Superficial stellate cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus.

Abstract: The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) integrates auditory and multisensory signals at the earliest levels of auditory processing. Proposed roles for this region include sound localization in the vertical plane, head orientation to sounds of interest, and suppression of sensitivity to expected sounds. Auditory and non-auditory information streams to the DCN are refined by a remarkably complex array of inhibitory and excitatory interneurons, and the role of each cell type is gaining increasing attention. One inhibitory neuron that has been poorly appreciated to date is the superficial stellate cell. Here we review previous studies and describe new results that reveal the surprisingly rich interactions that this tiny interneuron has with its neighbors, interactions which enable it to respond to both multisensory and auditory afferents.

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

interneurons
auditory pathways
electrical synapses
gap junctions
glycine


Performance of minimally invasive sagittal synostectomy with supine patient positioning: technical note.

Abstract: The authors report their initial experience with supine patient positioning for minimally invasive treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis. Supine positioning offers potential advantages that include reduced anesthetic risk and may be considered as an option by craniofacial surgeons performing minimally invasive synostectomy for sagittal craniosynostosis.

Martin|Jonathan E|JE|
Manning|Thomas|T|
Bookland|Markus|M|
Castiglione|Charles|C|

D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

minimally invasive
positioning
craniosynostosis
craniofacial
MI = minimally invasive
surgical technique


Robust Induced Presynapse on Artificial Substrates as a Neural Interfacing Method.

Abstract: Over the recent years, the development of neural interface systems has stuck to using electrical cues to stimulate neurons and read out neural signals, although neurons relay signals via chemical release and recognition at synapses. In addition, conventional neural interfaces are vulnerable to cell migration and glial encapsulation due to the absence of connection anchoring the neuron into the device unlike synapses, which are firmly sustained by protein bonding. To close this discrepancy, we conducted an intensive investigation into the induced synapse interface by employing engineered synaptic proteins from a neural interface perspective. The strong potential of induced synaptic differentiation as an emerging neural interfacing technique is demonstrated by exploring its structural features, chemical release kinetics, robustness, and scalability to the brain tissue. We show that the exocytosis kinetics of induced synapses is similar to that of endogenous synapses. Moreover, induced synapses show remarkable stability, despite cell migration and growth. The synapse-inducing technique has broad applications to cultured hippocampal and cortex tissues and suggests a promising method to integrate neural circuits with digital elements.

D015816:Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal

neural interface
induced synapse
organotypically cultured brain slice
primary cultured neuron
protein engineering
surface modification
synaptic activity


Biocompatibility of alumina-based biomaterials-A review.

Abstract: In today's medicine world, alumina-based biomaterials owing to their excellent biomechanical, and biocompatibility properties play a key role in biomedical engineering. However, the literature still suffers from not having a valid database regarding the protein adsorption and subsequently cell responses to these surfaces. Proteins by adsorption on biomaterials surfaces start interpreting the construction and also arranging the biomaterials surfaces into a biological language. Hence, the main concentration of this review is on the protein adsorption and subsequently cell responses to alumina's surface, which has a wide range biomedical applications, especially in dentistry and orthopedic applications. In the presented review article, the general principles of foreign body response mechanisms, and also the role of adsorbed proteins as key players in starting interactions between cells and alumina-based biomaterials will be discussed in detail. In addition, the essential physicochemical, and mechanical properties of alumina surfaces which significantly impact on proteins and cells responses as well as the recent studies that have focused on the biocompatibility of alumina will be given. An in depth understanding of how the immune system interacts with the surface of alumina could prove the pivotal importance of the biocompatibility of alumina on its success in tissue engineering after implantation in body.

biocompatibility
protein adsorption
cell responses
alumina


Microbubble moving in blood flow in microchannels: effect on the cell-free layer and cell local concentration.

Abstract: Gas embolisms can hinder blood flow and lead to occlusion of the vessels and ischemia. Bubbles in microvessels circulate as tubular bubbles (Taylor bubbles) and can be trapped, blocking the normal flow of blood. To understand how Taylor bubbles flow in microcirculation, in particular, how bubbles disturb the blood flow at the scale of blood cells, experiments were performed in microchannels at a low Capillary number. Bubbles moving with a stream of in vitro blood were filmed with the help of a high-speed camera. Cell-free layers (CFLs) were observed downstream of the bubble, near the microchannel walls and along the centerline, and their thicknesses were quantified. Upstream to the bubble, the cell concentration is higher and CFLs are less clear. While just upstream of the bubble the maximum RBC concentration happens at positions closest to the wall, downstream the maximum is in an intermediate region between the centerline and the wall. Bubbles within microchannels promote complex spatio-temporal variations of the CFL thickness along the microchannel with significant relevance for local rheology and transport processes. The phenomenon is explained by the flow pattern characteristic of low Capillary number flows. Spatio-temporal variations of blood rheology may have an important role in bubble trapping and dislodging.

Bento|David|D|
Sousa|Lúcia|L|
Yaginuma|Tomoko|T|
Garcia|Valdemar|V|
Lima|Rui|R|
Miranda|João M|JM|

Cell-free layer
Gas embolism
In vitro blood
Micro bubble
Microfluidics
Red blood cells


Anisotropic Foams Via Frontal Polymerization.

Abstract: The properties of foams, an important class of cellular solids, are most sensitive to the volume fraction and openness of its elementary compartments; size, shape, orientation, and the interconnectedness of the cells are other important design attributes. Control of these morphological traits would allow the tailored fabrication of useful materials including highly porous solids, anisotropic heat conductors, tough composites, among others. While approaches like ice templating has produced foams with elongated cells, there is a need for rapid, versatile, and energy efficient methods that also control the local order and macroscopic alignment of cellular elements. Here we describe a fast and convenient method to obtain anisotropic structural foams using frontal polymerization. We fabricated foams by curing mixtures of dicyclopentadiene and a physical blowing agent via frontal ring opening metathesis polymerization (FROMP). The materials were characterized using micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and an image analysis protocol to quantify morphological characteristics including volume fraction and anisotropy. The cellular structure, porosity, and hardness of the foams changed with blowing agent, concentration, and resin viscosity. Moreover, we used a full factorial combination of variables to correlate each parameter with the structure of the obtained foams. We found a strong correlation between the resin viscosity and the foam's cellular structure. Furthermore, a specific combination of input parameters controlled the transitions from (i) isotropic to anisotropic cellular structures, (ii) porous to non-porous, and (iii) soft to hard foams. Our results demonstrate the controlled production of foams with specific morphologies using the simple and efficient method of frontal polymerization. This work shows promise for creating foams with aligned cellular structures that allow anisotropic mass and energy transport properties in high performance structural solids. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

foam
frontal polymerization
dicyclopentadiene
anisotropy
ROMP


Barriers and associated factors for adequate antenatal care among Afghan women in Iran; findings from a community-based survey.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Almost a third of Afghan women living in Iran are at childbearing age. Antenatal care (ANC) is an inextricable part of healthy pregnancy and could prevent the adverse birth outcomes. Almost 97% of Iranian expectant women are receiving adequate ANC (4 or more visits). However, the situation for pregnant Afghan women is unclear. Some studies indicated low access to ANC among Afghan women. In the present study, we aimed to explore the sociodemographic factors and potential barriers associated with adequate ANC among Afghan women in Iran.

METHODS
A cross sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and August 2019. Using time location sampling (TLS), we recruited 424 Afghan women aged 18-45 years old at three health centers in south region of Tehran. The data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics and the reported reasons for inadequate ANC using a questionnaire and analyzed applying bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Factor analysis was performed to reduce the number of potential reasons for inadequate ANC in order to improve the precision of regression analysis.

RESULTS
Almost a third of Afghan women in this study had adequate ANC (≥ 8 visits). The women in older age group, those with higher education and family income, women with longer length of stay, those of legal status were more likely to have adequate ANC. In multivariate analysis, the poor knowledge and attitude toward ANC (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI [0.03-0.15]), the poor quality of services (AOR = 0.17 95% CI [0.07-0.41]); and to some extent, the difficulties in access (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI [0.11-1.00]) were the main obstacles toward adequate ANC among the study population.

CONCLUSION
Our study emphasized the important role of the personal knowledge and attitude toward ANC with adequate antenatal care among Afghan women in Iran. This could be addressed by well-oriented interventions and health education for Afghan women. The collaboration between central government with international agencies should be directed toward enhancing the social support, promoting the awareness and knowledge, and expanding the safety net services to improve the access and quality care among Afghan women in Iran.

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care

Antenatal care
Afghan women
Iran
Access
Refugee and immigrant


Reversible Photoisomerization from Borepin to Boratanorcaradiene and Double Aryl Migration from Boron to Carbon.

Abstract: B(npy)Ar2 (npy=2-(naphthalen-1-yl)pyridine) compounds bearing various nonbulky aryl groups undergo a clean and sequential two-step photoisomerization in which two aryl substituents on boron migrate to a carbon atom of the naphthyl moiety. The second isomerization step is the first example of a reversible photoisoermization between a borepin and a borirane. Both steric and electronic factors have been found to have a great impact on this photoreactivity. Furthermore, the borirane isomer reacts with oxygen, forming a rare oxaborepin dimer.

boron
isomerization
photochemistry
rearrangements
structure elucidation


Dielectric spectroscopy study of water dynamics in frozen bovine milk.

Abstract: Bovine milk is a complex colloidal liquid exhibiting a multi-scaled structure. It is of particular importance, both commercially and scientifically, to investigate both its dynamic and structural properties. In the current study we have employed the broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) technique in the frequency range of 10(-1)-10(6)Hz and the temperature range of 176-230 K in order to examine the molecular structure and dynamics of quenched bovine milk. Four dielectric relaxation processes were identified. Three of them are associated with water in its different forms: water-lactose complexes, bulk hexagonal and cubic ices. The fourth process is attributed to domain wall relaxations linked to the presence of micro-cracks in the ice structures. In addition, the first process, attributed to water-lactose complexes, obeys the Meyer-Neldel compensation law and can be taken as evidence of differing interfaces of these complexes with the bulk water of the milk, mediated by the lactose concentration. Furthermore, an intriguing structural-dynamic transition around 200K was observed. Considering the mentioned above, we conclude that our results emphasize the structural and dynamical significance of water in bovine milk.

Agranovich|Daniel|D|
Ben Ishai|Paul|P|
Katz|Gil|G|
Bezman|Dror|D|
Feldman|Yuri|Y|

Dielectric spectroscopy
Water
Bovine milk
Dielectric relaxation
Ice
Lactose


Deep sequencing revealed genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism and plasmid content of Erwinia amylovora strains isolated in Middle Atlas, Morocco.

Abstract: Erwinia amylovora causes economic losses that affect pear and apple production in Morocco. Here, we report comparative genomics of four Moroccan E. amylovora strains with the European strain CFBP1430 and North-American strain ATCC49946. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed genetic homogeneity of Moroccan's strains and their proximity to the European strain CFBP1430. Moreover, the collected sequences allowed the assembly of a 65 kpb plasmid, which is highly similar to the plasmid pEI70 harbored by several European E. amylovora isolates. This plasmid was found in 33% of the 40 E. amylovora strains collected from several host plants in 2009 and 2010 in Morocco.

Hannou|Najat|N| Mondy|Samuel|S| Planamente|Sara|S| Moumni|Mohieddine|M| Llop|Pablo|P| López|María|M| Manceau|Charles|C| Barny|Marie-Anne|MA| Faure|Denis|D|

Plasmid
Erwinia amylovora
Genome
SNP
Fire blight
Virulence


The influence of degree of socialization and age on length of stay of shelter cats.

Abstract: Surveys indicate that cat behaviors, such as degree of friendliness or playfulness, are important to potential adopters and cat owners. There are few data, however, relating the degree of socialization in cats with length of stay (LOS) in a shelter. Based on provided definitions, staff from 31 shelters in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States placed cats (n = 645) into one of three behavioral categories: interactive, approachable, and unapproachable. Age and LOS for each cat were also reported. Using a mixed model analysis that controlled for the effect of shelter, the LOS of interactive cats was 37 days, LOS of approachable cats was 51 days, and LOS of unapproachable cats was 119 days. LOS increased four days, on average, for each additional year of age and there was an interaction between age and behavioral categories. Importantly, LOS of interactive cats was not influenced by age. Future research should explore the effectiveness of cat behavioral modification programs on reducing LOS of shelter cats.

Brown|William P|WP|
Stephan|Valerie L|VL|

D000367:Age Factors
D000818:Animals
D001522:Behavior, Animal
D002415:Cats
D007902:Length of Stay
D012919:Social Behavior
D014481:United States

Cat behavior
adopter preference
no-kill shelter
traditional shelter


Influence of observing another person's action on self-generated performance in schizophrenia.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Observing another person's action influences the execution of one's own action via the mirror neuron system. However, the ability to control the effect of such action observation on one's voluntary action has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of observing another's action on own voluntary movement in patients with schizophrenia.

METHODS
Fifteen patients with schizophrenia and 15 healthy age-matched controls participated in this study. Subjects were asked to perform a gripping task at 50% of their maximal voluntary force (MVF), whereas simultaneously watching others performed the same task with a different grip force (0%, 50% and 100% MVF).

RESULTS
The healthy controls applied a constant grip force under each condition. In patients with schizophrenia, the grip force was significantly reduced during viewing the gripping of others at 50% MVF compared to during viewing other's gripping at 0% and 100% MVF. The score of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms were correlated with the fluctuation in grip force among the action observation conditions.

CONCLUSION
Patients with schizophrenia might have difficulty controlling the influence of action observation on self-generated performance.

schizophrenia
mirror neuron
action observation
efference copy
self-generated action


Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: from immunopathogenesis to new therapeutic targets.

Abstract: Pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) involves strong interactions between dendritic cells (DCs), activated Th1 and Th17 cells, B cells, muscle cells, genes and environment. Local maturation of DCs permit the activation and polarization of CD4+ T cells into T(H)1 and T(H)17 that play a key role in maintaining chronic muscle inflammation. T-cell mediated myocytotoxicity promotes the liberation of specific muscle autoantigens from regenerating muscle cells with production of myositis-specific autoantibodies. Type I interferon signature is a key characteristic of IIM. Type I IFN that can be induced by immune complexes containing myositis-specific autoantibodies is produced by scattered plasmacytoid DCs but also by muscle cells particularly regenerating muscle cells. These immature muscle precursors appear to be critical in the pathogenesis of IIM as they up-regulate muscle autoantigens, type I IFN, HLA class I antigens and TLR3-7, all together involved in maintaining chronic muscle inflammation. In addition to the role of immune and muscle cells, genome-wide association studies have confirmed the importance of several MHC and non-MHC genes in IIM. Environmental factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of IIM. In sIBM, distinct features suggest both degenerative and inflammatory processes. In addition to our better understanding of the pathogenesis, identify molecular pathway leads to consider new targeted therapies including cytokine inhibition, B-cell and T-cell costimulation blockade, type I IFN neutralization or inhibition of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.

pathogenesis
idiopathic inflammatory myositis
dermatomyositis
inclusion body myositis
polymyositis
treatment


A new 4π(LS)-γ coincidence counter at NCBJ RC POLATOM with TDCR detector in the beta channel.

Abstract: A new 4π(LS)-γ coincidence system (TDCRG) was built at the NCBJ RC POLATOM. The counter consists of a TDCR detector in the beta channel and scintillation detector with NaI(Tl) crystal in the gamma channel. The system is equipped with a digital board with FPGA, which records and analyses coincidences in the TDCR detector and coincidences between the beta and gamma channels. The characteristics of the system and a scheme of the FPGA implementation with behavioral simulation are given. The TDCRG counter was validated by activity measurements on (14)C and (60)Co solutions standardized in RC POLATOM using previously validated methods.

Ziemek|T|T| Jęczmieniowski|A|A| Cacko|D|D| Broda|R|R| Lech|E|E|

4π(LS)-γ coincidence
FPGA
TDCRG counter
Liquid scintillation counting
TDCR method


Sex differences in the relationship between maternal fear of pain and children's conditioned pain modulation.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Parental behaviors, emotions, and cognitions are known to influence children's response to pain. However, prior work has not tested the association between maternal psychological factors and children's responses to a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) task. CPM refers to the reduction in perceived pain intensity for a test stimulus following application of a conditioning stimulus to a remote area of the body, and is thought to reflect the descending inhibition of nociceptive signals.

METHODS
The present study examined sex differences in the association between maternal anxiety about pain and children's CPM responses in 133 healthy children aged 8-17 years. Maternal pain anxiety was assessed using the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20. In addition to the magnitude of CPM, children's anticipatory anxiety and pain-related fear of the CPM task were measured.

RESULTS
Sequential multiple linear regression revealed that even after controlling for child age and general maternal psychological distress, greater maternal pain anxiety was significantly related to greater CPM anticipatory anxiety and pain-related fear in girls, and to less CPM (ie, less pain inhibition) in boys.

CONCLUSION
The findings indicate sex-specific relationships between maternal pain anxiety and children's responses to a CPM task over and above that accounted for by the age of the child and the mother's general psychological distress.

Evans|Subhadra|S|
Seidman|Laura C|LC|
Lung|Kirsten C|KC|
Zeltzer|Lonnie K|LK|
Tsao|Jennie C|JC|

cold pressor
diffuse noxious inhibitory controls
laboratory pain
mother-child relationship
pediatric pain
pressure pain


Antithrombotic Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Abstract: The development of transcatheter aortic valve implantation has represented one of the greatest advances in the cardiology field in recent years and has changed clinical practice for patients with aortic stenosis. Despite the continuous improvement in operators' experience and techniques, and the development of new generation devices, thromboembolic and bleeding complications after transcatheter aortic valve implantation remain frequent, and are a major concern due to their negative impact on prognosis in this vulnerable population. In addition, the optimal antithrombotic regimen in this scenario is not known, and current recommendations are mostly empirical and not evidence based. The present review aims to provide an overview of the current status of knowledge, including relevant on-going randomised trials, on antithrombotic treatment strategies after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Lugo|Leslie Marisol|LM|
Romaguera|Rafael|R|
Gómez-Hospital|Joan Antoni|JA|
Ferreiro|José Luis|JL|

Antithrombotic therapy
transcatheter aortic valve implantation
aortic stenosis
anticoagulant therapy
antiplatelet therapy
transcatheter aortic valve replacement


Identification and Prioritization of Environmental Reproductive Hazards: A First Step in Establishing Environmental Perinatal Care.

Abstract: In 2015, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics established the prevention of exposures to environmental reprotoxic substances as a priority for health professionals. However, available information about reproductive hazards is voluminous, dispersed, and complex, and this is a severe limitation for physicians to incorporate the prevention of environmental exposure into standard preventive care. One difficulty frequently cited by physicians is the lack of evidence-based information. The objective of our study was to identify a list of environmental chemical hazards to reproduction. We used lists present in relevant regulations or included in scientific reports or databases to identify reproductive hazards. The reproductive hazards were prioritized according to the strength of evidence concerning their impact on fertility or development of the offspring. We identified 1251 reproductive hazards. Our prioritization approach resulted in a high-priority classification for 462 risk factors belonging to the following eight classes: drugs (n = 206), metals (n = 116), pesticides (n = 38), organic solvents (n = 27), synthesizing and/or processing agents in industrial processes (n = 23), phthalates (n = 13), perfluorinated compounds (n = 13), and other compounds (n = 26). Despite the limitations of this work, the generated lists constitute a useful working basis to put in place innovative environmental preventive measures according to the principle of evidence-based medicine.

Teysseire|Raphaëlle|R| Brochard|Patrick|P| Sentilhes|Loïc|L| Delva|Fleur|F|

perinatal care
environmental exposure
chemical hazards
occupational exposure
preventative medicine
reproductive health


Expanding the knowledge on dried blood spots and LC-MS-based protein analysis: two different sampling materials and six protein targets.

Abstract: The combination of dried blood spots (DBS) and bottom-up LC-MS-based protein analysis was investigated in the present paper using six model proteins (1 mg/mL of each protein) with different physicochemical properties. Two different materials for DBS were examined: a water-soluble DBS material (carboxymethyl cellulose, (CMC)) and a commercially available (non-soluble) material (DMPK-C). The sample preparation was optimised regarding the water-soluble material and achieving acceptable repeatability of the signal was emphasised. Five microlitres of whole blood were deposited and dried on either CMC or DMPK-C. The samples were dissolved (CMC) or extracted (DMPK-C) prior to tryptic digest and matrix precipitation. The optimization of the sample preparation showed that an increased buffer concentration (100 mM ammonium bicarbonate) for dissolving the DBS samples gave better repeatability combined with a decrease in analyte signal. CMC seemed to add extra variability (RSD 8-60%) into the analysis compared to sample prepared without CMC (RSD 6-36%), although equal performance compared to DMPK-C material (RSD 13-60%) was demonstrated. The stability of the analytes was examined for different storage periods (1 and 4 weeks) and different storage temperatures (-25, 25, and 40 °C). The stability on both CMC (> 70% compared to reference) and DMPK-C (> 50% compared to reference) was acceptable for most of the peptides. This paper shows that both DBS materials can be used in targeted LC-MS-based protein analysis of proteins with different physicochemical properties. Graphical Abstract Overview of the experimental set-up for expanding the knowledge of dried blood spots in LC-MS-based protein anaysis.

Rosting|Cecilie|C|
Gjelstad|Astrid|A|
Halvorsen|Trine Grønhaug|TG|

Protein analysis
Bottom-up
Dried blood spots (DBS)
LC-MS


One year follow-up effect of renal sympathetic denervation in patients with resistant hypertension.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Resistant hypertension is a common clinical problem of blood pressure that is not controlled despite the simultaneous application of multiple antihypertensive agents. Ablation of renal afferent nerves has been applied and proved to decrease hypertension and injuries produced by severe sympathetic hyperactivity. The main objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of renal artery sympathetic ablation and its complications in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

METHODS
In this prospective study which done between March 2012 and November 2013, 30 patients with resistant arterial hypertension despite treatment with ≥3 antihypertensive drugs-were randomly enrolled in this self-control clinical study in Isfahan, Iran. The patients were treated with the renal denervation procedure; the femoral artery was accessed with the standard endovascular technique and the Symplicity catheter was advanced into the renal artery and connected to a radiofrequency generator. Before and 12 months after renal denervation procedure waist, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), metabolic syndrome, fasting blood sugar (FBS), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride were measured in all patients.

RESULTS
Both mean SBP and DBP were significantly decreased, 12 months after renal denervation (P < 0.001). The frequency of metabolic syndrome was not significantly different after renal denervation in compare to baseline (P = 0.174). Furthermore, a significant decreased in FBS and triglyceride was observed in compare to baseline (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION
This study highlighted the role of renal sympathetic denervation as a modern and secure catheter-based method for sustained reduction hypertension in treatment-resistant cases.

Pourmoghaddas|Masoud|M| Khosravi|Alireza|A| Akhbari|Mohammadreza|M| Akbari|Mojtaba|M| Pourbehi|Mohamadreza|M| Ziaei|Fereshteh|F| Salehizade|Leila|L| Sistan|Nahid|N| Esmaeili|Masoumeh|M| Bidram|Peyman|P|

Renal Sympathetic Denervation
Angiography
Hypertension Resistant
Renal Artery Ablation
Renal Sympathectomy


Multifunctional catalysts based on carbon nanotubes and titanate nanotubes for oxidation of organic compounds in biphasic systems.

Abstract: Amphiphilic catalysts composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) have been successfully synthesized by refluxing anatase TiO2 and functionalised CNTs in concentrated NaOH solution. The prepared materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 physisorption isotherms. The catalytic activity of the synthesized composites was first evaluated in the oxidation of methyl yellow (MY) using H2O2 as oxidant in a single liquid phase system and in a biphasic water/oil mixture. The results of these experiments indicated that the catalytic activities of nanocomposites were very similar in the single liquid-phase oxidation. However, the modification of TiNTs with CNTs led to a substantially enhanced MY oxidation in the biphasic system. The nanocomposites show excellent interaction with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds and thus stabilise emulsions. Under biphasic conditions, the catalysts can be easily separated and recycled, retaining catalytic activity even after eight runs. Additionally, the hybrid materials show superior catalytic activity and selectivity in the biphasic oxidation of benzyl alcohol with H2O2, as compared to pure TiNTs.

Santos|S R A|SRA|
Jardim|I S|IS|
Bicalho|H A|HA|
Binatti|I|I|
Sousa|E M B|EMB|
Peres|A M|AM|
Resende|R R|RR|
Lorençon|E|E|

Carbon nanotubes
Titanate nanotubes
Oxidation
Amphiphilic catalysts
Hydrogen peroxide


Anti-hyperglycaemic effects of dioxidovanadium complex cis-[VO2(obz)py] avert kidney dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Sprague-Dawley rats.

Abstract: Despite the success of antidiabetic drugs in alleviation of hyperglycaemia, diabetic complications, including renal dysfunction, continue to be a burden. This raises the need to seek alternative therapies that will alleviate these complications. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dioxidovanadium(V) complex cis-[VO2(obz)py] on renal function in diabetic rats. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with cis-[VO2(obz)py] (40 mg·kg-1) twice every third day for five weeks. Diabetic untreated and insulin-treated rats served as the diabetic control and positive control, respectively. Blood glucose concentrations, water intake, urinary output, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored weekly for five weeks. Rats were then euthanized, and blood and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical analysis. Significant decreases in blood glucose concentrations, MAP, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and SGLT2 expression, as well as plasma angiotensin and aldosterone concentrations, were observed in the treated groups compared with the diabetic control. The complex also increased urinary glucose concentrations, antioxidant enzymes GPx and SOD concentrations, and decreased MDA concentrations and kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) concentrations. These findings suggest that the anti-hyperglycaemic effects of this vanadium complex may ameliorate kidney dysfunction in diabetes.

Mbatha|Bonisiwe|B| Khathi|Andile|A| Sibiya|Ntethelelo|N| Booysen|Irvin|I| Mangundu|Patrick|P| Ngubane|Phikelelani|P|

kidney dysfunction
hyperglycaemia
SGLT2
kidney injury molecule
vanadium
dysfonctionnement rénal
fibrose
fibrosis
hyperglycémie
molécule de lésions rénales
oxidative stress
stress oxydatif


Stress lowers the detection threshold for foul-smelling 2-mercaptoethanol.

Abstract: Previous studies have reported enhanced vigilance for threat-related information in response to acute stress. While it is known that acute stress modulates sensory systems in humans, its impact on olfaction and the olfactory detection of potential threats is less clear. Two psychophysical experiments examined, if acute stress lowers the detection threshold for foul-smelling 2-mercaptoethanol. Participants in Experiment 1 (N = 30) and Experiment 2 (N = 32) were randomly allocated to a control group or a stress group. Participants in the stress group underwent a purely psychosocial stressor (public mental arithmetic) in Experiment 1 and a stressor that combined a physically demanding task with social-evaluative threat in Experiment 2 (socially evaluated cold-pressor test). In both experiments, olfactory detection thresholds were repeatedly assessed by means of dynamic dilution olfactometry. Each threshold measurement consisted of three trials conducted using an ascending method of limits. Participants in the stress groups showed the expected changes in heart rate, salivary cortisol, and mood measures in response to stress. About 20 min after the stressor, participants in the stress groups could detect 2-mercaptoethanol at a lower concentration than participants in the corresponding control groups. Our results show that acute stress lowers the detection threshold for a malodor.

Pacharra|Marlene|M|
Schäper|Michael|M|
Kleinbeck|Stefan|S|
Blaszkewicz|Meinolf|M|
Wolf|Oliver T|OT|
van Thriel|Christoph|C|

adapted Trier Social Stress Test for Groups


Biocontrol of Bacterial Leaf Blight of Rice and Profiling of Secondary Metabolites Produced by Rhizospheric Pseudomonas aeruginosa BRp3.

Abstract: Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is widely prevalent and causes Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) in Basmati rice grown in different areas of Pakistan. There is a need to use environmentally safe approaches to overcome the loss of grain yield in rice due to this disease. The present study aimed to develop inocula, based on native antagonistic bacteria for biocontrol of BLB and to increase the yield of Super Basmati rice variety. Out of 512 bacteria isolated from the rice rhizosphere and screened for plant growth promoting determinants, the isolate BRp3 was found to be the best as it solubilized 97 μg/ mL phosphorus, produced 30 μg/mL phytohormone indole acetic acid and 15 mg/ L siderophores in vitro. The isolate BRp3 was found to be a Pseudomonas aeruginosa based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing (accession no. HQ840693). This bacterium showed antagonism in vitro against different phytopathogens including Xoo and Fusarium spp. Strain BRp3 showed consistent pathogen suppression of different strains of BLB pathogen in rice. Mass spectrometric analysis detected the production of siderophores (1-hydroxy-phenazine, pyocyanin, and pyochellin), rhamnolipids and a series of already characterized 4-hydroxy-2-alkylquinolines (HAQs) as well as novel 2,3,4-trihydroxy-2-alkylquinolines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy-2-alkylquinolines in crude extract of BRp3. These secondary metabolites might be responsible for the profound antibacterial activity of BRp3 against Xoo pathogen. Another contributing factor toward the suppression of the pathogen was the induction of defense related enzymes in the rice plant by the inoculated strain BRp3. When used as an inoculant in a field trial, this strain enhanced the grain and straw yields by 51 and 55%, respectively, over non-inoculated control. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) used in combination with immunofluorescence marker confirmed P. aeruginosa BRp3 in the rice rhizosphere under sterilized as well as field conditions. The results provide evidence that novel secondary metabolites produced by BRp3 may contribute to its activity as a biological control agent against Xoo and its potential to promote the growth and yield of Super Basmati rice.

Yasmin|Sumera|S|
Hafeez|Fauzia Y|FY|
Mirza|Muhammad S|MS|
Rasul|Maria|M|
Arshad|Hafiz M I|HMI|
Zubair|Muhammad|M|
Iqbal|Mazhar|M|

Xanthomonas oryzae
BLB
super basmati
HAQ
CLSM
mass spectroscopy


Dentists' knowledge of dental trauma based on the International Association of Dental Traumatology guidelines: A survey in South Brazil.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIM
Dental trauma is a public health issue with a high prevalence in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of dentists in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, of the management of traumatic dental injuries, using the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) Guidelines as a reference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic questionnaire investigating personal and professional characteristics and 12 questions about dento-alveolar trauma, was sent to all registered dentists of the Regional Council of Dentistry of Rio Grande do Sul (n=14 753). The respondents were grouped according to the sociodemographic and professional profiles and the data were evaluated by the Student-T test or one-way ANOVA, with Tukey's post-hoc, with α = 5%.

RESULTS
A total of 1414 dentists responded to the survey (9.59% response rate). The overall mean self-reported knowledge of dental trauma was 5.87 ± 1.57, of a maximum possible score of 12. Some factors associated with a higher knowledge of the IADT guidelines were: female gender, previous clinical experience, years from qualification, self-reported knowledge, and academic postgraduate degree. Dentists who are specialized in endodontics (6.58 ± 1.63) and pediatric dentistry (6.05 ± 1.44) achieved higher levels of knowledge on dental trauma. Analysis of the characteristics (gender, location, and proportion of specialists) of the respondents confirmed that they were representative of the target population.

CONCLUSION
The overall level of knowledge of dentists from Rio Grande do Sul of the IADT guidelines is moderate. These results highlight the need for continuing education on dento-alveolar trauma in this population.


Mitochondrial superoxide mediates mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunctions in TRAIL-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells.

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide (O2(•-)) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), have been reported to be important mediators of the apoptosis induced by death ligands, including Fas, tumor necrosis factor-α, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Conversely, there is evidence that H2O2 and prooxidative conditions are protective. Therefore, the roles of ROS in death ligand-induced apoptosis are a matter of debate. In this study, we attempted to define the oxidant species mediating TRAIL-induced apoptosis in human tumor cells. The generation of intracellular O2(•-), but not H2O2, was correlated with apoptosis in the cells. TRAIL treatment resulted in increased mitochondrial O2(•-) generation and the oxidation of cardiolipin. The O2(•-)-selective scavenger MnTBaP [Mn(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride] specifically blocked TRAIL-induced apoptosis and proapoptotic events including mitochondrial membrane collapse and caspase-3/7 activation. TRAIL also induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses including caspase-12 activation, while inhibition of caspase-12 prevented the apoptosis. In addition, increased mitochondrial O2(•-) generation by uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation or inhibition of the electron transport chain amplified the TRAIL-induced apoptosis and proapoptotic events. This amplification was also significantly abolished by MnTBaP treatment. Our data indicate that mitochondrial O2(•-) mediates mitochondrial and ER dysfunctions during TRAIL-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. The present findings suggest that pharmacological agents increasing mitochondrial O2(•-) may serve as clinical drugs that amplify TRAIL effectiveness toward cancer cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)


National trends in incidence and outcomes in lower extremity amputations in people with and without diabetes in Spain, 2001-2012.

Abstract:
AIMS
To describe trends in the incidence and outcomes of lower-extremity amputations (LEAs) in patients with T1DM and T2DM in Spain, 2001-2012.

METHODS
We used national hospital discharge data. Incidence of discharges attributed to LEA procedures were calculated stratified by diabetes status and type of LEA. Joinpoint log-linear regression for incidence trends and logistic regression for factors associated with in-hospital mortality were used.

RESULTS
From 2001 to 2012, 73,302 minor LEAs and 64,710 major LEAs were performed. We found that incidence of minor LEA procedures in T1DM patients decreased by 9.84% per year from 2001 to 2008 and then remained stable through 2012. In T2DM patients, LEA increased by 1.89% per year over the entire study period. Among patients with T1DM, major LEA incidence rate decreased by 10.5% from 2001 to 2012. In patients with T2DM, it increased by 4.29% from 2001 to 2004, and then decreased by 1.85% through 2012. In-hospital mortality after major or minor LEAs was associated with older age in all groups and with being female in T2DM and in people without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS
Our national data show a decrease in the incidence of minor LEAs in patients with diabetes and in major LEAS in patients with T1DM over the period of study. In patients with T2DM, we found a decrease between 2004 and 2012. An additional improvement in preventive care, such as the introduction of diabetes foot units in hospitals, is necessary.

Lopez-de-Andres|Ana|A|
Jiménez-García|Rodrigo|R|
Aragón-Sánchez|Javier|J|
Jiménez-Trujillo|Isabel|I|
Hernández-Barrera|Valentin|V|
Méndez-Bailón|Manuel|M|
de Miguel-Yanes|Jose Ma|JM|
Perez-Farinos|Napoleon|N|
Carrasco-Garrido|Pilar|P|

Incidence
Diabetes
Lower-extremity amputations
Hospitalization
In-hospital mortality
Length of stay


Adjunctive ketamine for sedation in critically ill mechanically ventilated patients: an active-controlled, pilot, feasibility clinical trial.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Ketamine has been shown to decrease sedative requirements in intensive care unit (ICU). Randomized trials are limited on patient-centered outcomes. We designed this pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility of a large randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the effect of ketamine as an adjunct analgosedative compared with standard of care alone as a control group (CG) in critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation (MV). We also provided preliminary evidence on clinically relevant outcomes to plan a larger trial.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Pilot, active-controlled, open-label RCT was conducted at medical, surgical, and transplant ICUs at a large tertiary and quaternary care medical institution (King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia). The study included adult patients who were intubated within 24 h, expected to require MV for the next calendar day, and had institutional pain and sedation protocol initiated. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to adjunct ketamine infusion 1-2 μg/kg/min for 48 h or CG alone.

RESULTS
Of 437 patients screened from September 2019 through November 2020, 83 (18.9%) patients were included (43 in CG and 40 in ketamine) and 352 (80.5%) were excluded. Average enrollment rate was 3-4 patients/month. Consent and protocol adherence rates were adequate (89.24% and 76%, respectively). Demographics were balanced between groups. Median MV duration was 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-9.25 days) in ketamine and 5 (IQR 2-8 days) in CG. Median VFDs was 19 (IQR 0-24.75 days) in ketamine and 19 (IQR 0-24 days) in the CG (p = 0.70). More patients attained goal Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale at 24 and 48 h in ketamine (67.5% and 73.5%, respectively) compared with CG (52.4% and 66.7%, respectively). Sedatives and vasopressors cumulative use, and hemodynamic changes were similar. ICU length-of-stay was 12.5 (IQR 6-21.2 days) in ketamine, compared with 12 (IQR 5.5-23 days) in CG. No serious adverse events were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS
Ketamine as an adjunct analgosedative agent appeared to be feasible and safe with no negative impact on outcomes, including hemodynamics. This pilot RCT identified areas of improvement in study protocol before conducting a large, adequately powered, multicenter RCT which is likely justified to investigate ketamine association with patient-centered outcomes further. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04075006. Registered on 30 August 2019. Current controlled trials: ISRCTN14730035. Registered on 3 February 2020.

Ketamine
Sedation
Mechanical ventilation
Pilot
Standard of care
ATTAINMENT
Critical care


Definition of polytrauma: Discussion on the objective definition based on quantitative estimation of multiply injured patients during wartime.

Abstract:
AIM
There is a clear lack of consensus on a validated definition of the term "polytrauma". This study presents and classifies the extent of injuries during wartime in Croatia using the Revised Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) and compares the scores with a clinical estimation based on subjective assessments of polytraumatised and non-polytraumatised patients.

METHODS
We analysed the data from 426 war victims who sustained multiple injuries and were managed at Osijek University Hospital from September 1st 1991 to December 31st 1991. The victims were divided into polytraumatised (n=149) and multitraumatised (n=277) patients according to the initial clinical estimation of the extent of injury. Patients classified as monotraumatised were excluded from this study. The assessment was based on the following definition of polytrauma: simultaneous injury of two or more body regions or anatomical systems with at least one injury being life-threatening. All data were scored retrospectively using TRISS methodology.

RESULTS
Two patients classified as polytraumatised had an ISS of less than 16, and one patient classified as multitraumatised had an ISS of more than 16. The difference between the actual (29.5%) and expected (40.44%) postoperative mortality in the polytraumatised group was statistically significant (p=0.0016), whereas in the multitraumatised group, the difference between the actual (3.2%) and expected (3.04%) postoperative mortality was not significant (p=0.6103).

CONCLUSIONS
The data show that clinical and subjective assessment of polytraumatised patients can be useful in the management of such cases and can be tested retrospectively using TRISS methodology.

Definition of polytrauma
Assessment
Multiple injuries
Management
Surgery
War injury


Adapting Metacognitive Therapy to Children with Generalised Anxiety Disorder: Suggestions for a Manual.

Abstract: The metacognitive model and therapy has proven to be a promising theory and intervention for emotional disorders in adults. The model has also received empirical support in normal and clinical child samples. The purpose of the present study was to adapt metacognitive therapy to children (MCT-c) with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and create suggestions for an adapted manual. The adaptation was based on the structure and techniques used in MCT for adults with GAD. However, the developmental limitations of children were taken into account. For instance, therapy was aided with worksheets, practical exercises and delivered in a group format. Overall, the intervention relied heavily on practising MCT techniques in vivo with therapist assistance. A detailed description of how the manual was adapted for this age group is given, and examples from a group of four children are presented in a case series. Findings indicate that the adapted version of the metacognitive techniques and manual for children is feasible.

Esbjørn|Barbara Hoff|BH|
Normann|Nicoline|N|
Reinholdt-Dunne|Marie Louise|ML|

Metacognitive therapy
Children
Generalised anxiety disorder
Disorder-specific treatment


The professional and personal impact of the coronavirus pandemic on US neurointerventional practices: a nationwide survey.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Little is currently known about the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on neurointerventional (NI) procedural volumes or its toll on physician wellness.

METHODS
A 37-question online survey was designed and distributed to physician members of three NI physician organizations.

RESULTS
A total of 151 individual survey responses were obtained. Reduced mechanical thrombectomy procedures compared with pre-pandemic were observed with 32% reporting a greater than 50% reduction in thrombectomy volumes. In concert with most (76%) reporting at least a 25% reduction in non-mechanical thrombectomy urgent NI procedures and a nearly unanimous (96%) cessation of non-urgent elective cases, 68% of physicians reported dramatic reductions (>50%) in overall NI procedural volume compared with pre-pandemic. Increased door-to-puncture times were reported by 79%. COVID-19-positive infections occurred in 1% of physician respondents: an additional 8% quarantined for suspected infection. Sixty-six percent of respondents reported increased career stress, 56% increased personal life/family stress, and 35% increased career burnout. Stress was significantly increased in physicians with COVID-positive family members (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study designed to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on NI physician practices, case volumes, compensation, personal/family stresses, and work-related burnout. Future studies examining these factors following the resumption of elective cases and relaxing of social distancing measures will be necessary to better understand these phenomena.


Do Jobs Work? Risk and Protective Behaviors Associated with Employment Among Disadvantaged Female Teens in Urban Atlanta.

Abstract: Adolescent employment predicts lower educational engagement and achievement and greater engagement with risk behaviors. Most research has studied middle class rather than disadvantaged adolescents. We identified risk and protective behaviors associated with employment using data from a 3-wave, 12-month study of 715 low-socio-economic status female African American adolescents who were ages 15-21 at baseline. Adolescents who were employed at wave 2 (n=214) were matched with adolescents who were not employed at wave 2 (n=422) using nearest-neighbor matching on baseline factors within propensity score calipers on factors including marijuana use, sex while high, pregnancy risk, and socioeconomic status. We compared employed and non-employed teens on risk behaviors including marijuana use, sex while high or drunk, and a biomarker for semen exposure in the past 14 days. Employed teens were 44% as likely to say that their boyfriend is their primary spending money source and 43% as likely to be emotionally abused, but these benefits did not persist after employment ended. Six months after employment, employed respondents reported using marijuana 57% more often and had sex while drunk or high 2.7 times as frequently. Women who were employed at both waves 2 and 3 were 17% as likely to have their boyfriend as a primary source of spending money and 13% more likely to graduate high school, but they used marijuana twice as often, alcohol 1.6 times as often, had 1.6 times as many sexual partners, and had sex while high or drunk 2.3 times as often. Female teens who work may avoid potentially coercive romantic relationships, but they may buy drugs or alcohol with their earnings.

Rosenbaum|Janet|J| Zenilman|Jonathan|J| Rose|Eve|E| Wingood|Gina|G| DiClemente|Ralph|R|

adolescent employment
adolescents
romantic relationships
coercion in relationships
substance use


The relationship between the olfactory bulb and precocious puberty: from the nose to the pituitary.

Abstract: Background/objective The olfactory bulb (OB) and pubertal development have a close relationship as they share a common ontogenetic origin. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential relationship between precocious puberty (PP) in girls as a sign of early pubertal timing and their OB volume as an indicator of its functional activity. Design In the study group (n = 125), OB volume, pituitary height (PH), body mass index (BMI) and body surface (S) variables were retrospectively investigated in 49 girls included in the PP group and 76 healthy girls constituting the control group. Volumetric and length measurements were performed on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan by using manual segmentation of slices. Results The mean OB volume (73.41 ± 17.21 mm3) and PH (4.96 ± 1.01 mm) were significantly higher in the PP group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean volume difference between the right and left bulbs (1.52 ± 1.87) was higher in the PP group (p = 0.03). The body surface (1.05 ± 0.16 m2) was larger in the PP group (p = 0.09). There was a high correlation between the OB volume and PH (r125 = 0.716). There was a moderate correlation between the body surface and OB volume (r125 = 654), and a weak correlation between the former (S) and the PH (r125 = 452). Conclusions This study showed that there is a strong correlation between increased OB volume and PH in cases with PP. It indicates that increased OB volume may be a strong clue that olfactory functions play a role in pubertal timing in humans, although it does not show definitive proof of a causal relationship.

precocious puberty
pituitary
olfactory bulb volume


Contracting C2C12 myotubes release CCL2 in an NF-κB-dependent manner to induce monocyte chemoattraction.

Abstract: Muscle inflammation following exercise is characterized by expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Exercise also increases muscle macrophages derived from circulating monocytes. However, it is unknown whether muscle cells themselves attract circulating monocytes, or what is the underlying mechanism. We used an in vitro system of electrical stimulation (ES) causing C2C12 myotube contraction to explore whether monocyte chemoattraction ensues and investigated the mediating chemoattractants. Conditioned medium from ES-contracted myotubes caused robust chemoattraction of THP-1 monocytes across Boyden chambers. Following ES, expression of several known monocyte chemokines [C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C motif ligand (CXCL)1, -2, and -5] was elevated, but of these, only recombinant CCL2 effectively reproduced monocyte migration. Electrically stimulated myotubes secreted CCL2, and neutralization of CCL2 in conditioned medium or antagonizing the CCL2 receptor (CCR2) in THP-1 monocytes inhibited ES-induced monocyte migration. N-benzyl-p-toluene sulfonamide (BTS), a myosin II-ATPase inhibitor, prevented ES-induced myotube contraction but not CCL2 gene expression and secretion. The membrane-permeant calcium chelator BAPTA-AM reduced ES-induced CCL2 secretion. Hence, electrical depolarization, rather than mechanical contraction, drives the rise in CCL2, with partial calcium input. ES activated the NF-κB pathway; NF-κB inhibitors reduced ES-induced CCL2 gene expression and secretion and repressed ES-induced THP-1 chemoattraction. Thus, electrically stimulated myotubes chemoattract monocytes through NF-κB-regulated CCL2 secretion.

Miyatake|Shouta|S|
Bilan|Philip J|PJ|
Pillon|Nicolas J|NJ|
Klip|Amira|A|

contraction
monocyte migration
CCL2/MCP-1
myokine
skeletal muscle


How Trust in Information Sources Influences Preventative Measures Compliance during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: This paper explores how trust in formal information sources (government and media) and informal information sources (interpersonal) about COVID-19 influences compliance with preventive measures. This cross-sectional study uses convenience sampling of 478 adult participants. Data analyses using structural equation modeling with multigroup comparisons examine hypothesized relationships between trust in information sources and preventative behaviors and social distancing. Results suggest that understanding of COVID-19 causes is related to trust in formal information sources, but not to trust in informal information. Self-efficacy for prevention is related to trust in informal information sources, but not to trust in formal information sources. Worry about contracting COVID-19 is related to trust in formal information sources, but not to informal ones. Engaging in preventive measures is linked to both self-efficacy for prevention and worry, while social distancing was related only to worry. These findings have important implications for public health policy guidelines centered on clear and truthful media messages. The findings also facilitate comparative analyses of reactions to information sources across a decade of evolving attitudes toward media and government, between two cultures (Hong Kong vs. the USA), and between two different global pandemics.

trust
information sources
COVID-19 pandemic
self-efficacy
perceived susceptibility


A physics-based algorithm for real-time simulation of electrosurgery procedures in minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
High-frequency electricity is used in the majority of surgical interventions. However, modern computer-based training and simulation systems rely on physically unrealistic models that fail to capture the interplay of the electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of biological tissue.

METHODS
We present a real-time and physically realistic simulation of electrosurgery by modelling the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties as three iteratively solved finite element models. To provide subfinite-element graphical rendering of vaporized tissue, a dual-mesh dynamic triangulation algorithm based on isotherms is proposed. The block compressed row storage (BCRS) structure is shown to be critical in allowing computationally efficient changes in the tissue topology due to vaporization.

RESULTS
We have demonstrated our physics-based electrosurgery cutting algorithm through various examples. Our matrix manipulation algorithms designed for topology changes have shown low computational cost.

CONCLUSIONS
Our simulator offers substantially greater physical fidelity compared to previous simulators that use simple geometry-based heat characterization.

Lu|Zhonghua|Z|
Arikatla|Venkata S|VS|
Han|Zhongqing|Z|
Allen|Brian F|BF|
De|Suvranu|S|

electrosurgery
minimally invasive surgery
cutting simulation
physics-based simulation
surgical simulation
virtual reality


Probing the effects of double mutations on the versatile protein ubiquitin in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract: Ubiquitin is an indispensable protein of eukaryotic origin with an extraordinarily high degree of sequence conservation. It is used to tag proteins post-translationally and the process of ubiquitination regulates the activity of the modified proteins or drives them for degradation. Double mutations produce varied effects in proteins, depending on the structural relationship of the mutated residues, their role in the overall structure and functions of a protein. Six double mutants derived from the ubiquitin mutant UbEP42, namely S20F-A46S, S20F-L50P, S20F-I61T, A46S-L50P, A46S-I61T, and L50P-I61T, have been studied here to understand how they influence the ubiquitination related functions, by analysing their growth and viability, Cdc28 levels, K-48 linked polyubiquitination, UFD pathway, lysosomal degradation, endosomal sorting, survival under heat, and antibiotic stresses. The double mutation L50P-I61T is the most detrimental, followed by S20F-I61T and A46S-I61T. The double mutations studied here, in general, make cells more sensitive than the wild type to one or the other stress. However, the excessive negative effects of L50P and I61T are compensated under certain conditions by S20F and A46S mutations. The competitive inhibition produced by these substitutions could be used to manage certain ubiquitination associated diseases.

Sharma|Mrinal|M|
Yadav|Prranshu|P|
Doshi|Ankita|A|
Brahmbhatt|Hemang D|HD|
Prabha|C Ratna|CR|

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Yeast
Yeast ubiquitin
ubiquitin double mutations


Impacts of human activities on distribution of sulfate-reducing prokaryotes and antibiotic resistance genes in marine coastal sediments of Hong Kong.

Abstract: Sulfate-reducing prokaryotes (SRPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in sediments could be biomarkers for evaluating the environmental impacts of human activities, although factors governing their distribution are not clear yet. By using metagenomic approach, this study investigated the distributions of SRPs and ARGs in marine sediments collected from 12 different coastal locations of Hong Kong, which exhibited different pollution levels and were classified into two groups based on sediment parameters. Our results showed that relative abundances of major SRP genera to total prokaryotes were consistently lower in the more seriously polluted sediments (P-value < 0.05 in 13 of 20 genera), indicating that the relative abundance of SRPs is a negatively correlated biomarker for evaluating human impacts. Moreover, a unimodel distribution pattern for SRPs along with the pollution gradient was observed. Although total ARGs were enriched in sediments from the polluted sites, distribution of single major ARG types could be explained neither by individual sediment parameters nor by corresponding concentration of antibiotics. It supports the hypothesis that the persistence of ARGs in sediments may not need the selection of antibiotics. In summary, our study provided important hints of the niche differentiation of SRPs and behavior of ARGs in marine coastal sediment.

Guo|Feng|F|
Li|Bing|B|
Yang|Ying|Y|
Deng|Yu|Y|
Qiu|Jian-Wen|JW|
Li|Xiangdong|X|
Leung|Kenneth My|KM|
Zhang|Tong|T|

metagenome
pollution
environmental behavior
microbial community


Translational genomic research: the role of genetic polymorphisms in MBSR program among breast cancer survivors (MBSR[BC]).

Abstract: Genetic variations of breast cancer survivors (BCS) may contribute to level of residual symptoms, such as depression, stress, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to investigate whether particular single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) moderated symptom improvement resulting from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Breast Cancer (MBSR[BC]) program. An overarching goal of personalized medicine is to identify individuals as risk for disease and tailor interventions based on genetic profiles of patients with diseases including cancer. BCS were recruited from Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida's Breast Health Program and were randomized to either the 6-week MBSR(BC) program (n = 92) or Usual Care (n = 93). Measures of symptoms, demographic, and clinical history data were attained at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. A total of 10 SNPs from eight genes known to be related to these symptoms were studied using genomic DNA extracted from blood. Our results were examined for effect sizes, consistency, and statistical significance (p < .05). Three SNPs (rs4680 in COMT, rs6314 in HTR2A, and rs429358 in APOE) emerged as having the strongest (though relatively weak) and most consistent effects in moderating the impact of the MBSR program on symptom outcomes. Although effects were generally weak, with only one effect withstanding multiple comparisons correction for statistical significance, this translational behavioral research may help start the identification of genetic profiles that moderate the impact of MBSR(BC). The ultimate goal of this study is the development of personalized treatment programs tailored to the genetic profile of each patient.

Park|Jong Y|JY|
Lengacher|Cecile A|CA|
Reich|Richard R|RR|
Alinat|Carissa B|CB|
Ramesar|Sophia|S|
Le|Alice|A|
Paterson|Carly L|CL|
Pleasant|Michelle L|ML|
Park|Hyun Y|HY|
Kiluk|John|J|
Han|Hyo|H|
Ismail-Khan|Roohi|R|
Kip|Kevin E|KE|

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)


Complement C5a Induces Pro-inflammatory Microvesicle Shedding in Severely Injured Patients.

Abstract: Initially underestimated as platelet dust, extracellular vesicles are continuously gaining interest in the field of inflammation. Various studies addressing inflammatory diseases have shown that microvesicles (MVs) originating from different cell types are systemic transport vehicles carrying distinct cargoes to modulate immune responses. In this study, we focused on the clinical setting of multiple trauma, which is characterized by activation and dysfunction of both, the fluid-phase and the cellular component of innate immunity. Given the sensitivity of neutrophils for the complement anaphylatoxin C5a, we hypothesized that increased C5a production induces alterations in MV shedding of neutrophils resulting in neutrophil dysfunction that fuels posttraumatic inflammation. In a mono-centered prospective clinical study with polytraumatized patients, we found significantly increased granulocyte-derived MVs containing the C5a receptor (C5aR1, CD88) on their surface. This finding was accompanied by a concomitant loss of C5aR1 on granulocytes indicative of an impaired cellular chemotactic and pro-inflammatory neutrophil functions. Furthermore, in vitro exposure of human neutrophils (from healthy volunteers) to C5a significantly increased MV shedding and C5aR1 loss on neutrophils, which could be blocked using the C5aR1 antagonist PMX53. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the interaction between C5aR1 signaling and the small GTPase Arf6 acts as a molecular switch for MV shedding. When neutrophil derived, C5a-induced MV were exposed to a complex ex vivo whole blood model significant pro-inflammatory properties (NADPH activity, ROS and MPO generation) of the MVs became evident. C5a-induced MVs activated resting neutrophils and significantly induced IL-6 secretion. These data suggest a novel role of the C5a-C5aR1 axis: C5a-induced MV shedding from neutrophils results in decreased C5aR1 surface expression on the one hand, on the other hand it leads to profound inflammatory signals which likely are both key drivers of the neutrophil dysfunction which is regularly observed in patients suffering from multiple traumatic injuries.

Karasu|Ebru|E|
Demmelmaier|Julia|J|
Kellermann|Stephanie|S|
Holzmann|Karlheinz|K|
Köhl|Jörg|J|
Schmidt|Christoph Q|CQ|
Kalbitz|Miriam|M|
Gebhard|Florian|F|
Huber-Lang|Markus S|MS|
Halbgebauer|Rebecca|R|

microvesicle shedding
inflammation
multiple trauma
neutrophils
anaphylatoxin C5a
C5aR1
polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)


Role of preoperative posterior tilt on the outcomes of internal fixation of non-displaced femoral neck fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
There has been an increased interest in the role of preoperative posterior tilt, as measured on lateral radiographs, on the outcomes of internal fixation of non-displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF). The goal was to assess the available evidence for this in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
PRISMA guidelines were followed. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane were searched on June 10th, 2020 for studies assessing the role of posterior tilt on outcomes of internal fixation of non-displaced FNF. Primary outcomes were non-union and fixation failure, avascular necrosis (AVN), treatment failure, and reoperation (excluding symptomatic hardware removal). Outcomes were reported in Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals [CI].

RESULTS
Fourteen studies and 3729 patients were included (mean age 76 years, 72% female, mean follow-up 25 months). Moderate evidence was noted for the following: patients with greater preoperative posterior tilt had an increased risk of non-union and fixation failure (OR 2.4 [1.3 - 4.3]; p = 0.006), no increased risk of AVN (p = 0.550), an increased risk of treatment failure (OR 6.0 [2.2 - 15.9]; p<0.001) and reoperation (OR 2.5 [1.4 - 4.4]; p = 0.002). Furthermore, a greater preoperative tilt of 9.0° [4.1° - 13.9°] for treatment failure and 6.1° [3.7° - 8.5°] (p<0.001) for reoperation were noted in the unsuccessfully treated groups when compared to the successfully treated groups. Four studies found a threshold for posterior tilt ranging from 7° to 20° CONCLUSION: There is moderate evidence that patients with non-displaced FNF and greater tilt have an increased risk of unsuccessful outcomes following internal fixation. Older patients with a preoperative tilt of ≥20° might benefit from arthroplasty surgery, although studies assessing the optimal threshold are needed.

van der List|Jelle P|JP|
El Saddy|Salih|S|
Vos|Stan J|SJ|
Temmerman|Olivier P P|OPP|

Posterior tilt
Internal fixation
Failure
Avascular necrosis
Fracture displacement
Hip fractures


Spontaneous default mode network phase-locking moderates performance perceptions under stereotype threat.

Abstract: This study assessed whether individual differences in self-oriented neural processing were associated with performance perceptions of minority students under stereotype threat. Resting electroencephalographic activity recorded in white and minority participants was used to predict later estimates of task errors and self-doubt on a presumed measure of intelligence. We assessed spontaneous phase-locking between dipole sources in left lateral parietal cortex (LPC), precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (P/PCC), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC); three regions of the default mode network (DMN) that are integral for self-oriented processing. Results revealed that minorities with greater LPC-P/PCC phase-locking in the theta band reported more accurate error estimations. All individuals experienced less self-doubt to the extent they exhibited greater LPC-MPFC phase-locking in the alpha band but this effect was driven by minorities. Minorities also reported more self-doubt to the extent they overestimated errors. Findings reveal novel neural moderators of stereotype threat effects on subjective experience. Spontaneous synchronization between DMN regions may play a role in anticipatory coping mechanisms that buffer individuals from stereotype threat.

Forbes|Chad E|CE|
Leitner|Jordan B|JB|
Duran-Jordan|Kelly|K|
Magerman|Adam B|AB|
Schmader|Toni|T|
Allen|John J B|JJ|

Stereotype threat
Default-mode network
performance monitoring
social neuroscience
spontaneous phase locking


Are there advantages in the use of specific pathogen-free baboons in pig organ xenotransplantation models?

Abstract: Baboons have natural antibodies against pig antigens. We have investigated whether there are differences in anti-non-Gal pig antibody levels between baboons maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions and those housed under conventional conditions (non-SPF) that might be associated with improved outcome after pig-to-baboon organ transplantation. Baboons (n = 40) were housed indoors (SPF n = 8) or in indoor/outdoor pens (non-SPF n = 32) in colonies of similar size and structure. Non-SPF colonies harbor a number of pathogens common to non-human primate species, whereas many of these pathogens have been eliminated from the SPF colony. Complete blood cell counts (CBC), blood chemistry, and anti-non-Gal IgM and IgG levels were monitored. There were no significant differences in CBC or blood chemistry between SPF and non-SPF baboons. Anti-non-Gal IgM levels were significantly lower in the SPF baboons than in the non-SPF baboons (MFI 7.1 vs. 8.8, P < 0.05). One SPF and two non-SPF baboons had an MFI >20; if these three baboons are omitted, the mean MFIs were 4.8 (SPF) vs. 7.5 (non-SPF) (P < 0.05). Anti-non-Gal IgG was minimal in both groups (MFI 1.0 vs. 1.0). As their levels of anti-non-Gal IgM are lower, baboons maintained under SPF conditions may be beneficial for xenotransplantation studies as the initial binding of anti-pig IgM to an α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pig organ may be less, thus resulting in less complement and/or endothelial cell activation. However, even under identical SPF conditions, an occasional baboon will express a high level of anti-non-Gal IgM, the reason for which remains uncertain.

Zhou|Huidong|H|
Iwase|Hayato|H|
Wolf|Roman F|RF|
Ekser|Burcin|B|
Ezzelarab|Mohamed|M|
Hara|Hidetaka|H|
White|Gary|G|
Cooper|David K C|DK|


miR-381 Mediates the Development of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Targeting STC2.

Abstract:
Objective
miR-381 is implicated in the occurrence and development of various cancers, yet its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains largely unknown. This study sought to research the direct target of miR-381 in HNSCC and investigate their roles in cancer progression.

Methods
miRNA and mRNA expression files of HNSCC were accessed from TCGA database and then processed for differential analysis. Bioinformatics databases were employed to predict the target mRNAs of the potential miRNA. qRT-PCR was conducted to determine the expression levels of the target miRNA and mRNA. Then, a series of in vitro experiments like CCK-8, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to detect cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was carried out for the further validation of the targeted relationship between the miRNA and mRNA.

Results
miR-381 was observed to be greatly down-regulated in HNSCC cells, and its overexpression could inhibit cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Besides, dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that STC2 was a direct target of miR-381, and their expression levels were reversely correlated. Moreover, rescue experiments demonstrated that overexpressing STC2 could rescue the inhibitory effect of miR-381 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Also, we verified that miR-381/STC2 exerted its function on HNSCC proliferation by mediating the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion
miR-381 suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion in HNSCC through targeting STC2, and participates in HNSCC development probably via the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.


Resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 attenuates intestinal injury in a rabbit model of sepsis.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Improvement of mucosal barrier function and reduction of bacterial translocation are important in the management of sepsis. The mechanisms that underlie the protective effects of colloids on the intestinal mucosal barrier are unclear. The study aims to investigate the effect of fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in a rabbit model of sepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty healthy rabbits were randomly and equally divided into a sham-operated control, a sepsis model, or a sepsis + HES treatment group. The sepsis model and sepsis + HES treatment groups were subjected to a modified colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP) procedure to induce sepsis. Four hours after the CASP procedure, fluid resuscitation was performed with 6% HES 130/0.4. Arterial and superior mesenteric vein blood samples were collected 4 and 8 h after the CASP procedure for blood gas analysis and measuring tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10, and D-lactate levels. The rabbits were euthanized 8 h after CASP, and sections of the small intestine were stained to evaluate histopathological changes.

RESULTS
Respiratory rate and blood pressure were stable during the resuscitation period. Fluid resuscitation with 6% HES 130/0.4 alleviated pathological changes in the abdominal cavity, improved blood gas parameters and inflammatory mediator levels, decreased plasma D-lactate levels, and reduced intestinal mucosal injury compared with the non-treated sepsis model.

CONCLUSIONS
Fluid resuscitation with 6% HES 130/0.4 protects against intestinal mucosal barrier dysfunction in rabbits with sepsis, possibly via mechanisms associated with improving intestinal oxygen metabolism and reducing the release of inflammatory mediators.

Lu|Wei-Hua|WH| Jin|Xiao-Ju|XJ| Jiang|Xiao-Gan|XG| Wang|Zhen|Z| Wu|Jing-Yi|JY| Shen|Guang-Gui|GG|

resuscitation
sepsis
intestinal mucosal barrier
HES 130/0.4
inflammatory mediators


Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reading Skills of Children and Adolescents With Dyslexia.

Abstract:
Introduction
Rehabilitation techniques have been used to facilitate reading acquisition in dyslexia. However, many individuals continue to present academic impairment throughout life. New intervention strategies are necessary to further help this population.

Objectives
Assess the impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on reading skills in children and adolescents with dyslexia.

Methods
The study was conducted with one-group pretest-posttest. Participants received 2 mA transcranial direct current stimulation during 30 minutes for 5 consecutive days. Reading performance was measured by a group of tasks (identification and reading of letters, syllables, words, nonwords, and text).

Results
A significant increase in the number of correct answers for nonwords and text tasks was observed after transcranial direct current stimulation (P = .035 and P = .012, respectively).

Conclusion
The transcranial direct current stimulation seems to be a promising tool for the treatment of reading problems in dyslexia. Future studies are necessary to confirm the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and to establish optimal intervention protocol in this population.

Rios|Débora Medeiros|DM|
Correia Rios|Mino|M|
Bandeira|Igor Dórea|ID|
Queiros Campbell|Fernanda|F|
de Carvalho Vaz|Daniel|D|
Lucena|Rita|R|

transcranial direct current stimulation
children
dyslexia
neuromodulation
noninvasive brain stimulation


Effectiveness of live attenuated influenza vaccine and inactivated influenza vaccine in children 2-17 years of age in 2013-2014 in the United States.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
A postmarketing observational study was initiated to evaluate quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) effectiveness in children aged 2-17 years in the United States.

METHODS
Children and adolescents aged 2-17 years seeking outpatient care for febrile acute respiratory illness <5 days duration were enrolled at 4 geographically diverse sites during the 2013-2014 influenza season. Nasal swabs were tested for influenza using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Vaccination status was documented from medical records or immunization registries. Children who received ≥1 dose of influenza vaccine ≥14 days before study visit were considered vaccinated. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated as 100×(1-adjusted odds ratio), where the odds of interest are the odds of vaccine exposure among influenza cases and test-negative controls.

RESULTS
In total, 1033 children and adolescents were included in the analysis. Influenza was detected in 14% (145/1033) of all children, with 74% (108/145) of the influenza cases due to A/H1N1pdm09 strains, 21% (31) to influenza B, and 4% (6) to influenza H3N2. LAIV did not show significant effectiveness against A/H1N1pdm09 (VE 13% [95% CI: -55 to 51]) but was effective against B/Yamagata strains (82% [95% CI: 12-96]). Inactivated influenza vaccine was effective against A/H1N1pdm09 (74% [95% CI: 50-86]) and B/Yamagata (70% [95% CI: 18-89]).

CONCLUSIONS
LAIV provided significant protection against B/Yamagata influenza but not against A/H1N1pdm09 in children aged 2-17 years in 2013-2014, resulting in a proposed change of the 2015-2016 formulation with a new and more heat-stable A/H1N1pdm09 LAIV strain.

Caspard|Herve|H|
Gaglani|Manjusha|M|
Clipper|Lydia|L|
Belongia|Edward A|EA|
McLean|Huong Q|HQ|
Griffin|Marie R|MR|
Talbot|H Keipp|HK|
Poehling|Katherine A|KA|
Peters|Timothy R|TR|
Veney|Naomi|N|
Ambrose|Christopher S|CS|

Quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine


A case of HIV-1 slow seroconversion: diagnostic implications.

Abstract: We report the case of a 30-year-old woman who failed to achieve diagnostic Western blot criteria for HIV-1 infection until 21 months after her initial presentation. This case highlights the importance of suspecting delayed HIV seroconversion in cases with persistently indeterminant Western blots.

Pollett|S|S| Wienholt|L|L| Lee|F|F| Adelstein|S|S| MacLeod|C|C| Chen|Rf|R| Garsia|R|R|

slow seroconversion
Western Blot
HIV
AIDS
diagnosis


Nitrogen dioxide sensing properties of sprayed tungsten oxide thin film sensor: Effect of film thickness.

Abstract: We report a study on effect of film thickness on NO2 sensing properties of sprayed WO3 thin films. WO3 thin films varying in thicknesses are deposited onto the glass substrates by simple spray pyrolysis technique by varying the volume of spray solution.Thin film gas sensors are characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques to study their physical properties. Film having thickness 745nm has shown highest gas response of 97% with 12 and 412s response and recovery times, respectively towards 100ppm NO2 concentration. Gas response of 20% is observed towards 10ppm NO2 at 200°C operating temperature. Sensitivity of the optimal sensor is 0.83%/ppm when operating at 200°C with 10ppm lower detection limit. The response of the sensor is reproducible and WO3 films are highly selective towards NO2 in presence of mist of various interfering gases viz. H2S, NH3, LPG, CO and SO2.

Ganbavle|V V|VV|
Mohite|S V|SV|
Agawane|G L|GL|
Kim|J H|JH|
Rajpure|K Y|KY|

Spray pyrolysis
XPS
Photoluminescence
Selectivity
NO(2) sensor
WO(3)


Hepatitis E and neuralgic amyotrophy: Five cases and review of literature.

Abstract: Hepatitis E virus infection - mainly genotype 3 - is increasingly common in industrialized countries. Infection is usually asymptomatic, but cases of central or peripheral neurological symptoms with hepatitis E have been described. The most frequent is Guillain-Barre but somes cases of neuralgic amyotrophy have been described. In our center, since 2010, we have identified five cases of neuralgic amyotrophy associated with acute hepatitis E in immunocompetent patients. For all these patients, neuralgic amyotrophy was diagnosed with electromyogram and positive IgM for hepatitis E, and detectable HEV RNA in 4 of the cases. Including our patients, we count 26 cases in literature. The mean age of the patients was 44 years old, with a large predominance of males (88%). The disorder is bilateral and asymmetric in 69% of cases. Peripheral nerves other than the brachial plexus were affected in 6 patients (23%). In industrialized countries, any neuralgic amyotrophy, particularly if there is bilateral, asymmetric associated with involvement of nerves outside the brachial plexus, should lead physicians to consider a diagnosis of acute hepatitis E.

Dartevel|Anaïs|A| Colombe|Barbara|B| Bosseray|Annick|A| Larrat|Sylvie|S| Sarrot-Reynauld|Françoise|F| Belbezier|Aude|A| Lagrange|Emmeline|E| Bouillet|Laurence|L|

Neuralgic amyotrophy
Nervous system diseases
Parsonage turner syndrome
Strong hepatitis E


Concise reviews: Assisted reproductive technologies to prevent transmission of mitochondrial DNA disease.

Abstract: While the fertilized egg inherits its nuclear DNA from both parents, the mitochondrial DNA is strictly maternally inherited. Cells contain multiple copies of mtDNA, each of which encodes 37 genes, which are essential for energy production by oxidative phosphorylation. Mutations can be present in all, or only in some copies of mtDNA. If present above a certain threshold, pathogenic mtDNA mutations can cause a range of debilitating and fatal diseases. Here, we provide an update of currently available options and new techniques under development to reduce the risk of transmitting mtDNA disease from mother to child. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a commonly used technique to detect mutations in nuclear DNA, is currently being offered to determine the mutation load of embryos produced by women who carry mtDNA mutations. The available evidence indicates that cells removed from an eight-cell embryo are predictive of the mutation load in the entire embryo, indicating that PGD provides an effective risk reduction strategy for women who produce embryos with low mutation loads. For those who do not, research is now focused on meiotic nuclear transplantation techniques to uncouple the inheritance of nuclear and mtDNA. These approaches include transplantation of any one of the products or female meiosis (meiosis II spindle, or either of the polar bodies) between oocytes, or the transplantation of pronuclei between fertilized eggs. In all cases, the transferred genetic material arises from a normal meiosis and should therefore, not be confused with cloning. The scientific progress and associated regulatory issues are discussed.

Richardson|Jessica|J|
Irving|Laura|L|
Hyslop|Louise A|LA|
Choudhary|Meenakshi|M|
Murdoch|Alison|A|
Turnbull|Douglass M|DM|
Herbert|Mary|M|

Mitochondrial DNA
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Mitochondria
Pronuclear transfer
Spindle transfer
Zygote


Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Parkin Mutations: More Depression and Less Executive Dysfunction.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify differences between genetically undefined (GU) early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) patients and carriers of Parkin mutations on non-motor symptoms (NMSs). EOPD patients (N = 261) underwent targeted sequencing of Parkinson's disease (PD) related genes. Among them, 53 cases carried homozygous or compound heterozygous Parkin mutations (Parkin group) while 208 did not carry known causative PD mutations or risk factors of GBA or Parkin heterozygous mutations (GU group). NMSs were evaluated by face-to-face interviews, self-completed questionnaires and results on a neuropsychological battery. Linear regression and logistic regression models were applied to assess the predictors of NMSs. Parkin patients had younger ages of onset (AOO) (p < 0.001), longer disease durations (p < 0.001) and lower grades of Hoehn and Yarh (H&Y) (p = 0.007). Results on the neuropsychological battery showed a shorter time in Trail Making Test (TMT) (part B) in Parkin patients (p = 0.034) compared to GU patients. After adjusting for AOO, disease duration, H&Y, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), there was a higher depression index on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (p = 0.013) and better performance (p = 0.038) on executive function in the Parkin group compared to the GU group. No significant differences were found for autonomic functions, sleep-wake problems or other domains of cognitive function. Our study showed that the Parkin mutation status might be a good predictor of symptoms of depression without an impact on executive function. While these findings need to be confirmed in larger cohorts, they identify a need to screen for depression. Graphical Abstract Flow chart of genetic tests.

Non-motor symptoms
Parkin
Depression
Executive function
Parkinson’s disease


Nanoparticles fabricated from bulk solid lipids: Preparation, properties, and potential food applications.

Abstract: Unlike conventional emulsions, solid lipids are used to prepare solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with crystalline structures and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with imperfect crystals or amorphous structures to encapsulate various bioactive compounds significant to food applications. The solid lipid matrix can stabilize particle structures and control release properties of the encapsulated compounds that may not be possible for emulsions with liquid droplets. In this review, common approaches of preparing SLNs and NLCs are first presented, followed by parameters used to study lipid particles, including dimensional, morphological, charge, thermal, and crystalline properties. The structures of SLNs and NLCs with respect to the release mechanisms of encapsulated compounds are discussed in the context of lipid and emulsifier chemistry and preparation conditions. Lastly, possible applications of SLNs and NLCs in food systems are discussed.

Properties
Solid lipid nanoparticles
Structures
Nanostructured lipid carriers
Delivery systems
Production methods


Slow Growth and Increased Spontaneous Mutation Frequency in Respiratory Deficient afo1 - Yeast Suppressed by a Dominant Mutation in ATP3.

Abstract: A yeast deletion mutation in the nuclear-encoded gene, AFO1, which codes for a mitochondrial ribosomal protein, led to slow growth on glucose, the inability to grow on glycerol or ethanol, and loss of mitochondrial DNA and respiration. We noticed that afo1 - yeast readily obtains secondary mutations that suppress aspects of this phenotype, including its growth defect. We characterized and identified a dominant missense suppressor mutation in the ATP3 gene. Comparing isogenic slowly growing rho-zero and rapidly growing suppressed afo1 - strains under carefully controlled fermentation conditions showed that energy charge was not significantly different between strains and was not causal for the observed growth properties. Surprisingly, in a wild-type background, the dominant suppressor allele of ATP3 still allowed respiratory growth but increased the petite frequency. Similarly, a slow-growing respiratory deficient afo1 - strain displayed an about twofold increase in spontaneous frequency of point mutations (comparable to the rho-zero strain) while the suppressed strain showed mutation frequency comparable to the respiratory-competent WT strain. We conclude, that phenotypes that result from afo1 - are mostly explained by rapidly emerging mutations that compensate for the slow growth that typically follows respiratory deficiency.

mutation frequency
ATP3
rho-zero
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
growth velocity


Mesenteric Fibromatosis Mimicking Tumor Recurrence Following Radical Cystectomy and Bladder Replacement.

Abstract: We report an unusual case of benign tumor mimicking tumor recurrence following radical cystectomy and bladder replacement for high grade urothelial carcinoma.

Zilberman|Dorit E|DE|
Mor|Yoram|Y|
Fridman|Edward|E|
Ramon|Jacob|J|

Mesenteric fibromatosis
Cystectomy
Urothelial carcinoma


Nutritional Content According to the Presence of Front of Package Marketing Strategies: The Case of Ultra-Processed Snack Food Products Purchased in Costa Rica.

Abstract: The industry uses nutrition and health claims, premium offers, and promotional characters as marketing strategies (MS). The inclusion of these MS on ultra-processed products may influence child and adolescent purchase behavior. This study determined the proportion of foods carrying claims and marketing strategies, also the proportion of products with critical nutrients declaration, and nutritional profile differences between products that carry or not claims and MS on the front-of-package (FoP) of ultra-processed food products sold in Costa Rica. Data were obtained from 2423 photographs of seven food groups consumed as snacks that were sold in one of the most widespread and popular hypermarket chains in Costa Rica in 2015. Ten percent of products lacked a nutrition facts panel. Sodium was the least reported critical nutrient. Energy and critical nutrients were significantly highest in products that did not include any nutrition or health claim and in products that included at least one MS. Forty-four percent and 10% of all products displayed at least one nutrition or at least one health claim, respectively, and 23% displayed at least one MS. In conclusion, regulations are needed to restrict claims and marketing on ultra-processed food packages to generate healthier food environments and contribute to the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica
health claims
ultra-processed foods
food environment
obesity
children
food labeling


Expression of interferon regulatory factor 4 and inflammation in secondary injury of intracerebral haemorrhage.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and the inflammatory response in secondary injury of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Twelve SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group and an ICH group, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of ICH was established by injecting collagenase type IV into the right striatum of rats. The expression of IRF4 was measured by western blot and immunohistochemistry 48 h after ICH. In addition, 15 mm of hemin-induced PC12 cell injury was used to simulate an in vitro ICH model. IRF4 expression was detected by immunofluorescence (IF). Moreover, the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1b and IL-6) were measured by ELISA. The behavioural score of ICH rats was the lowest at 48 h after operation. The expression of IRF4 was significantly higher in the striatal tissue of ICH rats compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, IF results showed that hemin induced the upregulation of IRF4 expression in rat pheochromocytoma cells PC12. In addition, IL-1b and IL-6 levels were significantly increased in the serum of ICH rats and in the supernatant of hemin-induced PC12 cells (p < 0.01). The inflammation in ICH is related to the increase of IRF4. It provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of ICH.

Wang|Bingqian|B| Li|Xiaopeng|X| Dong|Tianyu|T| Gao|Feng|F| Li|Zhenzhong|Z| Ma|Zenglu|Z|

inflammation
secondary injury
interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4)
intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH)
treatment.


Neuropsychological performance, brain imaging, and driving violations in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between third ventricular width, a measure of thalamic brain atrophy, and motor vehicle violation type and frequency in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING
Tertiary care university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS
Thirty-five individuals with clinically confirmed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and 35 age-, sex-, and education-matched community-dwelling healthy comparisons (N=70). Participants were aged between 25 and 65 years.

INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Data on motor vehicle violations were obtained from an online database (Iowa Courts Online). The violations were categorized as follows: (1) speeding, (2) nonmoving safety, (3) administrative, (4) alcohol-related offense, (5) moving safety, and (6) total violations. Neuropsychological performance in all major cognitive domains was obtained. Thalamic atrophy for the patients with MS was determined via third ventricular width measurement.

RESULTS
The MS group had a greater number of overall violations, administrative violations, and nonmoving safety violations. The groups differed on neuropsychological tasks measuring visuospatial skills, speeded language, learning, and executive functioning, after controlling for affective symptoms. Third ventricular width was associated with total violations as well as moving safety violations. Finally, third ventricular width accounted for a significant variance in driving violation frequency above and beyond demographic variables and neuropsychological factors.

CONCLUSIONS
There is an increased frequency of motor vehicle violations among patients with multiple sclerosis, and the number of violations can be predicted by thalamic brain atrophy.

Dehning|Meaghan|M|
Kim|Jinsuh|J|
Nguyen|Christopher M|CM|
Shivapour|Ezzatollah|E|
Denburg|Natalie L|NL|

Neuropsychology
Multiple sclerosis
Automobile driving
Rehabilitation


Feasibility of using risk prompts to prevent falls, dehydration and pulmonary aspiration in nursing homes: a clinical study protocol.

Abstract:
Background
Evidence has shown a relationship between dehydration, falls, and pulmonary aspiration among older adults in nursing homes, all of which contribute to loss of independence and quality of life. It is believed that improving communication among healthcare professionals in nursing homes (physicians, nurses, rehabilitation team, psychologist, social workers, dieticians and medical assistants) decreases the number of adverse events in institutionalized patients. This study will evaluate the feasibility of using a set of written signs, designed to caution against the risk of falls, dehydration, and pulmonary aspiration, and will enable the proposal of tailored interventions to manage these events in nursing homes.

Methods/Design
All patients from Campus Neurológico Sénior (CNS) nursing home, at risk of falls and/ordysphagia and/or dehydration will be invited to participate in the study. Patients will undertake a screeningrisk assessment and the corresponding risk prompts will be attributed. Study duration will be a minimum ofthree months per participant, including daily record of falls, dehydration and pulmonary aspiration eventsand monthly interview assessments, conducted by a member of the research team. Data of the events that occur will be compared with historical data extracted retrospectively from medical and nursing charts. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Academic Center of Lisbon, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon (Ref. 176/15). All participants will give their written informed consent before entering the study.

Discussion
This study is unique in evaluating the feasibility of a communication system in preventing the three major risks in nursing home. Thoughtful selection and display of proper risk prompts in nursing homes could be an essential step along a path toward efficient communication of risks among healthcare teams. We expect that the displays will be easily applicable given their simplicity, low complexity, and minimal physical requirements.

Trial registration
NCT03123601. March 7, 2017. Retrospectively registered.

Falls
Dehydration
Pulmonary aspiration
Nursing homes
Choking
Dysphasia