health Engagement in recognition of the major role it has played on both fronts since its inception in 1999. This manuscript reviews the challenges and opportunities that have emerged over the past two decades, the evolving tactics deployed by Truth Initiative to engage people in tobacco prevention and cessation efforts, the approaches used to evaluate those efforts, and key achievements. It concludes with a summary of lessons learned and considerations for tobacco control researchers and practitioners to accelerate their impact on public health.

D001363:Awards and Prizes
D058015:Health Communication
D006801:Humans
D007878:Legislation as Topic
D016540:Smoking Cessation
D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D012955:Societies, Medical
D000073597:Stakeholder Participation
D062789:Tobacco Products

Prevention
Cessation
Tobacco control
Digital interventions
Health communication
Media


Meta-Analysis of Isolated Hepatic Perfusion and Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Uveal Melanoma Liver Metastases.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Uveal melanoma is the most commonly occurring primary intraocular malignancy in adults, and patients have a high risk of developing metastatic disease, mostly in the liver. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) with melphalan is a liver-directed therapy for patients with liver metastases. Percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), a minimally invasive technique, is available as well. PHP benefits from the fact that the procedure can be repeated and therefore possibly offers better survival. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing both techniques.

METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using the electronic databases of Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL. A total of nine articles reporting on eight studies were included in the analysis. Individual survival data were extracted from each study.

RESULTS
The median overall survival (OS) was 17.1 months for IHP and 17.3 months for PHP. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.2 months for IHP and 9.6 months for PHP. The median hepatic progression-free survival was 10 months for IHP and 9.5 months for PHP. The complication rate and 30-day mortality rate were 39.1% and 5.5% for IHP and 23.8% and 1.8% for PHP.

CONCLUSION
There was no difference in OS or PFS between IHP and PHP for patients with uveal melanoma liver metastases, but patients have significantly less of a risk for complications and mortality following PHP.

isolated hepatic perfusion
percutaneous hepatic perfusion
uveal melanoma
liver metastases


Antifungal activity of endophytic fungi from Cupressaceae against human pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger.

Abstract: Aspergillus is a fungal genus that strongly affects health of humans, animals, and plants worldwide. Endophytes are now widely considered as a rich source of bioproducts with potential uses in medicine, agriculture, and bioindustry. Cupressaceae plant family hosts a variety of bioactive ascomycetous endophytes. In this study, antifungal activity of a number of such endophytes were investigated against human pathogenic fungi Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. To this end, 16 superior bioactive endophytic fungi from Cupressaceae were used, including Alternaria alternata, Alternaria pellucida, Ascorhizoctonia sp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aurobasidium sp., Cladosporium porophorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium viridicatum, Phoma herbarum, Phoma sp., Pyrenochaeta sp., Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderma atroviride and Trichoderma koningii. In vitro bioassays indicated anti-Asperilli activity of the endophytic fungi in dual cultures. Most notably, Trichoderma koningii CSE32 and Trichoderma atroviride JCE33 showed complete growth inhibition of both A. niger and A. fumigatus, within 3 to 7 days. Also, volatile compouds (VOCs) of T. koningii CSE32 and T. atroviride JCE33 exhibited 33-100% growth inhibition of A. niger, whithin 3 days. Moreover, on the day 7, growth of A. niger was less affected than that of A. fumigatus. In general, it appears that there is a direct relationship between the exposure time and the inhibitory activity of endophytes VOCs on the growth of target Aspergillus species. Furthremore, the extracellular secondary metabolites (SMs) of four selected fungal endophytes exhibited anti-Aspergillus activity at all treatment levels as shown by Agar-diffusion assay. SMs from T. koningii CSE32 and Pyrenochaeta CSE134 showed strongest activities against A. niger, and SMs from T. koningii CSE32 and F. oxysporum CAE14 showed strongest activities against A. fumigatus. In conclusion, given the globally recognized issue of antibiotic resistance and the urge to discover new antimicrobial substances, our findings provide new insights into the potential use of Cupressaceae's endophytic fungi in antifungal-based drug discovery programs.

Cupressaceae
Aspergillus fumigatus
Aspergillus niger
Trichoderma atroviride
Trichoderma koningii
Secondary metabolites
Fungal endophytes


Valuing Health: Evolution, Revolution, Resistance, and Reform.

Abstract: A number of methods have sought to determine the value of interventions and services that promote health, even when no agreement exists on the proper way to determine and define "value." Previous valuation efforts began simply by counting deaths or measuring life expectancy, slowly evolving to the widespread use of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) as the de facto normative standard for medical interventions. Users of CEA recognize that the method is incomplete. Further, no meaningful agreement exists on how best to apply CEA in decision settings because of either inadequacies in the CEA framework or lack of consensus on how to use it in a setting with budget constraints. Yet efforts to value health still predominantly use (and continue to recommend) this limited framework. Is this owing to a lack of new ideas and motivation, resistance to change, or an aversion to embrace more comprehensive systems approaches? We argue that tools of systems engineering can advance our capabilities, but they have had only limited use in health policy. We identify some reasons and specifically highlight the promise of systems-analytic platforms-such as multicriteria decision support systems-and the need to make them more accessible for different uses in real situations with real consequences. We also explore the need for comparative testing of different multicriteria approaches (including direct comparisons with CEA) to learn when and by how much the recommendations differ and what the consequences might be.

D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical

systems engineering
budget and resource analysis
decision support systems
multi-criteria decision analysis


Evaluation of different approaches to describe the sorption and desorption of phosphorus in soils on experimental data.

Abstract: Phosphorus is an essential element to enhance the needed increase in crop production in the forthcoming century. On the other hand environmental losses of phosphorus cause eutrophication of surface waters. Both problems call for reliable models to predict the behaviour of phosphorus in agricultural soils. In this study the performances of five different sorption approaches were evaluated. The ultimate aim was to identify the most suitable concept for large scale predictions of P dynamics in soils, in terms of a high comparability between observations and predictions with a minimum amount of input data. The model results were compared with unique data from long term (10-15years) experimental field studies of grassland including situations with P mining, equilibrium P fertilization and P surpluses and a pot experiment with P mining. The model performance was evaluated while using site specific constants and generic constants for adsorption and desorption. Three rate limited models (DPPS, INITIATOR and ANIMO) showed good performance when site specific constants were used but the performance of the equilibrium model (NEWS-Dynamic) was reasonably comparable. Model performance was better for experiments with a P surplus than for P mining and was also better for sandy soils as compared to clay and peat soils. However, long term desorption rates had to be calibrated for each application rate. The performance of all models declined when generic data were used. We conclude that none of the included models properly describe what happens when the soil changes its P status, considering that parameterization needs to be treatment-specific to obtain reliable predictions. Considering this flaw, models of intermediate complexity, including both equilibrium and rate limited sorption, and a limited data demand, like DPPS and INITIATOR, seem most suited for regional model application.

van der Salm|Caroline|C|
Kros|Johannes|J|
de Vries|Wim|W|

Pot experiments
Model performance
(De)sorption
Field experiments
Phosphate
Simulation model


Intraocular pressure fluctuations of growing chick eyes are suppressed in constant light conditions.

Abstract: We report measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) in growing domestic chicks at 12 h intervals, with three different lighting conditions. One group of chicks was raised in 12 h light and 12 h darkness (N), another in constant light (CL), and the third group was initially exposed to CL for three weeks then returned to N for either one week or four weeks (CLN). Pressures were measured in the middle of the light and dark periods (noon and midnight) for N and CLN birds, and at corresponding 12 h intervals for CL birds (also noon and midnight). The IOP of N chicks fluctuated from a light period average value of 25 mm Hg ( ±1.3 SD), to a dark period average value of 17.5 mm Hg ( ±1.1 SD mm Hg; P < 0.0001). These pressures were established by 4 days of age. At 7 weeks, (N) IOP continued to fluctuate: light values were 21.7 mm Hg (±1.2 SD), and dark values were 18.3 mm Hg ( ±0.7 SD). The IOP of CL birds did not fluctuate, remaining steady at 17 mm Hg ( ±1.4 SD). Chicks exposed to CL for 3 weeks required more than one week in N to re-establish (N) IOP values. We conclude that IOP fluctuates in hatchling chicks under N light conditions, that fluctuation is suppressed in CL light conditions, and that IOP recovery from 3 weeks suppression in CL requires more than one week in N light conditions.

Wahl|Christina|C|
Li|Tong|T|
Howland|Howard C|HC|

Intraocular pressure
Chick
Constant light
Development
Diel
Growth


Depressed female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) display a higher second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio.

Abstract: This research aimed to provide evidence of a relationship between digit ratio and depression status in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). In stable cynomolgus monkey social groups, we selected 15 depressed monkeys based on depressive-like behavioral criteria and 16 normal control monkeys. All animals were video recorded for two weeks, with the duration and frequency of the core depressive behaviors and 58 other behaviors in 12 behavioral categories then evaluated via behavioral analysis. Finger lengths from the right and left forelimb hands of both groups were measured by X-ray imaging. Finger length and digit ratio comparisons between the two groups were conducted using Student's t-test. In terms of the duration of each behavior, significant differences emerged in "Huddling" and five other behavioral categories, including Ingestive, Amicable, Parental, Locomotive, and Resting. In addition to the above five behavioral categories, we found that depressed monkeys spent less time in parental and rubbing back and forth behaviors than the control group. Furthermore, the 4th fingers were significantly longer in the left and right hands in the control group relative to the depressed monkeys. The second-to-fourth (2D:4D) digit ratio in the left and right forelimb hands was significantly lower in the control group than that in the depressed group. Our findings revealed significant differences in finger lengths and digit ratios between depressed monkeys and healthy controls, which concords with our view that relatively high fetal testosterone exposure may be a protective factor against developing depressive symptoms (or that low fetal testosterone exposure is a risk factor).

Li|Wei|W| Luo|Ling-Yun|LY| Yang|Xun|X| He|Yong|Y| Lian|Bin|B| Qu|Chao-Hua|CH| Wu|Qing-Yuan|QY| Zhang|Jian-Guo|JG| Xie|Peng|P|

Cynomolgus monkey
Digit ratio
Finger length
Major depressive disorder


Differentially evolved drought stress indices determine the genetic variation of Brassica napus at seedling traits by genome-wide association mapping.

Abstract: Drought seriously curtails growth, physiology and productivity in rapeseed (Brassica napus). Although drought tolerance is a complex trait, efficient phenotyping and genotyping has led to the identification of novel marker-trait associations underlying drought tolerance. A diverse panel of 228 Brassica accessions was phenotyped under normal (without stress) and water-stress conditions, simulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) (15% PEG stress) at the seedling stage; stress tolerance index (STI) and stress susceptibility index (SSI) values were acquired. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using 201 817 high quality SNPs identified 314 marker-trait associations strongly linked with drought indices and distributed across all nineteen chromosomes in both the A and C genomes. None of these quantitative trait loci (QTL) had been previously identified by other studies. We identified 85 genes underlying these QTL (most within 100 kb of associated SNPs) which were orthologous to Arabidopsis genes known to be associated with drought tolerance. Our study provides a novel resource for breeding drought-tolerant Brassica crops.

Khanzada|Hira|H|
Wassan|Ghulam Mustafa|GM|
He|Haohua|H|
Mason|Annaliese S|AS|
Keerio|Ayaz Ali|AA|
Khanzada|Saba|S|
Faheem|Muhammad|M|
Solangi|Abdul Malik|AM|
Zhou|Qinghong|Q|
Fu|Donghui|D|
Huang|Yingjin|Y|
Rasheed|Adnan|A|

Specific length amplified fragments (SLAFs)


Endemic Mycoses in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

Abstract: The endemic mycoses are a group of thermally dimorphic fungal pathogens occupying a specific geographic range. In North America, the chief endemic mycoses are histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and blastomycosis. Endemic fungi can cause serious infections in solid organ transplant recipients from primary infection, reactivation of latent disease, or donor-derived infection.

Nel|Jeremy S|JS|
Bartelt|Luther A|LA|
van Duin|David|D|
Lachiewicz|Anne M|AM|

Endemic mycoses
Solid organ transplant
Histoplasmosis
Coccidioidomycosis
Blastomycosis


The Efficacy of Upfront Intracranial Radiation with TKI Compared to TKI Alone in the NSCLC Patients Harboring EGFR Mutation and Brain Metastases.

Abstract: Introduction: The high intracranial efficacy of EGFR-TKI challenges the role of upfront intracranial radiation therapy (RT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutation and brain metastases (BM). Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis to demonstrate the role of upfront RT in these patients. Materials and Methods: Patients that had histologically confirmed NSCLC with EGFR mutation, brain metastases, and received TKI or upfront RT with TKI were included in this study. Intracranial progression was estimated using the Fine-Gray competing risks model. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Log-rank test were used to evaluate and compare intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS), systemic PFS (sPFS), time to second-line systematic therapy (SST) and overall survival (OS). Results: Among the 93 patients included, 53 patients received upfront RT and TKI, and 40 patients received TKI only. Upfront RT group showed lower intracranial progression risk with adjusted SHR 0.38 (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.75, P= 0.006) and longer median time to sPFS (15.6 vs 8.9 months, P= 0.009). There were 9 out of 36 (25%) and 16 out of 34 (47.1%) patients who had oligo-progression received salvage RT in the RT group and TKI group, respectively. After the salvage RT, upfront RT did not prolong the median time to SST (23.6 vs 18.9 months, P=0.862) and OS (median time, 35.4 vs 35.8 months, P=0.695) compared to TKI alone. Conclusion: Compared to upfront intracranial RT, the salvage RT to oligo-progressive disease allowed patients getting TKI to have similar time on initial TKI and OS despite worse iPFS. The best timing of intracranial RT remains to be further verified.

Wang|Chunyu|C| Lu|Xiaotong|X| Zhou|Zongmei|Z| Wang|Jingbo|J| Hui|Zhouguang|Z| Liang|Jun|J| Feng|QinFu|Q| Chen|Dongfu|D| Xiao|Zefen|Z| Lv|Jima|J| Wang|Xiaozhen|X| Wang|Xin|X| Zhang|Tao|T| Deng|Lei|L| Wang|Wenqing|W| Xiao|Jianping|J| Li|Junling|J| Bi|Nan|N| Wang|Luhua|L|

radiation
EGFR mutation
brain metastases
non-small cell lung cancer
tyrosine kinase inhibitors


Modeling COVID-19 spreading dynamics and unemployment rate evolution in rural and urban counties of Alabama and New York using fractional derivative models.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the United States (U.S.) since the outbreak documented on 2/29/2020, and understanding its dynamics is critical for pandemic mitigation and economic recovery. This study proposed and applied novel time fractional derivative models (FDMs) to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading in the states of Alabama and New York, U.S., two states with quite different population compositions, urbanization, and industry structures. Model applications revealed that the pandemic evolving in the two states exhibited an overall similar time-dependent trend with subtle differences in propagation rates. Alabama may have more inter-county communications in rural areas than urban areas, while the opposite may be true for the New York State. Further analysis using the space FDM showed that the COVID-19 pandemic spread in rural/urban areas of the two states by following the tempered stable density distributions with different indexes, while the number of the state's pandemic epicenters affected the pattern of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading in space. Finally, applications of a novel time FDM revealed that the evolution of the economy, represented by the weekly unemployment insurance claims in the two states, exhibited different spreading and recovery rates, most likely due to their different exposures and responses to the pandemic. Therefore, COVID-19 spreading dynamics exhibited strong and subtly different spatiotemporal memories in rural and urban areas in the Alabama and New York States, motivating the application of FDMs.

COVID-19
Spreading
Fractional derivative model


Dynamic behavior of tuning fork shear-force structures in a SNOM system.

Abstract: Piezoelectric tuning fork shear-force structures are widely used as a distance control unit in a scanning near-field optical microscopy. However, the complex dynamic behavior among the micro-tuning forks (TFs), optical fiber probes, and the probe-surface interactions is still a crucial issue to achieve high-resolution imaging or near-field interaction inspections. Based on nonlinear beam tension-bending vibration theory, vibration equations in both longitudinal and lateral directions have been established when the TF structure and the optical fiber are treated as deformable structures. The relationship of the probe-surface interaction induced by Van der Waals force has been analyzed and the corresponding numerical results used to describe the vibrational behavior of the probe approaching the sample surface are obtained. Meanwhile, the viscous resistance of the liquid film on the sample surface has also been investigated using linear beam-bending vibration theory. Experiments testing the interaction between the probe and the water film on a single crystal silicon wafer have been carried out and the viscous resistance of the water film was estimated using the established equations. Finally, to use the TF-probe structure as a force sensor, the relation between the dynamic response of the TF-probe system and an external force on the probe tip was obtained.

Gao|Fengli|F| Li|Xide|X| Wang|Jia|J| Fu|Yu|Y|

D016252:Microscopy, Scanning Tunneling
D008962:Models, Theoretical
D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics
D033081:Shear Strength
D055672:Static Electricity
D013499:Surface Properties
D014783:Viscosity

Dynamic behavior
Tuning fork
Shear-force
Scanning near-field optical microscopy
Viscous resistance
Van der Waals interactions


A Cross-Sectional Study of Musculoskeletal Health Literacy in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Abstract: Background: Approximately 33% of Americans have inadequate health literacy, which is associated with infrequent use of preventative services, increased hospitalization and use of emergency care, and worse control of chronic diseases. In this study, the Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems (LiMP) questionnaire was used to evaluate the prevalence of limited musculoskeletal literacy in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release (CTR), as these individuals may be at increased risk of inferior outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals older than or equal to 18 years of age who were scheduled for elective CTR. Participants completed a demographic survey and the LiMP questionnaire during their preoperative office visit. The prevalence of limited health literacy was determined, with chi-square analysis used to determine the influence of demographic parameters. Results: The mean LiMP score was 6 ± 1.40. Limited musculoskeletal literacy was seen in 34% of participants (22/65). Analysis identified race (Caucasian), gender (female), higher education levels (≥college), current or prior employment in a health care field, and a prior physician visit for a non-carpal tunnel musculoskeletal complaint as being associated with higher literacy rates. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of patients scheduled for elective CTR have limited musculoskeletal literacy and may lack the necessary skills required for making informed decisions regarding their care. This is concerning, as CTR is performed in the United States on roughly 500 000 individuals annually, at an estimated cost of 2 billion dollars. The identification of those most at risk is thus crucial, and will facilitate the development of education campaigns and interventions geared toward those who are most vulnerable.

Rosenbaum|Andrew J|AJ|
Dunkman|Andrew|A|
Goldberg|Daniel|D|
Uhl|Richard L|RL|
Mulligan|Michael|M|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Literacy in Musculoskeletal Problems Survey


Coupling distributed stormwater collection and managed aquifer recharge: Field application and implications.

Abstract: Groundwater is increasingly important for satisfying California's growing fresh water demand. Strategies like managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can improve groundwater supplies, mitigating the negative consequences of persistent groundwater overdraft. Distributed stormwater collection (DSC)-MAR projects collect and infiltrate excess hillslope runoff before it reaches a stream, focusing on 40-400 ha drainage areas (100-1000 ac). We present results from six years of DSC-MAR operation-including high resolution analyses of precipitation, runoff generation, infiltration, and sediment transport-and discuss their implications for regional resource management. This project generated significant water supply benefit over six years, including an extended regional drought, collecting and infiltrating 5.3 × 105 m3 (426 ac-ft). Runoff generation was highly sensitive to sub-daily storm frequency, duration, and intensity, and a single intense storm often accounted for a large fraction of annual runoff. Observed infiltration rates varied widely in space and time. The basin-average infiltration rate during storms was 1-3 m/d, with point-specific rates up to 8 m/d. Despite efforts to limit sediment load, 8.2 × 105 kg of fine-grained sediment accumulated in the infiltration basin over three years, likely reducing soil infiltration capacity. Periodic removal of accumulated material, better source control, and/or improved sediment detention could mitigate this effect in the future. Regional soil analyses can maximize DSC-MAR benefits by identifying high-infiltration capacity features and characterizing upland sediment sources. A regional network of DSC-MAR projects could increase groundwater supplies while contributing to improved groundwater quality, flood mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.

Distributed stormwater collection
Managed aquifer recharge
Sediment accumulation
Infiltration capacity
Groundwater management
Precipitation intensity


Interim estimate of influenza vaccine effectiveness in hospitalised children, Hong Kong, 2017/18.

Abstract: We conducted a hospital-based test-negative study in Hong Kong to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) for the winter of 2017/18. The interim analysis included data on 1,078 children admitted between 4 December 2017 and 31 January 2018 with febrile acute respiratory illness and tested for influenza. We estimated influenza VE at 66% (95% confidence interval (CI): 43-79) overall, and 65% (95% CI: 40-80) against influenza B, the dominant virus type (predominantly B/Yamagata).

Chiu|Susan S|SS|
Kwan|Mike Y W|MYW|
Feng|Shuo|S|
Wong|Joshua S C|JSC|
Leung|Chi-Wai|CW|
Chan|Eunice L Y|ELY|
Peiris|J S Malik|JSM|
Cowling|Benjamin J|BJ|

vaccine effectiveness
influenza virus
public health
test negative design
vaccines and immunisation
viral infections


Ex-vivo perfusion machines in kidney transplantation. The significance of the resistivity index.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
With a growing shortage of organs for transplantation, finding ways of increasing the donor organ pool remains of utmost importance. Perfusion machines (PM) have been proven to enhance the potential for kidney transplants to function sooner, last longer, giving patients the opportunity for a better life quality.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relation between the resistance index provided by the PM, the postoperative resistance index measured by Doppler ultrasound and the initial graft outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHOD
Between January 2012-December 2012, clinical data obtained from 82 consecutive renal transplants from brain death donors (BDD) which underwent PM maintenance were analyzed in a transversal study. Prior transplantation we recorded the solution temperature, filtration rate and the resistance index provided by PM. After the surgical intervention, each patient had standard follow-up. Doppler ultrasound resistivity index (RI) was recorded on the first postoperative day.

RESULTS
Out of 115 renal transplants, 98 (85.21%) were performed with grafts from BDD. The PM was used for 82 renal grafts. The Doppler resistance index in relation to the resistance index shows a highly statistical correlation by linear regression (R=0.813, p<0.0001). Primary graft function was recorded in 74 patients (90.24%) and it was highly statistically significant correlated with the resistance index measured by PM. Out of 8 patients with primary non-function, 6 patients recovered with normal graft function at one year.

CONCLUSION
The resistivity index recorded by the life-port machine is correlated with the vascular resistivity index measured by Doppler ultrasound and thus it may predicts the primary graft outcome.

Elec|Florin Ioan|FI|
Lucan|Ciprian|C|
Ghervan|Liviu|L|
Munteanu|Valentin|V|
Moga|Silviu|S|
Suciu|Mihai|M|
Enache|Dan|D|
Elec|Alina|A|
Munteanu|Adriana|A|
Barbos|Adrian|A|
Iacob|Gheorghita|G|
Lucan|Mihai|M|

perfusion machine
renal transplantation
Graft quality
post-transplant Doppler ultrasound


Enhancement of lymphatic transport of lutein by oral administration of a solid dispersion and a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system.

Abstract: Lutein is located in the macula lutea in the human eye. Since humans cannot synthesize lutein de novo, it must be digested as food. Some studies including our previous study showed very low absorption of lutein after oral administration. These studies also suggested that the absorption route of lutein from the small intestine involves not only the blood but also the lymph. The aim of this study was to clarify the transfer of lutein into lymph and the tissue distribution after oral administration of a solid dispersion (SD) and a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for improvement of the absorption. We used thoracic lymph-cannulated rats. It was shown that the plasma concentrations of lutein in the SD and SMEDDS groups were increased compared with that in the powder group. The absorption of lutein after oral administration of each formulation was clearly evaluated by its cumulative amount in lymph. Our data clearly showed that lutein is transferred into the lymph stream from the small intestine.

Sato|Yuki|Y| Joumura|Tatsuru|T| Nashimoto|Shunsuke|S| Yokoyama|Sayaka|S| Takekuma|Yoh|Y| Yoshida|Hideto|H| Sugawara|Mitsuru|M|

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system


Spanning the Horizon of Accuracy of Different Intraoral Radiographic Modalities: A Systematic Review.

Abstract:
AIM
This study was conducted with an aim to systematically review the literature for assessing the accuracy of intraoral radiographs in detection of dental caries.

INTRODUCTION
Despite the advancements in oral disease science, dental caries continues to be a worldwide health concern, affecting humans of all ages. Correct diagnosis of caries is critical both in clinical practice as well as in epidemiology and radiography are worthwhile adjunct for a thorough examination.

RESULTS
A literature review was performed in PubMed Central and Cochrane library, Embase, and Google Scholar, and these databases were searched up to 2016. The primary outcome measure was to assess the accuracy of intraoral radiographs in the detection of dental caries based on sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity for conventional radiographs for the detection of lesions in enamel (16-68%) and dentin (16-96%) was found to be superior as compared with other modalities of digital radiography, whereas the specificity of digital radiography was found to be superior in detection of lesion in enamel (77-96%) and dentin (84-100%) when compared with conventional radiography. Sensitivity of conventional radiographs was noted to be superior as compared with digital radiography, whereas in terms of specificity, digital was found to be superior to conventional radiographs.

CONCLUSION
Although there was no significant difference between digital and conventional radiography in the diagnosis of caries, conventional radiographs were able to detect carious lesion, in general, but for lesion to be detected precisely, digital was found to be superior.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
As digital radiography produces lower ionizing radiation, dental professionals should employ this method in their routine dental practice for diagnosing and treating carious lesions.

Muchhal|Mohnish|M|
Niraj|Lav K|LK|
Chaudhary|Devanshu|D|
Ali|Irfan|I|
Dhama|Kuldeep|K|
Patthi|Basavaraj|B|

D003731:Dental Caries
D003743:Dental Enamel
D003804:Dentin
D006801:Humans
D011861:Radiography, Dental
D019252:Radiography, Dental, Digital
D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity

Dental caries
Radiography
Sensitivity Specificity.


Updates from the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Soft Tissue and Bone Tumours.

Abstract: The fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of soft tissue and bone tumours was published in May 2020. This 'Blue Book', which is also available digitally for the first time, incorporates an array of new information on these tumours, amassed in the 7 years since the previous edition. Major advances in molecular characterisation have driven further refinements in classification and the development of ancillary diagnostic tests, and have improved our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Several new entities are also included. This review summarises the main changes introduced in the 2020 WHO classification for each subcategory of soft tissue and bone tumours.

D001859:Bone Neoplasms
D049674:History, 21st Century
D006801:Humans
D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms
D014944:World Health Organization


DReSS: a method to quantitatively describe the influence of structural perturbations on state spaces of genetic regulatory networks.

Abstract: Structures of genetic regulatory networks are not fixed. These structural perturbations can cause changes to the reachability of systems' state spaces. As system structures are related to genotypes and state spaces are related to phenotypes, it is important to study the relationship between structures and state spaces. However, there is still no method can quantitively describe the reachability differences of two state spaces caused by structural perturbations. Therefore, Difference in Reachability between State Spaces (DReSS) is proposed. DReSS index family can quantitively describe differences of reachability, attractor sets between two state spaces and can help find the key structure in a system, which may influence system's state space significantly. First, basic properties of DReSS including non-negativity, symmetry and subadditivity are proved. Then, typical examples are shown to explain the meaning of DReSS and the differences between DReSS and traditional graph distance. Finally, differences of DReSS distribution between real biological regulatory networks and random networks are compared. Results show most structural perturbations in biological networks tend to affect reachability inside and between attractor basins rather than to affect attractor set itself when compared with random networks, which illustrates that most genotype differences tend to influence the proportion of different phenotypes and only a few ones can create new phenotypes. DReSS can provide researchers with a new insight to study the relation between genotypes and phenotypes.

Yin|Ziqiao|Z|0000-0003-4340-5414 Guo|Binghui|B| Ma|Shuangge|S| Sun|Yifan|Y| Mi|Zhilong|Z| Zheng|Zhiming|Z|

structural perturbation
state space
genetic regulatory network
dynamical analysis


Examining Gender as a Correlate of Self-Reported Pain Treatment Use Among Recent Service Veterans with Deployment-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Abstract:
Objective
Women veterans with chronic pain utilize health care with greater frequency than their male counterparts. However, little is known about gender differences in the use of specialty pain care in this population. This investigation examined gender differences in self-reported use of opioids, interventional pain treatments, rehabilitation therapies, and complementary and integrative health (CIH) services for chronic pain treatment both within and outside of the Veterans Health Administration in a sample of veterans who served in support of recent conflicts.

Methods
Participants included 325 veterans (54% women) who completed a baseline survey as part of the Women Veterans Cohort Study and reported deployment-related musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. Measures included self-reported use of pain treatment modalities, pain severity, self-rated health, access to specialty care, disability status, and presence of a mental health condition.

Results
Men were more likely to report a persistent deployment-related musculoskeletal condition but were no more likely than women to report chronic pain. Overall, 21% of the sample reported using opioids, 27% used interventional strategies, 59% used rehabilitation therapies, and 57% used CIH services. No significant gender differences in use of any pain treatment modality were observed.

Conclusions
Use of pain specialty services was common among men and women, particularly rehabilitative and CIH services. There were no gender differences in the self-reported use of different modalities. These results are inconsistent with documented gender differences in pain care. They encourage further examination of gender differences in preferences and other individual difference variables as predictors of specialty pain care utilization.

Driscoll|Mary A|MA|
Higgins|Diana|D|
Shamaskin-Garroway|Andrea|A|
Burger|Amanda|A|
Buta|Eugenia|E|
Goulet|Joseph L|JL|
Heapy|Alicia|A|
Kerns|Robert D|RD|
Brandt|Cynthia A|CA|
Haskell|Sally G|SG|

Gender
Pain
Treatment
Postdeployment Veterans


Food Safety Education Needs of High-School Students: Leftovers, Lunches, and Microwaves.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
We explored priority areas of food safety education needed by high-school students within Ontario, Canada.

METHODS
We analyzed transcripts from semistructured interviews with 20 experts in food safety, food safety education in youth, and high-school education in Ontario. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify priority food safety education needs.

RESULTS
We identified 4 priority action areas for food safety education targeting students: how to safely do the things they typically do with food; how to keep themselves and their kitchens clean and safe; how microorganisms grow and how they can result in foodborne disease; and how to keep food out of the "danger zone" 4°C to 60°C (40° F to 140° F). The results indicate that students need specific education around the use of microwaves, consumption of convenience meals, preparing and handling foods at school events, and safe transportation of food for lunches, school trips, and sporting events.

CONCLUSIONS
High-school students need food safety education specific to their usual interactions with food, including the foods, tools, and settings students regularly encounter. Delivery of food safety education should emphasize sequences of safe food-handling behaviors for specific food interactions, such as reheating a meal in the microwave, rather than traditional food safety concepts, such as temperature abuse.

food safety
adolescent
public Health
secondary schools


Mice lacking BCAS1, a novel myelin-associated protein, display hypomyelination, schizophrenia-like abnormal behaviors, and upregulation of inflammatory genes in the brain.

Abstract: The abnormal expression and function of myelin-related proteins contribute to nervous system dysfunction associated with neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the underlying mechanism of this remains unclear. We found here that breast carcinoma amplified sequence 1 (BCAS1), a basic protein abundant in the brain, was expressed specifically in oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, and that its expression level was decreased by demyelination. This suggests that BCAS1 is a novel myelin-associated protein. BCAS1 knockout mice displayed schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities and a tendency toward reduced anxiety-like behaviors. Moreover, we found that the loss of BCAS1 specifically induced hypomyelination and the expression of inflammation-related genes in the brain. These observations provide a novel insight into the functional link between oligodendrocytes and inflammation and/or abnormal behaviors.

Ishimoto|Tetsuya|T| Ninomiya|Kensuke|K| Inoue|Ran|R| Koike|Masato|M| Uchiyama|Yasuo|Y| Mori|Hisashi|H|0000-0001-9743-2456

hypomyelination
oligodendrocyte
Schwann cells
knockout mouse
schizophrenia


Novel Dental Adhesive with Biofilm-Regulating and Remineralization Capabilities.

Abstract: The mechanical properties and anti-caries effect of a novel anti-caries adhesive containing poly (amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) and dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) were investigated for the first time. Microtensile bond strength and surface charge density were measured for the novel anti-caries adhesives. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii were chosen to form three-species biofilms. Lactic acid assay, MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, exopolysaccharide staining and live/dead staining were performed to study anti-biofilm effect of the adhesive. The TaqMan realtime polymerase chain reaction was used to study the proportion change in three-species biofilms of different groups. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to observe the remineralization effect of PAMAM and DMADDM. The results showed that incorporating PAMAM and DMADDM into adhesive had no adverse effect on the dentin bond strength. The 1% PAMAM and 5% DMADDM adhesive group showed anti-biofilm properties and developed a healthier biofilm with a lower chance of inducing dental caries. Combination of 1% PAMAM and 5% DMADDM solution maintained remineralization capability on dentin, similar to that using 1% PAMAM alone. In conclusion, the adhesive containing PAMAM and DMADDM had strong antimicrobial properties and biological remineralization capabilities, and is promising for anti-caries clinical applications.

Ge|Yang|Y|
Ren|Biao|B|
Zhou|Xuedong|X|
Xu|Hockin H K|HHK|
Wang|Suping|S|
Li|Mingyun|M|
Weir|Michael D|MD|
Feng|Mingye|M|
Cheng|Lei|L|

adhesive
poly (amidoamine) dendrimer
dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate
dental caries
quaternary ammonium monomers


The Psychosocial Challenges of Caring for Patients with Ebola Virus Disease.

Abstract: Caring for highly infectious patients in biocontainment units is a new phenomenon, and little is known about the behavioral health of workers in this setting. This is a qualitative study exploring the unique experiences of workers involved in the care of patients with Ebola virus disease (EVD) at Nebraska Medicine during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted focused on topics of personal memories, interpersonal experiences, stress response, and patient management. Five themes were identified: (1) positive experiences were emotional while challenges were technical; (2) a significant percentage of workers encountered interpersonal stressors, with 29% of respondents having feelings of isolation, 33% having alterations in home life, and 25% experiencing at least 1 episode of discrimination; (3) physicians and nurses had stressors primarily related to patient care; (4) mental health was an important supportive service, with 45% of respondents using behavioral health counseling; and (5) working in the biocontainment unit during activation was more stressful than everyday work for 60% of respondents. Differences were also noted based on employee occupation and leadership level: nurses, physicians, and members of the leadership team tended to focus on emotional experiences and were more likely to utilize behavioral health counseling services than support staff and nonleadership personnel. These findings provide a framework for thinking about the unique aspects of caring for highly infectious patients, and understanding these issues will improve training, enable management to better support staff, and provide insights to those establishing biocontainment units.

Smith|Matthew W|MW|
Smith|Philip W|PW|
Kratochvil|Christopher J|CJ|
Schwedhelm|Shelly|S|

D002959:Civil Defense
D004196:Disease Outbreaks
D006282:Health Personnel
D019142:Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola
D006801:Humans
D017053:Infection Control
D009329:Nebraska
D009732:Nursing Care
D010361:Patients
D036301:Qualitative Research

Psychological impacts
Public health preparedness/response
Viral hemorrhagic fevers


Ultrasound-guided versus landmark in knee arthrocentesis: A systematic review.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The objective was to assess the efficacy of ultrasound-guided (USG) versus landmark (LM) knee arthrocentesis in adults with knee pain or effusion.

METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed until August 2015. All controlled trials reporting the accuracy or clinical efficacy between USG and LM knee joint arthrocentesis were selected. Pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) using the D-L fixed models for continuous outcomes and the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes were assessed by meta-analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was estimated by I(2) statistic.

RESULTS
Nine studies including 715 adult patients (725 knee joints) were eligible for this review versus LM group; there was a statistically significant difference in favor of USG for knee arthrocentesis accuracy rate (risk ratio = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13-1.29; P < 0.001; I(2) = 37%), lower procedural pain scores (WMD = -2.24; 95% CI: -2.92 to -1.56; P < 0.001; I(2) = 4%), more aspiration volume (WMD = 17.06; 95% CI: 5.98-28.13; P = 0.003; I(2) = 57%), and decreased pain score 2 weeks after injection (WMD = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.42-1.27; P < 0.001; I(2) = 0). There was no statistically significant difference in procedural duration between two groups (WMD = -0.8; 95% CI: -2.24 to 0.74; P = 0.31; I(2) = 0).

CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided knee joint arthrocentesis offer a significantly greater accuracy and clinical improvement over landmark technique in adults with knee pain or joint effusion.

Wu|Tao|T|
Dong|Yan|Y|
Song|Hai xin|Hx|
Fu|Yu|Y|
Li|Jian Hua|JH|


Chemical synaptic transmission onto superficial stellate cells of the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus.

Abstract: The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) is a cerebellum-like auditory brain stem region whose functions include sound localization and multisensory integration. Although previous in vivo studies have shown that glycinergic and GABAergic inhibition regulate the activity of several DCN cell types in response to sensory stimuli, data regarding the synaptic inputs onto DCN inhibitory interneurons remain limited. Using acute DCN slices from mice, we examined the properties of excitatory and inhibitory synapses onto the superficial stellate cell, a poorly understood cell type that provides inhibition to DCN output neurons (fusiform cells) as well as to local inhibitory interneurons (cartwheel cells). Excitatory synapses onto stellate cells activated both NMDA receptors and fast-gating, Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptors. Inhibition onto superficial stellate cells was mediated by glycine and GABAA receptors with different temporal kinetics. Paired recordings revealed that superficial stellate cells make reciprocal synapses and autapses, with a connection probability of ∼ 18-20%. Unexpectedly, superficial stellate cells co-released both glycine and GABA, suggesting that co-transmission may play a role in fine-tuning the duration of inhibitory transmission.

Apostolides|Pierre F|PF|
Trussell|Laurence O|LO|

cochlear nucleus
auditory
inhibition
interneuron


Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells in chronic inflammatory diseases: therapeutic implications.

Abstract: In healthy individuals, billions of cells die by apoptosis every day. Removal of the dead cells by phagocytosis (a process called efferocytosis) must be efficient to prevent secondary necrosis and the consequent release of pro-inflammatory cell contents that damages the tissue environment and provokes autoimmunity. In addition, detection and removal of apoptotic cells generally induces an anti-inflammatory response. As a consequence improper clearance of apoptotic cells, being the result of either genetic anomalies and/or a persistent disease state, contributes to the establishment and progression of a number of human chronic inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune and neurological disorders, inflammatory lung diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or atherosclerosis. During the past decade, our knowledge about the mechanism of efferocytosis has significantly increased, providing therapeutic targets through which impaired phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and the consequent inflammation could be influenced in these diseases.

Szondy|Zsuzsa|Z|
Garabuczi|Eva|E|
Joós|Gergely|G|
Tsay|Gregory J|GJ|
Sarang|Zsolt|Z|

apoptotic cell
phagocytosis
autoimmunity
obesity
type 2 diabetes
atherosclerosis
inflammation
therapy


Effect of novel atmospheric-pressure jet pretreatment on the drying kinetics and quality of white grapes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Raisin is a popular snack and a common constituent of many foods owing to its good flavor and nutritional value. Conventional drying of grapes can be a slow and energy-consuming process as their waxy surface hinders efficient moisture migration. A drying pretreatment that disrupts the waxy cuticle is usually applied to increase the drying rate.

RESULTS
The application of an atmospheric-pressure air plasma jet to the grape surface could effectively enhance the drying kinetics and decrease the drying time by more than 20%. Through etching of the waxy cuticle, the air plasma jet optimally improves the quality of the final product. Although the surface hydrophilicity was increased by 40%, the physical appearance, color, and texture of plasma-treated raisins were similar to the product from untreated control and chemical-treated groups. A more than twofold increase in the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity was observed when compared to other experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that atmospheric plasma could be a better option than using chemicals to pretreat grapes before drying since it leaves no toxic residue, while successfully preserving the product quality. This work shows the great potential for the application of atmospheric air plasma in the drying of food materials. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

drying
drying kinetics
grape
raisin
air
atmospheric plasma


Discovery of highly selective and orally available benzimidazole-based phosphodiesterase 10 inhibitors with improved solubility and pharmacokinetic properties for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Abstract: Optimization efforts were devoted to discover novel PDE10A inhibitors in order to improve solubility and pharmacokinetics properties for a long-term therapy against pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) starting from the previously synthesized inhibitor A. As a result, a potent and highly selective PDE10A inhibitor, 14·3HCl (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 2.8 nmol/L and >3500-fold selectivity) exhibiting desirable solubility and metabolic stability with a remarkable bioavailability of 50% was identified with the aid of efficient methods of binding free energy predictions. Animal PAH studies showed that the improvement offered by 14·3HCl [2.5 mg/kg, oral administration (p.o.)] was comparable to tadalafil (5.0 mg/kg, p.o.), verifying the feasibility of PDE10A inhibitors for the anti-PAH treatment. The crystal structure of the PDE10A-14 complex illustrates their binding pattern, which provided a guideline for rational design of highly selective PDE10A inhibitors.

Yang|Yuncong|Y| Zhang|Sirui|S| Zhou|Qian|Q| Zhang|Chen|C| Gao|Yuqi|Y| Wang|Hao|H| Li|Zhe|Z| Wu|Deyan|D| Wu|Yinuo|Y| Huang|Yi-You|YY| Guo|Lei|L| Luo|Hai-Bin|HB|

Inhibitor
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
Metabolic stability
Bioavailability
Crystal structure
Benzimidazole derivatives
Phosphodiesterase 10A


Developmental trajectories of religiosity, sexual conservatism and sexual behavior among female adolescents.

Abstract: Understanding the role of socio-sexual cognitions and religiosity on adolescent sexual behavior could guide adolescent sexual health efforts. The present study utilized longitudinal data from 328 young women to assess the role of religion and socio-sexual cognitions on sexual behavior accrual (measuring both coital and non-coital sexual behavior). In the final triple conditional trajectory structural equation model, religiosity declined over time and then increased to baseline levels. Additionally, religiosity predicted decreased sexual conservatism and decreased sexual conservatism predicted increased sexual behavior. The final models are indicative of young women's increasing accrual of sexual experience, decreasing sexual conservatism and initial decreasing religiosity. The results of this study suggest that decreased religiosity affects the accrual of sexual experience through decreased sexual conservatism. Effective strategies of sexual health promotion should include an understanding of the complex role of socio-sexual attitudes with religiosity.

Aalsma|Matthew C|MC|
Woodrome|Stacy E|SE|
Downs|Sarah M|SM|
Hensel|Devon J|DJ|
Zimet|Gregory D|GD|
Orr|Don P|DP|
Fortenberry|J Dennis|JD|

Sexual conservatism
Sexual behavior
Adolescence
Religion
Longitudinal study


Transgenic expression of plant-specific insert of potato aspartic proteases (StAP-PSI) confers enhanced resistance to Botrytis cinerea in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: The plant-specific insert of Solanum tuberosum aspartic proteases (StAP-PSI) has high structural similarity with NK-lysin and granulysin, two saposin-like proteins (SAPLIPs) with antimicrobial activity. Recombinant StAP-PSI and some SAPLIPs show antimicrobial activity against pathogens that affect human and plants. In this work, we transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants with StAP-PSI encoding sequence with its corresponding signal peptide under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Results obtained show that StAP-PSI significantly enhances Arabidopsis resistance against Botrytis cinerea infection. StAP-PSI is secreted into the leaf apoplast and acts directly against pathogens; thereby complementing plant innate immune responses. Data obtained from real-time PCR assays show that the constitutive expression of StAP-PSI induces the expression of genes that regulate jasmonic acid signalling pathway, such as PDF1.2, in response to infection due to necrotrophic pathogens. On the other hand, according to the data described for other antimicrobial peptides, the presence of the StAP-PSI protein in the apoplast of A. thaliana leaves is responsible for the expression of salicylic acid-associated genes, such as PR-1, irrespective of infection with B. cinerea. These results indicate that the increased resistance demonstrated by A. thaliana plants that constitutively express StAP-PSI owing to B. cinerea infection compared to the wild-type plants is a consequence of two factors, i.e., the antifungal activity of StAP-PSI and the overexpression of A. thaliana defense genes induced by the constitutive expression of StAP-PSI. We suggest that the use of this protein would help in minimizing the ecological and health risks that arise from the use of pesticides. We suggest that the use of this protein would help in minimizing the ecological and health risks that arise from the spreading of resistance of agriculturally important pathogens.

Frey|María Eugenia|ME|
D'Ippolito|Sebastián|S|
Pepe|Alfonso|A|
Daleo|Gustavo Raúl|GR|
Guevara|María Gabriela|MG|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Solanum tuberosum
Antimicrobial proteins
Plant defense
Plant immunity


Oncologic outcomes of extended neck dissections in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Oncologic outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during neck dissection for invasive nodal disease remain uncertain.

METHODS
Patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during their neck dissections were retrospectively identified.

RESULTS
Seventy-two patients were included. Regional and distant recurrences occurred in 6% and 17% of patients. Advanced T classification, pathological node number of 5 or more, and omission of adjuvant therapy were associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS). The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival.

CONCLUSION
Patients with invasive nodal disease from HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC can be managed with up-front surgery and adjuvant therapy, as indicated with good regional control. Although distant recurrence was the primary site of failure, adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved outcomes. The T classification, node number, and adjuvant radiotherapy are independent prognostic factors in this patient population.

Zenga|Joseph|J|0000-0003-1565-9628
Pipkorn|Patrik|P|
Graboyes|Evan M|EM|0000-0003-3766-468X
Martin|Eliot J|EJ|
Rich|Jason T|JT|
Moore|Eric J|EJ|0000-0003-1103-6212
Haughey|Bruce H|BH|
Jackson|Ryan S|RS|

D000368:Aged
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy
D018572:Disease-Free Survival
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D037981:Neck Dissection
D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
D027383:Papillomaviridae
D030361:Papillomavirus Infections
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015996:Survival Rate
D016896:Treatment Outcome

oncologic outcomes
neck dissection
human papillomavirus
extralymphatic
oropharynx


Comparison of knowledge of and attitudes toward dementia between health-related and non-health-related university students.

Abstract: [Purpose] This study compared the knowledge of and attitudes toward dementia between health-related and non-health-related students. [Subjects] The subjects consisted of a total of 416 people, 213 health-related students and 203 non-health-related students, at K University, which is located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, between May 1 and 14, 2014. [Methods] The subjects answered a self-administered questionnaire about their knowledge of and attitudes toward dementia. [Results] There was a significant difference in knowledge of and attitudes toward dementia between the two groups examined. [Conclusion] Health-related students displayed higher knowledge of dementia and a more positive attitude toward dementia compared with non-health-related students. In the future, education to cultivate professional knowledge about dementia and enhance positive attitudes toward dementia should be provided continuously to health-related students. This is because students in health-related fields will likely provide services to patients with dementia in the clinical field. Additionally, as they will likely provide support to the elderly in the future, non-health-related students also need to be educated about and develop positive attitudes toward dementia.


Diversity in approach to teaching and assessing ethics education for medical undergraduates: A scoping review.

Abstract: There are diverse methods to teach medical ethics, and there is no single accepted approach towards its learning and assessment. The authors aim to explore the various strategies practised to teach undergraduate medical students the fundamentals of medical ethics and their evaluation. The authors reviewed the articles published from January 2014 to September 2019. The authors searched PubMed for the relevant publications and extracted the information using a data extraction sheet. Twenty-nine articles were included for the review, which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Case-based discussions were a widely accepted strategy to learn ethics. The studies highlighted a mixed teaching approach using multiple teaching tools. A qualitative approach was preferred for the assessment through reflections, simulated patient interactions, and development of portfolios. However, there are gaps in the existing literature on the assessment strategies for ethics education. Heterogeneity still exists in the planning of the curricula, teaching, and assessment methods. These curricula suit the cultural and religious set up of that particular country. Case-based discussion is a popular teaching strategy, and there exist numerous innovative and cost-effective active teaching strategies. There is a need for studies that are more rigorous to address the evaluation of the ethics curricula. This review would help educators to choose their preferred approach based on their teaching environment.

Assessment
Ethics education
Medical undergraduates
Review
Curriculum
Teaching methods


Efficacy evaluation of Bauhinia variegata L. stem bark powder as adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The objective was to study the effect of Bauhinia variegata L. stem bark powder as adjunct therapy in chronic Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in goat.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Mastitis was induced by intracisternal inoculation of coagulase positive S. aureus (J638) at the concentration of 2000 colony forming units. Group I animals were treated with repeated dose of ceftriaxone at 20 mg/kg intravenously, and Group II animals were treated with once daily oral administration of B. variegata L. stem bark powder at 6 g/kg for 7 days followed by maintenance dose at 3 g/kg for next 7 days along with repeated dose of the antibiotic at 20 mg/kg intravenously at 4 days interval.

RESULTS
No significant improvement in the clinical condition of the udder was noticed in the group treated with repeated dose of ceftriaxone alone. However, in the group treated with B. variegata L. stem bark powder along with repeated dose of ceftriaxone, no S. aureus colony was seen at 96 h and onwards in milk samples with a marked decrease in somatic cell count and milk alkaline phosphatase activity and increased lactoperoxidase activity. Further, plasma and milk concentration of ceftriaxone/ceftizoxime was increased, which indicated antibacterial, bioenhancing and antiinflammatory properties of the bark powder. The Group II animals also exhibited marked reduction in polymorphonuclear cells and fibrous tissue indicating antifibrotic property of B. variegata L.

CONCLUSION
B. variegata L. stem bark powder can be considered as an effective adjunct therapy to intravenous ceftriaxone in S. aureus chronic mastitis in goat.

Dash|Jeevan Ranjan|JR|
Sar|Tapas Kumar|TK|
Samanta|Indranil|I|
Pal|Subodh|S|
Khan|Madhuchhanda|M|
Patra|Nimai Charan|NC|
Sarkar|Uttam|U|
Maji|Asit Kumar|AK|
Mandal|Tapan Kumar|TK|

Staphylococcus aureus
goat
chronic mastitis
Bauhinia variegata L. ceftriaxone


Identification of genes modulated by interferon gamma in breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Interferon gamma (IFNγ) plays a context-dependent dual tumor-suppressor and pro-tumorigenic roles in cancer. IFNγ induces morphological changes in breast cancer (BC) cells with or without estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression. However, IFNγ-regulated genes in BC cells remain unexplored. Here, we performed a cDNA microarray analysis of MCF-7 (ERα+) and MDA-MB-231 (HER2-/PR-/ERα-) cells with and without IFNγ treatment. We identified specific IFNγ-modulated genes in each cell type, and a small group of genes regulated by IFNγ common in both cell types. IFNγ treatment for an extended time mainly repressed gene expression shared by both cell types. Nonetheless, some of these IFNγ-repressed genes were seemingly deregulated in human mammary tumor samples, along with decreased IFNGR1 (an IFNγ receptor) expression. Thus, IFNγ signaling-elicited anti-tumor activities may be mediated by the downregulation of main IFNγ target genes in BC; however, it may be deregulated by the tumor microenvironment in a tumor stage-dependent manner.

Tecalco-Cruz|Angeles C|AC|
Macías-Silva|Marina|M|
Ramírez-Jarquín|Josué Orlando|JO|
Méndez-Ambrosio|Bruno|B|

Breast cancer
IFNγ
Estrogen receptor
Interferon-stimulated genes


Outcomes With Combined Laser Atherectomy and Intravascular Brachytherapy in Recurrent Drug-Eluting Stent In-Stent Restenosis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Recurrent drug-eluting stents (DES) in-stent restenosis (ISR) can be challenging to treat. The combined use of excimer laser atherectomy (ELCA) and vascular brachytherapy (VBT) for this indication has received limited study.

METHODS
We report the long-term outcomes of patients with recurrent DES ISR treated with combined VBT and ELCA from January 2014 to September 2018 at a single institution. Outcomes included target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the composite of clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), target lesion myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion-related cardiac death.

RESULTS
During the study period, 116 patients (143 lesions) underwent VBT, of which 19 patients (19 lesions) underwent combined laser atherectomy and VBT. All procedures were successful without no-reflow or dissection. Two propensity-score matched cohorts (ELCA + VBT (n = 18) vs. VBT only (n = 18)) were compared. During a median follow-up of 25.5 (14.5-40) months, there was no difference in the incidence of TLF (38.9% vs. 38.9%, log-rank p = 0.688), target-lesion MI (5.6% vs. 5.6%, log-rank p = 0.915), or TLR (38.9% vs. 33.3%, log-rank p = 0.933) between both groups. There was no cardiac death related to the target lesion.

CONCLUSIONS
When compared with VBT alone for the treatment of resistant DES ISR, combined use of ELCA and brachytherapy is associated with comparable long-term outcomes. ELCA should be considered in ISR lesions due to stent underexpansion.

Megaly|Michael|M|
Glogoza|Matthew|M|
Xenogiannis|Iosif|I|
Vemmou|Evangelia|E|
Nikolakopoulos|Ilias|I|
Omer|Mohamed|M|
Willson|Laura|L|
Monyak|David J|DJ|
Sullivan|Patsa|P|
Stanberry|Larissa|L|
Chavez|Ivan|I|
Mooney|Michael|M|
Traverse|Jay|J|
Wang|Yale|Y|
Garcia|Santiago|S|
Poulose|Anil|A|
Burke|M Nicholas|MN|
Brilakis|Emmanouil S|ES|

Laser atherectomy
Intravascular brachytherapy
In-stent restenosis
ISR
ELCA
Vascular brachytherapy
VBT
IVBT


Layer-by-layer assembled thin films and microcapsules of nanocrystalline cellulose for hydrophobic drug delivery.

Abstract: A layer-by-layer (LbL) approach has been employed for the fabrication of multilayer thin films and microcapsules having nanofibrous morphology using nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as one of the components of the assembly. The applicability of these nanoassemblies as drug delivery carriers has been explored by the loading of an anticancer drug, doxorubicin hydrochloride, and a water-insoluble drug, curcumin. Doxorubicin hydrochloride, having a good water solubility, is postloaded in the assembly. In the case of curcumin, which is very hydrophobic and has limited solubility in water, a stable dispersion is prepared via noncovalent interaction with NCC prior to incorporation in the LbL assembly. The interaction of various other lipophilic drugs with NCC was analyzed theoretically by molecular docking in consideration of NCC as a general carrier for hydrophobic drugs.

D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

layer-by-layer
hydrophobic drug delivery
multilayers
NCC


Appendiceal sarcoidosis presenting as acute appendicitis.

Abstract: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory multisystem disease. The stomach is the most commonly involved gastrointestinal organ. Symptomatic appendicular sarcoidosis is extremely rare. We present a case of a 49-year-old woman with abdominal pain. An ultrasound of the abdomen was suggestive of acute appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and the pathology revealed nonnecrotizing granulomas. Biopsy of the mediastinal lymph nodes suggested noncaseating granulomas. She was treated with steroid therapy followed by mycophenolate mofetil. Our case demonstrates the importance of considering appendiceal sarcoid among the differentials in a patient with systemic sarcoidosis presenting with an acute abdomen.

appendiceal sarcoidosis
Acute appendicitis
appendiceal neoplasm
gastrointestinal sarcoidosis


Primary care providers' perspectives on initiating childhood obesity conversations: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Primary care physicians (PCPs) are in a critical position for identifying, preventing and treating childhood obesity. However, a one-size-fits-all approach does not exist for having conversations about weight with families. A better understanding of how PCPs can address paediatric patients' weight concerns is needed in order to develop effective guidelines and trainings.

OBJECTIVE
To describe PCPs preferences and behaviours regarding weight-related conversations with paediatric patients' and their families.

METHODS
Twenty PCPs affiliated with the University of Minnesota, USA, were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS
PCP's identified well-child visits as the most appropriate time for weight-related discussions with families. Physicians described what approaches/elements they perceived to work best during conversations: collaboration, empathy, health-focused and objective measures.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, PCPs were more comfortable with weight-related discussions during annual well-child visits and rarely initiated them during an acute visit or the first encounter with a patient. Objective measures, such as growth charts, were often utilized to start discussions. Considering a large proportion of well-child visits are missed, alternative opportunities to have discussions about healthy lifestyle behaviours should be explored. The integral role PCPs play in paediatric obesity warrants further research.

Hersch|Derek E|DE|0000-0003-4867-1156
Uy|Marc James A|MJA|
Ngaw|Samantha M|SM|
Loth|Katie A|KA|

D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel
D002648:Child
D006801:Humans
D063766:Pediatric Obesity
D058007:Physicians, Primary Care
D011320:Primary Health Care
D036301:Qualitative Research

Attitude of health personnel
delivery of health care
family practice
paediatric obesity/prevention & control
physician–patient relations
qualitative research


4-aroylpiperidines and 4-(α-hydroxyphenyl)piperidines as selective sigma-1 receptor ligands: synthesis, preliminary pharmacological evaluation and computational studies.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sigma (σ) receptors are membrane-bound proteins characterised by an unusual promiscuous ability to bind a wide variety of drugs and their high affinity for typical neuroleptic drugs, such as haloperidol, and their potential as alternative targets for antipsychotic agents. Sigma receptors display diverse biological activities and represent potential fruitful targets for therapeutic development in combating many human diseases. Therefore, they present an interesting avenue for further exploration. It was our goal to evaluate the potential of ring opened spipethiane (1) analogues as functional ligands (agonists) for σ receptors by chemical modification.

RESULTS
Chemical modification of the core structure of the lead compound, (1), by replacement of the sulphur atom with a carbonyl group, hydroxyl group and 3-bromobenzylamine with the simultaneous presence of 4-fluorobenzoyl replacing the spirofusion afforded novel potent sigma-1 receptor ligands 7a-f, 8a-f and 9d-e. The sigma-1 receptor affinities of 7e, 8a and 8f were slightly lower than that of 1 and their selectivities for this receptor two to threefold greater than that of 1.

CONCLUSIONS
It was found that these compounds have higher selectivities for sigma-1 receptors compared to 1. Quantitatitive structure-activity relationship studies revealed that sigma-1 binding is driven by hydrophobic interactions.Graphical abstractIdentified pharmacophore features for sigma binding.

Ikome|Hermia N|HN|
Ntie-Kang|Fidele|F|0000-0003-0795-394X
Ngemenya|Moses N|MN|
Tu|Zhude|Z|
Mach|Robert H|RH|
Efange|Simon M N|SM|

Sigma-1 binding
Pharmacophore
Piperidines
QSAR


Tick-borne pathogens in ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from various domestic and wild hosts in Corsica (France), a Mediterranean island environment.

Abstract: Corsica is a mountainous French island in the north-west of the Mediterranean Sea presenting a large diversity of natural environments where many interactions between humans, domestic animals and wild fauna occur. Despite this favourable context, tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) have not systematically been investigated. In this study, a large number of TBPs were screened in ticks collected over a period of one year from domestic and wild hosts in Corsica. More than 1,500 ticks belonging to nine species and five genera (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes and Haemaphysalis) were analysed individually or pooled (by species, gender, host and locality). A real-time microfluidic PCR was used for high-throughput screening of TBP DNA. This advanced methodology enabled the simultaneous detection of 29 bacterial and 12 parasitic species (including Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Candidatus Neoehrlichia, Coxiella, Francisella, Babesia and Theileria). The Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was investigated individually in tick species known to be vectors or carriers of this virus. In almost half of the tick pools (48%), DNA from at least one pathogen was detected and eleven species of TBPs from six genera were reported. TBPs were found in ticks from all collected hosts and were present in more than 80% of the investigated area. The detection of DNA of certain species confirmed the previous identification of these pathogens in Corsica, such as Rickettsia aeschlimannii (23% of pools), Rickettsia slovaca (5%), Anaplasma marginale (4%) and Theileria equi (0.4%), but most TBP DNA identified had not previously been reported in Corsican ticks. This included Anaplasma phagocytophilum (16%), Rickettsia helvetica (1%), Borrelia afzelii (0.7%), Borrelia miyamotoi (1%), Bartonella henselae (2%), Babesia bigemina (2%) and Babesia ovis (0.5%). The high tick infection rate and the diversity of TBPs reported in this study highlight the probable role of animals as reservoir hosts of zoonotic pathogens and human exposure to TBPs in Corsica.

D003225:Hemorrhagic Fever Virus, Crimean-Congo

tick-borne pathogens
Corsica
France
domestic animals
ticks (ixodidae)
wild animals


A survey of postpartum depression and health care needs among Chinese postpartum women during the pandemic of COVID-19.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic seriously endangers the public's mental health, especially to pregnant and postpartum women. But little is known about postpartum depression and health care needs among Chinese postpartum women.

AIM
To investigate the status and risk factors of postpartum depression and health care needs among Chinese postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 209 Chinese postpartum women were recruited from May to July 2020 by convenience sampling and assessed online with self-designed Maternal General Information Questionnaire, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Chinese Version of the Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS
With the EPDS cut-off value of 10, the incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms was 56.9%. Age, history of abortion and perceived stress were the influencing factors of postpartum depression (adjusted R2 = 0.432, F = 23.611, p < .001). The top three health care needs were infant rearing guidance (78.0%), maternal and infant protection guidance (60.3%) and dietary guidance (45.0%). The proportion of psychological rehabilitation guidance needs in the depressed group was significantly higher than that in the non-depressed group (34.5% vs. 20.0%, p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS
Maternal postpartum depression in China was at a high level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women aged 25-34, with a history of abortion and high stress levels were at higher risk for postpartum depression. Timely psychological counselling, intervention and COVID-19-related health education are in great need for postpartum women.

An|Ran|R| Chen|Xiaoli|X| Wu|Yuanyuan|Y| Liu|Juan|J| Deng|Che|C| Liu|Yanqun|Y| Guo|Hongxia|H|

D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Postpartum depression
Health care needs
COVID-19
Perceived stress
Influencing factors


Less is more: The availability heuristic in early childhood.

Abstract: This study examined whether young children are influenced by the subjective experience associated with an easy or difficult recall when making memory decisions. Seventy-one children, aged 4, 6, and 8 years, were asked to generate either a small (easy condition) or large (hard condition) number of first names. Statistical analyses revealed that participants in the hard condition were more likely to infer that they did not know many names than participants in the easy condition, contrary to what would be expected if children based their memory judgement on the objective number of recalled items. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that children as young as 4 years old rely on the subjective experience of ease to regulate their decision-making processes. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.

Geurten|Marie|M| Willems|Sylvie|S| Germain|Sophie|S| Meulemans|Thierry|T|

availability heuristic
children
judgement
decision-making
metacognition