Paramagnetic Metal-Ion Dopants as Polarization Agents for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR Spectroscopy in Inorganic Solids.

Abstract: Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a technique in which the high electron spin polarization is transferred to surrounding nuclei via microwave irradiation, equips solid-state NMR spectroscopy with unprecedented sensitivity. The most commonly used polarization agents for DNP are nitroxide radicals. However, their applicability to inorganic materials is mostly limited to surface detection. Paramagnetic metal ions were recently introduced as alternatives for nitroxides. Doping inorganic solids with paramagnetic ions can be used to tune material properties and introduces endogenous DNP agents that can potentially provide sensitivity in the particles' bulk and surface. Here we demonstrate the approach by doping Li4 Ti5 O12 (LTO), an anode material for lithium ion batteries, with paramagnetic ions. By incorporating Gd(III) and Mn(II) in LTO we gain up to 14 fold increase in signal intensity in static 7 Li DNP-NMR experiments. These results suggest that doping with paramagnetic ions provides an efficient route for sensitivity enhancement in the bulk of micron size particles.

Chakrabarty|Tanmoy|T| Goldin|Nir|N| Feintuch|Akiva|A| Houben|Lothar|L| Leskes|Michal|M|0000-0002-7172-9689

dynamic nuclear polarization
NMR spectroscopy
doping
sensitivity enhancement
lithium titanate


Consequences of CT colonography in stenosing colorectal cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In patients with stenosing colorectal cancer (CRC), visualization of the entire colon prior to surgery is recommended to exclude synchronous tumors. Therefore, most centers combine computed tomographic colonography (CTC) with staging CT. The aims of this study were to evaluate the yield and clinical implications of CTC.

METHODS
In this multicenter retrospective study, patients with stenosing CRC that underwent CTC and subsequent surgery between April 2013 and November 2015 were included. Result of the CTC, its influence on the surgical treatment plan, and final histology report were evaluated.

RESULTS
One hundred sixty-two patients with stenosing CRC were included. Nine (5.6 %) synchronous cancers proximal to the stenosing tumor were suspected with CTC. In four of nine patients, the CTC did not change the primary surgical plan because the tumors were located in the same surgical segment. In five of nine patients, CTC changed the surgical treatment plan. Three of these five patients underwent an extended resection and the presence of the tumors was confirmed. Two of these three synchronous CRCs were also visible on abdominal staging CT. In the other two patients, the result of CTC was false positive which led to an unnecessary extended resection in one patient.

CONCLUSION
The yield of CTC was relatively low. In only three patients (1.9 %), CTC correctly changed the primary surgical plan, but in two of them, the tumor was also visible on abdominal staging CT. Moreover, in two patients, CTC was false positive. The clinical value of CTC in stenosing CRC appears to be limited.

Huisman|J F|JF|
Leicher|L W|LW|
de Boer|E|E|
van Westreenen|H L|HL|
de Groot|J W|JW|
Holman|F A|FA|
van de Meeberg|P C|PC|
Sallevelt|Pejm|P|
Peeters|Kcmj|K|
Wasser|Mnjm|M|
Vasen|Hfa|H|
de Vos Tot Nederveen Cappel|W H|WH|

CT colonography
Stenosing
Colorectal cancer
Obstructive


Sorafenib Reveals Anti-Arthritic Potentials in Collagen Induced Experimental Arthritis Model.

Abstract:
Objectives
This study aims to examine the effects of sorafenib on a collagen-induced arthritis model.

Materials and methods
The study included 50 randomly selected female Wistar-albino rats (8-10-week-old, weighing between 200 g to 250 g). The rats were divided into five equal groups as control, arthritis, etanercept, sorafenib high-dose, and sorafenib low-dose groups, respectively. Arthritis was induced by injecting mixed intradermal chicken type II collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Twenty-four hours after the advent of arthritis; rats in group 3 were injected subcutaneous etanercept (6 mg/kg/week), while those in groups 4 and 5 were given sorafenib (10 or 30 mg/ kg/day) orally until they were sacrificed on the 34th day. The rat claws and trunk bloods were carefully examined to note perisynovial inflammation and cartilage/bone injury through histopathology. Tissue vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor levels were carefully checked using western blot analysis.

Results
Analysis of the experimental data showed that collagen-induced arthritis decreased in treatments groups after 12-13 days and 34th day in contrast with the arthritis group. Histopathological examination revealed broad perisynovial inflammation and cartilage/bone break down in the arthritis group. Compared to the control group, tissue VEGF and VEGF receptor levels increased in the arthritis group. Sorafenib and etanercept decreased tissue VEGF and VEGF receptor levels, perisynovial inflammation, damage of cartilage/bone.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that sorafenib treatment ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis with anti-VEGF effectiveness.

Gözel|Nevzat|N|
Çakirer|Maşallah|M|
Karataş|Ahmet|A|
Tuzcu|Mehmet|M|
Özdemir|Fethi Ahmet|FA|
Dağli|Adile Ferda|AF|
Şahin|Kazım|K|
Koca|Süleyman Serdar|SS|

sorafenib
Collagen-induced arthritis
rheumatoid arthritis


Quercitrin treatment protects endothelial progenitor cells from oxidative damage via inducing autophagy through extracellular signal-regulated kinase.

Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a disease resulting from impaired endothelial function, often caused by oxidant injury or inflammation. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a critical role in repairing damaged endothelium and protecting against atherosclerosis. Quercitrin, a plant-derived flavonoid compound, displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we showed that quercitrin treatment reduced the apoptosis of EPCs caused by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) in a dose-dependent manner. Quercitrin improved tube formation, migration and adhesion of ox-LDL-treated EPCs. To determine the effect of quercitrin in vivo, EPCs treated with or without ox-LDL and quercitrin were locally injected into the ischemic hind limb muscle of nude mice. Those injected with EPCs treated with ox-LDL and quercitrin showed significantly increased local accumulation of EPCs, blood flow recovery and capillary density compared with the control and ox-LDL only groups. Furthermore, we showed that quercitrin enhanced autophagy and upregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase and ERK phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Autophagy inhibitors, chloroquine and 3-methyladenine, abrogated quercitrin-enhanced autophagy caused by ox-LDL as evidenced by decreased numbers of branch points, migratory cells and adherent cells, and increased numbers of apoptotic cells. The ERK inhibitor PD98059 abrogated quercitrin-enhanced autophagy, as identified by decreased autophagosome formation and downregulated ERK phosphorylation. The inhibition of ERK did not affect the expression of Rac1, but enhanced phosphorylation of Akt. Quercitrin treatment also increased the expression of E-cadherin, and PD98059 abrogated the upregulation of E-cadherin induced by quercitrin. Our findings suggested that autophagy is a protective mechanism in EPCs exposed to oxidative damage. Quercitrin can promote autophagy through the activation of ERK and the ERK signaling pathway is therefore thought to play a pivotal role in mediating the protective effects on EPCs.

Zhi|Kangkang|K| Li|Maoquan|M| Bai|Jun|J| Wu|Yongfa|Y| Zhou|Sili|S| Zhang|Xiaoping|X| Qu|Lefeng|L|

Quercitrin
Oxidative damage
Autophagy
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)
ERK signaling pathway


Right ventricular remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: adaptive versus maladaptive morphology.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although increased pulmonary pressure is caused by changes in the pulmonary vasculature, prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is strongly associated with right ventricular (RV) function. The aim of this study was to describe the best RV adaptive remodeling pattern to increased afterload in IPAH.

METHODS
In 60 consecutive patients with IPAH, RV morphologic and functional features were evaluated by echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. To address the question of the best RV adaptation pattern, we divided the study population into two groups by the median value of RV mass/volume ratio (0.46) because this parameter allows the distinction between RV eccentric (≤0.46) and concentric hypertrophy (>0.46). The two groups were compared for RV remodeling and systolic function parameters, World Health Organization class, pulmonary hemodynamics, and 6-minute walk test.

RESULTS
Despite similar pulmonary vascular resistance, mean pulmonary pressure, and compliance, patients with eccentric hypertrophy had advanced World Health Organization class and worse 6-minute walk test, hemodynamics, RV remodeling, and systolic function parameters compared with patients with concentric hypertrophy. The group with concentric hypertrophy had higher RV to pulmonary arterial coupling compared with the group with eccentric hypertrophy (1.24 ± 0.26 vs 0.83 ± 0.33, p = 0.0001), indicating higher RV efficiency. A significant correlation was found between pulmonary vascular resistance and RV to pulmonary arterial coupling (r = -0.55, r(2) = 0.31, p = 0.0001), with patients with RV mass/volume ratio > 0.46 at the higher part of the scatterplot, confirming more adequate RV function.

CONCLUSIONS
Concentric hypertrophy might represent a more favorable RV adaptive remodeling pattern to increased afterload in IPAH because it is associated with more suitable systolic function and mechanical efficiency.

Badagliacca|Roberto|R|
Poscia|Roberto|R|
Pezzuto|Beatrice|B|
Nocioni|Martina|M|
Mezzapesa|Mario|M|
Francone|Marco|M|
Giannetta|Elisa|E|
Papa|Silvia|S|
Gambardella|Cristina|C|
Sciomer|Susanna|S|
Volterrani|Maurizio|M|
Fedele|Francesco|F|
Dario Vizza|Carmine|C|

D065627:Familial Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine

pulmonary arterial hypertension
echocardiography
cardiac magnetic resonance
right ventricle remodeling


Repression of human and mouse brain inflammaging transcriptome by broad gene-body histone hyperacetylation.

Abstract: Brain "inflammaging," a low-grade and chronic inflammation, is a major hallmark for aging-related neurodegenerative diseases. Here, by profiling H3K27ac and gene expression patterns in human and mouse brains, we found that age-related up-regulated (Age-Up) and down-regulated (Age-Down) genes have distinct H3K27ac patterns. Although both groups show promoter H3K27ac, the Age-Up genes, enriched for inflammation-related functions, are additionally marked by broad H3K27ac distribution over their gene bodies, which is progressively reduced during aging. Age-related gene expression changes can be predicted by gene-body H3K27ac level. Contrary to the presumed transcription activation function of promoter H3K27ac, we found that broad gene-body hyper H3K27ac suppresses overexpression of inflammaging genes. Altogether, our findings revealed opposite regulations by H3K27ac of Age-Up and Age-Down genes and a mode of broad gene-body H3K27ac in repressing transcription.

Cheng|Hao|H|
Xuan|Hongwen|H|
Green|Christopher D|CD|
Han|Yixing|Y|
Sun|Na|N|
Shen|Hongjie|H|
McDermott|Joseph|J|
Bennett|David A|DA|
Lan|Fei|F|
Han|Jing-Dong J|JJ|

brain
inflammation
H3K27ac
aging
gene-body acetylation


Microspore embryogenesis: targeting the determinant factors of stress-induced cell reprogramming for crop improvement.

Abstract: Under stress, isolated microspores are reprogrammed in vitro towards embryogenesis, producing doubled haploid plants that are useful biotechnological tools in plant breeding as a source of new genetic variability, fixed in homozygous plants in only one generation. Stress-induced cell death and low rates of cell reprogramming are major factors that reduce yield. Knowledge gained in recent years has revealed that initiation and progression of microspore embryogenesis involve a complex network of factors, whose roles are not yet well understood. Here, I review recent findings on the determinant factors underlying stress-induced microspore embryogenesis, focusing on the role of autophagy, cell death, auxin, chromatin modifications, and the cell wall. Autophagy and cell death proteases are crucial players in the response to stress, while cell reprogramming and acquisition of totipotency are regulated by hormonal and epigenetic mechanisms. Auxin biosynthesis, transport, and action are required for microspore embryogenesis. Initial stages involve DNA hypomethylation, H3K9 demethylation, and H3/H4 acetylation. Cell wall remodelling, with pectin de-methylesterification and arabinogalactan protein expression, is necessary for embryo development. Recent reports show that treatments with small modulators of autophagy, proteases, and epigenetic marks reduce cell death and enhance embryogenesis initiation in several crops, opening up new possibilities for improving in vitro embryo production in breeding programmes.

D065150:Cellular Reprogramming
D018556:Crops, Agricultural
D000069600:Plant Breeding
D011058:Pollen
D013312:Stress, Physiological

microspore embryogenesis
stress
cell death
Autophagy
cell wall
epigenetic marks
cell fate
cell totipotency
differentiation
phytohormones


Concomitant placement of dialysis and infusion catheters in the right internal jugular vein in the intensive care setting: Is it safe?

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study examined the safety and efficacy of placing both a central venous dialysis catheter and a central venous catheter for infusion in the right internal jugular vein compared to only a central venous dialysis catheter.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review for all adult patients who underwent the placement of the right internal jugular dialysis catheter by a single surgeon. Patients were grouped based on whether they received a tunneled dual lumen dialysis catheter alone or in combination with a central venous infusion catheter in the right internal jugular vein. Catheter-related thrombosis, line infections, line malfunctions, pneumothorax, and need for line replacement were evaluated.

RESULTS
There were 97 patients in the dialysis catheter and central venous infusion line group and 63 patients in the dialysis catheter only group. The two groups were not different with regard to age (62.1 ± 16.3 years vs 57.9 ± 17.6 years) and gender (47.4% male vs 55.6% male). No significant differences were found in the incidence of thrombosis (1.0 % vs 0.0%, p > 0.999), line infection (2.1% vs 0.0%, p = 0.519), or line malfunctions (2.1% vs 0.0%, p = 0.516) in patients who did or did not have a central venous infusion catheter placed concomitantly with the dialysis catheter, respectively. No patients in either group had a pneumothorax.

CONCLUSIONS
Although not currently utilized with frequency, these preliminary data indicate that placing both a dual lumen dialysis catheter and central venous infusion catheter in the right internal jugular simultaneously could be a viable option.

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D061807:Catheter Obstruction
D055499:Catheter-Related Infections
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous
D002408:Catheters, Indwelling
D062905:Central Venous Catheters
D020878:Device Removal
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007262:Infusions, Intravenous
D007362:Intensive Care Units
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D006435:Renal Dialysis
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018570:Risk Assessment
D012307:Risk Factors
D013997:Time Factors
D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020246:Venous Thrombosis

Dialysis catheter
central venous catheter
thrombosis
line infection


Effectively Promoting Activity and Stability of a MnCo2O4-Based Cathode by In Situ Constructed Heterointerfaces for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

Abstract: The development of multiphase composite electrocatalysts plays a key role in achieving the efficient and durable operation of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Herein, a self-assembled nanocomposite is developed as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst for IT-SOFCs through a coprecipitation method. The nanocomposite is composed of a doped (Mn0.6Mg0.4)0.8Sc0.2Co2O4 (MMSCO) spinel oxide (84 wt %), an orthorhombic perovskite phase (11.3 wt %, the spontaneous combination of PrO2 additives and spinel), and a minor Sc2O3 phase (4.7 wt %). The surface of the (Mn0.6Mg0.4)0.8Sc0.2Co2O4 phase is activated by the self-assembled nanocoating with many heterogeneous interfaces. Thence, the ORR kinetics is obviously accelerated and an area-specific resistance (ASR) of ∼0.11 Ω cm2 is obtained at 750 °C. Moreover, a single cell with the cathode shows a peak power density (PPD) of 1144.1 mW cm-2 at 750 °C, much higher than that of the cell with the MnCo2O4 cathode (456.2 mW cm-2). An enhanced stability of ∼120 h (0.8 A cm-2, 750 °C) is also achieved, related to the reduced thermal expansion coefficient (13.9 × 10-6 K-1). The improvement in ORR kinetics and stability can be attributed to the refinement of grains, the formation of heterointerfaces, and the enhancement of mechanical compatibility.

solid oxide fuel cell
oxygen reduction reaction
spinel
heterogeneous interfaces
co-precipitation


Increased red cell distribution width is associated with poor stem cell mobilization in patients with advanced chronic heart failure.

Abstract: Parameters associated with poor CD34(+) stem cell mobilization in advanced chronic heart failure (CHF) patients were investigated. Forty-four CHF patients underwent bone marrow stimulation with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. Poor cell mobilization presents in 32% of patients. Poor and good mobilizers did not differ significantly regarding age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, kidney or liver function and exercise capacity. Significant differences were found regarding NT-proBNP levels and red cell distribution width (RDW). Increased RDW was the only independent predictor of poor CD34(+) stem cell mobilization on multivariable analysis and may serve as a biomarker of poor stem cell mobilization in CHF patients.

Poglajen|Gregor|G| Sever|Matjaž|M| Černelč|Peter|P| Haddad|Francois|F| Vrtovec|Bojan|B|

D019650:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization

D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

heart failure
Bone marrow
stem cell therapy


Subjective and objective features of sleep disorders in patients with acute ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke: It is not only sleep apnoea which is important.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
More than half of stroke patients present with a sleep-related breathing disorder including both central and obstructive forms of sleep apnoea. A cerebral infarction in different brain areas can disrupt sleep regulating pathways and cause insomnia, hypersomnia, circadian rhythm disturbances and other sleep disorders. Therefore, there is a need of objective data about various sleep disorders arising after ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke in order to implement practical recommendations how to suspect, diagnose and treat these conditions. Our medical hypothesis is that non-breathing sleep disorders are common among patients with acute ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the subjective and objective sleep parameters in the patients with an acute ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke.

METHODS
In the acute period (from 3 to 10 days after the first symptoms) of stroke all the patients completed questionnaires about sleep complaints and symptoms experienced before and after stroke, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Modified Rankin Scale. Patients were included for further polysomnography (PSG) and sleep electroencephalography according to these criteria: (1) patients expressing severe sleep related complaints and/or symptoms that are new or have exacerbated after the stroke; and/or (2) patients having the ESS score equal or >10.

RESULTS
66 patients were examined in the acute period of stroke. 33 (50%) patients had at least one or more new or exacerbated sleep complaints and/or symptoms, mostly related to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and insomnia. Finally, 13 (19.7% of the whole sample) patients were selected for performing PSG. 12 of 13 patients were diagnosed with sleep disorder: 1 patient got the diagnosis of mild OSA, 1 - central sleep apnoea (CSA), 2 - combination of OSA and CSA, 1 - combination of mild OSA, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), 1 - combination of mild OSA and PLMD, 3 - combination of PLMD and insomnia, 3 - insomnia. There were no significant relations between type, location or treatment of stroke and various PSG measures, as well as type of a diagnosed sleep disorder.

CONCLUSIONS
Half of our acute stroke patients had at least one or more new or exacerbated sleep complaints and/or symptoms, mainly related to OSA or insomnia. In the selected PSG group almost all patients were diagnosed with a sleep disorder, half of them having non-breathing sleep disorder, such as PLMD, RBD and insomnia.

Pajediene|Evelina|E| Pajeda|Adomas|A| Urnieziute|Gintare|G| Paulekas|Erlandas|E| Liesiene|Vanda|V| Bileviciute-Ljungar|Indre|I| Jurkeviciene|Giedre|G| Rastenyte|Daiva|D| Petrikonis|Kestutis|K|

Sleep
Stroke
Sleep apnoea
Periodic limb movement disorder
REM sleep behaviour disorder


Muscle activation patterns of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during walking gait before and after exercise.

Abstract: The lumbo-pelvic-hip core complex consists of musculoskeletal structures that stabilize the spine and pelvis, however fatigue may affect muscle recruitment, active muscle stiffness and trunk kinematics, compromising trunk stability. The purpose of this study was to compare trunk muscle activation patterns, and trunk and lower extremity kinematics during walking gait before and after exercise. Surface electrodes were placed over the rectus abdominis, external oblique, erector spinae, gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, and vastus medialis of twenty-five healthy inidviduals. Means and 95% confidence intervals for muscle amplitude, muscle onsent and kinematics for 0-100% of the gait cycle were compared before and after exercise. Mean differences (MD) and standard deviations were calculated for all significant differences. The amplitude increased in the rectus abdominis during loading (MD=0.67±0.11), midstance (MD=0.75±0.04), terminal stance (MD=0.58±0.04), and late swing (MD=0.75±0.07) after exercise. Amplitude also increased during swing phase in the erector spinae (MD=0.92±0.11), vastus lateralis (MD=1.12±0.30), and vastus medialis (MD=1.80±0.19) after exercise. There was less trunk and hip rotation from initial contact to midstance after exercise. Neuromuscular fatigue significantly influenced the activation patterns of superficial musculature and kinematics of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex during walking. Increased muscle activation with decreased movement in a fatigued state may represent an effort to increase trunk stiffness to protect lumbo-pelvic-hip structures from overload.

Chang|Mihyang|M|
Slater|Lindsay V|LV|
Corbett|Revay O|RO|
Hart|Joseph M|JM|
Hertel|Jay|J|


Regional flow and deposition variability in adult female lungs: A numerical simulation pilot study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite the promise of respiratory simulations improving diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary diseases, model predictions have yet to be translated into the clinical setting. Current state-of-the-art in silico models have not yet incorporated subject variability in their predictions of airflow distributions and extent of deposited particles. Until inter-subject variability is accounted for in lung modeling, it will remain impossible to translate model predictions into clinical practice.

METHODS
Airflow and particle trajectories (dp=1,3,5μm) are calculated in three subject-specific female adults by performing physiologically-based simulations. The computation framework features the ability to track air and particles throughout the respiration cycle and in the entire lung. Airway resistances, air velocities, and local deposition sites are correlated to airway anatomical features.

FINDINGS
Smaller airway diameters are correlated to larger airway resistances and pressure gradients in one subject compared to the other two. Irregular shape of the airway and flow direction (e.g. inspiration or expiration) correspond with peak velocities and secondary flow motions. Largest subject variability in deposition between conducting and respiratory zones is seen for 1 μm diameter particles. Little difference in total deposition is found among subjects. Localized deposited particle concentration hotspots are linked to airway anatomy and flow motion.

INTERPRETATION
Simulation predictions provide a first look into the correlation of anatomical features with airflow characteristics and deposited particle concentrations. Global deposition percentages ranged (at most, by 20%) between subjects and variances in localized deposition hotspots are correlated to variances in flow characteristics.

Airways
Aerosol
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Human
Transport


Epidemiologic Evidence for Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during Church Singing, Australia, 2020.

Abstract: An outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection occurred among church attendees after an infectious chorister sang at multiple services. We detected 12 secondary case-patients. Video recordings of the services showed that case-patients were seated in the same section, up to 15 m from the primary case-patient, without close physical contact, suggesting airborne transmission.

Katelaris|Anthea L|AL|
Wells|Jessica|J|
Clark|Penelope|P|
Norton|Sophie|S|
Rockett|Rebecca|R|
Arnott|Alicia|A|
Sintchenko|Vitali|V|
Corbett|Stephen|S|
Bag|Shopna K|SK|


Evaluation of differences and dosimetric influences of beam models using golden and multi-institutional measured beam datasets in radiation treatment planning systems.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The beam model in radiation treatment planning systems (RTPSs) plays a crucial role in determining the accuracy of calculated dose distributions. The purpose of this study was to ascertain differences in beam models and their dosimetric influences when a golden beam dataset (GBD) and multi-institution measured beam datasets (MBDs) are used for beam modeling in RTPSs.

METHODS
The MBDs collected from 15 institutions, and the MBDs' beam models, were compared with a GBD, and the GBD's beam model, for Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator. The calculated dose distributions of the MBDs' beam models were compared with those of the GBD's beam model for simple geometries in a water phantom. Calculated dose distributions were similarly evaluated in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for TG-119 C-shape and TG-244 head and neck, at several dose constraints of the planning target volumes (PTVs), and organs at risk.

RESULTS
The agreements of the MBDs with the GBD were almost all within ±1%. The calculated dose distributions for simple geometries in a water phantom also closely corresponded between the beam models of GBD and MBDs. Nevertheless, there were considerable differences between the beam models. The maximum differences between the mean energy of the energy spectra of GBD and MBDs were -0.12 MeV (-10.5%) in AcurosXB (AXB, Eclipse) and 0.11 MeV (7.7%) in collapsed cone convolution (CCC, RayStation). The differences in the VMAT calculated dose distributions varied for each dose region, plan, X-ray energy, and dose calculation algorithm. The ranges of the differences in the dose constraints were -5.6% to 3.0% for AXB and -24.1% to 2.8% for CCC. In several VMAT plans, the calculated dose distributions of GBD's beam model tended to be lower in high-dose regions and higher in low-dose regions than those of the MBDs' beam models.

CONCLUSIONS
We found that small differences in beam data have large impacts on the beam models, and on calculated dose distributions in clinical VMAT plan, even if beam data correspond within ±1%. GBD's beam model was not a representative beam model. The beam models of GBD and MBDs and their calculated dose distributions under clinical conditions were significantly different. These differences are most likely due to the extensive variation in the beam models, reflecting the characteristics of beam data. The energy spectrum and radial energy in the beam model varied in a wide range, even if the differences in the beam data were <±1%. To minimize the uncertainty of the calculated dose distributions in clinical plans, it was best to use the institutional MBD for beam modeling, or the beam model that ensures the accuracy of calculated dose distributions.

Tani|Kensuke|K| Wakita|Akihisa|A| Tohyama|Naoki|N| Fujita|Yukio|Y| Kito|Satoshi|S| Miyasaka|Ryohei|R| Mizuno|Norifumi|N| Uehara|Ryuzo|R| Takakura|Toru|T| Miyake|Shunsuke|S| Shinoda|Kazuya|K| Oka|Yoshitaka|Y| Saito|Yasunori|Y| Kojima|Hideki|H| Hayashi|Naoki|N|


Improvement Effect of Dewaxed Brown Rice on Constipation in Antibiotic-treated Mice.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIM
A decrease in gastrointestinal motility causing weakened lipopolysaccharide (LPS) - toll-like receptor (TLR)4 signaling along with a decline in the number of enteric bacteria is known to be a cause of constipation due to the administration of antibiotics. A new type of brown rice with its wax layer removed, resulting in quick-cooking and tasty product, contains 100-times more LPS than polished white rice. In this study, the improvement effect on constipation due to intake of dewaxed brown rice was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Dewaxed brown rice was prepared at Toyo Rice from brown rice. Mice were given powdered feed to which powdered rice containing 0-50% of dewaxed brown rice was added. Antibiotics were administered for 10 or 27 days in drinking water containing vancomycin, metronidazole and neomycin. LPS, used as a control, was freely provided in drinking water. The defecation frequency, stool weight per hour and body weight were determined on the last day.

RESULTS
Although the 10-day administration of antibiotics reduced the stool weight per hour to half, the dewaxed brown rice and LPS groups showed a trend towards improvement at a level comparable to the group receiving no antibiotics. The body weight significantly decreased after the 27-day administration of antibiotics but was improved in the 50% dewaxed brown rice group at a level comparable to the group receiving no antibiotics. Though the defecation frequency and wet and dry stool weights per hour were reduced by as much as 50% in the group receiving antibiotics, a significant improvement in constipation was observed in the 50% dewaxed brown rice group.

CONCLUSION
As the improvement effect of dewaxed brown rice on body weight loss and constipation caused by the long-term administration of antibiotics has been confirmed in animal experimentation, the introduction of dewaxed brown rice as a staple food to patients under long-term antibiotic treatment may improve constipation.

Inagawa|Hiroyuki|H| Saika|Toshiyuki|T| Nishiyama|Naoki|N| Nisizawa|Takashi|T| Kohchi|Chie|C| Uenobe|Maya|M| Soma|Gen-Ichiro|GI|

Brown rice
constipation
lipopolysaccharide
antibiotics


Chemical study of the strain Cordyceps spp. from cell fusion between Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps cicadae.

Abstract: Chemical investigation on the cultures of the fungus Cordyceps spp., a strain from cell fusion between Cordyceps militaris and Cordyceps cicadae, resulted in the isolation of 13 compounds including 2 new ones named 2-(5-(3-oxobutyl) furan-2-yl) acetic acid (1) and cordycepone (2). Their structures were elucidated from the analysis of 1D/2D NMR and CD data. Among them, compounds 1, 7-9, at a concentration of 50 μg/ml, showed weak inhibitory activity against AChE. Moreover, compounds 6, 9, and 11 showed moderate inhibitory activity against the nematode Panagrellus redivivus with mortality ratio of 79.0, 71.7, and 72.3% at 2.5 mg/ml, respectively.

Yang|Ning-Ning|NN| Jiang|Ning|N| Ma|Qing-Yun|QY| Kong|Fan-Dong|FD| Xie|Qing-Yi|QY| Zhou|Li-Man|LM| Yu|Zhi-Fang|ZF| Zhao|You-Xing|YX|

spp
AChE inhibitory activity
Clavicipitaceae
anti-nematode activity
cyclic dipeptide
lactone


Excess seawater nutrients, enlarged algal symbiont densities and bleaching sensitive reef locations: 2. A regional-scale predictive model for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Abstract: A spatial risk assessment model is developed for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR, Australia) that helps identify reef locations at higher or lower risk of coral bleaching in summer heat-wave conditions. The model confirms the considerable benefit of discriminating nutrient-enriched areas that contain corals with enlarged (suboptimal) symbiont densities for the purpose of identifying bleaching-sensitive reef locations. The benefit of the new system-level understanding is showcased in terms of: (i) improving early-warning forecasts of summer bleaching risk, (ii) explaining historical bleaching patterns, (iii) testing the bleaching-resistant quality of the current marine protected area (MPA) network (iv) identifying routinely monitored coral health attributes, such as the tissue energy reserves and skeletal growth characteristics (viz. density and extension rates) that correlate with bleaching resistant reef locations, and (v) targeting region-specific water quality improvement strategies that may increase reef-scale coral health and bleaching resistance.

Wooldridge|Scott A|SA|
Heron|Scott F|SF|
Brodie|Jon E|JE|
Done|Terence J|TJ|
Masiri|Itsara|I|
Hinrichs|Saskia|S|

Marine protected area (MPA)
Coral health
Water quality
Bayesian Belief Network (BBN)
Coral bleaching resistance
Coral calcification
Coral cores
Resilience


Brain MRI in Epstein-Barr Virus Meningoencephalitis in Children.

Abstract:
Background and Purpose
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) meningoencephalitis can have variable and nonspecific brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in children. This study was done with the purpose of describing brain MRI findings in children with EBV meningoencephalitis.

Materials and Methods
The study included 45 pediatric patients that presented with variable neurological symptoms and were found to have EBV meningoencephalitis based on positive EBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid. All these patients had undergone brain MRI. Clinical and radiological features were evaluated.

Results
Fever was a presenting feature in all cases. Signs of meningitis and raised intracranial pressure (ICP) were seen in 24 (53.3%) cases, encephalopathy in 15 (33.3%), and seizures were present in 33 (73.3%). MRI was abnormal in 29 (64.4%) patients. The cortical/subcortical pattern was diagnosed in 9 (20%) cases, white matter involvement in 7 (15.5%), basal ganglia in 5 (11.1%), thalamic involvement in 4 (8.8%), brain stem involvement in 2 (6.2%), substantia nigra involvement in 2 (4.4%), and cerebellar involvement in 2 (4.4%). Diffusion restriction was present in 11 (24.4%) cases and susceptibility changes in 7 (15.5%). Meningeal enhancement was present in 10 (22.2%) cases. In addition, brain abscess and subdural effusion/empyema were present in 1 (2.2%) case each.

Conclusion
Pediatric EBV meningoencephalitis has varied clinicoradiological spectrum and there is no specific MRI pattern to characterize the meningoencephalitis on imaging. Common MRI findings include cortical-subcortical involvement, white matter changes, basal ganglia, and thalamic involvement.

Vyas|Sameer|S| Suthar|Renu|R| Bhatia|Vikas|V| Bhardwaj|Nidhi|N| Aggarwal|Ritu|R| Singhi|Pratibha|P| Singhi|Sunit|S|

meningoencephalitis
magnetic resonance imaging
Epstein–Barr virus


A Randomized Controlled Study on the Effects of a Documentary on Students' Empathy and Attitudes towards Older Adults.

Abstract:
Background
Despite the rapid increase in the size of the geriatric population, no current published literature is available based on the effects of viewing a documentary covering medical and psychosocial issues concerning older adults influencing young people's empathy and ageism. The aim of the current study was to test whether participants who viewed an original documentary about older adults experiencing physical pain would report lower ageism and higher empathy scores when compared to participants who watched a neutral documentary.

Method
Seventy-seven students (ages 18-29 years) were randomized to either the experimental (pain documentary) or the control (neutral documentary) conditions and given pre- and post-test measures of empathy and ageism.

Results
The results of a series of Profile Analyses (Multivariate Mixed ANOVAs) showed a significant interaction (Wilk's λ=0.933, F(1,75)=5.389, p=0.023, partial η2=0.067) between treatment and time (pre- vs. post-viewing the film) for the empathy measure that was confirmed by follow-up t-tests. The latter showed a significant increase in empathy scores for only the experimental group, t(37)=-2.999, p=0.005. However, contrary to the original prediction, this same treatment by time effect was not observed for ageism (Wilk's λ=0.994, F(1,75)=0.482, p=0.490, partial η2=0.006), as the experimental participants did not significantly reduce their ageism scores, t(38)=0.725, p=0.473. The results of these analyses, as well as those obtained by using the subscales of each questionnaire, have been discussed.

Conclusions
The findings of this preliminary study indicate that showing a pain-based, anti-bias documentary feature film has the potential to significantly improve empathy towards older adults in university students.

Laganá|Luciana|L|
Gavrilova|Larisa|L|
Carter|Delwin B|DB|
Ainsworth|Andrew T|AT|

Empathy
Older adults
Ageism
Pain
Randomized controlled trial
Randomized controlled trial (RCT)


Phenethyl isothiocyanate suppresses the metastasis of ovarian cancer associated with the inhibition of CRM1-mediated nuclear export and mTOR-STAT3 pathway.

Abstract: Epithelial ovarian cancer is prone to metastasizing at an early stage, but their mechanisms remain unclear. CRM1 is an important nuclear exportin and inhibitors targeting CRM1 has been explored as an anti-cancer strategy. In previous study, we observed that PEITC could combine with the hydrophobic pocket of CRM1. In this study, we focused on the effects of PEITC on EOC and its mechanisms. Results showed that IC50 values of PEITC on SKOV3 and HO8910 cell line were 42.14 μM and 37.29 μM, respectively. PEITC inhibits the migration and invasion of SKOV3 and HO8910 cells in vitro. Oral administration of 10 μmol PEITC suppressed the metastasis of EOC in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. PEITC treatment decreased the expressions of CRM1 and mTOR (cargo protein of CRM1) in EOC cell lines and in xenograft mouse tissues. Moreover, CRM1-mediated nuclear export was attenuated by PEITC, mTOR accumulated in nucleus, expressions of mTORS2448 and downstream effectors STAT3S727, MMP2 and MMP9 were decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis showed that CRM1 and mTOR were increased in EOC tissues compared with benign ovarian tumors, and related with advanced stage, type II EOC, positive peritoneal cytology and decreased overall survival. In addition, CRM1 was positively correlated with mTOR levels. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that PEITC suppresses the metastasis of EOC through inhibiting CRM1-mediated nuclear export, subsequently suppressing the mTOR-STAT3 pathway. Both CRM1 and mTOR were increased in EOC patients, providing a rationale for further clinical investigation of PEITC in EOC treatment.

Shao|Wen Yu|WY|
Yang|Yong Liang|YL|
Yan|Huan|H|
Huang|Qian|Q|
Liu|Kai Jiang|KJ|
Zhang|Shu|S|

D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear

metastasis
ovarian cancer
nuclear export
CRM1
PEITC
mTOR
STAT3


Factors that promote and hinder joint and integrated working between health and social care services: a review of research literature.

Abstract: This article reports the results of a review of the research evidence related to joint working in the field of adult health and social care services in the UK. It explores whether recent reforms to joint working have met the objectives set by policy-makers. The review followed an established methodology: electronic databases were searched using predetermined terms, abstracts were screened against inclusion criteria, studies that met the criteria were read in full and assessed for inclusion and data were extracted systematically. The findings of the review suggest that there is some indication that recent developments, in particular the drive to greater integration of services, may have positive benefits for organisations as well as for users and carers of services. However, the evidence consistently reports a lack of understanding about the aims and objectives of integration, suggesting that more work needs to be done if the full potential of the renewed policy agenda on integration is to be realised. Additionally, while the review acknowledges that greater emphasis has been placed on evaluating the outcome of joint working, studies largely report small-scale evaluations of local initiatives and few are comparative in design and therefore differences between 'usual care' and integrated care are not assessed. This makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of UK-based integrated health and social care services.

Cameron|Ailsa|A| Lart|Rachel|R| Bostock|Lisa|L| Coomber|Caroline|C|

D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated

integration
joint working
outcomes
adult social care
literature review


A Monte Carlo Study on Dose Enhancement by Homogeneous and Inhomogeneous Distributions of Gold Nanoparticles in Radiotherapy with Low Energy X-rays.

Abstract:
Background
To enhance the dose to tumor, the use of high atomic number elements has been proposed.

Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle distribution on dose enhancement in tumor when the tumor is irradiated by typical monoenergetic X-ray beams by considering homogeneous and inhomogeneous distributions of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in the tumor.

Methods
MCNP-4C Monte Carlo code was utilized for the simulation of a source, a phantom containing tumor and gold nanoparticles with concentrations of 10, 30 and 70 mg Au/g tumor. A 15 cm×15 cm×15 cm cubic water phantom was irradiated with a small planar source with four monoenergetic X-ray beams of 35, 55, 75 and 95 keV energy. Furthermore, tumor depths of 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm and 6.5 cm with homogeneous and inhomogeneous distributions of nanoparticles were studied. Each concentration, photon energy, tumor depth and type of distribution was evaluated in a separate simulation.

Results
Results have shown that dose enhancement factor (DEF) in tumor increases approximately linearly with the concentration of gold nanoparticles. While DEF has fluctuations with photon energy, 55 keV photons have the highest DEF values compared to other energies. While DEF has relatively the same values with tumor located at various depths, inhomogeneous distribution of GNP has shown different results compared with the homogeneous model. Dose enhancement can be expected with relatively deep seated tumors in radiotherapy with low energy X-rays. Inhomogeneous model is recommended for the purpose of dose enhancement study because it mimics the real distribution of GNPs in tumor.

Zabihzadeh|M|M|
Moshirian|T|T|
Ghorbani|M|M|
Knaup|C|C|
Behrooz|M A|MA|

Dose Enhancement
Inhomogeneous Distribution
Gold Nanoparticle
Homogeneous Distribution
Monte Carlo Simulation


Clarifying the Concept of Adherence to eHealth Technology: Systematic Review on When Usage Becomes Adherence.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In electronic health (eHealth) evaluations, there is increasing attention for studying the actual usage of a technology in relation to the outcomes found, often by studying the adherence to the technology. On the basis of the definition of adherence, we suggest that the following three elements are necessary to determine adherence to eHealth technology: (1) the ability to measure the usage behavior of individuals; (2) an operationalization of intended use; and (3) an empirical, theoretical, or rational justification of the intended use. However, to date, little is known on how to operationalize the intended usage of and the adherence to different types of eHealth technology.

OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to improve eHealth evaluations by gaining insight into when, how, and by whom the concept of adherence has been used in previous eHealth evaluations and finding a concise way to operationalize adherence to and intended use of different eHealth technologies.

METHODS
A systematic review of eHealth evaluations was conducted to gain insight into how the use of the technology was measured, how adherence to different types of technologies was operationalized, and if and how the intended use of the technology was justified. Differences in variables between the use of the technology and the operationalization of adherence were calculated using a chi-square test of independence.

RESULTS
In total, 62 studies were included in this review. In 34 studies, adherence was operationalized as "the more use, the better," whereas 28 studies described a threshold for intended use of the technology as well. Out of these 28, only 6 reported a justification for the intended use. The proportion of evaluations of mental health technologies reporting a justified operationalization of intended use is lagging behind compared with evaluations of lifestyle and chronic care technologies. The results indicated that a justification of intended use does not require extra measurements to determine adherence to the technology.

CONCLUSIONS
The results of this review showed that to date, justifications for intended use are often missing in evaluations of adherence. Evidently, it is not always possible to estimate the intended use of a technology. However, such measures do not meet the definition of adherence and should therefore be referred to as the actual usage of the technology. Therefore, it can be concluded that adherence to eHealth technology is an underdeveloped and often improperly used concept in the existing body of literature. When defining the intended use of a technology and selecting valid measures for adherence, the goal or the assumed working mechanisms should be leading. Adherence can then be standardized, which will improve the comparison of adherence rates to different technologies with the same goal and will provide insight into how adherence to different elements contributed to the outcomes.


Characterization of a Two-Component System Transcriptional Regulator, LtdR, That Impacts Group B Streptococcal Colonization and Disease.

Abstract: Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus [GBS]) is often a commensal bacterium that colonizes healthy adults asymptomatically and is a frequent inhabitant of the vaginal tract in women. However, in immunocompromised individuals, particularly the newborn, GBS may transition to an invasive pathogen and cause serious disease. Despite the use of the currently recommended intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for GBS-positive mothers, GBS remains a leading cause of neonatal septicemia and meningitis. To adapt to the various host environments encountered during its disease cycle, GBS possesses multiple two-component regulatory systems (TCSs). Here we investigated the contribution of a transcriptional regulator containing a LytTR domain, LtdR, to GBS pathogenesis. Disruption of the ltdR gene in the GBS chromosome resulted in a significant increase in bacterial invasion into human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC) in vitro as well as the greater penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the development of meningitis in vivo Correspondingly, infection of hCMEC with the ΔltdR mutant resulted in increased secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8), CXCL-1, and IL-6. Further, using a mouse model of GBS vaginal colonization, we observed that the ΔltdR mutant was cleared more readily from the vaginal tract and also that infection with the ΔltdR mutant resulted in increased cytokine production from human vaginal epithelial cells. RNA sequencing revealed global transcriptional differences between the ΔltdR mutant and the parental wild-type GBS strain. These results suggest that LtdR regulates many bacterial processes that can influence GBS-host interactions to promote both bacterial persistence and disease progression.

Deng|Liwen|L|
Mu|Rong|R|
Weston|Thomas A|TA|
Spencer|Brady L|BL|
Liles|Roxanne P|RP|
Doran|Kelly S|KS|

D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

group B Streptococcus
meningitis
two-component regulatory systems
blood-brain barrier
cytokines
vaginal colonization
RNA sequencing


Spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 emission in China from 2005 to 2014.

Abstract: With the rapid development of economy, air pollution has become increasingly serious nowadays in China, especially for the PM2.5. In this paper, the Spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 emission over the past decade, from 2005 to 2014, were researched by cartograms. Meanwhile, a complex network technology was adopted to study the spatial auto-correlation of PM2.5 emission. The results showed that every province in China suffered a disparate increment in PM2.5 emission during the past ten years and also indicated that provinces in the same region had a huge influence on each other. There were three sectors including the thermal power, biomass burning and building materials that constituted the major sources of PM2.5 emission and they had different changing trends. There existed a dramatic difference in the east and west of China considering that the amount of PM2.5 was closely related to gross domestic product (GDP) and population. With higher GDP and population, eastern provinces emitted the most amount of PM2.5. Normalization results proposed that most of the provinces were PM2.5 exporting provinces in the southeast of China while most in the northwest were importing provinces. This study can help the policy-makers understand the distribution characteristics of PM2.5 emission and propose the effective strategy to mitigate the pollution of haze.

Jin|Qiang|Q| Fang|Xinyue|X| Wen|Bo|B| Shan|Aidang|A|

D000393:Air Pollutants
D000397:Air Pollution
D002681:China
D004784:Environmental Monitoring
D004787:Environmental Pollution
D000067896:Industrial Development
D052638:Particulate Matter

Spatio-temporal variations
PM2.5 emission
GDP and population
Environmental Kuznets curve
Sources identification


Multifunctional Magnetic Nanoplatform Eliminates Cancer Stem Cells via Inhibiting the Secretion of Extracellular Heat Shock Protein 90.

Abstract: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for malignant tumor initiation, recurrences, and metastasis. Therefore, targeting CSCs is a promising strategy for the development of cancer therapies. A big challenge for CSC-based cancer therapy is the overexpression of therapeutic stress protein, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), which protects CSCs from further therapeutic-induced damage, leading to the failure of treatment. Thus, efficient strategies to target CSCs are urgently needed for cancer therapy. To this end, a multifunctional nanoparticle (MNP) for CSC-based combined thermotherapy and chemotherapy is reported. This strategy dramatically suppresses tumor growth in breast CSC xenograft-bearing mice. Furthermore, a new mechanism is present that the MNP exerts its striking effects on CSCs by inhibiting the secretion of extracellular Hsp90 (eHsp90), resulting in the interruption of several key signaling pathways. These findings open new perspectives on the use of an MNP for effective CSC-based cancer treatment by inhibiting the function of eHsp90.

Liu|Yajing|Y| Suo|Xiaomin|X| Peng|Haotong|H| Yan|Weixiao|W| Li|Hongjuan|H| Yang|Xinjian|X| Li|Zhenhua|Z| Zhang|Jinchao|J|0000-0002-5279-0468 Liu|Dandan|D|

cancer stem cells
extracellular heat shock protein 90
multifunctional nanoparticles
thermotherapy and chemotherapy
signaling pathways


Maternal Blood Biomarkers of Placentation to Predict Low-Birth-Weight Newborns: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The development of methods for pre-delivery prediction of low-birth-weight newborns would be clinically advantageous because low birth weight contributes to a high infant mortality rate. This study was performed to examine whether maternal blood biomarkers of placentation can be used to predict low-birth-weight newborns.

METHODS
Ten databases, including PubMed/Medline, were searched. Any English language study that provided all of the true- and false-positive and true- and false-negative results of this prediction was included in the analysis. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. Bivariate diagnostic meta-analysis was performed to construct hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS
Based on relatively good quality studies, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) (n = 73, 19, and 7, respectively) showed low sensitivity and specificity and low diagnostic odds ratio. The informational usability was categorized as "no exclusion or confirmation" (i.e., positive likelihood ratio <10 and negative likelihood ratio >0.1). The diagnostic accuracy of AFP and hCG or PAPP-A was categorized as low (i.e., 0.5 ≤ area under the curve ≤0.7) or could not be categorized (i.e., area under the curve <0.5).

CONCLUSION
There is no evidence that maternal blood levels of AFP, hCG, or PAPP-A used as a single predictor are useful to predict low-birth-weight newborns.

D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age

Biomarkers
newborn
meta-analysis
low birth weight
sensitivity
specificity
pregnancy


Hypoxia-induced apoptosis and mechanism of epididymal dysfunction in rats with left-side varicocele.

Abstract: To investigate the relationship between hypoxia and epididymal dysfunction and the mechanism of epididymal dysfunction in rats with left-side varicocele, a total of 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups in average. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis respectively. HIF-1α was expressed in the experimental group, and the positive rate was significantly higher than that of either the sham or the control group (P < 0.05). The apoptosis index (AI) of epididymal epithelium was higher in the experimental group (7.25 ± 2.56) than that in either the sham (0.52 ± 0.57, P < 0.01) or the control group (0.08 ± 0.13, P < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of sialic acid and carnitine were lower in the experimental group than that in either the sham or the control group (P < 0.05) and were significantly negatively correlated with HIF-1α expression (r = -0.620, P = 0.014, and r = -0.610, P = 0.016 respectively). It is concluded that left-side varicocele could cause epididymal hypoxia and epididymal dysfunction. Moreover, HIF-1α maybe act as useful factor to predict germ cell apoptosis in varicocele.

Zhang|K|K| Wang|Z|Z| Wang|H|H| Fu|Q|Q| Zhang|H|H| Cao|Q|Q|

D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit

Apoptosis
epididymal dysfunction
varicocele


Clinical analysis of acute myocardial infarction caused by coronary embolism.

Abstract:
Background
This study aims to investigate the clinical and angiographic features in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) induced by coronary artery embolism.

Methods
Clinical data of five patients with AMI induced by coronary artery embolism were analyzed retrospectively.

Results
One patient had left atrial myxoma, one patient had non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and three patients had rheumatic heart disease. Furthermore, one patient had mitral mechanical valve prostheses, two patients had atrial fibrillation. Coronary angiography showed the absence of significant atherosclerostic lesions in the coronary arteries except infarct related artery in five patients. Angiography suggested the presence of IRA occlusion caused by embolism.

Conclusions
The status for AMI due to coronary artery embolism usually expresses embolic material originating from the left heart chambers. Rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation are the common reasons for coronary artery embolism. Coronary artery occlusion is the common performance in the results of primary coronary artery angiography. Sometimes it expresses visible signs of embolism.

Jiao|Zhen-Yu|ZY| Zhang|Da-Peng|DP| Xia|Kun|K| Wang|Le-Feng|LF| Yang|Xin-Chun|XC|

myocardial infarction
Coronary artery embolism
atrial fibrillation
rheumatic heart disease
coronary artery disease


A soil bacterium alters sex determination and rhizoid development in gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii.

Abstract: Gametophytes of the fern Ceratopteris richardii develop into either hermaphrodites or males. As hermaphrodites develop, they secrete antheridiogen, or ACE, into the environment, inducing male development in undifferentiated gametophytes. Hermaphrodites are composed of archegonia, antheridia, rhizoids and a notch meristem, while males consist of antheridia and rhizoids. Much of the research on sexual and morphological development concerns gametophytes grown in sterile environments. Using biochemical and molecular techniques we identify a soil bacterium and explore its effects on sexual and rhizoid development. Hermaphrodite and male gametophytes were exposed to this bacterium and the effects on sexual development, rhizoid length and rhizoid number were explored. The bacterium was identified as a pseudomonad, Pseudomonas nitroreducens. Gametophytes grown in the presence of the pseudomonad were more likely to develop into hermaphrodites across all gametophyte densities. Across all gametophyte sizes, hermaphrodites had rhizoids that were 2.95× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad while males had rhizoids that were 2.72× longer in the presence of the pseudomonad. Both hermaphrodite and male gametophytes developed fewer rhizoids in the presence of the pseudomonad. Control hermaphrodites produced 1.23× more rhizoids across all gametophyte sizes. For male gametophytes grown in the absence of the pseudomonad, the rate of increase in the number of rhizoids was greater with increasing size in the control than the rate of increase in males grown in the presence of the pseudomonad. The pseudomonad may be acting on gametophyte sexual development via several potential mechanisms: degradation of ACE, changes in nutrient availability or phytohormone production. The pseudomonad may also increase rhizoid number through production of phytohormones or changes in nutrient availability.

Ganger|Michael T|MT|
Hiles|Rachel|R|
Hallowell|Haley|H|
Cooper|Lauren|L|
McAllister|Nicole|N|
Youngdahl|Doug|D|
Alfieri|Jeremy|J|
Ewing|Sarah J|SJ|

sex determination
rhizoid development
gametophyte
Ceratopteris richardii
Pseudomonas nitroreducens
plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria


In silico pharmacokinetic and molecular docking studies of natural flavonoids and synthetic indole chalcones against essential proteins of SARS-CoV-2.

Abstract: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is distinctly infective and there is an ongoing effort to find a cure for this pandemic. Flavonoids exist in many diets as well as in traditional medicine, and their modern subset, indole-chalcones, are effective in fighting various diseases. Hence, these flavonoids and structurally similar indole chalcones derivatives were studied in silico for their pharmacokinetic properties including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity (ADMET) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties against their proteins, namely, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (rdrp), main protease (Mpro) and Spike (S) protein via homology modelling and docking. Interactions were studied with respect to biology and function of SARS-CoV-2 proteins for activity. Functional/structural roles of amino acid residues of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and, the effect of flavonoid and indole chalcone interactions which may cause disease suppression are discussed. The results reveal that out of 23 natural flavonoids and 25 synthetic indole chalcones, 30 compounds are capable of Mpro deactivation as well as potentially lowering the efficiency of Mpro function. Cyanidin may inhibit RNA polymerase function and, Quercetin is found to block interaction sites on the viral spike. These results suggest flavonoids and their modern pharmaceutical cousins, indole chalcones are capable of fighting SARS-CoV-2. The in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of these 30 compounds needs to be studied further for complete understanding and confirmation of their inhibitory potential.

Vijayakumar|Balaji Gowrivel|BG|
Ramesh|Deepthi|D|
Joji|Annu|A|
Jayachandra Prakasan|Jayadharini|J|
Kannan|Tharanikkarasu|T|

In silico
Flavonoids
Indole chalcones
SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Phytochemicals


Pex11a deficiency causes dyslipidaemia and obesity in mice.

Abstract: Peroxisomes play a central role in lipid metabolism. We previously demonstrated that Pex11a deficiency impairs peroxisome abundance and fatty acid β-oxidation and results in hepatic triglyceride accumulation. The role of Pex11a in dyslipidaemia and obesity is investigated here with Pex11a knockout mice (Pex11a-/- ). Metabolic phenotypes including tissue weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, fatty acid profile, oxygen consumption, physical activity were assessed in wild-type (WT) and Pex11a-/- fed with a high-fat diet. Molecular changes and peroxisome abundance in adipose tissue were evaluated through qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and Immunofluorescence. Pex11a-/- showed increased fat mass, decreased skeletal muscle, higher cholesterol levels, and more severely impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Pex11a-/- consumed less oxygen, indicating a decrease in fatty acid oxidation, which is consistent with the accumulation of very long- and long-chain fatty acids. Adipose palmitic acid (C16:0) levels were elevated in Pex11a-/- , which may be because of dramatically increased fatty acid synthase mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Pex11a deficiency increased ventricle size and macrophage infiltration, which are related to the reduced physical activity. These data demonstrate that Pex11a deficiency impairs physical activity and energy expenditure, decreases fatty acid β-oxidation, increases de novo lipogenesis and results in dyslipidaemia and obesity.

Chen|Congcong|C| Wang|Hongwei|H| Chen|Bicheng|B| Chen|Deyuan|D| Lu|Chaosheng|C| Li|Haiyan|H| Qian|Yan|Y| Tan|Yi|Y| Weng|Huachun|H|0000-0002-7446-6001 Cai|Lu|L|

obesity
peroxisomes
adipose tissue
lipogenesis
fatty acid metabolism


Understanding potential associations between anatomic and other factors in OSA severity.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The aim of this prospective study was to investigate associations between nasal/oropharyngeal structures and a range of factors including age, gender, daytime sleepiness, and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS
Patients with OSA were prospectively selected as research participants in rhinomanometric analysis as well as for otolaryngological evaluation. Participants were grouped as follows according to their apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) scores: no OSA (AHI < 5), mild OSA (5 ≤ AHI ≤ 15), moderate OSA (15 ≤ AHI < 30), and severe OSA (AHI ≥ 30). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis H, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to assess OSA severity in terms of the relationships between nasal resistance (NR) and anthropometric indices (body mass index (BMI), Friedman tongue position (FTP)), age, and gender.

RESULTS
The study cohort of 177 men and 81 women ranged in age between 21 and 76 years, with BMI ranging from 23 to 45. In total, 37 patients were simple snorers (AHI < 5), and 221 patients were diagnosed with OSA. There was no significant difference among the AHI groups in terms of nasal volume (Vol05) (p = 0.952), mean flow (p = 0.778), and mean NR total (p = 0.723). A statistically significant difference was found between the AHI groups in terms of mean BMI and median FTP scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence that that the oropharyngeal region (oropharynx, tongue, and vallecula) is a more important determinant of OSA severity than the nasal region.

Body mass index
Friedman tongue position
Apnea index
Obstructive sleep apnea
Rhinomanometry
Total nasal resistance


Interplay between interictal spikes and behavioral seizures in young, but not aged pilocarpine-treated epileptic rats.

Abstract: Interictal spike activity is commonly observed in the EEG of patients with epilepsy, but the causal interrelationship between interictal spikes and behavioral seizures is poorly understood. We performed long-term video-EEG monitoring of 16 epileptic rats after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus and five control animals. To quantify the interplay between periods of spikes and seizures, we calculated the time spent with spikes as well as the time spent with seizures for each animal. Within a given subject, we found a significant correlation between these two measures in 7/11 young epileptic rats (<400 days); this correlation was positive in six cases and negative in one. By contrast, none of five aged pilocarpine-treated animals exhibited significant correlation coefficients between spike periods and seizures (>600 days, P<0.05). Instead, aged epileptic rats showed a prominent predominance for either spike periods or seizures, which might explain the absence of significant correlation in this population. We found that there is a significant interplay between interictal periods of spikes and behavioral seizures in young epileptic animals, but this association is absent during aging.

Bajorat|Rika|R| Goerss|Doreen|D| Brenndörfer|Linda|L| Schwabe|Lars|L| Köhling|Rüdiger|R| Kirschstein|Timo|T|

Interictal spikes
Long-term video-EEG
Pilocarpine


Education, decision support, feedback and a minor reward: a novel antimicrobial Stewardship intervention in a Swedish paediatric emergency setting.

Abstract: Background: Sweden enjoys a favourable situation with regard to antimicrobial resistance. However, healthcare costs are expected to increase exponentially, along with increased morbidity and mortality, due to the emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Our aim was to design an antimicrobial stewardship programme suitable for Scandinavian settings. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted in a Swedish paediatric emergency department, evaluating adherence to national guidelines for acute otitis media and acute tonsillitis. The programme consisted of educational outreach, decision support, feedback, and a minor reward upon reaching a pre-defined adherence rate. Results: The largest impact, significant for both diagnoses, was on the practice of refraining from antibiotic use when recommended. The other variables evaluated showed no significant improvement for either condition; however, in most cases, pre-interventional adherence was already high. Conclusions: This relatively easily implementable ASP intervention showed a significant effect on correctly refraining from the use of antibiotics. Previous interventions in Scandinavia either failed to accomplish this or have been more logistically difficult. The combination of education, decision support, email-based feedback and a minor reward, offers an alternative. Future research will be needed to assess whether the result is sustainable, as well as to identify additional barriers to the judicious use of antibiotics not addressed in this study.

Malmgren|Annika|A| Biswanger|Karin|K| Lundqvist|Anders|A| Zaoutis|Theoklis|T|

Sweden
Antimicrobial stewardship programme
paediatric emergency department
acute otitis media
group A streptococcal pharyngitis
guideline adherence


Power shifts track serial position and modulate encoding in human episodic memory.

Abstract: The first events in a series exert a powerful influence on cognition and behavior in both humans and animals. This is known as the law of primacy. Here, we analyze the neural correlates of primacy in humans by analyzing electrocorticographic recordings in 84 neurosurgical patients as they studied and subsequently recalled lists of common words. We found that spectral power in the gamma frequency band (28-100 Hz) was elevated at the start of the list and gradually subsided, whereas lower frequency (2-8 Hz) delta and theta band power exhibited the opposite trend. This gradual shift in the power spectrum was found across a widespread network of brain regions. The degree to which the subsequent memory effect was modulated by list (serial) position was most pronounced in medial temporal lobe structures. These results suggest that globally increased gamma and decreased delta-theta spectral powers reflect a brain state that predisposes medial temporal lobe structures to enhance the encoding and maintenance of early list items.

Serruya|Mijail D|MD|
Sederberg|Per B|PB|
Kahana|Michael J|MJ|

memory primacy gamma attention electrocorticography


Roles and epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its transcription factors in cancer initiation and progression.

Abstract: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial developmental process by which epithelial cells undergo a mesenchymal phenotypic change. During EMT, epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the regulation of EMT-related genes. The epigenetic gene silencing of the epithelial marker E-cadherin has been well characterized. In particular, three major transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin, Snail, ZEB, and Twist families, also known as EMT-inducing transcription factors (EMT-TFs), play a crucial role in this process by cooperating with multiple epigenetic modifiers. Furthermore, recent studies have identified the novel epigenetic modifiers that control the expression of EMT-TFs, and these modifiers have emerged as critical regulators of cancer development and as novel therapeutic targets for human cancer. In this review, the diverse functions of EMT-TFs in cancer progression, the cooperative mechanisms of EMT-TFs with epigenetic modifiers, and epigenetic regulatory roles for the expression of EMT-TFs will be discussed.

Epigenetics
EMT
DNA methylation
Histone modification
Human cancer
Chromatin
EMT transcription factor


Surgical revascularization in stable coronary artery disease with ventricular dysfunction: a single-center cohort study.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Stress-gated myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is used for prognosis in stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought to assess coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes in stable coronary artery disease patients who had myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

METHODS
Stable CAD patients who underwent CABG (2012-2019) and had stress-gated MPS were identified retrospectively. Based on the post-stress LV ejection fraction, a total of 130 patients were divided into a control group (51%) and LV dysfunction group (49%).

RESULTS
Patients with left ventricular dysfunction had significantly more mean summed stress score (22.1 ± 9 Vs. 12.5 ± 8; P ≤ 0.001) and summed resting score (14.6 ± 8 Vs. 3.7 ± 4; P ≤ 0.001) compared to the control group respectively. They also had a greater risk for developing low cardiac output syndrome after surgery (OR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.1-6.6, P=0.033). At 4.7 years, freedom from cardiac death was not statistically significant between the left ventricular dysfunction and control groups, respectively (90.2% vs. 95.6%; P=0.157). Cardiac death was not influenced by either ventricular dysfunction at the time of surgery (HR: 2.6, 95% CI 0.64-10.6, P=0.182) nor by having percent ischemic myocardium > 10% (HR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.23-3.24, P=0.826).

CONCLUSION
Significant myocardial ischemia and ventricular dysfunction before complete surgical revascularization did not influence the risk of cardiac-related deaths on long-term follow-up. This might be related to the improved survival after CABG in patients with myocardial ischemia and left ventricular dysfunction.

Nazer|Rakan I|RI|
Alhothali|Abdulaziz M|AM|
Alghamdi|Mansour S|MS|
Shaer|Fayez El|FE|
Albarrati|Ali M|AM|

prognosis
Coronary revascularization
imaging


Orexin knockout mice exhibit impaired spatial working memory.

Abstract: Orexins play a crucial role in the maintenance of arousal and are involved in the modulation of diverse physiological process, including cognitive function. Recent data have suggested that orexins are involved in learning and memory processes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of orexin deficiency on working memory. A delayed non-matching-to-place T-maze task was used to evaluate spatial working memory in mice lacking orexin prepro-peptide (orexin knockout; KO) and wild-type controls. We demonstrated that the number of correct choices in the orexin KO mice became lower than that of the controls over training. In an object exploration task, the controls explored the displaced object more than the mutants did, whereas this difference was not observed for the nondisplaced objects in either group. The orexin KO mice showed locomotor activity comparable to the control mice in terms of total distance traveled across training in both the object exploration task and the open field test. These findings indicate that the orexin system plays an important role in working memory of spatial cues.

Dang|Ruozhi|R| Chen|Qiuhan|Q| Song|Jie|J| He|Chao|C| Zhang|Jun|J| Xia|Jianxia|J| Hu|Zhian|Z|

Spatial working memory
Cognitive function
Locomotor activity
Orexin/hypocretin


Discussing sarcoma risks during informed consent for nonhysterectomy management of fibroids: an unmet need.

Abstract: There is no reliable way to distinguish symptomatic uterine fibroids from sarcoma without a surgical specimen. Many women with a uterine sarcoma are initially managed without hysterectomy under a presumed fibroid diagnosis, without understanding sarcoma risks. Currently many alternatives to hysterectomy, including medical and procedural interventions, for treatment of fibroids are promoted. The sarcoma incidence among women with presumed fibroids is 0.29% (1/340) to 0.05% (1/2000). Nonmetastatic leiomyosarcoma has a 63% 5-year survival rate whereas metastatic leiomyosarcoma has a 14% 5-year survival rate. In uterine sarcoma, we often cannot identify who has sarcoma before making a potentially cure-denying decision by delaying surgery. Therefore, women electing an alternative to hysterectomy for fibroids should undergo an informed consent process that specifically includes discussion of uterine sarcoma incidence and mortality. Alternatives to hysterectomy for presumed fibroids remain preferable treatment options for many women with symptomatic fibroids, so long as underlying sarcoma risks are adequately discussed. The challenge for obstetrician- gynecologists then is how to provide better informed consent and maintain the primacy of patient autonomy over our concern to "First, do no harm." Major threats to patient's autonomy are faced in the sarcoma risk discussion. How we should present sarcoma risk information to avoid being dismissive of sarcoma or frightening women toward hysterectomy is unstudied. Research is needed to determine how to provide sarcoma risk information with less bias during informed consent.

Seagle|Brandon-Luke L|BL|
Alexander|Amy L|AL|
Strohl|Anna E|AE|
Shahabi|Shohreh|S|

sarcoma
informed consent
fibroid
hysterectomy
leiomyoma


Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) Use in Animal Trauma Models.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) was developed to prevent traumatic exsanguination. We aim to identify the outcomes in animal models with 1) partial versus complete REBOA occlusion and 2) zone 1 versus 2 placements.

METHODS
The PRISMA guidelines were followed. We conducted a search of PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar for REBOA studies in animal trauma models using the following search terms: "REBOA trauma", "REBOA outcomes" "REBOA complications". SYRCLE's RoB Tool was utilized for the risk of bias and study quality assessment.

RESULTS
Our search yielded 14 RCTs for inclusion. Eleven studies directly investigated partial REBOA versus total aortic occlusion. Overall, partial REBOA techniques were associated with similar attainment of proximal MAP but with significantly less ischemic burden. Significant mortality benefit with partial occlusion was observed in three studies. Survival time post-occlusion also was improved with zone 3 placement versus zone 1 (100% versus 33%; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a fine balance between desired proximal arterial pressure and time of occlusion for overall survival and subsequent risk of distal ischemia. Many "partial occlusion" techniques may be superior in attaining such balance over prolonged REBOA inflation where no distal flow is allowed. Tailored zone 3 placement may offer significant mortality and morbidity advantages compared to sustained total occlusion and indiscriminate zone 1 placement strategies. As clear conclusions regarding REBOA are unlikely to be established in animal models, larger randomized investigations utilizing human subjects are needed to describe optimal REBOA technique and applicability in greater detail.

Kinslow|Kyle|K| Shepherd|Aaron|A| Sutherland|Mason|M| McKenney|Mark|M| Elkbuli|Adel|A|

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of aorta


Concept clarification of grief in mothers of children with an addiction.

Abstract:
AIM
To report an analysis of the concept of grief in mothers of children with an addiction.

BACKGROUND
The concept of grief in this context is poorly understood and often synonymously used with concepts depression, loss and chronic sorrow. In the US, the core concept grief has been recently revised by both NANDA and the DSM-V in efforts to better understand and characterize the concept. The plethora of literature on grief worldwide often characterizes grief as a response to a death.

DESIGN
Concept analysis.

DATA SOURCES
Search terms 'parental grief' and 'substance abuse' yielded 30 articles. A second review using terms 'grief' and 'substance abuse' yielded 323 articles, in PsychInfo, CINAHL, PubMed databases from 1980-2013. Limits for articles in English and for the terms 'death' and 'child' yielded 13 usable articles.

METHODS
The hybrid model of concept analysis, using a theoretical phase, an empirical phase and a final phase when a clarified definition of grief emerged.

RESULTS
Definitions in the literature and defining characteristics of grief outline bio-psycho-social aspects of the concept. For one mother grief was accompanied by recurring feelings of sadness across time, while for the other mother grief was seen as coping, after having passed through a variety of stages of grief. For both, grief was seen to fall on a continuum.

CONCLUSIONS
Grief is a universal concept and has a trajectory. Case study data have been essential in clarifying understandings of grief as experienced by mothers of addicted children and will provide direction for meaningful and tailored interventions.

Zucker|Donna M|DM|
Dion|Kimberly|K|
McKeever|Roxanna P|RP|

grief
mothers
addiction
concept analysis
hybrid model
case research
mental health
nursing


Comparison of the Effect of Alemtuzumab versus Standard Immune Induction on Early Kidney Allograft Function in Shiraz Transplant Center.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Induction therapy regimens classified as conventional immunosuppressive agents and lower doses of conventional agents combined with antibodies against T-cell antigens have been purposed to prevent acute rejection after renal transplantation. Various induction agents with different doses and durations have been suggested based on the risk profile of patients.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the acute rejection rate (total rate and based on the type of induction therapy regimen) during the first year after kidney transplantation, the type of acute rejection based on Banff classification and to determine the associations between rate of acute rejection, type of the rejection and induction therapy regimen.

METHODS
249 kidney transplant candidates were divided into two groups-low-risk patients (n=208) who received conventional immunosuppressive agents, and high-risk patients (n=41) who received alemtuzumab-and followed for one year to detect acute rejection first diagnosed clinically, and confirmed by percutaneous kidney biopsy based on Banff criteria.

RESULTS
The total incidence of acute rejection was 19.6% (20.7% of the low-risk and 14.4% of the high-risk patients). The most prevalent types of the acute rejection in patients treated with conventional immunosuppressive agents and patients received alemtuzumab as induction therapy were grade IB and grade IA, respectively. The incidence of acute rejection among recipients received a kidney from a deceased donor was 20.6% and grade IA was the most prevalent type (6.9%) whereas the most prevalent grade of acute rejection in patients who received living donor grafts was IB (8.3%).

CONCLUSION
Despite the expected greater risk for acute rejection among high-risk patients, no significant difference was observed between low- and high-risk patients, which may be justified by the greater efficacy of alemtuzumab compared with standard triple induction therapy in reducing the rate of acute rejection.

Khalafi-Nezhad|A|A|
Sagheb|M M|MM|
Amirmoezi|F|F|
Jowkar|Z|Z|
Dehghanian|A R|AR|

Alemtuzumab
Induction therapy
Immunosuppressive agents
Kidney transplantation
Graft rejection


Bio-Inspired Functional Surface Fabricated by Electrically Assisted Micro-Embossing of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy.

Abstract: Developing bio-inspired functional surfaces on engineering metals is of extreme importance, involving different industrial sectors, like automotive or aeronautics. In particular, micro-embossing is one of the efficient and large-scale processes for manufacturing bio-inspired textures on metallic surfaces. However, this process faces some problems, such as filling defects and die breakage due to size effect, which restrict this technology for some components. Electrically assisted micro-forming has demonstrated the ability of reducing size effects, improving formability and decreasing flow stress, making it a promising hybrid process to control the filling quality of micro-scale features. This research focuses on the use of different current densities to perform embossed micro-channels of 7 μm and sharklet patterns of 10 μm in textured bulk metallic glass dies. These dies are prepared by thermoplastic forming based on the compression of photolithographic silicon molds. The results show that large areas of bio-inspired textures could be fabricated on magnesium alloy when current densities higher than 6 A/mm2 (threshold) are used. The optimal surface quality scenario is obtained for a current density of 13 A/mm2. Additionally, filling depth and depth-width ratio nonlinearly increases when higher current densities are used, where the temperature is a key parameter to control, keeping it below the temperature of the glass transition to avoid melting or an early breakage of the die.

bio-inspired functional surface
electrically assisted
micro-embossing
bulk metallic glass
photolithography


Characterization of Selected Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Their Non-Host Growth Promotion Effects.

Abstract: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a functionally diverse group of microbes having immense potential as biostimulants and biopesticides. We isolated four PGPR (designated n, L, K, and Y) that confer growth-promoting effects on Arabidopsis thaliana. The present study describes the detailed polyphasic characterization of these PGPR. Classical methods of bacterial identification and biochemical test kits (API20E, API20NE, API ZYM, and API 50CH) revealed their metabolic versatility. All rhizobacterial isolates were positive for 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) and indole acetic acid production and phosphorous solubilization. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the nifH gene in strains n, L, and Y, showing their N2-fixation potential. In vitro dual culture methods and bacterial infestation in planta demonstrated that strains n and L exerted antagonistic effects on Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Botrytis cinerea 191 and provided protection to Arabidopsis plants against both phytopathogens. Short- or long-term bacterial treatment revealed significant changes in transcript levels of genes annotated to stress response and hormone metabolism in A. thaliana. In particular, the expression of stress-responsive genes in A. thaliana showed an upregulation under salinity stress. MAP kinase 6 (MPK6) was involved in the growth promotion induced by the four bacterial strains. Furthermore, these strains caused a significant increase in root dry weight of maize seedlings under gnotobiotic conditions. We conclude that the four rhizobacteria are good candidates as biofertilizers for enhancing growth of maize, among which strains n and L showed marked plant growth-promoting attributes and the potential to be exploited as functional biostimulants and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. IMPORTANCE There are pressing needs to reduce the use of agrochemicals, and PGPR are receiving increasing interest in plant growth promotion and disease protection. This study follows up our previous report that the four newly isolated rhizobacteria promote the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. We test the hypothesis that they have multiple PGP traits and that they can be used as biofertilizers and biopesticides. In vitro assays indicated that these four strains have various PGP properties related to nutrient availability, stress resistance, and/or pest organism antagonism. They significantly influenced the transcript levels of genes involved in stress response and hormone metabolism in A. thaliana. MPK6 is indispensable to the growth stimulation effects. Strains n and L protected A. thaliana seedlings against phytopathogens. Three strains significantly increased maize growth in vitro. In summary, introducing these four strains onto plant roots provides a benefit to the plants. This is the first study regarding the potential mechanism(s) applied by Mucilaginibacter sp. as biostimulants.

Arabidopsis
maize
biofertilizers
induced systemic resistance
plant growth promotion rhizobacteria


(Pro)renin Receptor Is a Novel Independent Prognostic Marker in Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

Abstract: (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is being investigated in several malignancies as it activates pathogenic pathways that contribute to cell proliferation, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and acquisition of aggressive neoplastic phenotypes. Its implication in urothelial cancer (UC) has not been evaluated so far. We retrospectively evaluate the prognostic role of PRR expression in a series of patients with invasive UC treated with radical cystectomy and other clinical and histopathological parameters including p53, markers of immune-checkpoint inhibition, and basal and luminal phenotypes evaluated by tissue microarray. Cox regression analyses using stepwise selection evaluated candidate prognostic factors and disease-specific survival. PRR was expressed in 77.3% of the primary tumors and in 70% of positive lymph nodes. PRR expression correlated with age (p = 0.006) and was associated with lower preoperatively hemoglobin levels. No other statistical association was evidenced with clinical and pathological variables (gender, ASA score, Charlson comorbidity index, grade, pT, pN) or immunohistochemical expressions evaluated (CK20, GA-TA3, CK5/6, CD44, PD-L1, PD-1, B7-H3, VISTA, and p53). PRR expression in primary tumors was associated with worse survival (log-rank, p = 0.008). Cox regression revealed that PRR expression (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.22-2.8), pT (HR 7.02, 95% CI 2.68-18.39), pN (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.27-4.19), and p53 expression (HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.1-3.45) were independent prognostic factors in this series. In conclusion, we describe PRR protein and its prognostic role in invasive UC for the first time. Likely mechanisms involved are MAPK/ERK activation, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and v-ATPAse function.

(pro)renin receptor
urothelial carcinoma
biomarker
prognosis


Fluorescent PSC-Derived Cardiomyocyte Reporter Lines: Generation Approaches and Their Applications in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Abstract: Recent advances have made pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived cardiomyocytes an attractive option to model both normal and diseased cardiac function at the single-cell level. However, in vitro differentiation yields heterogeneous populations of cardiomyocytes and other cell types, potentially confounding phenotypic analyses. Fluorescent PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter systems allow specific cell lineages to be labelled, facilitating cell isolation for downstream applications including drug testing, disease modelling and cardiac regeneration. In this review, the different genetic strategies used to generate such reporter lines are presented with an emphasis on their relative technical advantages and disadvantages. Next, we explore how the fluorescent reporter lines have provided insights into cardiac development and cardiomyocyte physiology. Finally, we discuss how exciting new approaches using PSC-derived cardiomyocyte reporter lines are contributing to progress in cardiac cell therapy with respect to both graft adaptation and clinical safety.

Sontayananon|Naeramit|N| Redwood|Charles|C| Davies|Benjamin|B| Gehmlich|Katja|K|0000-0003-4019-1844

cardiac development
CM purification
fluorescent PSC-CM reporter lines
optical electrophysiology
transgenic methods


Scrofuloderma and bilateral anterior staphyloma of eye: an unusual association.

Abstract: We report a patient with bilaterally symmetrical perforated corneal ulcers with formation of anterior staphyloma associated with scrofuloderma. A 22-year-old female in her third month postpartum presented with multiple perforated corneal ulcers bilaterally. There was a presence of a skin lesion that was consistent with scrofuloderma. Fine needle aspiration cytology of preauricular lymph nodes showed evidence of granulomatous inflammation consistent with tuberculosis. Corneal scraping revealed the presence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. She was treated with topical fortified combination antibiotics (cefazolin and tobramycin). The corneal ulcer resolved with formation of anterior staphyloma in both eyes. The patient underwent anterior staphylectomy and tectonic keratoplasty in both eyes. Eight weeks postoperatively, her visual acuity improved to 20/200 in both eyes with clear grafts. Scrofuloderma may be associated with recurrent phlyctenulosis. Multiple corneal ulcerations coupled with use of topical steroids may result in corneal perforation and formation of anterior staphyloma.

Kandar|Asim K|AK|
Sinha|Rajesh|R|
Sharma|Namrata|N|
James|K Mathew|KM|
Bali|Shveta J|SJ|
Titiyal|Jeewan S|JS|

Scrofuloderma
Anterior Staphyloma
Corneal Ulcer


Challenges of proper placebo control for non-invasive brain stimulation in clinical and experimental applications.

Abstract: A range of techniques are now available for modulating the activity of the brain in healthy people and people with neurological conditions. These techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial current stimulation (tCS, which includes direct and alternating current), create magnetic or electrical fields that cross the intact skull and affect neural processing in brain areas near to the scalp location where the stimulation is delivered. TMS and tCS have proved to be valuable tools in behavioural neuroscience laboratories, where causal involvement of specific brain areas in specific tasks can be shown. In clinical neuroscience, the techniques offer the promise of correcting abnormal activity, such as when a stroke leaves a brain area underactive. As the use of brain stimulation becomes more commonplace in laboratories and clinics, we discuss the safety and ethical issues inherent in using the techniques with human participants, and we suggest how to balance scientific integrity with the safety of the participant.

Davis|Nick J|NJ|
Gold|Edward|E|
Pascual-Leone|Alvaro|A|
Bracewell|R Martyn|RM|

D065908:Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

transcranial alternating current stimulation


Composting versus mechanical-biological treatment: Does it really make a difference in the final product parameters and maturity.

Abstract: One of crucial waste management problems is the management of organic waste. This activity employs the composting. In case of green waste, its application seems reasonable, whereas the use of selected mixed waste raises problems related to the compost quality. Across countries, the non-sterile organic fraction of municipal solid waste is being separated through the mechanical-biological treatment. The technology is a solution of waste treatment and meets objectives set out in the Landfill Directive. There are many problems associated with the use of output products. The use of compost as a fertilizer requires determination of its impact on the environment. Compost quality can be assessed using analytical methods and phytotoxicity tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe changes in physico-chemical, enzymatic, phytotoxicity and vegetation parameters occurring in composts from two systems - a prismatic installation for green waste, and a mechanical-biological treatment installation. The compost from green waste exhibited greater stability. Values of dehydrogenase activity were lower if compared with the mechanically and biologically treated compost, which indicates lower compost maturity. The biomass production of Brassica napus L. and Fetuca rubra L. was higher in the variant with the application of green compost. The influence on Hordeum vulgare L., Cannabis sativa L., and Sinapis alba L. depended on the plant type and the compost used. Nevertheless, the compost from green waste was less toxic. The evidence from this study suggests that the mechanical-biological treatment had problems associated with the maturation and quality of the final product.

Vaverková|Magdalena Daria|MD|
Elbl|Jakub|J|
Voběrková|Stanislava|S|
Koda|Eugeniusz|E|
Adamcová|Dana|D|
Mariusz Gusiatin|Zygmunt|Z|
Al Rahman|Abd|A|
Radziemska|Maja|M|
Mazur|Zbigniew|Z|

Green waste
Phytotoxicity
Vegetation
Enzymatic activities
Non-sterile organic waste
Physico-chemical parameters


Influence of Age Alone, and Age Combined With Pinprick, on Recovery of Walking Function in Motor Complete, Sensory Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To determine if age, pinprick scores in the lower extremities, and neurologic severity of injury influence recovery of ambulation in persons with motor complete, sensory incomplete (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade B) spinal cord injury (SCI) 1 year after initial injury.

DESIGN
This retrospective analysis examined subjects with AIS grade B from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) database from 2006 to 2015. The baseline neurologic examination at rehabilitation admission (2-4wk postinjury) was used for comparison with 1-year outcome measures of locomotion.

SETTING
Fifteen acute inpatient rehabilitation centers (participants in the SCIMS database).

PARTICIPANTS
Participants with AIS grade B SCI (N=249) were enrolled in the SCIMS database in 2 cycles (2006-2010 and 2011-2015).

INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Household ambulation at 1 year by FONE-FIM and by direct interview, as part of the annual neurologic exam; change in American Spinal Injury Association score 1 year postinjury.

RESULTS
Findings demonstrate a statistically nonsignificant increase in likelihood of walking for those age <50 years compared with those age ≥50 years (relative risk [RR]=1.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-3.04). Presence of pinprick in at least one half of the lower-extremity dermatomes L2-S1 was associated with higher likelihood of walking (RR=5.57, P=.0023). Pinprick was significant for patients age <50 years (RR=4.58, P=.0090) but not for those age ≥50 years (P=.15).

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with younger individuals, participants age ≥50 years with AIS grade B SCI are less likely to achieve walking function 1 year postinjury. Likewise, preservation of pinprick sensation postinjury in the majority of lower-extremity dermatomes L2-S1 increases the chances of walking in individuals age <50 years.

Oleson|Christina V|CV|
Marino|Ralph J|RJ|
Leiby|Benjamin E|BE|
Ditunno|John F|JF|


Sebaceous cell differentiation in a canine oral papilloma.

Abstract: Papillomas caused by viral infection are well-known tumors in animals. Microscopic features typically include neoplastic epithelium with hyperkeratosis and koilocytes. An 8-y-old castrated male Shih Tzu dog was presented with a small exophytic mass on the external upper lip. The mass was diagnosed as a viral papilloma based on microscopic and immunohistochemical examination. Sebaceous cell differentiation was found in the neoplastic epithelium of the tumor, which is a rare finding in humans or animals.

Gang|Du-Gyeong|DG| Sim|Cheul-Hyeon|CH| Lee|Tae-Je|TJ| Kong|Joo-Yeon|JY| Hong|Il-Hwa|IH|


Framing Effects on Online Security Behavior.

Abstract: We conducted an incentivized lab experiment examining the effect of gain vs. loss-framed warning messages on online security behavior. We measured the probability of suffering a cyberattack during the experiment as the result of five specific security behaviors: choosing a safe connection, providing minimum information during the sign-up process, choosing a strong password, choosing a trusted vendor, and logging-out. A loss-framed message led to more secure behavior during the experiment. The experiment also measured the effect of trusting beliefs and cybersecurity knowledge. Trusting beliefs had a negative effect on security behavior, while cybersecurity knowledge had a positive effect.

Rodríguez-Priego|Nuria|N|
van Bavel|René|R|
Vila|José|J|
Briggs|Pam|P|

lab experiment
cyber security
gain vs. loss frame
nudge
online behavior
prospect theory
threat assessment