Implementation of the EIRA 3 Intervention by Targeting Primary Health Care Practitioners: Effectiveness in Increasing Physical Activity.

Abstract: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that physical inactivity (PI) is responsible for 20 to 30% of all non-communicable diseases. We aimed to analyze the effectiveness of a multiple health behavior change (MHBC) intervention to increase physical activity (PA) in patients 45 to 75 years old who had at least 2 of 3 unhealthy behaviors (tobacco use, reduced fruit and vegetable consumption, and insufficient PA). The MHBC intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model and the conceptual framework of the "5 A's" and includes an individually tailored intervention, group sessions, and the use of community resources. We included 3062 participants, 1481 in the intervention group and 1581 in the control group. After 12 months, there were no differences in PA intensity measured by metabolic_equivalent_of_task_minutes/week (adjusted mean difference: 284.093, 95% CI: -298.24, 866.42) nor in the proportion of participants who increased PA levels to moderate or high (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.23; p = 0.822), and no differences in blood pressure, weight loss, or waist circumference. We found an increased proportion of patients in the intervention group who followed the WHO recommendations for PA (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.60; p = 0.02). We concluded that the intervention did not lead to a significant increase in PA.

multiple health behavior change intervention


Metabolism and Autoimmune Responses: The microRNA Connection.

Abstract: Distinct metabolic pathways are known to regulate growth, differentiation, survival, and activation of immune cells by providing energy and specific biosynthetic precursors. Compelling experimental evidence demonstrates that effector T cell functions are coupled with profound changes in cellular metabolism. Importantly, the effector T cell-dependent "anti-self" response characterizing the autoimmune diseases is accompanied by significant metabolic alterations. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), evolutionary conserved small non-coding RNA molecules that affect gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs, are now known to regulate multiple functions of effector T cells, including the strength of their activation, thus contributing to immune homeostasis. In this review, we will examine the most recent studies that describe miRNA direct involvement in the metabolic reprogramming that marks effector T cell functions. In particular, we will focus on the work showing a connection between miRNA regulatory function and the molecular network dysregulation that leads to metabolic pathway derangement in autoimmunity. Finally, we will also speculate on the possibility that the interplay between miRNAs and metabolism in T cells may help identify novel miRNA-based therapeutic strategies to treat effector T cell immunometabolic alterations in pathological conditions such as autoimmunity and chronic inflammation.

Colamatteo|Alessandra|A|
Micillo|Teresa|T|
Bruzzaniti|Sara|S|
Fusco|Clorinda|C|
Garavelli|Silvia|S|
De Rosa|Veronica|V|
Galgani|Mario|M|
Spagnuolo|Maria Immacolata|MI|
Di Rella|Francesca|F|
Puca|Annibale A|AA|
de Candia|Paola|P|
Matarese|Giuseppe|G|

T cells
autoimmune diseases
miRNAs
immunometabolism
metabolic regulation


Copper removal from wastewater by a chitosan-based biodegradable composite.

Abstract: This work demonstrates that a biodegradable chitosan-based biocomposite packed in mini-reactors successfully removes copper ions from aqueous solutions. The chitosan is obtained by deacetylation of biological chitin, which is extracted from shrimp wastes by lactic acid fermentation. The polysaccharide is embedded in a biodegradable prepolymer matrix before extrusion to produce porous cylindrical pellets of 2 × 80 mm. The highest copper ion removal is 62.5 mg Cu2+ per g of the biodegradable adsorbent. Additionally, the adsorption capacity of the material, below its saturation, allows several cycles of reuse with a hydraulic retention time reduction of 1 h. This chitosan-based material is advantageous when compared with other approaches using non-biodegradable materials or costly commercial adsorbents for removing heavy metal ions in wastewater effluents as well as a filter component in water purification devices.

Copper
Wastewater
Chitosan-based biocomposite
Chitosan
Extrusion
Adsorption


Functional neuroimaging for addiction medicine: From mechanisms to practical considerations.

Abstract: During last 20 years, neuroimaging with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in people with drug addictions has introduced a wide range of quantitative biomarkers from brain's regional or network level activities during different cognitive functions. These quantitative biomarkers could be potentially used for assessment, planning, prediction, and monitoring for "addiction medicine" during screening, acute intoxication, admission to a program, completion of an acute program, admission to a long-term program, and postgraduation follow-up. In this chapter, we have briefly reviewed main neurocognitive targets for fMRI studies associated with addictive behaviors, main study types using fMRI among drug dependents, and potential applications for fMRI in addiction medicine. Main challenges and limitations for extending fMRI studies and evidences aiming at clinical applications in addiction medicine are also discussed. There is still a significant gap between available evidences from group-based fMRI studies and personalized decisions during daily practices in addiction medicine. It will be important to fill this gap with large-scale clinical trials and longitudinal studies using fMRI measures with a well-defined strategic plan for the future.

Ekhtiari|Hamed|H|
Faghiri|Ashkan|A|
Oghabian|Mohammad-Ali|MA|
Paulus|Martin P|MP|

Addiction medicine
fMRI
Prediction
Personalized
Measurement


Effects of acute and sub-acute hypobaric hypoxia on oxidative stress: a field study in the Alps.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
High altitude results in lower barometric pressure and hence partial pressure of O2 decrease can lead to several molecular and cellular changes, such as generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Electron Paramagnetic Resonance technique was adopted in the field, to evaluate the effects of acute and sub-acute hypobaric hypoxia (HH) on ROS production by micro-invasive method. Biological biomarkers, indicators of oxidative stress, renal function and inflammation were investigated too.

METHODS
Fourteen lowlander subjects (mean age 27.3 ± 5.9 years) were exposed to HH at 3269 m s.l. ROS production, related oxidative damage to cellular components, systemic inflammatory response and renal function were determined through blood and urine profile performed at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, and 14th days during sojourn.

RESULTS
Kinetics of changes during HH exposition showed out significant (range p < 0.05-0.0001) increases that at max corresponds to 38% for ROS production rate, 140% for protein carbonyl, 44% for lipid peroxidation, 42% for DNA damage, 200% for inflammatory cytokines and modifications in renal function (assessed by neopterin concentration: 48%). Conversely, antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.0001) decreased - 17% at max.

CONCLUSION
This 14 days in-field study describes changes of oxidative-stress biomarkers during HH exposure in lowlanders. The results show an overproduction of ROS and consequent oxidative damage to protein, lipids and DNA with a decrease in antioxidant capacity and the involvement of inflammatory status and a transient renal dysfunction. Exposure at high altitude induces a hypoxic condition during acute and sub-acute phases accompanied by molecular adaptation mechanism indicating acclimatization.

Hypobaric hypoxia
Oxidative stress
Reactive oxygen species
Electron paramagnetic resonance
Acclimatization


Preoperative predictors for outcomes after total hip replacement in patients with osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
This systematic review examines which patient related factors influence functional and clinical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS
We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched databases and trial registries for prospective studies including OA patients who underwent primary THA. Studies with preoperative measurements on predictors, with at least 1 year follow-up were included. Risk of bias and confounding was assessed for two domains: follow-up rate and looking at independent effects.

RESULTS
Thirty-five studies were included (138,039 patients). Only nine studies (29 %) had low risk of bias for all domains thus suggesting an overall low quality of evidence. Studies were heterogeneous in the predictors tested and in the observed directions of the associations. Overall, preoperative function (13 studies (37 %), 2 with low risk of bias) and radiological OA (6 studies (17 %), 1 with low risk of bias) were predictors with the most consistent findings. Worse preoperative function and more severe radiological OA were associated with larger postoperative improvement. However, these patients never reached the level of postoperative functioning as patients with better preoperative function or less severe radiological OA. For age, gender, comorbidity, pain and quality of life the results of studies were conflicting. For BMI, some studies (n = 5, 2 with low risk of bias) found worse outcomes for patients with higher BMI. However, substantial improvement was still achieved regardless of their BMI.

CONCLUSION
There is not enough evidence to draw succinct conclusions on preoperative predictors for postoperative outcome in THA, as results of studies are conflicting and the methodological quality is low. Results suggest to focus on preoperative function and radiological osteoarthritis to decide when THA will be most effective. The present mapping of current evidence on the relationship between patient related factors and outcomes provides better information compared to individual studies and may help to set patient expectations before surgery. In addition, these findings may contribute to discussions on how to achieve the best possible postoperative outcome for specific patient groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
This systematic review was registered in Prospero, registration number RD42014009977 .

Hofstede|Stefanie N|SN|
Gademan|Maaike G J|MG|
Vliet Vlieland|Thea P M|TP|
Nelissen|Rob G H H|RG|
Marang-van de Mheen|Perla J|PJ|

Predictors
Outcome
Osteoarthritis
Review
Hip arthroplasty


Learning Two-View Correspondences and Geometry via Local Neighborhood Correlation.

Abstract: Seeking quality feature correspondences (also known as matches) is a foundational step in computer vision. In our work, a novel and effective network with a stable local constraint, named the Local Neighborhood Correlation Network (LNCNet), is proposed to capture abundant contextual information of each correspondence in the local region, followed by calculating the essential matrix and camera pose estimation. Firstly, the k-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm is used to divide the local neighborhood roughly. Then, we calculate the local neighborhood correlation matrix (LNC) between the selected correspondence and other correspondences in the local region, which is used to filter outliers to obtain more accurate local neighborhood information. We cluster the filtered information into feature vectors containing richer neighborhood contextual information so that they can be used to more accurately determine the probability of correspondences as inliers. Extensive experiments have demonstrated that our proposed LNCNet performs better than some state-of-the-art networks to accomplish outlier rejection and camera pose estimation tasks in complex outdoor and indoor scenes.

Dai|Luanyuan|L| Liu|Xin|X| Wang|Jingtao|J| Yang|Changcai|C| Chen|Riqing|R|

correspondence
neighborhood correlation
pose estimation
feature matching
outlier removal


Radiosynthesis and biological evaluation of an fluorine-18 labeled galactose derivative [18F]FPGal for imaging the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor.

Abstract: The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is abundantly expressed on the surface of hepatocytes where it recognizes and endocytoses glycoproteins with galactosyl and N-acetylgalactosamine groups. Given its hepatic distribution, the asialoglycoprotein receptor can be targeted by positron imaging agents to study liver function using PET imaging. In this study, the positron imaging agent [18F]FPGal was designed to specifically target hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor and its effectiveness was assessed in in vitro and in vivo models. The radiosynthesis of [18F]FPGal required 50 min with total radiochemical yields of [18F]FPGal from [18F]fluoride as 10% (corrected radiochemical yield). The Kd of [18F]FPGal to ASGPR in HepG2 cells was 1.99 ± 0.05 mM. Uptake values of 0.55% were observed within 30 min of incubation with HepG2 cells, which could be blocked by 200 mM d(+)-galactose (<0.1%). In vivo biodistribution analysis showed that the liver accumulation of [18F]FPGal at 30 min was 4.47 ± 0.96% ID/g in normal mice compared to 1.33 ± 0.07% ID/g in hepatic fibrotic mice (P < 0.01). Reduced uptake in the hepatic fibrosis mouse models was confirmed through PET/CT images at 30 min. Compared to normal mice, the standard uptake value (SUV) in the hepatic fibrosis mice was significantly lower when assessed through dynamic data collection for 1 h. Therefore, [18F]FPGal is a feasible PET probe that provide insight into ASGPR related liver disease.

Sun|Penghui|P| Zhu|Yun|Y| Han|Yanjiang|Y| Hu|Kongzhen|K| Huang|Shun|S| Wang|Meng|M| Wu|Hubing|H| Tang|Ganghua|G|

D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

ASGPR
PET imaging
Click chemistry
Liver function imaging agent
[(18)F]FPGal


Erythropoietin stimulation of human adipose tissue for therapeutic refilling releases protective cytokines.

Abstract: Apoptosis and inflammatory processes may be at the basis of reducing graft survival. Erythropoietin is a tissue-protective hormone with pleiotropic potential, and it interferes with the activities of pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulates healing following injury, preventing destruction of tissue surrounding the injury site. It may represent a useful tool to increase the autograft integration. Through the use of multipanel kit cytokine analysis we have detected the cytokines secreted by human tissue adipose mass seeded in culture following withdrawal by Coleman's modified technique in three groups: control, after lipopolysaccharides stimulation and after erythropoietin stimulation. In the control group, we have observed expression of factors that may have a role in protecting the tissue homeostatic mechanism. But the same factors were secreted following stimulation with lipopolysaccharides combined with others factors that delineated the inflammatory state. Instead through erythropoietin stimulation, the factors known to exert tissue-protective action were secreted. Therefore, the use of a trophic factors such as erythropoietin may help to inhibit the potential inflammatory process development and stimulate the activation of reparative/regenerative process in the tissue graft.

Sabbatini|Maurizio|M| Bosetti|Michela|M| Borrone|Alessia|A| Moalem|Liah|L| Taveggia|Antonio|A| Verna|Giovanni|G| Cannas|Mario|M|

Autograft chemokines inflammation leptin


Reflective practices at the Security Council: Children and armed conflict and the three United Nations.

Abstract: The United Nations Security Council passed its first resolution on children in armed conflict in 1999, making it one of the oldest examples of Security Council engagement with a thematic mandate and leading to the creation of a dedicated working group in 2005. Existing theoretical accounts of the Security Council cannot account for the developing substance of the children and armed conflict agenda as they are macro-oriented and focus exclusively on states. I argue that Security Council decision-making on thematic mandates is a productive process whose outcomes are created by and through practices of actors across the three United Nations: member states (the first United Nations), United Nations officials (the second United Nations) and non-governmental organizations (the third United Nations). In presenting a practice-based, micro-oriented analysis of the children and armed conflict agenda, the article aims to deliver on the empirical promise of practice theories in International Relations. I make two contributions to practice-based understandings: first, I argue that actors across the three United Nations engage in reflective practices of a strategic or tactical nature to manage, arrange or create space in Security Council decision-making. Portraying practices as reflective rather than as only based on tacit knowledge highlights how actors may creatively adapt their practices to social situations. Second, I argue that particular individuals from the three United Nations are more likely to become recognized as competent performers of practices because of their personality, understood as plural socialization experiences. This adds varied individual agency to practice theories that, despite their micro-level interests, have focused on how agency is relationally constituted.

Security Council
United Nations
thematic mandates
practice theories
Individual agency
Michel de Certeau


Biotransformation of fermented black tea into bacterial nanocellulose via symbiotic interplay of microorganisms.

Abstract: Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), a natural origin biopolymer with multi-dimensional applications has captured a great deal of attention owing to its implausible properties. However, low yield of BNC accompanied with high production cost is challenging its usage in various technological applications. In this study, BNC production has been reported utilizing fermented black tea broth brewed from fresh tea leaves (FBTBF) as well as from used tea leaves (FBTBU) as a cost-effective and high-quality BNC yielding medium. The symbiotic combination of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY) was exploited here to bring fermentation in tea broth. The production yields on dry weight basis were 13.3 g L-1 in FBTBF and 12.8 g L-1 in FBTBU, obtained with 60 g L-1 of glucose in 20 days. The conversion yields of 0.32 and 0.31 g BNC/g sugar were obtained with both the tea broths. The study of produced pellicle using ATR-FTIR, FE-SEM and XRD confirmed its structural, morphological and chemical nature similar to that of BNC. Thus, fermented black tea broth appears to be a potential medium for BNC production. The use of fermented tea broth for the industrial scale production of BNC might significantly reduce its production cost.

Static production via microbial interaction


Monitoring of Oxygen in Simulated Electrolytic Reduction Salt of Pyroprocessing Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

Abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was explored as a method of monitoring oxygen (O) concentration in electrolytic reduction salt of pyroprocessing. Simulated salt samples were fabricated, and each sample was put in a transparent and sealed vial filled with argon gas. An neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser pulse was applied to the sample through the vial surface, and the optical emission spectrum was measured. O(I) 777.2 nm lines were clearly identified in the spectrum of a sample containing Li2O, and the intensity of the O peak and the intensity ratio of O and lithium (Li) peaks, in which Li was used as the normalization, increased linearly as the O concentration in the salt sample was increased. The limit of detection and root mean square error were calculated for the cases of O peak area, O peak height, peak area ratio of O-Li, and the peak height ratio of O-Li, and all the cases could indicate that the O concentration in the electrolytic reduction salt was out of normal range. Our result shows that LIBS has the possibility to be used as a method for monitoring of O in electrolytic reduction salt.

electrolytic reduction
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
LIBS
O concentration
limit of detection
root mean square error
LOD
RMSE


Subclinical Hypothyroidism among local adult obese population.

Abstract:
Objective
To determine the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism in local adult obese population.

Methods
The study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from March, 2017 to August, 2017. All patients aged between 18 and 60 years with BMI of more than 29kg/m2 were included in the study. Patients on lipid lowering drugs, with renal failure, hepatic failure and already diagnosed cases of thyroid dysfunction were excluded from the study. Thyroid functions were measured for all patients.

Results
A total of 127 adults were included in the study in a consecutive manner. Mean age was 34.5 + 7.9 years of which 46.5% were male and 53.5% were female. Mean BMI was 32.05±2.06 kg/m2. The mean serum TSH was 3.13±1.10 mIU/L and mean serum thyroxine level was 1.08±0.25ng/dl. Subclinical hypothyroidism was recorded in 15% of the study population.

Conclusion
Subclinical hypothyroidism is highly prevalent in our population with BMI of more than 29kg/m2. Further studies are recommended on relationship between thyroid functions and BMI and its effect on cardiovascular functions.

Sami|Abdul|A|
Iftekhar|Malik Faisal|MF|
Rauf|Muhammad Abdur|MA|
Sher|Akhter|A|

Hypothyroidism
Obesity
Thyroxine
Body mass index
Thyroid stimulating hormone


Beta-adrenergic receptor mediated inflammation control by monocytes is associated with blood pressure and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: Overwhelming data indicate that individuals with even mildly elevated blood pressure (BP) are at great risk for developing clinical hypertension and future cardiovascular disease (CVD). There remains a lack of consensus regarding treatment strategies for mildly elevated BP, termed prehypertension, and the knowledge of pathophysiology and mechanisms of its clinical outcomes remains limited. Our primary aim was to investigate βAR-mediated inflammation control (BARIC) responses of blood monocytes to isoproterenol (Iso) in relation to BP and CVD risk factors, including obesity, depressive mood, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in the 64 prehypertensive compared to 84 individuals with normal BP. BARIC was determined by measuring the degree of inhibition in lipopolysaccharides-stimulated monocytic intracellular TNF production by ex vivo Iso treatment (10(-8)M). Depressive mood was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Fasting metabolic and lipid panels were assessed, and plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-1β, IL-6 were measured in a subset to confirm proinflammatory state of prehypertensive participants. Prehypertensive participants were older, heavier, included more men, and presented higher levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and plasma TNF compared to normotensive participants (p's<.05). BARIC was significantly attenuated in the prehypertensive compared to normotensive group (p<.05). BARIC was negatively associated with systolic BP, diastolic BP, age, BMI, fasting glucose, triglycerides, total and low density cholesterol levels, and somatic depressive symptoms in all participants (p's<.0001 to .05). However, among the prehypertensive individuals BARIC was positively associated with SBP even after controlling for the covariates (age, gender, race, BMI, glucose and lipid panel, somatic BDI scores) (p<.05). This differing nature of the BARIC-SBP relationship between the two BP groups may be attributed to moderating factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness or depressive symptoms that could not be clearly deciphered in this current study. Nonetheless, our findings indicate the associations between inflammation dysregulation mediated by sympathoadrenal activation and BP that is observable even among individuals with normal to mildly elevated BP. BARIC may be a useful and sensitive indicator of elevated risk for vascular inflammatory disease that can be detected even at lower BP levels, especially given its associations with traditional CVD risk factors and the critical role of monocytes in atherogenic processes.

Hong|Suzi|S|
Dimitrov|Stoyan|S|
Cheng|Tiefu|T|
Redwine|Laura|L|
Pruitt|Christopher|C|
Mills|Paul J|PJ|
Ziegler|Michael G|MG|
Green|J Michael|JM|
Shaikh|Farah|F|
Wilson|Kathleen|K|

Monocytes
Blood pressure
Prehypertension
Depression
Fasting glucose
Lipids
Beta adrenergic receptor
Intracellular TNF levels


Direct amidation of non-activated phenylacetic acid and benzylamine derivatives catalysed by NiCl2.

Abstract: This paper describes an eco-friendly and efficient direct amidation of benzylamine and phenylacetic acid derivatives in the presence of 10 mol% NiCl2 as catalyst without any drying agent. For the different phenylacetic acid and benzylamine derivatives, the direct catalysed amidation gave moderate-to-excellent yields in toluene. The steric and electronic effects of substituent groups on the phenyl ring of acid were crucial to the yields of the direct amidation. The catalyst NiCl2 can be recycled three times without loss of activity.

direct amidation
benzylamine derivatives
phenylacetic acid derivatives
nickel dichloride


Characterization of clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori strains in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The high prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant strains of Helicobacter pylori is a main challenge for the successful treatment of gastrointestinal infections. Point mutations in the 23S rRNA gene are one of the main mechanisms leading to the resistance to clarithromycin in Iran. The purpose of the present review was to evaluate the prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains in Iran and to identify the major molecular mechanisms of resistance in the resistant isolates.

METHODS
Using related keywords and computer search in English and Persian databases (up to November 21, 2016), available data about prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains and molecular mechanisms of resistance in Iran were retrieved. Relevant articles were selected using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS
The results of the meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains in Iran is 14.7%. The highest and the lowest resistance to clarithromycin were reported from Kashan (33.7%) and Rasht (5.5%), respectively. The most prevalent point mutations in Iran were A2143G (59.1%), A2142G (17.8%), A2142C (8.8%), and A2144G (6.2%), respectively.

CONCLUSION
The prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains was in an acceptable level in our region. Therefore, clarithromycin can be used for the eradication of H. pylori infection in Iran. However, it seems that investigation about the role of other mechanisms involved in the induction of resistance to clarithromycin is needed.

Khademi|Farzad|F|
Sahebkar|Amir Hossein|AH|
Vaez|Hamid|H|
Arzanlou|Mohsen|M|
Peeridogaheh|Hadi|H|

D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
D017291:Clarithromycin
D016208:Databases, Factual
D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial
D016481:Helicobacter Infections
D016480:Helicobacter pylori
D007492:Iran
D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests
D017720:Molecular Epidemiology
D017354:Point Mutation
D015995:Prevalence
D012338:RNA, Ribosomal, 23S

Helicobacter pylori
Iran
Point mutation
Clarithromycin resistance


Long-term prognostic value of right ventricular dysfunction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in anthracycline-treated cancer survivors.

Abstract:
AIMS
We aimed to determine the prevalence of right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and its impact on long-term adverse outcomes in a large cohort of cancer survivors treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Consecutive cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines who underwent clinical CMR for suspected anthracycline-related cardiomyopathy were studied. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or major adverse cardiac events (MACE): heart failure hospitalization, heart transplantation, ventricular assist device implantation, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia. The secondary endpoints were all-cause death, and cardiac death or MACE. Among 249 survivors who underwent CMR at a median of 2.9 years after cancer treatment, RV systolic dysfunction was present in 54 (21.7%). Of these, 50 (92.6%) had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). At a median follow-up time after the CMR of 2.7 years, 105 survivors experienced the primary endpoint. On Kaplan-Meier analyses, the cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in survivors with abnormal RVEF compared with those with normal RVEF (P = 0.002). However, on Cox multivariable analyses, RVEF was not associated with the primary endpoint (HR 1.04 per 5% decrease; 95% CI 0.93-1.17; P = 0.46) after adjustment for non-imaging variables and LVEF. RVEF was also not associated with the secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSION
Among anthracycline-treated cancer survivors undergoing CMR for suspected cardiotoxicity, RV systolic dysfunction was present in one in five cases, accompanied by LV systolic dysfunction in nearly all cases, and was not independently associated with long-term outcomes.

Chhikara|Sanya|S|
Hooks|Matthew|M|
Athwal|Pal Satyajit Singh|PSS|
Hughes|Andrew|A|
Ismail|Mohamed F|MF|
Joppa|Stephanie|S|
Velangi|Pratik S|PS|
Nijjar|Prabhjot S|PS|
Blaes|Anne H|AH|
Shenoy|Chetan|C|0000-0001-8877-4999

magnetic resonance imaging
anthracyclines
cardiomyopathy
cardiotoxicity
right ventricular function


A Novel Electrophototrophic Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain RP2, Exhibits Hydrocarbonoclastic Potential in Anaerobic Environments.

Abstract: An electrophototrophic, hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris stain RP2 was isolated from the anodic biofilms of hydrocarbon fed microbial electrochemical remediation systems (MERS). Salient properties of the strain RP2 were direct electrode respiration, dissimilatory metal oxide reduction, spore formation, anaerobic nitrate reduction, free living diazotrophy and the ability to degrade n-alkane components of petroleum hydrocarbons (PH) in anoxic, photic environments. In acetate fed microbial electrochemical cells, a maximum current density of 305 ± 10 mA/m(2) (1000Ω) was generated (power density 131.65 ± 10 mW/m(2)) by strain RP2 with a coulombic efficiency of 46.7 ± 1.3%. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed that anaerobically grown cells of strain RP2 is electrochemically active and likely to transfer electrons extracellularly to solid electron acceptors through membrane bound compounds, however, aerobically grown cells lacked the electrochemical activity. The ability of strain RP2 to produce current (maximum current density 21 ± 3 mA/m(2); power density 720 ± 7 μW/m(2), 1000 Ω) using PH as a sole energy source was also examined using an initial concentration of 800 mg l(-1) of diesel range hydrocarbons (C9-C36) with a concomitant removal of 47.4 ± 2.7% hydrocarbons in MERS. Here, we also report the first study that shows an initial evidence for the existence of a hydrocarbonoclastic behavior in the strain RP2 when grown in different electron accepting and illuminated conditions (anaerobic and MERS degradation). Such observations reveal the importance of photoorganotrophic growth in the utilization of hydrocarbons from contaminated environments. Identification of such novel petrochemical hydrocarbon degrading electricigens, not only expands the knowledge on the range of bacteria known for the hydrocarbon bioremediation but also shows a biotechnological potential that goes well beyond its applications to MERS.


Assesment of pregnancy outcomes among twin pregnancies with single fetal demise regarding chorionicity and fetal death time

Abstract:
Objective
The objective of this study was to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with single fetal demise in terms of chorionicity and fetal death time.

Material and Methods
All deliveries between January 2008 and July 2015 were reviewed retrospectively and 85 twin pregnancies with single fetal demise were included. These cases were grouped according to chorionicity and fetal death time.

Results
The incidence of single fetal demise was 4.7%. The mean delivery week was later in the dichorionic group (34.16±4.65) than in the monochorionic group (31.1±3.83). The ratios of deliveries before the 34th gestational week were 71.4% in monochorionics and 35% in dichorionics. Monochorionics had a 13 times greater risk for having delivery before the 37th gestational week and a 4 times greater risk for having delivery before the 34th gestational week compared with dichorionics. Furthermore, monochorionics had a 7 times greater risk for having abruptio placenta compared with dichorionics. The newborn intensive care unit admission ratios were 61.3% in dichorionics and 85.7% in monochorionics. Also, monochorionics had a 3.7 times greater risk for admission to newborn intensive care unit compared with dichorionics.

Conclusion
We recommend follow-up of twin pregnancies with single fetal demise in terms of premature birth, regardless of chorionicity. Also, close monitoring is recommended for monochorionic twin pregnancies with single fetal demise in terms of premature birth before 34 weeks of gestation, abruptio placenta, the need for neonatal intensive care, and respiratory distress syndrome.

pregnancy outcomes
twin pregnancy
perinatal outcomes
Single twin demise
intrauterine death


Enhanced Memory Consolidation Via Automatic Sound Stimulation During Non-REM Sleep.

Abstract:
Introduction
Slow-wave sleep (SWS) slow waves and sleep spindle activity have been shown to be crucial for memory consolidation. Recently, memory consolidation has been causally facilitated in human participants via auditory stimuli phase-locked to SWS slow waves.

Aims
Here, we aimed to develop a new acoustic stimulus protocol to facilitate learning and to validate it using different memory tasks. Most importantly, the stimulation setup was automated to be applicable for ambulatory home use.

Methods
Fifteen healthy participants slept 3 nights in the laboratory. Learning was tested with 4 memory tasks (word pairs, serial finger tapping, picture recognition, and face-name association). Additional questionnaires addressed subjective sleep quality and overnight changes in mood. During the stimulus night, auditory stimuli were adjusted and targeted by an unsupervised algorithm to be phase-locked to the negative peak of slow waves in SWS. During the control night no sounds were presented.

Results
Results showed that the sound stimulation increased both slow wave (p = .002) and sleep spindle activity (p < .001). When overnight improvement of memory performance was compared between stimulus and control nights, we found a significant effect in word pair task but not in other memory tasks. The stimulation did not affect sleep structure or subjective sleep quality.

Conclusions
We showed that the memory effect of the SWS-targeted individually triggered single-sound stimulation is specific to verbal associative memory. Moreover, the ambulatory and automated sound stimulus setup was promising and allows for a broad range of potential follow-up studies in the future.

Leminen|Miika M|MM|
Virkkala|Jussi|J|
Saure|Emma|E|
Paajanen|Teemu|T|
Zee|Phyllis C|PC|
Santostasi|Giovanni|G|
Hublin|Christer|C|
Müller|Kiti|K|
Porkka-Heiskanen|Tarja|T|
Huotilainen|Minna|M|
Paunio|Tiina|T|

memory
slow-wave sleep
EEG
acoustic stimulation
auditory-evoked K-complex.


Inflammatory markers as prognostic factors in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Inflammatory markers have prognostic value in various tumors due to the role of inflammatory phenomena at different stages of tumor development. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the prognostic value of these markers, as well as other clinical and analytical variables in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Prospective cohort study carried out on 80 patients diagnosed with mCRPC. Clinical and analytical data were collected, and the following inflammatory markers were estimated: Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Total Platelet Count (TPC), Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) and Systemic Inflammation Index (SII). The values of albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were also determined.

RESULTS
Patients with ANC>7500, NLR>3, PLR>150, LMR>3 and/or SII>535,000, presented significantly lower median survival time than the remaining patients, and TPC was the only marker which did not show a significant association. Moreover, NLR, PLR and SII were inversely correlated with survival time. Patients with hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and elevated LDH values had significantly lower median survival time. Albumin and hemoglobin were directly correlated to overall survival time. The need for analgesia was also associated with shorter survival.

CONCLUSION
The values of certain inflammatory markers are associated with shorter survival time in patients with mCRPC, and their use in clinical practice can be considered to evaluate the prognosis and estimate survival.

Donate-Moreno|M J|MJ|
Lorenzo-Sánchez|M V|MV|
Díaz de Mera-Sánchez Migallón|I|I|
Herraiz-Raya|L|L|
Esper-Rueda|J A|JA|
Legido-Gómez|O|O|
Rico-Marco|S|S|
Salinas-Sánchez|A S|AS|

Markers Prognostic mCRPC Neutrophils Inflammation Survival CPRCm Inflamación Linfocitos Lymphocytes Marcadores Neutrófilos Pronóstico Supervivencia


The circadian clock protects against acute radiation-induced dermatitis.

Abstract: Radiation-induced dermatitis is a common occurrence in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and is caused when ionizing radiation (IR) induces DNA strand breaks in skin cells. The wide use of RT in cancer treatments makes it important to minimize RT-induced toxicities including radiodermatitis. This study sought to determine if the circadian clock plays a protective role in minimizing radiodermatitis. We treated mice in control (Day Shift), environmentally-disrupted (Rotating Shift) and genetically-disrupted (Per 1/2-/-) circadian conditions with 6 Gy of IR to the whole body. There was a significantly increased number of radiodermatitis spots on mice with circadian clock disruption compared to control mice. Additionally, circadian clock disrupted mice exhibited reduced protein levels of Bmal1, a phenomenon that sensitized circadian synchronized keratinocytes to IR-induced DNA damage. Furthermore, the skin phenotype results corresponded with significantly reduced body weights and increased genomic DNA damage in blood cells of mice with clock disruption compared to control mice. These findings suggest that the circadian clock plays a protective role in IR-induced DNA damage and skin toxicity, possibly through BMAL1-dependent mechanisms, and potentially impacts RT-associated radiodermatitis in cancer patients.

Dakup|Panshak P|PP|
Porter|Kenneth I|KI|
Gaddameedhi|Shobhan|S|

Toxicity
Radiodermatitis
BMAL1
DNA Damage
Circadian Rhythm


Sudden death following accidental ingestion of a button battery by a 17-month-old child: a case study.

Abstract: Cases of ingesting button batteries by children are not common clinical situations in forensic medicine. Although it can be a cause of death when associated with digestive perforations, no cases of sudden death have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a 17-month-old girl who presented at home with haematemesis, followed by failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The child had been treated on two occasions for nasopharyngitis, 14 and 18 days prior to her death. The post-mortem scan revealed a radio-opaque foreign body in the oesophagus. The autopsy revealed the presence of a round button battery, 20 mm in diameter, blocking the lumen of the oesophagus in its upper third, associated with two parietal oesophageal ruptures opposite each other. There was limited digestive haemorrhage, but above all significant bronchial inhalation of blood. Toxicology analyses showed slightly increased blood levels of the heavy metals of which the battery was composed (lithium, chromium, manganese and molybdenum). The anatomopathological analyses confirmed the recent nature of these ruptures. Ingestions of button batteries localised at the level of the oesophagus are the cases linking to the highest risk of complications, particularly for batteries with a diameter of more than 20 mm and in children under the age of 4. The main difficulty in such clinical situations is identifying when the ingestion occurred, as more often than not, no witnesses are present. We discuss the advantages of anatomopathology and toxicology examinations targeted towards heavy metals in these forensic situations.

Guinet|T|T|
Gaulier|J M|JM|
Moesch|C|C|
Bagur|J|J|
Malicier|D|D|
Maujean|G|G|

Sudden death
Accidental ingestion
Button battery
Forensic medicine
Heavy metals


Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants and Their Constituents on Lung Inflammatory Disorders.

Abstract: Acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are essentially lung inflammatory disorders. Various plant extracts and their constituents showed therapeutic effects on several animal models of lung inflammation. These include coumarins, flavonoids, phenolics, iridoids, monoterpenes, diterpenes and triterpenoids. Some of them exerted inhibitory action mainly by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and nuclear transcription factor-κB activation. Especially, many flavonoid derivatives distinctly showed effectiveness on lung inflammation. In this review, the experimental data for plant extracts and their constituents showing therapeutic effectiveness on animal models of lung inflammation are summarized.

Kim|Hyun Pyo|HP|
Lim|Hyun|H|
Kwon|Yong Soo|YS|

Medicinal plant
Constituent
COPD
Lung inflammation
Flavonoid


Systematic review of clinical practice guidelines to identify recommendations for rehabilitation after stroke and other acquired brain injuries.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) contain recommendation statements aimed at optimising care for adults with stroke and other brain injury. The aim of this study was to determine the quality, scope and consistency of CPG recommendations for rehabilitation covering the acquired brain injury populations.

DESIGN
Systematic review.

INTERVENTIONS
Included CPGs contained recommendations for inpatient rehabilitation or community rehabilitation for adults with an acquired brain injury diagnosis (stroke, traumatic or other non-progressive acquired brain impairments). Electronic databases (n=2), guideline organisations (n=4) and websites of professional societies (n=17) were searched up to November 2017. Two independent reviewers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument, and textual syntheses were used to appraise and compare recommendations.

RESULTS
From 427 papers screened, 20 guidelines met the inclusion criteria. Only three guidelines were rated high (>75%) across all domains of AGREE-II; highest rated domains were 'scope and purpose' (85.1, SD 18.3) and 'clarity' (76.2%, SD 20.5). Recommendations for assessment and for motor therapies were most commonly reported, however, varied in the level of detail across guidelines.

CONCLUSION
Rehabilitation CPGs were consistent in scope, suggesting little difference in rehabilitation approaches between vascular and traumatic brain injury. There was, however, variability in included studies and methodological quality.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42016026936.

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

practice guideline
rehabilitation
stroke
brain injury
evaluation


A new electrochemical impedance biosensor based on aromatic thiol for alpha-1 antitrypsin determination.

Abstract: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) is one of the acute phase proteins which are synthesized in the liver. A1AT inhibits the activity of many proteases, but its main task is to protect the lungs from the attack of neutrophil elastase. In an autosomal hereditary disease known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, the A1AT level in blood serum decreases, increasing the risk of developing emphysema, liver apoptosis, and liver cancer. Thus, the detection of A1AT concentration in blood serum is very important. In this study, an impedimetric biosensor was developed, forming an SAM (self-assembled monolayer) with 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid (4MPA) on the surface of the gold electrode. An A1AT biosensor was constructed using immobilization of an A1AT-specific antibody (anti-A1AT) after activating the carboxyl groups of 4MPA with EDC/NHS. Each immobilization stage was characterized by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. With the designed biosensor, precise and highly reproducible results were obtained for A1AT concentrations in the range of 100-600 µg/mL. A1AT detection was also successfully carried out in artificial serum solutions spiked with A1AT.

Alpha-1 antitrypsin
4-mercaptophenylacetic acid
Alzheimer’s disease
electrochemical immunosensor
pulmonary emphysema


EGF-induced C/EBPβ participates in EMT by decreasing the expression of miR-203 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Abstract: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that is associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and metastasis. Recently, C/EBPβ has been reported to be an EMT inducer in cancer. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report for the first time, that the truncated CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) LIP isoform is abnormally overexpressed and correlated with cancer metastasis in clinical specimens of human ESCC. Furthermore, we demonstrate that C/EBPβ LIP mediates epithelial growth factor (EGF)-induced EMT and increases migration and invasion of esophageal cancer cells in a manner that is dependent on miR-203 inactivation. Finally, we identified miR-203 as a direct target of C/EBPβ LIP. Disruption of C/EBPβ LIP attenuated the EGF-mediated decrease in miR-203, whereas overexpression of C/EBPβ LIP alone markedly suppressed miR-203. In addition, we demonstrated that C/EBPβ LIP inhibited miR-203 transcription by directly interacting with a conserved distal regulatory element upstream of the miR-203 locus, and in doing so, orchestrated chromatin remodeling. In conclusion, our results have revealed a new regulatory mechanism that involves C/EBPβ-LIP-mediated downregulation of miR-203, which plays a key role in EMT and metastasis.

Li|Junxia|J| Shan|Fabo|F| Xiong|Gang|G| Chen|Xuedan|X| Guan|Xingying|X| Wang|Ju-Ming|JM| Wang|Wen-Lin|WL| Xu|Xueqing|X| Bai|Yun|Y|

D000077277:Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

C/EBPβ
miR-203
ESCC
Metastasis
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition


Improved Zernike-type phase contrast for transmission electron microscopy.

Abstract: Zernike phase contrast has been recognized as a means of recording high-resolution images with high contrast using a transmission electron microscope. This imaging mode can be used to image typical phase objects such as unstained biological molecules or cryosections of biological tissue. According to the original proposal discussed in Danev and Nagayama (2001) and references therein, the Zernike phase plate applies a phase shift of π/2 to all scattered electron beams outside a given scattering angle and an image is recorded at Gaussian focus or slight underfocus (below Scherzer defocus). Alternatively, a phase shift of -π/2 is applied to the central beam using the Boersch phase plate. The resulting image will have an almost perfect contrast transfer function (close to 1) from a given lowest spatial frequency up to a maximum resolution determined by the wave length, the amount of defocus and the spherical aberration of the microscope. In this paper, I present theory and simulations showing that this maximum spatial frequency can be increased considerably without loss of contrast by using a Zernike or Boersch phase plate that leads to a phase shift between scattered and unscattered electrons of only π /4, and recording images at Scherzer defocus. The maximum resolution can be improved even more by imaging at extended Scherzer defocus, though at the cost of contrast loss at lower spatial frequencies.

phase contrast
Zernike phase plate
Boersch phase plate
cryotransmission electron microscopy
weak phase object approximation


A 2-year prospective study of single-implant mandibular overdentures: Patient-reported outcomes and prosthodontic events.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
This prospective clinical trial aimed to assess clinical and patient-reported outcomes of the single-implant mandibular overdenture treatment (SIMO) after a 2-year follow-up period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
An external hexagon implant was inserted in the mandibular midline of 45 complete denture wearers. Participants had a mean age of 63.4 (SD = 8.3), and 75.6% were female. Based on the primary stability of the implant, immediate loading was performed in 38 patients (84.4%). O'ring/ball attachments were used for retention. Outcome assessment included the participants' satisfaction with the dentures and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) impacts at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits after implant loading. Moreover, all prosthodontic events were recorded during this period.

RESULTS
The post-loading implant survival rate was 95.3%. There was a significant increase in satisfaction with the mandibular overdenture (p < .001) and a decrease in the overall OHRQoL impacts (p < .001) in the 3-month follow-up. No significant changes were observed between the 3- and 24-month follow-ups. The incidence of prosthodontic events was relatively high, including the need for matrix replacement and repair of the overdenture fracture. Most prosthodontic complications were minor and properly managed in periodic recall visits.

CONCLUSIONS
Single-implant mandibular overdenture is a feasible alternative for subjects poorly adapted to the mandibular denture and resulted in significant improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of life measures. A careful selection of patients based on their demanding needs and expectations is essential to indicate this alternative. The incidence of maintenance events in the long term reinforces the need for periodical clinical monitoring.

D000071066:Patient Reported Outcome Measures

single-implant mandibular overdenture
overdenture
patient-reported outcomes
immediate loading
oral health-related quality of life
patient satisfaction


Polycystin-1 Downregulation Induced Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Phenotypic Alteration and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Thoracic Aortic Dissection.

Abstract:
Objective
Polycystin-1 (PC-1) is a protein encoded by the gene of polycystic kidney disease-1 (PKD-1). This study was designed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of PC-1 on phenotypes of aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and functions of extracellular matrix (ECM) in thoracic aortic dissection (TAD).

Methods
Aortic tissues from patients with TAD and healthy controls were collected, primary aortic VSMCs were also isolated. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunocytochemistry was used to visualize the target proteins. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to examine the expression of mRNA and proteins. Lentivirus infection was used to downregulate or overexpress PC-1.

Results
Compared with the control group, expression of PC-1 and the contractile phenotypic markers of VSMCs were decreased in TAD group, whereas expression of the synthetic markers of VSMCs, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, collagen I and collagen III were increased. The phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K and S6 were also elevated in TAD group. PC-1 downregulation of aortic VSMCs inhibited the expression of the contractile markers, but elevated the expression of the synthetic markers, MMP-2, collagen I and collagen III compared with the control group. The phosphorylation of mTOR, S6K and S6 were also increased in PKD-1-knockdown VSMCs. PC-1 upregulation reversed all these expression characteristics in aortic VSMCs. Furthermore, rapamycin treatment to PKD-1-knockdown VSMCs inhibited the effects caused by PC-1 downregulation.

Conclusion
Our study revealed PC-1 downregulation induces aortic VSMCs phenotypic alteration and ECM remodeling via activation of mTOR/S6K/S6 signaling pathway. Downregulation of PC-1 might be a potential mechanism for the development and progression of TAD. Rapamycin might be a potential inhibitor to attenuate the development and progression of TAD.

Zhang|Jing|J| Liu|Fei|F| He|Yu-Bin|YB| Zhang|Wei|W| Ma|Wen-Rui|WR| Xing|Jie|J| Wang|Li-Xin|LX|

polycystin-1
vascular smooth muscle cells
phenotype
extracellular matrix
aortic dissection
rapamycin


Prognostic significance of KIF23 expression in gastric cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Kinesin super family 23 (KIF23) is a member of the KIF family, and it plays an important role in mitosis and cytokinesis. Loss of expression can cause mitotic arrest. The Oncomine database is one of the largest oncogene chip databases in the world, and is an integrated data mining platform for cancer gene information. By querying the database, differences in expression between tumor tissue and normal tissue can be determined.

AIM
To study the expression and prognostic significance of KIF23 in gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS
We used immunohistochemistry to compare the expression of KIF23 in GC and normal gastric tissues. We mined the data on the expression and prognosis of KIF23 in GC using Oncomine and Kaplan-Meier plotter database.

RESULTS
Compared with normal gastric tissues, KIF23 expression was increased in GC tissues, and correlated with T, N, and tumor-node-metastasis stages. Survival analysis showed that patients with high expression of KIF23 had a poor overall survival. There were five studies in the Oncomine database in which expression of KIF23 was significantly higher in GC tissues than in normal gastric tissues (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier plotter database analysis showed that recurrence-free survival, overall survival, distant metastasis free survival, and post progression survival of patients with high expression of KIF23 were lower than those of patients with low expression. Further stratified analysis found that prognostic survival indicators worsened in patients with T2 and T3 poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with high expression of KIF23.

CONCLUSION
KIF23 is highly expressed in GC and is associated with a poor prognosis of patients. It may be of great significance in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of GC.

Liang|Wei-Tian|WT| Liu|Xiao-Fang|XF| Huang|Hai-Bo|HB| Gao|Zi-Ming|ZM| Li|Kai|K|

Gastric cancer
Kinesin super family 23
Oncomine
Immunohistochemistry
Prognosis
Kaplan–Meier plotter


Primary synovial sarcoma of the larynx in a 14-year-old boy diagnosed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization: a rare case report.

Abstract: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive soft tissue tumor, which occurs predominantly in young adults. The SS can arise in almost any part of the body, especially in the lower extremity. The SS of head and neck accounts for 1.9-3.5% of all SS, however, the mass appears very extremely rare in the larynx. We report a case of a biphasic SS in the larynx. A 14-year-old boy appeared without apparent inducement with hoarseness, dyspnea, fever, cough, hemoptysis, pharyngeal foreign body sensation, dysphagia, odynophagia and other symptoms since nearly one month ago. The patient underwent partial laryngectomy and performed a wide surgical excision of the tumor with a free margin. Pathological examinations of the tumor specimen revealed an encapsulated and firm tumor lesion. The grayish-white to dark-brown mass was 8×6×4 cm, arising from the left of aryepiglottic fold. Histological examination showed the characteristic histomorphological features such as biphasic pattern of short spindle cells and epithelioid cells, including glandular differentiation. Immunohistochemically, staining for vimentin, bcl-2 and calponin were typically positive in the spindle tumor cells. Staining for CK was typically positive in the epithelioidtumor cells. Staining for EMA, CD99 and TLE-1 were typically positive in both the epithelioid and spindle tumor cells. The presence of SYT-SSX fusion gene from chromosomal translocation was detected by FISH in this case. Two months postoperatively, the patient received local radiotherapy. Combined treatment may be effective and the patient is alive without tumor recurrence in radiological and clinical examination after 18 months of follow-up.

Feng|Juan|J| Luo|Jiadi|J| Zang|Hongjing|H| Lu|Junmi|J| Zhan|Yuting|Y| Chen|Lingjiao|L| Chu|Shuzhou|S| Wen|Qiuyuan|Q| Wang|Weiyuan|W| Xu|Lina|L| Fan|Songqing|S|

fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)


Executive summary on the use of ultrasound in the critically ill: consensus report from the 3rd Course on Acute Care Ultrasound (CACU).

Abstract: Over the past decades, ultrasound (US) has gained its place in the armamentarium of monitoring tools in the intensive care unit (ICU). Critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) is the combination of general CCUS (lung and pleural, abdominal, vascular) and CC echocardiography, allowing prompt assessment and diagnosis in combination with vascular access and therapeutic intervention. This review summarises the findings, challenges lessons from the 3rd Course on Acute Care Ultrasound (CACU) held in November 2015, Antwerp, Belgium. It covers the different modalities of CCUS; touching on the various aspects of training, clinical benefits and potential benefits. Despite the benefits of CCUS, numerous challenges remain, including the delivery of CCUS training to future intensivists. Some of these are discussed along with potential solutions from a number of national European professional societies. There is a need for an international agreed consensus on what modalities are necessary and how best to deliver training in CCUS.

Malbrain|Manu L N G|MLNG|
De Tavernier|Brecht|B|
Haverals|Sandrine|S|
Slama|Michel|M|
Vieillard-Baron|Antoine|A|
Wong|Adrian|A|
Poelaert|Jan|J|
Monnet|Xavier|X|
Stockman|Willem|W|
Elbers|Paul|P|
Lichtenstein|Daniel|D|

ultrasound
monitoring
CCUS
lung
abdominal
vascular
training
POCUS
critical care ultrasound
fluid responsiveness
fluid therapy
point-of-care ultrasound
resuscitation
transesophageal
transthoracic


Design, Adoption, Implementation, Scalability, and Sustainability of Telehealth Programs.

Abstract: Telehealth and telemedicine services can be a solution for improving accessibility and reducing the cost of health care. Challenges remain in designing, implementing, and sustainably scaling telehealth solutions. Research is lacking on the health impacts and cost-effectiveness of telehealth; more data are needed in the evaluation of telehealth programs, adjusting for potential participant bias and extending the time frame of evaluating impact. In addition, rethinking and addressing the economic incentives and payment for telehealth services, as well as the medical-legal framework for provider competition across geographic regions (and jurisdictions), are needed for greater adoption of telehealth services.

Wang|C Jason|CJ|
Liu|Tiffany T|TT|
Car|Josip|J|
Zuckerman|Barry|B|

D016494:Computer Security
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis
D006297:Health Services Accessibility
D006801:Humans
D008498:Medical Record Linkage
D016730:Program Development
D017216:Telemedicine

Telehealth
Telemedicine
Health care
Design and implementation of telehealth
Health technology
Scalability and sustainability


Insomnia in Pregnancy Is Associated With Depressive Symptoms and Eating at Night.

Abstract:
STUDY OBJECTIVES
Deterioration in sleep quality seems to be a natural consequence of physical changes during pregnancy. It is still unclear if insomnia in pregnancy is associated with the same factors as chronic insomnia in the general population. The aim of this study was to explore the determinants of insomnia during pregnancy.

METHODS
The study included 266 women (mean age: 30.6 ± 5 years, weeks of pregnancy: 36 [interquartile range 32-38]) recruited at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Warsaw. The assessment of variables was performed using the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Regestein Hyperarousal Scale (HS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire, and a semi-structured interview about different sleep disorders.

RESULTS
Almost 40% of the women in our study received a diagnosis of insomnia based on AIS cutoff scores. The between-group analyses indicated that HS score, BDI score, eating at night, legs tingling, nightmares, snoring, and myoclonus differentiated the groups of individuals with insomnia from those without insomnia. Other variables were not significantly different between the groups. We divided individuals with insomnia in terms of insomnia duration: 49% developed insomnia at least 1 year before the study onset and 39.6% during pregnancy. For further analyses we used only the women in whom insomnia developed during pregnancy. Logistic regression confirmed that depressive symptoms (BDI) and eating at night were significant predictors of insomnia in pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms and night eating are key factors related to insomnia developed during pregnancy.

Wołyńczyk-Gmaj|Dorota|D| Różańska-Walędziak|Anna|A| Ziemka|Simon|S| Ufnal|Marcin|M| Brzezicka|Aneta|A| Gmaj|Bartłomiej|B| Januszko|Piotr|P| Fudalej|Sylwia|S| Czajkowski|Krzysztof|K| Wojnar|Marcin|M|

D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

insomnia
pregnancy
depression
eating at night


A PGAM5-KEAP1-Nrf2 complex is required for stress-induced mitochondrial retrograde trafficking.

Abstract: The Nrf2 transcription factor is a master regulator of the cellular anti-stress response. A population of the transcription factor associates with the mitochondria through a complex with KEAP1 and the mitochondrial outer membrane histidine phosphatase, PGAM5. To determine the function of this mitochondrial complex, we knocked down each component and assessed mitochondrial morphology and distribution. We discovered that depletion of Nrf2 or PGAM5, but not KEAP1, inhibits mitochondrial retrograde trafficking induced by proteasome inhibition. Mechanistically, this disrupted motility results from aberrant degradation of Miro2, a mitochondrial GTPase that links mitochondria to microtubules. Rescue experiments demonstrate that this Miro2 degradation involves the KEAP1-cullin-3 E3 ubiquitin ligase and the proteasome. These data are consistent with a model in which an intact complex of PGAM5-KEAP1-Nrf2 preserves mitochondrial motility by suppressing dominant-negative KEAP1 activity. These data further provide a mechanistic explanation for how age-dependent declines in Nrf2 expression impact mitochondrial motility and induce functional deficits commonly linked to neurodegeneration.

D000072019:Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1

Nrf2 Mitochondria Proteasome Miro2 Ubiquitin Clustering


The Interaction of Oxytocin and Social Support, Loneliness, and Cortisol Level in Major Depression.

Abstract:
Objective
Loneliness is a specific risk factor for depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. The present study examined whether the serum oxytocin level would interact with social support and buffers loneliness and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity in drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods
Twenty-six patients with MDD (male:female = 3:23; mean age, 45.54 ± 12.97 years) were recruited. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and self-reported Measurement of Support Function Questionnaire were administered. Serum oxytocin and cortisol levels were assessed using a commercial immunoassay kits.

Results
In MDD patients, a negative association was found between degrees of social support and loneliness (β= -0.39, p = 0.04). The interaction between social support and serum oxytocin level was negatively associated with loneliness (β= -0.50, p = 0.017) and serum cortisol level (β= -0.55, p = 0.020) after adjusting for age. Follow-up analyses showed that the association between higher social support and lower loneliness was observed only in the higher-oxytocin group (r = -0.75, p = 0.003) but not in the lower group (r = -0.19, p = 0.53). The significance remained after further adjusting for sex and depression severity.

Conclusion
Low oxytocin level is a vulnerability factor for the buffering effect of social support for loneliness and aberrant HPA-axis activity in MDD patients.

Tsai|Tsung-Yu|TY|
Tseng|Huai-Hsuan|HH|
Chi|Mei Hung|MH|
Chang|Hui Hua|HH|
Wu|Cheng-Kuan|CK|
Yang|Yen Kuang|YK|
Chen|Po See|PS|

Oxytocin
Loneliness
Cortisol
Major depressive disorder
Social support.


Microbiological profile of tubercular and nontubercular empyemas and its impact on clinical outcomes: A retrospective analysis of 285 consecutively operated cases.

Abstract:
Background
Empyema thoracis is an entity seen across all age groups. This study aims at reporting a detailed microbiological profile of "pus and pleural tissue" in patients operated for empyema thoracis and also correlating it with perioperative clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods
Patients operated for empyema thoracis between 2012 and 2016 were included in the study. Patients were taken up for surgery after thorough preoperative evaluation. Perioperative outcomes were correlated with the results of microbiological analysis to evaluate their effect on clinical outcomes.

Results
In the study, 285 patients were operated. There were 215 males (75.4%) and 70 females (24.6%). Tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for 58.2% of the cases (n = 166). Of 166, 32 patients were mycobacterial culture positive, suggesting 19.28% mycobacterial culture positivity rate. 21.8% of the total mycobacterial cultures were multidrug resistant. TB culture-positive patients had a significantly higher incidence of air leak (P = 0.03), inter-costal drain (ICD) duration (P = 0.03), and higher rates of recurrence (P = 0.03). Nontubercular empyema constituted 119 cases (41.8%). Forty-seven (39.5%) cases were culture positive. Gram-negative organisms were cultured in 30 (63.8%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant isolate. Bacterial culture-positive patients had significantly higher conversions (P = 0.03), prolonged postoperative air leak (P = 0.04), and postoperative wound infections.

Conclusions
This study highlights the emergence of Gram-negative organisms in bacterial empyema and emergence of multidrug resistance in tubercular empyema. Clinical outcome correlation revealed increased complications in culture-positive cases in both tubercular and nontubercular empyemas.

Pulle|Mohan Venkatesh|MV|
Asaf|Belal Bin|BB|
Kumar|Arvind|A|
Puri|Harsh Vardhan|HV|
Vijay|C L|CL|
Bishnoi|Sukhram|S|

microbiology
tubercular
nontubercular empyema
Clinical outcomes
decortication


Magnolol prevents ossified tendinopathy by inhibiting PGE2-induced osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs.

Abstract: Magnolol is a compound that is extracted from magnolia, is used in Chinese medicine and is a type of lignan. Magnolol has various anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation and pro-autophagy effects. Ossified tendinopathy affects many athletes and people with repetitive tendon injuries. Ossified tendinopathy is a tremendous economic burden, and no effective and safe drugs are available to prevent the pathogenesis of ectopic ossification. In this study, we aimed to study how magnolol affects ossified tendinopathy by evaluating its effects on osteogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs). Our data suggested that magnolol attenuated ectopic ossification in the Achilles tendon caused by Achilles tenotomy. Magnolol inhibited PGE2-induced ALP activity and prevented calcium deposits in TDSCs in vitro. Magnolol also exerted inhibitory effects on expression of osteogenic factors, such as Runx2, OCN, and BMP2 in vivo. Further investigation revealed the underlying mechanism by which magnolol prevents PGE2-induced ectopic ossification. Specifically, magnolol inhibits PGE2-induced PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathway activation in TDSCs. Our findings demonstrated that magnolol inhibited ossified tendinopathy through preventing osteogenic differentiation of TDSCs via downregulation PGE2-induced PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathways.

Zhou|Wen|W| Lin|Xuemei|X| Chu|Jun|J| Jiang|Tao|T| Zhao|Huiyu|H| Yan|Bo|B| Zhang|Zhongmin|Z|

Magnolol
Ossified tendinopathy
TDSCs
PGE2


24-Month Outcomes of Primary Care Web-Based Depression Prevention Intervention in Adolescents: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Adolescent depression carries a high burden of disease worldwide, but access to care for this population is limited. Prevention is one solution to curtail the negative consequences of adolescent depression. Internet interventions to prevent adolescent depression can overcome barriers to access, but few studies examine long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE
This study compares CATCH-IT (Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral Humanistic and Interpersonal Training), an internet-based intervention, to a general health education active control for depression onset at 12 and 24 months in adolescents presenting to primary care settings.

METHODS
A 2-site randomized trial, blinded to the principal investigators and assessors, was conducted comparing Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral Humanistic and Interpersonal Training to health education to prevent depressive episodes in 369 adolescents (193 youths were randomly assigned to Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral Humanistic and Interpersonal Training and 176 to health education) with subthreshold depressive symptoms or prior depressive episodes. Participants were recruited from primary care settings in the United States. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a depressive episode, determined by the Depression Symptom Rating. The secondary outcome was functioning, measured by the Global Assessment Scale.

RESULTS
In intention-to-treat analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio favoring Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral Humanistic and Interpersonal Training for first depressive episode was not statistically significant at 12 months (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.42-1.40, P=.39) and 24 months (hazard ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.52-1.47, P=.61). Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral Humanistic and Interpersonal Training provided preventive benefit for first depressive episode for those with mild hopelessness or at least moderate paternal monitoring at baseline. Global Assessment Scale scores improved comparably in both groups (intention-to-treat).

CONCLUSIONS
A technology-based intervention for adolescent depression prevention implemented in primary care did not have additional benefit at 12 or 24 months. Further research is necessary to determine whether internet interventions have long-term benefit.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01893749; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01893749.

depression prevention adolescent eHealth scalable


Grain Size and Interface Dependence of Bias Stress Stability of n-Type Organic Field Effect Transistors.

Abstract: The effect of grain size and interface dependence of bias stress stability of C60-based n-type organic field effect transistors (OFETs) has been studied. It has been realized that, with increasing grain size of C60, the bias stress induced threshold voltage shift can be controlled and this effect is mainly attributed to the mechanism of charge trapping at grain boundaries. It is further studied that the growth of C60 on the surface of parylene at elevated substrate temperature leads to the creation of radicals at the interface between the active layer and the gate dielectric. These radicals help to improve the bias stress stability of C60-based n-type OFETs. For achieving the bias stress stability, we have presented a procedure of creation of radicals at the interface between C60 and parylene in single gate OFETs instead of dual gate OFETs.

Ahmed|Rizwan|R|
Simbrunner|Clemens|C|
Baig|M A|MA|
Sitter|H|H|

charge trapping in semiconductor and dielectric interface


Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on PLLA scaffold coated with Wharton's Jelly.

Abstract: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) electrospun nanofiber scaffold is one of the most commonly used synthetic polymer scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application. However, PLLA is hydrophobic in nature, hence does not maintain proper cell adhesion and tissue formation, moreover, it cannot provide the osteo-inductive environment due to inappropriate surface characteristic and the lack of surface motives participating in the first cellular events. To modify these shortcomings different approaches have been used, among those the most commonly used one is coating of the surface of the electrospun nanofiber with natural materials. In this work Wharton's jelly (WJ), a tissue which surrounds the umbilical cord vessels, reaches in high amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) components mainly; collagen, hyaluronic acid and several sulphated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were used to cover the surface of electrospun PLLA nanofiber scaffolds. The surface morphology of the nanofiber scaffold was evaluated via scanning electron microscope, and the in vitro osteogenic differentiation potential was determined by MTT assay and common osteogenic marker tests such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition tests. Coating of WJ could not change the surface morphology and diameter of the nanofibers. However, WJ-PLLA scaffolds showed higher proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) than tissue culture plate (TCP) and pristine PLLA scaffolds, moreover, WJ-PPLA scaffold demonstrated significant alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium mineralization than either TCP or PLLA nanofiber scaffolds.

Ahmadi|Marziehsadat|M|
Seyedjafari|Ehsan|E|
Zargar|Seyed Jalal|SJ|
Birhanu|Gebremariam|G|
Zandi-Karimi|Ali|A|
Beiki|Bahareh|B|
Tuzlakoglu|Kadriye|K|

coating
Wharton's Jelly
poly-L-lactic acid
electrospinning


Viscosity Analysis of Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Protein Solutions: Role of Size, Electroviscous Effect and Protein-Protein Interactions.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Increased solution viscosity results in difficulties in manufacturing and delivery of therapeutic protein formulations, increasing both the time and production costs, and leading to patient inconvenience. The solution viscosity is affected by the molecular properties of both the solute and the solvent. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of size, charge and protein-protein interactions on the viscosity of Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig(TM)) protein solutions.

METHODS
The effect of size of the protein molecule on solution viscosity was investigated by measuring intrinsic viscosity and excluded volume calculations for monoclonal antibody (mAb) and DVD-Ig(TM) protein solutions. The role of the electrostatic charge resulting in electroviscous effects for DVD-Ig(TM) protein was assessed by measuring zeta potential. Light scattering measurements were performed to detect protein-protein interactions affecting solution viscosity.

RESULTS
DVD-Ig(TM) protein exhibited significantly higher viscosity compared to mAb. Intrinsic viscosity and excluded volume calculations indicated that the size of the molecule affects viscosity significantly at higher concentrations, while the effect was minimal at intermediate concentrations. Electroviscous contribution to the viscosity of DVD-Ig(TM) protein varied depending on the presence or absence of ions in the solution. In buffered solutions, negative k D and B 2 values indicated the presence of attractive interactions which resulted in high viscosity for DVD-Ig(TM) protein at certain pH and ionic strength conditions.

CONCLUSIONS
Results show that more than one factor contributes to the increased viscosity of DVD-Ig(TM) protein and interplay of these factors modulates the overall viscosity behavior of the solution, especially at higher concentrations.

Raut|Ashlesha S|AS|
Kalonia|Devendra S|DS|

protein formulation
charge
excluded volume
monoclonal antibody
bispecific antibody
hydration


Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutations associated with first-line stavudine-containing antiretroviral therapy: programmatic implications for countries phasing out stavudine.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines recommend phasing-out stavudine because of its risk of long-term toxicity. There are two mutational pathways of stavudine resistance with different implications for zidovudine and tenofovir cross-resistance, the primary candidates for replacing stavudine. However, because resistance testing is rarely available in resource-limited settings, it is critical to identify the cross-resistance patterns associated with first-line stavudine failure.

METHODS
We analyzed HIV-1 resistance mutations following first-line stavudine failure from 35 publications comprising 1,825 individuals. We also assessed the influence of concomitant nevirapine vs. efavirenz, therapy duration, and HIV-1 subtype on the proportions of mutations associated with zidovudine vs. tenofovir cross-resistance.

RESULTS
Mutations with preferential zidovudine activity, K65R or K70E, occurred in 5.3% of individuals. Mutations with preferential tenofovir activity, ≥ two thymidine analog mutations (TAMs) or Q151M, occurred in 22% of individuals. Nevirapine increased the risk of TAMs, K65R, and Q151M. Longer therapy increased the risk of TAMs and Q151M but not K65R. Subtype C and CRF01_AE increased the risk of K65R, but only CRF01_AE increased the risk of K65R without Q151M.

CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of concomitant nevirapine vs. efavirenz, therapy duration, or subtype, tenofovir was more likely than zidovudine to retain antiviral activity following first-line d4T therapy.

Tang|Michele W|MW|
Rhee|Soo-Yon|SY|
Bertagnolio|Silvia|S|
Ford|Nathan|N|
Holmes|Susan|S|
Sigaloff|Kim C|KC|
Hamers|Raph L|RL|
de Wit|Tobias F Rinke|TF|
Fleury|Herve J|HJ|
Kanki|Phyllis J|PJ|
Ruxrungtham|Kiat|K|
Hawkins|Claudia A|CA|
Wallis|Carole L|CL|
Stevens|Wendy|W|
van Zyl|Gert U|GU|
Manosuthi|Weerawat|W|
Hosseinipour|Mina C|MC|
Ngo-Giang-Huong|Nicole|N|
Belec|Laurent|L|
Peeters|Martine|M|
Aghokeng|Avelin|A|
Bunupuradah|Torsak|T|
Burda|Sherri|S|
Cane|Patricia|P|
Cappelli|Giulia|G|
Charpentier|Charlotte|C|
Dagnra|Anoumou Y|AY|
Deshpande|Alaka K|AK|
El-Katib|Ziad|Z|
Eshleman|Susan H|SH|
Fokam|Joseph|J|
Gody|Jean-Chrysostome|JC|
Katzenstein|David|D|
Koyalta|Donato D|DD|
Kumwenda|Johnstone J|JJ|
Lallemant|Marc|M|
Lynen|Lutgarde|L|
Marconi|Vincent C|VC|
Margot|Nicolas A|NA|
Moussa|Sandrine|S|
Ndung'u|Thumbi|T|
Nyambi|Phillipe N|PN|
Orrell|Catherine|C|
Schapiro|Jonathan M|JM|
Schuurman|Rob|R|
Sirivichayakul|Sunee|S|
Smith|Davey|D|
Zolfo|Maria|M|
Jordan|Michael R|MR|
Shafer|Robert W|RW|

nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor


Neuropsychological Trajectories Associated with Adolescent Alcohol and Cannabis Use: A Prospective 14-Year Study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Alcohol and cannabis remain the substances most widely used by adolescents. Better understanding of the dynamic relationship between trajectories of substance use in relation to neuropsychological functioning is needed. The aim of this study was to examine the different impacts of within- and between-person changes in alcohol and cannabis use on neuropsychological functioning over multiple time points.

METHODS
Hierarchical linear modeling examined the effects of alcohol and cannabis use on neuropsychological functioning over the course of 14 years in a sample of 175 adolescents (aged 12-15 years at baseline).

RESULTS
Time-specific fluctuations in alcohol use (within-person effect) predicted worse performance across time on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Block Design subtest (B = -.05, SE = .02, p = .01). Greater mean levels of percent days of cannabis use across time (between-person effect) were associated with an increased contrast score between Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color Word Inhibition and Color Naming conditions (B = .52, SE = .14, p < .0001) and poorer performance over time on Block Design (B = -.08, SE = .04, p = .03). Neither alcohol and/nor cannabis use over time was associated with performance in the verbal memory and processing speed domains.

CONCLUSIONS
Greater cumulative cannabis use over adolescence may be linked to poorer inhibitory control and visuospatial functioning performance, whereas more proximal increases in alcohol consumption during adolescence may drive alcohol-related performance decrements in visuospatial functioning. Results from this prospective study add to the growing body of literature on the impact of alcohol and cannabis use on cognition from adolescent to young adulthood.

Neuropsychological trajectories
Adolescence
Alcohol
Cannabis
Inhibitory control
Visuospatial functioning


Interim (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Early Metabolic Assessment of Response to Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Bleomycin Chemotherapy for Metastatic Seminoma: Clinical Value and Future Directions.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In patients with metastatic seminoma, designing a risk-adapted strategy that may help personalize the burden of treatment and follow-up is required.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patients who were administered cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (PEB) were staged at baseline with computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and serum tumor markers. Restaging was then performed with PET after 2 cycles of PEB (PET2) and with CT after 3 to 4 cycles of treatment. The 20% cutoff of maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) changes and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST, version 1.1) criteria were applied to define the response. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to analyze the association between metabolic response and the shrinkage of target lesions.

RESULTS
Between February 2009 and November 2013, 37 patients were enrolled. After 2 cycles of PEB, 27 patients (72.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 55.8-86.2) had a metabolic complete response (CR) and 10 patients had a partial response (PR; 27%; 95% CI, 13.8-44.1). A significant association was found between PET2 response and baseline (P = .003), final diameter (P < .001), and percentage of tumor shrinkage (P = .014) of target lesions. After 18 months' (interquartile range [IQR], 13-23) median follow-up, 2 patients with PET2 PR had relapsed disease; none of those with a CR had relapsed disease.

CONCLUSIONS
A significant association was found between early metabolic response and tumor shrinkage in patients with advanced seminoma. Patients achieving a PET2 CR could be predicted not to need additional treatment after PEB, and simplifying their follow-up should be an end point. PET2 might also identify difficult to treat cases at an early stage.

Necchi|Andrea|A| Nicolai|Nicola|N| Alessi|Alessandra|A| Miceli|Rosalba|R| Giannatempo|Patrizia|P| Raggi|Daniele|D| Tana|Silvia|S| Serafini|Gianluca|G| Padovano|Barbara|B| Mariani|Luigi|L| Crippa|Flavio|F| Salvioni|Roberto|R|

D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

Positron emission tomography
Chemotherapy
Seminoma
Prognostic factor
Testicular neoplasms


Chromatin remodelling during male gametophyte development.

Abstract: The plant life cycle alternates between a diploid sporophytic phase and haploid gametophytic phase, with the latter giving rise to the gametes. Male gametophyte development encompasses two mitotic divisions that results in a simple three-celled structure knows as the pollen grain, in which two sperm cells are encased within a larger vegetative cell. Both cell types exhibit a very different type of chromatin organization - highly condensed in sperm cell nuclei and highly diffuse in the vegetative cell. Distinct classes of histone variants have dynamic and differential expression in the two cell lineages of the male gametophyte. Here we review how the dynamics of histone variants are linked to reprogramming of chromatin activities in the male gametophyte, compaction of the sperm cell genome and zygotic transitions post-fertilization.

D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly

chromatin
male gametophyte
pollen
sperm cells
histone variants
epigenetics


Preparation of Multicolor Photoluminescent Carbon Dots by Tuning Surface States.

Abstract: The achievements of multicolor photoluminescent (PL)-emissive carbon dots (CDs), particularly red to near infrared (NIR), are critical for their applications in optoelectronic devices and bioimaging, but it still faces great challenges to date. In this study, PL emission red-shifts were observed when tartaric acid (TA) was added into m-phenylenediamine (mPD) or o-phenylenediamine (oPD) solutions as carbon sources to prepare CDs, i.e., from blue to green for mPD and from yellow-green to red for oPD. Morphology and structure analyses revealed that the increased surface oxidation and carboxylation were responsible for the red-shifts of emission, indicating that TA played a key role in tuning the surface state of CDs. These factors could be employed as effective strategies to adjust PL emissions of CDs. Consequently, multicolor PL CDs (i.e., blue-, green-, yellow-green- and red-emissive CDs) can be facilely prepared using mPD and oPD in the absence and presence of TA. Particularly, the obtained red-emissive CDs showed a high PL quantum yield up to 22.0% and an emission covering red to NIR regions, demonstrating great potentials in optoelectronic devices and bioimaging. Moreover, multicolor phosphors were further prepared by mixing corresponding CDs with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), among which the blue, green, and red ones could serve as three primary color phosphors for fabricating multicolor and white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The white LED was measured to show a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) 1931 chromaticity coordinate of (0.34, 0.32), a high color rendering index (CRI) of 89, and a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5850 K, representing one of the best performances of white LEDs based on CDs.

Jiang|Kai|K| Feng|Xiangyu|X| Gao|Xiaolu|X| Wang|Yuhui|Y| Cai|Congzhong|C| Li|Zhongjun|Z| Lin|Hengwei|H|0000-0002-0589-7035

multicolor photoluminescence
carbon dots
surface state
light-emitting diodes


Znc2 module of RAG1 contributes towards structure-specific nuclease activity of RAGs.

Abstract: Recombination activating genes (RAGs), consisting of RAG1 and RAG2 have ability to perform spatially and temporally regulated DNA recombination in a sequence specific manner. Besides, RAGs also cleave at non-B DNA structures and are thought to contribute towards genomic rearrangements and cancer. The nonamer binding domain of RAG1 binds to the nonamer sequence of the signal sequence during V(D)J recombination. However, deletion of NBD did not affect RAG cleavage on non-B DNA structures. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of other RAG domains when RAGs act as a structure-specific nuclease. Studies using purified central domain (CD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RAG1 showed that CD of RAG1 exhibited high affinity and specific binding to heteroduplex DNA, which was irrespective of the sequence of single-stranded DNA, unlike CTD which showed minimal binding. Furthermore, we show that ZnC2 of RAG1 is crucial for its binding to DNA structures as deletion and point mutations abrogated the binding of CD to heteroduplex DNA. Our results also provide evidence that unlike RAG cleavage on RSS, central domain of RAG1 is sufficient to cleave heteroduplex DNA harbouring pyrimidines, but not purines. Finally, we show that a point mutation in the DDE catalytic motif is sufficient to block the cleavage of CD on heteroduplex DNA. Therefore, in the present study we demonstrate that the while ZnC2 module in central domain of RAG1 is required for binding to non-B DNA structures, active site amino acids are important for RAGs to function as a structure-specific nuclease.

Nilavar|Namrata M|NM|
Nishana|Mayilaadumveettil|M|
Paranjape|Amita M|AM|
Mahadeva|Raghunandan|R|
Kumari|Rupa|R|
Choudhary|Bibha|B|
Raghavan|Sathees C|SC|

D020816:Amino Acid Motifs
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins
D057809:HEK293 Cells
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins
D006801:Humans
D009687:Nuclear Proteins
D009692:Nucleic Acid Heteroduplexes
D000072417:Protein Domains
D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D060152:V(D)J Recombination

RAG2
non-B DNA structures
V(D)J recombination
RAG complex
genomic integrity


Migration, Agency, and the Sex Industry: Practitioners' Perspectives on Foreign Sex Workers in Turkey.

Abstract: The article presents the political, economic, and sociocultural factors that make Turkey an attractive destination for foreign sex workers, and reviews trends in official statistics of arrested traffickers, rescued victims, and deportation of migrant illegal sex workers. In-depth interviews of 20 law enforcement and nongovernmental organizations staff members, who in the course of their work come into close contact with foreign sex workers, shed light on the statistics. The interview data provide insights into the structure of the Turkish sex market, the factors that bring foreign women to work in this market, and the impact of legal reforms on the circumstances of foreign sex workers. The article concludes with the implications of the findings for public policy.

foreign sex workers
law enforcement
nongovernmental organizations
Turkish sex market
prostitution


Examining pediatric emergency home ventilation practices in home health nurses: Opportunities for improved care.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To assess the pediatric home health nurses' knowledge in tracheostomy and ventilator emergency care on home mechanical ventilation (HMV).

BACKGROUND
Emergencies are frightening experiences for solo home health nurses and require advanced skills in emergency response and care, especially in pediatric patients who pose unique challenges.

WORKING HYPOTHESIS
Nurses with greater years of nursing experience would perform better on emergency HMV case-based scenarios than nurses with less years of experience.

STUDY DESIGN
An exploratory online survey was used to evaluate emergency case-based pediatric scenarios. Demographic and professional experiences were profiled.

PATIENT-SUBJECT SELECTION
Seventy-nine nurses had an average of 6.73 (SD = 1.41) years in pediatric nursing. Over 70% received their HMV training in their agency, 41% had less than 4 years of experience, and 30.4% had encountered at least one emergency situation at home.

METHODOLOGY
The online survey was distributed by managers of 22 home health agencies to nurses providing pediatric HMV care.

RESULTS
Nurses scored an average of 4.87 out of 10 possible points. There were no significant differences between nurses with <4 years of experience versus those with more experience on ventilator alarms knowledge or total knowledge. Ninety-seven percent of the nurses favored more training in HMV from a variety of settings (e.g., agency, on-line training).

CONCLUSIONS
Nurses did not perform well in case-based ventilator alarm scenarios. Length of nursing experience did not differentiate greater knowledge. It is clear that nurses require and want more training in emergency-based HMV. Recommendations for an enhanced curriculum are suggested.

Kun|Sheila S|SS|
Beas|Virginia N|VN|
Keens|Thomas G|TG|
Ward|Sally S L|SS|
Gold|Jeffrey I|JI|

pediatric
tracheostomy
home mechanical ventilation


How Well Does the Brief Interview for Mental Status Identify Risk for Cognition Mediated Functional Impairment in a Community Sample?

Abstract:
Objective
To determine the adequacy of the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) compared with other screening tools in identifying individuals with limitations in functional cognition and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

Design
Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting
Midsized midwestern city.

Participants
We assessed a convenience sample of community dwelling individuals (N=197) aged 55 years and older who were living independently.

Main Outcome Measures
Participant scores on the BIMS, Mini-Cog, Menu Task, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were compared with the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills Checkbook Balancing and Shopping tasks (PCST), which are known to predict impairment in complex IADLs associated with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Multiple logistic regression analyses controlling for participant demographics, as well as sensitivity and specificity, were computed for each screening measure using the PCST as the criterion measure.

Results
The Mini-Cog, Menu Task, and MoCA identified 25.89%, 32.49%, and 47.21% more individuals, respectively, as impaired than the BIMS. In multiple logistical regression analyses, the BIMS correctly identified 58% of those impaired on the PCST. However, each of the alternate screening measures correctly identified at least 70% of individuals as impaired on the PCST.

Conclusions
In this community sample, the BIMS was insensitive to subtle impairments with the potential to compromise community living, suggesting that the BIMS may be inappropriate for use outside nursing home settings.

Marks|Timothy S|TS|
Giles|Gordon M|GM|
Al-Heizan|Muhammad O|MO|
Edwards|Dorothy F|DF|

CMS, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

IADL, instrumental activities of daily living

PASS, Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills

PCST, Checkbook Balancing and Shopping tasks


Developing a competence framework for psychological interventions in a multidisciplinary paediatric context.

Abstract: This paper describes the development and content of a competence framework for psychological interventions, intended to apply to healthcare workers of all disciplines working in a paediatric context. To achieve this, a review of the literature was used to indicate where current interventions had evidence for efficacy; this scoping exercise was complemented by an expert reference group (ERG) whose role was to offer professional advice on areas where the evidence base is not strong but where the field commonly employs interventions. Iterative peer review of the emerging framework was undertaken both by the ERG and external peer reviewers selected for their expertise in the field. The characteristics of the completed framework are presented, along a discussion of the uses to which it can be put. The framework is best seen as a practitioner support tool, providing a basis for training and practice in paediatric contexts.

psychology
child psychology
clinical procedures
multidisciplinary team care
paediatric practice


What is the optimal distribution of myelin along a single axon?

Abstract: The myelin sheath that insulates some axons in the central nervous system allows for faster signal conduction. Previously, axons were thought to be either unmyelinated or fully myelinated. Recent experimental work has discovered a new pattern of myelination (intermittent myelination) along axons in the mouse brain, in which long unmyelinated axon segments are followed by myelinated segments of comparable length. We use a computational model to explore how myelin distribution (in particular intermittent myelination) affects conduction velocity. We find that although fully myelinated axons minimize conduction velocity, varying the spatial distribution of a fixed amount of myelin along a partially myelinated axon leads to considerable variation in the conduction velocity for action potentials. Whether sodium ion channel number or sodium ion channel density is held constant as the area of the unmyelinated segments increases has a strong influence on the optimal pattern of myelin and the conduction velocity.

Walsh|Darragh M|DM|
Landman|Kerry A|KA|
Hughes|Barry D|BD|

D000200:Action Potentials
D001369:Axons
D003198:Computer Simulation
D009186:Myelin Sheath
D009431:Neural Conduction
D009474:Neurons
D015222:Sodium Channels

Central nervous system
Intermittent myelination
Ion channels


Fluticasone Propionate Suppresses Poly(I:C)-Induced ACE2 in Primary Human Nasal Epithelial Cells.

Abstract:
Background
From the first detection in 2019, SARS-CoV-2 infections have spread rapidly worldwide and have been proven to cause an urgent and important health problem. SARS-CoV-2 cell entry depends on two proteins present on the surface of host cells, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). The nasal cavity is thought to be one of the initial sites of infection and a possible reservoir for dissemination within and between individuals. However, it is not known how the expression of these genes is regulated in the nasal mucosa.

Objective
In this study, we examined whether the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 is affected by innate immune signals in the nasal mucosa. We also investigated how fluticasone propionate (FP), a corticosteroid used as an intranasal steroid spray, affects the gene expression.

Methods
Primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were collected from the nasal mucosa and incubated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and/or fluticasone propionate (FP), followed by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot analyses.

Results
Among the TLR agonists, the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C) significantly increased ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression in HNECs (ACE2 36.212±11.600-fold change, p<0.0001; TMPRSS2 5.598±2.434-fold change, p=0.031). The ACE2 protein level was also increased with Poly(I:C) stimulation (2.884±0.505-fold change, p=0.003). The Poly(I:C)-induced ACE2 expression was suppressed by co-incubation with FP (0.405±0.312-fold change, p=0.044).

Conclusion
The activation of innate immune signals via TLR3 promotes the expression of genes related to SARS-CoV2 cell entry in the nasal mucosa, although this expression is suppressed in the presence of FP. Further studies are required to evaluate whether FP suppresses SARS-CoV-2 viral cell entry.

Nakazono|Akira|A|
Nakamaru|Yuji|Y|
Ramezanpour|Mahnaz|M|
Kondo|Takeshi|T|
Watanabe|Masashi|M|
Hatakeyama|Shigetsugu|S|
Kimura|Shogo|S|
Honma|Aya|A|
Wormald|P J|PJ|
Vreugde|Sarah|S|
Suzuki|Masanobu|M|
Homma|Akihiro|A|