Interactions Between Air Pollution and Pollen Season for Rhinitis Using Mobile Technology: A MASK-POLLAR Study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Several studies have suggested an interaction between air pollution and pollen exposure with an impact on allergy symptoms. However, large studies with real-life data are not available.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate associations between major air pollutants (ozone and particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm) and allergic rhinitis (AR) control during grass and birch pollen seasons as well as outside the pollen season.

METHODS
The daily impact of allergic symptoms was recorded by the Allergy Diary (Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK [MASK-air]) app (a validated mHealth tool for rhinitis management) using visual analog scales (VASs) in Northern and Central Europe users in 2017 and 2018. Uncontrolled AR was defined using symptoms and medications. Pollutant levels were assessed using the System for Integrated modeLing of Atmospheric coMposition database. Pollen seasons were assessed by regions using Google Trends. Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for repeated measures per user, adjusting for sex, age, treatment, and country. Analyses were stratified by pollen seasons to investigate interactions between air pollutants and pollen exposure.

RESULTS
A total of 3323 geolocated individuals (36,440 VAS-days) were studied. Associations between uncontrolled rhinitis and pollutants were stronger during the grass pollen season. Days with uncontrolled AR increased by 25% for an interquartile range increase in ozone levels during the grass pollen season (odds ratio of 1.25 [95% CI, 1.11-1.41] in 2017 and of 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.25] in 2018). A similar trend was found for particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm, especially in 2017.

CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the relationship between uncontrolled AR and air pollution is modified by the presence of grass pollens. This study confirms the impact of pollutants in the grass pollen season but not in the birch pollen season.

Bédard|Annabelle|A|
Sofiev|Mikhail|M|
Arnavielhe|Sylvie|S|
Antó|Josep M|JM|
Garcia-Aymerich|Judith|J|
Thibaudon|Michel|M|
Bergmann|Karl Christian|KC|
Dubakiene|Ruta|R|
Bedbrook|Anna|A|
Onorato|Gabrielle L|GL|
Annesi-Maesano|Isabella|I|
Pépin|Jean-Louis|JL|
Laune|Daniel|D|
Zeng|Stéphane|S|
Bousquet|Jean|J|
Basagaña|Xavier|X|

Pollution
Ozone
Allergic rhinitis
MASK
Mobile health
PM(2.5)
POLLAR pollen


Potential of lignocellulosic fractions from Posidonia oceanica to improve barrier and mechanical properties of bio-based packaging materials.

Abstract: This work reports on the valorization of residues from Posidonia oceanica leaves for the purpose of obtaining lignocellulosic fractions of interest for the development of bio-based materials for food packaging. The lignocellulosic fractions were characterized, thereby confirming the purification of cellulose and showing increases in crystallinity and thermal stability after the consecutive extraction steps. Subsequently, pure lignocellulosic films were obtained and characterized and the pure cellulose film showed the best properties in terms of mechanical performance and water vapor permeability. Finally, composite starch films containing lignocellulosic fractions were developed by melt compounding and characterized. Although the film containing the pure cellulose additive showed the optimum improvement in terms of mechanical properties (with an increase of 85% in the elastic modulus and 38% in the tensile strength), similar water vapor permeability reduction (~40%) was achieved with the least purified fractions, explained by their effect on starch gelatinization, as evidenced by SAXS/WAXS.

Lignocellulosic fractions
Posidonia oceanica
Food packaging
Starch
Biopolymers


Retroperitoneal Gastrointestinal Type Schwannoma Presenting as a Renal Mass.

Abstract: Retroperitoneal schwannomas are extremely rare, and unreported in Urology. Often thought to be malignant from imaging the diagnosis is often delayed until Histology. We report a case of retroperitoneal schwanoma thought to be a malignant renal mass. Seventy three year old lady presented with abdominal pain. Imaging showed a mass attached to the renal pelvis thus she underwent a radical nephrectomy. Histology reported retroperitoneal schwannoma. Malignant forms are rare however treatment for these is surgical excision. Awareness of the existence of these tumors may help in avoiding unnecessary radical surgeries by opting for biopsy preoperatively.

Hall|Susan J|SJ|
Williams|Simon T|ST|
Jackson|Trevor A|TA|
Lee|Agnes T F|AT|
McCulloch|Tom A|TA|

Retroperitoneal Schwannoma Malignant Cancer


Clinicopathological correlation of radiologic measurement of post-therapy tumor size and tumor volume for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Tumor size measurement is critical for accurate tumor staging in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, accurate tumor size measurement is challenging in patients who received neoadjuvant therapy before resection, due to treatment-induced fibrosis and tumor invasion beyond the grossly identified tumor area. In this study, we evaluated the correlation between the tumor size and tumor volume measured on post-therapy computed tomography (CT) scans and the pathological measurement. Also, we investigated the correlation between these measurements and clinicopathological parameters and survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Retrospectively, we evaluated 343 patients with PDAC who received neoadjuvant therapy, followed by pancreaticoduodenectomy and had pre-operative pancreatic protocol CT imaging. We measured the longest tumor diameter (RadL) and the radiological tumor volume (RadV) on the post-therapy CT scan, then we categorized RadL into four radiologic tumor stages (RTS) based on the current AJCC staging (8th edition) protocol and RadV based on the median. Pearson correlation or Spearman's coefficient (δ), T-test and ANOVA was used to test the correlation between the radiological and pathological measurement. Chi-square analysis was used to test the correlation with the tumor pathological response, lymph-node metastasis and margin status and Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard for survival analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS
As a continuous variable, RadL showed a positive linear correlation with the post-therapy pathologic tumor size in the overall patient population (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.72, P < 0.001) and RadV (δ: 0.63, p < 0.0001). However, there was no correlation between RadL and pathologic tumor size in patients with ypT0 and those with pathologic tumor size of ≤1.0 cm. Post-therapy RTS and RadV group correlated with ypT stage, tumor response grades using either CAP or MDA grading system, distance of superior mesenteric artery margin and tumor recurrence/metastasis.

CONCLUSION
Although RadL tends to understage ypT in PDAC patients who had no radiologically detectable tumor or small tumors (RTS0 or RTS1), radiologic measurement of post-therapy tumor size may be used as a marker for the pathologic tumor staging and tumor response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Wei|Dongguang|D|
Zaid|Mohamed M|MM|
Katz|Matthew H|MH|
Prakash|Laura R|LR|
Kim|Michael|M|
Tzeng|Ching-Wei D|CD|
Lee|Jeffrey E|JE|
Agrawal|Anshuman|A|
Rashid|Asif|A|
Wang|Hua|H|
Varadhachary|Gauri|G|
Wolff|Robert A|RA|
Tamm|Eric P|EP|
Bhosale|Priya R|PR|
Maitra|Anirban|A|
Koay|Eugene J|EJ|
Wang|Huamin|H|

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D021441:Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal
D018572:Disease-Free Survival
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate
D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy
D009367:Neoplasm Staging
D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms
D016577:Pancreaticoduodenectomy
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D016019:Survival Analysis
D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Tumor stage
Radiologic tumor volume
Tumor response grade
Pancreatic cancer
Radiologic tumor size


No evidence of quantitative signal honesty across species of aposematic burnet moths (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae).

Abstract: Many defended species use conspicuous visual warning signals to deter potential predators from attacking. Traditional theory holds that these signals should converge on similar forms, yet variation in visual traits and the levels of defensive chemicals is common, both within and between species. It is currently unclear how the strength of signals and potency of defences might be related: conflicting theories suggest that aposematic signals should be quantitatively honest, or, in contrast, that investment in one component should be prioritized over the other, while empirical tests have yielded contrasting results. Here, we advance this debate by examining the relationship between defensive chemicals and signal properties in a family of aposematic Lepidoptera, accounting for phylogenetic relationships and quantifying coloration from the perspective of relevant predators. We test for correlations between toxin levels and measures of wing colour across 14 species of day-flying burnet and forester moths (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae), protected by highly aversive cyanogenic glucosides, and find no clear evidence of quantitative signal honesty. Significant relationships between toxin levels and coloration vary between sexes and sampling years, and several trends run contrary to expectations for signal honesty. Although toxin concentration is positively correlated with increasing luminance contrast in forewing pattern in 1 year, higher toxin levels are also associated with paler and less chromatically salient markings, at least in females, in another year. Our study also serves to highlight important factors, including sex-specific trends and seasonal variation, that should be accounted for in future work on signal honesty in aposematic species.

signal honesty
aposematism
defence
cyanogenic glucosides
Zygaena
comparative studies
insects


Signaling mechanism underlying α2A -adrenergic suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex of rats.

Abstract: Stimulation of α2A -adrenoceptors (ARs) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) produces a beneficial effect on cognitive functions such as working memory. A previous study in our laboratory showed that α2A -AR stimulation suppresses excitatory synaptic transmission in layer V-VI pyramidal cells of the rat medial PFC (mPFC). However, the intracellular mechanism underlying the α2A -AR suppression remains unclear. In the present study, we recorded evoked excitatory postsynaptic current (eEPSC) in layer V-VI pyramidal cells of the mPFC, using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. We found that the α2A -AR agonist guanfacine significantly suppresses eEPSC in mPFC pyramidal cells. The α2A -AR inhibition is mediated by the Gi-cAMP-PKA-PP1-CaMKII-AMPAR signaling pathway, as such inhibition no longer exists when each step of this pathway is blocked with NF023, Rp-cAMP, PKI5-24 or H89, tautomycin, and KN-62 or KN-93, respectively.

Yi|Feng|F| Liu|Shu-Su|SS| Luo|Fei|F| Zhang|Xue-Han|XH| Li|Bao-Ming|BM|

D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists

excitatory synaptic transmission
medial prefrontal cortex
rat
intracellular mechanism
α2A-adrenoceptor


Neurospora crassa as a model organism to explore the interconnected network of the cell cycle and the circadian clock.

Abstract: Budding and fission yeast pioneered uncovering molecular mechanisms of eukaryotic cell division cycles. However, they do not possess canonical circadian clock machinery that regulates physiological processes with a period of about 24h. On the other hand, Neurospora crassa played a critical role in elucidating molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms, but have not been utilized frequently for cell cycle studies. Recent findings demonstrate that there exists a conserved coupling between the cell cycle and the circadian clock from N.crassa to Mus musculus, which poses Neurospora as an ideal model organism to investigate molecular mechanisms and emerging behavior of the coupled network of the cell cycle and circadian rhythms. In this review, we briefly describe generic eukaryotic cell cycle regulation focusing on G1/S and G2/M transitions, and highlight that these transitions may be targeted for the circadian clock to influence timing of cell division cycles.

Zámborszky|Judit|J|
Csikász-Nagy|Attila|A|
Hong|Christian I|CI|

D000818:Animals
D002455:Cell Division
D057906:Circadian Clocks
D059585:G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints
D059565:G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints
D053263:Gene Regulatory Networks
D008938:Mitosis
D009492:Neurospora crassa

Neurospora crassa
Model organisms
Cell cycle
Circadian clock
Oscillations


Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates in the Capital of North Macedonia.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Campylobacter infections are typically self-limited, but in cases with severe enteritis, immuno-compromised system and bacteremia, an appropriate antimicrobial treatment is demanding. Our study aim was to determine the isolation rate of Campylobacter among patients with acute enteritis in the capital of North Macedonia and its antimicrobial susceptibility.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total number of 3820 patients clinically diagnosed as acute enteritis, were included in the study. Stool samples were collected and Campylobacter was isolated and identified by classical microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility of all isolates to Ceftriaxone, Amoxicillin-clavulonic acid, Erythromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline and Gentamicin was determined by disc-diffusion technique. Additionally, minimal inhibitory concentrations of all Campylobacter isolates against erythromycin, ciprofloxacin and tetracycline were determined by Epsilon gradient tests.

RESULTS
Campylobacter species was isolated in 97 patients. Although the mean isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. during the whole study period was 2.53%, a statistically significant increase was detected in 2016 and 2017, in comparison with the data from previous four years of the study. The isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. didn't reveal statistically significant difference between males and females (p > 0.05). 46.4 % of patients with Campylobacter enteritis were children at the age under 15 years. Forty-three C. jejuni isolates were susceptible to all six antibiotics, but the remaining 44 isolates revealed resistance to at least one antibiotic. C. coli isolates were resistant to 3 antibiotics simultaneously. Two C. coli isolates only, were susceptible to all 6 antibiotics. 40.90% of C. jejuni and 50% of C. coli isolates were resistant to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, simultaneously.

CONCLUSION
The increase of the isolation rate of Campylobacter from patients with acute enteritis indicates the need for permanent isolation and identification of Campylobacter from every clinically diagnosed patient, as acute enteritis. Erythromicin is the most effective antibiotic for treatment of Campylobacter enteritis in our patients. The high level of Campylobacter resistance to beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines requires more rational approach in the treatment of Campylobacter enteritis.

Trajkovska-Dokic|Elena|E| Mihajlov|Kiril|K| Mirchevska|Gordana|G| Kostovski|Marko|M| Blazevska|Aneta|A| Stojkovska|Snezana|S|

antimicrobial susceptibility
Campylobacter
acute enteritis


Crystal structure of diethyl 3,3'-[(2,4-di-chloro-phen-yl)methyl-idene]bis-(1H-indole-2-carboxyl-ate).

Abstract: In the title compound, C29H24Cl2N2O4, the mean planes of the two indole ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.1249 and 0.0075 Å) are approximately perpendic-ular to one another, with a dihedral angle of 80.9 (5)° between them. The benzene ring is inclined to the mean planes of the two indole ring systems by 76.1 (3) and 78.3 (4)°. Weak intra-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions affect the mol-ecular conformation. In the crystal, pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into inversion dimers which are further linked into supra-molecular chains by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and short Cl-Cl contacts.

Li|Yu-Long|YL| Sun|Hong-Shun|HS| Jiang|Hong|H| Chen|Yu-Liang|YL| Chen|Yang-Feng|YF|

crystal structure
MRI
bisindole
contrast agent


Domestic and peridomestic risk factors associated with transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in three hypo endemic, endemic, and hyper endemic areas: A randomized epidemiological study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by leishmania protozoa. Knowledge about health effects associated with environment situation and human behavior in national and local levels seems to be very necessary.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional case-control study was carried out in three adjacent counties of Isfahan province in Iran. Data were collected by face-to-face interviewing and recorded structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test and logistic. P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS
The economic level had significant association with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) transmission (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between existence of food storage and transmission of CL. We, however, found significant reduction of CL transmission following use of insect control measures (P < 0.05). The odds ratio for peridomestic transmission was 0.420 for houses that weren't round with any old or ruined houses.

CONCLUSION
We conclude that among aforementioned risk factors, the impact of peridomestic factors is stronger in CL transmission when compared with domestic and behavioral factors.

Nilforoushzadeh|Mohammad Ali|MA|
Hosseini|Seyed Mohsen|SM|
Heidari|Asieh|A|
Bidabadi|Leila Shirani|LS|
Siadat|Amir Hossein|AH|

domestic
peridomestic
risk factors
Cutaneous leishmaniasis
human behavior


Lipocalin-2-The myth of its expression and function.

Abstract: Lipocalin-2 is a functional biomarker for acute and chronic kidney diseases, heart failure and obesity-related medical complications. It is rapidly induced in epithelial cells under stress conditions, but constitutively produced from pre-adipocytes and mature adipocytes. Measuring the lipocalin-2 levels represents an effective approach for risk prediction, patient stratification and disease management. Nevertheless, due to ligand-binding, post-translational modification and protein-protein interaction, lipocalin-2 exists as multiple variants that elicit different pathophysiological functions. To characterize the specific structure-functional relationships of lipocalin-2 variants is critical for the development of biomarker assays with sufficient precision and reliability. Moreover, identifying the pathological forms of lipocalin-2 will provide new therapeutic targets and treatment approaches for obesity-related complications.

Li|Dahui|D|
Yan Sun|Wai|W|
Fu|Bowen|B|
Xu|Aimin|A|
Wang|Yu|Y|

lipocalin-2
biomarker
heart failure
kidney injury
metabolic disease


High interindividual variability in habitat selection and functional habitat relationships in European nightjars over a period of habitat change.

Abstract: An animal's choice of foraging habitat reflects its response to environmental cues and is likely to vary among individuals in a population. Analyzing the magnitude of individual habitat selection can indicate how resilient populations may be to anthropogenic habitat change, where individually varying, broadly generalist populations have the potential to adjust their behavior. We collected GPS point data from 39 European nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus) at a UK breeding site where restoration measures have altered large areas of habitat between breeding seasons. We calculated individual habitat selection over four breeding seasons to observe changes that might align with change in habitat. We also analyzed change in home range size in line with change in habitat availability, to examine functional relationships that can represent trade-offs made by the birds related to performance of the habitat. Individual explained more of the variation in population habitat selection than year for most habitat types. Individuals differed in the magnitude of their selection for different habitat types, which created a generalist population composed of both generalist and specialist individuals. Selection also changed over time but only significantly for scrub habitat (60% decrease in selection over 4 years). Across the population, individual home range size was 2% smaller where availability of cleared habitat within the home range was greater, but size increased by 2% where the amount of open water was higher, indicating the presence of trade-offs related to habitat availability. These results highlight that using individual resource selection and specialization measures, in conjunction with functional responses to change, can lead to better understanding of the needs of a population. Pooling specialist and generalist individuals for analysis could hide divergent responses to change and consequently obscure information that could be important in developing effective conservation strategies.

habitat selection
Caprimulgus
functional response
GPS tracking
individual behavior


Evaluation of different target genes for the detection of Salmonella sp. by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Abstract: The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique was used to investigate six salmonella-specific sequences for their suitability to serve as targets for the pathogen identification. Sequences selected for designing LAMP primers were genes invA, bcfD, phoP, siiA, gene62181533 and a region within the ttrRSBCA locus. Primers including single nucleotide polymorphisms were configured as degenerate primers. Specificity of the designed primer sets was determined by means of 46 salmonella and 32 other food- and waterborne bacterial reference species and strains. Primers targeting the ttrRSBCA locus showed 100 % inclusivity of target and exclusivity of other test species and strains. Other primer sets revealed deficiencies, especially regarding Salmonella enterica subsp. II-IV and Salmonella bongori. Additionally, primers targeting the siiA gene failed to detect S. enterica subsp. enterica serotypes Newport and Stanley, whereas bcfD primers did not amplify DNA of S. enterica subsp. enterica serotype Schleissheim. TtrRSBCA primers, providing short detection times and constant melting temperatures of amplification products, achieved best overall performance.

D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques

salmonella
LAMP
gene62181533
ttrRSBCA locus
siiA gene
bcfD gene
invA gene
phoP gene


The nature of self-assembled octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) layers on copper substrates.

Abstract:
HYPOTHESIS
The self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules onto solid substrates can result both in the formation of monolayers and multilayers. However, on oxidized and non-oxidized copper (Cu), only monolayer formation was reported for phosphonic acids possessing one phosphate head group. Here, the adsorption of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) on Cu substrates through a self-assembly process was investigated with the initial hypothesis of monolayer formation.

EXPERIMENTS
The relative amount of ODPA adsorbed on a Cu substrate was determined by infrared reflection/absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and by atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigations before and after ODPA deposition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with sputtering was used to characterize the nature of the layers.

FINDINGS
The results show that the thickness of the ODPA layer increased with deposition time, and after 1 h a multilayer film with a thickness of some tens of nm was formed. The film was robust and required long-time sonication for removal. The origin of the film robustness was attributed to the release of Cu ions, resulting in the formation of Cu-ODPA complexes with Cu ions in the form of Cu(I). Preadsorbing a monolayer of octadecylthiol (ODT) onto the Cu resulted in no ODPA adsorption, since the release of Cu(I) ions was abolished.

Zhao|Weijie|W|
Göthelid|Mats|M|
Hosseinpour|Saman|S|
Johansson|Malin B|MB|
Li|Gen|G|
Leygraf|Christofer|C|
Johnson|C Magnus|CM|


Big Data's Role in Precision Public Health.

Abstract: Precision public health is an emerging practice to more granularly predict and understand public health risks and customize treatments for more specific and homogeneous subpopulations, often using new data, technologies, and methods. Big data is one element that has consistently helped to achieve these goals, through its ability to deliver to practitioners a volume and variety of structured or unstructured data not previously possible. Big data has enabled more widespread and specific research and trials of stratifying and segmenting populations at risk for a variety of health problems. Examples of success using big data are surveyed in surveillance and signal detection, predicting future risk, targeted interventions, and understanding disease. Using novel big data or big data approaches has risks that remain to be resolved. The continued growth in volume and variety of available data, decreased costs of data capture, and emerging computational methods mean big data success will likely be a required pillar of precision public health into the future. This review article aims to identify the precision public health use cases where big data has added value, identify classes of value that big data may bring, and outline the risks inherent in using big data in precision public health efforts.

big data
precision public health
computational epidemiology
infectious disease surveillance
precision population health


Color It Real: A Program to Increase Condom Use and Reduce Substance Abuse and Perceived Stress.

Abstract: Few interventions have targeted perceived stress as a co-occurring construct central to substance use and subsequent HIV/AIDS risk reduction among African American urban young adults. The Color It Real Program was a seven session, weekly administered age-specific and culturally-tailored intervention designed to provide substance abuse and HIV education and reduce perceived stress among African Americans ages 18 to 24 in Atlanta, GA. Effectiveness was assessed through a quasi-experimental study design that consisted of intervention (n = 122) and comparison (n = 70) groups completing a pre- and post-intervention survey. A series of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were used to assess pre- to post-intervention changes between study groups. For intervention participants, perceived stress levels were significantly reduced by the end of the intervention (t(70) = 2.38, p = 0.020), condom use at last sexual encounter significantly increased (F = 4.43, p = 0.0360), intervention participants were significantly less likely to drink five or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting (F = 5.10, p = 0.0245), and to use clean needles when injecting the drug (F = 36.99, p = 0.0001). This study is among the first of its kind to incorporate stress management as an integral approach to HIV/SA prevention. The program has implications for the design of other community-based, holistic approaches to addressing substance use and risky behaviors for young adults.

Zellner|Tiffany|T| Trotter|Jennie|J| Lenoir|Shelia|S| Walston|Kelvin|K| Men-Na'a|L'dia|L| Henry-Akintobi|Tabia|T| Miller|Assia|A|

substance abuse
stress
African Americans
young adults
HIV prevention


Irisin, Energy Homeostasis and Male Reproduction.

Abstract: Irisin is a novel skeletal muscle- and adipose tissue-secreted peptide. It is conventionally regarded as an adipomyokine and is a cleaved fragment of Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5). It is involved in the browning of white adipose tissue, glucose tolerance, and reversing of metabolic disruptions. Fertility is closely linked to energy metabolism and the endocrine function of the adipose tissue. Moreover, there is established association between obesity and male infertility. Irisin bears strong therapeutic promise in obesity and its associated disorders, as well as shown to improve male reproductive functions. Thus, irisin is a molecule of great interest in exploring the amelioration of metabolic syndrome or obesity-induced male infertility. In this review we aim to enumerate the most significant aspects of irisin actions and discuss its involvement in energy homeostasis and male reproduction. Though current and future research on irisin is very promiscuous, a number of clarifications are still needed to reveal its full potential as a significant medicinal target in several human diseases including male infertility.

Sengupta|Pallav|P|
Dutta|Sulagna|S|
Karkada|Ivan Rolland|IR|
Akhigbe|Roland Eghoghosoa|RE|
Chinni|Suresh V|SV|

irisin
reproduction
energy metabolism
male infertility
metabolic syndrome


Romantic relationship group intervention for men with early psychosis: A feasibility, acceptability and potential impact pilot study.

Abstract:
AIM
To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of a cognitive behavioural group intervention occurring over 12 sessions and focusing on romantic relationships for single men with early psychosis.

METHODS
Recruitment, drop-out and participation rates were collected. An A-B-A within-subject design (n = 7), where each participant acted as his own control, was used to determine potential impact (on social functioning, romantic relationship functioning, self-esteem, theory of mind [ToM] and self-stigma) across time (six time points).

RESULTS
Feasibility and acceptability were established. As for the potential impact of the intervention, participants did not all evolve the same way. Improvements were found on social functioning ("behaviours" subscale), romantic relationship functioning and ToM ("mentalizing" subscale).

CONCLUSIONS
More studies are warranted to expand on these results and to further help men with early psychosis in their social and romantic development.

D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D005240:Feasibility Studies
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D010865:Pilot Projects
D011618:Psychotic Disorders
D012649:Self Concept

romantic relationships
early psychosis
cognitive behavioural therapy
intimacy
recovery


Factors associated with violence against women by an intimate partner in Northeast Brazil.

Abstract: This study examined the prevalence, and associated factors, of violence against women by an intimate partner amongst 369 women who attended nursing consultations at primary care centres in Northeast Brazil. Socio-demographic variables, substance use, mental health and the forms of violence were analysed. IPV was a reality for 65.4% of the women of reproductive age seen in the centres. IPV, including psychological violence, is associated with age, education and religion, particularly amongst female cannabis users whose partners were also substance users. Primary care providers are in a position to detect, screen, counsel and treat women who experience IPV.

Nunes|Benevina Maria Vilar Texeira|BMVT|

da Silva Júnior|Fernando José Guedes|FJG|

Women
Primary care
Substance use
Mental health
Intimate partner violence


Community structure and functioning below the streambed across contrasting geologies.

Abstract: There is little understanding of the variability in the structure and function of metazoan hyporheic communities across streams draining geologies that weather to produce different pore sizes and, by extension, different hydrological conditions. In this study we selected two catchments in each of three geologies that had differing values of hydraulic conductivity and porosity, and sampled four riffles in each catchment at high and low water levels and at two depths. We found clear differences in the physical template of streams draining different geologies and in the composition and abundance of communities inhabiting the hyporheic zones of streams draining chalk/sandstone and limestone geologies. However, we did not detect any significant differences in body size, biomass or functional measures (diversity, richness, redundancy) between the geologies. Our findings imply that ecosystem functioning in streams draining geologies that produce fine grain sediments may be similar to those draining geologies that produce coarse grained sediments irrespective of differences in the physical template and community structure.

Dunscombe|Mark|M| Robertson|Anne|A| Peralta-Maraver|Ignacio|I| Shaw|Peter|P|

Hyporheic zone
Biomass
Functional diversity
Functional redundancy
Hyporheos
Streambed biotope


Novel autoantibodies to the β-cell surface epitopes of ZnT8 in patients progressing to type-1 diabetes.

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in pancreatic islets. Seroconversions to islet autoantibodies (IAbs) precede the disease onset by many years, but the role of humoral autoimmunity in the disease initiation and progression are unclear. In the present study, we identified a new IAb directed to the extracellular epitopes of ZnT8 (ZnT8ec) in newly diagnosed patients with T1D, and demonstrated immunofluorescence staining of the surface of human β-cells by autoantibodies to ZnT8ec (ZnT8ecA). With the assay specificity set on 99th percentile of 336 healthy controls, the ZnT8ecA positivity rate was 23.6% (74/313) in patients with T1D. Moreover, 30 children in a longitudinal follow up of clinical T1D development were selected for sequential expression of four major IAbs (IAA, GADA, IA-2A and ZnT8icA). Among them, 10 children were ZnT8ecA positive. Remarkably, ZnT8ecA was the earliest IAb to appear in all 10 children. The identification of ZnT8ec as a cell surface target of humoral autoimmunity in the earliest phase of IAb responses opens a new avenue of investigation into the role of IAbs in the development of β-cell autoimmunity.

Gu|Yong|Y| Merriman|Chengfeng|C| Guo|Zheng|Z| Jia|Xiaofan|X| Wenzlau|Janet|J| Li|Hua|H| Li|Huilin|H| Rewers|Marian|M| Yu|Liping|L| Fu|Dax|D|

Autoantibody
ZnT8
Type-1 diabetes
Autoimmunity
ADCC
Beta cell stress
CDC
Islet cell surface antibody
Pancreatic beta cells
Zinc transporter-8


Three dialogues concerning robots in elder care.

Abstract: The three dialogues in this contribution concern 21st century application of life-like robots in the care of older adults. They depict conversations set in the near future, involving a philosopher (Dr Phonius) and a nurse (Dr Myloss) who manages care at a large facility for assisted living. In their first dialogue, the speakers discover that their quite different attitudes towards human-robot interaction parallel fundamental differences separating their respective concepts of consciousness. The second dialogue similarly uncovers deeply contrasting notions of personhood that appear to be associated with respective communities of nursing and robotics. The additional key awareness that arises in their final dialogue links applications of life-like robots in the care of older adults with potential transformations in our understandings of ourselves - indeed, in our understandings of the nature of our own humanity. This series of dialogues, therefore, appears to address a topic in nursing philosophy that merits our careful attention.

Metzler|Theodore A|TA|
Barnes|Susan J|SJ|

ethics of care
frail elderly
technology
the role of nurses


MicroRNA-203 up-regulates nitric oxide expression in temporomandibular joint chondrocytes via targeting TRPV4.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognised as important regulators of a variety of fundamental biologic processes. Our study was undertaken to examine the role of MicroRNA-203 (miR-203) in modulating nitric oxide (NO) expression in female Sprague-Dawley rat mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs) via targeting transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) and to demonstrate the possible mechanism of NO inhibition by chondroprotective factor 17β-oestradiol (E2).

METHODS
The expression of TRPV4 in mandibular condylar cartilage tissue and MCCs was detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (IF), RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Primary SD rat MCCs were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), plus Ruthenium Red, 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4αPDD), over-expressed miR-203 or E2 (10(-9) to 10(-6)M), the cellular supernatants were used for NO assay, miR-203 levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR while TRPV4 expression changes were analysed by Western blot. The dual luciferase activity assay was performed to identify the target gene of miR-203.

RESULTS
TRPV4 and miR-203 were stably expressed in MCCs. The MCCs' expression of NO evoked by LPS could be enhanced or depressed by Ruthenium Red or 4αPDD. The dual luciferase assay suggested that TRPV4 was the direct target gene of miR-203. Over-expression of miR-203 inhibited the expression of TRPV4 and increased NO expression in MCCs. E2 inhibited NO expression by inhibition of miR-203, which was concurrent with the up-regulation of TRPV4 expression level in MCCs.

CONCLUSION
Our findings first suggested that miR-203 could up-regulate NO expression in female rat MCCs via targeting TRPV4. Moreover, the inhibition of NO by E2 might be at least in part through this mechanism.

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)


Examining plant uptake and translocation of emerging contaminants using machine learning: Implications to food security.

Abstract: When water and solutes enter the plant root through the epidermis, organic contaminants in solution either cross the root membranes and transport through the vascular pathways to the aerial tissues or accumulate in the plant roots. The accumulation of contaminants in plant roots and edible tissues is measured by root concentration factor (RCF) and fruit concentration factor (FCF). In this paper, 1) a neural network (NN) was applied to model RCF based on physicochemical properties of organic compounds, 2) correlation and significance of physicochemical properties were assessed using statistical analysis, 3) fuzzy logic was used to examine the simultaneous impacts of significant compound properties on RCF and FCF, 4) a clustering algorithm (k-means) was used to identify unique groups and discover hidden relationships within contaminants in various parts of the plants. The physicochemical cutoffs achieved by fuzzy logic for the RCF and the FCF were compared versus the cutoffs for compounds that crossed the plant root membranes and found their way into transpiration stream (measured by transpiration stream concentration factor, TSCF). The NN predicted the RCF with improved accuracy compared to mechanistic models. The analysis indicated that log Kow, molecular weight, and rotatable bonds are the most important properties for predicting the RCF. These significant compound properties are positively correlated with RCF while they are negatively correlated with TSCF. Comparing the relationships between compound properties in various plant tissues showed that compounds detected in the edible parts have physicochemical cutoffs that are more like the compounds crossing the plant root membranes (into xylem tissues) than the compounds accumulating in the plant roots, with clear relationships to food security. The cluster analysis placed the contaminants into three meaningful groups that were in agreement with the results of fuzzy logic.

Bagheri|Majid|M|
Al-Jabery|Khalid|K|
Wunsch|Donald|D|
Burken|Joel G|JG|

D016000:Cluster Analysis
D005523:Food Supply
D017143:Fuzzy Logic
D000069550:Machine Learning
D016571:Neural Networks, Computer
D010944:Plants
D012989:Soil Pollutants
D052584:Xylem

Plant uptake
Food security
Neural network
Fuzzy logic
Clustering algorithm


PAH concentrations and exposure assessment from house dust retained in air-conditioning filters collected from Greater Doha, Qatar.

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound in dust retained in air-conditioning unit filters from 13 households in Greater Doha, Qatar, were quantified using GC-MS spectrometry. The median concentrations of ∑16PAH and ∑7PAH were 218.0 ng g-1 (± 125.3) and 112.1 ng g-1 (± 60.2) dry weight, respectively. Results show that except one sample, three- and four-benzene-ring PAHs were dominant in all dust samples. Phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benzene(a)anthracene, and chrysene were dominant in 12 samples with maximum concentrations of 69.7 ng g-1 (± 24.0), 92.9 ng g-1 (± 28.1), 60.4 ng g-1 (± 14.7), 38.6 ng g-1 (± 7.3), and 14.7 ng g-1 (± 3.5), respectively. Benzo(k)fluoranthene has the most abundance of the quantified PAHs in the dust samples accounting for 19% of the total PAHs. Although Kriging interpolation shows a spatial variation of PAHs from north to south of Greater Doha, the mean concentrations in both directions were statically insignificant. Five samples displayed levels of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with maximum and median concentrations at 110.8 ng g-1 and 49.9 (± 28.4) dry weight, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent approach [Formula: see text] was applied to assess carcinogenic exposure, and the resulting values (1.3-116.4 ng g-1) indicate that the levels observed were below the values reported for other countries within the region. Estimated daily ingestion (EDI) rates of PAHs retained in ACU filters were assessed for five age-groups < 1, 1-2, 3-6, 11-16, and > 19 years and were 0.39 (± 0.1), 0.33 (± 0.1), 0.20 (± 0.02), 0.07 (± 0.02), and 0.05 (± 0.01) ng kg-1/day, respectively. Source apportionment estimate indicates PAHs bound in dust retained in ACU filters are originated from pyrogenic sources.

AC filter dust retained
BaP equivalent approach
Daily ingestion intake rate
Indoor air quality
PAH exposure assessment


Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bellevalia saviczii Root Extract and Its Isolated Homoisoflavonoid (Dracol) Are Mediated by Modification on Calcium Signaling.

Abstract: Bellevalia saviczii is a medicinal plant used as anti-rheumatic and anti-inflammatory herbal remedy in Iraqi-Kurdistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of its extract and the isolated homoisoflavonoid (Dracol) by studying the Ca2+-dependent NF-kB pathway. Nuclear translocation of p65 NF-kB subunit, as parameter of NF-kB activation, was visualized in human leukemic monocytes by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses, after cell treatment with B. saviczii root extract or Dracol followed by Lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In parallel, Ca2+ signals responsible for NF-kB activation and levels of inflammatory cytokines were investigated. LPS-induced p65 translocation was evident in monocytes and both treatments, in particular that with Dracol, were able to counteract this activation. Intracellular Ca2+ oscillations were halted and the cytokine release reduced. These results confirm the traditional anti-inflammatory efficacy of B. saviczii and identify one of the molecules in the extract which appears to be responsible of this action.

Savio|Monica|M|
Ibrahim|Mohammed Farhad|MF|
Scarlata|Chiara|C|
Orgiu|Matteo|M|
Accardo|Giuseppe|G|
Sardar|Abdullah Shakur|AS|
Moccia|Francesco|F|0000-0003-0010-0098
Stivala|Lucia Anna|LA|
Brusotti|Gloria|G|0000-0001-7786-3769

Bellevalia saviczii
NF-kB
Ca2+ signaling
homoisoflavoinoids


Representation of outcome risk and action in the anterior caudate nucleus.

Abstract: The anterior caudate nucleus is essential for goal-directed behavior because it links outcome information to actions. It is well known that caudate neurons provide a variety of reward-related and action signals. However, it is still unclear how the two signals are integrated. We investigated whether and how outcome risk modulates spatial representation. We recorded neural activity in the anterior caudate nucleus while monkeys made saccades to multiple spatial targets, each associated with either fixed (safe) or variable (risky) amount of reward. We report that individual neurons combined the outcome reward signal with spatial information about the direction of saccades. These signals could be reliably read out from the populations of neurons. Moreover, the prospect of a risky outcome improved the quality of spatial information. These results provide direct evidence that global spatial representation in the caudate is modulated by outcome, which can be important for flexible control of behavior, particularly during learning and habit formation, when outcomes vary.

risk
basal ganglia
decision making
electrophysiology
neuronal populations
nonhuman primates


Combining experimental and computational studies to understand and predict reactivities of relevance to homogeneous catalysis.

Abstract: This article showcases three major uses of computational chemistry in reactivity studies: the application after, in combination with, and before experiment. Following a brief introduction of suitable computational tools, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of computational chemistry in reactivity studies are discussed, exemplified with selected case studies from our and other laboratories.

Tsang|Althea S-K|AS|
Sanhueza|Italo A|IA|
Schoenebeck|Franziska|F|

D002384:Catalysis
D060326:Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
D017076:Computer-Aided Design
D008956:Models, Chemical
D008958:Models, Molecular
D008968:Molecular Conformation

homogeneous catalysis
computational chemistry
design
reaction mechanisms
synthesis


Amniotic fluid embolism - implementation of international diagnosis criteria and subsequent pregnancy recurrence risk.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
An international diagnostic criterion for amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) diagnosis has recently been published. Data regarding subsequent pregnancies is scarce. We sought to implement recent diagnostic criteria and detail subsequent pregnancies in survivors.

METHODS
A case series of all suspected AFE cases at a tertiary medical center between 2003 and 2018 is presented. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for AFE were included. Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes described. Pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies in AFE survivors detailed.

RESULTS
Between 2003 and 2018 14 women were clinically suspected with AFE and 12 of them (85.71%) met the diagnostic criteria for AFE. Three cases occurred during midtrimester dilation and evacuation procedures, and the remaining occurred in the antepartum period. Of the antepartum cases, mode of delivery was cesarean delivery or vacuum extraction for expedited delivery due to presentation of AFE in 8/9 cases (88.88%). Clinical presentation included cardiovascular collapse, respiratory distress and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). Heart failure of varying severity was diagnosed in 75% (9/12) cases. Composite maternal morbidity was 5/12 (41.66%), without cases of maternal mortality. 11 subsequent pregnancies occurred in four AFE survivors. Pregnant women were followed by a high-risk pregnancy specialist and multidisciplinary team if pregnancy continued beyond the early second trimester. Six pregnancies resulted in a term delivery. No recurrences of AFE were documented.

CONCLUSIONS
Use of a diagnostic criterion for diagnosis of AFE results in a more precise diagnosis of AFE. Nevertheless, the accuracy of clinical diagnosis is still high. Subsequent pregnancies were not associated with AFE recurrence.

diagnostic technique obstetrics and gynecology


Catalytic Regio- and Enantioselective Alkylation of Conjugated Dienyl Amides.

Abstract: A method for catalytic asymmetric alkylation of conjugated dienyl amides has been developed and it allows efficient and high-yielding transformations of a wide range of polyconjugated amides into the corresponding chiral products. Smooth addition of organomagnesium reagents to relatively unreactive dienyl amides with excellent 1,6- and 1,4-selectivities, as well as enantioselectivites above 90 %, is achieved owing to the complementary action of the Lewis acid and a chiral copper-based catalyst.

conjugation
Lewis acids
asymmetric catalysis
copper
regioselectivity


Degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) in microcosms mimicking sediment environment subjected to comparative bioremediation strategies.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine bioremediation strategies for BDE-209 contaminated sediments. Sediment microcosms were established to observe anaerobic debromination of BDE-209 under conditions representing three bioremediation strategies: biostimulation, bioaugmentation and natural attenuation. To simulate biostimulation, a defined mineral medium containing both a carbon source (sodium formate) and electron donor (ethanol) was added into sediments. Bioaugmentation was established by enrichment of the sediments using a culture of Dehalobium chlorocoercia strain DF-1, previously shown to dechlorinate polychlorinated biphenyls, to sediments. No amendments were made to the third set in order to represent natural attenuation. The biostimulation, bioaugmentation and natural attenuation strategies resulted in 55.3%, 40.2% and 30.9% reductions in BDE-209, respectively, after 180 days. Nona- through tri-BDEs were observed as products, with 17 PBDE congeners detected in 25 different proposed debromination pathways. At the end of the 180 day incubation period, the products for bioaugmentation, biostimulation and natural attenuation were tri-BDEs, tetra-BDEs and penta-BDEs, respectively. The proposed pathways revealed that meta- and ortho-Br removal were favored in sediments, and that debromination regiospecificity varied with each bioremediation strategy applied. Lastly, pseudo-first-order rate constants for BDE-209 reduction were calculated as 0.0049 d-1, 0.0028 d-1, 0.0025 d-1 for biostimulation, bioaugmentation and natural attenuation, respectively.

D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental
D019015:Geologic Sediments
D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)
Bioremediation
Dehalobium chlorocoercia strain DF-1
Flame retardants
Reductive debromination
Sediment microcosm assays


Aflatoxin in raw walnut kernels marketed in Tehran, Iran.

Abstract: The occurrence of aflatoxin in 35 samples of raw walnuts, which were randomly collected from Iranian supermarkets in Tehran, was examined. Analysis of aflatoxin was performed by solvent extraction and immunoaffinity clean-up followed by determination using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Limits of detection (LOD) for the aflatoxins were 0.03-0.25 ng g⁻¹. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 0.12-0.80 ng g⁻¹. Total aflatoxin concentrations in the samples ranged from 0 to 112.8 ng g⁻¹. About 74.3% of the samples were contaminated with aflatoxins, of which 20.0% exceeded the maximum tolerable limit of 15 ng g⁻¹ set by Codex.

D053000:Analytic Sample Preparation Methods

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

aflatoxins
walnut
HPLC with flourescence
cereals and grain


Side-by-side placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents for malignant distal biliary obstruction.

Abstract: A covered self-expandable metal stent is an efficient and established tool for solution of biliary obstruction. The use of multiple fully covered self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for distal malignant biliary obstruction has never been reported. The first case, a 33-year-old female with pancreatic head cancer had low bifurcation of the hepatic ducts and developed obstructive cholangitis by the first single SEMS. The second case, a-59-year-old female with pancreatic head cancer repeatedly underwent biliary decompression by a single SEMS (10-mm, 12-mm), because placed SEMSs were repeatedly dislocated. For solving these problems, we performed side-by-side placement of covered self-expandable metal stents. Finally, side-by-side placement of SEMSs across the papilla for distal malignant biliary obstruction was feasible and available for the two cases.

D000069322:Self Expandable Metallic Stents

Side-by-side placement
Self-expandable metal stent
Malignant biliary obstruction


Circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells in metastatic triple negative breast cancer patients.

Abstract: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a new circulating tumor biomarker which might be used as a prognostic biomarker in a way similar to circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Here, we used the high prevalence of TP53 mutations in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) to compare ctDNA and CTC detection rates and prognostic value in metastatic TNBC patients. Forty patients were enrolled before starting a new line of treatment. TP53 mutations were characterized in archived tumor tissues and in plasma DNA using two next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms in parallel. Archived tumor tissue was sequenced successfully for 31/40 patients. TP53 mutations were found in 26/31 (84%) of tumor samples. The same mutation was detected in the matched plasma of 21/26 (81%) patients with an additional mutation found only in the plasma for one patient. Mutated allele fractions ranged from 2 to 70% (median 5%). The observed correlation between the two NGS approaches (R(2) = 0.903) suggested that ctDNA levels data were quantitative. Among the 27 patients with TP53 mutations, CTC count was ≥1 in 19 patients (70%) and ≥5 in 14 patients (52%). ctDNA levels had no prognostic impact on time to progression (TTP) or overall survival (OS), whereas CTC numbers were correlated with OS (p = 0.04) and marginally with TTP (p = 0.06). Performance status and elevated LDH also had significant prognostic impact. Here, absence of prognostic impact of baseline ctDNA level suggests that mechanisms of ctDNA release in metastatic TNBC may involve, beyond tumor burden, biological features that do not dramatically affect patient outcome.

Madic|Jordan|J|
Kiialainen|Anna|A|
Bidard|Francois-Clement|FC|
Birzele|Fabian|F|
Ramey|Guillemette|G|
Leroy|Quentin|Q|
Rio Frio|Thomas|T|
Vaucher|Isabelle|I|
Raynal|Virginie|V|
Bernard|Virginie|V|
Lermine|Alban|A|
Clausen|Inga|I|
Giroud|Nicolas|N|
Schmucki|Roland|R|
Milder|Maud|M|
Horn|Carsten|C|
Spleiss|Olivia|O|
Lantz|Olivier|O|
Stern|Marc-Henri|MH|
Pierga|Jean-Yves|JY|
Weisser|Martin|M|
Lebofsky|Ronald|R|

D064726:Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms

circulating tumor DNA
circulating tumor cells
triple negative breast cancer
TP53
next generation sequencing


Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections Related to Peritoneal Dialysis.

Abstract: Most infections related to peritoneal dialysis (PD) are caused by common bacteria, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria are rare. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of PD patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections were investigated at our hospital. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria were detected in 11 patients (exit-site infection, tunnel infection, and peritonitis in 3, 5, and 3 patients, respectively). Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium abscessus were identified in 4, 2, and 2 patients, respectively. Most patients with peritonitis or tunnel infection required catheter removal. During the study period (2007 - 2017), peritonitis occurred in 44 patients, including 3 patients (6.8%) with non-tuberculous mycobacterial peritonitis. When non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection occurs, multi-agent antibiotic therapy, unroofing surgery, and/or catheter replacement should be performed to prevent peritonitis.

Inoue|Hiroyuki|H| Washida|Naoki|N| Morimoto|Kohkichi|K| Shinozuka|Keisuke|K| Kasai|Takahiro|T| Uchiyama|Kiyotaka|K| Tokuyama|Hirobumi|H| Wakino|Shu|S| Itoh|Hiroshi|H|

Peritoneal dialysis
peritonitis
non-tuberculous mycobacteria


Different Silver Nanoparticles in One Crystal: Ag210 (i PrPhS)71 (Ph3 P)5 Cl and Ag211 (i PrPhS)71 (Ph3 P)6 Cl.

Abstract: Two pure silver nanoparticles (Ag210 (i PrPhS)71 (Ph3 P)5 Cl and Ag211 (i PrPhS)71 (Ph3 P)6 Cl labeled as SD/Ag210 and SD/Ag211 (SD=SunDi), were found to co-crystallize in forming compound 1. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) revealed that they differ by only one Ag(PPh3 ). Their four-shell nanoparticles consist of three pure Ag metal shells (Ag19 @Ag52 @Ag45 ) shielded by a silver-organic Ag89 (i PrPhS)71 Cl[Ag(Ph3 P)]n outermost shell. The number (n) of Ag(Ph3 P) is five for SD/Ag210 and six for SD/Ag211. The pseudo-fivefold symmetric Ag nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon absorption similar to a true metallic state but at the nanoscale. This work exemplifies the important effects of phosphine in stabilizing large silver nanoparticles; and offers a platform to investigate the origin of differences in nanoscale metal materials, even differing by only one metal atom; it also sheds light on the regioselective binding of auxiliary Ph3 P on the surface of silver nanoparticles.

silver nanoparticles
co-crystallization
surface plasmon
core-shell
thiol


The artery of Wollschlaeger and Wollschlaeger: an anatomical-clinical illustration.

Abstract: The artery of Wollschlaeger and Wollschlaeger is an underreported yet important branch of the superior cerebellar artery. This artery feeds the adjacent tentorium and becomes enlarged and elongated in cases of vascular tumours and malformations of the tentorium. The present report is the first anatomical depiction of this artery in the literature.

Tayebi Meybodi|Ali|A|
Vigo|Vera|V|
Lawton|Michael T|MT|
Benet|Arnau|A|

Skull base surgery
dural arteriovenous fistula
subtemporal approach
tentorial meningioma


Beneficial nonmotor effects of subthalamic and pallidal neurostimulation in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Subthalamic (STN) and pallidal (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) improve quality of life, motor, and nonmotor symptoms (NMS) in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). However, few studies have compared their nonmotor effects.

OBJECTIVE
To compare nonmotor effects of STN-DBS and GPi-DBS.

METHODS
In this prospective, observational, multicenter study including 60 PD patients undergoing bilateral STN-DBS (n = 40) or GPi-DBS (n = 20), we examined PDQuestionnaire (PDQ), NMSScale (NMSS), Unified PD Rating Scale-activities of daily living, -motor impairment, -complications (UPDRS-II, -III, -IV), Hoehn&Yahr, Schwab&England Scale, and levodopa-equivalent daily dose (LEDD) preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. Intra-group changes at follow-up were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank or paired t-test, if parametric tests were applicable, and corrected for multiple comparisons. Inter-group differences were explored with Mann-Whitney-U/unpaired t-tests. Analyses were performed before and after propensity score matching which balanced out demographic and preoperative clinical characteristics. Strength of clinical changes was assessed with effect size.

RESULTS
In both groups, PDQ, UPDRS-II, -IV, Schwab&England Scale, and NMSS improved significantly at follow-up. STN-DBS was significantly better for LEDD reduction, GPi-DBS for UPDRS-IV. While NMSS total score outcomes were similar, explorative NMSS domain analyses revealed distinct profiles: Both targets improved sleep/fatigue and mood/cognition, but only STN-DBS the miscellaneous (pain/olfaction) and attention/memory and only GPi-DBS cardiovascular and sexual function domains.

CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study to report distinct patterns of beneficial nonmotor effects of STN-DBS and GPi-DBS in PD. This study highlights the importance of NMS assessments to tailor DBS target choices to patients' individual motor and nonmotor profiles.

Dafsari|Haidar S|HS|
Dos Santos Ghilardi|Maria Gabriela|MG|
Visser-Vandewalle|Veerle|V|
Rizos|Alexandra|A|
Ashkan|Keyoumars|K|
Silverdale|Monty|M|
Evans|Julian|J|
Martinez|Raquel C R|RCR|
Cury|Rubens G|RG|
Jost|Stefanie T|ST|
Barbe|Michael T|MT|
Fink|Gereon R|GR|
Antonini|Angelo|A|
Ray-Chaudhuri|K|K|
Martinez-Martin|Pablo|P|
Fonoff|Erich Talamoni|ET|
Timmermann|Lars|L|
|||

Deep brain stimulation
Quality of life
Nonmotor symptoms
Globus Pallidus internus
Non-motor symptoms
Subthalamic nucleus


Use and preferences regarding internet-based health care delivery in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Internet-based technologies play an increasingly important role in the management and outcome of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The healthcare system is currently flooded with digital innovations and internet-based technologies as a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, information about the attitude of German CKD-patients with access to online tools towards the use of remote, internet-based interactions such as video conferencing, email, electronic medical records and apps in general and for health issues in particular, are missing.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS
To address the use, habits and willingness of CKD patients in handling internet-based technologies we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey in adults with CKD.

RESULTS
We used 380 questionnaires from adult CKD patients (47.6% on dialysis, 43.7% transplanted and 8.7% CKD before renal replacement therapy) for analysis. Of these 18.9% denied using the internet at all (nonusers). Nonusers were significantly older (74.4 years, SD 11.4) than users (54.5 years, SD 14.5, p < 0.001), had a lower educational level than users (≥ 12 years: 6.9% versus 47.1%, p < 0.001) and were more often on dialysis. Within the group of internet users only a minority (2.6%) was using video conferencing with their physician, only 11.7% stated that they were using email to report symptoms and 26.6% were using the internet to schedule appointments. Slightly more than one-third of internet users (35.1%) are concerned that their personal medical data are not safe when submitted via the internet.

CONCLUSIONS
Within our group of German CKD-patients we found that almost one out of five patients, especially older patients and patients with a lower educational level, did not use the internet at all. The majority of internet users reported in our survey that they have not used internet-based technologies within a medical context so far, but are willing to consider it. Therefore, it seems to be important to introduce and teach motivated CKD-patients the use and benefits of simple and safe internet-based health care technologies.

Schiffer|Lena|L|0000-0003-1616-8636
Gertges|Raoul|R|
Nöhre|Mariel|M|
Schieffer|Elisabeth|E|
Tegtbur|Uwe|U|
Pape|Lars|L|
de Zwaan|Martina|M|
Schiffer|Mario|M|

Internet-based technologies
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Video conferencing
eHealth


Smartphone Usage, Social Media Engagement, and Willingness to Participate in mHealth Weight Management Research Among African American Women.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
African American women (AAW) are in a unique position to be recruited into mobile (mHealth) weight management research and programs due to their high rates of obesity and their high ownership of smartphones.

AIM
This study examined smartphone usage, social media engagement, and willingness to participate in mHealth weight management among AAW in north-central Florida, United States.

METHODS
A self-administered survey was completed by a convenience sample of 425 smartphone owners in north-central Florida.

RESULTS
Mean age was 34.84 ± 13.74, with age distribution of 18 to 29 (45%), 30 to 50 (39%), and 51+ years (17%). Mean body mass index was 29.52 ± 8.18. Most used smartphones to access the Internet daily and were engaged with eight social media sites, such as Facebook (85%), YouTube (75%), and Google+ (57%). Compared to those 51+, those 18 to 29 were more likely to use YouTube (odds ratio [OR] = 2.52, p = .017) and Instagram (OR = 10.90, p < .0001), but they were less likely to use Google+ (OR = 0.40, p = .009). Compared to those 51+, those 30 to 50 were more likely to use Instagram (β = 1.28, OR = 3.61, p = .014) and Facebook (β = 1.04, OR = 2.84, p < .006). Most were willing to participate in research that used text messages (73%), smartwatches/fitness trackers (69%), and smartphone apps (68%). Compared to those 51+, women 18 to 29 were more likely to report willingness to use a smartphone app (OR = 5.45, p < .0001) as were those 30 to 50 (OR = 3.14, p < .0001).

CONCLUSION
AAW's high ownership of smartphones, use of mHealth apps and tools, and willingness to participate in mHealth research has the potential to curb the obesity epidemic by participating in mHealth weight management programs and research.

James|Delores C S|DCS|
Harville|Cedric|C|

mHealth
weight management
African Americans
obesity
eHealth


Evidence for carry-over effects of predator exposure on pathogen transmission potential.

Abstract: Accumulating evidence indicates that species interactions such as competition and predation can indirectly alter interactions with other community members, including parasites. For example, presence of predators can induce behavioural defences in the prey, resulting in a change in susceptibility to parasites. Such predator-induced phenotypic changes may be especially pervasive in prey with discrete larval and adult stages, for which exposure to predators during larval development can have strong carry-over effects on adult phenotypes. To the best of our knowledge, no study to date has examined possible carry-over effects of predator exposure on pathogen transmission. We addressed this question using a natural food web consisting of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the mosquito vector Anopheles coluzzii and a backswimmer, an aquatic predator of mosquito larvae. Although predator exposure did not significantly alter mosquito susceptibility to P. falciparum, it incurred strong fitness costs on other key mosquito life-history traits, including larval development, adult size, fecundity and longevity. Using an epidemiological model, we show that larval predator exposure should overall significantly decrease malaria transmission. These results highlight the importance of taking into account the effect of environmental stressors on disease ecology and epidemiology.

Roux|Olivier|O|
Vantaux|Amélie|A|
Roche|Benjamin|B|
Yameogo|Koudraogo B|KB|
Dabiré|Kounbobr R|KR|
Diabaté|Abdoulaye|A|
Simard|Frederic|F|
Lefèvre|Thierry|T|

host–parasite and predator–prey interactions


In Vitro Evaluation of Osteoblast Response to the Effect of Injectable Platelet-rich Fibrin Coating on Titanium Disks.

Abstract:
AIM
Biomimetic implant surface coatings can improve osteoblast response and enhance osseointegration. This study aimed to assess the response of osteoblast-like cell line (MG-63) coating of injectable platelet-rich fibrin on titanium discs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Injectable-PRF (i-PRF) was prepared by centrifugation of blood at 700 rpm for 3 minutes without any anti-coagulant in i-PRF tubes. Ten commercially pure titanium discs were divided into control groups comprising plain discs, and test group, titanium discs were coated with i-PRF. These were then added to the cultured MG-63 cells. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase production, and mineralization were assessed in both groups at day 1, 7, 14, and 21.

RESULTS
The cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase production, and mineralization increased significantly from day 1 to day 21 in both test and control groups and was significantly higher in the test group than in control group at day 1, 7, 14, and 21 (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Coating of titanium discs with i-PRF causes increased proliferation, alkaline phosphatase production, and increased mineralization at day 1, 7, 14, and 21 in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Improved osteoblast proliferation and mineralization demonstrate enhanced activity on the surface of an implant, which in turn may lead to increased bone to implant contact and faster/ and/or enhanced osseointegration.

Shah|Rucha|R|
Thomas|Raison|R|
Gowda|Triveni Mavinkote|TM|
Baron|Tarun Kumar Amanna|TKA|
Vemanaradhya|Gayathri Gunjiganur|GG|
Bhagat|Shivani|S|

Osseointegration
Bone
Dental implants
Osteoblasts Platelet-rich fibrin.


Ultrasonographic measurement of antral area for estimating gastric fluid volume in pregnant women.

Abstract:
STUDY OBJECTIVE
To calculate the stomach volume according to the antral area in pregnant women.

DESIGN
Prospective observational study.

SETTING
One of the maternity units in our hospital.

PATIENTS
24 singleton pregnancy women, over 18-year-old, non-laboring, gestational age ≥ 36 weeks, ASA physical status I to II were involved in our study.

INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
An ultrasound assessment of the antrum was performed to the pregnant women after 8 hours fasting for the first time. Those lacking of visualization of any gastric contents in the antrum in both the supine and the right lateral decubitus positions were included in our study. Thereafter 50 ml of water was ingested, 4 times, 200 ml in total. The antrum area was examined 2mins after each 50 ml ingest of water.

MAIN RESULTS
A high correlation between CSA and volume of liquid ingested (r = 0.90,P < 0.01) was found. We can construct a formula for the prediction of volume values based on the measured CSA values and demographic variables. The equation is: Volumeml=270.76+13.68∗CSA-1.20∗gestationalage CONCLUSIONS: Bedside antrum area examination by ultrasonography can provide quantitative information for the assessment of the gastric content and volume in the pregnant women. We can calculate the actual stomach capacity according to the CSA of the gastric antrum.

Chen|Xiubin|X| Chen|Fenghua|F| Zhao|Qingsong|Q| Zhang|Lina|L| Liu|Zhiqiang|Z|

Ultrasound
Antrum area
Gastric content and volume
Pregnant woman


Severity of pediatric pain in relation to school-related functioning and teacher support: an epidemiological study among school-aged children and adolescents.

Abstract: The current cross-sectional study examined child and adolescent pain severity in relation to various domains of school functioning and, in line with self-determination theory, the potentially protective role of perceived teacher support of child/adolescent autonomy and competence. Data from a large representative sample of Flemish school children and adolescents (N=10650; 50.8% boys; age range 10-21years; mean age=14.33) was collected as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborative Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey. Child/adolescent pain severity was graded based on a pediatric pain classification system adapted from that of Von Korff et al. The current study thus provided insight regarding the prevalence of pain among Flemish children/adolescents and, extending the limitations of existing literature, examined the specific role of pain severity across various domains of school functioning. Findings indicated that a sizeable proportion of children reported moderate to severe pain problems (ie, about 14% of children and adolescents were classified in the highest pain grades: ie, grade III or IV). Furthermore, higher pain grades were associated with poorer outcomes across all indices of school functioning (ie, school absenteeism, school-related pressure and satisfaction, and bullying experiences), with the exception of academic performance. However, the association between pain grade and school absenteeism was less pronounced when children perceived their teachers to be highly supportive of competence and autonomy. Furthermore, teacher support of competence appeared to buffer against the harmful effects of severe pain upon instances of bullying experiences at school. Future research directions and implications for school-based interventions are discussed.

Vervoort|Tine|T|
Logan|Deirdre E|DE|
Goubert|Liesbet|L|
De Clercq|Bart|B|
Hublet|Anne|A|

Teacher
Support
Children
Pain severity
School functioning
Self-determination theory
Prevalence


Anesthetic Management of Awake Craniotomy for Resection of the Language and Motor Cortex Vascular Malformations.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although the safety and feasibility of awake craniotomy are well established for epilepsy and brain tumor surgery, its application for resection of vascular lesions, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernomas, is still limited. Apart from the usual challenges of awake craniotomy, vascular lesions pose several additional problems. Our goal is to determine the safety and practicality of awake craniotomy in patients with cerebral vascular malformations located near the eloquent areas, using a refined anesthetic protocol.

METHODS
A retrospective case series was performed on 7 patients who underwent awake craniotomy for resection of AVMs or cavernomas located in the eloquent language and motor areas. Our protocol consisted of achieving deep sedation, without a definitive airway, using a combination of propofol, dexmedetomidine, and remifentanil/fentanyl during scalp block placement and surgical exposure, then transitioning to a wakeful state during the resection.

RESULTS
Six patients had intracranial AVMs, and 1 patient had a cavernoma. Six patients had complete resection; however, 1 patient underwent repeat awake craniotomy for residual AVM nidus. The patients tolerated the resection under continuous awake neurologic and neurophysiologic testing without significant perioperative complications or the need to convert to general anesthesia with a definitive airway.

CONCLUSIONS
Awake craniotomy for excision of intracranial vascular malformations located near the eloquent areas, in carefully selected patients, can facilitate resection by allowing close neuromonitoring and direct functional assessment. A balanced combination of sedative and analgesic medications can provide both adequate sedation and rapid wakeup, facilitating the necessary patient interaction and tolerance of the procedure.

Wang|Annie Ting|AT|
Pillai|Promod|P|
Guran|Elyse|E|
Carter|Harmony|H|
Minasian|Tanya|T|
Lenart|John|J|
Vandse|Rashmi|R|

D020786:Hemangioma, Cavernous, Central Nervous System

Craniotomy
Arteriovenous malformations
Propofol
Dexmedetomidine
Remifentanil
Brain vascular malformations


The estimation of diagnostic accuracy of tests for COVID-19: A scoping review.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To assess the methodologies used in the estimation of diagnostic accuracy of SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and other nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and to evaluate the quality and reliability of the studies employing those methods.

METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of English-language articles published December 31, 2019-June 19, 2020. Studies of any design that performed tests on ≥10 patients and reported or inferred correlative statistics were included. Studies were evaluated using elements of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) guidelines.

RESULTS
We conducted a narrative and tabular synthesis of studies organized by their reference standard strategy or comparative agreement method, resulting in six categorizations. Critical study details were frequently unreported, including the mechanism for patient/sample selection and researcher blinding to results, which lead to concern for bias.

CONCLUSIONS
Current studies estimating test performance characteristics have imperfect study design and statistical methods for the estimation of test performance characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 tests. The included studies employ heterogeneous methods and overall have an increased risk of bias. Employing standardized guidelines for study designs and statistical methods will improve the process for developing and validating rRT-PCR and NAAT for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Axell-House|Dierdre B|DB|
Lavingia|Richa|R|
Rafferty|Megan|M|
Clark|Eva|E|
Amirian|E Susan|ES|
Chiao|Elizabeth Y|EY|

D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction


What is the evidence for mirtazapine in treating cancer-related symptomatology? A systematic review.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Cancer patients often experience multiple distressing symptoms which are challenging to manage. It would therefore be helpful to find a treatment that alleviates more than one symptom, to avoid polypharmacy: mirtazapine has been used in several studies for this purpose. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of mirtazapine in alleviating one or more frequently encountered cancer-related symptoms.

METHODS
Systematic review of clinical trials in English or French. Eight databases were searched. Included studies assessed the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating one or more frequently encountered cancer-related symptoms. Comparator and validated assessment tools were required. Studies were independently appraised by two investigators before data synthesis.

RESULTS
The search yielded 1898 references, from which we identified 12 relevant articles evaluating highly heterogeneous outcomes. These were two randomised-controlled (RCTs), three non-randomised controlled, and seven non-randomised non-controlled trials. In total, 392 participants were included and 185 were in RCTs. No study assessed the effectiveness of mirtazapine in alleviating symptoms at the same time, but some considered more than one symptom. Overall, the data was of poor quality, limited by small sample size and bias. However, mirtazapine showed effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, emesis and neuropathic pain. Across all studies, mirtazapine is safe to use, with drowsiness and dizziness the most common side-effects.

CONCLUSION
Study design and small sample sizes limit the ability to interpret results. Trials to assess the impact of mirtazapine or other medicines in alleviating multiple symptoms would be valuable.

D058669:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Antagonists

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Mirtazapine
Neoplasms
Palliative care
Polysymptomatology
Supportive care in cancer


After-hours primary care for people with intellectual disabilities in The Netherlands-Current arrangements and challenges.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the organisation of after-hours primary care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), and mainstream care is not self-evidently accessible or fit for this group. A first step towards improvement is a greater understanding of current after-hours primary ID care.

AIMS
This study explores the organisation of and experiences with after-hours primary care provided for people with ID in The Netherlands.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES
A telephone survey amongst 68 care provider services including questions on organisational characteristics, problem areas, facilitators, and inhibitors.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS
A multitude of different after-hours primary care arrangements were found. Primary care physicians (PCPs) were involved in almost all care provider services, often in alliance with PCP cooperatives. Specialised ID physicians had differing roles as gatekeeper, primary caregiver, or consultant. Most problems during the after-hours arose regarding daily care professionals' competences. Facilitators and inhibitors of after-hours primary care were themed around complexity of, and need for, specialised care, multidisciplinary team of professionals, communication and information, and prerequisites at organisational level.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Evidence on specific after-hours health needs of people with ID is needed to strengthen collaboration between specialist ID care services and mainstream healthcare services to adequately provide care.

van Schrojenstein Lantman-de Valk|Henny M J|HMJ|

Intellectual disability
After-hours care
Primary healthcare


Antithrombotic therapy for chronic coronary syndrome and atrial fibrillation: less might be more.

Abstract: The best strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) after > 12 months after an acute coronary syndrome or in patients with chronic coronary syndrome without an indication for interventional revascularization remains unclear. European guidelines generally recommend therapy with oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone, whereas North American guidelines advise combination therapy consisting of OAC plus antiplatelet therapy in some patients. We performed a meta-analysis of available trials comparing these treatment strategies. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), secondary endpoints included major bleeding, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality. Study level data were analyzed. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. risk rates (RR) were calculated using a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird). Two randomized trials evaluating 1905 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Rates of MACE (RR 0.91 95% CI 0.58-1.41; p = 0.66; I2 75%), MI (RR 1.75 95% CI 0.87-3.55; p = 0.12; I2 0%) and ischemic stroke (RR 0.83 95% CI 0.53-1.31; p = 0.42; I2 0%) did not differ between the OAC monotherapy and the OAC combination therapy. With regards to safety, rates of major bleeding (RR 0.66 95% CI 0.49-0.91; p = 0.01; I2 0%), and of hemorrhagic stroke (RR 0.43 95% CI 0.19-1.00; p = 0.05; I2 0%) were lower in patients on OAC monotherapy. Based on available evidence summarized in this meta-analysis, we think that primum non nocere still stands true: unless future randomized evidence suggests otherwise, most AF patients should be on OAC monotherapy.

Guidelines
Oral anticoagulation
Combination therapy
Monotherapy


Asymmetric reinforcement in Lucania killifish: assessing reproductive isolation when both sexes choose.

Abstract: Reinforcement can occur when maladaptive hybridization in sympatry favors the evolution of conspecific preferences and target traits that promote behavioral isolation (BI). In many systems, enhanced BI is due to increased female preference for conspecifics. In others, BI is driven by male preference, and in other systems both sexes exert preferences. Some of these patterns can be attributed to classic sex-specific costs and benefits of preference. Alternatively, sex differences in conspecific preference can emerge due to asymmetric postzygotic isolation (e.g., hybrid offspring from female A × male B have lower fitness than hybrid offspring from female B × male A), which can lead to asymmetric BI (e.g., female A and male B are less likely to mate than female B and male A). Understanding reinforcement requires understanding how conspecific preferences evolve in sympatry. Yet, estimating conspecific preferences can be difficult when both sexes are choosy. In this study, we use Lucania killifish to test the hypothesis that patterns of reinforcement are driven by asymmetric postzygotic isolation between species. If true, we predicted that sympatric female Lucania goodei and sympatric male L. parva should have lower levels of BI compared with their sympatric counterparts, as they produce hybrid offspring with the highest fitness. To address the problem of measuring BI when both sexes are choosy, we inferred the contribution to BI of each partner using assays where one sex in the mating pair comes from an allopatric population with potentially low preference, whereas the other comes from a sympatric population with high preference. For one hybrid cross direction, we found that both female L. parva and male L. goodei have high contributions to BI in sympatry. In the other hybrid cross direction, we found that only female L. goodei contribute to BI. Sympatric male L. parva readily engaged in hybrid spawnings with allopatric L. goodei females. These results indicate that both asymmetric postzygotic isolation and the traditional sex-specific costs to preference likely affect the nature of selection on conspecific preferences and target traits.

St John|Michelle E|ME|
Fuller|Rebecca C|RC|

reinforcement
behavioral isolation
asymmetric costs to hybridization
female mate choice
male mate choice


Metabolism and excretion of 1-hydroxymethylpyrene, the proximate metabolite of the carcinogen 1-methylpyrene, in rats.

Abstract: 1-Methylpyrene, an alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and environmental carcinogen, is activated by side-chain hydroxylation to 1-hydroxymethylpyrene (1-HMP) and subsequent sulfo conjugation to the DNA-reactive 1-sulfooxymethylpyrene. In addition to the bioactivation, processes of metabolic detoxification and transport greatly influence the genotoxicity of 1-methylpyrene. For a better understanding of 1-HMP detoxification in vivo we studied urinary and fecal metabolites in rats following intraperitoneal doses of 19.3mg 1-HMP/kg body weight (5 rats) or the same dose containing 200μCi [(14)C]1-HMP/kg body weight (2 rats). After 48h, 48.0% (rat 1) and 29.1% (rat 2) of the radioactivity was recovered as 1-HMP in the feces. Six major metabolites were observed by UV and on-line radioactivity detection in urine samples and feces after HPLC separation. The compounds were characterized by mass spectrometry, (1)H NMR and (1)H-(1)H COSY NMR spectroscopy, which allowed assigning tentative molecular structures. Two prominent metabolites, 1-pyrene carboxylic acid (M-6) and the acyl glucuronide of 1-pyrene carboxylic acid (M-5) accounted for 17.7% (rat 1) and 25.2% (rat 2) of the overall radioactive dose. Further, we detected the acyl glucuronide of 6-hydroxy-1-pyrene carboxylic acid (M-1) and 8-sulfooxy-1-pyrene carboxylic acid (M-3) together with two regioisomers of M-3 (M-2 and M-4) differing in position of the sulfate group at the pyrene ring. In urine samples, the radioactivity of 1-pyrene carboxylic acid and its five derivatives amounted to 32.4% (rat 1) or 45.5% (rat 2) of the total [(14)C]1-HMP dose.

Bendadani|Carolin|C|
Steinhauser|Lisa|L|
Albert|Klaus|K|
Glatt|Hansruedi|H|
Monien|Bernhard H|BH|

Alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons


Targeted Isolation of Indole Alkaloids from Streptomyces sp. CT37.

Abstract: Four compounds (1-4) were isolated from the extracts of Streptomyces sp. CT37 using bioassay in conjunction with mass spectrometric molecular networking (MN) driven isolation. Their complete structures were established by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESIMS), and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data. Legonimide 1 was identified as a new alkaloid containing a rare linear imide motif in its structure, while compounds 2-4 were already known and their structures were elucidated as 1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde, actinopolymorphol B, (2R,3R)-1-phenylbutane-2,3-diol, respectively. The biosynthetic pathways of 1-4 were proposed based on the reported biogenesis of indole alkaloids in literature. Bioactivity tests for 1 and 2 revealed moderate growth inhibition activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 with MIC95 values of 21.54 µg/mL and 11.47 µg/mL, respectively.

D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular

D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

indole alkaloids
Streptomyces sp. CT37
legonimide
imide
antifungal
natural products


Cross-sectional associations between sleep duration, sedentary time, physical activity, and adiposity indicators among Canadian preschool-aged children using compositional analyses.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sleep duration, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity are three co-dependent behaviours that fall on the movement/non-movement intensity continuum. Compositional data analyses provide an appropriate method for analyzing the association between co-dependent movement behaviour data and health indicators. The objectives of this study were to examine: (1) the combined associations of the composition of time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) with adiposity indicators; and (2) the association of the time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, LPA, or MVPA with adiposity indicators relative to the time spent in the other behaviours in a representative sample of Canadian preschool-aged children.

METHODS
Participants were 552 children aged 3 to 4 years from cycles 2 and 3 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey. Sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA were measured with Actical accelerometers (Philips Respironics, Bend, OR USA), and sleep duration was parental reported. Adiposity indicators included waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) z-scores based on World Health Organization growth standards. Compositional data analyses were used to examine the cross-sectional associations.

RESULTS
The composition of movement behaviours was significantly associated with BMI z-scores (p = 0.006) but not with WC (p = 0.718). Further, the time spent in sleep (BMI z-score: γ sleep  = -0.72; p = 0.138; WC: γ sleep  = -1.95; p = 0.285), sedentary behaviour (BMI z-score: γ SB  = 0.19; p = 0.624; WC: γ SB  = 0.87; p = 0.614), LPA (BMI z-score: γ LPA  = 0.62; p = 0.213, WC: γ LPA  = 0.23; p = 0.902), or MVPA (BMI z-score: γ MVPA  = -0.09; p = 0.733, WC: γ MVPA  = 0.08; p = 0.288) relative to the other behaviours was not significantly associated with the adiposity indicators.

CONCLUSIONS
This study is the first to use compositional analyses when examining associations of co-dependent sleep duration, sedentary time, and physical activity behaviours with adiposity indicators in preschool-aged children. The overall composition of movement behaviours appears important for healthy BMI z-scores in preschool-aged children. Future research is needed to determine the optimal movement behaviour composition that should be promoted in this age group.

Carson|Valerie|V|
Tremblay|Mark S|MS|
Chastin|Sebastien F M|SFM|

Sleep
Physical activity
Adiposity
Sedentary behaviour
Preschool children


Gut Anaerobes Capable of Chicken Caecum Colonisation.

Abstract: Chicks in commercial production are highly sensitive to enteric infections and their resistance can be increased by administration of complex adult microbiota. However, it is not known which adult microbiota members are capable of colonising the caecum of newly hatched chicks. In this study, we therefore orally inoculated chicks with pure cultures of 76 different bacterial isolates originating from chicken caecum on day 1 of life and determined their ability to colonise seven days later. The caecum of newly hatched chickens could be colonised by bacteria belonging to phyla Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Synergistetes, or Verrucomicrobia, and isolates from class Negativicutes (phylum Firmicutes). On the other hand, we did not record colonisation with isolates from phyla Actinobacteria and Firmicutes (except for Negativicutes), including isolates from families Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Lactobacillaceae. Representatives of genera commonly used in probiotics such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, or Bacillus therefore did not colonise the chicken intestinal tract after a single dose administration. Following challenge with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, the best protecting isolates increased the chicken's resistance to S. Enteritidis only tenfold, which, however, means that none of the tested individual bacterial isolates on their own efficiently protected chicks against S. Enteritidis.

Kubasova|Tereza|T| Kollarcikova|Miloslava|M| Crhanova|Magdalena|M| Karasova|Daniela|D| Cejkova|Darina|D| Sebkova|Alena|A| Matiasovicova|Jitka|J| Faldynova|Marcela|M| Sisak|Frantisek|F| Babak|Vladimir|V| Pokorna|Alexandra|A| Cizek|Alois|A| Rychlik|Ivan|I|

chicken
caecum
colonisation
oral inoculation
Bacteroidetes
Firmicutes
Salmonella


Image based validation of dynamical models for cell reorientation.

Abstract: A key feature of directed cell movement is the ability of cells to reorient quickly in response to changes in the direction of an extracellular stimulus. Mathematical models have suggested quite different regulatory mechanisms to explain reorientation, raising the question of how we can validate these models in a rigorous way. In this study, we fit three reaction-diffusion models to experimental data of Dictyostelium amoebae reorienting in response to alternating gradients of mechanical shear flow. The experimental readouts we use to fit are spatio-temporal distributions of a fluorescent reporter for cortical F-actin labeling the cell front. Experiments performed under different conditions are fitted simultaneously to challenge the models with different types of cellular dynamics. Although the model proposed by Otsuji is unable to provide a satisfactory fit, those suggested by Meinhardt and Levchenko fit equally well. Further, we show that reduction of the three-variable Meinhardt model to a two-variable model also provides an excellent fit, but has the advantage of all parameters being uniquely identifiable. Our work demonstrates that model selection and identifiability analysis, commonly applied to temporal dynamics problems in systems biology, can be a powerful tool when extended to spatio-temporal imaging data.

cell reorientation
Dictyostelium
identifiability analysis
actin
fluorescence microscopy
image based model fitting
spatio-temporal pattern formation


A pilot study documenting increased thrombin generation following abrupt withdrawal of heparin therapy in healthy dogs.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To document if a transient hypercoagulable state occurs in healthy dogs following abrupt cessation of unfractionated heparin (UFH) therapy.

DESIGN
Prospective experimental pilot study.

SETTING
University research facility.

ANIMALS
Seven adult random-source male dogs.

INTERVENTION
Thromboelastography (TEG) and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex formation were used to assess coagulation status in healthy dogs. Seven adult research dogs received 200-300 IU/kg subcutaneous UFH every 8 hours for 4 days. A final IV bolus of 100 IU/kg was given on day 4 and the peak measured heparin concentration 1 hour later is defined as the start of heparin withdrawal (time 0). Citrated whole blood samples were collected at baseline (prior to heparin administration) and 3, 6, 12, 30, and 48 hours after UFH withdrawal. At all time points, a kaolin-activated TEG was performed and citrated plasma for measurement of TAT concentration was collected for batch analysis. Fibrinogen concentration, PCV, total plasma proteins, and platelet count were measured at baseline and 48 hours after heparin withdrawal.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
Compared to baseline, TAT was increased 12 hours after heparin withdrawal and returned to baseline by 30 hours. TEG clot formation time (K) was decreased 30 and 48 hours after heparin withdrawal.

CONCLUSION
TAT results suggest that a transient increase in thrombin generation developed 12 hours after withdrawal of UFH therapy. Though clot kinetics were rapid compared to baseline beginning 30 hours after heparin withdrawal, a return to baseline was not documented. Future studies are warranted to determine the clinical relevance of these results and to evaluate the effect of UFH withdrawal in critically ill animals.


Surgical Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability Using an Inferior Extensor Retinaculum Flap: A Retrospective Study.

Abstract: Chronic lateral ankle instability causes significant problems with physical activity. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the results of ligamentous retensioning combined with reinforcement using an extensor retinaculum flap. A consecutive series of 38 patients were included with a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years. The functional results were assessed using the Karlsson and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale scores. The pre- and postoperative radiologic assessment was performed using stress radiographs to measure varus tilt and anterior drawer tests. All 38 patients were followed up for 2.5 to 7.2 years, and 35 patients were satisfied. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scale score had improved significantly from 57 (range 20 to 70) points preoperatively to 95 (range 80 to 100) points postoperatively (p < .0001), and 35 patients believed their ankle was more stable after surgery. The patients had returned to their previous sports activities an average of 4.7 (range 2 to 12) months after surgery. On the stress radiographs, the mean talar tilt angle had improved significantly from 15.2° (range 6° to 26°) preoperatively to 3.8° (range 1° to 8°) at the final follow-up visit (p < .001), and the mean anterior talar had improved significantly from 13.2 (range 8 to 18) mm preoperatively to 4 (range 4 to 7) mm at the final follow-up visit (p < .002). Regarding the prognostic factors, a link was found between the functional result and residual radiologic laxity measured on the stress radiographs. Reconstruction of the lateral ligaments for chronic ankle instability combining capsuloligamentous retensioning and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum flap resulted in successful outcomes, excellent ankle stability, and preservation of ankle joint mobility. This technique addressed both lateral ankle and subtalar instability by developing an extraarticular interosseous ligament.

Trichine|Faycal|F| Friha|Toufik|T| Boukabou|Azzedine|A| Belaid|Lamine|L| Bouzidi|Terek|T| Bouzitouna|Mahdjoub|M|

ankle instability
extensor retinaculum flap
subtalar instability
stress radiography


An Integrated Assessment Approach to Address Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana.

Abstract: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is growing in many regions of the world including Ghana. The problems in these communities are complex and multi-faceted. To help increase understanding of such problems, and to enable consensus-building and effective translation of scientific findings to stakeholders, help inform policies, and ultimately improve decision making, we utilized an Integrated Assessment approach to study artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities in Ghana. Though Integrated Assessments have been used in the fields of environmental science and sustainable development, their use in addressing specific matter in public health, and in particular, environmental and occupational health is quite limited despite their many benefits. The aim of the current paper was to describe specific activities undertaken and how they were organized, and the outputs and outcomes of our activity. In brief, three disciplinary workgroups (Natural Sciences, Human Health, Social Sciences and Economics) were formed, with 26 researchers from a range of Ghanaian institutions plus international experts. The workgroups conducted activities in order to address the following question: What are the causes, consequences and correctives of small-scale gold mining in Ghana? More specifically: What alternatives are available in resource-limited settings in Ghana that allow for gold-mining to occur in a manner that maintains ecological health and human health without hindering near- and long-term economic prosperity? Several response options were identified and evaluated, and are currently being disseminated to various stakeholders within Ghana and internationally.

Basu|Niladri|N|
Renne|Elisha P|EP|
Long|Rachel N|RN|

gold mining
policy
public health
social sciences
economics
Minamata Convention
anthropology
artisanal mining
gender
history
implementation
mercury
small-scale mining