Comparison of two frailty indices in the physicians' health study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
As the population ages it is important to identify frailty, a powerful predictor of morbidity and mortality, and often an important unmeasured confounder. We sought to develop a frailty index in the Physician's Health Study (PHS) and estimate the association with mortality.

METHODS
Prospective cohort study. Annual questionnaire assessed mood, function and health status. Two frailty scores were compared - cumulative deficit frailty index (PHS FI) and modified Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (mSOF) frailty score. Endpoints committee confirmed mortality.

RESULTS
12,180 male physicians ≥60 years were analyzed. Mean(SD) follow-up was 10(3) years, 2168 deaths occurred. PHS FI identified 4412 (36%) physicians robust, 5305 (44%) pre-frail, and 2463 (20%) frail, while mSOF identified 7323 (61%) robust, 3505 (29%) pre-frail and 1215 (10%) frail. Age-standardized rate of death was lower among subjects identified as robust using the PHS FI, 11/1000 person-years (PY) (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 9.5-11.9) compared to 14/1000PY (95% CI: 13.5-15.4) using mSOF [P-difference <0.001]. In the prefrail group, death rates were 16/1000PY in PHS FI and 21/1000PY in mSOF, [P-difference <0.001]. There was no difference in age-adjusted mortality rates in the frail group according to each definition (35 vs 33/1000PY). Survival analysis showed an increased risk of mortality in each frailty category using either definition, (log-rank p<0.001).

CONCLUSION
The PHS FI outperformed mSOF in identifying risk of death particularly in robust and pre-frail categories. Similar indices can be created in existing datasets to identify frail individuals and where appropriate account for frailty, an often unmeasured confounder.

Orkaby|Ariela R|AR|
Hshieh|Tammy T|TT|
Gaziano|John M|JM|
Djousse|Luc|L|
Driver|Jane A|JA|


Microvascular Dysfunction in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Quantitative Stress Perfusion Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and examine the relationship between myocardial perfusion and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling.

BACKGROUND
Although regarded as a nonischemic condition, DCM has been associated with microvascular dysfunction, which is postulated to play a role in its pathogenesis. However, the relationship of the resulting perfusion abnormalities to myocardial fibrosis and the degree of LV remodeling is unclear.

METHODS
A total of 65 patients and 35 healthy control subjects underwent adenosine (140 μg/kg/min) stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Stress and rest MBF and MPR were derived using a modified Fermi-constrained deconvolution algorithm.

RESULTS
Patients had significantly higher global rest MBF compared with control subjects (1.73 ± 0.42 ml/g/min vs. 1.14 ± 0.42 ml/g/min; p < 0.001). In contrast, global stress MBF was significantly lower versus control subjects (3.07 ± 1.02 ml/g/min vs. 3.53 ± 0.79 ml/g/min; p = 0.02), resulting in impaired MPR in the DCM group (1.83 ± 0.58 vs. 3.50 ± 1.45; p < 0.001). Global stress MBF (2.70 ± 0.89 ml/g/min vs. 3.44 ± 1.03 ml/g/min; p = 0.017) and global MPR (1.67 ± 0.61 vs. 1.99 ± 0.50; p = 0.047) were significantly reduced in patients with DCM with LV ejection fraction ≤35% compared with those with LV ejection fraction >35%. Segments with fibrosis had lower rest MBF (mean difference: -0.12 ml/g/min; 95% confidence interval: -0.23 to -0.01 ml/g/min; p = 0.035) and lower stress MBF (mean difference: -0.15 ml/g/min; 95% confidence interval: -0.28 to -0.03 ml/g/min; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with DCM exhibit microvascular dysfunction, the severity of which is associated with the degree of LV impairment. However, rest MBF is elevated rather than reduced in DCM. If microvascular dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of DCM, then the underlying mechanism is more likely to involve stress-induced repetitive stunning rather than chronic myocardial hypoperfusion.

Gulati|Ankur|A|
Ismail|Tevfik F|TF|
Ali|Aamir|A|
Hsu|Li-Yueh|LY|
Gonçalves|Carla|C|
Ismail|Nizar A|NA|
Krishnathasan|Kaushiga|K|
Davendralingam|Natasha|N|
Ferreira|Pedro|P|
Halliday|Brian P|BP|
Jones|Daniel A|DA|
Wage|Ricardo|R|
Newsome|Simon|S|
Gatehouse|Peter|P|
Firmin|David|D|
Jabbour|Andrew|A|
Assomull|Ravi G|RG|
Mathur|Anthony|A|
Pennell|Dudley J|DJ|
Arai|Andrew E|AE|
Prasad|Sanjay K|SK|

D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine

cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging


Study of sampling rate influence on neutron-gamma discrimination with stilbene coupled to a silicon photomultiplier.

Abstract: Choosing a digitizer with an appropriate sampling rate is often a trade-off between performance and economy. The influence of sampling rates on the neutron-gamma Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) with a solid stilbene scintillator coupled to a Silicon Photomultiplier was investigated in this work. Sampling rates from 125MSPS to 2GSPS from a 10-bit digitizer were used to collect detector pulses produced by the interactions of a Cf-252 source. Due to the decreased signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), the PSD performance degraded with reduced sampling rates. The reason of PSD performance degradation was discussed. Then, an efficient combination of filtering and digital signal processing (DSP) was then applied to suppress the timing noise and electronic background noise. The results demonstrate an improved PSD performance especially at low sampling rates, down to 125MSPS. Using filtering and DSP, the ascribed Figure of Merit (FOM) at 125keVee (± 10keVee) increased from 0.95 to 1.02 at 125MSPS. At 300keVee and above, all the FOMs are better than 2.00. Our study suggests that 250MSPS is a good enough sampling rate for neutron-gamma discrimination in this system in order to be sensitive to neutrons at and above ~ 125keVee.

Zhang|Jinglong|J|
Moore|Michael E|ME|
Wang|Zhonghai|Z|
Rong|Zhou|Z|
Yang|Chaowen|C|
Hayward|Jason P|JP|

Sampling rate
Stilbene
Silicon photomultiplier
Pulse-shape discrimination


Assessment of the frequency of intake of selected sources of dietary fibre among persons competing in marathons

Abstract:
Background
The knowledge about nutrition of the marathoners is insufficient. An insightful and personalized approach to the diet of long-distance athletes, including the consumption of important nutrients such as dietary fiber, is needed to improve the efficiency of their performance.

Objective
Estimation of the frequency of consumption of food products as a source of dietary fiber by people preparing for the marathon.

Material and Methods
The frequency of intake of selected dietary fiber sources by women (n=105) and men (n=87) aged 19 to 73 years, who compete in marathons. The Block questionnaire was used to assess the intake of fiber sources (whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits, potatoes and legumes). Fiber consumption was expressed on a dot scale.

Results
Adequate dietary fiber intake was found in 44% of the marathon runners, but insufficient one - in 50% of the respondents. Diets of about 6% of the subjects were poor in dietary fiber. Lower dietary fiber intake was demonstrated in both men and women in the pre-marathon period, and was due to the recommended dietary fiber intake during this period.

Conclusion
The study showed an insufficient intake of dietary fiber in all-day rations of most of the surveyed marathon runners. A statistically significantly lower dietary intake of marathoners (both women and men) was demonstrated before the marathon compared to the post-long distance period.

dietary fiber
marathon runners
dietary behaviors


Exosomes in disease and regeneration: biological functions, diagnostics, and beneficial effects.

Abstract: Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles. They range from 30 to 150 nm in diameter and originate from intraluminal vesicles. Exosomes were first identified as the mechanism for releasing unnecessary molecules from reticulocytes as they matured to red blood cells. Since then, exosomes have been shown to be secreted by a broad spectrum of cells and play an important role in the cardiovascular system. Different stimuli are associated with increased exosome release and result in different exosome content. The release of harmful DNA and other molecules via exosomes has been proposed as a mechanism to maintain cellular homeostasis. Because exosomes contain parent cell-specific proteins on the membrane and in the cargo that is delivered to recipient cells, exosomes are potential diagnostic biomarkers of various types of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. As exosomes are readily taken up by other cells, stem cell-derived exosomes have been recognized as a potential cell-free regenerative therapy to repair not only the injured heart but other tissues as well. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the biological functions of exosomes in heart disease and tissue regeneration. Therefore, state-of-the-art methods for exosome isolation and characterization, as well as approaches to assess exosome functional properties, are reviewed. Investigation of exosomes provides a new approach to the study of disease and biological processes. Exosomes provide a potential "liquid biopsy," as they are present in most, if not all, biological fluids that are released by a wide range of cell types.

exosomes
methods
stem cells therapeutics


The use of synthetic materials in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract: Stress urinary incontinence is a very serious problem which has been noticed by the WHO. This difficult medical condition poses a serious problem as it affects c.a. 20% of the female population and it increases up to 35% in the group of females over 60 years of age. Since there is no single standard surgical procedure which could solve this problem, numerous synthetic materials are used for the operations. It seems that the materials are effective as they improve the condition of women suffering from stress urinary incontinence. Unfortunately these materials have their shortcomings which might lead to certain post-operative complications. Stress urinary incontinence is a disease which affects the social life of the patients. It has a high percentage of recurrence and causes the patient substantial difficulties with keeping high standards of personal hygiene which is consequence makes it impossible to fulfill their social roles. The etiology of this disease is complex and calls for a cross-disciplinary approach to the problem. As there are no standardized or unanimous treatment methods of stress urinary incontinence, numerous sources based on the clinical experience of many medical centers suggest performing TVT and TOT procedures as the most effective treatment methods. The efficacy of the TOT procedure is about 90.8%.

Stanek|Robert|R|
Kądziołka|Przemysław|P|
Stanek|Anna M|AM|
Szymanowski|Krzysztof|K|
Wilczak|Maciej|M|

urinary incontinence
urinary incontinence treatment


Cutaneous plasmacytosis with mast cell infiltration.

Abstract: Cutaneous plasmacytosis is a rare disorder of uncertain etiology, described mainly in patients of Japanese descent. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple pigmented papules and plaques distributed primarily on the trunk. Histopathologically, it is marked by a dense dermal plasma cell infiltrate. Here, we describe a case of cutaneous plasmacytosis in a 55-year-old Indian male who presented with hyperpigmented plaques on the body. Histopathological examination revealed dense superficial and deep perivascular and periappendageal infiltrate composed mainly of plasma cells, lymphoid follicles with reactive germinal centres, perineural distribution of plasma cells, mast cell infiltration and increased dermal small blood vessels. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the polyclonal nature of the plasma cells. Laboratory investigations were within normal limits, except for the presence of polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia without any M band. There was no evidence of autoimmune disease or any infection. There was no systemic involvement in this patient. The patient was diagnosed as cutaneous plasmacytosis and advised long-term follow-up. Peculiar histopathological finding in this case of cutaneous plasmacytosis was the presence of abundant mast cells in the dermis.

Jain|Sarina|S|
Hede|Rohit V|RV|
Khopkar|Uday S|US|

D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D008407:Mast Cells
D008875:Middle Aged
D010950:Plasma Cells
D012871:Skin Diseases

Cutaneous plasmacytosis
mast cell
lymphoid follicle
perineural


Evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of an alternative dural substitute using porcine pericardium for duraplasty in a large animal model.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an alternative dural substitute using a porcine pericardial graft for duraplasty in a large animal model. Six pigs underwent bilateral craniectomy followed by bilateral duraplasty using either a porcine pericardium patch or a Biodesign® Dural Repair Graft. Intraoperative workability was evaluated for each type of graft. Pigs were euthanized after 1 and 3 months (n = 3 per group). Histological analysis was performed for each case. The Biodesign® Dural Repair Graft showed better workability than the porcine pericardial patch, which was more transparent (p = 0.002). Histological analyses at 1 and 3 months showed no differences between the types of graft. There was no postoperative leakage of cerebrospinal fluid in any case. No grafts showed any adverse reactions in the underlying brain tissues. The porcine pericardial patch as a dural substitute seems to be an acceptable alternative graft to duraplasty using a small intestinal submucosal graft (Biodesign®). Further studies are needed to determine whether porcine pericardial patches provide workable alternatives in clinical practice.

Seo|Youngbeom|Y|
Kim|Jin Wook|JW|
Dho|Yun Sik|YS|
Chowdhury|Tamrin|T|
Kim|Sojin|S|
Park|Chul-Kee|CK|

Dural substitute
Porcine pericardium
Xenograft


Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis suspected for isolated Neuro-Behçet: A diagnostic conundrum.

Abstract: Behçet disease (BD) is a chronic relapsing autoimmune disease. Involvement of the nervous system occurs in 5-50% and is referred to as Neuro-Behçet's (NBD). The clinical diagnosis of NBD can be challenging, particularly when the history is atypical and the systemic manifestations of the disorder are absent or scant. We report a young Caucasian man who presented with a non-specific systemic illness evolving rapidly to a basilar meningitis with a neutrophilic pleocytosis. Shortly afterwards, he developed a cervical myelopathy and ultimately a longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and brainstem involvement with an active uveitis. There was no history of recurrent oral aphthous ulcers or genital ulcers, other skin lesions, or thrombophlebitis. The diagnosis was supported by the clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings including heterozygosity for the HLA-B51 allele on genetic testing. NBD must be included in the differential diagnosis of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, especially when it is associated with uveitis.

Al Sawaf|Abdullah|A|
Berger|Joseph R|JR|

Transverse myelitis
Basilar meningitis
Uveitis
Behçet's disease
HLA B51
LETM


Quantitative analysis of antithrombin III binding site in low molecular weight heparins by exhausetive heparinases digestion and capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: The antithrombin III (ATIII)-binding site, which contains a special 3-O-sulfated, N-sulfated glucosamine residue with or without 6-O-sulfation, is mainly responsible for the anticoagulant activity of heparin. Undergoing the chemical depolymerization process, the preservation of the ATIII-binding site in low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are varied leading to the fluctuation of the anticoagulant activity. Herein we report a capillary electrophoresis (CE) method in combination with heparinase digestion and affinity chromatography for the measurement of molar percentage of ATIII-binding site of LMWHs. After exhaustively digesting LMWHs with the mixture of heparinase I, II and III, almost all the resulting oligosaccharide building blocks, including the three 3-O-sulfated tetrasaccharides derived from the ATIII-binding site, were resolved by CE separation. The peak area of each building block permits quantification of the molar percentage of the ATIII-binding site. The peaks corresponding to the 3-O-sulfated tetrasaccharides were assigned based on the linear relationship between the electrophoretic mobilities of the oligosaccharides and their charge to mass ratios. The peak assignment was further confirmed by analysis of the high ATIII affinity fractions, which contains much high 3-O-sulfated tetrasaccharides. With the method, the molar percentage of the ATIII-binding site of enoxaparin from different batches and different manufactures were measured and compared. It was demonstrated that the CE method provides more precise data for assessing the anti-FXa activity than that of the biochemical assay method.

Zhang|Mingyu|M| Li|Gong|G| Zhang|Yi|Y| Kang|Jingwu|J|

D000990:Antithrombin III
D001665:Binding Sites
D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary
D017984:Enoxaparin
D019763:Heparin Lyase
D006801:Humans
D016014:Linear Models

Quantitative analysis
Antithrombin III binding site
Low molecular weight heparin
3-O-sulfated tetrasaccharides
Enoxaparin


How long does it take to diagnose cervical dystonia?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary twisting movements and postures. The neck is among the most commonly affected regions, and diagnosis can be made readily through a simple clinical evaluation. The goal of this study was to explore how long it took patients to receive a diagnosis of cervical dystonia after symptom onset.

METHODS
A structured questionnaire was administered at outpatient clinics of a tertiary care academic medical center to 146 consecutively evaluated patients. The questionnaire addressed the length of time from symptom onset to diagnosis, the numbers and types of providers seen before reaching a diagnosis, and treatments attempted prior to receiving botulinum toxin.

RESULTS
A total of 108 patients saw a mean of 3.5 providers over a mean period of 44 months from symptom onset to diagnosis. For patients with symptom onset in the last decade only, patients saw a mean of 3.0 providers over a mean of 14 months.

CONCLUSIONS
Although cervical dystonia is the most common form of dystonia with clinical features readily identifiable by a simple history and examination, patients typically see multiple providers over more than a year before reaching a diagnosis and receiving optimal therapy. Improved awareness of the clinical features will enable patients to obtain appropriate therapy more rapidly.

Tiderington|Evan|E|
Goodman|Emily M|EM|
Rosen|Ami R|AR|
Hapner|Edie R|ER|
Johns|Michael M|MM|
Evatt|Marian L|ML|
Freeman|Alan|A|
Factor|Stewart|S|
Jinnah|H A|HA|

Cervical dystonia
Dystonia
Diagnosis
Cohort studies
Movement disorder
Torticollis


Comparative Evaluation of Coronally Advanced Flap Using Amniotic Membrane and Platelet-rich Fibrin Membrane in Gingival Recession: An 18-Month Clinical Study.

Abstract:
Background
An amnion membrane is a placenta-derived tissue that consists of numerous growth factors, proteins, and stem cell reserves which help in accelerated wound healing and regeneration. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) also releases growth factors after activation from the platelets and gets trapped within fibrin matrix which has been shown to stimulate the mitogenic response in the periosteum for bone repair and regeneration during normal wound healing. This preliminary, controlled, randomized clinical trial with an 18-month follow-up was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either PRF membrane or bioresorbable amniotic membrane (AM) in treatment of localized gingival recession defects.

Materials and Methods
Sixteen healthy adult patients presenting with Miller Class I recession defects were treated surgically with CAF along with AM (Group I) or PRF (Group II) for coverage of the recession defects. For all patients, plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, depth of recession, width of recession, width of attached gingiva, and gingival thickness were evaluated at 6 months and 18 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test, repeated measure analysis of variance test, Bonferroni test for intragroup comparison and unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison.

Results
The results showed statistically nonsignificant (P < 0.01) difference in all clinical parameters at the 6- and 18-month follow-ups in both groups. Gingival recession in both PRF and amnion group when evaluated individually, significantly reduced from baseline to 6 months (P = 0.000) and from baseline to 18 months (P = 0.000). However, the mean value from 6 months to 18 months was statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrated that both CAF + PRF and CAF + AM are equally effective in providing clinically significant outcomes with respect to root coverage with AM showing the better percentage of root coverage as compared to PRF.

Rehan|Mohd|M| Khatri|Manish|M| Bansal|Mansi|M| Puri|Komal|K| Kumar|Ashish|A|

Gingival recession
growth factors
periodontal plastic surgery


Assessing modulators of cytochrome c oxidase activity in Galleria mellonella larvae.

Abstract: Caterpillars of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, are shown to be a useful invertebrate organism for examining mitochondrial toxicants (inhibitors of electron transport) and testing putative antidotes. Administration of sodium azide, sodium cyanide, or sodium (hydro)sulfide by intra-haemocoel injection (through a proleg) results in a dose-dependent paralysed state in the larvae lasting from <1 to ~40 min. The duration of paralysis is easily monitored, because if turned onto their backs, the larvae right themselves onto their prolegs once they are able to move again. The efficacy of putative antidotes to the three toxicants can routinely be assessed by observing shortened periods of paralysis with larvae given toxicant and antidote compared to larvae administered only the same dose of toxicant. The validity of the approach is demonstrated with agents previously shown to be antidotal towards cyanide intoxication in mice; namely, sodium nitrite and CoN4[11.3.1] (cobalt(II/III) 2,12-dimethyl-3,7,11,17-tetraazabicyclo-[11.3.1]-heptadeca-1(7)2,11,13,15-pentaenyl cation). These same compounds are shown to be antidotal towards all three toxicants in the G. mellonella caterpillars; findings that may prove important in relation to azide and sulfide poisonings, for which there are currently no effective antidotes available. The observation that sodium nitrite ameliorates cyanide toxicity in the larvae is additionally interesting because it unambiguously demonstrates that the antidotal action of nitrites does not require the involvement of methemoglobin, contributing to the resolution of an ongoing controversy.

Frawley|Kristin L|KL|
Praekunatham|Hirunwut|H|
Cronican|Andrea A|AA|
Peterson|Jim|J|
Pearce|Linda L|LL|

D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic

Toxicant
Azide
Cyanide
Nitrite
Sulfide
Cobalt
Complex IV
Mitochondria
Wax worm


Clinico-epidemiological spectrum of strongyloidiasis in India: Review of 166 cases.

Abstract: Strongyloidiasis is frequently asymptomatic but can cause disseminated disease and variable presentations. Diagnosis is often delayed or misdirected either due to poor degree of clinical suspicion or clinical imitation of other gastrointestinal conditions. This infection is not infrequent and several cases from all over India have been reported barring few states from central India. We reviewed 166 cases published in English literature from India; from 2001 till 2018 including 2 recent cases from our institute. The mean age of presentation was 35 years with male female ratio of 2.8:1. The duration of disease at the time of presentation varied from 15 days to 10 years. Most important predisposing factor identified in the study was HIV (13.3%) and steroid therapy (6.6%). Most common modality of diagnosis was by stool microscopy (69.3%). Radiological investigations were ordered in 33.7% patients before stool microscopy. Ivermectin was the most common treatment regimen with cure rate of 97.6%. Better awareness and early clinical suspicion of the disease with stool microscopy and adequate therapy are necessary to improve the outcome. Strongyloidiasis is rather widely prevalent infection with variable symptomatology and calls for a close coordination from family physicians and microbiologists.

Paul|Manisha|M|
Meena|Suneeta|S|
Gupta|Pratima|P|
Jha|Sweta|S|
Rekha|U Sasi|US|
Kumar|V Pradeep|VP|

strongyloidiasis
India
gastrointestinal
Contrast enhanced computed tomography
Human immunodeficiency virus
ultrasonography


Classic but unexpected: a case of Jefferson fracture.

Abstract: A man was found lying dead next to a ladder, with only a laceration surrounded by an abrasion visible upon external examination. No skull fractures were palpable. A CT scan and MRI showed a Jefferson fracture of the atlas, associated to a posterior displacement of the skull, a fracture of the dens of the axis, and fractures of the bodies of C5 and C6. Jefferson fractures typically result from a blow to the apex of the skull. In such cases, forensic pathologists should suspect the existence of a Jefferson fracture, particularly when no severe injuries are visible externally.

D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D019838:Neck Injuries
D012887:Skull Fractures
D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries
D016103:Spinal Fractures
D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Jefferson fracture
Forensic
Atlas fracture
Skull apex


Predictors of Spondylolysis on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adolescent Athletes With Low Back Pain.

Abstract:
Background
Spondylolysis and undiagnosed mechanical low back pain (UMLBP) are the main causes of low back pain (LBP) in adolescent athletes. No studies have evaluated the difference in clinical and radiographic factors between these 2 conditions. Furthermore, it remains unclear which adolescent athletes with LBP should undergo advanced imaging examination for spondylolysis.

Purpose
To compare the clinical and radiographic factors of adolescent athletes with spondylolysis and UMLBP who did not have neurological symptoms or findings before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation and to determine the predictors of spondylolysis findings on MRI.

Study Design
Cohort study, Level of evidence, 3.

Methods
The study population included 122 adolescent athletes aged 11 to 18 years who had LBP without neurological symptoms or findings and who underwent MRI. Of these participants, 75 were ultimately diagnosed with spondylolysis, and 47 were diagnosed with UMLBP. Clinical factors and the following radiographic parameters were compared between the 2 groups: spina bifida occulta, lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, and the ratio of the interfacet distance of L1 to that of L5 (L1:L5 ratio, %). A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of spondylolysis on MRI scans.

Results
Significantly more athletes with spondylolysis were male (82.7% vs 48.9%; P < .001), had a greater LL angle (22.8° ± 8.1° vs 19.3° ± 8.5°; P = .02), and had a higher L1:L5 ratio (67.4% ± 6.3% vs 63.4% ± 6.6%; P = .001) versus athletes with UMLBP. A multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.66; P < .001) and an L1:L5 ratio of >65% (OR, 3.48; P = .003) were independent predictors of positive findings of spondylolysis on MRI scans.

Conclusion
The study findings indicated that sex and the L1:L5 ratio are important indicators for whether to perform MRI as an advanced imaging examination for adolescent athletes with LBP who have no neurological symptoms and findings.

Yokoe|Takuji|T| Tajima|Takuya|T| Sugimura|Hiroshi|H| Kubo|Shinichirou|S| Nozaki|Shotarou|S| Yamaguchi|Nami|N| Morita|Yudai|Y| Chosa|Etsuo|E|

spondylolysis
magnetic resonance imaging
adolescent athletes
mechanical low back pain


Multistage Grading of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Associated Brain Gray Matter Volume and Cognitive Behavior Characterization.

Abstract: Background and Purpose: It is well known that there is a wide range of different pathological stages related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) among patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Further refinement of the stages based on neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods is important for earlier disease detection, as well as for the development and evaluation of disease-modifying interventions. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 125 aMCI patients were classified into declined progressively three stages of mild, moderate and severe, utilizing the extreme groups approach (EGA) based on their memory function. Fifty-two patients, in addition to 24 cognitively normal subjects, were included in further structural MRI analyses. Characteristics of cognitive functions and brain structures across these newly defined stages were explored through general linear models. Results: Almost all the non-memory cognitive functions showed progressive decline as memory function deteriorated. In addition, medial structures including the right hippocampus, right lingual and left fusiform gyrus, presented with greater gray matter (GM) atrophy during the later stages of aMCI (corrected p < 0.05). Correlations were found between GM volume of the lingual gyrus and processing speed (r = 0.419, p = 0.003) and between the fusiform gyrus and general cognitive function (r = 0.281, p = 0.046). Moreover, both cognitive function and GM volume presented non-linear trajectories over stages of aMCI. Conclusion: Our study characterized the cognitive profiles along with the degree of episodic memory impairment, and these three stages of aMCI showed non-linear progressive decline in cognitive functions and GM volumes.

Yang|Caishui|C| Sun|Xuan|X| Tao|Wuhai|W| Li|Xin|X| Zhang|Junying|J| Jia|Jianjun|J| Chen|Kewei|K| Zhang|Zhanjun|Z|

amnestic mild cognitive impairment
cognition
gray matter volume
medial temporal lobe
voxel-based morphometry


ATR inhibition rewires cellular signaling networks induced by replication stress.

Abstract: The slowing down or stalling of replication forks is commonly known as replication stress and arises from multiple causes such as DNA lesions, nucleotide depletion, RNA-DNA hybrids, and oncogene activation. The ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related kinase (ATR) plays an essential role in the cellular response to replication stress and inhibition of ATR has emerged as therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers that exhibit high levels of replication stress. However, the cellular signaling induced by replication stress and the substrate spectrum of ATR has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we employed quantitative MS-based proteomics to define the cellular signaling after nucleotide depletion-induced replication stress and replication fork collapse following ATR inhibition. We demonstrate that replication stress results in increased phosphorylation of a subset of proteins, many of which are involved in RNA splicing and transcription and have previously not been associated with the cellular replication stress response. Furthermore, our data reveal the ATR-dependent phosphorylation following replication stress and discover novel putative ATR target sites on MCM6, TOPBP1, RAD51AP1, and PSMD4. We establish that ATR inhibition rewires cellular signaling networks induced by replication stress and leads to the activation of the ATM-driven double-strand break repair signaling.

Wagner|Sebastian A|SA|
Oehler|Hannah|H|
Voigt|Andrea|A|
Dalic|Denis|D|
Freiwald|Anja|A|
Serve|Hubert|H|
Beli|Petra|P|

D064007:Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins

D064151:Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 6

Cancer
ATR kinase
DNA replication stress
Phosphoproteomics
Quantitative MS
Systems biology


Enzyme replacement for craniofacial skeletal defects and craniosynostosis in murine hypophosphatasia.

Abstract: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn-error-of-metabolism disorder characterized by deficient bone and tooth mineralization due to loss-of function mutations in the gene (Alpl) encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Alpl(-/-) mice exhibit many characteristics seen in infantile HPP including long bone and tooth defects, vitamin B6 responsive seizures and craniosynostosis. Previous reports demonstrated that a mineral-targeted form of TNAP rescues long bone, vertebral and tooth mineralization defects in Alpl(-/-) mice. Here we report that enzyme replacement with mineral-targeted TNAP (asfotase-alfa) also prevents craniosynostosis (the premature fusion of cranial bones) and additional craniofacial skeletal abnormalities in Alpl(-/-) mice. Craniosynostosis, cranial bone volume and density, and craniofacial shape abnormalities were assessed by microscopy, histology, digital caliper measurements and micro CT. We found that craniofacial shape defects, cranial bone mineralization and craniosynostosis were corrected in Alpl(-/-) mice injected daily subcutaneously starting at birth with recombinant enzyme. Analysis of Alpl(-/-) calvarial cells indicates that TNAP deficiency leads to aberrant osteoblastic gene expression and diminished proliferation. Some but not all of these cellular abnormalities were rescued by treatment with inorganic phosphate. These results confirm an essential role for TNAP in craniofacial skeletal development and demonstrate the efficacy of early postnatal mineral-targeted enzyme replacement for preventing craniofacial abnormalities including craniosynostosis in murine infantile HPP.

Liu|Jin|J|
Campbell|Cassie|C|
Nam|Hwa Kyung|HK|
Caron|Alexandre|A|
Yadav|Manisha C|MC|
Millán|José Luis|JL|
Hatch|Nan E|NE|

D016475:3T3 Cells
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase
D000818:Animals
D001842:Bone and Bones
D002113:Calcification, Physiologic
D049109:Cell Proliferation
D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities
D003398:Craniosynostoses
D003433:Crosses, Genetic
D004195:Disease Models, Animal
D056947:Enzyme Replacement Therapy
D057487:Enzyme Therapy
D007014:Hypophosphatasia
D007074:Immunoglobulin G
D051379:Mice
D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL
D008822:Mice, Transgenic
D010710:Phosphates
D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins
D055114:X-Ray Microtomography

Micro computed tomography (micro CT, μCT)


MRI evaluation of the hydration status of non-pathological lumbar intervertebral discs in a pediatric population.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is made up of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and the nucleus pulposus (NP) - an inert hydrated complex. The ability of the IVD to deform is correlated to that of the NP and depends on its hydration. As the IVD ages, its hydration decreases along with its ability to deform. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, one of the etiological hypotheses pertains to the IVD, thus making its condition relevant for the diagnosis and monitoring of this pathology.

HYPOTHESIS
IVD hydration depends on sex, age and spine level in an asymptomatic pediatric population. The corollary is data on a control group of healthy subjects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A cohort of 98 subjects with normal spine MRI was enrolled; their mean age was 13.3 years. The disc volume and hydration of each IVD was evaluated on T2-weighted MRI sequences, using previously validated image processing software. This evaluation focused on the lumbar spine, from the thoracolumbar junction to the lumbosacral junction. It was assumed that IVD hydration was related to the ratio of NP and AF volumes. A mixed multivariate linear analysis was used to explore the impact of age, sex and spinal level on disc hydration.

RESULTS
Disc hydration was higher overall in boys than in girls, but this difference was not significant. Hydration increased with age by +0.005 for each additional year (p=0.0213). Disc hydration appears to be higher at the thoracolumbar junction than the lumbar spine, although this difference was not significant.

CONCLUSION
Through this MRI study, we established a database of non-pathological lumbar disc hydration as a function of age, sex and spinal segment along with 95% confidence intervals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.

Bolzinger|Manon|M|
Estivalèzes|Erik|E|
Gallini|Adeline|A|
Polirsztok|Eva|E|
Abelin-Genevois|Kariman|K|
Baunin|Christiane|C|
Sales de Gauzy|Jérôme|J|
Swider|Pascal|P|

MRI
Intervertebral disc
Image processing


Evaluations of thyme extract effects in human normal bronchial and tracheal epithelial cell lines and in human lung cancer cell line.

Abstract: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is used traditionally to prepare herbal remedies possessing expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive and antispasmodic properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a standardized hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on primary human airway (bronchial/tracheal) epithelial cell lines in a model of lung inflammation induced by LPS. In addition, the effects of thyme extract on human lung cancer cell line (H460) were analysed. Thyme extract showed significant anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p52 transcription factors protein levels followed by the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta and IL-8), and Muc5ac secretion in human normal bronchial and tracheal epithelial cells. Moreover, the extract showed cytotoxic effects on H460 cancer cells, modulated the release of IL-1 beta, IL-8 and down-regulated NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p52 proteins. Taken together, these results substantiated the traditional uses of thyme in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Thyme extract might be an effective treatment of chronic diseases based on inflammatory processes when hypersecretion of mucus overwhelms the ciliary clearance and obstructs airways, causing morbidity and mortality. Moreover thyme extract, evaluated in H460 lung cancer cell line, demonstrated to induce cell cytotoxicity in addition to reduce inflammatory cell signals.

Oliviero|Marinelli|M|
Romilde|Iannarelli|I|
Beatrice|Morelli Maria|MM|
Matteo|Valisi|V|
Giovanna|Nicotra|N|
Consuelo|Amantini|A|
Claudio|Cardinali|C|
Giorgio|Santoni|S|
Filippo|Maggi|M|
Massimo|Nabissi|N|

Normal bronchial and tracheal epithelial cells (HBEpC/HTEpC)


A New Deep Learning Based Multi-Spectral Image Fusion Method.

Abstract: In this paper, we present a new effective infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) image fusion method by using a deep neural network. In our method, a Siamese convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied to automatically generate a weight map which represents the saliency of each pixel for a pair of source images. A CNN plays a role in automatic encoding an image into a feature domain for classification. By applying the proposed method, the key problems in image fusion, which are the activity level measurement and fusion rule design, can be figured out in one shot. The fusion is carried out through the multi-scale image decomposition based on wavelet transform, and the reconstruction result is more perceptual to a human visual system. In addition, the visual qualitative effectiveness of the proposed fusion method is evaluated by comparing pedestrian detection results with other methods, by using the YOLOv3 object detector using a public benchmark dataset. The experimental results show that our proposed method showed competitive results in terms of both quantitative assessment and visual quality.

image fusion
infrared
visible
convolutional neural network
Siamese network


Risk of sleep apnea in hospitalized older patients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES
To assess the prevalence of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among general medical inpatients and to investigate whether OSA risk is associated with in-hospital sleep quantity and quality.

DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.

SETTING
General medicine ward in academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS
424 hospitalized adult patients ≥ 50 years old without a sleep disorder diagnosis (mean age 65 years, 57% female, 72% African American).

MAIN MEASURES
The Berlin questionnaire, a validated screen for determining risk of OSA, was administered to hospitalized medical patients. Sleep duration and efficiency were measured via wrist actigraphy. Self-reported sleep quality was evaluated using Karolinska Sleep Quality Index (KSQI).

KEY RESULTS
Two of every 5 inpatients ≥ 50 years old (39.5%, n = 168) were found to be at high risk for OSA. Mean in-hospital sleep duration was ∼ 5 h and mean sleep efficiency was 70%. Using random effects linear regression models, we found that patients who screened at high risk for OSA obtained ∼ 40 min less sleep per night (-39.6 min [-66.5, -12.8], p = 0.004). These findings remained significant after controlling for African American race, sex, and age quartiles. In similar models, those patients who screened at high risk had ∼ 5.5% less sleep efficiency per night (-5.50 [-9.96, -1.05], p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis, patients at high risk for OSA also had lower self-reported sleep quality on KSQI (-0.101 [-0.164, -0.037], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION
Two of every 5 inpatients older than 50 years screened at high risk for OSA. Those screening at high risk have worse in-hospital sleep quantity and quality.

COMMENTARY
A commentary on this article appears in this issue on page 1067.

Shear|Talia C|TC|
Balachandran|Jay S|JS|
Mokhlesi|Babak|B|
Spampinato|Lisa M|LM|
Knutson|Kristen L|KL|
Meltzer|David O|DO|
Arora|Vineet M|VM|

sleep
obstructive sleep apnea
hospitalized patients


Synergistic Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Stimulated Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in HaCaT Cells by a Combination of Rapamycin and Mycophenolic Acid.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Keratinocytes release various pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in response to cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ. Rapamycin and mycophenolic acid (MPA) have potent immunosuppressive activity because they inhibit lymphocyte proliferation.

OBJECTIVE
We investigated the effects of rapamycin and MPA on the expression of inflammation-related factors such as ICAM-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and related signaling pathways in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells.

METHODS
The viability of HaCaT cells treated with rapamycin and MPA was confirmed using MTT assay. The expression of various cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8; inflammation-related factors such as ICAM-1 and iNOS; and the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways mediated by extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells were confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

RESULTS
Combined treatment of TNF-α-induced HaCaT cells with rapamycin and MPA decreased ICAM-1 and iNOS expression and ERK and p38 activation more than treatment with either drug alone. The most significant decrease was observed with a combination of rapamycin (80 nM) and MPA (20 nM). These results show that co-treatment with these agents has a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the activation of the ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway and thus suppressing the TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 and iNOS.

CONCLUSION
The combination of rapamycin and MPA could potentially be used as a therapeutic approach in inflammatory skin diseases.

Kim|Min Young|MY|
Lim|Yun Young|YY|
Kim|Hyeong Mi|HM|
Park|Young Min|YM|
Kang|Hoon|H|
Kim|Beom Joon|BJ|

Mycophenolic acid
Anti-inflammation
Sirolimus
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha


Hepatic microRNA Expression by PGC-1α and PGC-1β in the Mouse.

Abstract: The fine-tuning of liver metabolism is essential to maintain the whole-body homeostasis and to prevent the onset of diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivators (PGC-1s) are transcriptional key players of liver metabolism, able to regulate mitochondrial function, gluconeogenesis and lipid metabolism. Their activity is accurately modulated by post-translational modifications. Here, we showed that specific PGC-1s expression can lead to the upregulation of different microRNAs widely implicated in liver physiology and diseases development and progression, thus offering a new layer of complexity in the control of hepatic metabolism.

D000071248:Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

microRNA
liver metabolism
coactivators
PGC-1
liver diseases


The Influence of Reaction Conditions on DNA Multimerization During Isothermal Amplification with Bst exo- DNA Polymerase.

Abstract: Methods for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids are gained more attention in the last two decades. For isothermal amplification, DNA polymerases with strand displacement activity are required, and Bst exo- is one of the most commonly used polymerases. However, Bst exo- is able to cause nonspecific DNA amplification through multimerization, which leads to a set of undesirable by-products. In this study, circumstances that facilitate DNA multimerization by Bst exo- polymerase have been determined. We found that an essential requirement for multimerization is the presence of short (50-60 bp) DNA duplexes formed through primer extension after annealing on the template or in homo- and heterodimers. The highest multimerization efficiency is observed for Bst 2.0 polymerase in buffers with a high salt concentration and/or in the presence of reducing agents (for example, β-mercaptoethanol). Multimerization occurs mainly at 55-60 °С, while specific isothermal amplification is more efficient at 60-65 °С. The SYBR Green I intercalating dye inhibits multimerization with Bst LF and Bst 2.0 polymerases in concentrations above 0.25×, whereas inhibition with Bst 3.0 polymerase occurs only above 1.25×. The obtained results allow to elaborate accurate and reliable methods for isothermal amplification of nucleic acids.

D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques

Multimerization
Isothermal amplification
Nucleic acids
Bst exo− DNA polymerase
Nonspecific amplification
Rolling circle amplification


Spatial density estimates of Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the French Jura and Vosges Mountains.

Abstract: Obtaining estimates of animal population density is a key step in providing sound conservation and management strategies for wildlife. For many large carnivores however, estimating density is difficult because these species are elusive and wide-ranging. Here, we focus on providing the first density estimates of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) in the French Jura and Vosges mountains. We sampled a total of 413 camera trapping sites (with two cameras per site) between January 2011 and April 2016 in seven study areas across seven counties of the French Jura and Vosges mountains. We obtained 592 lynx detections over 19,035 trap days in the Jura mountains and 0 detection over 6,804 trap days in the Vosges mountains. Based on coat patterns, we identified a total number of 92 unique individuals from photographs, including 16 females, 13 males, and 63 individuals of unknown sex. Using spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models, we estimated abundance in the study areas between 5 (SE = 0.1) and 29 (0.2) lynx and density between 0.24 (SE = 0.02) and 0.91 (SE = 0.03) lynx per 100 km2. We also provide a comparison with nonspatial density estimates and discuss the observed discrepancies. Our study is yet another example of the advantage of combining SCR methods and noninvasive sampling techniques to estimate density for elusive and wide-ranging species, like large carnivores. While the estimated densities in the French Jura mountains are comparable to other lynx populations in Europe, the fact that we detected no lynx in the Vosges mountains is alarming. Connectivity should be encouraged between the French Jura mountains, the Vosges mountains, and the Palatinate Forest in Germany where a reintroduction program is currently ongoing. Our density estimates will help in setting a baseline conservation status for the lynx population in France.

spatially explicit capture–recapture models


Understanding the health and wellbeing challenges of the food banking system: A qualitative study of food bank users, providers and referrers in London.

Abstract: In the UK, food poverty has been associated with conditions such as obesity, malnutrition, hypertension, iron deficiency, and impaired liver function. Food banks, the primary response to food poverty on the ground, typically rely on community referral and distribution systems that involve health and social care professionals and local authority public health teams. The perspectives of these key stakeholders remain underexplored. This paper reports on a qualitative study of the health and wellbeing challenges of food poverty and food banking in London. An ethnographic investigation of food bank staff and users was carried out alongside a series of healthcare stakeholder interviews. A total of 42 participants were interviewed. A Critical Grounded Theory (CGT) analysis revealed that contemporary lived experiences of food poverty are embedded within and symptomatic of extreme marginalisation, which in turn impacts upon health. Specifically, food poverty was conceptualised by participants to: firstly, be a barrier to providing adequate care and nutrition for young children; secondly, be exacerbated by lack of access to adequate fresh food, food storage and cooking facilities; and thirdly, amplify existing health and social problems. Further investigation of the local government structures and professional roles that both rely upon and serve to further embed the food banking system is necessary in order to understand the politics of changing welfare landscapes.

Food banks
Qualitative
London
Food poverty
Diet
Health inequalities


Charged membranes based on spider silk-inspired nanofibers for comprehensive and continuous purification of wastewater.

Abstract: Creating a facile and efficient porous membrane for the comprehensive treatment of both insoluble and soluble pollutants from water is of great significance, yet remains challenging. Here, we present a facile strategy to prepare charged nanofibrous membranes assembled from spider silk-like humped SiO2/polyamide 66 (PA66)/polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers by combing Plateau-Rayleigh instability-induced assembly andin situsynthesis. The obtained nanofibrous membranes possess micro/nanostructured surfaces with promising superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic property, which are attributed to the synergy of hierarchical roughness and hydrophilic matrix. Combined with the superwettability and the integrated property of submicron pore size, high porosity, and good pore interconnectivity, the membranes can separate various oil-in-water emulsions with a remarkable permeation flux of 5403 l m-2h-1and a high separation efficiency (total organic carbon content <5 mg l-1). Moreover, attributed to the Laplace pressure difference and positive potential of the spindle-knotted nanofibers, the biomimetic nanofibrous membranes could remove the filter cake during separation. In addition, the membrane exhibits a remarkable adsorption-reduction capacity of hexavalent chromium. The synthesis of such attractive nanomaterials may provide new insights into the development of multifunctional separation materials for environmental applications.

Zhang|Jichao|J| Liu|Lifang|L| Si|Yang|Y| Zhang|Shichao|S| Yu|Jianyong|J| Ding|Bin|B|

nanofibrous membranes
electrospinning
oily wastewater remediation


Intraperitoneal wound in abdominal surgery.

Abstract: The intraperitoneal wound is often forgotten after transperitoneal surgery. This review is a on the peritoneum and the implications of peritoneal injury after surgery. This review will focus on the intraperitoneal wound response after surgical injury.

Abdominal surgery
Peritoneum
Cytokine
Inflammation
Laparoscopy
Vagus nerve


Creation of male-sterile lines that can be restored to fertility by exogenous methyl jasmonate for the establishment of a two-line system for the hybrid production of rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Abstract: Male sterility is widely used in the production of hybrid seeds in rice, but the use of genic male sterility is limited because of the high labour cost for maintaining male-sterile lines. Previous studies using T-DNA insertional mutagenesis demonstrated that disrupting the expression of oxophytodienoic acid reductase 3 (OPR3), which is involved in the jasmonate biosynthesis pathway, results in a kind of male sterility that can be restored to fertility by exogenous jasmonate in Arabidopsis. Here, we created male-sterile mutations by editing the second and fourth exons of OsOPR7 in rice through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated system 9. The induced mutagenesis at these exons resulted in 31.8% and 23.9% male-sterile plants in the T0 generation, respectively. We screened male-sterile lines that can be restored to fertility by exogenous methyl jasmonate in the T0, T1 and T2 rice populations and characterized the anther and agronomic traits of the transgenic plants. Results showed the successful generation of male-sterile lines through the silencing of OsOPR7, the orthologous gene of Arabidopsis OPR3, in a field crop, paving the way for the establishment of a two-line system for rice hybrid production. The system consists of a male-sterile line that can be maintained by spraying methyl jasmonate and a restoring line that confers pollen.

Pak|Haksong|H| Wang|Haoyi|H| Kim|Yusin|Y| Song|Unchol|U| Tu|Mengxin|M| Wu|Dezhi|D|0000-0002-7900-0542 Jiang|Lixi|L|0000-0002-8579-0763

rice
Oryza sativa
genic male sterility
OsOPR7
CRISPR
Cas
genome editing


Audiovisual congruency and incongruency effects on auditory intensity discrimination.

Abstract: This study used a S1-S2 matching paradigm to investigate the influences of visual (size) change on auditory intensity discrimination. Behavioral results showed that subjects made more errors and spent more time to discriminate change in auditory intensity when it was accompanied by an incongruent visual change, while the performance for congruent audiovisual stimuli was better especially if there is a change in auditory stimuli. Event-related potential difference waves revealed that audiovisual interactions for multimodal mismatched information processing activated the right frontal and left centro-parietal cortices around 300-400 ms post S1-onset.

Guo|Xiaoli|X| Li|Xuan|X| Ge|Xiaoli|X| Tong|Shanbao|S|

D000161:Acoustic Stimulation
D001307:Auditory Perception
D004192:Discrimination, Psychological
D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory
D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D010775:Photic Stimulation
D014796:Visual Perception
D055815:Young Adult

Congruency and incongruency effects
Auditory intensity discrimination
Audiovisual interaction
ERP difference waves


Air Travel for Subjects Receiving Long-Term Oxygen Therapy.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ambulatory oxygen (O2) is the recommended treatment for hypoxemia at rest or induced by exercise. Commercial aircraft often fly at altitudes of 30,000 feet; their cabins are pressurized to altitudes of 6,000-8,000 feet, with an equivalent FIO of 0.15. O2 supplementation, for those receiving baseline ambulatory O2, is paramount.

METHODS
We gathered information on subjects' experience traveling with supplementary oxygen and reasons individuals receiving O2 do not travel. Subjects were identified using a home oxygen database. Data were gathered by postal questionnaire. The objective of this study was to gather information relevant to subjects' experience organizing travel with supplementary oxygen and their experience of traveling itself.

RESULTS
Between 2013 and 2015, 512 patients were entered into the database: 277 were excluded (269 had died, 8 had incomplete records). We sent 235 questionnaires, and 50 responses were received (21% response rate). Of these, 11 (22%) were returned as the patient had died, 20 (40%) had not traveled by air, 11 (22%) had flown with O2, 4 (8%) no longer used O2, and 4 (8%) forms were incomplete. Of those who traveled with O2, 54% found it complicated to organize their trip, 72% found it complicated to access information, and 81% would fly again. Regarding those who had never flown with O2, 35% were unaware that O2 was available on commercial aircraft, 30% had no wish to travel, and 30% had worries regarding their health.

CONCLUSIONS
Air travel is challenging; however, those who did travel reported a mainly positive experience. Increasing available information on options for travel should help individuals.

Campbell|Christina D|CD|
Smyth|Matthew W|MW|
Brown|Lindsay|L|
Kelly|Emer|E|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice


Stable transmission of complex chromosomal rearrangements involving chromosome 1q derived from constitutional chromoanagenesis.

Abstract:
Background
Chromoanagenesis events encompassing chromoanasynthesis, chromoplexy, and chromothripsis are described in cancers and can result in highly complex chromosomal rearrangements derived from 'all-at-once' catastrophic cellular events. The complexity of these rearrangements and the original descriptions in cancer cells initially led to the assumption that it was an acquired anomaly. While rare, these phenomena involving chromosome 1 have been reported a few individuals in a constitutional setting.

Case presentation
Here, we describe a newborn baby who was initially referred for cytogenetic testing for multiple congenital anomalies including cystic encephalomalacia, patent ductus arteriosus, inguinal hernia, and bilateral undescended testicles. Chromosome analysis was performed and revealed a derivative chromosome 1 with an 1q24-q31 segment inserted into 1q42.13 resulting in gain of 1q24-q31. Whole genome SNP microarray analysis showed a complex pattern of copy number variants with four gains and one loss involving 1q24-q31. Mate pair next-generation sequencing analysis revealed 18 chromosome breakpoints, six gains along an 1q24-q31 segment, one deletion of 1q31.3 segment and one deletion of 1q42.13 segment, which is strongly evocative of a chromoanasynthesis event for developing this complex rearrangement. Parental chromosome analyses were performed and showed the same derivative chromosome 1 in the mother.

Conclusions
To our knowledge, our case is the first case with familial constitutional chromoanagenesis involving chromosome 1q24-q42. This report emphasizes the value of performing microarray and mate pair next-generation sequencing analysis for individuals with germline abnormal or complex chromosome rearrangements.

Gudipati|Mary A|MA|
Waters|Elizabeth|E|
Greene|Carol|C|
Goel|Nidhi|N|
Hoppman|Nicole L|NL|
Pitel|Beth A|BA|
Webley|Matthew R|MR|
Zou|Ying|Y|0000-0003-2787-1917

Chromoanagenesis
Chromoanasynthesis
Chromoplexy
Chromothripsis
Constitutional 1q abnormalities


Characterization of coagulase negative staphylococci from cases of subclinical mastitis in dairy cattle in Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) are the most common pathogens leading to subclinical mastitis (SCM) in dairy cattle in Uganda. Coagulase negative staphylococci can vary between bacterial species in how they cause disease. The aim of the study was to characterize CNS, from cows with SCM in Uganda, at the species level.

FINDINGS
Quarter milk samples (n = 166) were collected from 78 animals with SCM. Bacteriological analyses were carried out at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and at the National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden. The most common pathogens found in milk samples from cows with SCM were CNS (31.7%). Two species of CNS were found, S. epidermidis (85%) and S. haemolyticus (15%). Of the CNS isolates, 16/20 (80%) were positive for β-lactamase production (β+).

CONCLUSIONS
In milk samples from cows with SCM caused by CNS, S. epidermidis was most prevalent, followed by S. haemolyticus.

Björk|Sandra|S|
Båge|Renee|R|
Kanyima|Benon M|BM|
André|Susanne|S|
Nassuna-Musoke|Maria G|MG|
Owiny|David O|DO|
Persson|Ylva|Y|

CNS
MALDI-TOF
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Staphylococcus haemolyticus


Synthesis and evaluation of protein-based biopolymer in production of silver nanoparticles as bioactive compound versus carbohydrates-based biopolymers.

Abstract: This overall process deals with evaluating the performance of silver nanoparticles, synthesized from sodium caseinate (SC) as green biological active agent, in comparison with widely produced from carboxymethyl cellulose, other carbohydrates (oxidized nanocellulose fibres (OC) and starch (St)). The TGA, FTIR and TEM, as well as its antimicrobial activities toward pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in addition to the yeast strain Candida albicans NRRL Y-477 were examined. In addition, with regard to their anti-tumour activity, the evaluation was studied via many cancer cell lines against RPE1 (normal retina cell line). The results revealed that the SC-Ag(I) and CMC-Ag(I) complexes were formed in six- and five-membered chelate rings, respectively, as nanoparticles, while linear chelation structure was formed in case of OC-Ag(I) and St-Ag(I) complexes. The complexation of SC with Ag(I) ions was recommended as promising stable and antimicrobial agent, with lower free Ag(I) ions and particle size than other Ag-complexes. Moreover, it provided anti-tumour activity of most tested cell lines (in vitro), with the following sequence HCT116 > PC3 > HePG 2 > MCF-7 > A549 with IC50 and IC90 values of 25.8 and 54.73 µg ml-1, 45.1 and 66.7 µg ml-1, 64.3 and 110.7 µgml-1, 71.4 and 114.8 µgml-1 and 80.1 and 127.7 µgml-1, respectively. The promising effect of SC-Ag complex was also clear from its selective index versus RPE1 (normal retina cell line).

Basta|Altaf H|AH|0000-0003-1876-4378
Lotfy|Vivian F|VF|
Mahmoud|Khaled|K|
Abdelwahed|Nayera A M|NAM|

effective anticancer biopolymer–Ag complex


Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis in Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) under Different Abiotic Stresses.

Abstract: Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) is an aggressive and serious annual grass weed in China. Its DD genome is a rich source of genetic material and performs better under different abiotic stress conditions (salinity, drought, temperature, etc.). Reverse-transcribed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a reliable technique for reference gene selection and validation. This work aimed to evaluate the stability of reference gene expression in Ae. tauschii under different abiotic stresses (salinity, drought, hot, and cold) and developmental stages (seedling and development). The results show that the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 36-like (UBC36) and protein microrchidia 2-like (HSP) are the most stable genes under control and salinity conditions, respectively. Under drought stress conditions, UBC36 is more stable as compared with others. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH) is the most stable reference gene during heat stress conditions and thioredoxin-like protein (YLS) under cold stress condition. Phosphate2A serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (ETIF3) are the most stable genes at seedling and developmental stages. Intracellular transport protein (CAC) is recommended as the most stable gene under different abiotic stresses and at developmental stages. Furthermore, the relative expression levels of NHX1 and DREB under different levels of salinity and drought stress conditions varied with the most (HSP and UBC36) and least (YLS and ACT) stable genes. This study provides reliable reference genes for understanding the tolerance mechanisms in Ae. tauschii under different abiotic stress conditions.

Abbas|Adeel|A|0000-0002-1988-3638 Yu|Haiyan|H| Li|Xiangju|X|0000-0001-7956-7330 Cui|Hailan|H| Chen|Jingchao|J| Huang|Ping|P|

abiotic stresses
Aegilops tauschii Coss
gene expression analysis
gene responsive to stress
gene validation
reverse-transcribed quantitative PCR


Finding meaning in caring for a spouse with dementia.

Abstract: Dementia caregiving can be burdensome with many challenges, especially for spousal caregivers who are elderly and may have limited resources and chronic conditions of their own. However, it can also be an opportunity for growth and transcendence. Thematic qualitative analysis was conducted with 11 caregiver interviews to investigate how spousal caregivers of individuals with dementia found personal meaning in their caregiving experience. Caregivers commonly had altruistic values, and the discipline to live those values. They found meaning by believing in a choice of attitude and perceiving satisfaction in living according to their values in life. They had faith in a higher power, a strong sense of love for their spouses and they derived strength from past challenges. Positive attitudes among caregivers of individuals with dementia may be enhanced by sharing these stories and strategies. Study results also provide an expansion beyond commonly held views of caregiving for nurses.

Shim|Bomin|B|
Barroso|Julie|J|
Gilliss|Catherine L|CL|
Davis|Linda L|LL|

Dementia
Caregiving
Positive meaning
Qualitative research


Design and Synthesis of Gold-Gadolinium-Core-Shell Nanoparticles as Contrast Agent: a Smart Way to Future Nanomaterials for Nanomedicine Applications.

Abstract:
Introduction
The development of biopolymers for the synthesis of Gd(III) nanoparticles, as therapeutics, could play a key role in nanomedicine. Biocompatible polymers are not only used for complex monovalent biomolecules, but also for the realization of multivalent active targeting materials as diagnostic and/or therapeutic hybrid nanoparticles. In this article, it was reported for the first time, a novel synthesis of Gd(III)-biopolymer-Au(III) complex, acting as a key ingredient of core-shell gold nanoparticles (Gd(@AuNPs).

Material and methods
The physical and chemical evaluation was carried out by spectroscopic analytical techniques (Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible and TEM). The theoretical characterization by DFT (density functional theory) analysis was carried out under specific conditions to investigate the interaction between the Au and the Gd precursors, during the first nucleation step. Magnetic features with relaxivity measurements at 7T were also performed as well as cytotoxicity studies on hepatocyte cell lines for biocompatibility studies. The in vivo detailed dynamic biodistribution studies in mice to characterize the potential applications for biology as MRI contrast agents were then achieved.

Results
Physical-chemical evaluation confirms the successful design and reaction supposed. Viabilities of TIB-75 (hepatocytes) cells were evaluated using Alamar blue cytotoxic tests with increasing concentrations of nanoparticles. In vivo biodistribution studies were then accomplished to assess the kinetic behavior of the nanoparticles in mice and characterize their stealthiness property after intravenous injection.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that Gd@AuNPs have some advantages to display hepatocytes in the liver. Particularly, these nanoconjugates give a good cellular uptake of several quantities of Gd@NPs into cells, while preserving a T1 contrast inside cells that provide a robust in vivo detection using T1-weighted MR images. These results will strengthen the role of gadolinium as complex to gold in order to tune Gd(@AuNPs) as an innovative diagnostic agent in the field of nanomedicine.

Aouidat|Fatima|F| Boumati|Sarah|S| Khan|Memona|M| Tielens|Frederik|F|0000-0002-6760-6176 Doan|Bich-Thuy|BT| Spadavecchia|Jolanda|J|

relaxivity
biodistribution
MRI
Gd-gold complex
theoretical study


Dioscorea nipponica Attenuates Migration and Invasion by Inhibition of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator through Involving PI3K/Akt and Transcriptional Inhibition of NF-[Formula: see text]B and SP-1 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract: High mortality and morbidity rates for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Taiwan primarily result from uncontrolled tumor metastasis. In our previous studies, we have reported that Dioscorea nipponica Makino extract (DNE) has anti-metastasis effects on human oral cancer cells. However, the effect of DNE on hepatoma metastasis have not been thoroughly investigated and remains poorly understood. To determine the effects of DNE on the migration and invasion in HCC cells we used a wound healing model, Boyden chamber assays, gelatin/casein zymography and Western blotting. Transcriptional levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) were detected by real-time PCR and promoter assays. In this study, DNE treatment significantly inhibited the migration/invasion capacities of Huh7 cell lines. The results of gelatin/casein zymography and Western blotting revealed that the activities and protein levels of the MMP-9 and u-PA were inhibited by DNE. Tests of the mRNA levels, real-time PCR, and promoter assays evaluated the inhibitory effects of DNE on u-PA expression in human hepatoma cells. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed not only that DNE inhibits u-PA expression, but also the inhibitory effects were associated with the down-regulation of the transcription factors of NF-[Formula: see text]B and SP-1 signaling pathways. Western blot analysis also showed that DNE inhibits PI3K and phosphorylation of Akt. In conclusion, these results show that u-PA expression may be a potent therapeutic target in the DNE-mediated suppression of HCC invasion/migration. DNE may have potential use as a chemo-preventive agent against liver cancer metastasis.

Hsieh|Ming-Ju|MJ| Yeh|Chao-Bin|CB| Chiou|Hui-Ling|HL| Hsieh|Ming-Chang|MC| Yang|Shun-Fa|SF|

Migration
Invasion
Dioscorea nipponica Makino
Hepatoma
MMP-9
u-PA


Root Canal Transportation and Centering Ability of Nickel-Titanium Rotary Instruments in Mandibular Premolars Assessed Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this study was to evaluate, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), transportation and centralization of different nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments.

METHODS
One hundred and twenty eight mandibular premolars were selected and instrumented using the following brands of NiTi files: WaveOne, WaveOne Gold, Reciproc, ProTaper Next, ProTaper Gold, Mtwo, BioRaCe and RaCe. CBCT imaging was performed before and after root canal preparation to obtain measurements of mesial and distal dentin walls and calculations of root canal transportation and centralization. A normal distribution of data was confirmed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Levene tests, and results were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS
ProTaper Gold produced the lowest canal transportation values, and RaCe, the highest. ProTaper Gold files also showed the highest values for centering ability, whereas BioRaCe showed the lowest. No significant differences were found across the different instruments in terms of canal transportation and centering ability (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Based on the methodology employed, all instruments used for root canal preparation of mandibular premolars performed similarly with regard to canal transportation and centering ability.

Mamede-Neto|Iussif|I|
Borges|Alvaro Henrique|AH|
Guedes|Orlando Aguirre|OA|
de Oliveira|Durvalino|D|
Pedro|Fábio Luis Miranda|FL|
Estrela|Carlos|C|

Canal Transportation
CBCT
Centralization
Endodontics
Nickel-titanium Instruments


Evaporation Induced Spontaneous Micro-Vortexes through Engineering of the Marangoni Flow.

Abstract: Vortex flow fields are widely used to manipulate objects at the microscale in microfluidics. Previous approaches to produce the vortex flow field mainly focused on inertia flows. It remains a challenge to create vortexes in Stokes flow regime. Here we reported an evaporation induced spontaneous vortex flow system in Stokes flow regime by engineering Marangoni flow in a micro-structured microfluidic chip. The Marangoni flow is created by nonuniform evaporation of surfactant solution. Various vortexes are constructed by folding the air-water interface via microstructures. Patterns of vortexes are programmable by designing the geometry of the microstructures and are predictable using numerical simulations. Moreover, rotation of micro-objects and enrichment of micro-particles using vortex flow is demonstrated. This approach to create vortexes will provide a promising platform for various microfluidic applications such as biological analysis, chemical synthesis, and nanomaterial assembly.

Cai|Zheren|Z|0000-0003-0232-8213 Huang|Zhandong|Z| Li|Zheng|Z| Su|Meng|M| Zhao|Zhipeng|Z| Qin|Feifei|F| Zhang|Zeying|Z| Yang|Jun|J| Song|Yanlin|Y|0000-0002-0267-3917

Marangoni flow
vortex
microfluidics
Stokes flow
particle manipulation


High and variable population prevalence of HLA-B*56:02 in indigenous Australians and relation to phenytoin-associated drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

Abstract: Phenytoin drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in 3 Aboriginal Australians positive for HLA-B*56:02 has been previously reported. We report the allele frequency of HLA-B*56:02 in 2 South Australian populations, 1 Aboriginal (4.8%, 95% confidence interval 2.4-7.8%) and the other European (0%). We compared the frequency with publicly available information on HLA-B*56:02 status in other Indigenous Australian (n = 4) and European Australian cohorts (n = 1). In the Indigenous Australian cohorts, HLA-B*56:02 allele frequency ranged from 1.3 to 19%. We also describe an additional case of phenytoin DRESS (RegiSCAR DRESS score 7) in an Aboriginal Australian that was associated with HLA-B*56:02 and with CYP2C9*1/*3 genotype. In Aboriginal Australians, phenytoin DRESS appears distinctly linked to HLA-B*56:02 with an allele carriage rate substantially higher than in Europeans, but also with considerable regional variation. Investigations of human leucocyte antigen and other contributing genes and severe adverse drug reactions in understudied non-European populations are required to optimize safe medication use and inform risk mitigation strategies.

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease


Description of stroke mimics after complete neurovascular assessment.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
A considerable percentage of events initially diagnosed as ischaemic stroke have non-cerebrovascular causes; these are called stroke mimics (SM). Currently available evidence about these events is heterogeneous and comes from studies with small samples.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study is to identify conditions that may present as SM, define their epidemiological and clinical characteristics, and determine the percentage of cases of SM treated with intravenous fibrinolysis.

METHODS
Prospective study including all patients admitted to a tertiary university hospital between June 2005 and April 2015 with a diagnosis of acute stroke. We analysed demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, time from code stroke activation to admission, stroke severity (NIHSS), final destination after discharge, degree of disability (mRS), and treatment. We compared SM and ischaemic strokes. We ruled out patients with intracranial haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, or other causes of SM that may be detected on the baseline CT scan.

RESULTS
Four hundred four of the 4,570 included patients (8.8%) were found to have SM. Patients with SM were younger (70.3 vs. 74, P<.0001), less likely to exhibit cardiovascular risk factors and atrial fibrillation (13 vs. 34%, P<.0001), scored lower on the NIHSS at baseline (2 vs. 4, P<.0001), and included fewer cases of aphasia (9.4 vs. 19.6%, P<.02) and dysphagia (1.2 vs. 17%, P<.0001) than patients with stroke. SM caused fewer code stroke activations (28 vs. 40%, P<.0001). Patients with SM required shorter hospital stays (4.9 vs. 7.8 days, P<.0001), were less frequently admitted to the stroke unit (47 vs. 60%, P<.0001) and more frequently discharged home (95 vs. 62%, P<.0001), and had better outcomes (mRS scores 0-2; 76 vs. 54%, P<.0001). Intravenous fibrinolysis was administered to 4.7% of these patients. Epileptic seizures were the most frequent cause of SM (26%).

CONCLUSIONS
In our sample, 8.8% of all diagnoses of ischaemic stroke were SM. These events have different demographic, clinical, and prognostic characteristics; epilepsy is the most common aetiology. Despite receiving specialised emergency care, 19 patients with SM (4.7%) were treated with intravenous fibrinolysis.

Avellaneda-Gómez|C|C|
Rodríguez Campello|A|A|
Giralt Steinhauer|E|E|
Gómez González|A|A|
Serra Martínez|M|M|
de Ceballos Cerrajería|P|P|
Zabalza de Torres|A|A|
Cuadrado-Godia|E|E|
Ois Santiago|A|A|
Jiménez-Conde|J|J|
Roquer|J|J|

Stroke mimic
Ischaemic stroke
Fibrinolysis
Acute stroke
Epileptic seizures
Crisis epiléptica
Código Ictus
Fibrinólisis
Ictus agudo
Ictus isquémico
Stroke Code


Impacts of long-term exposure to tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole on the sludge granules in an anoxic-aerobic wastewater treatment system.

Abstract: Occurrence and effects of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in various wastewater treatment systems have been widely investigated. However, few reports address the impacts of antibiotic exposure on wastewater treatment system operating characteristics, especially the characteristics of sludge granules under long-term operation. In this study, two laboratory scale anoxic-aerobic systems were established to investigate the combined effects of tetracycline and sulfamethoxazole. The results indicated that under long-term exposure to 5 mg·L-1 tetracycline and 1 mg·L-1 sulfamethoxazole, removals of chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen were inhibited, the tendency of sludge bulking was increased, more filamentous bacteria were observed and more extracellular polymeric substance was secreted. This tendency was stronger than that from exposure to tetracycline alone. Molecular biological analysis indicated that the microbial community changed significantly especially with Thiothrix (instead of Sphaerotilus under tetracycline alone) becoming the dominant population under combined antibiotics. The results are relevant for operation of WTS receiving wastewater with high antibiotic concentrations.

Du|Bingbing|B| Yang|Qingxiang|Q| Li|Xunan|X| Yuan|Wei|W| Chen|Yulong|Y| Wang|Ruifei|R|

Anoxic-aerobic systems
Extracellular polymeric substance
Microbial diversity


Epidemiology of epizootic lymphangitis of carthorses in northern Ethiopia using conventional diagnostic methods and nested polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Epizootic lymphangitis (EL), caused by Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum (HCF) is a contagious, chronic disease of equines, characterized by development of nodular lesions in the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels and skin. It is one of the most important diseases of equines in Ethiopia, causing significant economic loss, particularly in the livelihood of carthorse owners. To date there is neither effective diagnostic nor control measure implemented in the country. Furthermore, there is a shortage of data on the epidemiology of the disease in different regions of this country. The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiology of EL in northern Ethiopia, using the conventional methods as well as nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS
The presence of HCF genetic material was confirmed in 44% (84/191) of the carthorses. Subclinical infection was observed in 18.2% (22/121) of the apparently healthy carthorses. Considering the nested PCR as a gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination were 74% and 92.5%, respectively, while the area under the ROC curve (AUR) was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.77, 0.896). Moreover, a moderate (k = 0.675) agreement observed between the nested PCR and clinical examination.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated widespread occurrence of EL in northern Ethiopia, and the advantage of the nested PCR in detecting infection of HCF, even before the clinical symptoms became apparent.

Hadush|Birhanu|B|
Michaelay|Molla|M|
Menghistu|Habtamu Taddele|HT|
Abebe|Nigus|N|
Genzebu|Abreha Tesfaye|AT|
Bitsue|Habtom Kiros|HK|
Afera|Berihun|B|
Duguma|Bojia E|BE|
Gugsa|Getachew|G|
Ameni|Gobena|G|

Epizootic lymphangitis
PCR
Gram stain
Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum


The Relationship Between Pain, Self-Injury, and Other Problem Behaviors in Young Children With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.

Abstract: Research has suggested that individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior may have enhanced expressions of pain, which contradicts previous assertions of blunted pain sensitivity in this population. The purpose of this study was to measure expressions of pain among young children being evaluated for autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The frequency of pain-related behaviors was assessed during everyday routines using the Non-Communicating Children's Pain Checklist (NCCPC-R) for 51 children. Significant group differences between children with and without self-injury were found for the NCCPC-R total scores. The frequency and severity of self-injury, aggression, and stereotypy were also highly correlated with the total scores on the NCCPC-R. These results continue to support that individuals with self-injury may have enhanced expressions of pain.

Courtemanche|Andrea B|AB|
Black|William R|WR|
Reese|R Matthew|RM|

D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder
D002675:Child, Preschool
D002658:Developmental Disabilities
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D058748:Pain Perception
D000066553:Problem Behavior
D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior

pain
self-injurious behavior
aggression
stereotypy
autism spectrum disorder


Intracellular recycling and cross-presentation by MHC class I molecules.

Abstract: Cross-presentation of internalized antigens by dendritic cells requires efficient delivery of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules to peptide-loading compartments. Strong evidence suggests that such loading can occur outside of the endoplasmic reticulum; however, the trafficking pathways and sources of class I molecules involved are poorly understood. Examination of non-professional, non-phagocytic cells has revealed a clathrin-independent, Arf6-dependent recycling pathway likely traveled by internalized optimally loaded (closed) class I molecules. Some closed and all open MHC class I molecules travel to late endosomes to be degraded but might also partly be re-loaded with peptides and recycled. Studies of viral interference revealed pathways in which class I molecules are directed to degradation in lysosomes upon ubiquitination at the surface, or upon AP-1 and HIV-nef-dependent misrouting from the Golgi network to lysosomes. While many observations made in non-professional cells remain to be re-examined in dendritic cells, available evidence suggests that both recycling and neo-synthesized class I molecules can be loaded with cross-presented peptides. Recycling molecules can be recruited to phagosomes triggered by innate signals such as TLR4 ligands, and may therefore specialize in loading with phagocytosed antigens. In contrast, AP-1-dependent accumulation at, or trafficking through, a Golgi compartment of newly synthesized molecules appears to be important for cross-presentation of soluble proteins and possibly of long peptides that are processed in the so-called vacuolar pathway. However, significant cell biological work will be required to confirm this or any other model and to integrate knowledge on MHC class I biochemistry and trafficking in models of CD8(+) T-cell priming by dendritic cells.

D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I


Enhanced heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like degradation of tetracycline over CuFeO2/biochar catalyst through accelerating electron transfer under visible light.

Abstract: The visible-light induced heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like (HPF-like) process is regarded as a promising technique for organic pollutants degradation due to its efficient utilization of solar energy and high H2O2 activation activity. This study prepared the CuFeO2/biochar catalysts via hydrothermal technique at no extra reductant and systematically investigated their band structure and photoelectric properties. The dispersed distribution of CuFeO2 particles in CuFeO2/biochar composites narrowed bandgap of CuFeO2 and promoted electron transport of CuFeO2. Compared with CuFeO2, the CuFeO2/biochar containing 1.0 g biochar in the preparation (CuFeO2/biochar-1.0) possessed higher carrier density and longer photoelectron lifetime, which is beneficial to higher catalytic performance. The apparent rate constant for tetracycline as target pollutant degradation by CuFeO2/biochar-1.0 was 2.0 times higher than that by CuFeO2. The acquired optimum conditions for tetracycline degradation were 220 mg L-1 CuFeO2/BC-1.0, 22 mM H2O2 and pH 6.4 using response surface methodology. The quenching experiments and ESR analysis revealed that OH was the predominant active species, and photoelectron and O2- were auxiliary species. The photoelectron could promote in-situ recycling of Cu2+ to Cu+ and Fe3+ to Fe2+, which significantly improved H2O2 activation by CuFeO2. The possible pathway of tetracycline was proposed according to intermediates identified by HPLC/MS. The toxicity analysis demonstrated that the overall toxicity of the identified intermediates was reduced in HPF-like system.

Xin|Shuaishuai|S| Ma|Bingrui|B| Liu|Guocheng|G| Ma|Xiaoming|X| Zhang|Chunlei|C| Ma|Xiaohan|X| Gao|Mengchun|M| Xin|Yanjun|Y|


Adsorption of histones on natural polysaccharides: The potential as agent for multiple organ failure in sepsis.

Abstract: Histones are intracellular proteins that are structural elements of nuclear chromatin and regulate gene transcription. However, the extracellular histones released in response to bacterial challenges have been identified as mediators contributing to endothelial dysfunction, organ failure, and death during sepsis. In the present study, the adsorption of histones as well as plasma proteins (α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), albumin, and γ-globulin) on alginic acid, pectin, dextran, and chitosan was examined in order to evaluate the potential of natural polysaccharides as therapeutic agents for multiple organ failure in sepsis. Alginic acid and pectin strongly adsorbed histones, whereas the adsorption abilities of dextran and chitosan toward histones were very low or negligible. Among the natural polysaccharides examined, only alginic acid did not adsorb any of the plasma proteins. These results demonstrated that alginic acid strongly adsorbed histones, but not plasma proteins; therefore, it has potential as a candidate drug for the treatment of multiple organ failure in sepsis.

Isobe|Takashi|T| Kofuji|Kyoko|K| Okada|Kenji|K| Fujimori|Junya|J| Murata|Mikio|M| Shigeyama|Masato|M| Hanioka|Nobumitsu|N| Murata|Yoshifumi|Y|

Histones
Natural polysaccharides
Multiple organ failure
Sepsis
Alginic acid
Pectin


Heterotic computing: exploiting hybrid computational devices.

Abstract: Current computational theory deals almost exclusively with single models: classical, neural, analogue, quantum, etc. In practice, researchers use ad hoc combinations, realizing only recently that they can be fundamentally more powerful than the individual parts. A Theo Murphy meeting brought together theorists and practitioners of various types of computing, to engage in combining the individual strengths to produce powerful new heterotic devices. 'Heterotic computing' is defined as a combination of two or more computational systems such that they provide an advantage over either substrate used separately. This post-meeting collection of articles provides a wide-ranging survey of the state of the art in diverse computational paradigms, together with reflections on their future combination into powerful and practical applications.

heterotic computing
hybrid computing
unconventional computing


Linking School Nurses With Health Care Systems Using EHRs: An Integrative Review.

Abstract: School-aged children spend around 1,080 hr at school each year and many of them have chronic diseases; therefore, it is imperative to include school nurses as part of the health care team. Care coordination between health care providers and school nurses is currently hindered by communication that relies on an inadequate system of fax, phone, and traditional mail. Using electronic health records (EHRs) to link school nurses and health care systems is usually limited in scope despite EHRs advancement in these health care systems. No literature is currently available showing the number of hospitals and health care systems that provide EHR access to school nurses. The purpose of this article was to present a literature review on EHR access for school nurses nationally. This review along with the legal and logistical considerations for this type of implementation will be discussed.

school nursing
care coordination
electronic health records
electronic medical records


Patterns of glioblastoma treatment and survival over a 16-years period: pooled data from the German Cancer Registries.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumour characterized by a very low long-term survival. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of treatment modalities and their effect on survival for GBM cases diagnosed in Germany between 1999 and 2014.

METHODS
Cases were pooled from the German Cancer Registries with International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition (ICD-O-3) codes for GBM or giant-cell GBM. Three periods, first (January 1999-December 2005), second (January 2006-December 2010) and a third period (January 2011-December 2014) were defined. Kaplan-Meier plots with long-rank test compared median overall survival (OS) between groups. Survival differences were assessed with Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for available confounders.

RESULTS
In total, 40,138 adult GBM cases were analysed, with a mean age at diagnosis 64.0 ± 12.4 years. GBM was more common in men (57.3%). The median OS was 10.0 (95% CI 9.0-10.0) months. There was an increase in 2-year survival, from 16.6% in the first to 19.3% in the third period. When stratified by age group, period and treatment modalities, there was an improved median OS after 2005 due to treatment advancements. Younger age, female sex, surgical resection, use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were independent factors associated with better survival.

CONCLUSION
The inclusion of temozolomide chemotherapy has considerably improved median OS in the older age groups but had a lesser effect in the younger age group of cases. The analysis showed survival improvements for each treatment option over time.

Glioblastoma
Cancer registry
Overall survival
Temozolomide


Suppression of SESN1 reduces cisplatin and hyperthermia resistance through increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human maxillary cancer cells.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Cisplatin is used as a standard chemotherapeutic agent for head and neck cancer treatment. However, some head and neck cancers have cisplatin resistance, leading to difficulty in treatment and poor prognosis. Overcoming cisplatin resistance remains an important strategy to improve prognoses for head and neck cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE
Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance can suggest novel targets to enhance the anticancer effects of cisplatin for treating head and neck cancers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We used a cisplatin-resistant human maxillary cancer cell line, IMC-3CR to analyse the cisplatin resistance mechanisms. Cisplatin-induced genes were analysed in IMC-3CR cells using PCR array. Among the genes with expression increased by cisplatin, we specifically examined SESN1. SESN family reportedly regenerates peroxiredoxin and suppresses oxidative DNA injury by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be induced by chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, radiation, and hyperthermia. The function of SESN1 in cisplatin resistance and ROS generation were analysed using specific RNAi.

RESULTS
Results show that SESN1 was induced by cisplatin treatment in IMC-3CR cells. Suppression of SESN1 by RNAi induced apoptosis and reduced cell viability through enhancement of ROS after cisplatin treatment. Moreover, suppression of SESN1 enhanced the cell-killing effects of hyperthermia with increased ROS, but did not affect the cell-killing effects of radiation.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated the participation of SESN1 in cisplatin and hyperthermia resistance of human head and neck cancers. SESN1 is a novel molecular target to overcome cisplatin resistance and hyperthermia resistance and improve head and neck cancer treatment.

Narita|Norihiko|N| Ito|Yumi|Y| Takabayashi|Tetsuji|T| Okamoto|Masayuki|M| Imoto|Yoshimasa|Y| Ogi|Kazuhiro|K| Tokunaga|Takahiro|T| Matsumoto|Hideki|H| Fujieda|Shigeharu|S|

D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
D017209:Apoptosis
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor
D002945:Cisplatin
D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
D015870:Gene Expression
D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins
D006801:Humans
D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced
D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms
D034622:RNA Interference
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species
D014162:Transfection

SESN1
cisplatin
hyperthermia
resistance
ROS
Head and neck cancers


Negative fateful life events in midlife and advanced predicted brain aging.

Abstract: Negative fateful life events (FLEs) such as interpersonal conflict, death in the family, financial hardship, and serious medical emergencies can act as allostatic stressors that accelerate biological aging. However, the relationship between FLEs and neuroanatomical aging is not well understood. We examined 359 men (mean age 62 years) participating in the Vietnam Era twin study of aging (VETSA) to determine whether negative midlife FLEs are associated with advanced brain aging after controlling for physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. At two different time points, participants were assessed for negative FLEs, health and well-being, general cognitive ability, socioeconomic status, depression, and ethnicity. Participants underwent a magnetic resonance imaging examination, and T1-weighted images were processed with FreeSurfer. Subsequent neuroanatomical measurements were entered into the Brain-Age Regression Analysis and Computation Utility software (BARACUS) to predict brain age. Having more midlife FLEs, particularly relating to interpersonal relationships, was associated with advanced predicted brain aging (i.e., higher predicted brain age relative to chronological age). This association remained after controlling for the significant covariates of alcohol consumption, cardiovascular risk, adult socioeconomic status, and ethnicity.

Hatton|Sean N|SN|
Franz|Carol E|CE|
Elman|Jeremy A|JA|
Panizzon|Matthew S|MS|
Hagler|Donald J|DJ|
Fennema-Notestine|Christine|C|
Eyler|Lisa T|LT|
McEvoy|Linda K|LK|
Lyons|Michael J|MJ|
Dale|Anders M|AM|
Kremen|William S|WS|

Fateful life events
Brain aging
Magnetic resonance imaging


Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells efficiently colonize in bFGF-tethered natural matrix to construct contracting humanized rat hearts.

Abstract: Bioengineering of whole hearts using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs)-derived cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) and natural matrices is a promising approach to overcome organ donor shortage threatening millions of patients awaiting for heart transplantation. Here, we developed a novel strategy for generation of heart constructs by repopulating engineered decellularized rat hearts using hESCs-derived CPCs. Careful expansion of CPCs in a scalable stirred-suspension bioreactor combined with step-wise seeding (60 million cells in 3 steps of 20 million per 1.5 h) onto decellularized hearts containing immobilized basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) resulted in improved retention of CPCs and differentiation to cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells as evaluated by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR. We observed spontaneous and synchronous contractions of humanized hearts after 12 days of perfusion as well as advanced alignment of myofilaments. Our study provides a robust platform for generation of artificial human hearts and resolves major bottlenecks hindering further development of this technology.

Rajabi|Sarah|S|
Pahlavan|Sara|S|
Ashtiani|Mohammad Kazemi|MK|
Ansari|Hassan|H|
Abbasalizadeh|Saeed|S|
Sayahpour|Forough Azam|FA|
Varzideh|Fahimeh|F|
Kostin|Sawa|S|
Aghdami|Nasser|N|
Braun|Thomas|T|
Baharvand|Hossein|H|

D000818:Animals
D002417:Cattle
D002454:Cell Differentiation
D019070:Cell Lineage
D003114:Colony-Forming Units Assay
D005109:Extracellular Matrix
D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
D005786:Gene Expression Regulation
D006321:Heart
D000066449:Human Embryonic Stem Cells
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac
D017208:Rats, Wistar
D023822:Tissue Engineering
D054457:Tissue Scaffolds

Cardiovascular progenitor cell
Heart
bFGF
Organ bioengineering
Scalable culture


Ulcer like projection: a case report and follow up.

Abstract: Here we report the case of a 57-year-old female with an aortic intramural hematoma that was treated with medical approach. Follow confirmed the favorable clinical evolution.

Ihsen|Zairi|Z|
Mzoughi|Khadija|K|
Zouhaier|Jnifene|J|
Fathia|Ben Moussa|BM|
Segaier|Sonia|S|
Kamoun|Sofiene|S|
Fennira|Sana|S|
Kraiem|Sondos|S|

aortic intramural hematoma
Aorta
surgery
tomography
transesophageal