Leather solid waste: An eco-benign raw material for leather chemical preparation - A circular economy example.

Abstract: One of the long lasting problems associated with leather industry is to meet environmental standards for both liquid and solid wastes. Statistics show that one tonne of wet-salted hides/skins yields around 650 kg of solid waste. Among various wastes generated, trimmings for the most part have been underutilized. Collagen presents in trimmings waste are effectively used but hair goes unutilized or at the most as feed for boilers during gelatin manufacturing. Hence, newer technology is needed for complete and effective utilization of raw trimmings. In leather manufacture, formaldehyde condensates polymers are used as re-tanning agent to enhance the compaction of leather. However, these products are hard for biodegradation and also cause the release of free formaldehyde in leather, which is a known carcinogen. Here, there is a need for development of formaldehyde free re-tanning agent for eco-benign leather processing. In this work an attempt had been made to develop formaldehyde free biodegradable eco-benign re-tanning agent from raw trimming of tannery solid waste as a circular economy model. Alkaline (7.5%w/w NaOH) - hydrogen peroxide (10%w/w) pre-treatment followed by thermal hydrolysis at 100 °C for 5 h was an optimized method for effective hydrolysis of trimmings and the process of preparation of product results in the holistic utilization of raw trimmings. The developed product was characterized using Dynamic light scattering and FTIR techniques. The product prepared was further used in leather manufacture as a re-tanning agent and was found to impart multifunctional properties to leathers such as fullness, grain tightness and shade of dye brilliance. Product improves the mechanical strength characteristics of leather and also the exhaustion of post-tanning chemicals. SEM analysis shows that the experimental leather is more compact and flat than control. This novel strategy had not only solved the issue of solid waste but also resulted in a greener leather auxiliary leading to greener environment.

Sathish|Murali|M|
Madhan|Balaraman|B|
Raghava Rao|Jonnalagadda|J|

Solid waste
Circular economy
Raw trimmings
Re-tanning agent
Tannery


Association between SKIV2L polymorphism rs429608 and age-related macular degeneration: A meta-analysis.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the potential association of SKIV2L polymorphism rs429608 with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) through a meta-analysis.

METHODS
We performed a literature search in EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Chinese Biomedical Database for AMD genetic studies published before August 30, 2015. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using fixed-effect models or random effect models according to between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias analyses were conducted using Egger's test.

RESULTS
A total of five studies from published articles were included, and a total number of 2789 AMD cases and 3451 healthy controls were tested in this meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that SKIV2L rs429608 is associated with AMD under allelic model (A vs. G; OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.44-0.62, p < 0.001), heterozygous model (AG vs. GG; OR = 0.51; 95%CI, 0.38-0.68; p < 0.001; PQ = 0.48; I2 = 0) and dominant model (AA+AG vs. GG; OR = 0.49; 95%CI 0.37-0.65; p < 0.001; PQ = 0.44; I2 = 0), but not under other genetic models.

CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis showed that SKIV2L rs429608 was statistically associated with AMD and it might exert a protective effect on AMD. Further investigations are needed to validate the association and confirm the role of SKIV2L in AMD.

Shuai|Ping|P| Ye|Zimeng|Z| Liu|Yuping|Y| Qu|Chao|C| Liu|Xiaoqi|X| Luo|Huaichao|H| Feng|Xiaoyun|X| Li|Xiulan|X| Shi|Yi|Y| Gong|Bo|B|

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease


HIV testing: What, where and how?

Abstract: Globally, one in four people living with HIV are unaware of their status. Current HIV testing services' strategies are falling short of reaching all, and thus, HIV testing should be offered in more decentralized and non-traditional settings such as the dental and community settings. The workshop titled "HIV Testing: What, Where, and How?" provided an overview of concepts and advances in HIV point of care and self-testing diagnostics and a discussion on the implementation of HIV self-test interventions in different healthcare settings and its impact thereof. We also described how to build layperson capacity to deliver HIV testing in community settings. Additionally, we discussed what we have learned from expanding HIV testing beyond the specialist setting. We also noted considerations (i.e. provider willingness, test selection, training and preparing testing environment) dentists and other non-specialist providers need to account for if they are planning to conduct HIV testing. Finally, we highlighted facilitators and barriers to implementing HIV testing in the dental setting on a global scale. These considerations are critical to meeting the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target to help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Santella|Anthony J|AJ|
Majam|Mohammed|M|
Van Ngo|Huu|H|
Luis|Hendry|H|

HIV testing
dental
self-testing
capacity building


Assessment of nationally representative dietary studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council: a scoping review.

Abstract:
Background
Obesity is at a record high in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and is expected to continue increasing. Diet is a major contributor to this disease, but there is inadequate nationally representative dietary research from these countries. The aim was to quantify the number dietary studies using food frequency questionnaires (FFQs) that have been conducted in individual GCC countries and to assess the quality of eligible studies.

Methodology
Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and DOAJ) were searched for keywords; records were screened for eligible studies and data were abstracted on study characteristics (publication year, geographical locations, sample size, units of measurement, number of foods examined, number of Arab foods and key findings). Quality was assessed using an adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cross-sectional studies.

Results
Only seven studies were eligible from four of six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar). All eligible studies used FFQs, but only 29% used a validated questionnaire, one being in Arabic, and none of the studies used any additional tools to measure diet. Fifty-seven percent of studies made an effort to include local foods. The majority of studies (71%) either measured frequency or quantity of food consumed, but only 29% attempted to account for both frequency and quantity.

Conclusions
The quality of studies varied and major weaknesses of FFQ validity and adaptability have been highlighted. More dietary investigations are needed using validated FFQs that have been adapted to the local GCC diets. Using reference tools will allow for better dietary estimations.

Hoque|Rukshana|R| Strotheide|Erin|E| Saquib|Juliann|J| Saquib|Nazmus|N|

Obesity
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Diet
Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)
Arab


Cognitive impairment is correlated with insulin resistance degree: the "PA-NICO-study".

Abstract: Several epidemiological studies have shown that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Insulin Resistance (IR) increases the risk of dementia. Besides, some authors suggested that poor glucose control to be associated with worse cognitive function. We aimed to assess cognitive functions and IR-degree over time in diabetic. We also evaluated whether a greater magnitude of cognitive decline could be related with their IR degree. We enrolled 335 diabetic patients and 142 non-diabetic subjects; participants were subdivided into three groups in accordance with their IRdegree assessed by Homa-Index (HI): Normal-HI (non-diabetic NHI < 2,6), Moderate-HI (MHI > 2,6 < 10) and High-HI (HHI > 10). Metabolic status and a comprehensive neuropsycological test battery (MMSE, ADAS-Cog, ACDS-ADL) were assessed at baseline and every 12-months during the follow-up (6,8 years). At the end of the study, the average MMSE decreased significantly in patients of HHI group (P = .001) compared to baseline. MMSE scores were also reduced both in MHI group and in controls, but the difference between two groups was not significant. In HHI group, similar effects were observed for the ADAS-Cog score compared to baseline (P = 0.001); instead, when ACDS-ADL was evaluated, no differences was observed among the three groups. These results remained unchanged also after adjustment for confounding variables (i.e. APOε-status, sex, BMI, education level, heart diseases and HbA1c). We suggest that higher IR-degree is associated with greater cognitive decline in diabetic patients; so we hypothesize that IR degree, more than IR status itself, could be related to the severity of cognitive impairment.

Fava|Antonietta|A|
Colica|Carmen|C|
Plastino|Massimiliano|M|
Messina|Demetrio|D|
Cristiano|Dario|D|
Opipari|Carlo|C|
Vaccaro|Antonio|A|
Gorgone|Gaetano|G|
Bosco|Francesca|F|
Fratto|Alessandra|A|
De Bartolo|Matteo|M|
Bosco|Domenico|D|

Cognitive impairment
Insulin resistance
Alzheimer disease


Effect of lidocaine with adrenaline and landiolol on hemodynamics in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract: Administration of local anesthetics with adrenaline can cause tachycardia and hypertension. This study assessed whether combined administration of landiolol with adrenaline and lidocaine would induce local anesthesia without causing hemodynamic changes. Normal saline (NS), lidocaine with adrenaline (LA), and lidocaine with adrenaline and landiolol (LLA) were injected into Wistar Kyoto (WKY/Izm) or spontaneously hypertensive (SHR/Izm) rats, followed by measurement of the pulse rate (PR), and the systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures (SBP, DBP and MBP). In the LLA group, the increase in PR was significantly suppressed in both SHR/Izm and WKY/Izm rats relative to those in the LA group. Although SBP was significantly reduced in WKY/Izm rats given LLA, relative to those given NS or LA, it was elevated in SHR/Izm rats given LLA. Landiolol-induced changes in PR may be due to blockade of adrenaline-induced β1 receptor stimulation, which suppresses cardiac hyperactivity, whereas the early surge of blood pressure in SHR/Izm rats given LLA may be due to the dominant alpha-adrenergic effects of β1 receptor inhibition. The anti-adrenergic effects of LLA were safe and effective in WKY/Izm rats, although the unexpected early hypertensive surge in SHR/Izm rats indicates the need for caution.

Oshikiri|Toru|T| Iguchi|Asami|A| Sunada|Katsuhisa|K| Fujii|Kazuyuki|K| Sano|Kimito|K|

adrenaline
landiolol
WKY
SHR
beta blocker


Risk of serious perioperative complications with removal of double bars following the Nuss procedure.

Abstract:
Objectives
The aim of this study is to present our experience with Nuss bar removal and evaluate potential risk factors. The Nuss procedure requires an operation to remove the bar 2-3 years after the initial correction. Although removal of the bar is generally believed to be safe, perioperative complications including major bleeding can occur.

Methods
All cases involving removal of the Nuss bar done since April 2007 were recorded in a prospective database. Data were collected on the amount of blood loss, the number of diagnostic interventions, operative management and postoperative course.

Results
Of a total of 246 (162 with single bars, 80 with double bars, 4 with triple bars) cases, 43 patients (17.5%) experienced perioperative complications. Five patients underwent secondary postoperative interventions; one patient required same-session emergency video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) due to major bleeding. Patients who had complications were significantly older than patients with no complications (20.5 ± 6.5 years vs 17.2 ± 5.9 years, P = 0.002). People having double bars removed were significantly more likely to have perioperative complications (12% vs 27%, P = 0.03) and complications requiring secondary interventions (n = 1 for a single bar, n = 5 for double bars, P = 0.01).

Conclusions
Major complications after removal of the Nuss bar occur with some frequency. Although the double-bar removals in our cohort were associated with major complications, the reasons are poorly understood. Immediate management of the complications may require multidisciplinary care. Multicentric pooling of cases is needed for better risk stratification.

Bilgi|Zeynep|Z|
Ermerak|Nezih Onur|NO|
Çetinkaya|Çagatay|Ç|
Laçin|Tunç|T|
Yüksel|Mustafa|M|

Bar removal
Nuss operation
Pectus excavatum


Functional brain networks for learning predictive statistics.

Abstract: Making predictions about future events relies on interpreting streams of information that may initially appear incomprehensible. This skill relies on extracting regular patterns in space and time by mere exposure to the environment (i.e., without explicit feedback). Yet, we know little about the functional brain networks that mediate this type of statistical learning. Here, we test whether changes in the processing and connectivity of functional brain networks due to training relate to our ability to learn temporal regularities. By combining behavioral training and functional brain connectivity analysis, we demonstrate that individuals adapt to the environment's statistics as they change over time from simple repetition to probabilistic combinations. Further, we show that individual learning of temporal structures relates to decision strategy. Our fMRI results demonstrate that learning-dependent changes in fMRI activation within and functional connectivity between brain networks relate to individual variability in strategy. In particular, extracting the exact sequence statistics (i.e., matching) relates to changes in brain networks known to be involved in memory and stimulus-response associations, while selecting the most probable outcomes in a given context (i.e., maximizing) relates to changes in frontal and striatal networks. Thus, our findings provide evidence that dissociable brain networks mediate individual ability in learning behaviorally-relevant statistics.

Giorgio|Joseph|J|
Karlaftis|Vasilis M|VM|
Wang|Rui|R|
Shen|Yuan|Y|
Tino|Peter|P|
Welchman|Andrew|A|
Kourtzi|Zoe|Z|

Statistical learning
fMRI
Brain plasticity
Functional Network Connectivity
Individual differences


Preparation and evaluation of SnO2-based 68Ge/68Ga generator made from 68Ge produced through (nat)Zn(α,xn) reaction.

Abstract: (68)Ge was produced by (nat)Zn(α,xn)(68)Ge reaction and its production yield was 31.82 kBq/μAh (0.86 μCi/μAh) at the end of irradiation (EOI). A simple chromatographic method using a SnO2 column was employed to separate (68)Ge from the target material and the co-produced non-isotopic radioisotope impurities. (68)Ge retained in the column served as the (68)Ge/(68)Ga generator. Elution efficiency of the column was about 60%. First 2 ml of the eluate contained more than 95% of the elutable activity. Post-elution purification cum concentration was done with a small cation exchange resin column. The presence of the inactive tin ions in the (68)Ga eluate was determined by the ICP-OES technique and was found to be about 0.03 ppm. Radiochemical purity of the final (68)Ga preparation was more than 99.99% and it was found to be suitable for making complex with ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(methylene phosphonic acid) (EDTMP).

Das|Sujata Saha|SS|
Chattopadhyay|Sankha|S|
Alam|Md Nayer|MN|
Madhusmita|||
Barua|Luna|L|
Das|Malay Kanti|MK|

(68)Ge/(68)Ga generator
Post-elution purification
(68)Ge production
PET radioisotope generator
SnO(2) Chromatography column
α on zinc


Internet-delivered eating disorder prevention: A randomized controlled trial of dissonance-based and cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The current study evaluated two web-based programs for eating disorder prevention in high-risk, predominantly ethnic minority women.

METHOD
Two hundred and seventy-one women with elevated weight concerns were randomized to Internet dissonance-based intervention (DBI-I), Internet cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBI-I), or no intervention (NI). Both interventions consisted of four weekly online sessions. Participants were assessed at pre- and post intervention. Outcome measures included eating pathology, body dissatisfaction, dieting, thin-ideal internalization, and depression.

RESULTS
At postintervention, DBI-I and CBI-I led to greater reductions in body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, and depression than NI. In addition, CBI-I was effective at reducing dieting and composite eating pathology relative to NI. No outcome differences were found between the active conditions. Moderation analyses suggested that both active conditions were more effective for ethnic minorities than Whites relative to NI.

DISCUSSION
Results suggest that both DBI-I and CBI-I are effective at reducing eating disorder risk factors in a high-risk, predominantly minority population relative to no intervention.

eating disorder prevention
randomized controlled trial
cognitive-behavioral
Internet
dissonance-based intervention


Formation of Monodisperse Carbon Spheres with Tunable Size via Triblock Copolymer-Assisted Synthesis and Their Capacitor Properties.

Abstract: A facile hydrothermal polymerization method has been developed for the preparation of monodisperse carbon spheres (MCSs) using the triblock copolymer F108 as surfactant. The synthesis is based on the ammonia-catalyzed polymerization reaction between phenol and formaldehyde (PF). The resultant MCSs have a perfect spherical morphology, smooth surface, and high dispersity. The particle sizes can be tuned in a wide range of 500~2400 nm by adjusting the dosage of the PF precursor. The activated MCSs with suitable heteroatoms (N and O) doped and a large specific surface area (960 m2 g-1) were obtained. A high-performance electrode of electrical double-layer capacitors fabricated by those active material have an excellent specific capacitance (310 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and outstanding cycling stability (92% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles). This work provides a new opportunity for the fabrication of MCSs with potential applications.

Monodisperse carbon spheres
Triblock Copolymer F108
Surfactant
Energy storage and conversion
Supercapacitor


Shared humanity, awareness of socio-economic privilege, and classism during the pandemic as predictors of supporting equal socio-economic policies.

Abstract: The coronavirus pandemic has caused unemployment to skyrocket, exposed the longstanding inequalities in health care services and working conditions, and mainly affected the poor in different parts of the world. In the current study, we focus on social identity and social class-related factors that are critical during the pandemic to gain insights into what predicts support for policies favoring economic equality in the post-pandemic period. We argue that to the extent that individuals 1) identify with all humanity during the pandemic, 2) are aware of their socio-economic status-based privilege, 3) do not hold classist attitudes, they would support policies favoring economic equality. In Study 1, survey data from 1212 participants in Turkey were analyzed by means of hierarchical linear regression analysis. The findings showed that stronger identification with all humanity, higher awareness of socio-economic status-based privilege, and less endorsement of classist attitudes predict more support for socio-economic equality policies in the post-pandemic period, after controlling for socio-demographic and socio-political characteristics of participants. Study 2 (N = 212) replicated the findings in a different context, namely the U.S. Our findings extend previous studies by showing the importance of a global identity, such as shared human identity, in the ongoing and potentially in the aftermath of the pandemic. In addition, our findings highlight the joint contributions of socio-economic factors such as classist attitudes and awareness of class-based privilege to the support for socio-economic policies.

Uluğ|Özden Melis|ÖM|0000-0001-7364-362X
Solak|Nevin|N|
Kanık|Betül|B|

Shared humanity
Classism
Pandemic
Socio-economic policies
Coronavirus
Class-based privilege


Improving axial resolution in Structured Illumination Microscopy using deep learning.

Abstract: Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) is a widespread methodology to image live and fixed biological structures smaller than the diffraction limits of conventional optical microscopy. Using recent advances in image up-scaling through deep learning models, we demonstrate a method to reconstruct 3D SIM image stacks with twice the axial resolution attainable through conventional SIM reconstructions. We further demonstrate our method is robust to noise and evaluate it against two-point cases and axial gratings. Finally, we discuss potential adaptions of the method to further improve resolution. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (part 1)'.

Boland|Miguel A|MA|
Cohen|Edward A K|EAK|
Flaxman|Seth R|SR|
Neil|Mark A A|MAA|

Structured Illumination Microscopy
structure illumination
microscopy
deep learning
residual channel attention network


Bleeding risk of apixaban, dabigatran, and low-dose rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in Japanese patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a propensity matched analysis of administrative claims data.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
There is scarce evidence comparing novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with warfarin in real-world settings in Japan. This study compared the risk of bleeding events among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) initiating treatment with NOACs versus warfarin.

METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a de-identified electronic health record based database of health claims and Diagnosis Procedure Combination data from 275 consenting hospitals in Japan. NVAF patients newly initiated on oral anticoagulants were eligible. Based on the first prescription, patients were assigned to 5/2.5 mg BID apixaban, 150/110 mg BID dabigatran, 15/10 mg QD rivaroxaban (approved dose lower in Japan compared to Western countries [20/15 mg QD]) or warfarin groups. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance patient characteristics between warfarin and each NOAC. Patients were followed up to 1 year post-first prescription.

RESULTS
Among 38,662 eligible patients, a total of 5977, 5090, and 6726 matched pairs were identified for warfarin versus apixaban, warfarin versus dabigatran, and warfarin versus rivaroxaban, respectively after PSM. Compared to warfarin, apixaban (hazard ratio [HR] 0.586; 95% CI 0.421-0.815), dabigatran (HR 0.617; 0.425-0.895) and rivaroxaban (HR 0.693; 0.514-0.933) were associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding. The risk of any bleeding was significantly lower for apixaban (HR 0.782; 0.682-0.896), but not for dabigatran (HR 0.988; 0.860-1.135) or rivaroxaban (HR 0.938; 0.832-1.057) when comparing to warfarin.

CONCLUSIONS
Among Japanese patients with NVAF, treatment with apixaban 5/2.5 mg BID was associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding and any bleeding when compared to warfarin. Treatment with dabigatran 150/110 mg BID or rivaroxaban 15/10 mg QD was associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding, but not any bleeding, than warfarin. The potential benefit of individual NOACs in real-world practice needs to be assessed further.

Kohsaka|Shun|S| Murata|Tatsunori|T| Izumi|Naoko|N| Katada|Jun|J| Wang|Feng|F| Terayama|Yasuo|Y|

Bleeding
apixaban
dabigatran
rivaroxaban
warfarin
novel oral anticoagulants
nonvalvular atrial filtration


Collective variable driven molecular dynamics to improve protein-protein docking scoring.

Abstract: In biophysics, the structural prediction of protein-protein complexes starting from the unbound form of the two interacting monomers is a major difficulty. Although current computational docking protocols are able to generate near-native solutions in a reasonable time, the problem of identifying near-native conformations from a pool of solutions remains very challenging. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations driven by a collective reaction coordinate to optimize full hydrogen bond networks in a set of protein-protein docking solutions. The collective coordinate biases the system to maximize the formation of hydrogen bonds at the protein-protein interface as well as all over the structure. The reaction coordinate is therefore a measure for docking poses affinity and hence is used as scoring function to identify near-native conformations.

D006860:Hydrogen Bonding
D056004:Molecular Dynamics Simulation
D011506:Proteins

Collective variable
Molecular dynamics
Docking
Scoring
Protein–protein


cAMP: a multifaceted modulator of immune synapse assembly and T cell activation.

Abstract: T Lymphocyte activation involves a substantial reorganization of the membranous and intracellular compartments. Signaling complexes assemble and dismantle in a highly ordered fashion in both compartments and orchestrate the activation of T cells with high sensitivity and specificity. TCR ligation leads to a short burst of cAMP production, which is centrally required for T cell activation; however, sustained elevations in intracellular cAMP concentrations are immunosuppressive. Emerging evidence of the existence of local cAMP pools gleaned from studies on other cell types suggests that cAMP compartmentalization may account, in part, for these opposing effects. Whereas cAMP compartmentalization has been identified as a central factor in the control of the cAMP-dependent processes in other cell types, this has, as yet, not been addressed in T lymphocytes. In this review, we discuss the role of cAMP in T cell activation and differentiation, with an emphasis on the effects mediated by the cAMP effectors, protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC)1, and on the regulatory proteins that may control the generation of local cAMP pools in T cells. We also present an overview of the available tools to image cAMP production at the subcellular level and discuss how bacterial adenylate cyclase (AC) toxins that are known to generate local cAMP pools can be exploited to address the role of cAMP compartmentalization in T cell activation.

Arumugham|Vijay Bharathi|VB|
Baldari|Cosima T|CT|

immune synapse
T cell activation
cAMP compartmentalization
adenylate cyclase toxins
cyclic adenosine monophosphate


Effects of silver nanoparticles on coupled nitrification-denitrification in suspended sediments.

Abstract: The effects of varying concentrations of Ag NPs on coupled nitrification and denitrification (CND) in two suspended sediments (SPSs) sizes were investigated using isotopic tracer method. In general, 0.5 and 5 mg/L Ag NPs had less effect on CND, while 2 and 10 mg/L Ag NPs exhibited the improvement and inhibition effect, respectively. The CND improvement by 2 mg/L NPs was mainly due to the enhanced nitrifying and denitrifying enzyme activity. However, 10 mg/L Ag NPs inhibited NH4+ oxidation by directly reducing the AMO activity and AOB abundance. The inhibition on NAR and NIR activity and their encoding narG and nirK gene abundance further inhibited NO3- and NO2- reduction, leading to a dramatic decrease in the 15N-N2 production. The above inhibition effects were attributed to the nano-effects of Ag NPs, which led to the excessive ROS amount and the decreased T-AOC level in microbial systems. But the connection between nitrification and denitrification was not broken after Ag NPs exposure. Moreover, the results indicated that N-cycling in clay and silt-type SPS systems could be more sensitive than sand-type SPS systems to NP exposure. The findings provide a basis for evaluating the environmental risks of Ag NPs in water-sediment systems.

Wang|Chao|C| Liu|Songqi|S| Hou|Jun|J| Wang|Peifang|P| Miao|Lingzhan|L| Li|Tengfei|T|

Silver nanoparticles
Isotopic tracer method
Environmental risk
Water-sediment systems
Nitrogen cycle


Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Rule-Out Test for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy.

Abstract: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of mortality after heart transplantation. Noninvasive imaging techniques used in CAV evaluation have important limitations. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to determine an optimal myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPR) cutoff for detecting CAV using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We evaluated CMR performance using sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio analysis. We included 29 patients (mean 5 ± 4 years after transplant) scheduled for coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) who completed CMR. CAV was defined as maximal intimal thickness (MIT) >0.5 mm by IVUS of the left anterior descending artery. CAV was evident in 19 patients (70%) on IVUS (mean MIT 0.82 ± 0.42 mm). MPR was significantly lower in patients with MIT ≥0.50 mm (1.35 ± 0.23 vs. 1.71 ± 0.45, p = 0.013). There was moderate inverse correlation between MPR and MIT (r = -0.36, p = 0.075). The optimal MPR cutoff ≤1.68 for predicting CAV showed sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 63%, a negative predictive value of 100%, a positive predictive value of 86% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.7. An MPR ≤1.68 has high negative predictive value, suggesting its potential as a test to rule out CAV.

Chih|S|S|
Ross|H J|HJ|
Alba|A C|AC|
Fan|C S|CS|
Manlhiot|C|C|
Crean|A M|AM|

diagnostic techniques and imaging: magnetic resonance imaging


The Impact of Multiple Primary Rules on Cancer Statistics in Canada, 1992 to 2012.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Several sets of multiple primary rules have been used in Canada to determine whether a cancer is new and little is known of the impact on cancer statistics. We examine the effect of rules on the magnitude and trend of age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) of cancer in Canada between 1992 and 2012.

METHODS
Cancer- and sex-specific ASIRs were estimated using Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) rules and the more conservative International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) rules. CCR- and IARC-based ASIRs and trends were compared using rate ratios (CCR:IARC) and joinpoint analysis, respectively. We highlight instances where CCR-based ASIRs exceed the upper 95% confidence limit of corresponding IARC-based ASIRs, as well as instances where the magnitude and/or direction of annual percent change (APC) in ASIRs differ across rules. Additionally, we examine how differences in CCR- and IARC-based estimates vary across regions.

RESULTS
Between 1992 and 2012, ASIR ratios (CCR:IARC) for all cancers combined increased from about 1 to 1.061 and 1.067 for males and females, respectively, and reached as high as 1.141 for male melanoma and 1.109 for female breast cancer. Between 2010 and 2012, ASIR ratios were elevated for stage 0-1 colorectal (males, 1.060; females, 1.072) and lung and bronchus cancer (males, 1.052; females, 1.061) and all stages of female breast cancer (stage 0-1, 1.100; stage 2, 1.061; stage 3, 1.059; stage 4, 1.094). Where differences existed, CCR-based trends tended to demonstrate steeper increases (eg, male and female melanoma) or less steep declines (eg, all male cancers, female breast cancer). Ontario was particularly impacted and substantially influenced national estimates.

CONCLUSION
Multiple primary rules can substantially affect the magnitude and trend of ASIRs. The impact will continue to grow as the number of people surviving cancer, and thus at risk for subsequent cancers, continues to grow. Because of inconsistencies in the multiple primary rules used over time, we recommend using IARC rules for monitoring trends and making comparisons across jurisdictions, and using CCR rules for quantifying the full burden of cancer.

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)


Recalcitrant Issues and New Frontiers in Nano-Pharmacology.

Abstract: Packaging of old pharma drugs into new packaging "nanoparticles" is called nano-pharmacology and the products are called nano-based drugs. The inception of nano-pharmacology research and development (R&D) is marked by the approval of the first nano-based drug Doxil® in 1995 by the Food and Drug Administration. However, even after more than two decades, today, there are only ∼20 nano-based drugs in the market to treat cancers and brain diseases. In this article we share the perspectives of nanotechnology scientists, engineers, and clinicians on the roadblocks in nano-pharmacology R&D. Also, we share our opinion on new frontiers in the field of nano-pharmacology R&D that may allow rapid and efficient transfer of nano-pharma technologies from R&D to market.

Bhardwaj|Vinay|V|
Kaushik|Ajeet|A|
Khatib|Ziad M|ZM|
Nair|Madhavan|M|
McGoron|Anthony J|AJ|

nanoparticles
nano-based drugs
research and development
Doxil
nanomedicine
theranostics


A bump: what to do next? Ultrasound imaging of superficial soft-tissue palpable lesions.

Abstract: Soft-tissue palpable lesions are common in clinical practice, and ultrasound (US) represents the first imaging option in the evaluation of a patient with a soft-tissue swelling. A full and systematic US assessment is necessary, however. This includes grayscale, color- and power-Doppler, spectral-Doppler, and possibly elastography facilities, as well as a trained operator. Several lesions showing characteristic US features can be diagnosed confidently, without any further work-up, and the high spatial resolution of ultrasound in the superficial layers can be a powerful tool to discriminate their etiologies. Second-level options, to be reserved for indeterminate cases or those suspected malignant at initial ultrasound, include magnetic resonance imaging, percutaneous fine-needle aspiration or biopsy, and surgical-excision biopsy. In this article, we discuss the proper US approach for addressing superficial soft-tissue lesions.

Color-Doppler ultrasound
Dermatology ultrasound
Skin tumors
Soft tissues
Soft-tissue sarcoma
Soft-tissue ultrasound


Bilateral Endolymphatic Hydrops in a Patient With Migraine Variant Without Vertigo: A Case Report.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To use modern high-resolution inner ear imaging modalities to evaluate for endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in a patient with migraine-associated fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo spells or dizziness.

BACKGROUND
EH has been well described in patients with Meniere's disease on both human temporal bone studies and modern high-resolution imaging; however, there is no study to date, to our knowledge, that examines the presence of EH in a patient with migraine and bilateral hearing loss. We present the MRI findings using a sequence for detecting EH in a unique case of a patient experiencing migraine headaches accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss without vertigo.

METHODS
Magnetic resonance imaging sequences included "cisternographic" three-dimensional T2, and delayed intravenous-enhanced three-dimensional fluid-attenuation inversion recovery (DIVE-3D-FLAIR) sequences, performed with 2350 ms (bright perilymph) and 2050 ms (bright endolymph) inversion times. The bright endolymph images were subtracted from bright perilymph images to create a composite image with bright perilymph, dark endolymph, and intermediate bone signals.

RESULTS
A 40-year-old female presented with a left-sided sensorineural hearing loss and severe migraine headaches that began at age 12. For the past year, she experienced severe migraines with right-sided fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Audiometry confirmed a drop of right-sided hearing at times of migraines and increased symptom severity. Vestibular testing was within normal limits. MRI demonstrated the presence of severe bilateral vestibular and cochlear EH.

CONCLUSIONS
EH of both the cochlea and vestibule can be present in patients without Meniere's disease or vertigo. The relationship between migraine and Meniere's disease may be complex, as demonstrated in this patient with migraine-associated bilateral hearing loss with MRI documentation of severe bilateral EH. The fact that migraine can be associated with EH is important and demonstrates a potential relationship between the pathophysiology of migraine and that of EH. Given this patient's previous association of migraine and hearing loss at age 12, it appears that migrainous attacks occur simultaneously with the hearing loss, and may be potentially causative of the fluctuating hearing loss, mediated possibly through the development of EH. New imaging modalities allow for studies into the field of inner ear pathology, with significant implications for future research.

Liu|Isabelle Y|IY|
Ishiyama|Akira|A|
Sepahdari|Ali R|AR|
Johnson|Kevin|K|
Ishiyama|Gail|G|

endolymphatic hydrops
migraine
hearing loss
Meniere's disease
cochlear hydrops


The Patient's Age and American Society of Anesthesiologists Status Are Reasonable Criteria for Deciding Whether to Perform Same-Day Bilateral TKA.

Abstract: We investigated whether basing a decision to perform same-day bilateral TKA (SD BTKA) on the patient's age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status was reasonable. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1386 patients who underwent 2086 TKAs (686 unilateral TKAs [UTKAs], 1038 SD BTKAs, and 362 one-week staged BTKAs). For the entire cohort, patients undergoing SD BTKA had a higher risk of major complications compared to those undergoing UTKA. However, there was no difference in the incidence of complications for patients aged<75 years with an ASA status of 1 or 2 who underwent UTKA or SD BTKA. If patients are selected based on age and ASA status, SD BTKA may have a risk of postoperative complication similar to UTKA.

Koh|In Jun|IJ|
Kim|Geon-Hyeong|GH|
Kong|Chae-Gwan|CG|
Park|Se-Wook|SW|
Park|Tae Yong|TY|
In|Yong|Y|

American Society of Anesthesiologist classification

same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty

staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty


Targeting Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic autoimmune disorder featured by chronic inflammation of the central nervous system, demyelination and axonal damage. Recently, the term "oxinflammation" has been proposed to depict the vicious circle of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress (OS). OS promotes demyelination and neurodegeneration directly, by oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA but also indirectly, by inducing a dysregulation of the immunity and favoring the state of pro-inflammatory response. Many of the actors of this delicately tuned network are controlled by Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, a principal regulator of antioxidant and phase II detoxification genes. This pathway also has a pivotal role in inflammation, and therefore possesses a great potential in the treatment of MS. The aim of this review is to provide the newest insights in the preclinical and clinical evidence of Nrf2 induction in the regeneration of the antioxidant response and attenuation of inflammation in MS. Preclinical studies have indicated that activators of this pathway, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, melatonin, resveratrol, and sulforaphane might be a promising therapeutic option in amelioration of MS symptoms, nevertheless, the efficacy and safety of these compounds have to be confirmed in future clinical trials.

Michaličková|Danica|D|
Hrnčíř|Tomáš|T|
Canová|Nikolina Kutinová|NK|
Slanař|Ondřej|O|

D000072019:Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1

Oxidative stress
Antioxidants
EGCG
Curcumin
Melatonin
Resveratrol
Flavonoids
Neuroinflammation
Nrf2 inducers


Effect of 4-Fluoro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) Benzene Sulfonamide on cognitive deficits and hippocampal plasticity during nicotine withdrawal in rats.

Abstract: Withdrawal from chronic nicotine has damaging effects on a variety of learning and memory tasks. Various Sulfonamides that act as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have documented role in modulation of various cognitive, learning, and memory processing. We investigated the effects of 4-Fluoro-N-(4-sulfamoylbenzyl) Benzene Sulfonamide (4-FBS) on nicotine withdrawal impairments in rats using Morris water maze (MWM), Novel object recognition, Passive avoidance, and open field tasks. Also, Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) profiling and in vivo field potential recording were assessed. Rats were exposed to saline or chronic nicotine 3.8 mg/kg subcutaneously for 14 days in four divided doses, spontaneous nicotine withdrawal was induced by quitting nicotine for 72 h (hrs). Animals received 4-FBS at 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg after 72 h of withdrawal in various behavioral and electrophysiological paradigms. Nicotine withdrawal causes a deficit in learning and long-term memory in the MWM task. No significant difference was found in novel object recognition tasks among all groups while in passive avoidance task nicotine withdrawal resulted in a deficit of hippocampus-dependent fear learning. Anxiety like behavior was observed during nicotine withdrawal. Plasma BDNF level was reduced during nicotine withdrawal as compared to the saline group reflecting mild cognitive impairment, stress, and depression. Withdrawal from chronic nicotine altered hippocampal plasticity, caused suppression of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. Our results showed that 4-FBS at 40 and 60 mg/kg significantly prevented nicotine withdrawal-induced cognitive deficits in behavioral as well as electrophysiological studies. 4-FBS at 60 mg/kg upsurge nicotine withdrawal-induced decrease in plasma BDNF. We conclude that 4-FBS at 40 and 60 mg /kg effectively prevented chronic nicotine withdrawal-induced impairment in long term potentiation and cognitive performance.

Rehman|Naeem Ur|NU|
Esmaeilpour|Khadijeh|K|
Joushi|Sara|S|
Abbas|Muzaffar|M|
Al-Rashida|Mariya|M|
Rauf|Khalid|K|
Masoumi-Ardakani|Yaser|Y|


Competing risks of death in younger and older postmenopausal breast cancer patients.

Abstract:
AIM
To show a new paradigm of simultaneously testing whether breast cancer therapies impact other causes of death.

METHODS
MA.14 allocated 667 postmenopausal women to 5 years of tamoxifen 20 mg/daily ± 2 years of octreotide 90 mg, given by depot intramuscular injections monthly. Event-free survival was the primary endpoint of MA.14; at median 7.9 years, the tamoxifen+octreotide and tamoxifen arms had similar event-free survival (P = 0.62). Overall survival was a secondary endpoint, and the two trial arms also had similar overall survival (P = 0.86). We used the median 9.8 years follow-up to examine by intention-to-treat, the multivariate time-to-breast cancer-specific (BrCa) and other cause (OC) mortality with log-normal survival analysis adjusted by treatment and stratification factors. We tested whether baseline factors including Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), IGF binding protein-3, C-peptide, body mass index, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were associated with (1) all cause mortality, and if so and (2) cause-specific mortality. We also fit step-wise forward cause-specific adjusted models.

RESULTS
The analyses were performed on 329 patients allocated tamoxifen and 329 allocated tamoxifen+octreotide. The median age of MA.14 patients was 60.1 years: 447 (82%) < 70 years and 120 (18%) ≥ 70 years. There were 170 deaths: 106 (62.3%) BrCa; 55 (32.4%) OC, of which 24 were other malignancies, 31 other causes of death; 9 (5.3%) patients with unknown cause of death were excluded from competing risk assessments. BrCa and OC deaths were not significantly different by treatment arm (P = 0.40): tamoxifen patients experienced 50 BrCa and 32 OC deaths, while tamoxifen + octreotide patients experienced 56 BrCa and 23 OC deaths. Proportionately more deaths (P = 0.004) were from BrCa for patients < 70 years, where 70% of deaths were due to BrCa, compared to 54% for those ≥ 70 years of age. The proportion of deaths from OC increased with increasing body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.02). Higher pathologic T and N were associated with more BrCa deaths (P < 0.0001 and 0.002, respectively). The cumulative hazard plot for BrCa and OC mortality indicated the concurrent accrual of both types of death throughout follow-up, that is the existence of competing risks of mortality. MA.14 therapy did not impact mortality (P = 0.77). Three baseline patient and tumor characteristics were differentially associated with cause of death: older patients experienced more OC (P = 0.01) mortality; patients with T1 tumors and hormone receptor positive tumors had less BrCa mortality (respectively, P = 0.01, P = 0.06). Additionally, step-wise cause-specific models indicated that patients with node negative disease experienced less BrCa mortality (P = 0.002); there was weak evidence that, lower C-peptide (P = 0.08) was associated with less BrCa mortality, while higher BMI (P = 0.01) was associated with worse OC mortality.

CONCLUSION
We demonstrate here a new paradigm of simultaneous testing of therapeutics directed at multiple diseases for which postmenopausal women are concurrently at risk. Octreotide LAR did not significantly impact breast cancer or other cause mortality, although different baseline factors influenced type of death.

Chapman|Judy-Anne W|JA|
Pritchard|Kathleen I|KI|
Goss|Paul E|PE|
Ingle|James N|JN|
Muss|Hyman B|HB|
Dent|Susan F|SF|
Vandenberg|Ted A|TA|
Findlay|Brian|B|
Gelmon|Karen A|KA|
Wilson|Carolyn F|CF|
Shepherd|Lois E|LE|
Pollak|Michael N|MN|

Competing risks
Postmenopausal
Breast cancer
Tamoxifen
Hormone receptor positive
Octreotide LAR


Rediscovery and redescription of the holotype of Liolaemus lemniscatus Gravenhorst, 1838 (Reptilia, Squamata, Liolaemidae).

Abstract: The presumed lost holotype of Liolaemus lemniscatus Gravenhorst, 1838 has been found at the Museum of Natural History of the University of Wrocław and identified by the individual pattern of head scales which matches Gravenhorst's drawing. The first detailed description of this specimen is provided.

redescription holotype Liolaemus Squamata Chile


Correlating Li/O2 cell capacity and product morphology with discharge current.

Abstract: The discharge rate is critical to the performance of lithium/oxygen batteries: it impacts both cell capacity and discharge-phase morphology, and in so doing may also affect the efficiency of the oxygen-evolution reaction during recharging. First-discharge data from tens of Li/O2 cells discharged across four rates are analyzed statistically to inform these connections. In the practically significant superficial current-density range of 0.1 to 1 mA cm(-2), capacity is found to fall as a power law, with a Peukert's-law exponent of 1.6 ± 0.1. X-ray diffractometry confirms the dominant presence of crystalline Li2O2 in the discharged electrodes. A completely air-free sample-transfer technique was developed to implement scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the discharge product. SEM imaging of electrodes with near-average capacities provides statistically significant measures of the shape and size variation of electrodeposited Li2O2 particles with respect to discharge current. At lower rates, typical "toroidal" particles are observed that are well approximated as cylindrical structures, whose average radii remain relatively constant as discharge rate increases, whereas their average heights decrease. At the highest rate studied, air-free SEM shows that particles take needle-like shapes rather than forming the nanosheets or compact films described elsewhere. Average particle volumes decrease with current while particle surface-to-volume ratios increase dramatically, supporting the notion that Li2O2 grows by a locally mass-transfer-limited nucleation and growth mechanism.

Griffith|Lucas D|LD|
Sleightholme|Alice E S|AE|
Mansfield|John F|JF|
Siegel|Donald J|DJ|
Monroe|Charles W|CW|

morphology
nucleation and growth
Peukert’s law
lithium−oxygen batteries
rate performance


Skin blood flow response to topically applied methyl nicotinate: Possible mechanisms.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Methyl nicotinate (MN) induces a local cutaneous erythema in the skin and may be valuable as a local provocation in the assessment of microcirculation and skin viability. The mechanisms through which MN mediates its vascular effect are not fully known. The aim of this study was to characterize the vasodilatory effects of topically applied MN and to study the involvement of nitric oxide (NO), local sensory nerves, and prostaglandin-mediated pathways.

METHODS
MN was applied on the skin of healthy subjects in which NO-mediated (L-NMMA), nerve-mediated (lidocaine/prilocaine), and cyclooxygenase-mediated (NSAID) pathways were selectively inhibited. Microvascular responses in the skin were measured using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).

RESULTS
NSAID reduced the MN-induced perfusion increase with 82% (P < .01), whereas lidocaine/prilocaine reduced it with 32% (P < .01). L-NMMA did not affect the microvascular response to MN.

CONCLUSION
The prostaglandin pathway and local sensory nerves are involved in the vasodilatory actions of MN in the skin.

methyl nicotinate
microcirculation
laser speckle contrast imaging
capillary capacity
tissue viability


Pharmacophore based 3D-QSAR modeling, virtual screening and docking for identification of potential inhibitors of β-secretase.

Abstract: The enzyme β-secretase-1 is responsible for the cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, a vital step in the process of the formation of amyloid-β peptides which are known to lead to neurodegeneration causing Alzheimer's disease. Challenges associated with toxicity and blood brain permeation inability of potential inhibitors, continue to evade a successful therapy, thus demanding the search and development of highly active and effective inhibitors. Towards these efforts, we used a ligand based pharmacophore model generation from a dataset of known inhibitors whose activities against β-secretase hovered in the nano molar range. The identified 5 feature pharmacophore model, AHHPR, was validated via three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship as indicated by r2, q2 and Pearson R values of 0.9013, 0.7726 and 0.9041 respectively. For a dataset of compounds with nano molar activity, the important pharmacophore features present in the current model appear to be similar with those observed in the models resulting from much wider activity range of inhibitors. Virtual screening of the ChemBridge CNS-Set™, a database having compounds with a better suitability for central nervous system based disorders followed by docking and analysis of the ligand protein interactions resulted in the identification of eight prospective compounds with considerable diversity. The current pharmacophore model can thus be useful for the identification, design and development of potent β-secretase inhibitors which by optimization can be potential therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease.

D053829:Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases

Pharmacophore
Virtual screening
Docking
β-secretase
Amyloid-β
Alzheimer’s disease
QSAR


Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection and its eradication on gastric regenerating atypia in 22 133 subjects.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIM
The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting persistent gastric regenerating atypia and determine the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the course of this lesion.

METHODS
In cross-sectional setting, comprehensive health check-up subjects who underwent both endoscopy and H. pylori test from 2001 to 2009 were included. The association between H. pylori and gastric regenerating atypia was evaluated. In cohort setting, patients with regenerating atypia who underwent H. pylori test from 2001 to 2013 were included. Factors affecting positive pathology (persistent regenerating atypia or new development of neoplasm) in patients with regenerating atypia at baseline were investigated.

RESULTS
In cross-sectional setting, regenerating atypia was observed in 1.1% (241/22 133). H. pylori infection was associated with gastric regenerating atypia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.91). In cohort setting, 310 patients with regenerating atypia were finally eligible. Positive pathology rate during follow up was 16.1% (15/93) in the persistent infection group, 2.8% (3/106) in successful eradication group, and 4.5% (5/111) in baseline H. pylori-negative group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of positive pathology (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 7.18; 95% CI, 1.95-26.48) compared to H. pylori eradication group. Persistent H. pylori infection increased the risk of regenerative atypia (adjusted RR, 5.70; 95% CI, 1.46-22.17) and new neoplasm (adjusted RR, 10.74; 95% CI, 1.10-105.17) compared to baseline negative H. pylori.

CONCLUSIONS
H. pylori infection is an independent risk factor for gastric regenerating atypia. Eradication of H. pylori seems helpful for regression of regenerating atypia.

D015331:Cohort Studies
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D005260:Female
D005753:Gastric Mucosa
D016481:Helicobacter Infections
D016480:Helicobacter pylori
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D013274:Stomach Neoplasms
D013276:Stomach Ulcer

Helicobacter pylori
regenerating atypia
H. pylori eradication


Distraction-based surgeries increase thoracic sagittal spine length after ten lengthening surgeries for patients with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis.

Abstract:
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective, comparative, multicenter.

OBJECTIVES
To determine if the choice of proximal anchor affects thoracic sagittal spine length (SSL) for children with idiopathic early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Debate exists as to whether spine growth is maintained during treatment for EOS. As rib- (RB) and spine-based (SB) distraction procedures may be kyphogenic, the traditional measurement of spine growth on coronal radiographs may not identify out-of-plane increase in spine length. A measure of SSL, along the spine's sagittal arc of curvature, has been validated to reliably assess the length of the thoracic spine.

METHODS
Patients with idiopathic EOS treated with distraction-based systems (minimum 5-year follow-up, five lengthening surgeries) with radiographic analysis preoperatively, postimplant (L1), and during lengthening periods (L2-L5, L6-L10) were evaluated with primary outcome of T1-T12 SSL.

RESULTS
We identified 34 patients (14 RB, 20 SB) with preoperative age 4.9 years (4.2 RB vs. 5.4 SB), scoliosis 72° (60° RB vs. 77° SB; p < 0.05), kyphosis 39° (50° RB vs. 34° SB; p < 0.05), and SSL 17.8 cm (15.5 RB vs. 18.5 SB; p < 0.05). After initial scoliosis correction from implantation, scoliosis remained constant over time. RB patients had greater kyphosis than SB patients: L1, 46° RB vs. 19° SB (p < 0.05); L2-L5, 50° RB vs. 27° SB (p < 0.05); L6-L10, 56° RB vs. 26° SB (p < 0.05). SSL increased for both groups from preoperative to the tenth lengthening (p < 0.05). As compared with RB patients, SB patients had higher SSL preoperatively and maintained this difference to the tenth lengthening (p < 0.05). After ten lengthening surgeries, when normalized to preoperative SSL, relative thoracic growth was greater for RB (27%) than for SB patients (19%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Regardless of proximal anchor choice, thoracic length continued to increase during the distraction phase of treatment for idiopathic EOS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.

El-Hawary|Ron|R|
Chukwunyerenwa|Chukwudi K|CK|
Gauthier|Luke E|LE|
Spurway|Alan J|AJ|
Hilaire|Tricia St|TS|
McClung|Anna M|AM|
El-Bromboly|Yehia|Y|
Johnston|Charles E|CE|
|||

Three-dimensional true spine length (3D-TSL)


Maintaining stable transtibial amputee gait on level and simulated uneven conditions in a virtual environment.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This research compares gait strategies to maintain stable gait over a variety of non-level walking conditions for individuals with a transtibial amputation and able-bodied individuals.

METHODS
Twelve people with unilateral transtibial amputation and twelve able-bodied individuals walked on a self-paced treadmill in a park-like virtual environment with level and continuous perturbation conditions. Walking stability was quantified by margin-of-stability, step parameters (walking speed, temporal and spatial parameters, and foot clearance), and gait variability (standard deviations for margin-of-stability, step parameters, and root-mean-square of trunk acceleration).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
For non-level conditions, able-bodied and transtibial groups had greater root-mean-square of trunk acceleration and walked with a cautious and variable step strategy by changing speed, step width, foot clearance, margin-of-stability, and increasing step variability. Overall, able-bodied and transtibial amputee participants adopted similar strategies to maintain stable gait over non-level conditions, but the amputee group was more variable than the able-bodied group. These results demonstrated the importance of measuring gait variability, including trunk acceleration and step variability measures, when quantitatively assessing mobility for individuals with a transtibial amputation. Implications for rehabilitation Able-bodied and transtibial amputee groups adapted gait biomechanics for simulated uneven conditions. Adaptations for non-level conditions included increasing step width, margin-of stability, minimum foot clearance, and varying speed. Gait was also more variable for non-level conditions, with greater variability for transtibial amputee participants compared to able-bodied participants. These results highlight the importance of measuring variability when performing comprehensive walking assessment, particularly for active individuals who achieve maximal performance on standard assessments yet report functional limitations in daily living.

Sinitski|Emily H|EH|
Lemaire|Edward D|ED|
Baddour|Natalie|N|
Besemann|Markus|M|
Dudek|Nancy|N|
Hebert|Jacqueline S|JS|

Amputee
gait
uneven
stability
virtual reality


Gout in males: a possible role for COMT hypomethylation.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Gout is a common inflammatory disease, and the prevalence of gout in men is significantly higher than in women. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) regulates dopamine activity and metabolism, thereby participating in the uric acid metabolism, which in turn affects the occurrence of gout. Our study aimed to investigate the association between COMT methylation and gout in men.

METHODS
This study involved 57 male gout patients and 103 age-matched healthy men. We used quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP) to determine DNA methylation levels in the blood. The COMT methylation level was represented by the percentage of methylation reference (PMR).

RESULTS
Our results showed that COMT methylation levels were significantly lower in gout patients than in the control group (median PMR 9.50 vs 31.34, p = 3E-5). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.701 (95% CI 0.611-0.790, p = 2.7E-5) with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 68.4%.

CONCLUSION
Our study found that there was a significant correlation between COMT hypomethylation and the risk of gout in males, and this provides an epigenetic mechanism of COMT in gout. COMT hypomethylation might be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for gout in the future.

Ying|Xiuru|X| Chen|Yanfei|Y| Zheng|Zhonghua|Z| Duan|Shiwei|S|

Gout
Male
Catechol-O-methyltransferase
DNA methylation
Promoter


Multimodal Imaging of Acute Foveolitis following COVID-19 Vaccination.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To report a case of unilateral acute foveolitis following COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS
A case report.

RESULTS
A 24-year-old woman developed a sudden blurring of vision in the left eye (LE) 5 days after receiving the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Examination of the LE showed a visual acuity at 20/40, 2+ cells in the vitreous, and a small yellow-orange foveal subretinal lesion. Late-phase fluorescein angiography showed a mild diffuse retinal vascular leakage and a faint foveal hyperfluorescence. ICG angiography showed in the late-phase hypofluorescence of the centrofoveal lesion. OCT B-scan demonstrated a conical hyperreflective subfoveal lesion on the retinal pigment epithelium associated with disruption of the outer retinal layers. En-face OCT revealed granular hyperreflective specks mainly in the inner nuclear layer. Work-up results were unremarkable. The patient received oral prednisolone with subsequent full functional and anatomic recovery.

CONCLUSION
Foveolitis may rarely occur as a complication of COVID-19 vaccination.

Khochtali|Sana|S| Krifa|Hamza|H| Zina|Sourour|S| Khairallah|Molka|M| Jelliti|Bechir|B| Abroug|Nesrine|N| Khairallah|Moncef|M|

foveolitis
COVID-19
vaccination
Posterior uveitis
optical coherence tomography


Differential Effects of Posttranslational Modifications of CXCL8/Interleukin-8 on CXCR1 and CXCR2 Internalization and Signaling Properties.

Abstract: CXCL8 or interleukin (IL)-8 directs neutrophil migration and activation through interaction with CXCR1 and CXCR2 that belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Naturally occurring posttranslational modifications of the NH₂-terminal region of CXCL8 affect its biological activities, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are only partially understood. Here, we studied the implications of site-specific citrullination and truncation for the signaling potency of CXCL8. Native CXCL8(1-77), citrullinated [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) and the major natural isoform CXCL8(6-77) were chemically synthesized and tested in internalization assays using human neutrophils. Citrullinated and truncated isoforms showed a moderately enhanced capacity to induce internalization of CXCR1 and CXCR2. Moreover, CXCL8-mediated activation of Gαi-dependent signaling through CXCR1 and CXCR2 was increased upon modification to [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) or CXCL8(6-77). All CXCL8 variants promoted recruitment of β-arrestins 1 and 2 to CXCR1 and CXCR2. Compared to CXCL8(1-77), CXCL8(6-77) showed an enhanced potency to recruit β-arrestin 2 to both receptors, while for [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) only the capacity to induce β-arrestin 2 recruitment to CXCR2 was increased. Both modifications had no biasing effect, i.e., did not alter the preference of CXCL8 to activate either Gαi-protein or β-arrestin-dependent signaling through its receptors. Our results support the concept that specific chemokine activities are fine-tuned by posttranslational modifications.

Vacchini|Alessandro|A|
Mortier|Anneleen|A|
Proost|Paul|P|0000-0002-0133-5545
Locati|Massimo|M|
Metzemaekers|Mieke|M|
Borroni|Elena Monica|EM|

D054730:Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs

posttranslational modifications
CXCL8
G protein-coupled receptor
chemokine


Genetic defects in a His-Purkinje system transcription factor, IRX3, cause lethal cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract:
AIM
Ventricular fibrillation (VF), the main cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD), occurs most frequently in the acute phase of myocardial infarction: a certain fraction of VF, however, develops in an apparently healthy heart, referred as idiopathic VF. The contribution of perturbation in the fast conduction system in the ventricle, the His-Purkinje system, for idiopathic VF has been implicated, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Irx3/IRX3 encodes a transcription factor specifically expressed in the His-Purkinje system in the heart. Genetic deletion of Irx3 provides a mouse model of ventricular fast conduction disturbance without anatomical or contraction abnormalities. The aim of this study was to examine the link between perturbed His-Purkinje system and idiopathic VF in Irx3-null mice, and to search for IRX3 genetic defects in idiopathic VF patients in human.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Telemetry electrocardiogram recording showed that Irx3-deleted mice developed frequent ventricular tachyarrhythmias mostly at night. Ventricular tachyarrhythmias were enhanced by exercise and sympathetic nerve activation. In human, the sequence analysis of IRX3 exons in 130 probands of idiopathic VF without SCN5A mutations revealed two novel IRX3 mutations, 1262G>C (R421P) and 1453C>A (P485T). Ventricular fibrillation associated with physical activities in both probands with IRX3 mutations. In HL-1 cells and neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes, IRX3 transfection up-regulated SCN5A and connexin-40 mRNA, which was attenuated by IRX3 mutations.

CONCLUSION
IRX3 genetic defects and resultant functional perturbation in the His-Purkinje system are novel genetic risk factors of idiopathic VF, and would improve risk stratification and preventive therapy for SCD in otherwise healthy hearts.

Koizumi|Akiko|A| Sasano|Tetsuo|T| Kimura|Wataru|W| Miyamoto|Yoshihiro|Y| Aiba|Takeshi|T| Ishikawa|Taisuke|T| Nogami|Akihiko|A| Fukamizu|Seiji|S| Sakurada|Harumizu|H| Takahashi|Yoshihide|Y| Nakamura|Hiroaki|H| Ishikura|Tomoyuki|T| Koseki|Haruhiko|H| Arimura|Takuro|T| Kimura|Akinori|A| Hirao|Kenzo|K| Isobe|Mitsuaki|M| Shimizu|Wataru|W| Miura|Naoyuki|N| Furukawa|Tetsushi|T|

D000818:Animals
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac
D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac
D006329:Heart Conduction System
D018398:Homeodomain Proteins
D006801:Humans
D051379:Mice
D014157:Transcription Factors
D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricular fibrillation
Sudden cardiac death
Cardiac conduction system


Designing Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Cookies through Computer Aided Engineering.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing or 3D printing can be applied in the food sector to create food products with personalized properties such as shape, texture, and composition. In this article, we introduce a computer aided engineering (CAE) methodology to design 3D printed food products with tunable mechanical properties. The focus was on the Young modulus as a proxy of texture. Finite element modelling was used to establish the relationship between the Young modulus of 3D printed cookies with a honeycomb structure and their structure parameters. Wall thickness, cell size, and overall porosity were found to influence the Young modulus of the cookies and were, therefore, identified as tunable design parameters. Next, in experimental tests, it was observed that geometry deformations arose during and after 3D printing, affecting cookie structure and texture. The 3D printed cookie porosity was found to be lower than the designed one, strongly influencing the Young modulus. After identifying the changes in porosity through X-ray micro-computed tomography, a good match was observed between computational and experimental Young's modulus values. These results showed that changes in the geometry have to be quantified and considered to obtain a reliable prediction of the Young modulus of the 3D printed cookies.

Piovesan|Agnese|A|0000-0002-4962-352X
Vancauwenberghe|Valérie|V|
Aregawi|Wondwosen|W|
Delele|Mulugeta A|MA|
Bongaers|Evi|E|
de Schipper|Mathijs|M|
van Bommel|Kjeld|K|
Noort|Martijn|M|0000-0003-3655-4796
Verboven|Pieter|P|
Nicolai|Bart|B|

computed aided engineering
additive manufacturing
texture
finite element modelling
structure
3D food printing
X-ray computed tomography


Analyzing the Semantic Space of the Hippocratic Oath.

Abstract: The Hippocratic Oath is the foundation for the moral ideals and goals of Western medicine. We aimed to develop a research tool to determine the perception among diverse groups of physicians and to determine the current perception of the Hippocratic Oath. We used the semantic differential to map the connotative meaning of the Oath. We selected 34 research articles with abstracts from a literature search. The attributes (adjectives) used to describe the Oath were added to adjectives from a semi-structured questionnaire filled in at the Olomouc military hospital. We modified the factors and selected 8 scales by optimizing the semantic differential. Overall, Czech physicians perceived the Oath highly positively based on the factor of evaluation. Negative and even neutral viewpoints were rare. The strongest factor- progressivity-revealed that the topicality of the Hippocratic Oath is very important to physicians. A statistically significant difference was found between female physicians and their male counterparts, with women rating the Oath's progressivity higher than men, as well as perceiving the Oath generally more positively than men. Our analysis confirmed the importance and success of continuing education. The standardized methodology can be used in medical education to analyze the semantic space of the Hippocratic Oath.

Hanák|Přemysl B|PB|
Ivanová|Kateřina|K|
Chráska|Miroslav|M|

Hippocratic Oath
Evaluation of Hippocratic Oaths
Medical practitioners
Progressivity of the Hippocratic Oath


Remediation of contaminated dredged harbor sediments by combining hydrodynamic cavitation, hydrocyclone, and persulfate oxidation process.

Abstract: A pilot-scale hybrid treatment system consisting of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), hydrocyclone separator (HS), and sodium persulfate (PS), was employed for removing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from dredged harbor sediments. The effectiveness of PAH degradation was studied by varying the inlet pressure (0-2.0 bar), PS dosage (or Σ[PAH] to [PS] mole ratio of 1:1-1:103) at HS inflow velocity of 2.85 m/s, slurry concentration of 10%, and reaction time of 60 min. The degradation rate of PAH in the overflow (OF) sediment was significantly lower than that of the underflow (UF) sediment. After an inlet pressure increase of 0.5 bar and ΣPAH: [PS] molar ratio of 1: 10, the PAH removal was 87% and 55% in the UF and OF, respectively, by the combined HC-PS-HS unit. Without PS, the PAHs removal was 46% and 40% in the UF and OF, respectively. The removal efficiency for 6-, 5-, 4-, 3-, and 2-ring PAHs was 100%, 93%, 93%, 92%, and 82% in the UF and 55%, 61%, 67%, 47%, and 36% in the OF by the combined HC-PS-HS system. FEEM spectroscopy clarified that aromatic protein-based components (tryptophan- and tyrosine-like combined) were gradually degraded and transformed into soluble microbial metabolites when organic matter content declined during the combined HC-PS-HS treatment. This study provides new insights into the combined HC-PS-HS system for PAH degradation in dredged sediments.

Hung|Chang-Mao|CM| Huang|Chin-Pao|CP| Chen|Chiu-Wen|CW| Hsieh|Shuchen|S| Dong|Cheng-Di|CD|

Hydrodynamic cavitation
Hydrocyclone
Persulfate
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Dredged sediments


Viral-Mediated AURKB Cleavage Promotes Cell Segregation and Tumorigenesis.

Abstract: Aurora kinase B (AURKB), a central regulator of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, is aberrantly expressed in various cancer cells. However, the relationship of AURKB and oncogenic viruses in cancer progression remains unclear. Here, we reveal that N-cleaved isoforms of AURKB exist in several oncovirus-associated tumor cells and patient cancer tissues, including Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and human papillomavirus virus (HPV). Mechanistically, in KSHV-infected tumor cells, the latent viral antigen LANA cleaves AURKB at Asp76 in a serine protease-dependent manner. The N'-AURKB relocalizes to the spindle pole and promotes the metaphase-to-telophase transition in mitotic cells. Introduction of N'-AURKB but not C'-AURKB promotes colony formation and malignant growth of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo using a murine xenograft model. Altogether, our findings uncover a proteolytic cleavage mechanism by which oncoviruses induce cancer cell segregation and tumorigenesis.

Zhu|Qing|Q| Ding|Ling|L| Zi|Zhenguo|Z| Gao|Shujun|S| Wang|Chong|C| Wang|Yuyan|Y| Zhu|Caixia|C| Yuan|Zhenghong|Z| Wei|Fang|F| Cai|Qiliang|Q|

D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

AURKB
cell segregation
tumorigenesis
KSHV
EBV
HPV
oncovirus
protein cleavage


Radiologic serosal invasion sign as a new criterion of T4a gastric cancer on computed tomography: diagnostic performance and prognostic significance in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To investigate the diagnostic performance and prognostic significance of a new criterion for radiologic T4a staging on computed tomography (CT) in patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC).

METHODS
Between January 2010 and April 2019, 101 patients with pathologically confirmed gastric cancer were collected. Among them, 53 patients with pathologic T3 and T4a cancers were included in this study. Three reviewers assessed preoperative CT scans for radiologic T staging in two sessions, independently and in consensus at a 2-week interval, while blinded about the pathologic T stage. The radiologic serosal invasion sign was defined as a nodular extension from the outer gastric wall reaching beyond the perigastric vascular plane and adopted as a new CT criterion for T4a cancer. We evaluated the diagnostic performance, interobserver agreement, and prognostic significance of this sign for the postoperative recurrence.

RESULTS
There were 46 pathologic T3 cancers (86.7%) and seven pathologic T4a cancers (13.2%). The diagnostic performance of the radiologic serosal invasion sign in the differentiation between T3 and T4a cancers was as follows: sensitivity, 91.3%; specificity, 71.43%; and accuracy, 88.68% for R1 and sensitivity, 78.26%; specificity, 85.71%; and accuracy, 79.25% for R2. The k-value was 0.64. Among the clinical and pathologic variables, radiologic T4a sign [hazard ratio (HR): 7.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36-26.86, p = 0.001], pathologic T4a (HR 9.82, 95% CI 2.35-40.95, p = 0.002), tumor size (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.35, p = 0.026), and lymphovascular invasion (HR 6.39, 95% CI 1.42-28.75, p = 0.015) were the significant factors for postoperative recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS
Radiologic serosal invasion sign is reliable as a new CT criterion for T4a cancer staging in patients with advanced gastric cancer, demonstrating 80% to 88% accuracy. Radiologic serosal invasion sign can also serve as a prognostic factor for postoperative recurrence as well as pathologic T4a stage.

D006801:Humans
D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
D009367:Neoplasm Staging
D011379:Prognosis
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D013274:Stomach Neoplasms
D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Serosal invasion
Computed tomography
Advanced gastric cancer
Postoperative recurrence
Tumor staging


Neighborhood Ties Reduced Depressive Symptoms in Older Disaster Survivors: Iwanuma Study, a Natural Experiment.

Abstract: Objective: As most studies relating to mental health and disasters have employed cross-sectional or follow-up assessments about psychological health with post-disaster information, the association between changes in social ties and mental health remains unclear. We examined the relationship between the changes in survivor neighborhood ties and depressive symptoms before and after a natural disaster. Methods: Participants were 3567 individuals aged ≥65 years living in Iwanuma city who had responded to questionnaires by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study both predating the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and 2.5 years afterward. Changes in the depressive symptoms were assessed using the geriatric depression scale (GDS) at the baseline and follow-up survey. Changes in the neighborhood ties were assessed by asking the participants about their interactions with people in their neighborhood. Possible confounders were adjusted in a linear regression model. Results: Among the 3111 participants in this analysis, 1073 (34.5%) had increased GDS score after the disaster. There were 336 (10.8%) individuals who had neighborhood ties before the disaster, but had no ties afterward; their mean GDS score increased from 2.93 points in 2010 to 3.19 points in 2013. Among those who had not had ties before and after the disaster the mean GDS score remained almost stable, from 2.19 points in 2010 to 2.12 points in 2013. The participants with post-disaster ties were significantly less likely to have an increased GDS score compared with those who had not had ties before and after the disaster (β = -0.39; 95% confidence interval: -0.72, -0.06). Conclusions: Increased neighborhood ties after the disaster reduced the risk of depressive symptoms even when survivors suffered disaster damages. The study reinforces the importance of social capital in disaster recovery and suggests to local governments and local communities that fostering horizontal, neighborhood ties may improve disaster preparedness and mental health resilience.

neighborhood ties
depressive symptoms
natural disaster
social capital
resilience
older survivors


Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-based detection of thyroid-specific gene expression in fine-needle aspirate for thyroid cancer recurrence evaluation: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite improved surveillance for patients after total thyroidectomy for cancer, there has yet to be a diagnostic method that detects recurrence with 100% accuracy.

METHODS
A 60-year-old woman with a family history of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation. On postoperative surveillance, ultrasound examination of the neck demonstrated a focus concerning for recurrence and a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) was performed. The cytology report was nondiagnostic and, hence, RNA was extracted from the specimen followed by reverse transcription (cDNA), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect thyroid-specific gene expression (thyroglobulin =Tg; sodium-iodide symporter = NIS; thyroperoxidase = TPO).

RESULTS
Expression of select thyroid-specific genes was demonstrated, and given the patient's remarkable cancer and family history, surgical resection was elected. Final pathology demonstrated follicular adenoma.

CONCLUSION
This case demonstrates a novel approach used in the evaluation for recurrent thyroid cancer as an adjunct to FNA cytology.

Azoury|Saïd C|SC|
Aufforth|Rachel|R|
He|Mei|M|
Yang|Zhiming|Z|
Nilubol|Naris|N|
Kebebew|Electron|E|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

fine-needle aspirate
thyroid cancer
recurrence
diagnosis
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)


Transmission of Legionnaires' Disease through Toilet Flushing.

Abstract: We describe 2 cases of healthcare-associated Legionnaires' disease in patients in France hospitalized 5 months apart in the same room. Whole-genome sequencing analyses showed that clinical isolates from the patients and isolates from the room's toilet clustered together. Toilet contamination by Legionella pneumophila could lead to a risk for exposure through flushing.

Couturier|Jeanne|J| Ginevra|Christophe|C| Nesa|Didier|D| Adam|Marine|M| Gouot|Cyril|C| Descours|Ghislaine|G| Campèse|Christine|C| Battipaglia|Giorgia|G| Brissot|Eolia|E| Beraud|Laetitia|L| Ranc|Anne-Gaëlle|AG| Jarraud|Sophie|S| Barbut|Frédéric|F|

D000072296:Bathroom Equipment
D003428:Cross Infection
D005602:France
D006801:Humans
D016952:Legionella pneumophila
D007877:Legionnaires' Disease

transmission
toilet
Legionella pneumophila
Bacteria
Legionnaires’ disease
healthcare-associated infections
nosocomial infections
phylogeny
pneumophilia
respiratory infections


Sperm DNA fragmentation in donors and normozoospermic patients attending for a first spermiogram: Static and dynamic assessment.

Abstract: Static assessment of sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF at the time of ejaculation or sperm thawing when cryopreserved) and the dynamic assessment of SDF (SDF assessed after T2 hr, T6 hr and T24 hr of sperm thawing) were used to establish cut-off values associated with sperm donors when compared with closely related normozoospermic patients. Cryopreserved samples from donors revealed SDF levels two times lower in comparison with the patients. Donor sperm DNA exhibited a 2.5 times higher longevity when compared with the patients. Static values of SDF after thawing of approximately 11% identify the donors with a 71% of sensitivity and 84% specificity. With respect to the dynamic assessment, SDF increases of 2.3 per hr during the first 2 hr of incubation identify the donors with 70% of sensitivity and 66% of specificity. Creating the Rate of Combined Damage (RCD) defined as the product of SDF-T0 by the increase in the damage registered during the first 2 hr of incubation (r-SDF-T0-2 ), an index of RCD = 22.2 units has an identification capacity of donors with a 78% sensitivity and 77% specificity. Such cut-off values could be used to characterise donors with high chromatin resistance to damage when meeting the above-established criteria.

sperm DNA fragmentation
sperm donors
fertility
male factor


Chimpanzees process structural isomorphisms across sensory modalities.

Abstract: Evolution has shaped animal brains to detect sensory regularities in environmental stimuli. In addition, many species map one-dimensional quantities across sensory modalities, such as conspecific faces to voices, or high-pitched sounds to bright light. If basic patterns like repetitions and identities are frequently perceived in different sensory modalities, it could be advantageous to detect cross-modal isomorphisms, i.e. develop modality-independent representations of structural features, exploitable in visual, tactile, and auditory processing. While cross-modal mappings are common in the animal kingdom, the ability to map similar (isomorphic) structures across domains has been demonstrated in humans but no other animals. We tested cross-modal isomorphisms in two chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Individuals were previously trained to choose structurally 'symmetric' image sequences (two identical geometrical shapes separated by a different shape) presented beside 'edge' sequences (two identical shapes preceded or followed by a different one). Here, with no additional training, the choice between symmetric and edge visual sequences was preceded by playback of three concatenated sounds, which could be symmetric (mimicking the symmetric structure of reinforced images) or edge. The chimpanzees spontaneously detected a visual-auditory isomorphism. Response latencies in choosing symmetric sequences were shorter when presented with (structurally isomorphic) symmetric, rather than edge, sound triplets: The auditory stimuli interfered, based on their structural properties, with processing of the learnt visual rule. Crucially, the animals had neither been exposed to the acoustic sequences before the experiment, nor were they trained to associate sounds to images. Our result provides the first evidence of structure processing across modalities in a non-human species. It suggests that basic cross-modal abstraction capacities transcend linguistic abilities and might involve evolutionary ancient neural mechanisms.

D000161:Acoustic Stimulation
D000818:Animals
D001307:Auditory Perception
D002755:Choice Behavior
D005260:Female
D008297:Male
D002679:Pan troglodytes
D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual
D010775:Photic Stimulation

Cross-modal
Analogy
Audio-visual
Matching
Pattern perception
Touchscreen


The effects of dust-haze on mortality are modified by seasons and individual characteristics in Guangzhou, China.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dust-haze on mortality and to estimate the seasonal and individual-specific modification effects in Guangzhou, China. Mortality, air pollution and meteorological data were collected for 2006-2011. A dust-haze day was defined as daily visibility <10 km with relative humidity <90%. This definition was further divided into light (8-10 km), medium (5-8 km) and heavy dust-haze (<5 km). A distributed lag linear model (DLM) was employed. Light, medium and heavy dust-haze days were associated with increased mortality of 3.4%, 6.8% and 10.4% respectively, at a lag of 0-6 days. This effect was more pronounced during the cold season, for cardiovascular mortality (CVD), respiratory mortality (RESP), in males and people ≥60years. These effects became insignificant after adjustment for PM10. We concluded that dust-haze significantly increased mortality risk in Guangzhou, China, and this effect appears to be dominated by particulate mass and modified by season and individual-specific factors.

Liu|Tao|T|
Zhang|Yong Hui|YH|
Xu|Yan Jun|YJ|
Lin|Hua Liang|HL|
Xu|Xiao Jun|XJ|
Luo|Yuan|Y|
Xiao|Jianpeng|J|
Zeng|Wei Lin|WL|
Zhang|Wan Fang|WF|
Chu|Cordia|C|
Keogh|Kandice|K|
Rutherford|Shannon|S|
Qian|Zhengmin|Z|
Du|Yao Dong|YD|
Hu|Mengjue|M|
Ma|Wen Jun|WJ|

Mortality
Season
Dust–haze
Excess risk
Lag effect


Prophylactic mesh augmentation: Patient selection, techniques, and early outcomes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Incisional hernias (IH) following abdominal surgery are frequent and morbid. Prophylactic mesh augmentation (PMA) has emerged as a technique to reduce IH formation. We aim to report patient selection, techniques and early outcomes after PMA.

METHODS
Retrospective chart review identified descriptive characteristics, risk factors, operative technique, and early post-operative outcomes for PMA patients and matched non-PMA patients between January 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017.

RESULTS
18 consecutive PMA cases were performed (55.6% female, mean age 54.3 years and mean BMI = 29.5 kg/m2). 88.9% of patients had at least two high-risk features for IH. Zero PMA patients developed IH compared to 5.3% non-PMA patients (p = 0.314) (6-months mean follow-up). No difference in surgical site occurrences (SSO) were identified between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Early results are encouraging, demonstrating PMA is safe with equivocal SSO. Further studies are needed to assess if the reduction in IH formation is statistically significant with longer follow-up.

Rhemtulla|Irfan A|IA|
Mauch|Jaclyn T|JT|
Broach|Robyn B|RB|
Messa|Charles A|CA|
Fischer|John P|JP|

D034861:Abdominal Wall
D005260:Female
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D006555:Hernia, Ventral
D006801:Humans
D015994:Incidence
D000069290:Incisional Hernia
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D018579:Patient Selection
D010414:Pennsylvania
D011183:Postoperative Complications
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D012307:Risk Factors
D013526:Surgical Mesh
D013536:Suture Techniques
D013997:Time Factors
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Prophylactic Mesh Augmentation Incisional Hernia Prevention


Pot binding as a variable confounding plant phenotype: theoretical derivation and experimental observations.

Abstract: Theoretical derivation predicted growth retardation due to pot water limitations, i.e., pot binding. Experimental observations were consistent with these limitations. Combined, these results indicate a need for caution in high-throughput screening and phenotyping. Pot experiments are a mainstay in many plant studies, including the current emphasis on developing high-throughput, phenotyping systems. Pot studies can be vulnerable to decreased physiological activity of the plants particularly when pot volume is small, i.e., "pot binding". It is necessary to understand the conditions under which pot binding may exist to avoid the confounding influence of pot binding in interpreting experimental results. In this paper, a derivation is offered that gives well-defined conditions for the occurrence of pot binding based on restricted water availability. These results showed that not only are pot volume and plant size important variables, but the potting media is critical. Artificial potting mixtures used in many studies, including many high-throughput phenotyping systems, are particularly susceptible to the confounding influences of pot binding. Experimental studies for several crop species are presented that clearly show the existence of thresholds of plant leaf area at which various pot sizes and potting media result in the induction of pot binding even though there may be no immediate, visual plant symptoms. The derivation and experimental results showed that pot binding can readily occur in plant experiments if care is not given to have sufficiently large pots, suitable potting media, and maintenance of pot water status. Clear guidelines are provided for avoiding the confounding effects of water-limited pot binding in studying plant phenotype.

Sinclair|Thomas R|TR|
Manandhar|Anju|A|
Shekoofa|Avat|A|
Rosas-Anderson|Pablo|P|
Bagherzadi|Laleh|L|
Schoppach|Remy|R|
Sadok|Walid|W|
Rufty|Thomas W|TW|

Water limitation
Pot volume
Leaf area development
Soil medium
Soil water
Stomatal conductance


Ethanolic extract of Ferula gummosa is cytotoxic against cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Abstract: Ferula gummosa Boiss. has medicinal applications in treating a wide range of diseases including cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative activities of the seed and gum extracts of F. gummosa as well as to study the effect of the potent extract on the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that the ethanolic extract had the lowest IC50 value at 72 h (0.001 ± 1.2 mg/mL) in BHY cells. Moreover, flowcytometry and annexin-V analysis revealed that the ethanolic extract induced apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in BHY cells at G1/S phase. In addition, colorimetric methods exhibited the highest amount of total phenolics and flavonoids in the aqueous and gum extracts (0.12 ± 0.037, 0.01 ± 2.51 mg/g of dry powder). Generally, the results obtained indicate that F. gummosa ethanol extract may contain effective compounds which can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Gudarzi|Hoda|H|
Salimi|Mona|M|
Irian|Saeed|S|
Amanzadeh|Amir|A|
Mostafapour Kandelous|Hirsa|H|
Azadmanesh|Keyhan|K|
Salimi|Misha|M|

Ferula gummosa
cancer
apoptosis
flowcytometry
MTT assay


External Morphological Development of Post-larvae and Juveniles of Red Seabream, Pagrus major.

Abstract: On the 15 days after hatching, the larvae was 4.24-5.10 mm (mean 4.66±2.18 mm) in total length, and the fins of the membrane started to develop into a fan shape and the melanophore was deposited upper the alimentary canal of the abdomen and on the bladder. At 35 days after hatching, the post-larvae formed a branch-shaped melanophore on the head part with a total length of 6.98-12.5 (mean 9.35±1.71) mm, formed on the upper and lower parts of the caudal part, formed on the upper and lower parts of the caudal part, and deposited under the head part and abdomen. At 40 days after hatching, the juvenile was 11.3-18.1 (mean 14.9±1.53) mm in total length.

Park|Jae-Min|JM| Han|Kyeong-Ho|KH| Kang|Seung-Wan|SW| Lee|Jeong-Tae|JT|

Juvenile
Red seabream
Pagrus major
Larvae


Pros and cons of a wandering mind: a prospective study.

Abstract: Mind wandering (MW) has recently been associated with both adaptive (e.g., creativity enhancement) and maladaptive (e.g., mood worsening) consequences. This study aimed at investigating whether proneness to MW was prospectively associated with negative health outcomes. At time 0, 21 women, 19 men; mean age = 24.5 (4.9) underwent a 5-min baseline electrocardiogram (ECG), a 20-min laboratory tracking task with thought probes, and personality questionnaires. At time 1 (1 year follow-up), the same participants underwent a 24-h Ecological Momentary Assessment characterized by ambulatory ECG recording and electronic diaries. First, we examined if the likelihood of being a "mind wanderer" was associated with specific personality dispositions. Then, we tested if the occurrence of episodes of MW in the lab would be correlated with frequency of MW in daily life. Finally, multiple regression models were used to test if MW longitudinally acted as a risk factor for health, accounting for the effects of biobehavioral variables. Among dispositional traits, the frequency of MW episodes in daily life was inversely associated with the capacity of being mindful (i.e., aware of the present moment and non-judging). There was a positive correlation between frequency of MW in the lab and in daily life, suggesting that it is a stable disposition of the individual. When differentiated from perseverative cognition (i.e., rumination and worry), MW did not predict the presence of health risk factors 1 year later, however, a higher occurrence of episodes of MW was associated with short-term adverse consequences, such as increased 24-h heart rate (HR) on the same day and difficulty falling asleep the subsequent night. Present findings suggest that MW may be associated with short term "side effects" but argue against a long term dysfunctional view of this cognitive process.

prospective study
mind wandering
ecological momentary assessment
heart rate
heart rate variability
sleep
somatization


Variability in surgical management of benign ovarian neoplasms in children.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Although most pediatric ovarian neoplasms are benign and may be treated with ovary-sparing surgery (OSS), consensus is lacking on the optimal surgical approach. We aimed to determine the proportion of pediatric benign ovarian neoplasms managed with OSS and to assess variability in management across hospitals and specialties.

METHODS
Using the Pediatric Health Information System, we studied patients aged 6-21 years treated in 2006-2014 for a benign ovarian neoplasm with oophorectomy or OSS. Inter-hospital variability and predictors of the type of surgery were determined using logistic mixed effects models with random hospital effects.

RESULTS
Of 1164 patients with benign ovarian neoplasms, 646 underwent oophorectomy, and 518 underwent OSS. Across hospitals, there was significant variability in the proportion of OSS (range: 21.7-76.6%). In multivariable analysis, patients managed by pediatric surgeons (vs. pediatric and adolescent gynecologists) (OR: 0.27, 95%CI: 0.17-0.43, p<0.001), younger patients (OR: 0.94 per year, 95%CI: 0.90-0.98, p=0.007), and those admitted through the emergency department (OR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.58-0.99, p=0.04) were less likely to undergo OSS. Inter-hospital variability remained significant after adjusting for relevant patient and hospital characteristics (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Significant variability exists in management of benign ovarian neoplasms across hospitals and specialties. Collaborative efforts between treating specialists may improve implementation of evidence-based guidelines for OSS.

TYPE OF STUDY
retrospective study LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Gonzalez|Dani O|DO|
Cooper|Jennifer N|JN|
Aldrink|Jennifer H|JH|
Hewitt|Geri D|GD|
Fallat|Mary E|ME|
Minneci|Peter C|PC|
Deans|Katherine J|KJ|

D000293:Adolescent
D002648:Child
D005260:Female
D054625:Healthcare Disparities
D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric
D006801:Humans
D016015:Logistic Models
D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments
D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms
D010052:Ovariectomy
D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D062606:Tertiary Care Centers
D014481:United States
D055815:Young Adult

Ovarian neoplasm
Pediatric
Ovary-sparing
Oophorectomy
Adolescent
Ovary


Regulation of Tacaribe Mammarenavirus Translation: Positive 5' and Negative 3' Elements and Role of Key Cellular Factors.

Abstract: Mammarenaviruses are enveloped viruses with a bisegmented negative-stranded RNA genome that encodes the nucleocapsid protein (NP), the envelope glycoprotein precursor (GPC), the RNA polymerase (L), and a RING matrix protein (Z). Viral proteins are synthesized from subgenomic mRNAs bearing a capped 5' untranslated region (UTR) and lacking 3' poly(A) tail. We analyzed the translation strategy of Tacaribe virus (TCRV), a prototype of the New World mammarenaviruses. A virus-like transcript that carries a reporter gene in place of the NP open reading frame and transcripts bearing modified 5' and/or 3' UTR were evaluated in a cell-based translation assay. We found that the presence of the cap structure at the 5' end dramatically increases translation efficiency and that the viral 5' UTR comprises stimulatory signals while the 3' UTR,specifically the presence of a terminal C+G-rich sequence and/or a stem-loop structure, down-modulates translation. Additionally, translation was profoundly reduced in eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G-inactivated cells, whereas depletion of intracellular levels of eIF4E had less impact on virus-like mRNA translation than on a cell-like transcript. Translation efficiency was independent of NP expression or TCRV infection. Our results indicate that TCRV mRNAs are translated using a cap-dependent mechanism, whose efficiency relies on the interplay between stimulatory signals in the 5' UTR and a negative modulatory element in the 3' UTR. The low dependence on eIF4E suggests that viral mRNAs may engage yet-unknown noncanonical host factors for a cap-dependent initiation mechanism.IMPORTANCE Several members of the Arenaviridae family cause serious hemorrhagic fevers in humans. In the present report, we describe the mechanism by which Tacaribe virus, a prototypic nonpathogenic New World mammarenavirus, regulates viral mRNA translation. Our results highlight the impact of untranslated sequences and key host translation factors on this process. We propose a model that explains how viral mRNAs outcompete cellular mRNAs for the translation machinery. A better understanding of the mechanism of translation regulation of this virus can provide the bases for the rational design of new antiviral tools directed to pathogenic arenaviruses.

Foscaldi|Sabrina|S|
D'Antuono|Alejandra|A|
Noval|María Gabriela|MG|
de Prat Gay|Gonzalo|G|
Scolaro|Luis|L|
Lopez|Nora|N|

D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral

D038621:Regulatory Sequences, Ribonucleic Acid