Coupling hydrothermal liquefaction and membrane distillation to treat anaerobic digestate from food and dairy farm waste.

Abstract: Increased demand for water, energy and food requires new ways to produce fertilizers, fuels and reusable water. Recovery of resources from wastes could lead to an additional source of energy and nutrients, and also reduce the waste to be disposed. In this work, we used hydrothermal liquefaction to produce a biocrude oil product, followed by membrane distillation of the aqueous effluents to concentrate a nutrient-rich stream that can be used as fertilizer. The motivation for this work is that residual heat from the hydrothermal liquefaction process could be utilized to drive the membrane distillation process, which would improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of the distillation process. The membrane distillation system was demonstrated to be able to recover 75% of the water. The membrane distillation retentate had very high ammonium and phosphate concentrations, making it suitable as a fertilizer. Membrane permeate contained high concentrations of volatile organics.

Rao|Unnati|U|
Posmanik|Roy|R|
Hatch|Lindsay E|LE|
Tester|Jefferson W|JW|
Walker|Sharon L|SL|
Barsanti|Kelley C|KC|
Jassby|David|D|

Hydrothermal liquefaction
Membrane distillation
Residual heat
Nutrient recovery
Water treatment


Observation of backscattering induced by magnetism in a topological edge state.

Abstract: The boundary modes of topological insulators are protected by the symmetries of the nontrivial bulk electronic states. Unless these symmetries are broken, they can give rise to novel phenomena, such as the quantum spin Hall effect in one-dimensional (1D) topological edge states, where quasiparticle backscattering is suppressed by time-reversal symmetry (TRS). Here, we investigate the properties of the 1D topological edge state of bismuth in the absence of TRS, where backscattering is predicted to occur. Using spectroscopic imaging and spin-polarized measurements with a scanning tunneling microscope, we compared quasiparticle interference (QPI) occurring in the edge state of a pristine bismuth bilayer with that occurring in the edge state of a bilayer, which is terminated by ferromagnetic iron clusters that break TRS. Our experiments on the decorated bilayer edge reveal an additional QPI branch, which can be associated with spin-flip scattering across the Brioullin zone center between time-reversal band partners. The observed QPI characteristics exactly match with theoretical expectations for a topological edge state, having one Kramer's pair of bands. Together, our results provide further evidence for the nontrivial nature of bismuth and in particular, demonstrate backscattering inside a helical topological edge state induced by broken TRS through local magnetism.

magnetism
topological insulators
condensed matter physics
scanning tunneling microscopy


Characterization of Pasteurella multocida involved in rabbit infections.

Abstract: In rabbit, P. multocida is considered a predominant pathogenic agent; despite this, few data on the molecular epidemiology are available so far. The aim of this work was to characterize P. multocida isolates from rabbit affected by various diseases in Italy. Comparison was made to reference strains from other countries. Thirty-nine isolates were tested using PCRs to detect the genes coding capsular antigens, virulence factors and lipopolysaccharide structures (LPS). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed and 19 STs registered that belonged to 9 clonal complexes. Italian isolates were all related to P. multocida subsp. P. multocida. Three sequence types dominated (ST9, ST50 and ST74). The isolates were assigned to capsular types A (20/39), D (9/39) and F (10/39), to virulence genes pfhA (13/39), hgbB (21/39) and pfhA+hgbB (4/39) (one without virulence factors) and the isolates either belonged to the LPS genotypes 3 (22/39) or 6 (17/39). The clonal relationships of the Italian strains from rabbit had similarity to previously reported rabbit isolates that belonged to ST9, ST74, ST204 and ST206, however, they differed from other rabbit references strains that belonged to six other STs. In particular, ST9 with capsular type F has been previously reported from diseased rabbit in Czech Republic and ST74 has been observed for older rabbit isolates. ST50 has probably been reported from Spain. ST9 and ST50 have previously also been reported from birds and pig, respectively, whereas ST74 has exclusively been reported from pig. It remains to be investigated if the isolates obtained from diseased rabbit in Italy represent introductions from other host or they are primarily of rabbit origin.

Massacci|Francesca Romana|FR|
Magistrali|Chiara Francesca|CF|
Cucco|Lucilla|L|
Curcio|Ludovica|L|
Bano|Luca|L|
Mangili|PierMario|P|
Scoccia|Eleonora|E|
Bisgaard|Magne|M|
Aalbæk|Bent|B|
Christensen|Henrik|H|

Virulence factors
MLST
Capsular types
LPS genotype


Biofluidic Random Laser Cytometer for Biophysical Phenotyping of Cell Suspensions.

Abstract: Phenotypic profiling of single floating cells in liquid biopsies is the key to the era of precision medicine. A random laser in biofluids is a promising tool for the label-free characterization of the biophysical properties as a result of the high brightness and sharp peaks of the lasing spectra, yet previous reports were limited to the random laser in solid tissues with dense scattering. In this report, a random laser cytometer is demonstrated in an optofluidic device filled with gain medium and human breast normal/cancerous cells. The multiple lightscattering event induced by the microscale human cells promotes random lasing and influences the lasing properties in term of laser modes, spectral wavelengths, and lasing thresholds. A sensing strategy based on analyzing the lasing properties is developed to determine both the whole cell and the subcellular biophysical properties, and the malignant alterations of the cell suspensions are successfully detected. Our results provide a new approach to designing a label-free biophysical cytometer based on optofluidic random laser devices, which is advantageous for further research in the field of random laser bioapplication.

He|Jijun|J|
Hu|Shuhuan|S|0000-0002-4163-1242
Ren|Jifeng|J|
Cheng|Xin|X|
Hu|Zhijia|Z|0000-0002-8960-5318
Wang|Ning|N|
Zhang|Huangui|H|
Lam|Raymond H W|RHW|0000-0002-5188-3830
Tam|Hwa-Yaw|HY|

random laser
cytometer
biophysics
phenotype
cell suspension
optofluidics
cancer cells


Kasabach-Merritt syndrome arising from a vascular fistula.

Abstract: A 58-year-old woman presented with gum bleeding, hematuria, and cutaneous ecchymoses. Left hip replacement had been performed five years prior. The overall findings of our work-up were consistent with ongoing DIC triggered by the presence of an arterio-venous left femoral fistula. The patient was treated successfully with fresh frozen plasma, the fistula was surgically repaired and a stent was placed. On the second day, bleeding had resolved and laboratory values reverted to normal. This uncommon scenario is reminiscent of the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome and well illustrates that patients with an arterio-venous fistula can sometimes present with atypical features. The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is reported in pediatric and adult patients with giant hemangiomas and angiosarcomas. Adult cases are described also in association with hematomas and large vascular aneurysms. The underlying pathophysiology is the sequestration and consumption of platelets and clotting factors with uncontrolled formation of microthrombi within the vascular lesion. DIC and a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia can subsequently develop. Mechanistic pathways of the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in the context of a vascular fistula are shared with the more common causes of the syndrome. We speculate that the endothelial dysfunction and injury caused by the flow shear were the pivotal triggers of the aberrant trapping of platelets, the consumptive coagulopathy, and the formation of microthrombi within the fistula. Mortality rate can be as high as up to 40%. The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome could represent the only clinical feature of an otherwise occult vascular fistula. Emergency physicians should be aware of this condition.

Famularo|Giuseppe|G| Galluzzo|Michele|M| Ottaviani|Pierfrancesco|P| Tarsitani|Patrizia|P|

Kasabach-Merritt syndrome
Vascular fistula
Coagulopathy


Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein, and Neutrophil Ratio Contribute to the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Abstract:
Background
We aimed to explore the significance of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil ratio (N%) in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

Methods
A total of 104 patients with SAP (SAP group) and 101 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) (MAP group) admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China were enrolled. The PCT and CRP in serum were detected by a full-automatic biochemical analyzer, and N% in peripheral blood was measured by a hemocyte analyzer.

Results
The peripheral blood PCT, CRP, and N% in the SAP group were significantly higher than those in the MAP group (P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Ranson score, PCT, CRP, and N% were independent risk factors for SAP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of PCT, CRP, and N% in diagnosing SAP were 0.906, 0.840, and 0.834 respectively, while that of combined detection was 0.972. The AUC of PCT, CRP, and N% in diagnosing SAP death were 0.907, 0.900, and 0.894, respectively.

Conclusions
Peripheral blood PCT, CRP, and N% contribute to the diagnosis and prognosis of SAP.

Procalcitonin
C-reactive protein
Neutrophil ratio
Diagnosis
Acute severe pancreatitis


The Neural Correlates of Conflict Detection and Resolution During Multiword Lexical Selection: Evidence from Bilinguals and Monolinguals.

Abstract: Previous studies have identified the Event Related Potential (ERP) components of conflict detection and resolution mechanisms in tasks requiring lexical selection at the individual word level. We investigated the brain potentials associated with these mechanisms in a lexical selection task based on multiword units made up of verb-noun combinations (e.g., eat breakfast, skip school). Native and non-native English speakers were asked to select a familiarized target verb-noun sequence (eat breakfast) between two choices. Trials were low-conflict, with only one plausible candidate (e.g., eat - shoot - breakfast) or high-conflict, with two plausible verbs (e.g., eat - skip - breakfast). Following the presentation of the noun, native English speakers showed a biphasic process of selection, with a conflict-detection centro-parietal negativity between 500 and 600 ms (Ninc), followed by a right frontal effect (RFE) between 600 and 800 ms preceding responses. Late Spanish-English bilinguals showed a similar but more sustained and more widespread effect. Additionally, brain activity was only significantly correlated with performance in native speakers. Results suggest largely similar basic mechanisms, but also that different resources and strategies are engaged by non-native speakers when resolving conflict in the weaker language, with a greater focus on individual words than on multiword units.

conflict
lexical selection
bilingualism
ERPs
multiword units
collocations


Altered Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Bladder Cancer Patients Urine.

Abstract: Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biological fluid is a powerful approach to discover potential biomarkers for human diseases including cancers, as EV secreted to biological fluids are originated from the affected tissue. In order to investigate significant molecules related to the pathogenesis of bladder cancer, EVs were isolated from patient urine which was analyzed by mass spectrometry based proteomics. Comparison of the EV proteome to the whole urine proteome demonstrated an increased number of protein identification in EV. Comparative MS analyses of urinary EV from control subjects and bladder cancer patients identified a total of 1,222 proteins. Statistical analyses provided 56 proteins significantly increased in bladder cancer urine, including proteins for which expression levels varied by cancer stage (P-value < 0.05). While urine represents a valuable, noninvasive specimen for biomarker discovery in urologic cancers, there is a high degree of intra- and inter-individual variability in urine samples. The enrichment of urinary EV demonstrated its capability and applicability of providing a focused identification of biologically relevant proteins in urological diseases.

Lee|Jingyun|J|
McKinney|Kimberly Q|KQ|
Pavlopoulos|Antonis J|AJ|
Niu|Meng|M|
Kang|Jung Won|JW|
Oh|Jae Won|JW|
Kim|Kwang Pyo|KP|
Hwang|Sunil|S|

bladder cancer
biomarker discovery
para-clinical classification
ultracentrifugation
urinary extracellular vesicles


Physiological, metabolic, and stomatal adjustments in response to salt stress in Jatropha curcas.

Abstract: Salinity is a major issue affecting photosynthesis and crop production worldwide. High salinity induces both osmotic and ionic stress in plant tissues as a result of complex interactions among morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Salinity, in turn, can provoke inactivation of some enzymes in the Calvin-Benson cycle and therefore affect the fine adjustment of electron transport in photosystem I and carbon related reactions. Here, we used three contrasting Jatropha curcas genotypes namely CNPAE183 (considered tolerant to salinity), CNPAE218 (sensible), and JCAL171 (intermediate) to understand salinity responses. By performing a long-term (12 months) experiment in land conditions, we investigated distinct mechanisms used by J. curcas to cope with threatening salinity effects by analyzing gas exchange, mineral nutrition and metabolic responses. First, our results highlighted the plasticity of stomatal development and density in J. curcas under salt stress. It also demonstrated that the CNPAE183 presented higher salt-tolerance whereas CNPAE218 displayed a more sensitive salt-tolerance response. Our results also revealed that both tolerance and sensitivity to salinity were connected with an extensive metabolite reprogramming in the Calvin-Benson cycle and Tricarboxylic Acid cycle intermediates with significant changes in amino acids and organic acids. Collectively, these results indicate that the CNPAE183 and CNPAE218 genotypes demonstrated certain characteristics of salt-tolerant-like and salt-sensitive-like genotypes, respectively. Overall, our results highlight the significance of metabolites associated with salt responses and further provide a useful selection criterion in during screening for salt tolerance in J. curcas in breeding programmes.

Pompelli|Marcelo F|MF|
Ferreira|Pedro P B|PPB|
Chaves|Agnaldo R M|ARM|
Figueiredo|Regina C B Q|RCBQ|
Martins|Auxiliadora O|AO|
Jarma-Orozco|Alfredo|A|
Bhatt|Arvind|A|
Batista-Silva|Willian|W|
Endres|Laurício|L|
Araújo|Wagner L|WL|

Gas exchange
Metabolite reprogramming
Abiotic stress
NaCl
Physic nut
Stomatal functioning


Forensic Veterinary Pathology: Sharp Injuries in Animals.

Abstract: Sharp-force injuries are injuries caused by a mechanical force using sharp objects against the skin. Sharp-force injuries are mainly classified as stab, incised, chop, and therapeutic wounds and are less frequent than blunt-force injuries in animals. The analysis of the edges of the wound is crucial, especially if more than one type of lesion is involved. It may be difficult to differentiate between sharp trauma and blunt trauma, because lacerations can resemble incised wounds. The accurate documentation and examination of these injuries may indicate the instrument involved, the relationship between the animal and the perpetrator, and the force of the stab. Situations in which this type of trauma occurs may involve social violence, accidents, hunting, veterinary medical management, and religious rituals. The causes of death related to this type of trauma include hypovolemic shock, pneumothorax, or asphyxiation due to aspiration of blood. Necropsy findings should provide objective and unbiased information about the cause and manner of death to aid the investigation and further judgment of a possible crime.

de Siqueira|A|A|
Cuevas|S E Campusano|SE|
Salvagni|F A|FA|
Maiorka|P C|PC|

forensic veterinary pathology
incised wounds
animal cruelty
chop wounds
knife
sharp-force wounds
stab wounds


Upregulation of long noncoding RNA PEG10 associates with poor prognosis in diffuse large B cell lymphoma with facilitating tumorigenicity.

Abstract: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. To date, there has been little progress in improving the overall survival of DLBCL patients. Emerging evidences have implicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important regulatory roles in fundamental biological processes, and some of them are involved in cancer initiation, development and progression. This study was to investigate the expression of lncRNA PEG10 in a cohort of DLBCL patients to assess its clinical value and biological function in DLBCL. We first found that the expression of PEG10 was upregulated in DLBCL tumorous tissues and that cell lines compared with the normal. Moreover, we illustrated that PEG10 was significantly correlated with B symptoms, IPI score, CHOP-like treatment and rituximab. In addition, ROC(AUC) of PEG10 was up to 0.8228, implicating that PEG10 could be a diagnostic marker for distinguishing DLBCL from normal. Importantly, we verified that PEG10 was a key independent predictive factor for DLBCL prognosis from sizable samples through the longtime follow-ups. Furthermore, we revealed that knockdown of PEG10 expression by siRNA could lead to growth arrest and cell apoptosis in vitro. Our results suggested that PEG10 could represent a novel indicator of poor prognosis and might be served as a potential target for the diagnosis and gene therapy of DLBCL.

Peng|Wei|W| Fan|Hong|H| Wu|Guoqiu|G| Wu|Jianzhong|J| Feng|Jifeng|J|

Long noncoding RNA
PEG10
Prognosis
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Diagnosis


Protease-dependent defects in N-cadherin processing drive PMM2-CDG pathogenesis.

Abstract: The genetic bases for the Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) continue to expand but an understanding of how glycosylation defects cause patient phenotypes remains largely unknown. Here we combined developmental phenotyping and biochemical studies in a new zebrafish model (pmm2sa10150) of PMM2-CDG to uncover a protease-mediated pathogenic mechanism relevant to craniofacial and motility phenotypes exhibted by mutant embryos. Mutant embryos have reduced phosphomannomutase activity and modest decreases in N-glycan occupancy as detected by MALDI MS imaging. Cellular analyses of cartilage defects in pmm2 sa10150 embryos revealed a block in chondrogenesis that is associated with defective proteolytic processing, but seemingly normal N-glycosylation, of the cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin. The activities of the proconvertases and matrix metalloproteinases responsible for N-cadherin maturation were significantly altered in pmm2sa10150 mutant embryos. Importantly, pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of proconvertase activity restored matrix metalloproteinase activity, N-cadherin processing and cartilage pathology in pmm2 sa10150 embryos. Collectively, these studies demonstrate in CDG that targeted alterations in protease activity create a pathogenic cascade that impacts the maturation of cell adhesion proteins critical for tissue development.

Klaver|Elsenoor J|EJ|
Dukes-Rimsky|Lynn|L|
Kumar|Brijesh|B|
Xia|Zhi-Jie|ZJ|
Dang|Tammie|T|
Lehrman|Mark A|MA|
Angel|Peggi|P|
Drake|Richard R|RR|
Freeze|Hudson H|HH|
Steet|Richard|R|
Flanagan-Steet|Heather|H|

Cartilage
Development
Genetic diseases
Glycobiology


Motives of Students for or against the Practice of Physical Exercise and How They Are Related with the Climate in Physical Education Classes.

Abstract: The main aim of the study was to investigate the reasons that motivate secondary school pupils to practise physical exercise, and how these motives are related to their perception of the climate in physical education classes. Participants: The sample consisted of 448 subjects, 36.8% girls and 63.2% boys, aged between 16 and 19 years (M = 17.61; SD = 0.96). The methodology was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Two instruments were applied: self-reporting by the pupils of their motives for practising physical exercise, and a questionnaire on their attitudes towards teachers' behaviour and the physical education programme. The results showed that the strongest motive for the practice of physical exercise was "Prevention and positive health" (M = 5.29; SD = 1.45). In conclusion, there is a weak correlation among the pupils' motives for practising physical exercise and their perception of the climate in class.

motivation
students
exercise
physical education
adolescent


Midazolam vs diazepam in prolonged seizures in children: A pharmacoeconomic approach.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
A previous European cost-utility study reported that use of buccal midazolam in the community setting for the treatment of prolonged seizures (ie, seizures lasting ≥5 minutes) in children was associated with an overall €12 507 399 reduction in annual costs charged to the Italian national health service compared with rectal diazepam. We re-evaluated these findings by applying a more conservative approach.

METHODS
The Italian Delphi panel reconvened to apply a more conservative assessment of available reports. A decision-tree model was used, allowing for different treatment pathways depending on whether or not a caregiver administers treatment, an ambulance is required for transport of the child to hospital, and an inpatient stay is required. Direct medical costs were derived from Italian healthcare system data. Estimates of the annual number of prolonged tonic-clonic seizures expected in the country were based on studies which assessed seizure duration using video-EEG recordings and medical records.

RESULTS
Although drug acquisition costs were greater for buccal midazolam than for rectal diazepam, the acquisition cost difference was outweighed by larger cost savings resulting mostly from a reduction in hospital admissions. Assuming that 1.2% of tonic and/or clonic seizures occurring in children and adolescents over a 12-month period are prolonged, the annual nationwide reduction in costs from preferring buccal midazolam to rectal diazepam was estimated at €3 577 587.9.

CONCLUSIONS
In this more conservative revised analysis, the high cost of buccal midazolam is still counteracted by greater cost savings compared with rectal diazepam, but cost reduction was less than previously estimated.


Gene therapy for neurological disorders.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Many nervous system disorders are minimally responsive to existing treatments but they are potential candidates for gene therapy, an approach that can correct the genetic abnormalities contributing to its pathogenesis at molecular level. Gene therapy involves either the introduction of a replacement allele into cells to compensate for loss of gene function or the silencing of dominant mutant allele that is pathologic to cells.

AREAS COVERED
This review discusses the currently available gene therapy techniques, potential problems derived from gene therapy strategies and the recent development of gene therapy to treat neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and strokes.

EXPERT OPINION
Gene therapy may revolutionize the treatment of neurological disorders in the coming decades but there are still great challenges ahead. The strength of gene therapy has been emphasized in the overexpression of therapeutic genes. However, in a number of dominantly inherited nervous system diseases, the ideal therapeutic goal would be to inhibit the expression of disease-causing allele. Gene silencing strategies by single-stranded antisense oligonucleotides and RNA interference represent a major breakthrough. Clinical trials using these approaches for dominant diseases are likely to be implemented in the near future.

D000544:Alzheimer Disease
D000818:Animals
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic
D020868:Gene Silencing
D015316:Genetic Therapy
D005822:Genetic Vectors
D006801:Humans
D009422:Nervous System Diseases
D010300:Parkinson Disease
D034622:RNA Interference

Gene therapy
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
stroke
Alzheimer’s disease
Huntington’s disease
Parkinson’s disease


Deep-Learning Technique To Convert a Crude Piezoresistive Carbon Nanotube-Ecoflex Composite Sheet into a Smart, Portable, Disposable, and Extremely Flexible Keypad.

Abstract: An extremely simple bulk sheet made of a piezoresistive carbon nanotube (CNT)-Ecoflex composite can act as a smart keypad that is portable, disposable, and flexible enough to be carried crushed inside the pocket of a pair of trousers. Both a rigid-button-imbedded, rollable (or foldable) pad and a patterned flexible pad have been introduced for use as portable keyboards. Herein, we suggest a bare, bulk, macroscale piezoresistive sheet as a replacement for these complex devices that are achievable only through high-cost fabrication processes such as patterning-based coating, printing, deposition, and mounting. A deep-learning technique based on deep neural networks (DNN) enables this extremely simple bulk sheet to play the role of a smart keypad without the use of complicated fabrication processes. To develop this keypad, instantaneous electrical resistance change was recorded at several locations on the edge of the sheet along with the exact information on the touch position and pressure for a huge number of random touches. The recorded data were used for training a DNN model that could eventually act as a brain for a simple sheet-type keypad. This simple sheet-type keypad worked perfectly and outperformed all of the existing portable keypads in terms of functionality, flexibility, disposability, and cost.

piezoresistive
carbon nanotube
deep neural network
portable keypad
tactile sensing


Gender-Specific Relationship Between Uric Acid Levels and Prognosis After Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Uric Acid (UA) has been known to play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke patients. However, the relationship between UA levels and prognosis in patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) has not been investigated.

METHOD
A total of 228 CVT patients were retrospectively identified and were divided into three groups according to UA levels. Functional outcome was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relation between UA levels and functional outcome after CVT.

RESULTS
UA levels were significantly higher in male than female patients (274.5±125.9 vs. 197.4±81.6, P < 0.001). The association between UA levels and mortality was modified by sex (Pinteraction = 0.010). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a higher UA level was associated with a decreased risk of mRS of 3 to 6 in female patients (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.204; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.044-0.938), but not in male patients (OR= 0.441; 95% CI, 0.033- 5.339). Similarly, a high UA level was associated with a decreased risk of mortality in female patients (OR= 0.058; 95% CI, 0.008-0.437), but not in male patients (OR= 2.309; 95% CI, 0.057- 93.308). In addition, each 1 μmol/L increase in UA levels was also associated with a lower risk of poor clinical outcome and mortality for female patients, but not in male patients.

CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated that there might be a gender-specific relationship between UA levels and clinical outcome in patients with CVT. Higher UA levels were associated with better prognosis in female patients, but not in male patients.

Song|Bo|B| Liu|Kai|K| Gao|Yuan|Y| Zhao|Lu|L| Fang|Hui|H| Wang|Yunchao|Y| Wang|Andrew|A| Coates|Gillian|G| Li|Shen|S| Li|Yusheng|Y| Xu|Yuming|Y|

Prognosis
Stroke
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT)
Mortality
Risk factors
Uric acid.


Application of Digital Radio Mondiale System in Medical Signal Transmission.

Abstract: In order to study the application of digital radio mondiale (DRM) broadcasting system in medical signal transmission, taking sinusoidal signal as an example, the transmission format is designed, and the data transmission function of the system channel is verified and applied to the transmission of medical information. Taking the traditional electrocardiogram signal and magnetic resonance image as examples, the two kinds of medical information are successfully transmitted according to the appropriate transmission format. As the simplest and easiest to deploy communication mode, the system will provide the fastest and timeliest information and emergency communication function for disaster relief and rescue, which is a practical and valuable application.

Du|Min|M| Luo|Jianwei|J| Wang|Shuping|S| Liu|Shan|S|

Medical signal
Transmission
DRM broadcasting system


Human infection with an unknown species of Dracunculus in Vietnam.

Abstract: Guinea worm (GW) disease, caused by Dracunculus medinensis, is an almost eradicated waterborne zoonotic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently lists GW as endemic in only five African countries. In July 2020, the Vietnamese public health surveillance system detected a hanging worm in a 23-year-old male patient, who did not report any travel to Africa or any country previously endemic for GW. The patient was hospitalized with symptoms of fatigue, anorexia, muscle aches, and abscesses, with worms hanging out of the skin in the lower limbs. The worms were retrieved from the lesions and microscopically examined in Vietnam, identifying structures compatible with Dracunculus spp. and L1-type larvae. A section of this parasite was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, United States, for confirmatory diagnosis of GW. The adult worm had cuticle structures compatible with Dracunculus parasites, although the length of L1 larvae was about 339 μm, substantially shorter than D. medinensis. DNA sequence analysis of the 18S small subunit rRNA gene confirmed that this parasite was not GW, and determined that the sample belonged to a Dracunculus sp. not previously reported in GenBank that clustered with the animal-infective Dracunculus insignis and Dracunculus lutrae, located in a different clade than D. medinensis. This study highlights the importance of effective public health surveillance systems and the collaborative work of local public health authorities from Vietnam with the WHO and CDC in efforts to achieve the eradication of GW.

Thach|Pham Ngoc|PN|
van Doorn|H Rogier|HR|
Bishop|Henry S|HS|
Fox|Mark S|MS|
Sapp|Sarah G H|SGH|
Cama|Vitaliano A|VA|
Duyet|Le Van|LV|

Dracunculus
Guinea worm
Parasite
Zoonosis


IBD: reproductive health, pregnancy and lactation.

Abstract: The peak incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) occurs during the child-bearing years, and so questions about fertility, pregnancy and breast feeding are often asked by patients. It is known that patients with IBD receive twice as much information about pregnancy-related issues from gastroenterologists as from any other source (including the internet). Therefore, the role of the gastroenterologist in correctly educating patients to avoid misconceptions is paramount, and this should be done proactively prior to planning pregnancy so that the patient's health and medications can be optimised. A clear understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation will improve clinical management.

IBD
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Drug Toxicity
IBD Clinical
Infliximab


Attitudes, Practices, and Training on Informed Consent for Transfusions and Procedures: A Survey of Medical Students and Physicians.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
While many studies have demonstrated problems with informed consent in current practice, there remains controversy on how to address this. The aim of this study was to evaluate the opinions, attitudes, practices, and training for informed consent.

METHODS
Medical students, residents, advanced practice providers, and attending physicians at an academic institution were invited to complete a survey on informed consent for transfusions and procedures through an electronic platform.

RESULTS
Most (94%, n = 304) respondents indicated previous training in informed consent, only 60% (n = 192) felt the training was adequate, and 35% (n = 92) indicated difficulties with informed consent. When asked what would aid in obtaining consent, 59% (n = 189) selected a written guideline, and 36% (n = 117) selected patient simulation.

CONCLUSIONS
Only 60% of respondents felt their informed consent training was adequate. Multiple areas of difficulty in obtaining proper informed consent were identified that should be addressed with focused training or written guidelines.

Vossoughi|Sarah R|SR|
Macauley|Robert|R|
Sazama|Kathleen|K|
Fung|Mark K|MK|

D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel
D001803:Blood Transfusion
D015331:Cohort Studies
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D003625:Data Collection
D004501:Education, Medical
D006801:Humans
D007258:Informed Consent
D010820:Physicians
D013337:Students, Medical
D064826:Transfusion Medicine

Education
Generalist
Special topics
Transfusion medicine


Modulation of CAT-2B-Mediated l-Arginine Uptake and Nitric Oxide Biosynthesis in HCT116 Cell Line Through Biological Activity of 4'-Geranyloxyferulic Acid Extract from Quinoa Seeds.

Abstract: Chenopodium quinoa Wild is a "pseudocereal" grain which attracts a lot of attention in the scientific community as it has a positive effect on health. Here, we investigate the presence of biologically active O-prenylated phenylpropanoids in the ethanol extract of commercially available quinoa seeds. We claim that 4'-Geranyloxyferulic acid (GOFA) was the only phytochemical product found that belongs to quinoa's group secondary metabolites. We studied the changes in the oxidative and inflammatory status of the cellular environment in HCT 116 cell line processed with quinoa extract and its component GOFA; the implementation was done through the analysis of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), the pro-inflammatory components (iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α), and the products of intermediary metabolism (ONOO-, O2-). Moreover, the l-arginine uptake was proposed as a target of the tested compounds. We demonstrated that the GOFA, through a decrease of the CAT-2B expression, leads to a reduction of the l-arginine uptake, downregulating the harmful iNOS and restoring the altered redox state. These results propose a new molecular target involved in the reduction of the critical inflammatory process responsible for the cancer progression.

D027202:Cationic Amino Acid Transporter 2

l-arginine
nitric oxide
IL-6
TNF-α
CAT-2B
inflammation
oxidative stress


RNA-sequencing data highlighting the time-of-day-dependent transcriptome of the central circadian pacemaker in Sox2-deficient mice.

Abstract: SOX2 is a stem cell-associated pluripotency transcription factor whose role in neuronal populations is undefined. Here we present the RNA-sequencing based transcriptome profiles of control (Sox2  ) and SOX2 conditional knock-out (Vgat-cre;Sox2  ) mice at four time points in one 24-h circadian cycle. The raw sequencing data were deposited to ArrayExpress database at EMBL-EBI (https://www.ebi.ac.uk/arrayexpress) under the accession number E-MTAB-7496. Results of rhythmicity analysis, differential expression analysis, network prediction, and potential target identification stemming from the RNA-sequencing dataset are also given in this article. The interpretation and discussion of these data can be found in the related research article entitled "SOX2-dependent transcription in clock neurons promotes the robustness of the central circadian pacemaker." Cheng et al. 2019.

Cheng|Arthur H|AH|
Bouchard-Cannon|Pascale|P|
Ness|Rob W|RW|
Cheng|Hai-Ying Mary|HM|

Transcriptomics
Mice
SOX2
Circadian rhythms
Suprachiasmatic nucleus


Analysis of the Interventions of Medical Emergency Teams in Older Patients in Selected Polish Cities with County Status: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Geriatric patients account for a large proportion of interventions of medical emergency teams (METs). The aim of this study was to analyse medical emergency interventions in the Biała Podlaska and Chełm (Poland) between 2016 and 2018 in a group of patients ≥ 65 years of age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We analysed medical records of 1200 older patients treated by METs in Biała Podlaska and Chełm (Lublin Province, Poland). The research was conducted from June 2019 to March 2020 at the Emergency Medical Service Station in Biała Podlaska and the Medical Rescue Station in Chełm (Independent Public Complex of Health Care Facilities).

RESULTS
A total of 92.5% of medical emergency service interventions took place at the patient's home. The mean time of stay at the scene was 20 min. The highest number of interventions occurred between 8:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. There were no statistically significant differences in the type of ambulance used depending on the patient's sex, while there was a statistically significant relationship between priority code and sex. Cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 40% of patients, and the symptoms were not precisely classified in almost the same percentage of patients. Mortality cases accounted for 3.1% of the 1200 interventions analysed. Ambulance dispatch resulted in the patient being transported to the hospital emergency department in 69.1% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS
METs were called for a variety of diseases due to the fact that geriatric patients are not able to distinguish a life-threatening condition. Medical procedures performed by METs from Biała Podlaska and Chełm were closely related to the initial diagnoses made by these teams. It was irrelevant whether a specialist or non-specialist medical emergency service was used. Paramedics are very well trained to practice their profession and are able to provide treatment to older patients in a state of sudden life threat.

medical emergency teams
geriatrics
cardiovascular diseases
emergency medicine
injuries
older adults
respiratory diseases
seniors


Metabolic syndrome and lung function in schizophrenia: a pilot study.

Abstract: This pilot study aimed to explore relationships between metabolic and lung functions in patients with schizophrenia. Eighty patients with schizophrenia (55 ♂; 36.8±10.0 years) underwent a spirometry, were screened for metabolic syndrome (MetS), performed a 6-min walk test (6MWT), and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Psychosis evaluation tool for common use by caregivers. Patients with MetS (according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria) (n=28; 35%) had a reduced predicted forced expiratory volume for 1 second (77.4±13.2% versus 87.3±12.1%) and predicted forced vital capacity (75.3±11.1% versus 85.4±11.4%). Significantly more patients with MetS were diagnosed with restrictive lung dysfunction (RLD) (according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria) (13 versus 8). Schizophrenia patients with RLD (n=21; 26.2%) had a significantly larger waist circumference (90.7±12.5 versus 105.6±14.7 cm), were less physically active (653.6±777.9 versus 1517.9±1248.7 metabolic equivalent min/week) and walked less on the 6MWT (502.6±92.3 versus 612.4±101.2 m) than patients without RLD. The present data suggest that in patients with schizophrenia RLD might be associated with metabolic dysfunctions. Further prospective analyses are required to elucidate the complex interrelationships between lung and metabolic functions in patients with schizophrenia.

Vancampfort|Davy|D|
Probst|Michel|M|
Stubbs|Brendon|B|
Soundy|Andrew|A|
De Herdt|Amber|A|
De Hert|Marc|M|

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Metabolic syndrome
Spirometry
Physical activity
Psychosis
Exercise
Physical fitness


The effect of metformin on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in patients with type 2 diabetes and amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Chronic metformin treatment was found to reduce elevated thyrotropin levels. Amiodarone treatment is associated with a range of effects in thyroid function from mild derangements to overt thyroid dysfunction. No previous study has investigated the effect of metformin on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity in patients with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism.

METHODS
The study included three age-, sex- and weight-matched groups of amiodarone-treated patients with type 2 diabetes: patients with treated overt hypothyroidism (group I, n=15), patients with untreated subclinical hypothyroidism (group II, n=15), and subjects without thyroid disorders (group III, n=18). The lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose levels, the homeostatic model assessment 1 of insulin resistance ratio (HOMA1-IR), glycated hemoglobin, the estimated glomerular filtration rate, as well as serum levels of thyrotropin, thyroid hormones, prolactin, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were assessed at baseline and after 6 months of metformin treatment (2.55-3g daily).

RESULTS
In all groups of patients, metformin reduced plasma glucose and triglycerides, serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin as well as HOMA1-IR. The estimated glomerular filtration rate, thyroid hormones, prolactin and IGF-1 remained at a similar level throughout the study. In patients with untreated amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism, but not in the other groups of patients, metformin reduced serum levels of thyrotropin and this effect correlated weakly with its action on insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS
The obtained results indicate that the effect of metformin on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis activity is partially related to thyroid function. Metformin treatment may bring clinical benefits to patients with amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism and poor tolerance of exogenous L-thyroxine.

Krysiak|Robert|R| Gilowska|Małgorzata|M| Szkróbka|Witold|W| Okopień|Bogusław|B|

Metformin
Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis
Amiodarone
Diabetes mellitus


Intraoperative Margin Control in Transoral Approach for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Piecemeal resection provides an innovative conceptual tool for margins surveillance because it entails the intraoperative evaluation of the whole resection margins and not just sample points, which should result in a better control of deep margins compared to en bloc resection. Although it is recognized that the intraoperative use of narrow band imaging (NBI) results in a better control of superficial margins, in this exploratory study we investigated whether NBI and piecemeal resection could be used in combination to improve margin control at both superficial and deep levels. Because piecemeal resection is based on frozen section analysis, we wanted to verify its reliability compared to definitive histological examination.

METHODS
The status of resection margins in a group of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancers treated with NBI and laser CO2 piecemeal resection (group 1) was compared with that of an historical group of patients (group 2) treated with NBI and conventional en bloc resection. In group 1, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were used to verify the rate of concordance between frozen section and definitive histology.

RESULTS
The difference between deep positive margins in the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.042). The high sensitivity and specificity (94.6% and 94.7%, respectively) of frozen section analysis also demonstrated its reliability in the examination of larger samples corresponding to the whole margin.

CONCLUSION
Even if our findings are limited by the small number of patients, we are confident that the combined use of NBI and piecemeal resection could represent an attractive surgical strategy to improve margin control.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2b Laryngoscope, 129:1810-1815, 2019.

Tirelli|Giancarlo|G|
Boscolo Nata|Francesca|F|
Gatto|Annalisa|A|
Bussani|Rossana|R|
Spinato|Giacomo|G|
Zacchigna|Serena|S|
Piovesana|Marco|M|

D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D005260:Female
D005629:Frozen Sections
D006801:Humans
D007430:Intraoperative Care
D008297:Male
D000072662:Margins of Excision
D008875:Middle Aged
D009062:Mouth Neoplasms
D062048:Narrow Band Imaging
D009367:Neoplasm Staging
D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity

intraoperative margin control
transoral approach
Piecemeal resection
narrow band imaging
frozen section analysis


A lignocellulosic hydrolysate-tolerant Aurantiochytrium sp. mutant strain for docosahexaenoic acid production.

Abstract: To utilize lignocellulosic hydrolysate for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production, a novel mutant Aurantiochytrium sp. FN21 with strong tolerance against inhibitory lignocellulosic hydrolysate was obtained through continuous domestication processes from the parent strain Aurantiochytrium sp. FJU-512. Aurantiochytrium sp. FN21 can accumulate 21.3% and 30.7% more DHA compared to its parent strain cultured in fermentation medium and a medium with 50% (v/v) sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate (SBH), respectively. After optimization with different nitrogen sources, the highest lipid (11.84g/L) and DHA (3.15g/L) production were achieved in SBH. The results demonstrated that Aurantiochytrium sp. FN21 has the commercial applications for DHA production using lignocellulosic hydrolysate. In order to elucidate the tolerance mechanism, transcriptomic profiling of the two strains was studied. The highly up-regulated genes and corresponding cellular pathways (TCA cycle, amino acid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism and degradation of aromatic compounds) are considered to be associated with the hydrolysate-tolerance of Aurantiochytrium sp. FN21.

Qi|Feng|F| Zhang|Mingliang|M| Chen|Youwei|Y| Jiang|Xianzhang|X| Lin|Jinxin|J| Cao|Xiao|X| Huang|Jianzhong|J|

Hydrolysate
Aurantiochytrium sp. FN21
Lipid
Transcriptome


Association between parity and tooth loss among northern Nigerian Hausa women.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Female reproduction is associated with physiological, metabolic, and nutritional demands that can negatively affect health and are possibly cumulative when parity is high. While it is probable that maternal oral health is similarly affected, available evidence is based on fairly low parity populations and likely confounders affecting oral health status were not considered.

AIM
To determine the relationship between parity and tooth loss in a population with many high parity women. Contributions of age, reproductive and socioeconomic parameters, and oral health practices were considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study involving 612 Hausa women of all parity levels aged 13-65 years. Women with ≥5 children were considered high parity. Sociodemographic status and oral health practices were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. All teeth present, (excluding third molars) and missing teeth were noted, with inquiries regarding tooth loss etiology. Associations with tooth loss were evaluated through correlations, ANOVA, post hoc analyses and Student's t tests. Effect sizes were used to interpret the magnitude of differences. Multiple regression (negative binomial model) was used to investigate predictors of tooth loss.

RESULTS
Hausa women had a low prevalence of tooth loss, despite poor oral hygiene, and limited dental care. Older, middle SES, and higher parity women experienced significantly more tooth loss. Additionally, increased duration of reproductively active years was significantly related to fewer remaining teeth.

CONCLUSION
Higher parity was related to greater tooth loss in Hausa women. Women with ≥5 children experienced more loss than lower parity age mates.

parity
tooth loss
Africa
maternal depletion syndrome


Bedside Electrophysiological Study Using a Temporary Pacemaker May Predict Recurrence of Atrioventricular Block After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Abstract: High-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) or complete heart block (CHB) is a common complication associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, some patients with HAVB/CHB recover with time. The results of electrophysiological studies (EPSs) using permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) in patients with suspicious HAVB/CHB are considered controversial.This study aimed to evaluate whether HAVB/CHB induction at the bedside using a temporary pacemaker can predict recurrence in patients who had recovered from HAVB/CHB after TAVR.We enrolled a total of 11 patients who had recovered from HAVB/CHB and evaluated their electrophysiology using right ventricular pacing and/or procainamide administration.HAVB/CHB induction was positive. Three patients tested positive for HAVB/CHB, whereas 8 tested negative. The ejection fraction and the interval between HAVB/CHB onset and EPS were found to be significant. HAVB/CHB positive patients underwent PPI. A patient with a balloon-expandable valve tested positive just before recovery of CHB, but tested negative 5 days later and was included in the negative group. The 4 patients who tested negative received a cardiovascular implantable electric device (CIED). We observed HAVB/CHB in 2 patients who had previously tested positive after 3 months. Among those who tested negative, those with CIED had no HAVB/CHB, and others showed neither HAVB/CHB on electrocardiogram nor experienced syncope or sudden death.Our EPS revealed that HAVB/CHB induction may predict HAVB/CHB recurrence after TAVR. Valve type and EPS timing may affect the results.

Nauchi|Masahiro|M| Yamawaki|Masahiro|M| Nakano|Takahide|T| Makino|Kenji|K| Honda|Yosuke|Y| Sakai|Tsuyoshi|T| Ito|Yoshiaki|Y|

D065467:Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement


Synthesis of polymer nanoparticles via vapor phase deposition onto liquid substrates.

Abstract: In this article, the growth of polymer nanoparticles formed at the liquid-vapor interface via vapor phase polymerization is studied. The particles grow by polymer aggregation, which is driven by the surface tension interaction between the liquid and polymer. It is demonstrated that the mechanism of particle growth is determined by whether polymer particles remain at the liquid-vapor interface or submerge into the liquid. The position of the particles depends on the interaction between the polymer and the liquid. For example, the deposition of poly(n-butyl acrylate) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox liquids leads to the formation of nanoparticles that remain at the liquid-vapor interface. The size of these particles increases as a function of deposition time. The deposition of poly(4-vinylpyridine) onto poly(dimethyl siloxane) and Krytox leads to the formation of nanoparticles that submerge into the liquid. The size of these particles does not significantly change with deposition time. Our study offers a new rapid, one-step synthetic approach for fabricating functional polymer nanoparticles for applications in catalysis, photonics, and drug delivery.

polymers liquids interfaces particles surfaces


Laparoscopic closure of perforated gastro-duodenal ulcer: 15 years' experience in our centre.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The objective of the study is to share the results and development findings on the laparoscopic closure technique applied in our centre during a 15-year period (1998-2012).

AIM
To compare statistically the standard parameters (hospitalization, duration of operation) versus conventional surgery, and at the same time we compared mainly morbidity and mortality.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
During the period under review we operated on a total of 259 patients, 115 (44.4%) of them laparoscopically, and 144 (55.6%) of them conventionally. The sample was divided into two groups: patients with ASA physical status classification system 1-3, and patients with ASA 4-5.

RESULTS
The results favour laparoscopy within the group with ASA 1-3 in terms of several parameters, namely: duration of hospitalization - 7.7 days in the case of laparoscopic intervention, vs. 10.6 days for conventional surgery (p < 0.05); and duration of operation - 61 min vs. 85.1 min respectively (p < 0.05). Total morbidity was 27.5% in the case of patients with conventional surgery, vs. 10.9% with laparoscopic intervention (p < 0.05). The sample of patients with ASA 4-5 suffered a high mortality of 82.7%.

CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic closure of perforated ulcer is a safe therapeutic method, as confirmed by the results of many other studies around the world, which in many aspects favour the laparoscopic technique.

laparoscopic closure
laparoscopy
gastroduodenal perforation
laparoscopic suture
peptic ulcer


Research priorities in single-ventricle heart conditions: a United Kingdom national study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To bring together stakeholders in the United Kingdom to establish national priorities for research in single-ventricle heart conditions.

METHODS
This study comprised two surveys and a workshop. The initial public online survey asked respondents up to three questions they would like answered for research. Responses were classified as unanswered, already answered, or unable to be answered by scientific research. In the follow-up survey, unanswered questions were divided into categories and respondents were asked to rank categories and questions by priority. A stakeholder workshop attended by patients, parents, healthcare professionals, researchers, and charities was held to determine the final list of research priorities.

RESULTS
A total of 128 respondents posed 344 research questions, of which 271 were classified as unanswered, and after removing duplicates, 204 questions remained, which were divided into 20 categories. In the second survey, 56 (49.1%) respondents successfully ranked categories and questions. A total of 39 participants attended the workshop, drawing up a list of 30 research priorities across nine priority categories. The nine priority categories are: Associated co-morbidities; Brain & neurodevelopment; Exercise; Fontan failure; Heart function; Living with a single ventricle heart condition; Management of the well-functioning Fontan circulation; Surgery & perioperative care; and Transplantation, mechanical support & novel therapies.

CONCLUSIONS
Through a multi-stage process, we engaged a wide range of interested parties to establish a list of research priorities in single-ventricle heart conditions. This provides a platform for clinicians, researchers, and funders in the United Kingdom and elsewhere to address the most important questions and improve outcomes in these rare but high-impact CHDs.

research priorities
Single-ventricle heart conditions
Fontan circulation
patient involvement


Global acquisition of genetic material from different bacteria into the staphylococcal cassette chromosome elements of a Staphylococcus epidermidis isolate.

Abstract: Staphylococcus epidermidis has been suggested as a main reservoir of methicillin resistance and virulence genes facilitating the evolution of Staphylococcus aureus as a successful pathogen. However, it remains a mystery where and how S. epidermidis obtains these numerous genes to serve as the reservoir. In this study, methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis isolate NW32 from a mastitic milk sample was sequenced and its staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) elements were characterised. The SCC composite island covered 3.5% of the genome and consisted of three intact SCC elements carrying resistance genes against β-lactam antibiotics, several heavy metals and polyamines as well as genes for utilisation of sorbitol as a carbon source. Analysis of the postulated evolutionary route suggested that the three SCC elements were assembled from genetic material from various bacterial species (staphylococci, streptococci, salinicocci and Lysinibacillus) from three habitats (human, soil and cow) in different countries (Asia, North America, South America and Europe). We propose that the hsdS restriction-modification profile and the lack of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) sequences in this bacterium may facilitate the genetic exchange of SCC elements among different staphylococcal species.

Xue|Huping|H| Wu|Zhaowei|Z| Qiao|Dandan|D| Tong|Chao|C| Zhao|Xin|X|

D064112:Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats

Staphylococcal cassette chromosome element


Can We Use 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride-Stained Brain Slices for Other Purposes? The Application of Western Blotting.

Abstract: 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining is a commonly used method to determine the volume of the cerebral infarction in experimental stroke models. The TTC staining protocol is considered to interfere with downstream analyses, and it is unclear whether TTC-stained brain samples can be used for biochemistry analyses. However, there is evidence indicating that, with proper optimization and handling, TTC-stained brains may remain viable for protein analyses. In the present study, we aimed to rigorously assess whether TTC can reliably be used for western blotting of various markers. In this study, brain samples obtained from C57BL/6 male mice were treated with TTC (TTC+) or left untreated (TTC-) at 1 week after photothrombotic occlusion or sham surgery. Brain regions were dissected into infarct, thalamus, and hippocampus, and proteins were extracted by using radioimmunoprecipitation assay buffer. Protein levels of apoptosis, autophagy, neuronal, glial, vascular, and neurodegenerative-related markers were analyzed by western blotting. Our results showed that TTC+ brains display similar relative changes in most of the markers compared with TTC- brains. In addition, we validated that these analyses can be performed in the infarct as well as other brain regions such as the thalamus and hippocampus. Our findings demonstrate that TTC+ brains are reliable for protein analyses using western blotting. Widespread adoption of this approach will be key to lowering the number of animals used while maximizing data.

Sanchez-Bezanilla|Sonia|S|
Nilsson|Michael|M|
Walker|Frederick R|FR|
Ong|Lin Kooi|LK|

western blotting
infarct
stroke
thalamus
hippocampus
2
3
5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride


Exploring genetic diversity and population structure of Punjab goat breeds using Illumina 50 K SNP bead chip.

Abstract: Pakistan has 35 goat breeds. Moreover, the province of Punjab has highest goat population constituting 37% of country's total population with seven goat breeds including Beetal, Daira Deen Panah, Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Pahari, and Pothwari. The diversity study of breeds warrants the documentation of breeds particularly using genome wide panel of markers, i.e., SNP chip. The objective of the current study was to fill this gap of information. Therefore, in current study we collected total of 879 unrelated goat blood samples along with data on body weight measurements; genomic DNA was extracted, and genotyping was carried out using 50 K SNP bead chip. Quality control measures were performed in Plink 1.07. Genetic diversity was observed among studied populations using heterozygosity and pairwise FST estimates, principal component analysis, admixture analysis in Plink software with visualization in Clumpak, and constructing phylogenetic tree in Mega 7 software. Moderate to high level of heterozygosity was observed among the studied populations. Coefficient of inbreeding varied from 0.0186 ± 0.0327 in Pahari to 0.183 ± 0.0715 in Barbari. Barbari and Daira Deen Panah had quite higher level of inbreeding coefficient as compared to all other breeds with value of 0.183 ± 0.0715 and 0.1378 ± 0.0741, respectively. PCA identified three steps of subdividing the seven goat breeds at various levels of K. All the seven breeds made independent clusters at various levels of PCA. Admixture analysis revealed the distinctness of Teddi and Barbari breeds. Genetic sub-structuring was observed in the admixture patterns of Beetal breed. Moreover, high level of genetic admixture was observed in Nachi, Pahari, Pothwari, and Daira Deen Panah breeds. Admixture results were further interpreted by calculating pairwise FST values. Our results provided first insights about genetic diversity of Pakistani goat breeds based on genomic data. To conclude, the enriched goat breed diversity in Pakistan could provide valuable genetic reservoir for national breeding schemes.

Genetic diversity
Goat
FST
Admixture
PCA
50K SNP Chip


Insights into the epidemic characteristics and evolutionary history of the novel porcine circovirus type 3 in southern China.

Abstract: Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a newly identified circovirus from swine in the USA, China and Poland. This novel circovirus has been associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure and multisystemic inflammation; moreover, PCV3 poses a potential threat to the swine industry. In this retrospective study, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted to address the epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of this novel circovirus. The total positive sample rate of PCV3 was 26.7% (76/285) and has increased gradually over the past 3 years. Of these PCV3-positive samples, 22.3% (17/76) were coinfected with PCV2. PCV3 can be detected in multiple sample types with different positive rates, and the positive rate is highest among stillborn. We also divide PCV3 into three clades (PCV3a, PCV3b and PCV3c) based on two amino acid mutations (A24V and R27K) on the cap protein in this study. In addition, the origin of PCV3 was approximately 1966 and may have originated from a bat-associated circovirus. Our results suggested that PCV3 is widely distributed in southern China and has been circulating in swine herds for nearly half a century. PCV3 has evolved into different clades caused by mutations in cap proteins; thus, further research on PCV3 epidemiology should be conducted.

epidemic
porcine circovirus type 3
southern China
Bayesian analysis
evolution


Reason for immigration and immigrants' health.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The existing literature on the health trajectories of the UK immigrants has mainly focussed on the relationship between ethnicity and health. There is little information on the role of immigration status and no previous information on the role of reason for immigration to the country. This study fills this gap in the literature by analysing the heterogeneity of immigrant-native differences in health by reason for immigration.

STUDY DESIGN
Analysis of cross-sectional quarterly data from the UK Labour Force Survey covering the period of 2010 (quarter 1) to 2017 (quarter 2). The sample includes 345,086 observations. The dependent variables of interest include suffering from a long-lasting condition, the link between long-lasting conditions and labour market performance and the prevalence of 12 specific health conditions.

METHODS
Data were analysed using linear probability models to adjust for differences in age, education, gender, ethnicity, local authority of residence and year of survey. The analysis also explores the role of length of stay in the UK and the percentage of current lifetime spent in the UK (duration in the UK/age).

RESULTS
Results indicate that, in general, immigrants are less likely than natives to report suffering from a long-lasting (1 year or more) health problem. This pattern generally remains the same when we consider the specificity of the long-lasting health problem. However, there are key differences across the immigrant groups by reason for immigration. Those who migrated for employment, family and study reasons report better health outcomes than natives, while those who migrated to seek asylum report worse health outcomes than natives. There is convergence to natives' health outcomes over time for those who migrated for non-asylum reasons, but not for those who migrated to seek asylum.

CONCLUSIONS
The findings show that the prevalence of health problems differs not only between natives and immigrants but also across groups of immigrants who moved to the UK for different reasons.

Giuntella|O|O|
Kone|Z L|ZL|
Ruiz|I|I|
Vargas-Silva|C|C|


Recent Progress and Emerging Application Areas for Lithium-Sulfur Battery Technology.

Abstract: Electrification is progressing significantly within the present and future vehicle sectors such as large commercial vehicles (e.g., trucks and buses), high-altitude long endurance (HALE), high-altitude pseudosatellites (HAPS), and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL). The battery systems' performance requirements differ across these applications in terms of power, cycle life, system cost, etc. However, the need for high gravimetric energy density, 400 Wh kg-1 and beyond, is common across them all, as it enables vehicles to achieve extended range, a longer mission duration, lighter weight, or increased payload. The system-level requirements of these emerging applications are broken down into the component-level developments required to integrate Li-S technology as the power system of choice. To adapt batteries' properties, such as energy and power density, to the respective application, the academic research community has a key role to play in component-level development. However, materials and component research must be conducted within the context of a viable Li-S cell system. Herein, the key performance benefits, limitations, modeling, and recent progress of the Li-S battery technology and its adaption toward real-world application are discussed.

Dörfler|Susanne|S|0000-0002-0142-4759
Walus|Sylwia|S|
Locke|Jacob|J|
Fotouhi|Abbas|A|
Auger|Daniel J|DJ|
Shateri|Neda|N|
Abendroth|Thomas|T|
Härtel|Paul|P|
Althues|Holger|H|
Kaskel|Stefan|S|

applications
battery management systems
lithium sulfur batteries
prototype cells


Bilateral pedicle screw fixation provides superior biomechanical stability in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a finite element study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is increasingly popular for the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar disease. The optimal construct for segmental stability remains unknown.

PURPOSE
To compare the stability of fusion constructs using standard (C) and crescent-shaped (CC) polyetheretherketone TLIF cages with unilateral (UPS) or bilateral (BPS) posterior instrumentation.

STUDY DESIGN
Five TLIF fusion constructs were compared using finite element (FE) analysis.

METHODS
A previously validated L3-L5 FE model was modified to simulate decompression and fusion at L4-L5. This model was used to analyze the biomechanics of various unilateral and bilateral TLIF constructs. The inferior surface of the L5 vertebra remained immobilized throughout the load simulation, and a bending moment of 10 Nm was applied on the L3 vertebra to recreate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. Various biomechanical parameters were evaluated for intact and implanted models in all loading planes.

RESULTS
All reconstructive conditions displayed decreased motion at L4-L5. Bilateral posterior fixation conferred greater stability when compared with unilateral fixation in left lateral bending. More than 50% of intact motion remained in the left lateral bending with unilateral posterior fixation compared with less than 10% when bilateral pedicle screw fixation was used. Posterior implant stresses for unilateral fixation were six times greater in flexion and up to four times greater in left lateral bending compared with bilateral fixation. No effects on segmental stability or posterior implant stresses were found. An obliquely-placed, single standard cage generated the lowest cage-end plate stress.

CONCLUSIONS
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion augmentation with bilateral posterior fixation increases fusion construct stability and decreases posterior instrumentation stress. The shape or number of interbody implants does not appear to impact the segmental stability when bilateral pedicle screws are used. Increased posterior instrumentation stresses were observed in all loading modes with unilateral pedicle screw/rod fixation, which may theoretically accelerate implant loosening or increase the risk of construct failure.

Ambati|Divya V|DV|
Wright|Edward K|EK|
Lehman|Ronald A|RA|
Kang|Daniel G|DG|
Wagner|Scott C|SC|
Dmitriev|Anton E|AE|

D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena
D002102:Cadaver
D003198:Computer Simulation
D020342:Finite Element Analysis
D006801:Humans
D016268:Internal Fixators
D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae
D008953:Models, Anatomic
D065289:Pedicle Screws
D016059:Range of Motion, Articular
D013123:Spinal Fusion
D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Pedicle screw fixation
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Finite element method
Interbody cage
Lumbar spine
Spine biomechanics


Prediction of myocardial infarction in patients with transient ischaemic attack.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Determinants of risk of myocardial infarction (MI) after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are not well defined. The aim of our study was to determine the risk and risk factors for MI after TIA.

METHODS
We prospectively recruited patients within 24 h of transient ischaemic cerebrovascular events between October 2006 and January 2013. A total of 628 TIA patients were followed for six months or more. MI and stroke recurrence (SR) were recorded. The duration and typology of clinical symptoms, vascular risk factors and aetiological work-ups were prospectively recorded and established prognostic scores (ABCD2, ABCD2I, ABCD3I, Essen Stroke Risk Score, California Risk Score and Stroke Prognosis Instrument) were calculated.

RESULTS
Twenty-eight (4.5%) MI and 68 (11.0%) recurrent strokes occurred during a median follow-up period of 31.2 months (16.1-44.9). In Cox proportional hazards multivariate analyses, we identify previous coronary heart disease (CHD) (hazard ratio [HR] 5.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.45-13.04, P < 0.001) and sex male (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.02-7.30, P = 0.046) as independent predictors of MI. Discrimination for the prognostic scores only ranged from 0.60 to 0.71. The incidence of MI did not vary among the different aetiological subtypes. Positive diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) (7.5% vs 2.5%, P = 0.007), and ECG abnormalities (Q wave or ST-T wave changes) (13.6% vs 3.6%, P = 0.001) were associated to MI.

CONCLUSION
According to our results, discrimination was poor for all previous risk prediction models evaluated. Variables such as previous CHD, male sex, DWI and ECG abnormalities should be considered in new prediction models.

Vilanova|M B|MB|
Mauri-Capdevila|G|G|
Sanahuja|J|J|
Quilez|A|A|
Piñol-Ripoll|G|G|
Begué|R|R|
Gil|M I|MI|
Codina-Barios|M C|MC|
Benabdelhak|I|I|
Purroy|F|F|

D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

myocardial infarction
transient ischaemic attack
risk factors
prognosis
incidence
coronary disease


Noninvasive Fractional Flow Reserve for the Diagnosis of Lesion-specific Ischemia: A Case Example.

Abstract: A physically active 52-year-old male with atypical chest pain was referred to our department. A coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed a stenotic plaque in the mid left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). A rest-stress Rubidium-82 myocardial perfusion was normal. One year later the patient sustained a cardiac arrest and percutaneous coronary intervention of the mid-LAD was successfully performed. The original CCTA data were submitted for noninvasive determination of fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) revealing an ischemia-producing lesion in the mid-LAD. This case demonstrates the inherent limitations of assessing lesion-specific ischemia. FFRCT shows promise as a new method for future selection of patients for coronary angiography.

Jensen|Jesper Møller|JM|
Gormsen|Lars Christian|LC|
Mølgaard|Henning|H|
Nørgaard|Bjarne Linde|BL|

fractional flow reserve
Coronary artery disease
nuclear medicine


Preliminary analyses of psychometric characteristics of the Polish version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) in a non-clinical sample.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-spectrum disorder that affects 1-2% of the adult population. People with OCD are more likely to report impaired social and occupational functioning. Although effective treatments of the OCD exist, many sufferers from this disorder are continuously misdiagnosed. Therefore, improving the assessment of the OCD remains an important area of scientific research. The main goal of the study is the initial verification of psychometric properties in the Polish version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) in a college student sample.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A group of students completed a battery of measures consisting of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (The OCI-R, The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale), depression (The Beck Depression Inventory) and anxiety trait (The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory).

RESULTS
A confirmatory factor analysis, conducted on data from 334 university students, supported a solid and replicable 6-fold factor structure of the OCI-R. Further analyses on test-retest reliability (following a 1-month interval), convergent and divergent validity of the OCI-R were respectively conducted in a group of 137 students who had completed a battery of measures mentioned above. The results showed adequate testretest reliability for the full scale and subscales cores, high internal consistency and confirmed satisfactory convergent and divergent validity.

CONCLUSIONS
The study constitutes the first phase of work on a Polish version of measurement for obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Satisfactory results obtained in a non-clinical sample allow to recognize this method to be promising for further research. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):1011-1021.

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised
OCI-R
non-clinical sample
obsessive-compulsive disorder
assessment
obsessive-compulsive symptoms


Facial nerve paralysis: A case report of rare complication in uncontrolled diabetic patient with mucormycosis.

Abstract: Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic aggressive and fatal infection caused by mucor fungus. Seven types of mucormycosis are identified based on the extension and involvement of the lesion, of which the rhino orbital mucormycosis is most common in the head and neck region. Although it is widely spread in nature, clinical cases are rare and observed only in immunocompromised patients and patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Early symptoms include fever, nasal ulceration or necrosis, periorbital edema or facial swelling, paresthesia and reduced vision. Involvement of cranial nerves although not common, facial nerve palsy is a rare finding. The infection may spread through cribriform plate to the brain resulting in extensive cerebellar infarctions. Timely diagnosis and early recognition of the signs and symptoms, correction of underlying medical disorders, and aggressive medical and surgical intervention are necessary for successful therapeutic outcome.

Shekar|Vandana|V| Sikander|Jeelani|J| Rangdhol|Vishwanath|V| Naidu|Madhulika|M|

mucormycosis
Diabetes mellitus
facial nerve palsy


SpliceViNCI: Visualizing the splicing of non-canonical introns through recurrent neural networks.

Abstract: Most of the current computational models for splice junction prediction are based on the identification of canonical splice junctions. However, it is observed that the junctions lacking the consensus dimers GT and AG also undergo splicing. Identification of such splice junctions, called the non-canonical splice junctions, is also essential for a comprehensive understanding of the splicing phenomenon. This work focuses on the identification of non-canonical splice junctions through the application of a bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) network. Furthermore, we apply a back-propagation-based (integrated gradient) and a perturbation-based (occlusion) visualization techniques to extract the non-canonical splicing features learned by the model. The features obtained are validated with the existing knowledge from the literature. Integrated gradient extracts features that comprise contiguous nucleotides, whereas occlusion extracts features that are individual nucleotides distributed across the sequence.

Dutta|Aparajita|A|0000-0003-4296-306X
Singh|Kusum Kumari|KK|
Anand|Ashish|A|

bidirectional long short-term memory network


Pathways of translation: deep brain stimulation.

Abstract: Electrical stimulation of the brain has a 2000 year history. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), one form of neurostimulation, is a functional neurosurgical approach in which a high-frequency electrical current stimulates targeted brain structures for therapeutic benefit. It is an effective treatment for certain neuropathologic movement disorders and an emerging therapy for psychiatric conditions and epilepsy. Its translational journey did not follow the typical bench-to-bedside path, but rather reversed the process. The shift from ancient and medieval folkloric remedy to accepted medical practice began with independent discoveries about electricity during the 19th century and was fostered by technological advances of the 20th. In this paper, we review that journey and discuss how the quest to expand its applications and improve outcomes is taking DBS from the bedside back to the bench.

Gionfriddo|Michael R|MR|
Greenberg|Alexandra J|AJ|
Wahegaonkar|Abhijeet L|AL|
Lee|Kendall H|KH|

deep brain stimulation
electrical stimulation
neurostimulation


The Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Consensuses on the Management of Primary Aldosteronism: A Critical Appraisal.

Abstract: Background: Several guidelines and expert consensuses have been developed for management of primary aldosteronism (PA). It is important to understand the detailed recommendations and quality of these guidelines to help physicians make informed and reliable decision. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and three websites were searched for practice guidelines or consensuses of PA from inception to January 24, 2019. We summarized the major recommendations on the management of PA from these guidelines and consensuses. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II was used to assess quality of the included guidelines and consensuses. Results: We identified three clinical practice guidelines and three consensus statements. Most of the recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of PA from these guidelines and consensuses were consistent. Some minor conflicts were recorded for patient's screen and confirmation test. All included guideline documents have a good quality (score, >70%) on the scope and purpose (mean score, 81.02%) and clarity of presentation of the recommendations (mean score, 86.88%). However, the reporting for the stakeholder involvement (mean score, 54.32%) and applicability (mean score, 47.92%) were insufficient. There was an insufficient rigorousness in most of the guideline documents (mean score, 45.56%) on the development process. The Endocrine Society practice guideline 2016 ranked highest in quality (score, 81.13%). Conclusions: Existing guideline documents provided valuable recommendations on the management of PA, but further efforts are needed to improve the methodological quality. The Endocrine Society practice guideline 2016 was recommended for use.

Meng|Zhe|Z|
Zhou|Liang|L|
Dai|Zhe|Z|
Xu|Chang|C|
Qian|Guofeng|G|
Peng|Mou|M|
Zhu|Yuchun|Y|
Kwong|Joey S W|JSW|
Wang|Xinghuan|X|

clinical practice guideline
primary aldosteronism
AGREE II
quality assessment
systematic review


Thoracic congenital dermal sinus associated with intramedullary spinal dermoid cyst.

Abstract: Dorsal dermal sinus is a rare, congenital lesion found most frequently in the lumbosacral followed by the occipital regions. It is rarely localized at the thoracic level. We report a rare case of thoracic congenital dermal sinus (CDS) associated with an intramedullary dermoid cyst in a 2-year-old male child, who presented with a 3 month history of motor weakness of both the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of spine showed an intramedullary dermoid cyst extending from the lower border of T4 to upper border of T7, which was connected with the skin dimple along the sinus tract. Total excision of the dermoid cyst and the sinus tract with T5-7 laminectomy resulted in good functional recovery.

Congenital
intramedullary
dermoid cyst
spinal dermal sinus
thoracic region


Comparative cytogenetic analysis of marine needlefishes (Beloniformes) from southern Brazil.

Abstract: Cytogenetic studies have assisted in the taxonomic classification of organisms, especially those involving species with highly similar morphologic characteristics, or so-called cryptic species. Strongylura marina and Strongylura timucu collected from Paranaguá Bay, Paraná Coast in Southern Brazil are considered cryptic species, and the identification of interspecific variations based on the number and/or morphology of its chromosomes may serve as differentiating cytotaxonomic markers. Chromosomes of the two species were subjected to different banding and staining methods (C-, Ag-, and DAPI-CMA3), as well as chromosomal mapping of major rDNA (45S), revealed with an 18S probe by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The pattern of distribution of constitutive heterochromatin showed distinct features involving the pericentromeric and telomeric bands in both species. In S. marina, chromosome 1 represents the main species-specific marker, appearing almost entirely heterochromatic. In both species, the 45S rDNA is located at terminal region of the short arm of the chromosome 6, as detected by silver nitrate staining and FISH. Despite the apparent conserved diploid number of 48 chromosomes, data on the karyotype microstructure characterize the cytogenetic profile of the genus and may allow the establishment of cytotaxonomic and evolutionary inferences for these fishes.

Cipriano|Roger Raupp|RR|
Noleto|Rafael Bueno|RB|
Kantek|Daniel Luis Zanella|DL|
da Silva Cortinhas|Maria Cristina|MC|
Cestari|Marta Margarete|MM|

FISH
Karyotype
Ag-NORs
C-band
Marine teleosts


Changes of the psychophysical state and feeling of wellness of professional soccer players during pre-season and in-season periods.

Abstract: Perceived changes due to training monotony, strain, sleep, stress, fatigue, muscle soreness and the influence of specific training sessions on the affective valence were explored in professional soccer players. Seventeen players completed the Hooper questionnaire, the ratings of perceived exertion and feeling scale (FS) every training/match day before and during the soccer season. Higher players' training loads were recorded during pre-season when compared with in-season period (2558.1 ± 262.4 vs. 1642.8 ± 169.3 a.u., p < 0.01; respectively). The ratings of sleep, stress, fatigue and muscle soreness in pre-season were higher than those observed during in-season (p < 0.01) whereas the feeling score was lower (p < 0.01). Furthermore, training sessions, including technical/tactical work, induced an improved feeling score but linked with a lower training load when compared with sessions focus on physical emphasis (p < 0.01). Pre-season period of training induces a significantly more strenuous and exhausting demands on professional soccer players compared with the in-season period at the elite level.

Fessi|Mohamed Saifeddin|MS|
Nouira|Sabeur|S|
Dellal|Alexandre|A|
Owen|Adam|A|
Elloumi|Mohamed|M|
Moalla|Wassim|W|

Monotony
strain
fatigue
muscle soreness
feeling scale


Percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive valve surgery compared with median sternotomy coronary artery bypass graft and valve surgery in patients with prior cardiac surgery.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In patients with prior cardiac surgery requiring re-operative coronary and valve surgery, a hybrid approach of percutaneous coronary intervention followed by minimally invasive valve surgery (PCI + MIVS) may be an alternative to the standard median sternotomy coronary artery bypass and valve surgery (CABG + valve).

METHODS
The outcomes of patients with prior cardiac surgery, presenting with coronary artery and valvular disease, who underwent PCI + MIVS (N=39) were retrospectively compared with those who underwent CABG + valve (N=28) via a repeat median sternotomy, between February 2009 and April 2014.

RESULTS
The mean age for the PCI + MIVS versus CABG + valve group was 75±9 and 72±11 years (P=0.54), respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between groups, with the exception of a greater prevalence of 1-vessel coronary artery disease and clopidogrel or dual antiplatelet therapy at the time of surgery in the PCI + MIVS group, and more 3-vessel coronary artery disease in those undergoing CABG + valve surgery. The PCI + MIVS approach was associated with a decreased aortic cross-clamp (94 vs. 131 minutes, P=0.001) and cardiopulmonary bypass (128 vs. 190 minutes, P<0.001) times, fewer intraoperative packed red blood transfusions (1.3 vs. 3.8 units, P=0.001), shorter intensive care unit length of stay (41 vs. 71 hours, P<0.001), and decreased incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation (12.8% vs. 35.7%, P=0.03), re-intubation (2.6% vs. 17.9%, P=0.04), when compared with CABG + valve. The thirty-day and two-year mortality were similar, being 7.7% vs. 7.1% (P=0.66), and 12.8% vs. 10.7% (P=0.55), in the PCI + MIVS vs. CABG + valve group, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Hybrid PCI + MIVS in patients with prior cardiac surgery is associated with shorter operative times and intensive care unit length of stay, less need for intraoperative blood cell transfusions, decreased use of mechanical ventilation, and similar short-term and follow-up survival, when compared with CABG + valve surgery via median sternotomy. Randomized trials and multicenter registries are needed to further evaluate this approach.

Santana|Orlando|O|
Xydas|Steve|S|
Williams|Roy F|RF|
LaPietra|Angelo|A|
Mawad|Maurice|M|
Wigley|Jason C|JC|
Beohar|Nirat|N|
Mihos|Christos G|CG|

percutaneous coronary intervention
minimally invasive valve surgery
re-operative
Coronary artery disease


The role of explanatory models of breast cancer in breast cancer prevention behaviors among Arab-Israeli physicians and laywomen.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
'Explanatory Models' (EMs) are frameworks through which individuals and groups understand diseases, are influenced by cultural and religious perceptions of health and illness, and influence both physicians and patients' behaviors.

AIMS
To examine the role of EMs of illness (cancer-related perceptions) in physicians' and laywomen's behaviors (decision to recommend undergoing regular mammography, adhering to mammography) in the context of a traditional-religious society, that is, the Arab society in Israel.

METHODS
Two combined samples were drawn: a representative sample of 146 Arab physicians who serve the Arab population and a sample composed of 290 Arab women, aged 50-70 years, representative of the main Arab groups residing in the north and center of Israel (Muslims, Christians) were each randomly sampled (cluster sampling). All respondents completed a closed-ended questionnaire.

RESULTS
Women held more cultural cancer-related beliefs and fatalistic beliefs than physicians. Physicians attributed more access barriers to screening as well as fear of radiation to women patients and lower social barriers to screening, compared with the women's community sample. Higher fatalistic beliefs among women hindered the probability of adherence to mammography; physicians with higher fatalistic beliefs were less likely to recommend mammography.

CONCLUSIONS
The role of cultural perceptions needs to be particularly emphasized. In addition to understanding the patients' perceptions of illness, physicians must also reflect on the social, cultural, and psychological factors that shape their decision to recommend undergoing regular mammography.

explanatory models
cancer-related perceptions
mammography
adherence
screening
physicians’ recommendations


First case report of invasive pseudoterranoviasis in Italy.

Abstract: Members of the genera Anisakis and Pseudoterranova are the main causative agents of human anisakidosis: the disease is worldwide distributed, with major impact in countries with a large consumption of raw fish. Because of unspecific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools, incidence and burden of disease are probably underestimated. In Italy, all human infestations where the etiological agent has been properly identified, have been associated to the parasitic species Anisakis pegreffii, the most frequent anisakid in the Mediterranean area. Here, an invasive human case of pseudoterranoviasis is described for the first time in Italy: in 2015, a woman was found infected during a colonoscopy scheduled after the occurrence of nonspecific clinical symptoms. The nematode was found penetrating the ascending colon. The identification was performed by sequencing the mitochondrial region cox2 and by comparison to GenBank retrieved material using the BLAST search tool. The sample showed a 99% identity with Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu stricto. The record underlines the potential risk due to the consumption of raw or undercooked imported fishes.

Anisakidosis
Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu stricto
Imported fishes
Molecular diagnosis


Unilateral attico antral ear disease with bilateral intracranial complications.

Abstract: A 12 year old female patient, who had attico antral type of ear disease on right side, was brought to tertiary care centre for the management of fever, vomiting and headache. Patient had unilateral attico antral type of ear disease with bilateral intracranial complication. Along with the right attico antral type of ear disease and right lateral sinus thrombosis, patient had brain abscess in the left occipital lobe. Brain abscess was drained first and later mastoidectomy was done to eradicate the source of infection and to prevent further complications due to ear disease. Patient recovered well and patient was free from any problem during follow up period of 6 months. Bilateral intra cranial complications occurring simultaneously in a patient with a unilateral attico antral type of ear disease is not reported in the literature.

Viswanatha|B|B|
Sarojamma|||
Vijayashree|M S|MS|
Sumatha|D|D|

Unilateral
Attico antral
Bilateral
Intra cranial complication


Data on the fate of MACS® MicroBeads intramyocardially co-injected with stem cell products.

Abstract: The data presented in this article are related to the research article "Intramyocardial Fate and Effect of Iron Nanoparticles co-injected with MACS® purified Stem Cell Products" (Müller et al., 2017) [1]. This article complements the cellular localization of superparamagnetic iron dextran particles (MACS® MicroBeads) used for magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS®). Data evaluate the time-dependent detachment of these nanoparticles from CD133+ haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CD271+ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Furthermore, the influence of these stem cells as well as of nanoparticles on cardiac remodeling processes after myocardial infarction (MI) was investigated.

Müller|Paula|P| Gaebel|Ralf|R| Lemcke|Heiko|H| Steinhoff|Gustav|G| David|Robert|R|

MACS® MicroBeads
Magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS®)
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)
Cardiovascular regeneration
Stem cell therapy


Effects of skeletally anchored Class II elastics: A pilot study and new approach for treating Class II malocclusion.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the skeletal, dentoalveolar, and soft tissue effects of skeletally anchored Class II elastics and compare them with a matched control group treated by a monobloc appliance for the correction of skeletal Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve patients (6 girls, 6 boys) were randomly divided into two groups. In the elastics group, six patients (12.9 ± 1.5 years of age; 3 boys, 3 girls) were treated with skeletally anchored Class II elastics. Two miniplates were placed bilaterally at the ramus of the mandible and the other two miniplates were placed at the aperture piriformis area of the maxilla. In the monobloc group (3 boys and 3 girls; mean age, 12.3 ± 1.6 years), patients used the monobloc appliance. The changes observed in each phase of treatment were evaluated using the Wilcoxon matched-pair sign test. Intergroup comparisons at the initial phase of treatment were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS
There were statistically significant group differences in Co-Gn, B-VRL, U1-PP, U1-VRL, Ls-VRL, with significant increases in these parameters in the elastics group (P < .05). The mandibular incisors were protruded in the monobloc group (5.45 ± 1.23°), whereas they were retruded in the elastics group (-3.01 ± 1.66°; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS
The undesirable dentoalveolar effects of the monobloc appliance were eliminated by using miniplate anchorage. Favorable skeletal outcomes can be achieved by skeletal anchorage therapies which could be an alternative to treat skeletal Class II patients with mandibular deficiency.

Ozbilek|Selin|S|
Gungor|Ahmet Yalcin|AY|
Celik|Salih|S|

Class II
Skeletal anchorage
Activator
Functional treatment


Impact of rotavirus vaccination in Australian children below 5 years of age: a database study.

Abstract: This study was conducted to assess the impact of administration of two-dose rotavirus (RV) vaccine (RIX4414; GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines) among children aged less than 5 y in three states/territories of Australia. Aggregated and de-identified data on rotavirus gastroenteritis (RVGE) and all-cause gastroenteritis (AGE) from July 1998-June 2009 were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare database. The baseline incidence (July 1998-June 2006) of RVGE hospitalizations before RV vaccine introduction in New South Wales (NSW), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT) were 33.75, 42.93 and 288.67 per 10,000 child-years, respectively among children aged 0-11 mo. Following RV vaccine introduction in NSW, the ACT and the NT, incidence of RVGE hospitalizations reduced to 13.06, 17.35 and 47.52 per 10,000 child-years, respectively, during July 2007-June 2008 and 3.87, 8.40 and 122.79 per 10,000 child-years, respectively, during July 2008-June 2009 among children aged 0-11 mo. Reductions in RVGE and AGE were also observed in all children below 5 y of age in NSW and the ACT. Overall reduction in hospitalizations due to RVGE and AGE was observed following RV vaccine introduction into the NIP in Australia.

Pendleton|Annmarie|A|
Galic|Maja|M|
Clarke|Christopher|C|
Ng|Su Peing|SP|
Ledesma|Emilio|E|
Ramakrishnan|Gunasekaran|G|
Liu|Yanfang|Y|

rotavirus Australia gastroenteritis incidence hospitalization


The Acute Exercise-Induced Inflammatory Response: A Comparison of Young-Adult Smokers and Nonsmokers.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study examined postexercise inflammatory and leukocyte responses in smokers and nonsmokers, as well as the effects of cigarette smoking on the acute postexercise inflammatory and leukocyte response in habitual smokers.

METHOD
Eleven recreationally active male smokers and 11 nonsmokers matched for age and aerobic fitness were familiarized and underwent baseline fitness testing. Participants then completed 40 min of cycling at 50% peak aerobic workload. Smokers performed 2 randomized exercise sessions, including an acute postexercise smoking condition (2 cigarettes in 15 min of 12 mg tar and 1 mg nicotine) and a no-smoking condition, while nonsmokers performed 1 exercise session without smoking. Venous blood was obtained preexercise and postexercise for analysis of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and c-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS
No differences existed between groups for resting CRP (d = 0.25-0.46; p = .374-.617). Despite no baseline difference (d = 0.03-0.07; p = .141-.70), exercise-induced increases were observed for IL-1 ra in smokers (d = 0.50; p = .024-.033), which was not observed in the never-smoker group. No between-group difference was observed for IL-6 across all points (d = 0.09-0.5; p = .102-.728); however, all groups observed significant within-group change (d = 0.27-1.09; p = .001-.042). Further, TNF-α for smokers smoking was elevated above both smokers not smoking and nonsmokers at baseline and across the protocol (d = 1.20-1.80; d = 0.20-1.0; p = .001-.035). Additionally, a marked postexercise increase in leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations was evident in smokers smoking compared with nonsmokers and smokers not smoking as indicated by a moderate-to-large effect size (d = 0.72; d = 0.78).

CONCLUSION
Consequently, male smokers exhibit an altered postexercise proinflammatory profile compared with age- and fitness-matched nonsmokers.

Kastelein|Tegan E|TE|
Donges|Cheyne E|CE|
Mendham|Amy E|AE|
Duffield|Rob|R|

Cycling
cytokines
inflammation
tobacco smokers


Locating Purity within Corruption Rumors: Narratives of HPV Vaccination Refusal in a Peri-urban Community of Southern Romania.

Abstract: This article locates the symbolic construction of "corrupted purity"-as a key assertion in Romanian parents' HPV vaccination refusal narratives-within a multiplicity of entangled rumors concerning reproduction and the state. Romania's unsuccessful HPV vaccination campaign is not unique. However, the shifting discourses around purity and corruption-through which some parents conveyed anxieties about their daughters being targeted for the vaccine-place a particular twist on the Romanian case of resisting the HPV vaccination. Parental discourses took the form of clusters of rumors about state medicine's failure to provide adequate reproductive health care, additive-laden foods, and exposure to radioactive contamination. In these rumors, corruption becomes literally embodied, through ingestion, consumption, contact, or inoculation. Parental discourses about what is being injected into their daughters' pristine bodies express their uncertainty around navigating the unsettled post-socialist medical landscape.

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care

purity
corruption
HPV vaccination
Romania
post-socialism