Assessment of nursing students and nurses' orientation towards patient-centeredness.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Being patient centered is a core value for nursing. Patient centered-care has been related to patient and health provider satisfaction, better health outcomes, higher quality of care and more efficient health care delivery.

OBJECTIVES
The purpose was to assess the orientation adopted by nurses and students in patient care, using The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale, as well as to compare the results between resident nurses and students from different academic years.

SETTINGS
Public School of Nursing and a Central Hospital, in Lisbon (Portugal).

PARTICIPANTS
Students in the first, second and fourth year of nursing school and nurses participated in the study.

METHODS
For data collection, we used The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (European Portuguese version), an instrument designed to measure individual preferences toward the dimension of caring a sharing in health professional-patient relationship. Students and nurses also filled out two additional questions about their perception of competence in technical and communication skills. Additional demographic information was also collected, including gender, age, academic year and length of professional experience.

RESULTS
A total of 525 students (84.7% female) and 108 nurses (77.8% female) participated in this study. In general, caring sub-scores, measuring the preference of about attending to patient emotional aspects, were higher than sharing sub-scores, measuring beliefs about giving information and perceiving patient as a member of the health team. Students were significantly more patient-centered throughout their nursing education (p<0.001). Comparing to students in the second and fourth academic years (p<0.001) nurses' scores were significantly lower both in total PPOS and in caring and sharing subscales.

CONCLUSIONS
These results reinforce the idea that patient centeredness may be developed in academic context. The scores obtained highlight the importance of studies that aim to identify factors that may explain the decrease of patient centeredness in professional practice.

Grilo|Ana M|AM|
Santos|Margarida C|MC|
Rita|Joana S|JS|
Gomes|Ana I|AI|

D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel
D006801:Humans
D009740:Nursing Staff
D018802:Patient-Centered Care
D013338:Students, Nursing

Nursing
Nursing students
Nursing education
Patient-centered nursing


miR-433 suppresses tumor progression via Smad2 in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract: The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) in lung cancer is well known. TGF-β-mediated cellular proliferation and angiogenesis through similar to mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) protein has also been well elucidated. Smad2 is a predicted target for a microRNAs, namely miR-433. microRNAs are a significant class of non-coding RNAs which play an important role in epigenetic regulation. Here, we show that miR-433 directly binds to Smad2, which is shown to be upregulated in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). miR-433 expression is downregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-433 is associated with decreased expression of proteins - namely Cyclin D1, MMP-2/TIMP-2, and MMP-9, and consequently reduced cell proliferation and invasion phenotypes. Complementation of miR-433 leads to rescue of these disrupted phenotypes. miR-433 mediates its action via Smad2 and Id-1. miR-433 may be a candidate worth further exploration for its prognostic and therapeutic potential in NSCLC.

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic


Utility of Microcrystalline Cellulose for Improving Drug Content Uniformity in Tablet Manufacturing Using Direct Powder Compression.

Abstract: Direct powder compression is the simplest tablet manufacturing method. However, segregation occurs when the drug content is low. It is difficult to assure drug content uniformity in these cases. In this study, we evaluated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a segregation inhibitor in pharmaceutical powders. We assessed the influence of MCC concentration and mixing time on the physical properties of tablets. The tablet formulation comprised acetaminophen, lactose hydrate, cornstarch, MCC (0%, 10%, or 20%), croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate (Mg-St). All powders except Mg-St were premixed for 5, 15, or 25 min. Mg-St was then added and mixed for 5 min to prepare nine pharmaceutical powders. Flowability index and practical angle of internal friction were measured. Tablets were also prepared, and their weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and drug content variation were evaluated. MCC slightly decreased pharmaceutical powder flowability. Tablet hardness increased and disintegration time decreased with increasing MCC concentration. MCC mixed for ≥ 15 min also significantly lowered drug content variation. A contour plot was prepared to assess the effect of MCC concentration and mixing time on the physical properties of tablets. It was determined that tablets with 50-80 N hardness, ≤ 3.5 min disintegration time, and ≤ 3% drug content variation can be prepared when MCC concentration is 6.5-8.5% and the mixing time is 19-24 min. Therefore, MCC is effective as a segregation inhibitor, and the addition of MCC to tablet formulation improves drug content uniformity.

Nakamura|Shohei|S| Tanaka|Chisato|C| Yuasa|Hiroshi|H| Sakamoto|Takatoshi|T|

microcrystalline cellulose
drug content uniformity
segregation
powder flowability
design space


Fragmented Flows: Water Supply in Los Angeles County.

Abstract: In the Los Angeles metropolitan region, nearly 100 public and private entities are formally involved in the management and distribution of potable water-a legacy rooted in fragmented urban growth in the area and late 19th century convictions about local control of services. Yet, while policy debates focus on new forms of infrastructure, restructured pricing mechanisms, and other technical fixes, the complex institutional architecture of the present system has received little attention. In this paper, we trace the development of this system, describe its interconnections and disjunctures, and demonstrate the invisibility of water infrastructure in LA in multiple ways-through mapping, statistical analysis, and historical texts. Perverse blessings of past water abundance led to a complex, but less than resilient, system with users accustomed to cheap, easily accessible water. We describe the lack of transparency and accountability in the current system, as well as its shortcomings in building needed new infrastructure and instituting new water rate structures. Adapting to increasing water scarcity and likely droughts must include addressing the architecture of water management.

D057231:Climate Change
D055864:Droughts
D015141:Los Angeles
D062066:Water Resources
D014881:Water Supply

Water
Complexity
Accountability
Climate adaptation
Governance


Possible association between eating behaviors and cardiovascular disease in the general population: Analysis of a nationwide epidemiological database.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Epidemiological evidence on the relationship between eating behaviors, including breakfast skipping, late night dinner, and bedtime snacking, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among the general population is scarce. We sought to explore the association of eating behaviors with subsequent CVD using a nationwide epidemiological database.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Medical records of 1,941,125 individuals without prior history of CVD were extracted from the Japan Medical Data Center contracting with more than 60 insurers from multiple regions in Japan, mainly including employed working-age individuals. Skipping breakfast <3 times per week, late night dinner <3 times per week, and bedtime snacking <3 times per week were defined as optimal eating behaviors. Median age was 45 (interquartile range 39-53) years, and 1,138,676 were men. Median follow-up period was 978 (interquartile range 481-1790) days. Among them, 948,805 individuals (48.9%) had optimal eating behaviors, whereas 647,383 individuals (33.4%), 283,017 individuals (14.6%), and 61,920 individuals (3.2%) had single, double, and triple non-optimal eating behaviors, respectively. Individuals with non-optimal eating behaviors were younger and more likely to be men. Obesity and high waist circumference were more commonly observed in those with non-optimal eating behaviors. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, compared with no non-optimal eating behavior, having non-optimal eating behaviors would have higher risk of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, and heart failure. However, the dose-response relationship was not clear in the association between the number of non-optimal eating behaviors and incident CVD. Multivariable Cox regression analysis after multiple imputation for missing values also showed the association between non-optimal eating behaviors and incident CVD.

CONCLUSIONS
Using a nationwide epidemiological database, we found a possible relationship between eating behaviors including skipping breakfast, late night dinner, and bedtime snacking, and subsequent cardiovascular events among the general population, suggesting the potential importance of maintaining optimal eating behaviors for the primordial and primary CVD prevention in the general population.

Kaneko|Hidehiro|H| Itoh|Hidetaka|H| Kiriyama|Hiroyuki|H| Kamon|Tatsuya|T| Fujiu|Katsuhito|K| Morita|Kojiro|K| Michihata|Nobuaki|N| Jo|Taisuke|T| Takeda|Norifumi|N| Morita|Hiroyuki|H| Yasunaga|Hideo|H| Komuro|Issei|I|

Eating behaviors
Cardiovascular disease
Epidemiology
Preventive cardiology


Photochemical dimerization of a fluorinated dibenzylideneacetone in chloroform solution.

Abstract: (1E,4E)-1,5-Bis(2,6-difluorophenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one, C17H10F4O, (I), dimerizes under sunlight in chloroform solution to form the corresponding cyclobutane derivative, (2E,2'E)-1,1'-[2,4-bis(2,6-difluorophenyl)cyclobutane-1,3-diyl]bis[3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one], C34H20F8O2, (II). The crystal structure of (I) explains why no topochemical dimerization can occur in the solid state. In the solid, molecules of dimer (II) show the `truxillic acid'-type arrangement of crystallographic centres of inversion, with half a molecule per asymmetric unit and cell dimensions closely related to those of the monomer. Intermolecular interactions in both solids are dominated by C-H···O and C-H···F contacts and also comprise interactions with aromatic systems (C-H···π and π-π).

dibenzylideneacetone
cyclobutane
crystal structure
fluorine interactions
photodimerization


Nivolumab and Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer: ABSCOPAL-1 Clinical Trial.

Abstract:
Background
More clinical practice need to be performed to verify the toxicity of the hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) combined with PD-1 blockade in lung cancer. This phase I study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of nivolumab combined with HFRT in patients with progressive advanced lung cancer following multiline treatment.

Methods
We enrolled 31 patients with advanced lung cancer pathologically confirmed to have progressive disease and treated with first-line or a higher therapy. Selected lesions were treated using HFRT, and nivolumab was administered within 7 days subsequently. Nivolumab was administered once a month following partial remission. Peripheral blood was collected before and after 1 month of treatment to evaluate relevant cytokines between nivolumab responders and non-responders.

Results
Overall, 23 patients who completed the treatment were evaluated. Of them, 9 and 14 patients underwent hypofractionated brachytherapy with 30 Gy in a single fraction via percutaneous interstitial implantation of (192)Ir and 40-50 Gy in 5 fractions via stereotactic body radiation therapy, respectively. The median follow-up period was 11 months. At the 1-year follow-up, no patient developed grade ≥ 3 pneumonitis. The overall objective response and complete remission rates were 39.13% and 13.04%, respectively. The 1-year overall survival and median progression-free survival were 60.9% and 6 months, respectively. The plasma levels of interleukin IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A were significantly reduced after treatment in nivolumab responders.

Conclusions
HFRT could increase the responsivity to nivolumab and reduce its administration frequency. This combination treatment is well tolerated with acceptable toxicity and thus merits further trials to validate benefits.

Clinical Trial Registration
http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR-1900027768.

Ye|Hua|H| Pang|Haowen|H| Shi|Xiangxiang|X| Ren|Peirong|P| Huang|Shangke|S| Yu|Hong|H| Wu|Jingbo|J| Lin|Sheng|S|

nivolumab
hypofractionated radiotherapy
advanced lung cancer
safety
efficacy


Potential of ITO thin film for electrical probe memory applications.

Abstract: Electrical probe memory has received considerable attention during the last decade due to its prospective potential for the future mass storage device. However, the electrical probe device with conventional diamond-like carbon capping and bottom layers encounters with large interfacial contact resistance and difficulty to match the experimentally measured properties, while its analog with titanium nitride capping and bottom layers also faces serious heat dissipation through either probe and silicon substrate. Therefore, the feasibility of using indium tin oxide (ITO) media for the capping and bottom layers of the electrical probe device is investigated by tailoring the thickness and electrothermal properties of the ITO capping and bottom layers within experimentally established range and subsequently calculating the resultant temperature at several predefined points based on a previously developed three-dimensional model. To meet the required temperature and to fit the experimentally reported values, the thickness, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity of the ITO capping and bottom layers are found to be 5 nm, 103 Ω-1 m-1, 0.84 W m-1 K-1, and 200 nm, 1.25 × 106 Ω-1 m-1, 0.84 W m-1 K-1, respectively. The practicality of using this optimized device to achieve ultrahigh density, ultralow energy consumption, ultrafast switching speed, low interfacial contact resistance, and high thermal reliability has also been demonstrated.

Wang|Lei|L| Wen|Jing|J| Yang|Cihui|C| Xiong|Bangshu|B|

40 Optical, magnetic and electronic device materials


Effectiveness of Combined Immunoglobulin and Glucocorticoid Treatments in a Patient With Stiff Limb Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract: Stiff limb syndrome (SLS) is a rare autoimmune-related central nervous system disorder, resulting in stiffness and spasms of limbs since onset with rare involvement of the truncal muscles. However, SLS patients will gain notable effects by appropriate therapy focusing on symptomatic treatment and immunotherapy. We reported on a 55-year-old female who showed typical painful spasms in both lower limbs and abduction of the right eyeball that partially responded to low-dose diazepam and had high-titer anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibody. Electromyography (EMG) only showed continuous motor unit activity (CMUA) in the anterior tibialis and right triceps. Eventually, our patient was diagnosed with SLS and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and glucocorticoid combined simultaneously. She obtained notable effects. We also review and summarize the current literature on clinical characteristics, coexisting disease, treatment, and outcome of 40 patients with SLS. We hope that this report will provide a basis for further understanding of SLS and promote the formation of more advanced diagnosis and treatment processes.

Huang|Juan|J| Meng|Huan-Yu|HY| Duan|Xian|X| Li|Wen-Wen|WW| Xu|Hong-Wei|HW| Zhou|Ya-Fang|YF| Zhou|Lin|L|

anti–glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibody


Interferon-λ3/4 genetic variants and interferon-λ3 serum levels are biomarkers of lupus nephritis and disease activity in Taiwanese.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Type III interferons (IFNs) or IFN-λs are the newly discovered cytokines that primarily target the cells of epithelial and myeloid lineages, which are major components of kidneys. The current study aimed to investigate whether IFN-λs are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis.

METHODS
TaqMan allele discrimination assays were used to determine IFNL3/4 SNP genotypes of 1620 healthy controls and 1013 SLE patients (two independent cohorts consisting of 831 and 182 subjects, respectively) from Taiwan. The distributions of IFNL3/4 SNP genotypes and allele frequencies were compared between SLE patients and healthy controls and among SLE patients stratified by clinical phenotypes. ELISA was used to determine the serum IFN-λ3 concentrations of SLE patients.

RESULTS
All major IFN3/4 SNP alleles were significantly associated with the risk for lupus nephritis (rs8099917T, PFDR = 0.0021, OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.24-2.47; rs12979860C, PFDR = 0.0034, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18-2.30; rs4803217C, PFDR = 0.0021, OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.25-2.48; and ss469415590TT, PFDR = 0.0021, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.23-2.42) among SLE patients. Similarly, the major IFNL3/4 SNP haplotype rs8099917T-ss469415590TT-rs12979860C-rs4803217C (or T-TT-C-C) was a significant risk factor for lupus nephritis (P = 0.0015, OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.22-2.32). Additionally, all minor IFN3/4 SNP alleles were significantly associated with SLE susceptibility in nephritis-negative SLE patients as compared to normal healthy controls (rs8099917G, PFDR = 0.00177, OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.24-2.28; rs12979860T, PFDR = 0.00299, OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.32; rs4803217A, PFDR = 0.00176, OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.22-2.23; and ss469415590ΔG, PFDR = 0.00176, OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26-2.29). Furthermore, the elevated serum levels of IFN-λ3 were significantly correlated with the complement depression and the high SLE disease activities in SLE patients.

CONCLUSIONS
IFN-λ3/4 genetic variants play a unique role in the development of lupus nephritis and SLE.

Chen|Ji-Yih|JY|
Wang|Chin-Man|CM|
Chen|Tai-Di|TD|
Jan Wu|Yeong-Jian|YJ|
Lin|Jing-Chi|JC|
Lu|Ling Ying|LY|
Wu|Jianming|J|

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Lupus nephritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Interferon λ


Predictors of survival in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients with malignant pleural effusion have a limited life expectancy. An increase in pleural and oncological treatment options and more accurate prognostic evaluation may help individualize treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to identify the prognostic indicators of overall survival (OS) after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

METHODS
We examined the medical records of all consecutive patients with malignant pleural effusion who underwent VATS talc pleurodesis from 2006 to 2008 at the Samsung Medical Center. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis.

RESULTS
During the study period, 91 patients underwent VATS talc pleurodesis to treat malignant pleural effusion. Early (within 30 days) and late (within 90 days) postoperative mortality rates were 9.9% (9 patients), and 25.3% (23), respectively. Median survival time after VATS talc pleurodesis was 10.5 months. The postoperative respiratory complication rate was 11% (10 patients), and included pneumonia (9) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (4). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.012), preoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.003), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score 3 or 4 (P = 0.013) were independent risk factors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis.

CONCLUSIONS
We identified previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy and poor performance status (ECOG 3 or 4) as significant predictors of OS after VATS talc pleurodesis. These prognostic factors can help surgeons select candidates for VATS pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.

Yoon|Dong Woog|DW|
Cho|Jong Ho|JH|
Choi|Yong Soo|YS|
Kim|Jhingook|J|
Kim|Hong Kwan|HK|
Zo|Jae Ill|JI|
Shim|Young Mog|YM|

talc
pleurodesis
Malignant
pleural effusion
video‐assisted surgery


Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial health and well-being in South-Asian (World Psychiatric Association zone 16) countries: A systematic and advocacy review from the Indian Psychiatric Society.

Abstract:
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global health threat. The South-Asian (SA) countries have witnessed both the initial brunt of the outbreak as well as the ongoing rise of cases. Their unique challenges in relation to mental health during the pandemic are worth exploring.

Materials and Methods
A systematic review was conducted for all the original studies on the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on psychological health/well-being in the SA countries of the World Psychiatric Association Zone 16. PubMed, Google Scholar, PSYCHINFO, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched till June 2020. Studies conducted in the age group of 18-60 years with a minimum sample size of 10, and statistically significant results were included.

Results
Thirteen studies were included in the review. They showed increase prevalence in nonpsychotic depression, preanxiety, somatic concerns, alcohol-related disorders, and insomnia in the general population. Psychological symptoms correlated more with physical complaints of fatigue and pain in older adults and were directly related to social media use, misinformation, xenophobia, and social distancing. Frontline workers reported guilt, stigma, anxiety, and poor sleep quality, which were related to the lack of availability of adequate personal protective equipment, increased workload, and discrimination. One study validated the Coronavirus anxiety scale in the Indian population while another explored gaming as a double-edged sword during the lockdown in adolescents. Another study from Bangladesh explored psychosexual health during lockdown. Most studies were cross-sectional online surveys, used screening tools and had limited accessibility.

Conclusion
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact serve as an important period for adequate mental healthcare, promotion, research, and holistic biopsychosocial management of psychiatric disorders, especially in vulnerable groups. Mental healthcare and research strategies during the pandemic and preparedness for postpandemic aftermath are advocated subsequently.

Banerjee|Debanjan|D|
Vaishnav|Mrugesh|M|
Rao|Ts Sathyanarayana|TS|
Raju|Msvk|M|
Dalal|P K|PK|
Javed|Afzal|A|
Saha|Gautam|G|
Mishra|Kshirod K|KK|
Kumar|Vinay|V|
Jagiwala|Mukhesh P|MP|

pandemic
psychosocial
Advocacy
review
coronavirus disease 2019
South Asia
Zone 16 World Psychiatric Association


Sex differences in injury during top-level international athletics championships: surveillance data from 14 championships between 2007 and 2014.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Injury incidence has been reported for international athletics championships from 2007 to 2012. However, it is unclear whether male or female athletes differ in risk and/or characteristics of injuries.

OBJECTIVE
To compare the incidences and characteristics of injuries that occurred during international athletics championships between female and male athletes.

METHODS
The national medical team and the local organising committee physicians reported all injuries daily on a standardised injury report form during 14 international championships from 2007 to 2014. Relative risks (RR) of injury, 95% CI and magnitude thresholds were calculated.

RESULTS
The rate of injuries per 1000 registered athletes was significantly higher in male (110.3±6.8) than in female (88.5±6.7) athletes (RR=1.25; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.37, small effect size). Male athletes incurred significantly more injuries in the thigh (RR=1.64; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.05, small), lower leg (RR=1.36; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.75, small) and hip/groin injuries (RR=2.26; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.88, moderate), more muscle strains (RR=1.64; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.04, small), cramps (RR=1.81; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.43, small), and especially more thigh strains (RR=1.66; 95% CI 1.25 to 2.19, small), but fewer stress fractures (RR=0.32; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.81, moderate) than female athletes. A higher injury risk of male than of female athletes was observed in sprints (RR=1.32; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.66, small), middle distance runs (RR=1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.06, small), race walks (RR=2.55; 95% CI 1.27 to 5.10, moderate) and jumps (RR=2.13; 95% CI 1.53 to 2.97, moderate). No sex difference was found for cause and severity of injury.

CONCLUSIONS
Injury risk during international athletics championships differed between female and male athletes for location, type and event groups. Injury prevention strategies should be sex-specific, regarding the differences in injury location and type.

Edouard|Pascal|P|
Feddermann-Demont|Nina|N|
Alonso|Juan Manuel|JM|
Branco|Pedro|P|
Junge|Astrid|A|

Injury Athletics Prevention Epidemiology


Enhanced and Complete Removal of Phenylurea Herbicides by Combinational Transgenic Plant-Microbe Remediation.

Abstract: The synergistic relationships between plants and their rhizospheric microbes can be used to develop a combinational bioremediation method, overcoming the constraints of individual phytoremediation or a bioaugmentation method. Here, we provide a combinational transgenic plant-microbe remediation system for a more efficient removal of phenylurea herbicides (PHs) from contaminated sites. The transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plant synthesizing the bacterial N-demethylase PdmAB in the chloroplast was developed. The constructed transgenic Arabidopsis plant exhibited significant tolerance to isoproturon (IPU), a typical PH, and it took up the IPU through the roots and transported it to leaves, where the majority of the IPU was demethylated to 3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1-methylurea (MDIPU). The produced intermediate was released outside the roots and further metabolized by the combinationally inoculated MDIPU-mineralizing bacterium Sphingobium sp. strain 1017-1 in the rhizosphere, resulting in an enhanced and complete removal of IPU from soil. Mutual benefits were built for both the transgenic Arabidopsis plant and strain 1017-1. The transgenic Arabidopsis plant offered strain 1017-1 a suitable accommodation, and in return, strain 1017-1 protected the plant from the phytotoxicity of MDIPU. The biomass of the transgenic Arabidopsis plant and the residence of the inoculated degrading microbes in the combinational treatment increased significantly compared to those in their respective individual transgenic plant treatment or bioaugmentation treatment. The influence of the structure of bacterial community by combinational treatment was between that of the two individual treatments. Overall, the combination of two approaches, phytoremediation by transgenic plants and bioaugmentation with intermediate-mineralizing microbes in the rhizosphere, represents an innovative strategy for the enhanced and complete remediation of pollutant-contaminated sites.IMPORTANCE Phytoremediation of organic pollutant-contaminated sites using transgenic plants expressing bacterial enzyme has been well described. The major constraint of transgenic plants transferred with a single catabolic gene is that they can also accumulate/release intermediates, still causing phytotoxicity or additional environmental problems. On the other hand, bioaugmentation with degrading strains also has its drawbacks, including the instability of the inoculated strains and low bioavailability of pollutants. In this study, the synergistic relationship between a transgenic Arabidopsis plant expressing the bacterial N-demethylase PdmAB in the chloroplast and the inoculated intermediate-mineralizing bacterium Sphingobium sp. strain 1017-1 in the rhizosphere is used to develop an intriguing bioremediation method. The combinational transgenic plant-microbe remediation system shows a more efficient and complete removal of phenylurea herbicides from contaminated sites and can overcome the constraints of individual phytoremediation or bioaugmentation methods.

Yan|Xin|X| Huang|Junwei|J| Xu|Xihui|X| Chen|Dian|D| Xie|Xiangting|X| Tao|Qing|Q| He|Jian|J| Jiang|Jiandong|J|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

phenylurea herbicides
plant-microbe remediation
rhizospheric microbes
transgenic plant


Role of the CacyBP/SIP protein in gastric cancer.

Abstract: Various reports indicate that calcyclin binding protein/Siah-1-interacting protein (CacyBP/SIP) is an important protein in tumorigenesis, but whether CacyBP/SIP promotes or suppresses cancer may depend on the cell type. In order to investigate whether CacyBP/SIP is significant in gastric cancerous tumorigenesis, the present study used immunohistochemistry to analyze 181 gastric cancer tissue samples, as well as 181 healthy tissue samples from the same gastric cancer patients. The immunohistochemical results were compared against patient data and pathological analysis of the tissue slices, including gender, age, degree of tumor differentiation and tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage. In addition, the level of CacyBP/SIP expression was detected in three frozen tissue samples of gastric adenocarcinoma using western blot analysis. Of the 181 cases analyzed in the present study, 80 cases were identified as non-metastatic gastric cancer and 101 cases were identified as gastric cancer that had metastasized to the lymph nodes. Tissue biopsies from the two sets of patients were examined using immunohistochemistry to identify the level of CacyBP/SIP expression in metastatic and primary gastric cancer tissues. Statistical analyses were performed on all data. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CacyBP/SIP was expressed in 31% (56/181) of gastric adenocarcinoma tissue samples and 7% (12/181) of adjacent non-cancerous gastric tissues (P<0.05). Furthermore, the expression levels of CacyBP/SIP were higher in cancerous tissue compared with the adjacent non-cancerous gastric tissue using western blotting. No association was identified between CacyBP/SIP expression and patient age (P=0.975), gender (P=0.185), degree of tumor differentiation (P=0.076) or TNM stage (P=0.979). Among the 101 patients with metastatic gastric cancer, CacyBP/SIP was expressed at primary sites in 31% (31/101) of cases and at metastatic sites in 26% (26/101) of cases (P=0.434). However, among the 80 patients with non-metastatic gastric cancer, CacyBP/SIP was expressed at the tumor site in 34% (27/80) of cases, which was not significantly different from the 31% (25/80) of cases in the metastatic group (P=0.662). These findings indicate that CacyBP/SIP expression is not a marker of gastric cancer or metastatic gastric cancer, nor does it appear to correlate with the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer.

Zhai|Huihong|H| Meng|Juan|J| Jin|Haifeng|H| Li|Yuanfei|Y| Wang|Jinbo|J|

CacyBP/SIP
gastric cancer
immunohistochemistry
metastasis


Outcome comparison in dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of thoracolumbar fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy and acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion.

Abstract: Dogs with fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy (FCEM) or acute non-compressive nucleus pulposus extrusion (ANNPE) are reported to have a fair prognosis; however, persistent motor/autonomic deficits are possible. Specific MRI patterns have been suggested to differentiate these diseases although never been validated with histopathology in large studies. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate if these MRI patterns are associated with different clinical outcomes in dogs with peracute non-progressive T3-L3 myelopathy. Two hundred and one dogs were included. Outcome data were obtained via medical records and telephone questionnaires. MRIs were blindly reviewed by three board-certified observers, obtaining substantial to almost perfect interobserver agreement on diagnoses (κ=0.635-0.828). Presumptive ANNPE and FCEM were diagnosed in 157 and 44 dogs , respectively. Ambulatory function was regained in 99 per cent of cases, with persistent motor deficits in 83.6 per cent and 92.5 per cent of dogs with presumptive ANNPE and FCEM, respectively. The presumptive diagnosis was not associated with motor function recovery, recovery times or urinary continence. Faecal incontinence was five times more likely in dogs with presumptive ANNPE (23 per cent) compared with presumptive FCEM (7.5 per cent).Distinguishing between MRI patterns of presumptive ANNPE or FCEM in dogs with peracute non-progressive T3-L3 myelopathy may help predict the risk of developing faecal incontinence.

Mari|Lorenzo|L|
Behr|Sebastien|S|
Shea|Anita|A|
Dominguez|Elisabet|E|
Johnson|Philippa J|PJ|
Ekiri|Abel|A|
De Risio|Luisa|L|

incontinence
ischaemic myelopathy
neurogenic bowel dysfunction
spinal cord injury


Myosteatosis rather than sarcopenia associates with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease preclinical models.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. While most subjects have 'inert' NAFL, a subset will progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its life-threatening complications. A substantial body of literature supports that a low muscle mass, low strength, and/or muscle fatty infiltration (myosteatosis) are associated with NAFLD severity. Here, we evaluated the muscle compartment in NASH preclinical models to decipher the kinetics of muscle alterations in relation with liver disease progression.

METHODS
We developed and validated a micro-computed tomography-based methodology to prospectively study skeletal muscle mass and density in muscle and liver (i.e. reflecting fatty infiltration) in a high-throughput and non-invasive manner in three preclinical NAFLD/NASH rodent models: fat aussie (FOZ) mice fed a high-fat diet (FOZ HF), wild-type (WT) mice fed a high-fat high-fructose diet (WT HFF), and WT mice fed a high-fat diet (WT HF). We compared them with WT mice fed a normal diet (WT ND) used as controls.

RESULTS
-FOZ HF with fibrosing NASH had sarcopenia characterized by a reduced muscle strength when compared with WT HF and WT HFF with early NASH and WT ND controls (165.2 ± 5.2 g vs. 237.4 ± 11.7 g, 256 ± 5.7 g, and 242.9 ± 9.3 g, respectively, P 60; 0.001). Muscle mass or strength was not lower in FOZ HF, WT HF, and WT HFF with early NASH than in controls. Myosteatosis was present in FOZ HF with fibrosing NASH, but also in FOZ HF, WT HF, and WT HFF with early NASH (muscle density = 0.50 ± 0.02, 0.62 ± 0.02, 0.70 ± 0.05, and 0.75 ± 0.03, respectively, with P 60; 0.001 when compared with respective controls). Myosteatosis degree was strongly correlated with NAFLD activity score (r = -0.87, n = 67, P 60; 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the association between myosteatosis and NASH was independent from homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and visceral fat area (P 60; 0.05). Myosteatosis degree powerfully discriminated NASH from benign NAFL and normal liver (area under the receiver operating characteristic = 0.96, n = 67, P 60; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, our data support that there is no sarcopenia in obese mice with early NASH. In contrast, the severity of myosteatosis reflects on hepatocellular damage and inflammation during early NASH development. This observation prompts us to exploit myosteatosis as a novel non-invasive marker of NASH.

Nachit|Maxime|M|0000-0002-2333-9213
De Rudder|Maxime|M|
Thissen|Jean-Paul|JP|
Schakman|Olivier|O|
Bouzin|Caroline|C|
Horsmans|Yves|Y|
Vande Velde|Greetje|G|
Leclercq|Isabelle Anne|IA|

D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Myosteatosis
Sarcopenia
Steatohepatitis
NAFLD
Muscle
Muscle density
Obesity
Micro-CT
Muscle fat


Associations of Coffee and Tea Consumption With Survival to Age 90 Years Among Older Women.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Coffee and tea are two of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide and have been associated with reduced risk of mortality in some studies. However, it is unknown whether consumption of these beverages is associated with survival to an advanced age.

OBJECTIVE
To examine associations of coffee and tea consumption with survival to age 90 years.

DESIGN
Prospective cohort study among participants from the Women's Health Initiative, recruited during 1993 to 1998 and followed up until March 31, 2018.

SETTING
The setting included 40 US clinical centers.

PARTICIPANTS
A racially and ethnically diverse cohort of 27,480 older women, aged 65 to 81 years at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS
Women were classified as having either survived to age 90 years or died before this age. Consumption of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and caffeinated tea was assessed at baseline and categorized as 0, 1, 2 to 3, or 4 or more cups/day. Associations of coffee and tea consumption with survival to age 90 years were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, dietary quality, and chronic disease history.

RESULTS
A total of 14,659 (53.3%) women survived to age 90 years during follow-up. Caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or caffeinated tea consumption was not significantly associated with survival to age 90 years after adjusting for confounders. Findings did not significantly vary by smoking, body mass index, or race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSION
No amount of coffee or tea consumption was associated with late-age survival among older women. These findings may be reassuring to older women who consume coffee and tea as part of their daily diets but do not support drinking these beverages to achieve longevity.

Shadyab|Aladdin H|AH|
Manson|JoAnn E|JE|
Luo|Juhua|J|
Haring|Bernhard|B|
Saquib|Nazmus|N|
Snetselaar|Linda G|LG|
Chen|Jiu-Chiuan|JC|
Groessl|Erik J|EJ|
Wassertheil-Smoller|Sylvia|S|
Sun|Yangbo|Y|
Hale|Lauren|L|
LeBoff|Meryl S|MS|
LaCroix|Andrea Z|AZ|


Conservation and divergence of the histone code in nucleomorphs.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Nucleomorphs, the remnant nuclei of photosynthetic algae that have become endosymbionts to other eukaryotes, represent a unique example of convergent reductive genome evolution in eukaryotes, having evolved independently on two separate occasions in chlorarachniophytes and cryptophytes. The nucleomorphs of the two groups have evolved in a remarkably convergent manner, with numerous very similar features. Chief among them is the extreme reduction and compaction of nucleomorph genomes, with very small chromosomes and extremely short or even completely absent intergenic spaces. These characteristics pose a number of intriguing questions regarding the mechanisms of transcription and gene regulation in such a crowded genomic context, in particular in terms of the functioning of the histone code, which is common to almost all eukaryotes and plays a central role in chromatin biology.

RESULTS
This study examines the sequences of nucleomorph histone proteins in order to address these issues. Remarkably, all classical transcription- and repression-related components of the histone code seem to be missing from chlorarachniophyte nucleomorphs. Cryptophyte nucleomorph histones are generally more similar to the conventional eukaryotic state; however, they also display significant deviations from the typical histone code. Based on the analysis of specific components of the code, we discuss the state of chromatin and the transcriptional machinery in these nuclei.

CONCLUSIONS
The results presented here shed new light on the mechanisms of nucleomorph transcription and gene regulation and provide a foundation for future studies of nucleomorph chromatin and transcriptional biology.

Histone code
Histones
Nucleomorphs
Transcription
Chromatin


Metacognitive control: Shifting from habitual to agenda processes on item selection during study in elementary school children.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Like adults, children need to allocate study time and endeavour optimally in order to enhance learning effectiveness.

AIMS
The aim of this study was to investigate the development of shifting from habitual to agenda-based processes on study decisions.

SAMPLE
The participants were 309 children in the second, fourth, and sixth grades.

METHODS
We adopted the research paradigm proposed by Ariel and Dunlosky (2013, Mem. Cognit., 41, 416). In Experiment 1, the students selected items to study either with or without time constraint. In Experiment 2, the students were instructed to select all three items or one item to study per trial.

RESULTS
The results of Experiment 1 showed that for sixth graders, the likelihood of selecting high-value items under the restricted-study-time condition was higher than that under the restricted-total-time condition; second and fourth graders failed to construct an agenda of prioritizing high-reward items for study in the restricted-study-time condition. In Experiment 2, when students were instructed to select one item to study per trial, high-value items were prioritized over items on the left of the array for sixth graders; on the contrary, second and fourth graders seemed to choose item for study arbitrary, although they tend to choose high-value items compared with their choice pattern in no-choice-limit condition.

CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that children can shift towards agenda-based process when habitual responding cannot maximize reward, and there is an age-related improvement in shifting between grade 4 and grade 6.

elementary school children
habitual responding
agenda-based regulation
study decision-making


Virulence Dynamics and Breeding for Resistance to Stripe, Stem, and Leaf Rust in Canada Since 2000.

Abstract: Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a major field crop in Canada in terms of acreage, annual production, and export market value. There are nine classes of Canadian wheat based on growth habit (winter or spring), kernel hardness (hard or soft), seed coat color (red or white), and quality factors (grain protein content and gluten strength). Wheat was described by Newman in 1928 as "the economic fairy to the industrial and commercial life of Canada, having built practically the whole economic structure of the Prairie Provinces." Wheat production in Canada is affected by several biotic and abiotic stresses. The major abiotic stresses are frost damage, drought, and heat stress. Among biotic stresses, diseases caused by fungal pathogens are the most important although wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) has caused some localized outbreaks in some years. In context of cultivar registration in Canada, there are certain diseases that breeders have to take into account while developing resistant cultivars. The Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PRCWRT) classify wheat diseases into priority one, priority two, and priority three depending on prevalence and potential damage they can cause. However, priority one diseases are more of a concern and a minimum level of resistance in commercial cultivars is recommended for those.

virulence dynamics
leaf rust
Canada
wheat
resistance breeding
stem rust
stripe rust


Modelling nonlinear dynamics of Crassulacean acid metabolism productivity and water use for global predictions.

Abstract: Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) crops are important agricultural commodities in water-limited environments across the globe, yet modelling of CAM productivity lacks the sophistication of widely used C3 and C4 crop models, in part due to the complex responses of the CAM cycle to environmental conditions. This work builds on recent advances in CAM modelling to provide a framework for estimating CAM biomass yield and water use efficiency from basic principles. These advances, which integrate the CAM circadian rhythm with established models of carbon fixation, stomatal conductance and the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, are coupled to models of light attenuation, plant respiration and biomass partitioning. Resulting biomass yield and transpiration for Opuntia ficus-indica and Agave tequilana are validated against field data and compared with predictions of CAM productivity obtained using the empirically based environmental productivity index. By representing regulation of the circadian state as a nonlinear oscillator, the modelling approach captures the diurnal dynamics of CAM stomatal conductance, allowing the prediction of CAM transpiration and water use efficiency for the first time at the plot scale. This approach may improve estimates of CAM productivity under light-limiting conditions when compared with previous methods.

Crassulacean acid metabolism
biomass
water use efficiency
Opuntia ficus-indica
Agave tequilana
carbon assimilation


Systematics and biogeography of the Automolus infuscatus complex (Aves; Furnariidae): Cryptic diversity reveals western Amazonia as the origin of a transcontinental radiation.

Abstract: A revision of the avian Neotropical genus Automolus and the Furnariidae family points to the paraphyly of A. infuscatus and reveals a species complex comprising A. infuscatus, A. ochrolaemus, A. paraensis, A. leucophthalmus, A. lammi and A. subulatus, the latter historically classified in the genus Hyloctistes. Detailed knowledge of the taxonomy, geographic distribution, phylogenetic relationship and divergence times of a taxon allows exploration of its evolutionary history and the testing of different scenarios of diversification. In this context, we studied the A. infuscatus complex using molecular data in order to unveil its cryptic diversity and reveal its evolutionary history. For that we sequenced two mitochondrial (ND2 and cytb) and three nuclear markers (G3PDH, ACO, Fib7) for 302 individuals belonging to all species in the complex and most described subspecies. Our analysis supports the paraphyly of A. infuscatus, indicating the existence of at least two distinct clades not closely related. The remaining species were all recovered as monophyletic. Notwithstanding, a well-structured intraspecific diversity was found with 19 lineages suggesting substantial cryptic diversity within the described species. A. subulatus was recovered within the complex, corroborating its position inside the genus. In spite of the high congruence between distributions of different lineages, with several sister lineages currently separated by the same barriers, the temporal incongruence between divergences over the same barriers reveals a complex evolutionary history. While older events might be related to the emergence of barriers such as the Andes and major Amazonian rivers, younger events suggest dispersal after the consolidation of those barriers. Our analysis suggests that the complex had its origin around 6million years (Ma) and inhabited Western Amazonia in Late Miocene-Early Pliocene. Considering the riparian habit of species in its sister clade, the rise and early diversifications of the complex may be related to the establishment of terra firme forests as it changed from a floodplain to a fluvial system. The late Amazonian colonization by A. subulatus and A. ochrolaemus lineages may have been hampered by the previous existence of well established A. infuscatus lineages in the region.

Schultz|Eduardo D|ED|
Burney|Curtis W|CW|
Brumfield|Robb T|RT|
Polo|Erico M|EM|
Cracraft|Joel|J|
Ribas|Camila C|CC|

Cryptic diversity
Historical biogeography
Molecular clock
Molecular systematics
Neotropical lowlands


Timescales of spontaneous fMRI fluctuations relate to structural connectivity in the brain.

Abstract: Intrinsic timescales of activity fluctuations vary hierarchically across the brain. This variation reflects a broad gradient of functional specialization in information storage and processing, with integrative association areas displaying slower timescales that are thought to reflect longer temporal processing windows. The organization of timescales is associated with cognitive function, distinctive between individuals, and disrupted in disease, but we do not yet understand how the temporal properties of activity dynamics are shaped by the brain's underlying structural connectivity network. Using resting-state fMRI and diffusion MRI data from 100 healthy individuals from the Human Connectome Project, here we show that the timescale of resting-state fMRI dynamics increases with structural connectivity strength, matching recent results in the mouse brain. Our results hold at the level of individuals, are robust to parcellation schemes, and are conserved across a range of different timescale- related statistics. We establish a comprehensive BOLD dynamical signature of structural connectivity strength by comparing over 6,000 time series features, highlighting a range of new temporal features for characterizing BOLD dynamics, including measures of stationarity and symbolic motif frequencies. Our findings indicate a conserved property of mouse and human brain organization in which a brain region's spontaneous activity fluctuations are closely related to their surrounding structural scaffold.

Structural connectivity
Resting-state fMRI
Interspecies comparison
Structure–function relationship
Time series analysis


Statin therapy among chronic kidney disease patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The beneficial effect of statin therapy has been well established for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, it remains under-used among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We aimed to investigate the impact of statin therapy across a wide spectrum of CKD patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS
We included all patients with ACS enrolled in the Acute Coronary Syndrome Israel Survey (ACSIS) between the years 2006 and 2016, and allocated them to 3 groups according to their renal function based on an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculation on admission (MDRD formula): eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n = 525, 6%), eGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n = 1919, 21%), and eGFR>60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n = 6501, 73%). Primary outcome included in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and the independent prognostic effect of statins among CKD patients with ACS, by Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS
All 8945 consecutive ACS patients were included in our analysis. On hospital discharge, statin prescriptions were negatively associated with eGFR ]eGFR>60 ml/min/1.73 m2 -95%, eGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 -90%, eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73 m2 -78% (p < 0.001 for trend). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated both short and long-term higher mortality rates in those prescribed compared with those not prescribed statins (p < 0.001), regardless of renal function. Cox regression analysis revealed the protective effect of discharge statins (HR-0.25, 95% C.I 0.2-0.3, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
In our study, the beneficial effect of statins was maintained among CKD patients presenting with ACS. Therefore, these patients should be treated with statins regardless of their eGFR.

Natanzon|Sharon Shalom|SS|
Matetzky|Shlomi|S|
Beigel|Roy|R|
Iakobishvili|Zaza|Z|
Goldenberg|Ilan|I|
Shechter|Michael|M|
|||

Statins
Chronic kidney disease
Acute coronary syndrome
Prognosis


Paediatric calcified tendinitis in extensor carpi radialis brevis: A case report.

Abstract: Paediatric calcified tendinitis is a rare entity. Although trauma is a triggering factor, the aetiology is unknown. Conservative management is the treatment of choice with most patients experiencing symptom resolution within six weeks. We describe the case of a six-year-old male child with persistent wrist pain despite conservative treatment. Exploration revealed involvement of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, and complete recovery after surgical excision of the lesion identified on X-ray.

Suleiman|Firas Ahmad|FA|
Al-Marzouq|Ahmad|A|
Altarawneh|Razi|R|
Saudi|Haider|H|
Otom|Ashraf|A|

Paediatric, Calcified tendinitis, Extensor carpi radialis brevis.


Controlling Cell Fate Specification System by Key Genes Determined from Network Structure.

Abstract: Network structures describing regulation between biomolecules have been determined in many biological systems. Dynamics of molecular activities based on such networks are considered to be the origin of many biological functions. Recently, it has been proved mathematically that key nodes for controlling dynamics in networks are identified from network structure alone. Here, we applied this theory to a gene regulatory network for the cell fate specification of seven tissues in the ascidian embryo and found that this network, which consisted of 92 factors, had five key molecules. By controlling the activities of these key molecules, the specific gene expression of six of seven tissues observed in the embryo was successfully reproduced. Since this method is applicable to all nonlinear dynamic systems, we propose this method as a tool for controlling gene regulatory networks and reprogramming cell fates.

Kobayashi|Kenji|K| Maeda|Kazuki|K| Tokuoka|Miki|M| Mochizuki|Atsushi|A| Satou|Yutaka|Y|

Bioinformatics
Complex System Biology
Experimental Models in Systems Biology
Mathematical Biosciences


Tuberous breast deformity: A modified technique for single-stage correction.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Tuberous breast deformity is one of the most challenging congenital breast anomalies. Severe forms present as hypoplasia of lower medial and lateral quadrants and breast base constriction. We present a modified technique based on redistribution of breast tissue for single-stage aesthetic correction of this deformity.

MATERIAL METHODS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
The technique is based on Lejour's method of single vertical scar breast reduction. The breast tissue is divided into three superiorly based pedicles. However, instead of joining the three pedicles, they are spread to redistribute tissue to quadrants which are deficient. This technique is combined with implant insertion if the breast volume is deficient or mastopexy if there is significant ptosis. The level of nipples is matched to achieve symmetry and areolar reduction done where indicated. We have used this for six patients with Type I/II/III (von Heimburg, 2000) tuberous breast deformity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The aesthetic results have been very good in terms of shape, volume, symmetry and patient satisfaction. A historical summary of the development of techniques for correction of tuberous breast is presented along with description of our method and its results.

tuberous breast
single-stage correction
Lejour


Reduced CD146 expression promotes tumorigenesis and cancer stemness in colorectal cancer through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Abstract: Cancer stemness drives tumor progression and drug resistance, representing a challenge to cancer eradication. Compelling evidence indicates that cancer cells can reenter the stem cell state due to the reprogramming of self-renewal machinery. Here, we show that CD146 knockdown induces stem cell properties in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells through activating canonical Wnt signaling. shRNA-mediated CD146 knockdown in CRC cells facilitates tumor initiation in serial xenotransplantation experiments. Moreover, upon CD146 knockdown, CRC cells show elevated expression of specific cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, increased sphere and clone formation as well as drug resistance in vitro. Mechanistically, our findings provide evidence that CD146 expression negatively correlates with canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity in CRC cell lines and primary CRC specimens. Knockdown of CD146 results in inhibition of NF-κB/p65-initiated GSK-3β expression, subsequently promoting nuclear translocation and activation of β-catenin, and as a consequence restoring stem cell phenotypes in differentiated CRC cells. Together, our data strongly suggest that CD146 functions as a suppressor of tumorigenesis and cancer stemness in CRC through inactivating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin cascade. Our findings provide important insights into stem cell plasticity and the multifunctional role of CD146 in CRC progression.

Liu|Dan|D| Du|Lei|L| Chen|Dong|D| Ye|Zhongde|Z| Duan|Hongxia|H| Tu|Tao|T| Feng|Jing|J| Yang|Yili|Y| Chen|Quan|Q| Yan|Xiyun|X|

D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

CD146
tumorigenesis
stemness
colorectal cancer
Wnt/β-catenin


Preparation and utility of asymmetric lipid vesicles for studies of perfringolysin O-lipid interactions.

Abstract: Studying the interaction of pore-forming toxins, including perfringolysin O (PFO), with lipid is crucial to understanding how they insert into membranes, assemble, and associate with membrane domains. In almost all past studies, symmetric lipid bilayers, i.e., bilayers having the same lipid composition in each monolayer (leaflet), have been used to study this process. However, practical methods to make asymmetric lipid vesicles have now been developed. These involve a cyclodextrin-catalyzed lipid exchange process in which the outer leaflet lipids are switched between two lipid vesicle populations with different lipid compositions. By use of alpha class cyclodextrins, it is practical to include a wide range of sterol concentrations in asymmetric vesicles. In this article, protocols for preparing asymmetric lipid vesicles are described, and to illustrate how they may be applied to studies of pore-forming toxin behavior, we summarize what has been learned about PFO conformation and its lipid interaction in symmetric and in asymmetric artificial lipid vesicles.

D001427:Bacterial Toxins
D006460:Hemolysin Proteins
D008051:Lipid Bilayers
D013261:Sterols

Lipid exchange
Sterol
Hydroxypropyl alpha cyclodextrin
Lipid asymmetry
Liquid disordered
Liquid ordered
Membrane protein insertion
Methyl alpha cyclodextrin


The efficacy of sentinel lymph node mapping with indocyanine green in cervical cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Lymph node metastasis is a significant predictive factor for disease recurrence and survival in cervical cancer patients. Given the importance of lymph node metastasis, it is imperative that patients harboring metastasis are identified and can undergo appropriate treatment. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has drawn attention as a lymph node mapping technique. We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of (SLN) mapping using indocyanine green (ICG) in cervical cancer.

METHODS
We performed a single-center, retrospective study of 103 surgically treated cervical cancer patients who underwent SLN mapping. After using ICG to detect SLN during surgery, we removed the SLNs followed by laparoscopic or robotic-assisted radical surgery and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS
Stage IB1 was the most common (61.17%). At least one SLN was detected in all cases. Eighty-eight patients (85.44%) had bilateral pelvic SLNs. The mean number of SLN per patient was 2.34. The side-specific sensitivity was 71.43%, the specificity was 100%, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 93.98%, and the false negative rate (FNR) was 28.57%. In cases of tumors smaller than 2 cm with negative lymph node metastasis on imaging, the study revealed a side-specific sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100%, a NPV of 100%, and a FNR of 0%. Large tumor size (≥ 4 cm), a previous history of a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), depth of invasion (≥ 50%), the microscopic parametrial (PM) invasion, and vaginal extension were significantly associated with the false-negative detection of SLN. Moreover, the microscopic PM invasion was the only risk factor of the false-negative detection of SLN in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION
SLN mapping with ICG in cervical cancer is feasible and has high detection rate. The sensitivity of 100% was high enough to perform SLN biopsy alone in an early stage in which the tumor is less than 2 cm, with no lymphadenopathy on image examination. However, for large or invasive tumors, we would have to be cautious about performing SLN biopsy alone.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
Retrospectively registered 2017-0600.

D000230:Adenocarcinoma
D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
D004396:Coloring Agents
D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms
D005260:Female
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D006801:Humans
D007044:Hysterectomy
D007208:Indocyanine Green
D008197:Lymph Node Excision
D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis
D008875:Middle Aged
D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness
D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
D011379:Prognosis
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000071036:Sentinel Lymph Node
D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
D015996:Survival Rate
D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Sentinel lymph node
Indocyanine green
Detection
Sensitivity and specificity
Uterine cervical neoplasms


DIMENSION: Dynamic MR imaging with both k-space and spatial prior knowledge obtained via multi-supervised network training.

Abstract: Dynamic MR image reconstruction from incomplete k-space data has generated great research interest due to its capability in reducing scan time. Nevertheless, the reconstruction problem is still challenging due to its ill-posed nature. Most existing methods either suffer from long iterative reconstruction time or explore limited prior knowledge. This paper proposes a dynamic MR imaging method with both k-space and spatial prior knowledge integrated via multi-supervised network training, dubbed as DIMENSION. Specifically, the DIMENSION architecture consists of a frequential prior network for updating the k-space with its network prediction and a spatial prior network for capturing image structures and details. Furthermore, a multi-supervised network training technique is developed to constrain the frequency domain information and the spatial domain information. The comparisons with classical k-t FOCUSS, k-t SLR, L+S and the state-of-the-art CNN-based method on in vivo datasets show our method can achieve improved reconstruction results in shorter time.

dynamic MR imaging
multi-supervised
compressed sensing
deep learning
k-space prior


Using Probability for Pathological Complete Response (pCR) as a Decision Support Marker for Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Patients - a Survey Among Physicians.

Abstract:
Background
In women with early breast cancer, a pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reported to be associated with an improvement of the survival. The aim of this survey among physicians was to investigate whether the probability of achieving pCR in patients with a hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative disease encourages physicians to recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods
The study was conducted via an online survey that was sent to 493 physicians, who were either known as members of national guideline committees, heads of breast cancer centers, being high recruiters in clinical trials or leading a private practice. Participants were asked about a specific case that should resemble patients for whom it is unclear, whether they should be treated with chemotherapy.

Results
113 (24.5%) physicians participated at the survey, out of which 96.5% had a work experience of more than 10 years and 94.7% were board certified in their specialty. A total of 84.1% would consider pCR for a decision concerning neoadjuvant chemotherapy. With regard to the pCR probability, 2.7 and 10.6% of the participants demanded at least a pCR rate of 5 and 10%, respectively, while 25.7% were satisfied with 20% probability, and another 25.7% with a pCR rate of 30%.

Conclusions
The vast majority of the long-term experienced physicians would embrace the implementation of a further method such as the prediction of pCR probability in clinical routine to support decision making regarding the necessity of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The cut-off of around 30% pCR probability seems to be a realizable rate to distinguish patient groups.

Gass|Paul|P|
Untch|Michael|M|
Müller|Volkmar|V|
Möbus|Volker|V|
Thomssen|Christoph|C|
Häberle|Lothar|L|
Erber|Ramona|R|
Hein|Alexander|A|
Jud|Sebastian Michael|SM|
Lux|Michael P|MP|
Hack|Carolin C|CC|
Hartmann|Arndt|A|
Kolberg|Hans-Christian|HC|
Ettl|Johannes|J|
Lüftner|Diana|D|
Jackisch|Christian|C|
Beckmann|Matthias W|MW|
Janni|Wolfgang|W|
Schneeweiss|Andreas|A|
Fasching|Peter A|PA|
Nabieva|Naiba|N|

pathological complete response (pCR)
neoadjuvant
chemotherapy
breast cancer


Level of FABP3, FABP4, Nt-proBNP and Total Cardiovascular Risk in the Population of Central Kazakhstan.

Abstract:
AIM
The study analyzed the level of cytokines playing the significant role in the diagnosis of circulatory system diseases and total cardiovascular risk.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study involved 1,244 residents of Karaganda region. We had studied baseline participant characteristics, in addition to calculating the total cardiovascular risk and assessment of Fatty Acid Binding Proteins 3 (FABP3), Fatty Acid Binding Proteins 4 (FABP4) and N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) level.

RESULTS
The results showed the combination of high cardiovascular risk (CVR) with increased titers of cardiac markers, reflecting common pathogenic mechanisms in its development, among residents of Karaganda region.

CONCLUSION
The combination of high CVR with the increased titers of cardiac markers showed common pathogenic mechanisms in its development, and support the diagnostic and prognostic value of these parameters among residents of Karaganda region, and also reflects the possibility to include these cardiac markers in the program of screening survey of population for early prevention of cardiovascular disease and its complications.

Marchenko|Alexandr Borisovich|AB|
Nildibayeva|Farida Ustarovna|FU|
Sorokina|Marina Anatolevna|MA|
Laryushina|Elena Mihaylovna|EM|
Turgunova|Lyudmila Gennadevna|LG|
Turmukhambetova|Anar Akyilbekovna|AA|

total cardiovascular risk
Central Kazakhstan
cardiac markers
epidemiology
pathogenesis


Efficient Fluoride Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Zirconium-Based Composite Nanofiber Membranes.

Abstract: Herein, composite nanofiber membranes (CNMs) derived from UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 Zr-metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were successfully prepared, and they exhibited high performance in adsorptive fluoride removal from aqueous media. The resultant CNMs were confirmed using different techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) in addition to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The parameters that govern the fluoride adsorption were evaluated, including adsorbent dose, contact time, and pH value, in addition to initial concentration. The crystalline structures of CNMs exhibited high hydrothermal stability and remained intact after fluoride adsorption. It could also be observed that the adsorbent dose has a significant effect on fluoride removal at high alkaline values. The results show that UiO-66-NH2 CNM exhibited high fluoride removal due to electrostatic interactions that strongly existed between F- and metal sites in MOF in addition to hydrogen bonds formed with MOF amino groups. The fluoride removal efficiency reached 95% under optimal conditions of 20 mg L-1, pH of 8, and 40% adsorbent dose at 60 min. The results revealed that UiO-66-NH2 CNM possesses a high maximum adsorption capacity (95 mg L-1) over UiO-66 CNM (75 mg L-1), which exhibited better fitting with the pseudo-second-order model. Moreover, when the initial fluoride concentration increased from 20 to 100 mg/L, fluoride adsorption decreased by 57% (UiO-66 CNM) and 30% (UiO-66-NH2 CNM) after 60 min. After three cycles, CNM revealed the regeneration ability, demonstrating that UiO-66-NH2 CNMs are auspicious adsorbents for fluoride from an aqueous medium.

Mohamed|Alaa|A|0000-0002-1439-8617
Sanchez|Elvia P Valadez|EPV|
Bogdanova|Evgenia|E|
Bergfeldt|Britta|B|
Mahmood|Ammar|A|
Ostvald|Roman V|RV|
Hashem|Tawheed|T|0000-0001-9307-8541


Closed-Loop Oxygen Control Using a Novel Nasal High-Flow Device: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Oxygen administration is recommended for patients with hypoxemia to achieve a target [Formula: see text] range. Strategies to achieve this in clinical practice are suboptimal. We investigated automatic oxygen titration using a novel nasal high-flow device with closed-loop oxygen control. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine whether closed-loop control was able to respond to desaturation and subsequent recovery in a controlled laboratory-based environment.

METHODS
We conducted a single-blind randomized crossover trial in adults with chronic respiratory disease who had a resting [Formula: see text] ≥ 92% and desaturated to < 90% during a 6-min walk test (6MWT). Nasal high-flow was administered during a 6MWT and a subsequent 10-min rest period with either room air, a fixed concentration of 28% oxygen, or oxygen titrated automatically using closed-loop control.

RESULTS
The study involved 42 subjects. Closed-loop control maintained [Formula: see text] within the target range of 92-96% for a mean (SD) duration of 54.4 ± 30.1% of the 6MWT and 67.3 ± 26.8% of the recovery period. The proportion of time spent with an [Formula: see text] in the target range during the 6MWT was significantly greater for closed-loop control compared to room air, with a difference of 26.0% (95% CI 17.7-34.2, P < .001); this proportion of time was not significantly different compared to the fixed concentration of 28% oxygen, with a difference of -8.2% (95% CI -16.5 to 0.1, P = .052). The proportion of time spent in the target range during the rest period was significantly greater compared to 28% oxygen, with a difference of 19.3% (95% CI 8.9-29.7, P < .001); this proportion of time was not significantly different compared to room air, with a difference of -9.3% (95% CI -19.7 to 1.0, P = .08).

CONCLUSIONS
This study provides proof-of-concept evidence that the novel nasal high-flow device with closed-loop control can respond to changes in [Formula: see text] outside a target saturation range using a model of exercise-induced desaturation and subsequent recovery.

Harper|James Cp|JC|
Kearns|Nethmi A|NA|
Maijers|Ingrid|I|
Bird|Grace E|GE|
Braithwaite|Irene|I|
Shortt|Nicholas P|NP|
Eathorne|Allie|A|
Weatherall|Mark|M|
Beasley|Richard|R|

closed-loop
oxygen
nasal high-flow
automatic titration


First determination of fullerenes in the Austrian market and environment: quantitative analysis and assessment.

Abstract: This study forms the first report on analyzing fullerenes in the Austrian environment and cosmetic products available on the Austrian market. We developed, optimized, and validated a novel method for the analysis of C60 and C70 fullerenes and N-methylfulleropyrrolidine C60 (NMFP) for measuring sensitivities in the low nanograms per liter range in order to prove their presence in the environment (12 wastewater- and 12 sewage sludge samples) and in 11 selected fullerene-containing cosmetic products from three different brands. The optimized method relies on a liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) or solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and, for the first time, introduced the Carrez-clarification, followed by liquid chromatography (LC) and coupled to a hybrid triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) quantification. The total variability of the new established LC-MS/MS method based on all the tested matrices was below 10%. We found recoveries generally higher than 70% for both tap water and surface water. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) for the wastewater samples were measured to be from 0.8 to 1.6 ng/L, for the sewage sludge samples, from 1.4 to 2.6 ng/g DM (drymass), and for the cosmetic samples from 0.2 to 0.4 ng/g. None of the analyzed samples of wastewater or sewage sludge samples contained fullerenes. But in 70% of the tested cosmetics, fullerene concentrations between 10 and 340 ng/g were detected. These values were much lower than concentrations causing toxicity in water animals.

Zakaria|Susanna|S| Fröhlich|Eleonore|E| Fauler|Günter|G| Gries|Anna|A| Weiß|Stefan|S| Scharf|Sigrid|S|

Fullerenes
Austrian environment
Cosmetics
Sewage sludge
Carrez-clarification
LC-MS/MS
Wastewater


Unisex vs sex-specific estimated fetal weight charts for fetal growth monitoring: a population-based study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In contrast with birthweight or other growth charts, a feature of most intrauterine charts is that they are not differentiated by sex. Differences in weight by sex during pregnancy are considered to be relatively minor; however, small systematic differences may affect the sensitivity and specificity of screening for fetuses with growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE
To assess differences between unisex and sex-specific estimated fetal weight charts at the third-trimester ultrasound with regard to the sex ratio of fetuses detected with an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile and subsequent detection of small-for-gestational-age newborns with morbidity at birth.

STUDY DESIGN
The study included 9940 singleton live births from a French population-based study in 2016. Main outcomes were an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile at the routine third-trimester ultrasound between 30 and 35 weeks of gestation, and small for gestational age infants (birthweight <10th percentile) with neonatal morbidity (Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes and/or resuscitation in delivery room and/or admission to a neonatal unit). We used 2 charts with unisex and sex-specific options: the World Health Organization international standard chart and a customized chart for fetal sex based on Gardosi's gestation-related optimal weight model adapted to the French population (Epopé). Hadlock's unisex chart, commonly used in clinical care and research, was also included to provide an external reference. We compared the proportions of female and male fetuses with an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile and the sensitivity and specificity of such estimated fetal weight for predicting small-for-gestational-age newborns with morbidity when using unisex vs sex-specific charts, overall and by sex.

RESULTS
Among all singleton births, there were 51.6% males and 48.4% females. Males faced higher risks of being small-for-gestational-age with morbidity at birth (2.4% vs 1.8%; P=.031). Using the World Health Organization unisex chart, 6.9% of males and 9.9% of females had an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile vs 9.9% of males and 7.1% of females with the sex-specific chart; these proportions were 3.5% and 4.6% and 4.3% and 2.7%, respectively, for the Epopé. Proportions of estimated fetal weight <10th percentile using Hadlock's chart were slightly higher than those obtained using the unisex World Health Organization chart (7.5% of males and 10.6% of females), but the difference of about 3% was the same. The sensitivity of an estimated fetal weight <10th percentile for identifying small-for-gestational-age newborns with morbidity differed for males and females by type of chart; unisex charts detected more small-for-gestational-age females with morbidity and sex-specific charts detected more small-for-gestational-age males with morbidity, but the overall sensitivity was the same (49.1% for the World Health Organization chart and Hadlock's chart and 34.9% for the Epopé chart).

CONCLUSION
This study suggests that the use of sex-specific charts instead of unisex charts would reduce sex bias in intrauterine growth screening during the third trimester of pregnancy. Prospective studies are needed to assess the effects of using sex-specific charts rather than unisex charts on obstetrical management and outcomes.

Monier|Isabelle|I| Ego|Anne|A| Benachi|Alexandra|A| Hocquette|Alice|A| Blondel|Béatrice|B| Goffinet|François|F| Zeitlin|Jennifer|J|

estimated fetal weight
small-for-gestational-age
neonatal morbidity
unisex charts
sex-specific charts
fetal growth restriction


Selective matrix (hyaluronan) interaction with CD44 and RhoGTPase signaling promotes keratinocyte functions and overcomes age-related epidermal dysfunction.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Mouse epidermal chronologic aging is closely associated with aberrant matrix (hyaluronan, HA)-size distribution/production and impaired keratinocyte proliferation/differentiation, leading to a marked thinning of the epidermis with functional consequence that causes a slower recovery of permeability barrier function.

OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study is to demonstrate mechanism-based, corrective therapeutic strategies using topical applications of small HA (HAS) and/or large HA (HAL) [or a sequential small HA (HAS) and large HA(HAL) (HAs→HAL) treatment] as well as RhoGTPase signaling perturbation agents to regulate HA/CD44-mediated signaling, thereby restoring normal epidermal function, and permeability barrier homeostasis in aged mouse skin.

METHODS
A number of biochemical, cell biological/molecular, pharmacological and physiological approaches were used to investigate matrix HA-CD44-mediated RhoGTPase signaling in regulating epidermal functions and skin aging.

RESULTS
In this study we demonstrated that topical application of small HA (HAS) promotes keratinocyte proliferation and increases skin thickness, while it fails to upregulate keratinocyte differentiation or permeability barrier repair in aged mouse skin. In contrast, large HA (HAL) induces only minimal changes in keratinocyte proliferation and skin thickness, but restores keratinocyte differentiation and improves permeability barrier function in aged epidermis. Since neither HAS nor HAL corrects these epidermal defects in aged CD44 knock-out mice, CD44 likely mediates HA-associated epidermal functions in aged mouse skin. Finally, blockade of Rho-kinase activity with Y27632 or protein kinase-Nγ activity with Ro31-8220 significantly decreased the HA (HAS or HAL)-mediated changes in epidermal function in aged mouse skin.

CONCLUSION
The results of our study show first that HA application of different sizes regulates epidermal proliferation, differentiation and barrier function in aged mouse skin. Second, manipulation of matrix (HA) interaction with CD44 and RhoGTPase signaling could provide further novel therapeutic approaches that could be targeted for the treatment of various aging-related skin disorders.

Bourguignon|Lilly Y W|LY|
Wong|Gabriel|G|
Xia|Weiliang|W|
Man|Mao-Qiang|MQ|
Holleran|Walter M|WM|
Elias|Peter M|PM|

D000818:Animals
D002454:Cell Differentiation
D049109:Cell Proliferation
D002478:Cells, Cultured
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors
D004817:Epidermis
D005109:Extracellular Matrix
D000091344:Filaggrin Proteins
D006801:Humans
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
D007381:Intermediate Filament Proteins
D015603:Keratinocytes
D008297:Male
D051379:Mice
D018345:Mice, Knockout
D008970:Molecular Weight
D011493:Protein Kinase C
D011498:Protein Precursors
D015398:Signal Transduction
D015595:Skin Aging
D020741:rho GTP-Binding Proteins
D054460:rho-Associated Kinases

CD44
RhoGTPase signaling
Keratinocyte functions
Skin aging
Matrix hyaluronan


Food Purchasing Behaviors and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption among Canadian Secondary School Students in the COMPASS Study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To examine whether several food purchasing behaviors (ie, sources of meals or snacks) are associated with adolescents' sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and whether these associations vary by province.

DESIGN
Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING
Alberta and Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS
Secondary school students from Alberta (n = 3,300) and Ontario (n = 37,999) participating in year 2 (2013-2014) of the Cannabis Use, Obesity, Mental Health, Physical Activity, Alcohol Use, Smoking, Sedentary Behavior (COMPASS) study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Participants' self-reported frequency of consuming 3 SSB types (soft drinks, sweetened coffees/teas, and energy drinks) in a typical week.

ANALYSIS
Hierarchical Poisson regression analyses.

RESULTS
Participants from Alberta had a significantly (P < .05) higher rate of consuming SSBs and purchasing meals or snacks from school food outlets compared with their Ontario counterparts. Most of the food purchasing behaviors were significantly (P < .05) and positively associated with greater rates of SSB consumption. Meal or snack purchases on weekends (vs weekdays) and from food outlets off school property (vs on school property) had a greater association with SSB consumption. Eating a home-packed lunch was protective against SSB consumption across models.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Adolescents' food purchasing behaviors have a significant impact on their propensity for SSB consumption. These data demonstrate potentially important contexts for SSB consumption and have implications for possible settings and strategies for future interventions to reduce adolescents' SSB intake.

Godin|Katelyn M|KM|
Chaurasia|Ashok|A|
Hammond|David|D|
Leatherdale|Scott T|ST|

sugar-sweetened beverages
secondary schools
adolescent
energy drinks
nutrition policy


Construction of shallow surface states through light Ni doping for high-efficiency photocatalytic hydrogen production of CdS nanocrystals.

Abstract: Ni-doped CdS nanowires were synthesized by a simple one-step method. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed that light Ni doping can form shallow surface states due to the presence of substitutional Ni ions, and heavy Ni doping can form deep surface states due to the presence of interstitial Ni ions. Surface photovoltage spectroscopy and transient photovoltage measurements revealed that the shallow surface states can prolong the lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers, whereas the deep surface states lead to recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers. The relationship between different surface states and the photocatalytic performance of CdS nanocrystals are discussed. The enhanced density of shallow surface states due to light Ni doping significantly promotes photocatalytic H2 production.

Li|Shuo|S| Zhang|Lijing|L| Jiang|Tengfei|T| Chen|Liping|L| Lin|Yanhong|Y| Wang|Dejun|D| Xie|Tengfeng|T|

doping
hydrogen
nanoparticles
photochemistry
water splitting


Post-Ranibizumab injection endophthalmitis in aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.

Abstract: A preterm infant with zone 1 aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity developed infectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. Urgent empirical intravitreal therapy with vancomycin, ceftazidime, and dexamethasone along with intravenous therapy with amikacin and meropenem helped in early resolution. Vascularization/activity of disease subsided on follow-up, media cleared, and laser photocoagulation was completed. Later the disease reactivated, developed vitreous membranes and central retinal traction, for which 25-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy was performed. Emergent treatment helped in salvaging the eye from both aggressive ROP disease and devastating endophthalmitis. Rationale approach to such a case is being discussed.

Chandra|Parijat|P| Kumawat|Devesh|D| Tewari|Ruchir|R| Azimeera|Suresh|S|

D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Endophthalmitis
retinopathy of prematurity
ranibizumab
vascular endothelial growth factor


Chemical gelling of hydrogels-based biological macromolecules for tissue engineering: Photo- and enzymatic-crosslinking methods.

Abstract: Newly, injectable hydrogels have been renowned as promising biomaterials and appropriate candidates for tissue engineering which can be applied for the development of 3-dimensional cell culture models. Hydrogels have in situ formability that allows an actual and homogeneous drugs/cells encapsulation, and suitable for in vivo surgical operation in a minimally invasive way, causing less discomfort for patients. A wide and varied range of methods has been applied to design hydrogels-based biological macromolecules via chemical gelling techniques, such as photo-polymerization, and enzyme-catalyzed reactions due to the biocompatibility and feasible processing of in situ formation of hydrogels and the easy implantation through in situ injection of hydrogels-based biological macromolecules. This present review covers the current advances in the development of injectable hydrogels through enzymatically and photo-crosslinking procedures for tissue engineering. The characteristics and applications of natural and synthetic base materials used in hydrogel generation are also reviewed with an outline on biomedical considerations.

Nezhad-Mokhtari|Parinaz|P|
Ghorbani|Marjan|M|
Roshangar|Leila|L|
Soleimani Rad|Jafar|J|

Tissue engineering
Hydrogels
Enzymatically-crosslinking
Photochemically cross-linking


Quantitative ionization chamber alignment to a water surface: Theory and simulation.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To examine the response properties of cylindrical cavity ionization chambers (ICs) in the depth-ionization buildup region so as to obtain a robust chamber-signal - based method for definitive water surface identification, hence absolute ionization chamber depth localization.

METHOD & MATERIALS
An analytical model with simplistic physics and geometry is developed to explore the theoretical aspects of ionization chamber response near a phantom water surface. Monte Carlo simulations with full physics and ionization chamber geometry are utilized to extend the model's findings to realistic ion chambers in realistic beams and to study the effects of IC design parameters on the entrance dose response. Design parameters studied include full and simplified IC designs with varying central electrode thickness, wall thickness, and outer chamber radius. Piecewise continuous fits to the depth-ionization signal gradient are used to quantify potential deviation of the gradient discontinuity from the chamber outer radius. Exponential, power, and hyperbolic sine functional forms are used to model the gradient for chamber depths of zero to the depth of the gradient discontinuity.

RESULTS
The depth-ionization gradient as a function of depth is maximized and discontinuous when a submerged IC's outer radius coincides with the water surface. We term this depth the gradient chamber alignment point (gCAP). The maximum deviation between the gCAP location and the chamber outer radius is 0.13 mm for a hypothetical 4 mm thick wall, 6.45 mm outer radius chamber using the power function fit, however, the chamber outer radius is within the 95% confidence interval of the gCAP determined by this fit. gCAP dependence on the chamber wall thickness is possible, but not at a clinically relevant level.

CONCLUSIONS
The depth-ionization gradient has a discontinuity and is maximized when the outer-radius of a submerged IC coincides with the water surface. This feature can be used to auto-align ICs to the water surface at the time of scanning and/or be applied retrospectively to scan data to quantify absolute IC depth. Utilization of the gCAP should yield accurate and reproducible depth calibration for clinical depth-ionization measurements between setups and between users.

Siebers|Jeffrey V|JV|
Ververs|James D|JD|
Tessier|Frédéric|F|

depth dose
dosimetry
surface alignment
surface dose


Fatty acid synthase contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasion of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma through PRRX1/Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Abstract: Fatty acid synthase (FASN) has been shown to be selectively up-regulated in cancer cells to drive the development of cancer. However, the role and associated mechanism of FASN in regulating the malignant progression of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) still remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that FASN inhibition attenuated invasion, metastasis and EMT of SACC cells as well as the expression ofPRRX1, ZEB1, Twist, Slug and Snail, among which the level of PRRX1 changed the most obviously. Overexpression of PRRX1 restored migration and invasion in FASN knockdown cells, indicating that PRRX1 is an important downstream target of FASN signalling. Levels of cyclin D1 and c-Myc, targets of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, were significantly decreased by FASN silencing and restored by PRRX1 overexpression. In addition, FASN expression was positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis of SACC patients as well as with the expression of PRRX1, cyclin D1 and c-Myc in SACC tissues. Our findings revealed that FASN in SACC progression may induce EMT in a PRRX1/Wnt/β-catenin dependent manner.

Zhang|Wei-Long|WL| Wang|Sha-Sha|SS|0000-0002-1181-1672 Jiang|Ya-Ping|YP| Liu|Yan|Y| Yu|Xiang-Hua|XH| Wu|Jing-Biao|JB| Wang|Ke|K| Pang|Xin|X| Liao|Peng|P| Liang|Xin-Hua|XH|0000-0001-7384-8748 Tang|Ya-Ling|YL|0000-0002-2010-3571

D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

fatty acid synthase
epithelial-mesenchymal transition
salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
PRRX1
Wnt/β-catenin


Profiling of lysine-acetylated proteins in human urine.

Abstract: A biomarker is a measurable indicator associated with changes in physiological state or disease. In contrast to the blood which is under homeostatic controls, urine reflects changes in the body earlier and more sensitively, and is therefore a better biomarker source. Lysine acetylation is an abundant and highly regulated post-translational modification. It plays a pivotal role in modulating diverse biological processes and is associated with various important diseases. Enrichment or visualization of proteins with specific post-translational modifications provides a method for sampling the urinary proteome and reducing sample complexity. In this study, we used anti-acetyllysine antibody-based immunoaffinity enrichment combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry to profile lysine-acetylated proteins in normal human urine. A total of 629 acetylation sites on 315 proteins were identified, including some very low-abundance proteins. This is the first proteome-wide characterization of lysine acetylation proteins in normal human urine. Our dataset provides a useful resource for the further discovery of lysine-acetylated proteins as biomarkers in urine.

Qin|Weiwei|W| Wang|Ting|T| Huang|He|H| Gao|Youhe|Y|

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

urine
lysine acetylation
post-translational modification


Role of the ion channel, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), in allergic asthma.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Asthma prevalence has increased world-wide especially in children; thus there is a need to develop new therapies that are safe and effective especially for patients with severe/refractory asthma. CD4(+) T cells are thought to play a central role in disease pathogenesis and associated symptoms. Recently, TRPV1 has been demonstrated to regulate the activation and inflammatory properties of CD4(+) cells. The aim of these experiments was to demonstrate the importance of CD4(+) T cells and the role of TRPV1 in an asthma model using a clinically ready TRPV1 inhibitor (XEN-D0501) and genetically modified (GM) animals.

METHODS
Mice (wild type, CD4 (-/-) or TRPV1 (-/-)) and rats were sensitised with antigen (HDM or OVA) and subsequently topically challenged with the same antigen. Key features associated with an allergic asthma type phenotype were measured: lung function (airway hyperreactivity [AHR] and late asthmatic response [LAR]), allergic status (IgE levels) and airway inflammation.

RESULTS
CD4(+) T cells play a central role in both disease model systems with all the asthma-like features attenuated. Targeting TRPV1 using either GM mice or a pharmacological inhibitor tended to decrease IgE levels, airway inflammation and lung function changes.

CONCLUSION
Our data suggests the involvement of TRPV1 in allergic asthma and thus we feel this target merits further investigation.

Baker|Katie|K|
Raemdonck|Kristof|K|
Dekkak|Bilel|B|
Snelgrove|Robert J|RJ|
Ford|John|J|
Shala|Fisnik|F|
Belvisi|Maria G|MG|
Birrell|Mark A|MA|


Phytochemical Characterization of Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum as Mexican Mistletoe Plants with Antimicrobial Activity.

Abstract: In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes.

Phoradendron bollanum
Viscum album subs. austriacum
mistletoe
antimicrobial activity
biochemical characterization
mineral characterization


Structure comparison and anti-coagulant effects of the glycosaminoglycans from porcine duodenum and jejunum.

Abstract: To make full use of the porcine sources and develop better choice of novel GAGs as anti-coagulants, two fractions of GAGs from the porcine jejunum (A) and duodenum (C) have been separated & purified. The products were further sulfated to give B and D in order to test the influence of sulfate pattern on the bioactivity. The results showed that the relative molecular weight range of A was 3000-50,000 (Mw, g/mol), whereas C had an average molecular weight of 75,885 (Mw, g/mol). A was identified as a novel heparan sulfate through enzymatic hydrolysis analysis. C was a chondroitin like polysaccharide mainly composed of β-d-GlcA-(1 → 4) and β-d-GalNAc-(1 → 3). A possessed controllable anti-coagulant activity (7 IU/mg) in vitro. The activity of D almost achieved the same magnitude of A. This study demonstrated the anticoagulant potential of the polysaccharides, providing solid foundation for development of anti-coagulants from porcine intestine.

Yan|Yishu|Y| Ren|Panpan|P| Wu|Qingqing|Q| Liu|Xiaoni|X| Zhang|Zhenqing|Z| Hua|Minyu|M| Xia|Wei|W| Chen|Jinghua|J|

Anti-coagulant
Sulfated
Polysaccharide
Porcine intestine
Anti-thrombotic activity
Heparin


Exploring the association of sense of coherence, and spiritual and religious beliefs in a rural population group on the island of Crete, Greece.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES/AIM
This article reports the results of an observation study, aimed at exploring an association between spirituality, religiousness, and sense of coherence in a population group residing in a rural area of Crete, Greece.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
The study was conducted during the period 2007-2009. Subjects aged 65 years and older (n = 118) living in two remote and rural villages in the Heraklion county (Crete) were eligible. Eighty-nine people (51 women and 38 men) participated. Demographic data were obtained, and all participants were asked to complete the Greek version of the self-reported Royal Free Interview for Spiritual and Religious Beliefs, and the Sense of Coherence Scale.

RESULTS
Most participants reported strong religious beliefs and this was found to be related with increased age. Widowed participants expressed greater religiousness and spirituality (p = 0.029). The total score for Sense of Coherence was negatively correlated with gender (women have lower scores, p < 0.05), marital status (widows presented lower scores, p < 0.001), and increased age. A strong positive correlation of the Sense of Coherence score with the Spiritual Scale as measured by three questions of the Royal Free Interview was also identified (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS
The impact of gender and marital status seem to be emerging determinants in defining sense of coherence among inhabitants of rural Crete. The positive association between religious/spiritual beliefs and sense of coherence deserves further attention to promote a multidimensional approach in its study.

Stefanaki|Ioanna N|IN|
Shea|Sue|S|
Linardakis|Manolis|M|
Symvoulakis|Emmanouil K|EK|
Wynyard|Robin|R|
Lionis|Christos|C|

coherence
spirituality
elderly
health determinants
religiosity
stress


Specific MRI findings help distinguish acute transverse myelitis of Neuromyelitis Optica from spinal cord infarction.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
There is substantial overlap between MRI of acute spinal cord lesions from neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and spinal cord infarct (SCI) in clinical practice. However, early differentiation is important since management approaches to minimize morbidity from NMO or SCI differ significantly.

OBJECTIVE
To identify MRI features at initial presentation that may help to differentiate NMO acute myelitis from SCI.

METHODS
2 board-certified neuroradiologists, blinded to final diagnosis, retrospectively characterized MRI features at symptom onset for subjects with serologically-proven NMO (N=13) or SCI (N=11) from a single institution. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with NMO or SCI.

RESULTS
SCI was more common in men and Caucasians, while NMO was more common in non-Caucasian women (P<0.05). MRI features associated with NMO acute myelitis (P<0.05) included location within 7-cm of cervicomedullary junction; lesion extending to pial surface; 'bright spotty lesions' on axial T2 MRI; and gadolinium enhancement. Patient's age, lesion length and cross-sectional area, cord expansion, and the "owl's eyes" sign did not differ between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION
Along with patient demographic characteristics, lesion features on MRI, including lesion location, extension to pial border and presence of 'bright spotty lesion' can help differentiate acute myelitis of NMO from SCI in the acute setting.

Kister|I|I|
Johnson|E|E|
Raz|E|E|
Babb|J|J|
Loh|J|J|
Shepherd|T M|TM|

MRI
Myelitis
Spinal cord
Devic's disease
Ischemia
Multiple sclerosis