Oral Biofilm on Dental Materials Among Khat Chewers.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Nowadays khat chewing habit is increasing among population in southern part of Saudi Arabia, Jazan and till date there is no literature investigating the effect of khat on oral biofilm on dental materials.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and compare the bacterial biofilm on different types of dental restorative materials used in replacing missing tooth structures among khat chewers and non-khat chewers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Hundred and twenty biofilm samples were collected from different dental restorations, such as All-ceramic (AL), Metal Ceramic (MC), Metal crowns or bridges (M), Composite (C), Glass Ionomer (GI) and Amalgam (A) restorations in non-khat and khat chewers (K). DNA extraction was done and subjected to PCR. Bacterial species, such as Streptococcus, Neisseria, Bacillus, Granulicatella and Veillonella were identified and counted. PCR products were also sequenced to detect similarity. Association between bacterial type and dental materials among non-khat and khat chewers were tested with Chi-Square test (Fishers Exact test).

RESULTS
The frequency and percentage of Streptococcus species were marginally higher among khat chewers (42; 70%) compared with non-khat chewers (38; 63.3%) group. But the Veillonella species were higher among non-khat chewers (9: 15%), compared to the khat chewers group (7; 11.7%). No statistically significant difference was detected among species in both groups. In non-khat and khat chewer group, the maximum hits were related to Streptococcus spp. in glass ionomer, amalgam, and composite (restorative materials), followed by metal ceramic and metal (prosthetic materials). Veillonella spp. showed maximum hits in the metal group among non-khat chewers and in all-ceramic among khat chewers. Statically significant differences were recorded among composite and amalgam samples with p values 0.047 and 0.036 in khat chewer group.

CONCLUSION
Khat chewers showed statistically significant differences in oral biofilm in the composite and amalgam restorative materials, but there were no significant differences found among any materials and species between the groups.

Al Moaleem|Mohammed M|MM|
Porwal|Amit|A|
Al Ahmari|Nasser M|NM|
Shariff|Mansoor|M|

D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants

oral biofilm
Khat
restorative materials
streptococcus
veillonella
prosthetic materials


Isoflurane and ketamine differentially influence spontaneous and evoked laminar electrophysiology in mouse V1.

Abstract: General anesthesia is ubiquitous in research and medicine, yet although the molecular mechanisms of anesthetics are well characterized, their ultimate influence on cortical electrophysiology remains unclear. Moreover, the influence that different anesthetics have on sensory cortexes at neuronal and ensemble scales is mostly unknown and represents an important gap in knowledge that has widespread relevance for neural sciences. To address this knowledge gap, this work explored the effects of isoflurane and ketamine/xylazine, two widely used anesthetic paradigms, on electrophysiological behavior in mouse primary visual cortex. First, multiunit activity and local field potentials were examined to understand how each anesthetic influences spontaneous activity. Then, the interlaminar relationships between populations of neurons at different cortical depths were studied to assess whether anesthetics influenced resting-state functional connectivity. Lastly, the spatiotemporal dynamics of visually evoked multiunit and local field potentials were examined to determine how each anesthetic alters communication of visual information. We found that isoflurane enhanced the rhythmicity of spontaneous ensemble activity at 10-40 Hz, which coincided with large increases in coherence between layer IV with superficial and deep layers. Ketamine preferentially increased local field potential power from 2 to 4 Hz, and the largest increases in coherence were observed between superficial and deep layers. Visually evoked responses across layers were diminished under isoflurane, and enhanced under ketamine anesthesia. These findings demonstrate that isoflurane and ketamine anesthesia differentially impact sensory processing in V1. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We directly compared electrophysiological responses in awake and anesthetized (isoflurane or ketamine) mice. We also proposed a method for quantifying and visualizing highly variable, evoked multiunit activity. Lastly, we observed distinct oscillatory responses to stimulus onset and offset in awake and isoflurane-anesthetized mice.

spontaneous
evoked
laminar electrophysiology
anesthesia


Oncology of Reptiles: Diseases, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Abstract: Based on necropsy review, neoplasia in reptiles has a comparable frequency to that of mammals and birds. Reptile neoplasia is now more frequently diagnosed in clinical practice based on increased use of advanced diagnostic techniques and improvements in reptilian husbandry allowing greater longevity of these species. This article reviews the current literature on neoplasia in reptiles, and focuses on advanced diagnostics and therapeutic options for reptilian patientssuffering neoplastic disease. Although most applied clinical reptile oncology is translated from dog and cat oncology, considerations specific to reptilian patients commonly encountered in clinical practice (turtles, tortoises, snakes, and lizards) are presented.

Christman|Jane|J|
Devau|Michael|M|
Wilson-Robles|Heather|H|
Hoppes|Sharman|S|
Rech|Raquel|R|
Russell|Karen E|KE|
Heatley|J Jill|JJ|

Neoplasia Snake Lizard Cancer Chelonian Chemotherapy Radiation


Dosimetric comparison of AP/PA and bilateral geometries for total body irradiation treatment.

Abstract: Total body irradiation (TBI) is an external radiotherapy technique. Its aim is to deliver a therapeutic dose uniformly within ± 10% of the absorbed dose to the prescription point. In the present study, the TBI technique was implemented in anterior/posterior (AP/PA), and bilateral geometry with photons from a 6 [Formula: see text] and 18 [Formula: see text] accelerator. The TBI technique was implemented on an Alderson Rando phantom at 312 [Formula: see text] source surface distance. During bilateral fraction, rice bags were applied as tissue compensators. To reduce the lung's absorbed dose to the acceptance level, in AP/PA geometry lung blocks made of Cerrobend were used. The required monitor unit (MU) for each fraction was calculated regarding depending on the prescribed dose and beam output. Gafchromic EBT3 films were used for dosimetry between the phantom layers in eight selected points. It is demonstrated that dose uniformity for AP/PA geometry with 6 [Formula: see text] and 18 [Formula: see text] photons was within ± 10%. In contrast, for the bilateral geometry the dose uniformity was not acceptable for both studied energies; However, the results for 18 [Formula: see text] were better than those for 6 [Formula: see text]. Dose accuracy for all measurements was within ± 5 of the prescribed dose. The absorbed dose to the lungs was successfully reduced using the lung blocks. By combining different therapeutic geometries and energies over six fractions, the results of uniformity and accuracy of dose delivery could be improved. It is concluded that the introduced TBI method achieved good dose accuracy and acceptable dose uniformity. Lungs absorbed dose was lower than 10 [Formula: see text] using the lungs blocks. Based on these results, the TBI technique can now be implemented in radiotherapy at Tehran's Imam Hospital. The approach developed in the present study can be used and adapted to match with the conditions at other hospitals.

Hoseinnezhad Zarghani|Elham|E|
Geraily|Ghazale|G|
Haddad|Peiman|P|
Esfahani|Mahbod|M|
Farzin|Mostafa|M|
Rastjoo|Ali|A|
Amini|Mohammad Kazem|MK|

Total body irradiation
Absorbed dose
Uniformity


Improving discrimination in the grading of rat mammary tumors using two-dimensional mapping of histopathological observations.

Abstract: This work aims at characterizing rat mammary tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and the respective malignancy potential, commonly graded with histopathology features grouped by intensity levels. Tumors were described over fourteen multiple ranged microscopic parameters and a comprehensive characterization of the histological patterns and their relation with tumor grade was carried out by principal component analysis (PCA). The number of histological patterns present on a tumor tends to correlate with malignant features. High grade tumors are characterized by the presence of several structural patterns, with cribriform prevalence and necrosis. The cribriform pattern correlates with grading, i.e., tumors having a higher predominance of the cribriform pattern are likely to be more malignant. The findings may represent a benchmark for similar characterization studies in other models.

Lopes|Ana C|AC|
Cova|Tânia F G G|TF|
Pais|Alberto A C C|AA|
Pereira|Jorge L G F S C|JL|
Colaço|Bruno|B|
Cabrita|António M S|AM|

Mammary tumors
DMBA
Principal component analysis
Histological grading


The Potential Role of Talker Age in the Perception of Regional Accent.

Abstract: The speech signal contains potential cues to a wide range of socioindexical variables. The aim of the current study was to investigate how one variable, talker age, might interact with the perception of a theoretically independent variable, regional accent. We investigated this question specifically in the case of Korean: although many studies have reported on phonetic differences among Korean dialects and speakers' beliefs and attitudes about them, there has been virtually no research on the auditory perception of such variation. Potential acoustic cues to regional accent were measured in read sentence productions from a total of 72 male talkers in their 20s or 50s to 60s from six Korean provinces. Then, in a perception experiment, native listeners from Seoul (n = 21), Gyeongsang (n = 10), and Jeolla (n = 10) listened to the sentences and were asked to identify the talker's regional origin from among 6 provinces. Listeners' responses correlated with talker age: young talkers were disproportionately perceived as being from Seoul, and old talkers-even life-long Seoul residents-were disproportionately perceived as being from non-Seoul regions. A follow-up experiment with listeners from Seoul (n = 30) in which talker age was treated as a between-subjects factor showed an attenuated effect, suggesting that the effect of talker age on perceived regional origin may be partially driven by a contrast effect, such that the speech of older talkers is perceived as less standard-and thus coming from a non-Seoul region-when being directly compared with that of younger talkers.

Korean
Dialect perception
sociophonetics


Hurt but still alive: Residual activity in the parahippocampal cortex conditions the recognition of familiar places in a patient with topographic agnosia.

Abstract: The parahippocampal cortex (PHC) participates in both perception and memory. However, the way perceptual and memory processes cooperate when we navigate in our everyday life environment remains poorly understood. We studied a stroke patient presenting a brain lesion in the right PHC, which resulted in a mild and quantifiable topographic agnosia, and allowed us to investigate the role of this structure in overt place recognition. Photographs of personally familiar and unfamiliar places were displayed during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Familiar places were either recognized or unrecognized by the patient and 6 age- and education-matched controls in a visual post-scan recognition test. In fMRI, recognized places were associated with a network comprising the fusiform gyrus in the intact side, but also the right anterior PHC, which included the lesion site. Moreover, this right PHC showed increased connectivity with the left homologous PHC in the intact hemisphere. By contrasting recognized with unrecognized familiar places, we replicate the finding of the joint involvement of the retrosplenial cortex, occipito-temporal areas, and posterior parietal cortex in place recognition. This study shows that the ability for left and right anterior PHC to communicate despite the neurological damage conditioned place recognition success in this patient. It further highlights a hemispheric asymmetry in this process, by showing the fundamental role of the right PHC in topographic agnosia.

van Assche|Mitsouko|M|
Kebets|Valeria|V|
Lopez|Ursula|U|
Saj|Arnaud|A|
Goldstein|Rachel|R|
Bernasconi|Françoise|F|
Vuilleumier|Patrik|P|
Assal|Frédéric|F|

Stroke
fMRI
Case
Hemispheric laterality
Human navigation
Landmark agnosia


Consequences of applying the new EWGSOP2 guideline instead of the former EWGSOP guideline for sarcopenia case finding in older patients.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
we examined the consequences of applying the new EWGSOP2 algorithm for sarcopenia screening instead of the former EWGSOP algorithm (EWGSOP1) in geriatric inpatients.

METHODS
the dataset of our formerly published Sarcopenia in Geriatric Elderly (SAGE) study includes 144 geriatric inpatients (86 women, 58 men, mean age 80.7±5.6 years) with measurements of gait speed, handgrip strength and appendicular muscle mass by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). We analysed the agreement between EWGSOP and EWGSOP2 algorithms in identifying patients as sarcopenic/non-sarcopenic. Differences in the distribution sarcopenic vs. non-sarcopenic were assessed by Chi²-test.

RESULTS
sarcopenia prevalence according to EWGSOP1 (41 (27.7%)) was significantly higher than with EWGSOP2 (26(18.1%), p<0.05). The sex-specific sarcopenia prevalence was 22.1% (EWGSOP1) and 17.4% (EWGSOP2), respectively, for women (difference not significant) and 37.9% vs. 19.4% for men (p<0.05%). The overall agreement in classifying subjects as sarcopenic/non-sarcopenic was 81.25% (81.4% for women, 81.0% for men). However, among the 41 sarcopenia cases identified by EWGSOP1, only 20 (48.8%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 (9/19 w (47.4%), 11/22 m (50.0%)). Ten of 19 women (52.6%) and 11 of 22 men (50.0%) diagnosed with sarcopenia by EWGSOP1 were missed by EWGSOP2, while 6 of 15 women (40.0%) and 0 of 11 men (0.0%) were newly diagnosed.

DISCUSSION
there is a substantial mismatch in sarcopenia case finding according to EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2. The overall prevalence and the number of men diagnosed with sarcopenia are significantly lower in EWGSOP2. While the absolute number of women identified as sarcopenic remains relatively constant, the overlap of individual cases between the two definitions is low.

Reiss|J|J| Iglseder|B|B| Alzner|R|R| Mayr-Pirker|B|B| Pirich|C|C| Kässmann|H|H| Kreutzer|M|M| Dovjak|P|P| Reiter|R|R|

EWGSOP2
EWGSOP
sarcopenia
case finding
older people


The influence of socioeconomic deprivation on multimorbidity at different ages: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Multimorbidity occurs at a younger age in individuals in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation but little is known about the 'typology' of multimorbidity in different age groups and its association with socioeconomic status.

AIM
To characterise multimorbidity type and most common conditions in a large nationally representative primary care dataset in terms of age and deprivation.

DESIGN AND SETTING
Cross-sectional analysis of 1 272 685 adults in Scotland.

METHOD
Multimorbidity type of participants (physical-only, mental-only, mixed physical, and mental) and most common conditions were analysed according to age and deprivation.

RESULTS
Multimorbidity increased with age, ranging from 8.1% in those aged 25-34 to 76.1% for those aged ≥75 years. Physical-only (56% of all multimorbidity) was the most common type of multimorbidity in those aged ≥55 years, and did not vary substantially with deprivation. Mental-only was uncommon (4% of all multimorbidity), whereas mixed physical and mental (40% of all multimorbidity) was the most common type of multimorbidity in those aged <55 years and was two- to threefold more common in the most deprived compared with the least deprived in most age groups. Ten conditions (seven physical and three mental) accounted for the top five most common conditions in people with multimorbidity in all age groups. Depression and pain featured in the top five conditions across all age groups. Deprivation was associated with a higher prevalence of depression, drugs misuse, anxiety, dyspepsia, pain, coronary heart disease, and diabetes in multimorbid patients at different ages.

CONCLUSION
Mixed physical and mental multimorbidity is common across the life-span and is exacerbated by deprivation from early adulthood onwards.

McLean|Gary|G|
Gunn|Jane|J|
Wyke|Sally|S|
Guthrie|Bruce|B|
Watt|Graham C M|GC|
Blane|David N|DN|
Mercer|Stewart W|SW|

multimorbidity
socioeconomic status
chronic disease
mental health
primary health care


Comparison of mid-term results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in high-risk patients with logistic EuroSCORE ≥ 20% or < 20.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment method in selected high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, data on which patients gain most benefit from this procedure is still limited. According to the European consensus document, TAVI is recommended for high-risk patients with logistic EuroSCORE (log ES) ≥ 20%. To date, little is known about TAVI outcomes in patients with log ES < 20%.

AIM
To evaluate outcomes of TAVI in high-risk patients with log ES ≥ 20% in comparison with high-risk patients with log ES < 20%.

METHODS AND RESULTS
Of 93 patients who underwent TAVI at our institution between January 2009 and December 2011, we identified 59 (63.4%) patients with log ES ≥ 20% (Group 1) and 34 (36.6%) patients with log ES < 20% (Group 2). The mean log ES was 30.9 ± 9.7% in Group 1 and 12.7 ± 4.9% in Group 2 (p < 0.01). Significant differences were found between the two groups in regard to age (82.9 ± 5.9 vs. 78.7 ± 7.8 years, p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (51.5 ± 14% vs. 60.4 ± 9.6%, p = 0.002), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (56 ± 11 vs. 49 ± 10.6 mm Hg, p = 0.02), and glomerular filtration rate (51.3 ± 18.4 vs. 60.6 ± 16.6 mL/min/m2, p = 0.02). Survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 76.6% and 69.0% in Group 1 and 89.0% and 83.6% in Group 2 (p = NS). However, cardiovascular mortality at 1 and 2 years was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (21.4% and 28.6% vs. 8.1% and 10.8% in Groups 1 and 2, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study demonstrate that at 2 years of follow-up, TAVI in high-risk patients with log ES ≥ 20% was associated with a higher cardiovascular mortality compared to high-risk patients with log ES < 20%.

Chmielak|Zbigniew|Z| Witkowski|Adam|A| Dąbrowski|Maciej|M| Demkow|Marcin|M| Kuśmierski|Krzysztof|K| Sitkowska|Ewa|E| Jastrzębski|Jan|J| Szymański|Piotr|P| Hryniewiecki|Tomasz|T| Czerwińska|Katarzyna|K| Stępińska|Janina|J|

D065467:Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

transcatheter aortic valve implantation
logistic EuroSCORE
aortic valve stenosis


One-Pot Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Metal (Oxide) Composites.

Abstract: Graphene, one of the most attractive two-dimensional nanomaterials, has demonstrated a broad range of applications because of its excellent electronic, mechanical, optical, and chemical properties. In this work, a general, environmentally friendly, one-pot method for the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/metal (oxide) (e.g., RGO/Au, RGO/Cu2O, and RGO/Ag) composties was developed using glucose as the reducing agent and the stabilizer. The glucose not only reduced GO effectively to RGO but also reduced the metal precursors to form metal (oxide) nanoparticles on the surface of RGO. Moreover, the RGO/metal (oxide) composites were stabilized by gluconic acid on the surface of RGO. The developed RGO/metal (oxide) composites were characterized using STEM, FE-SEM, EDS, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, XRD, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy. Finally, the developed nanomaterials were successfully applied as an electrode catalyst to simultaneous electrochemical analysis of l-ascorbic acid, dopamine, and uric acid.

reduced graphene oxide
glucose
electrochemical analysis
copper(I) oxide nanoparticles
electrocatalysis
gold nanoparticles
hybrid compostie
silver nanoparticles


The effect of Humanitude care methodology on improving empathy: a six-year longitudinal study of medical students in Japan.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Empathy, which involves understanding another person's experiences and concerns, is an important component for developing physicians' overall competence. This longitudinal study was designed to test the hypothesis that medical students' empathy can be enhanced and sustained by Humanitude Care Methodology, which focuses on perception, emotion and speech.

METHODS
This six-year longitudinal observational study examined 115 students who entered Okayama University Medical School in 2013. The study participants were exposed to two empathy-enhancing programs: (1) a communication skills training program (involving medical interviews) and (2) a Humanitude training program aimed at enhancing their empathy. They completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) seven times: when they entered medical school, before participation in the first program (medical interview), immediately after the first program, before the second program (Humanitude exercise), immediately after the second program, and in the 5th and 6th year (last year) of medical school. A total of 79 students (69% of the cohort) completed all seven test administrations of the JSE.

RESULTS
The mean JSE scores improved significantly after participation in the medical interview program (p < 0.01) and the Humanitude training program (p = 0.001). However, neither program showed a sustained effect.

CONCLUSIONS
The Humanitude training program as well as medical interview training program, had significant short-term positive effects for improving empathy among medical students. Additional reinforcements may be necessary for a long-term sustained effect.

Fukuyasu|Yusuke|Y|
Kataoka|Hitomi U|HU|
Honda|Miwako|M|
Iwase|Toshihide|T|
Ogawa|Hiroko|H|
Sato|Masaru|M|
Watanabe|Mayu|M|
Fujii|Chikako|C|
Wada|Jun|J|
DeSantis|Jennifer|J|
Hojat|Mohammadreza|M|
Gonnella|Joseph S|JS|


Prostate Cancer Care Before and After Medicare Eligibility.

Abstract: Prior studies suggest Medicare eligibility confers significant and substantial reductions in mortality and beneficial increases in health service utilization. We compared 13,882 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at ages 63 to 64 years with 14,774 patients diagnosed at ages 65 to 66 (controls) in 2004 to 2007. Compared with controls, patients diagnosed with prostate cancer before Medicare eligibility had no statistically significant or meaningful differences in cancer stage, time to treatment, or type of treatment.

D000367:Age Factors
D000368:Aged
D006297:Health Services Accessibility
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D017057:Medically Uninsured
D006278:Medicare
D008875:Middle Aged
D009367:Neoplasm Staging
D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms
D018570:Risk Assessment
D018426:SEER Program
D013997:Time Factors
D014481:United States

prostate cancer
cancer
Medicare
insurance
near elderly
uninsured


Chronic Cough and Phlegm in Subjects Undergoing Comprehensive Health Examination in Japan - Survey of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Epidemiology in Japan (SCOPE-J).

Abstract:
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of subjects with chronic cough and phlegm and describe their characteristics including the presence or absence of airflow limitation among the general population in Japan.

Subjects and Methods
This was an observational cross-sectional survey targeting multiple regions of Japan. Subjects aged 40 years or above who were undergoing comprehensive health examination were recruited. The existence of chronic cough and phlegm, airflow limitation, and treatment for respiratory diseases were examined. Chronic cough and phlegm were defined as having both symptoms for at least 3 months of the year and for at least 2 consecutive years, or as receiving any treatment for chronic bronchitis at the time of recruitment. Airflow limitation was defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) less than 0.7.

Results
In a total of 22,293 subjects, 380 subjects (1.7%) had chronic cough and phlegm. Among these 380 subjects, 21.8% received treatment for a respiratory disease, and 11.6% had airflow limitation. Compared to subjects without both chronic cough and phlegm but with airflow limitation, subjects with chronic cough and phlegm without airflow limitation were younger, more likely to be current smokers (39.6%), and had higher total scores on a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test (CAT). Scores of CAT questions 1-4 (cough, phlegm, chest tightness, breathlessness, respectively) were higher in subjects with chronic cough and phlegm regardless of airflow limitation.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that subjects identified to have chronic cough and phlegm in comprehensive health examination settings were symptomatic, while most of them did not receive any treatment for respiratory diseases and did not have airflow limitation. Screening subjects for chronic cough and phlegm in a comprehensive health examination followed by a detailed examination of screened subjects could be an effective approach for better management of chronic cough and phlegm. Smoking cessation should be included in the management, in consideration that around 40% of subjects with chronic cough and phlegm were current smokers.

Omori|Hisamitsu|H| Higashi|Noritaka|N| Nawa|Takeshi|T| Fukui|Toshiki|T| Kaise|Toshihiko|T|0000-0001-6059-7900 Suzuki|Takeo|T|0000-0002-4646-5220

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

general population
respiratory disease
chronic bronchitis
health checkup
lung function
spirometry


Biotech in China 2021, at the beginning of the 14th five-year period ("145").

Abstract: As China assumes a more and more dominant role in global science, this mini-review attempts to provide a bird's eye view on how the bio-digital revolution impacts China's biosciences and bioindustry. Triggered by top-down political programs and the buildup of an impressive infrastructure in science, information technology, and education, China's biomedical and MedTech industries prosper. Plant and animal breeding programs transform agriculture and food supply as much as the Internet of things, and synthetic biology offers new opportunities for the manufacturing of specialty chemicals within the Chinese version of a "bioeconomy." It is already becoming apparent that the new five-year period "145" (2021-2025) will further emphasize emission control, bioenvironmental protection, and more supply of biomass-derived energy. This review identifies key drivers in China's government, industry, and academia behind these developments and details many access points for deeper studies. KEY POINTS: Biotechnology in China Biomedical technology New five-year period.

Synthetic biology
Emission control
China’s industrial biotechnology
Fermented food
Medical biotechnology
Plant breeding


High prevalence of cachexia in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients: An exploratory study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
In patients with cancer, weight loss can be related to simple starvation, disturbed metabolism, or both. In patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), weight loss often is attributed to simple starvation because the obvious oral symptoms are known to hinder dietary intake. In this population, cachexia remains a relatively unexplored phenomenon. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of cachexia and precachexia in patients with newly diagnosed HNC.

METHODS
Fifty-nine patients with newly diagnosed HNC were asked to participate in the prospective cohort study, from which only baseline data were used in the analyses. Measurements were performed 1 wk before cancer treatment, that is, cachexia status by Fearon's cancer-specific framework, dietary intake, muscle mass, muscle strength, and biochemical markers (C-reactive protein, albumin, hemoglobin, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) were assessed.

RESULTS
Data of 26 patients were included in the analyses (59% participation rate). Forty-two percent of the patients (n = 12) were classified as cachectic and 15% (n = 4) as precachectic. Muscle mass depletion was significantly more frequent in cachectic patients (67%) than in noncachectic patients (14%; P = 0.014). No differences in inflammatory markers were observed between cachectic and noncachectic patients.

CONCLUSION
This exploratory study suggested a high prevalence of cachexia (42%) in patients with newly diagnosed HNC. Although a large study is needed to further elucidate the role of cachexia in patients with HNC, the data presented here suggest that cachexia is a common problem in this patient population, which has therapeutic and prognostic implications.

Jager-Wittenaar|Harriët|H|
Dijkstra|Pieter U|PU|
Dijkstra|Gerard|G|
Bijzet|Johan|J|
Langendijk|Johannes A|JA|
van der Laan|Bernard F A M|BFAM|
Roodenburg|Jan L N|JLN|

Cachexia
Head and neck cancer
Malnutrition


Polyamine Oxidase Is Involved in Spermidine Reduction of Transglutaminase Type 2-Catalyzed βH-Crystallins Polymerization in Calcium-Induced Experimental Cataract.

Abstract: In an in vitro Ca2+-induced cataract model, the progression of opacification is paralleled by a rapid decrease of the endogenous levels of spermidine (SPD) and an increase of transglutaminase type 2 (TG2, EC 2.3.2.13)-catalyzed lens crystallins cross-linking by protein-bound N1-N8-bis(γ-glutamyl) SPD. This pattern was reversed adding exogenous SPD to the incubation resulting in a delayed loss of transparency of the rabbit lens. The present report shows evidence on the main incorporation of SPD by the catalytic activity of TG2, toward βH-crystallins and in particular to the βB2- and mostly in βB3-crystallins. The increase of endogenous SPD in the cultured rabbit lens showed the activation of a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent polyamine oxidases (PAO EC 1.5.3.11). As it is known that FAD-PAO degrades the N8-terminal reactive portion of N1-mono(γ-glutamyl) SPD, the protein-bound N8-mono(γ-glutamyl) SPD was found the mainly available derivative for the potential formation of βB3-crystallins cross-links by protein-bound N1-N8-bis(γ-glutamyl)SPD. In conclusion, FAD-PAO degradation of the N8-terminal reactive residue of the crystallins bound N1-mono(γ-glutamyl)SPD together with the increased concentration of exogenous SPD, leading to saturation of glutamine residues on the substrate proteins, drastically reduces N1-N8-bis(γ-glutamyl)SPD crosslinks formation, preventing crystallins polymerization and avoiding rabbit lens opacification. The ability of SPD and MDL 72527 to modulate the activities of TG2 and FAD-PAO involved in the mechanism of lens opacification suggests a potential strategy for the prevention of senile cataract.

Mischiati|Carlo|C|
Feriotto|Giordana|G|
Tabolacci|Claudio|C|0000-0001-5001-285X
Domenici|Fabio|F|0000-0001-6776-2737
Melino|Sonia|S|
Borromeo|Ilaria|I|
Forni|Cinzia|C|0000-0002-2617-9147
De Martino|Angelo|A|
Beninati|Simone|S|

D000587:Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors

D000091345:Protein Glutamine gamma Glutamyltransferase 2

spermidine
cataract
TG2
FAD-PAO
protein post-translation modification
rabbit eye lens


Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae: mechanisms of resistance including updated data for novel β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations.

Abstract: Introduction: Multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is currently one of the most pressing emerging issues in bacterial resistance. Treatment of K.pneumoniae infections is often problematic due to the lack of available therapeutic options, with a relevant impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare-associated costs. Soon after the launch of Ceftazidime-Avibactam, one of the approved new β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, reports of ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant strains developing resistance during treatment were published. Being a hospital-associated pathogen, K.pneumoniae is continuously exposed to multiple antibiotics resulting in constant selective pressure, which in turn leads to additional mutations that are positively selected.Areas covered: Herein the authors present the K.pneumoniae mechanisms of resistance to different antimicrobials, including updated data for ceftazidime-avibactam.Expert opinion: K.pneumoniae is a nosocomial pathogen commonly implicated in hospital outbreaks with a propensity for antimicrobial resistance toward mainstay β-lactam antibiotics and multiple other antibiotic classes. Following the development of drug resistance and understanding the mechanisms involved, we can improve the efficacy of current antimicrobials, by applying careful stewardship and rational use to preserve their potential utility. The knowledge on antibiotic resistance mechanisms should be used to inform the design of novel therapeutic agents that might not be subject to, or can circumvent, mechanisms of resistance.


A practical synthesis of long-chain iso-fatty acids (iso-C12-C19) and related natural products.

Abstract: A gram-scale synthesis of terminally-branched iso-fatty acids (iso-C12-C19) was developed commencing with methyl undec-10-enoate (methyl undecylenate) (for iso-C12-C14) or the C15 and C16 lactones pentadecanolide (for iso-C15-C17) and hexadecanolide (for iso-C18-C19). Central to the approaches outlined is the two-step construction of the terminal isopropyl group through addition of methylmagnesium bromide to the ester/lactones and selective reduction of the resulting tertiary alcohols. Thus, the C12, C17 and C18 iso-fatty acids were obtained in three steps from commercially-available starting materials, and the remaining C13-C16 and C19 iso-fatty acids were prepared by homologation or recursive dehomologations of these fatty acids or through intercepting appropriate intermediates. Highlighting the synthetic potential of the iso-fatty acids and various intermediates prepared herein, we describe the synthesis of the natural products (S)-2,15-dimethylpalmitic acid, (S)-2-hydroxy-15-methylpalmitic acid, and 2-oxo-14-methylpentadecane.

Richardson|Mark B|MB|
Williams|Spencer J|SJ|

homologation
Evans’ auxiliary
Grignard addition
chemoselective reduction
ionic hydrogenation


Investigation of Hemoglobin/Gold Nanoparticle Heterolayer on Micro-Gap for Electrochemical Biosensor Application.

Abstract: In the present study, we fabricated a hemoglobin/gold nanoparticle (Hb/GNP) heterolayer immobilized on the Au micro-gap to confirm H₂O₂ detection with a signal-enhancement effect. The hemoglobin which contained the heme group catalyzed the reduction of H₂O₂. To facilitate the electron transfer between hemoglobin and Au micro-gap electrode, a gold nanoparticle was introduced. The Au micro-gap electrode that has gap size of 5 µm was fabricated by conventional photolithographic technique to locate working and counter electrodes oppositely in a single chip for the signal sensitivity and reliability. The hemoglobin was self-assembled onto the Au surface via chemical linker 6-mercaptohexanoic acid (6-MHA). Then, the gold nanoparticles were adsorbed onto hemoglobin/6-MHA heterolayers by the layer-by-layer (LbL) method. The fabrication of the Hb/GNP heterolayer was confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The redox property and H₂O₂ detection of Hb/GNP on the micro-gap electrode was investigated by a cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiment. Taken together, the present results show that the electrochemical signal-enhancement effect of a hemoglobin/nanoparticle heterolayer was well confirmed on the micro-scale electrode for biosensor applications.

Lee|Taek|T|
Kim|Tae-Hyung|TH|
Yoon|Jinho|J|
Chung|Yong-Ho|YH|
Lee|Ji Young|JY|
Choi|Jeong-Woo|JW|

hemoglobin
gold nanoparticle
electrochemical biosensor
Au micro-gap
cyclic voltammetry


Asymptomatic Cases, the Hidden Challenge in Predicting COVID-19 Caseload Increases.

Abstract: The numbers of novel coronavirus cases continue to grow at an unprecedented rate across the world. Attempts to control the growth of the virus using masks and social-distancing, and, recently, double-masking as well, continue to be difficult to maintain, in part due to the extent of asymptomatic cases. Analyses of large datasets consisting of 219,075 individual cases in Ontario, indicated that asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases are substantial in number. Large numbers of cases in children aged 0-9 were asymptomatic or had only one symptom (35.0% and 31.4% of total cases, respectively) and resulted in fever as the most common symptom (30.6% of total cases). COVID-19 cases in children were more likely to be milder symptomatic with cough not seen as frequently as in adults aged over 40, and past research has shown children to be index cases in familial clusters. These findings highlight the importance of targeting asymptomatic and mild infections in the continuing effort to control the spread of COVID-19. The Pearson correlation coefficient between test positivity rates and asymptomatic rates of -0.729 indicates that estimates of the asymptomatic rates should be obtained when the test positivity rates are lowest as the best approach.

asymptomatic COVID-19 caseloads pre-symptomatic transmission-risk


Evolving treatment paradigm in metastatic non clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract: The treatment landscape for renal cell cancer (RCC) has evolved tremendously over the last two decades. Treatment algorithms have shifted from the highly toxic drugs with marginal benefit to better tolerated and more effective targeted therapy drugs. The latter include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, MET inhibitors and, more recently, immunotherapy drugs alone and in various combinations. The majority of treatment algorithms for non-clear cell carcinoma have been based on extrapolating results from clear cell RCC trials and retrospective reviews. However, now that we understand that non-clear cell RCC is morphologically and clinically distinct from its clear cell counterpart, several collaborative clinical trials are underway for non-clear cell RCC. This review will delve into the historical aspects of treating non-clear cell RCC and the evolution of treatment paradigms over the last few decades with a focus on immunotherapy based trials.

Gulati|Shuchi|S|
Philip|Errol|E|
Salgia|Sabrina|S|
Pal|Sumanta K|SK|


A fiducial skull marker for precise MRI-based stereotaxic surgery in large animal models.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Stereotaxic neurosurgery in large animals is used widely in different sophisticated models, where precision is becoming more crucial as desired anatomical target regions are becoming smaller. Individually calculated coordinates are necessary in large animal models with cortical and subcortical anatomical differences.

NEW METHOD
We present a convenient method to make an MRI-visible skull fiducial for 3D MRI-based stereotaxic procedures in larger experimental animals. Plastic screws were filled with either copper-sulfate solution or MRI-visible paste from a commercially available cranial head marker. The screw fiducials were inserted in the animal skulls and T1 weighted MRI was performed allowing identification of the inserted skull marker.

RESULTS
Both types of fiducial markers were clearly visible on the MRÍs. This allows high precision in the stereotaxic space.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD
The use of skull bone based fiducial markers gives high precision for both targeting and evaluation of stereotaxic systems. There are no metal artifacts and the fiducial is easily removed after surgery.

CONCLUSION
The fiducial marker can be used as a very precise reference point, either for direct targeting or in evaluation of other stereotaxic systems.

Glud|Andreas Nørgaard|AN|
Bech|Johannes|J|
Tvilling|Laura|L|
Zaer|Hamed|H|
Orlowski|Dariusz|D|
Fitting|Lise Moberg|LM|
Ziedler|Dora|D|
Geneser|Michael|M|
Sangill|Ryan|R|
Alstrup|Aage Kristian Olsen|AKO|
Bjarkam|Carsten Reidies|CR|
Sørensen|Jens Christian Hedemann|JCH|

D000818:Animals
D019327:Copper Sulfate
D057918:Fiducial Markers
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional
D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
D023421:Models, Animal
D012886:Skull
D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques
D013552:Swine

Stereotaxic surgery
Functional neurosurgery
Göttingen minipig
MRI-compatible surgery
Pig


Developmental Changes in Empathic Concern and Self-Understanding in Toddlers at Genetic Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract: Toddlers with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and low risk (LR) toddlers were observed at 22, 28, and 34 months during two empathy probes: a crying baby and an adult who pretended to hurt her finger. Toddlers with a later ASD diagnosis showed less empathic concern and self-distress at each age on both empathy probes than LR toddlers. HR toddlers with no diagnosis showed growth in empathic concern between 22 and 34 months in response to the adult's pain, differing from the children with ASD, but not the LR children, by 34 months. Developmental changes in parent-rated self-understanding showed a similar pattern. Results highlight individual differences in the social development of HR toddlers.

Campbell|Susan B|SB|
Moore|Elizabeth L|EL|
Northrup|Jessie|J|
Brownell|Celia A|CA|

Empathic concern
Self-understanding
Autism spectrum disorder
Self-distress
High-risk siblings


Application of room-temperature aprotic and protic ionic liquids for oxidative folding of cysteine-rich peptides.

Abstract: The oxidation of the conotoxin μ-SIIIA in different ionic liquids was investigated, and the results were compared with those obtained in [C2 mim][OAc]. Conversion of the reduced precursor into the oxidized product was observed in the protic ILs methyl- and ethylammonium formate (MAF and EAf, respectively), whereas choline dihydrogenphosphate and Ammoeng 110 failed to yield folded peptide. However, the quality and yield of the peptide obtained in MAF and EAF were lower than in the case of the product from [C2 mim][OAc]. Reaction conditions (temperature, water content) also had an impact on peptide conversion. A closer look at the activities of μ-SIIIA versions derived from an up-scaled synthesis in [C2 mim][OAc] revealed a significant loss of the effect on ion channel NaV 1.4 relative to the buffer-oxidized peptide, whereas digestion of either μ-SIIIA product by trypsin was unaffected. This was attributed to adherence of ions from the IL to the peptide, because the disulfide connectivity is basically the same for the differentially oxidized μ-SIIIA versions.

Heimer|Pascal|P|
Tietze|Alesia A|AA|
Böhm|Miriam|M|
Giernoth|Ralf|R|
Kuchenbuch|Andrea|A|
Stark|Annegret|A|
Leipold|Enrico|E|
Heinemann|Stefan H|SH|
Kandt|Christian|C|
Imhof|Diana|D|

ionic liquids
oxidative folding
cysteine-rich
conotoxins
peptide synthesis


Chimera dynamics in an array of coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo system with shift of close neighbors.

Abstract: In this paper, we consider an array of FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) systems with R close neighbors. Each element (j) connects to another (m) and its 2R neighbors. Shifting these neighbors produces particular phenomena such as chimera and multi-chimera. Step traveling chimera is observed for a time dependent shift. Results show that, basing oneself on both shift parameter m and close neighbors R, a full control on the chimera dynamics of the network can be ensured.

Blondeau Soh|Guy|G|
Louodop|Patrick|P|
Kengne|Romanic|R|
Tchitnga|Robert|R|

Step traveling chimera
Shift parameter
Biophysics
Chimera state
Multi-chimera state
Neuroplasticity
Nonlinear physics


Human as a potential vector of bovine tuberculosis in cattle.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB, bovine TB) is caused by mycobacteria which are grouped within the MTBC. TB in animals is a highly infectious and progressive disease which can be transmitted to humans. Since 2009, Poland has gained official bTB-free status. Despite the official fact of bTB-free status, a dozen bTB outbreaks are still noted each year. Since 2000 in Poland, every year 1/5 of the national herd is subject to intradermal skin TB testing to control the bTB outbreaks in the cattle population. Application, with 5-year intervals between each government-funded skin test, undoubtedly resulted in financial savings. However it also seems to have caused several adverse and worrying events, e.g. an increase in the number of reactors detected and removed from a single tested herd. The objective of this study was the examination of 898 cattle imputed with bTB infection in Poland between 2008-2012.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study concerned a potential epidemic outbreak with suspected bTB transmission. 20 cows came from 3 herds in the same county located in the same province in southern Poland.

RESULTS
134 MTBC strains were identified. In MIRU-VNTR, all isolates showed the same genetic pattern 322532243421232. Based on molecular investigation, the characteristics of M. bovis strains isolated from cattle from 3 different herds confirmed the common source of this zoonotic disease.

CONCLUSIONS
Although not bacteriologically proven, everything points to the fact that humans were the vector of bovine tuberculosis transmission between herds. This finding confirms transmission between 3 cattle herds in the Małopolskie Province in southern Poland (Podhale). The outbreak of tuberculosis in animals finally compromised public health.

Krajewska-Wędzina|Monika|M| Weiner|Marcin|M| Anusz|Krzysztof|K| Augustynowicz-Kopeć|Ewa|E| Lipiec|Marek|M| Szulowski|Krzysztof|K|

bovine tuberculosis
tuberculosis
transmission
public health
Mycobacterium bovis
epidemiology
mycobacteriology
zoonosis


Postoperative stiff shoulder after open rotator cuff repair: a 3- to 20-year follow-up study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Stiffness after a rotator cuff tear is common. So is stiffness after an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In the literature, however, postoperative restriction of passive range of motion after open rotator cuff repair in shoulders with free passive range of motion at surgery has seldom been recognized. We hypothesize that this postoperative stiffness is more frequent than recognized and slows the primary postoperative healing after a rotator cuff reconstruction. We wondered how common is postoperative restriction of both active and passive range of motion after open rotator cuff repair in shoulders with free passive preoperative range of motion, how it recovers, and whether this condition influences short- and long-term results of surgery. We also explored factors predicting postoperative shoulder stiffness.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We retrospectively identified 103 postoperative stiff shoulders among 416 consecutive open rotator cuff repairs, evaluating incidence and duration of stiffness, short-term clinical results and long-term range of motion, pain relief, shoulder strength, and functional results 3-20 (mean 8.7) years after surgery in 56 patients.

RESULTS
The incidence of postoperative shoulder stiffness was 20%. It delayed primary postoperative healing by 3-6 months and resolved during a mean 6.3 months postoperatively. External rotation resolved first, corresponding to that of the controls at 3 months; flexion and abduction took less than 1 year after surgery. The mean summarized range of motion (flexion + abduction + external rotation) increased as high as 93% of the controls' range of motion by 6 months and 100% by 1 year. Flexion, abduction, and internal rotation improved to the level of the contralateral shoulders as did pain, strength, and function. Age at surgery and condition of the biceps tendon were related to postoperative stiffness.

CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative stiff shoulder after open rotator cuff repair is a common complication resolving in 6-12 months with good long-term results.

D005260:Female
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D006801:Humans
D007592:Joint Diseases
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D019637:Orthopedic Procedures
D011183:Postoperative Complications
D016059:Range of Motion, Articular
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D017006:Rotator Cuff
D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries
D000070599:Shoulder Injuries
D012785:Shoulder Joint
D013708:Tendon Injuries
D014945:Wound Healing

postoperative
stiffness
repair
Rotator cuff tear
factors
frozen shoulder
outcome


Identification of Immunoreactive Luteinizing Hormone Receptors in the Adrenal Cortex of the Female Rhesus Macaque.

Abstract: Female laboratory macaques were studied under a variety of treatment protocols to determine if immunoreactive luteinizing hormone/gonadal chorionic gonadotropin (LH/CG) receptors were present in the adrenal cortex. All adrenal tissues revealed an absence of immunoreactivity in the in the medulla while staining was present in all three outer zones of the cortex. Increased staining was observed in the zonae reticularis with least staining in the zonae glomerulosa. Moderate and variable staining was found in the zonae fasciculata. These results demonstrate that LH/CG receptors in the adrenal cortex may be more common in higher primates than previously recognized and help explain some aspects of the endocrine changes observed in mid-aged women during the menopausal transition when circulating LH concentrations are rising.

Lasley|Bill|B|
Conley|Alan|A|
Morrison|John|J|
Rao|C V|CV|

D000302:Adrenal Cortex
D000367:Age Factors
D000818:Animals
D005260:Female
D007986:Luteinizing Hormone
D008253:Macaca mulatta
D010052:Ovariectomy
D011897:Random Allocation
D011974:Receptors, LH


Definition, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury: An International Survey of Nephrologists.

Abstract:
Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex disease burdened by uncertainties of definition, management strategies, and prognosis. This study explores the relationship between demographic characteristics of nephrologists and their perceptions about the definition, management, and follow-up of AKI.

Methods
We developed a Web-based survey, the International Survey on Acute Kidney Injury (ISAKI), consisting of 29 items in 4 categories: (1) demographic and practice characteristics, (2) definition of AKI, (3) management of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in AKI, and (4) sequelae of AKI. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression model was used to examine relationships between the dependent variables and the demographic characteristics of the respondents.

Results
Responses from 743 nephrologists from 90 countries were analyzed. The majority (60%) of respondents reported using RIFLE and/or AKIN criteria regularly to define AKI, although US nephrologists were less likely to do so (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.85). The most common initial RRT modality was intermittent hemodialysis (63.5%), followed by continuous RRT (23.8%). Faculty affiliation was associated with a higher likelihood of using a dialysis schedule of ≥4 times a week (OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.20-2.55). The respondents believed that a single episode of AKI increases the likelihood of development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (55%), subsequent AKI (36%), and rapid progression of preexisting CKD (87%). US nephrologists were less likely to recommend follow-up after resolution of AKI (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.07-0.33).

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the need for a widely accepted consensus definition of AKI, a uniform approach to management, and improved follow-up after resolution of AKI episodes.

Farooq|Umar|U|
Tober|Aaron|A|
Chinchilli|Vernon|V|
Reeves|W Brian|WB|
Ghahramani|Nasrollah|N|

Acute kidney injury
Survey
Nephrologists
Renal replacement therapy
Dialysis


Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) or Wine Phytochemicals Reduce Intestinal Inflammation in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of phytochemical extracts from muscadine grapes or wine on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and to investigate cellular mechanisms. Two groups of C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with muscadine grape phytochemicals (MGP) or muscadine wine phytochemicals (MWP), respectively, for 14 days. Acute colitis was induced by 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days. An additional two groups of mice served as healthy and disease controls. Results indicated that MGP or MWP significantly prevented weight loss, reduced disease activity index, and preserved colonic length compared to the colitis group (p ≤ 0.05). MGP or MWP significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in colon (p ≤ 0.05). MGP or MWP caused down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that phytochemicals from muscadine grape or wine mitigate ulcerative colitis via attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and modulation of the NF-κB pathway.

muscadine grape
wine
phytochemicals
intestinal inflammation
NF-κB


Climate change is a health issue: what can doctors do?

Abstract: The visit to Australia by Dr David Pencheon, Founding Director of the National Health Service (NHS) Sustainable Development Unit, in April-May 2018 generated considerable interest and engagement. Dr Pencheon's overarching messages were that climate change is a health issue and that doctors and health systems have an opportunity, and responsibility, to lead climate action. This article distils Dr Pencheon's presentations into three themes: (i) carbon accounting; (ii) transformational change in our systems of healthcare; and (iii) a health system fit for the future. For each theme, we highlight promising initiatives that are already underway in Australia that are starting to transform our health system into one fit for a future environmentally sustainable world. We suggest practical ways in which doctors can lead the transformation through personal action and influence broader systems.

Sainsbury|Peter|P|0000-0002-0638-9438 Charlesworth|Kate|K| Madden|Lynne|L| Capon|Anthony|A| Stewart|Greg|G| Pencheon|David|D|

D001315:Australia
D002245:Carbon Dioxide
D057231:Climate Change
D004782:Environmental Health
D006801:Humans
D016134:Organizational Policy
D011364:Professional Practice
D011634:Public Health
D006113:United Kingdom

climate change
health service
environmentally sustainable healthcare
global warming
health impacts of climate change


Transmural Migration of Gossypiboma: a Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen.

Abstract: Gossypiboma is the retained foreign body which is generally a cotton sponge/gauze after surgery. Incidence of gossypiboma is around one in 3000 to 5000 surgeries. This low incidence is mainly attributed to a low case reporting due to an associated medicolegal aspect. We are reporting a case of a 38 years old male, who presented with signs and symptoms of peritonitis. The patient had a history of open cholecystectomy 2 years back. A working diagnosis of perforation peritonitis was made, and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, a surgical sponge was present inside the ileal lumen causing intestinal obstruction with dense adhesion of bowel loops proximal to the site of obstruction with multiple ileal perforations. Even though the incidence of gossypiboma is very low, it should always be kept in mind as a cause of chronic abdominal pain and abdominal discomfort in a patient with previous abdominal surgery.

Agrawal|Himanshu|H|
Gupta|Nikhil|N|
Krishengowda|Umesh|U|
Gupta|Arun Kumar|AK|
Naskar|Dipankar|D|
Durga|C K|CK|

Gossypiboma
Acute abdomen
Medicolegal
Peritonitis


A Shared Decision-Making Tool to Prevent Substance Abuse: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Substance use disorder (SUD) affects over 20 million adults and costs over $700 billion annually in the United States. It is one the greatest health care challenges we face.

OBJECTIVE
This research project seeks to enhance the standard practice of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) through a mobile solution easily incorporated into primary care that will promote shared decision making and increase referral and adherence to specialty care through continued follow-up care.

METHODS
This research will conduct an Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved randomized controlled trial (RCT) in primary care and SUD specialty service providers. The RCT will recruit a total of 500 SUD patients. Recruited patients will be randomized into control and intervention arms. Both arms will take initial baseline and exit (30 days) surveys to evaluate self-reported substance use and specialty service utilization. The control arm patients will receive usual care. The intervention group patients will receive technology-enhanced SBIRT and a mobile follow-up program to track goals and substance use at home. The RCT tracks participants for 30 days after the primary care encounter. We will collect feedback from the patients during the 30 days and count the number of patients who use specialty care services in specialty care programs for tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse (both from self-reporting and from the service providers).

RESULTS
RCT and data collection are underway. We expect to report the data results in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS
We expect that significantly more intervention group patients will receive specialty SUD care within 30 days following the SBIRT encounter at the primary care clinic compared to the control group. We also expect that the intervention group patients will report a greater reduction in substance use and a greater drop in Drug Abuse Screening Test and Addition Severity Index scores within 30 days.

substance abuse
SUD
SBIRT
primary care brief intervention


Corneal bee sting in a Bengal cat.

Abstract:
Case summary
A 6-month-old female Bengal cat was referred for a suspected vegetal foreign body (FB) in the mid-stroma of the right cornea. A small dark linear FB was identified in the dorsal aspect of the cornea, with associated cell infiltrate. Ophthalmic examination was otherwise normal, with no inflammatory reaction of the anterior uvea, and no abnormalities of the lens or fundus. Surgical removal was performed under general anesthesia. The FB, as observed under an optic microscope, was a worker bee stinger without the venom sac. Medical treatment consisted of topical and systemic antibiotics and steroids, and topical administration of atropine. Follow-up was uneventful.

Relevance and novel information
Ocular bee stings have been described in humans, with several consequences ranging from mild conjunctivitis to severe lesions affecting the cornea, iris, lens and retina. Most severely affected cases have been observed when the venom sac was found with the stinger, with a likely greater amount of venom being delivered into the ocular structures. The relatively benign presentation of this case was probably due to the lack of the venom sac within the bee sting. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a corneal bee sting in a cat.

Foreign body
cornea
surgical removal
bee stinger


Evidence of hypoglycemic anhedonia and modulation by bupropion in rats.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Disorders characterized by dysfunction of glucose metabolism are often comorbid with depression. The current study investigated whether a hypoglycemic state caused by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) can result in anhedonic behaviors responsive to stimulation of monoamine activity.

METHODS
In experiment 1, male Sprague-Dawley rats were tested for maintenance of intra-oral self-administration (IOSA) of a sweet solution after pre-treatment with 300 or 500 mg/kg 2-DG, a blocker of glucose metabolism. Experiment 2 determined whether exposure to an environment previously paired with the effects of 2-DG (0, 200 or 300 mg/kg) can influence IOSA, and whether 2-DG can modify taste reactivity to same sweet solution. Finally, experiment 3 examined whether 0 or 30 mg/kg bupropion, a monoamine-reuptake blocker, would attenuate the effect of 300 mg/kg 2-DG on IOSA and taste reactivity.

RESULTS
It was found that 2-DG produced a sustained decrease in IOSA when animals were tested drug-free. This decrease in IOSA did not appear linked to place conditioning or to alterations in taste reactivity, and it was partially normalized by pre-treatment with bupropion.

CONCLUSIONS
Taken together, these results in rats suggest that rapid hypoglycemia can induce an anhedonic state characterized by impaired consummatory responses to nutritional incentive stimuli and that can be alleviated by the antidepressant bupropion.

Anhedonia Bupropion 2-deoxy-d-glucose Self-administration Hypoglycemia


Effects of Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy on Neurological Function and Cerebral Hemodynamics in Traumatic Versus Nontraumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract: After decompressive craniectomy (DC), cranioplasty (CP) can help to normalize vascular and cerebrospinal fluid circulation besides improving the patient's neurological status. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CP on cerebral hemodynamics and on cognitive and functional outcomes in patients with and without a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over a period of 3 years, 51 patients were included in the study: 37 TBI patients and 14 non-TBI patients. The TBI group was younger (28.86 ± 9.71 versus 45.64 ± 9.55 years, P = 0.0001), with a greater proportion of men than the non-TBI group (31 versus 6, P = 0.011). Both groups had improved cognitive outcomes (as assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination) and functional outcomes (as assessed by the Barthel Index and Modified Rankin Scale) 90 days after CP. In the TBI group, the mean velocity of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery ipsilateral to the cranial defect increased between the time point before CP and 90 days after CP (34.24 ± 11.02 versus 42.14 ± 10.19 cm/s, P = 0.0001). In conclusion, CP improved the neurological status in TBI and non-TBI patients, but an increment in cerebral blood flow velocity after CP occurred only in TBI patients.

Rynkowski|Carla B|CB|
Robba|Chiara|C|
Loreto|Melina|M|
Theisen|Ana Carolina Wickert|ACW|
Kolias|Angelos G|AG|
Finger|Guilherme|G|
Czosnyka|Marek|M|
Bianchin|Marino Muxfeldt|MM|

Cranioplasty
Cerebral hemodynamics
Cognition
Traumatic brain injury
Functional recovery
Transcranial Doppler


Semicarbazone derivatives as urease inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking studies and in-silico ADME evaluation.

Abstract: A series of hydrazinecarboxamide derivatives were synthesized and examined against urease for their inhibitory activity. Among the series, the 1-(3-fluorobenzylidene)semicarbazide (4a) (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.45 µM), 4u (IC50 = 1.23 ± 0.32 µM) and 4h (IC50 = 2.22 ± 0.32 µM) were found most potent. Furthermore, the molecular docking study was also performed to demonstrate the binding mode of the active hydrazinecarboxamide with the enzyme, urease. In order to estimate drug likeness of compounds, in silico ADME evaluation was carried out. All compounds exhibited favorable ADME profiles with good predicted oral bioavailability.

Qazi|Syeda Uroos|SU|
Rahman|Shafiq Ur|SU|
Awan|Asia Naz|AN|
Al-Rashida|Mariya|M|
Alharthy|Rima D|RD|
Asari|Asnuzilawati|A|
Hameed|Abdul|A|
Iqbal|Jamshed|J|

Semicarbazones
Molecular docking
ADME evaluation
Semicarbazide
Urease inhibition


Induction of labor or expectant management? Birth outcomes for nulliparous individuals choosing midwifery care.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Induction of labor (IOL) has been studied as a strategy to reduce rates of cesarean birth (CB). Midwifery care models are also associated with lower CB rates, even considering that midwives perform fewer IOLs. In this study, we examined childbirth outcomes among individuals undergoing IOL in certified nurse-midwifery (CNM) care as compared to two categories of expectant management (EM).

METHODS
Data were from two CNM practices in the United States (2007-2018). The sample was limited to term nulliparous, nondiabetic, singleton, vertex pregnancies. Individuals having an IOL in each week of gestation (37th, 38th, etc) were compared with those having EM. Two methods for defining EM were considered as each method when used alone limits interpretation. Inclusive EM included all births starting in the same week as IOL. The exclusive EM group was comprised of all births occurring in the next gestational age week relative to the IOL cases (ie, 39th week IOL versus all births occurring at 40 weeks or later). Adjusted regression models were used to examine differences in CB by IOL versus EM (inclusive or exclusive) at each week of gestation.

RESULTS
Among 4057 CNM-attended pregnancies, the overall rate of IOL was 28.9% (95% CI 27.5%-30.3%) and CB was 19.4% (95% CI 18.1%-20.6%). Most IOLs involved obstetric indications. CB rates did not differ by IOL versus inclusive EM when performed between 37 and 40 weeks, though post hoc power calculations indicate these comparisons were low-powered. In multivarable models, IOL in the 40th week was associated with lower odds for CB versus exclusive EM definition (ie, births occurring at 41 0/7 weeks or later, OR (95% CI) = 0.57 (0.36-0.90)). This finding is explained by the large increase in CB rates after IOL during the 41st week (34.3%, up from 21.9% in the 40th week). Furthermore, the adjusted odds for CB in the 41st week were 55% higher relative to inclusive EM (all labors 41st week and later), OR (95% CI) = 1.55(1.11-2.15). Neonatal outcomes (aside from macrosomia) did not differ by IOL/EM at any gestational age.

DISCUSSION
Outcomes for nulliparous individuals having IOL or EM in the context of a midwifery model of care include low overall use of CB and low frequency of IOL before 41 weeks. In this model, IOL in the 40th week may lower CB odds, especially in comparison to those who do not have spontaneous labor and later undergo an IOL in the 41st week.

midwifery
cesarean birth
labor induction


The role of microRNAs in colorectal liver metastasis: Important participants and potential clinical significances.

Abstract: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, and liver metastasis is the leading direct cause of cancer-related deaths in colorectal cancer. MicroRNA is involved in tumor metastasis in many aspects; mounting studies have shown that microRNAs play important roles in colorectal liver metastasis. Although lots of reviews about the association between microRNAs and colorectal cancer metastasis have been published, the reviews specifically focusing on microRNAs and colorectal liver metastasis are still lacking in the literature. To address this issue, here, we summarize the underlying mechanisms of microRNAs in colorectal liver metastasis and explore their potential clinical applications in this aspect.

Wang|Dongxu|D| Liu|Jie|J| Huo|Tingting|T| Tian|Yaowen|Y| Zhao|Lei|L|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

microRNAs
Colorectal liver metastasis
clinical application


Toll-like receptor 10 rs10004195 variation may be protective against Bacillus Calmette-Guérin osteitis after newborn vaccination.

Abstract:
AIM
Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR6 and TLR10 form the TLR2 subfamily. In our previous controlled studies in 132 subjects with osteitis after newborn Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, TLR1, TLR2 and TLR6 variations were associated with the risk of BCG osteitis. Now, we evaluated the role of ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the TLR10 gene in this cohort.

METHODS
Five synonymous TLR10 SNPs (rs10004195, rs10856837, rs10856838, rs1109695 and rs11466652), and five missense TLR10 SNPs (rs11096955, rs11096957, rs11466649, rs11466653 and rs11466658) were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based sequencing in 132 former BCG osteitis patients.

RESULTS
TLR10 rs10004195 polymorphism was associated with the risk of BCG osteitis, compared to Finnish population controls. The variant genotype (AT/AA) was present in 13.6% of cases versus 26.2% of controls (p = 0.024). Correspondingly, the minor allele frequency (MAF) was lower (0.075) in cases than in controls (0.152; p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the genotypes of the other nine studied TLR10 SNPs or in the corresponding MAFs between cases and controls.

CONCLUSION
Among ten studied TLR10 gene polymorphisms, the variation only in the TLR10 rs10004195 was associated with the BCG osteitis risk after newborn BCG vaccination.

Toll-like receptor 10
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
BCG osteitis
gene polymorphism
BCG vaccination


A causal inference approach to compare leukaemia treatment outcome in the absence of randomization and with dependent censoring.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
One cause of poor outcomes in children of low-income countries affected by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is loss to follow-up due to abandonment of treatment. Assuming this type of loss to follow-up as independent censoring, as in standard Kaplan-Meier estimates, ignores the likely association of abandonment with biologic and socio-economic factors related to outcome. Moreover, when comparing treatment protocols adopted in different time periods, possible imbalances in patients' characteristics must be considered. We aim to compare the outcome of children enrolled in two subsequent protocols for ALL treatment (2000-2007 and 2008-2015) in Honduras, taking both dependent censoring due to abandonment of treatment and imbalances between patient characteristics into account.

METHODS
Marginal structural models based on inverse probability of treatment and censoring (IPTC) weighting allow the estimation of potential event-free survival (EFS) as if no abandonment of treatment occurred and the whole cohort was exposed, or not, to both protocols. An Aalen additive model and a logistic-regression model were used to build abandonment and treatment weights, respectively.

RESULTS
The two protocols recruited 514 and 717 patients. Measured baseline covariates in both protocols were gender, age, white blood cell count, central nervous system involvement, tumour histology and socio-economic status. The potential EFS is slightly higher under the more recent protocol in the first 3 years but no difference is estimated in the long period [survival difference at 5 years (95% confidence interval) = 0.1% (-0.97%; 1.13%)]. Both protocols would allow reducing the event rate by 12-13% if there was no abandonment of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS
Using IPTC weighting, we found a similar potential effect of the two treatment protocols if the imbalance due to the different distribution of potential confounders and to abandonment of therapy was removed.

Bernasconi|Davide Paolo|DP|
Antolini|Laura|L|
Rossi|Emanuela|E|
Blanco-Lopez|Jessica Giselle|JG|
Galimberti|Stefania|S|
Andersen|Per Kragh|PK|
Valsecchi|Maria Grazia|MG|

dependent censoring
Childhood leukaemia
inverse probability weighting
non-randomized treatments
potential outcomes
treatment abandonment


Laser- and cryogenic probe-assisted NMR enables hypersensitive analysis of biomolecules at submicromolar concentration.

Abstract: Solution-state NMR typically requires 100 μM to 1 mM samples. This limitation prevents applications to mass-limited and aggregation-prone target molecules. Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization was adapted to data collection on low-concentration samples by radiofrequency gating, enabling rapid 1D NMR spectral acquisition on aromatic amino acids and proteins bearing aromatic residues at nanomolar concentration, i.e., a full order of magnitude below other hyperpolarization techniques in liquids. Both backbone H1-C13 and side-chain resonances were enhanced, enabling secondary and tertiary structure analysis of proteins with remarkable spectral editing, via the 13C PREPRINT pulse sequence. Laser-enhanced 2D NMR spectra of 5 μM proteins at 600 MHz display 30-fold better S/N than conventional 2D data collected at 900 MHz. Sensitivity enhancements achieved with this technology, denoted as low-concentration photo-CIDNP (LC-photo-CIDNP), depend only weakly on laser intensity, highlighting the opportunity of safer and more cost-effective hypersensitive NMR applications employing low-power laser sources.

Okuno|Yusuke|Y|
Mecha|Miranda F|MF|
Yang|Hanming|H|
Zhu|Lingchao|L|
Fry|Charles G|CG|
Cavagnero|Silvia|S|

D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular

NMR
amino acids
proteins
hyperpolarization
photo-CIDNP


Early-Life Height Attainment in Cystic Fibrosis Is Associated with Pulmonary Function at Age 6 Years.

Abstract: Rationale: In contrast to the well-described association between early-life weight for age, body mass index (BMI), and later lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), the relationship between height-for-age (HFA) percentiles and respiratory morbidity is not as well-studied. We hypothesized that changes in HFA in children with CF in the first 6 years of life would be associated with pulmonary function at the age of 6-7 years. Objectives: To determine if an association exists between changes in HFA in early life and pulmonary function in school-aged children with CF. Methods: We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of children with CF followed in the CF Foundation Patient Registry who were born between 2003 and 2010, had CF diagnosed before the age of 2 years, and were followed through at least the age of 7 years. Changes in annualized HFA were classified into mutually exclusive categories. Multivariable analysis of covariance models were used to test for an association between the percent-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at the age of 6-7 years and height-trajectory categories. Results: There were 5,388 eligible children in the CF Foundation Patient Registry. The median (interquartile range) HFA at the age of 6-7 years was in the 39.5th (17.2th-64.9th) percentile. The mean (95% confidence interval) FEV1% predicted at the age of 6-7 years was 95.6% (95.1-96.1%). In a multivariable regression model, the mean (95% confidence interval) FEV1% predicted was higher for children with HFA that was always above the 50th percentile (97.8% [96.3-99.4%]) than for children whose height had been below the 50th percentile for at least 1 year and increased by ≥10 percentile points (95.1% [93.7-96.6%]), was stable (94.3% [92.8-95.7%]), or decreased by ≥10 percentile points (95.7% [94.2-97.3%]). The association between HFA categories and FEV1% predicted was not affected by adding the mean annualized BMI percentile at the age of 6-7 years to the regression model. Among those with HFA that decreased by ≥10 percentile points, there was a correlation between the nadir annualized HFA percentile and the FEV1% predicted at the age of 6-7 years. Conclusions: Children with CF with HFA that is always above the 50th percentile have the highest pulmonary function at the age of 6-7 years. Maintaining a BMI above the 50th percentile remains an important achievable goal for children with CF but is not the sole marker that should be examined in evaluating nutrition.

Sanders|Don B|DB|0000-0001-6265-6249
Slaven|James E|JE|
Maguiness|Karen|K|
Chmiel|James F|JF|
Ren|Clement L|CL|

body mass index
lung
forced expiratory volume in 1 second
longitudinal studies
retrospective studies


Methamidophos, an Organophosphorus Insecticide, Induces Pro-aggressive Behaviour in Mice.

Abstract: Although evidence indicates that exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides induces neurobehavioral disorders, little is known about the effects of OP on aggressive behaviour. Our study investigated the effects of repeated exposure to an OP pesticide, methamidophos, on the isolation-induced aggressive behaviour in mice. Forty seven male mice were individually housed for a month. Socially isolated animals were then confronted with a standard non-isolated opponent for 15 min (pre-treatment trial), and the latency and frequency of aggressive and general exploratory behaviours were recorded. Based on the presence of attack behaviour in the pre-treatment trial, mice were classified as isolation-induced aggressive and non-aggressive. All mice were then treated for 7 days with methamidophos (3.5 mg/kg/day, n = 22, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) or saline (1 mL/kg/day, control group, n = 25, i.p.), and a second trial was performed. Repeated exposure to methamidophos induced attack behaviour in non-aggressive mice. The treatment with methamidophos also decreased plasma butyrylcholinesterase and brain acetylcholinesterase activity. These results suggest that methamidophos has a pro-aggressive effect on socially isolated mice.

do Nascimento|Cristina Paula|CP|
Maretto|Gabriella Xavier|GX|
Marques|Graziany Leite Moreira|GLM|
Passamani|Luciana Mesquita|LM|
Abdala|Ana Paula|AP|
Schenberg|Luiz Carlos|LC|
Beijamini|Vanessa|V|
Sampaio|Karla Nívea|KN|

Methamidophos
Mice
Aggressive behaviour
Butyrylcholinesterase
Acetylcholinesterase


Comparison of anesthesia effects between closed-loop and open-loop target controlled infusion of propofol using the bispectral index in abdominal surgery.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Bispectral index (BIS) can reflect the depth of propofol sedation. This study aims to compare the anesthetic satisfaction, anesthetic dose, and hemodynamic changes between closed-loop target controlled infusion (CLTCI) and open-loop target controlled infusion (OLTCI) during abdominal surgery.

METHODS
From December 2016 to December 2018, 70 patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were selected in Beijing Hospital, including 51 males and 19 females, at the age from 49 to 65 years old. They were classified as grade I-II by the American Society of anesthesiologists (ASA) and were randomly divided into the CLTCI group and the OLTCI group (n=35). The CLTCI group received propofol CLTCI, and the target BIS value was set between 45 to 55; in the OLTCI group, the plasma target concentration was adjusted to maintain the BIS value between 40 to 60. Both groups were given remifentanil by target controlled infusion, and the plasma target concentration was 6.0 ng/mL. The percentages of adequate anesthesia time, deep anesthesia time, and light anesthesia time were calculated. The total induction dose of propofol, continuous infusion dose of propofol, predicted target propofol concentration of effect chamber, and continuous infusion dose of remifentanil were calculated. The times of automatic adjustment of propofol concentration in closed-loop system and manual adjustment of propofol concentration in the OLTCI group were recorded. Hemodynamic indexes were recorded, and the percentage of target mean arterial pressure (MAP) maintenance time and target heart rate (HR) maintenance time were calculated. Anesthesia time, operation time, recovery time, and extubation time were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS
In the induction stage, the percentage of adequate anesthesia time in the CLTCI group was higher than that in the OLTCI group, and the percentage of deep anesthesia time in the CLTCI group was significantly lower than that in the OLTCI group (both P<0.05). In the maintenance stage, the percentage of light anesthesia time in the CLTCI group was significantly lower than that in the OLTCI group (P<0.05). The times of propofol adjustment in the CLTCI group was significantly more than that in the OLTCI group (P<0.001). The total induction dose of propofol in the CLTCI group was less than that in the OLTCI group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the continuous infusion dose of propofol, predicted target concentration of propofol, continuous infusion dose of remifentanil between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the percentages of target MAP maintenance time and target HR maintenance time between the 2 groups (both P>0.05). There was no intraoperative awareness in both groups, and there were no significant differences in operation time and anesthesia time between the 2 groups (both P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Compared with propofol OLTCI, anesthesia with propofol CLTCI under BIS guidance can maintain a more appropriate depth of anesthesia sedation and more stable hemodynamics.

Yang|Ning|N| Yang|Ming|M| Peng|Wenping|W| Zhao|Siwen|S| Bao|Jie|J| Zuo|Mingzhang|M|

open-loop target controlled infusion
propofol
bispectral index
closed-loop target controlled infusion
remifentanil


HbA1c variability and the development of nephropathy in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus from Rwanda.

Abstract:
AIM
To estimate the incidence and prevalence of nephropathy and investigate whether high and fluctuating HbA1c levels were associated with development of nephropathy among T1 diabetes individuals in Rwanda.

METHODS
From 2009 to 2018, 471 T1 diabetes individuals from Rwanda were assessed for nephropathy (albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g). We calculated the mean HbA1c (HbA1c-MEAN) and two measures of HbA1c variability, i.e. A): intra-individual standard deviation (HbA1c-SD), adjusted for HbA1c assessments (HbA1c-AdjSD) and coefficient of variation (HbA1c-CV) and B): (number of HbA1c variability measures > 11 mmol/mol between two measures/number of comparisons between measurements)*100. We followed individuals from first ACR-measurement (baseline) until nephropathy, death or last ACR-measurement (end-of-follow-up), and calculated HRs for developing nephropathy using Cox-regression.

RESULTS
The incidence and prevalence of nephropathy were 25% and 40%, respectively. All HbA1c variability measures were associated with lower HRs of developing nephropathy, i.e. individuals with HbA1c-AdjSD levels of 0.8-1.5%, 1.5-2.1% and > 4.1% had 53% (95 %CI:0.26;0.86), 55% (95 %CI:0.25;0.82) and 53% (95 %CI:0.26;0.84) lower HRs, respectively, of nephropathy compared to individuals with HbA1c-AdjSD < 0.8%. Results did not change after adjustments, though some estimates were no longer significant. Individuals with adjusted HbA1c-MEAN 9.9-11.4% and > 11.4% had HRs of 1.7 (95 %CI: 0.87;3.32) and 1.8 (95 %CI: 0.94;3.50) compared to individuals with HbA1c-MEAN of 4.9-8.5%.

CONCLUSION
The incidence and prevalence of nephropathy was high. Higher mean HbA1c was associated with higher HRs of developing nephropathy whereas higher HbA1c variability was associated with lower HRs of nephropathy. This indicates that higher HbA1c levels rather than fluctuating HbA1c levels is a risk factor for developing nephropathy.

Bille|Nathalie|N|
Byberg|Stine|S|
Gishoma|Crispin|C|
Buch Kristensen|Kirza|K|
Lund Christensen|Dirk|D|

D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin A
D006801:Humans
D012307:Risk Factors
D012432:Rwanda

Nephropathy
Type 1 diabetes
Rwanda
Complications
Epidemiology
HbA(1c) variability


Electrospraying technique for the fabrication of metronidazole contained PLGA particles and their release profile.

Abstract: Advanced engineering of materials for the development of drug delivery devices provides scope for novel and versatile strategies for treatment of various diseases. 'Electrospraying' was used to prepare PLGA microparticles and further encapsulate the drug, metronidazole (Met) within the particles to function as a drug delivery system. Two different solvents were utilized for the preparation of drug loaded PLGA particles, whereby the polymeric solution in dichloromethane (DCM) produced particles of bigger sizes than using trifluoroethanol (TFE). Scanning electron microscopy showed the spherical morphology of the particles, with sizes of 3946±407nm and 1774±167nm, respectively for PLGA-Met(DCM) and PLGA-Met(TFE). The FTIR spectroscopy proved the incorporation of metronidazole in the polymer, but without any specific drug-polymer interaction. The release of the drug from the particles was studied in phosphate buffered saline, where a sustained drug release was obtained for at least 41days. Cytotoxicity evaluation of the drug extract using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) showed not hindering the proliferation of MSCs, and the cell phenotype was retained after incubation in the drug containing media. Electrospraying is suggested as a cost-effective and single step process for the preparation of polymeric microparticles for prolonged and controlled release of drug.

Prabhakaran|Molamma P|MP|
Zamani|Maedeh|M|
Felice|Betiana|B|
Ramakrishna|Seeram|S|

D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer

Electrospraying
Release
Drug delivery
Stem cells
Particle size


Effects of dietary calcium on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection causes gastritis and is considered a gastric cancer risk factor. We have previously reported that codfish meal markedly enhanced Hp-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. In the present study, we sought the responsible components in codfish meal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Codfish were divided into three parts (meat, viscera and 'other parts', including bone), and administered to Hp-infected gerbils. Subsequently, cod bone, sardine bone and prawn shell were tested, along with major calcium components, hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate, in bone and shell, respectively.

RESULTS
'Other parts' and cod bone enhanced Hp-induced gastritis, as was observed for whole codfish. Similarly, sardine bone and prawn shell, as well as 0.22-0.88% hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate, enhanced gastritis. In contrast, administration of a higher dose of the calcium compounds exerted protective effects.

CONCLUSION
Intake of calcium compounds may contribute to enhancement of Hp-induced gastritis.

Iimuro|Masaki|M| Nakamura|Shiro|S| Arakawa|Tetsuo|T| Wakabayashi|Keiji|K| Mutoh|Michihiro|M|

calcium
Gastritis
Mongolian gerbils
Helicobacter pylori
fish meal


Assessment of serum synuclein-γ and squamous cell carcinoma antigen as diagnostic biomarkers in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Clinical diagnosis and monitoring are crucial to reduce the mortality from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). It has been demonstrated that synuclein-γ (SNCG) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCAg) are highly expressed in patients with OSCC and perhaps participate in OSCC progression. This study analyzed the levels of serum SNCG and SCCAg in OSCC, OPMD, and control patients, and evaluated the diagnostic and clinical value of single and combined detection of serum SNCG and SCCAg in OSCC and OPMDs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Serum samples were collected from 197 patients including 87 patients with OSCC, 30 patients with OPMDs, and 80 healthy volunteers as controls. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and statistical analysis were utilized to determine SNCG and SCCAg levels in serum.

RESULTS
The levels of SNCG and SCCAg in serum were significantly higher in OSCC compared with OPMDs and controls. There was a correlation between SNCG level and ethnicity, and SCCAg was correlated with differentiation. Furthermore, the area under the curves, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of combined detection of SNCG and SCCAg were better than any single detection.

CONCLUSION
The combined detection of SNCG and SCCAg in serum could become a new standard method to distinguish between OSCC and OPMDs and improve diagnostic performance for OSCC.

D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

serum
squamous cell carcinoma antigen
Biomarker
oral squamous cell carcinoma
oral potentially malignant disorders
gamma-synuclein


Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the communication assessment tool in an outpatient surgical clinic.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt, for use in the Italian context, the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) developed by Makoul and colleagues.

METHODS
The study was performed in the out-patient clinic of the Surgical Department of Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy. It involved a systematic, standardized, multi-step process adhering to internationally accepted and recommended guidelines. Corrections and adjustments to the translation addressed both linguistic factors and cultural components.

RESULTS
The CAT was translated into Italian by two independent Italian mother-tongue translators. The consensus version was then back-translated by an English mother-tongue translator. This translation process was followed by a consensus meeting between the authors of translation and investigators, and then by two comprehension tests on a total of 65 patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Results of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation were satisfactory and indicate that the Italian translation of the CAT can be used with confidence in the Italian context.

Scala|Daniela|D|
Menditto|Enrica|E|
Armellino|Mariano Fortunato|MF|
Manguso|Francesco|F|
Monetti|Valeria Marina|VM|
Orlando|Valentina|V|
Antonino|Antonio|A|
Makoul|Gregory|G|
De Palma|Maurizio|M|

Translation
Adaptation
Communication
Patient-physician relationship


Morphological and molecular barcode analysis of the medicinal tree Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq. collected in Ecuador.

Abstract:
Background
Mimusops coriacea (A.DC.) Miq., (Sapotaceae), originated from Africa, were introduced to coastal areas in Ecuador where it is not extensively used as a traditional medicine to treat various human diseases. Different therapeutically uses of the species include: analgesic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, inflammation and pain relieve associated with bone and articulation-related diseases. Furthermore, Mimusops coriacea could be used as anti-oxidant agent. However, botanical, chemical or molecular barcode information related to this much used species is not available from Ecuador. In this study, morphological characterization was performed from leaves, stem and seeds. Furthermore, genetic characterization was performed using molecular barcodes for rbcL, matk, ITS1 and ITS2 using DNA extracted from leaves.

Methods
Macro-morphological description was performed on fresh leaves, stem and seeds. For anatomical evaluation, tissues were embedded in paraffin and transversal dissections were done following incubation with sodium hypochlorite and safranin for coloration and fixated later in glycerinated gelatin. DNA extraction was performed using a modified CTAB protocol from leaf tissues, while amplification by PCR was accomplished for the molecular barcodes rbcL, matK, ITS1 and ITS2. Sequence analysis was performed using blast in the GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed with accessions queried in the GenBank belonging to the subfamily Sapotoideae.

Results
Leaf size was 13.56 ± 1.46 × 7.49 ± 0.65 cm; where is a macro-morphological description of the stem (see Methods). The peel of the seeds is dark brown. Sequence analysis revealed that amplicons were generated using the four barcodes selected. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the barcodes rbcL and matK, were not discriminated between species within the same genus of the subfamily Sapotoideae. On the other hand, the ITS1 and ITS2 were discriminative at the level of genus and species of the Sapotoideae.

Bustamante|Katherine|K| Santos-Ordóñez|Efrén|E| Miranda|Migdalia|M| Pacheco|Ricardo|R|0000-0002-7260-0641 Gutiérrez|Yamilet|Y| Scull|Ramón|R|


Preparation of Cu@Cu₂O Nanocatalysts by Reduction of HKUST-1 for Oxidation Reaction of Catechol.

Abstract: HKUST-1, a copper-based metal organic framework (MOF), has been investigated as a catalyst in various reactions. However, the HKUST-1 shows low catalytic activity in the oxidation of catechol. Therefore, we synthesized Fe₃O₄@HKUST-1 by layer-by layer assembly strategy and Cu@Cu₂O by reduction of HKUST-1 for enhancement of catalytic activity. Cu@Cu₂O nanoparticles exhibited highly effective catalytic activity in oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol. Through this method, MOF can maintain the original core-shell structure and be used in various other reactions with enhanced catalytic activity.

Jang|Seongwan|S|
Yoon|Chohye|C|
Lee|Jae Myung|JM|
Park|Sungkyun|S|
Park|Kang Hyun|KH|

HKUST-1 oxidation catechol nanoparticles


Atorvastatin Modulates Regulatory T Cells and Attenuates Cerebral Damage in a Model of Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Rats.

Abstract: Regulatory T cells (Tregs) inhibit the activation of the immune response which could down-regulate the systemic and focal activation observed during ischemic stroke. In fact, in animal models, Tregs infiltrate the infarcted brain and reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokine production and infarct volume, mainly in late stages of ischemia. Recently, an expansion and greater suppressive capacity of circulating Tregs after treatment with statins was observed, in addition to their cardio- and neuroprotective actions demonstrated previously. Thus, to determine whether Treg modulation mediated by statins can also be beneficial during stroke, cerebral ischemia was artificially induced in Wistar rats by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) during 60 minutes with subsequent reperfusion for 7 days. Six hours after surgery, some animals were treated with atorvastatin (ATV, 10 mg/kg) or carboxymethylcellulose as vehicle at the same concentration every other day during 7 days. Some animals were sham operated as control group of surgery. Interestingly, ATV treatment prevented the development of infarct volume, reduced the neurological deficits, and the circulating and cervical lymph node CD25+FoxP3+ Treg population. Moreover, there was a reduction of glial cell activation, which correlated with decreased circulating Tregs. Remarkably, treatment with ATV induced an increase in the frequency of CD4+CD25+ T cells, in particular of those expressing CTLA-4, in brain samples. Together, these results suggest that ATV can modulate Tregs in peripheral tissue and favor their accumulation in the brain, where they can exert neuroprotective actions maybe by the reduction of glial cell activation.

Rodríguez-Perea|Ana Lucía|AL|
Gutierrez-Vargas|Johanna|J|
Cardona-Gómez|Gloria Patricia|GP|
Guarin|Carlos Julio Montoya|CJ|
Rojas|Mauricio|M|
Hernández|Paula Andrea Velilla|PA|

D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO)


Assessment of the repeatability and border-plate effects of the B158/B60 enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay for the detection of circulating antigens (Ag-ELISA) of Taenia saginata.

Abstract: The monoclonal antibody-based circulating antigen detecting ELISA (B158/B60 Ag-ELISA) has been used elaborately in several studies for the diagnosis of human, bovine and porcine cysticercosis. Interpretation of test results requires a good knowledge of the test characteristics, including the repeatability and the effect of the borders of the ELISA plates. Repeatability was tested for 4 antigen-negative and 5 antigen-positive reference bovine serum samples by calculating the Percentage Coefficient of Variation (%CV) within and between plates, within and between runs, overall, for two batches of monoclonal antibodies and by 2 laboratory technicians. All CV values obtained were below 20% (except one: 24.45%), which indicates a good repeatability and a negligible technician error. The value of 24.45% for indicating the variability between batches of monoclonal antibodies for one positive sample is still acceptable for repeatability measures. Border effects were determined by calculating the %CV values between the inner and outer wells of one plate for 2 positive serum samples. Variability is a little more present in the outer wells but this effect is very small and no significant border effect was found.

Jansen|Famke|F|
Dorny|Pierre|P|
Berkvens|Dirk|D|
Van Hul|Anke|A|
Van den Broeck|Nick|N|
Makay|Caroline|C|
Praet|Nicolas|N|
Gabriël|Sarah|S|

Repeatability
Border-plate effect
Ag-ELISA
Taenia saginata


A Contemporary Clinicopathologic Analysis of Primary Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urethra Without Concurrent Renal Pelvic, Ureteral, or Bladder Carcinoma.

Abstract: Primary urothelial carcinoma (UCa) of the urethra is relatively uncommon, and the underlying pathogenesis has not been well characterized, especially in the absence of concurrent UCa at other sites. A search for cases of primary UCa of the urethra was conducted. Patients with concurrent UCa of the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor were excluded. Clinicopathologic and follow-up data were obtained. A total of 35 cases from 30 patients (27 male and 3 female) were included in the study. The mean patient age at the initial diagnosis was 71 years (range: 41-90 years). Cases were composed of high-grade UCa (26 of 35 = 74%), low-grade UCa (4 of 35 = 11%), and UCa in situ (5 of 35 = 14%). Invasion was present in 14 of 26 (54%) cases of high-grade UCa. Interestingly, 23 of 30 (77%) patients had a previous history of UCa including 7 (30%) cases with divergent differentiation or variant histology. Follow-up data were available in 23 patients with a mean duration of 26.7 months (range: 0.6-87 months). Eleven patients (31%) died of metastatic UCa. This is one of the largest studies to date of primary UCa of the urethra without concurrent UCa of the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. Previous history of UCa of the bladder, especially with divergent differentiation or variant histology is conceivably a key risk factor for developing subsequent primary UCa of the urethra. These findings are important for the development of surveillance protocols and therapeutic strategies.

primary
urothelial carcinoma
urethra
divergent differentiation
variant histology
surveillance


Design and synthesis of novel PEG-conjugated 20(S)-camptothecin sulfonylamidine derivatives with potent in vitro antitumor activity via Cu-catalyzed three-component reaction.

Abstract: In our continuing search for camptothecin (CPT)-derived antitumor drugs, novel structurally diverse PEG-based 20(S)-CPT sulfonylamidine derivatives were designed, synthesized via a Cu-multicomponent reaction (MCR), and evaluated for cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines (A-549, MDA-MB-231, KB, and KBvin). All of the derivatives showed promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against the tested tumor cell lines, and were more potent than irinotecan. Significantly, these derivatives exhibited comparable cytotoxicity against KBvin, while irinotecan was less active against this cell line. With a concise efficient synthesis and potent cytotoxic profiles, especially significant activity towards KBvin, these compounds merit further development as a new generation of CPT-derived PEG-conjugated drug candidates.

Song|Zi-Long|ZL|
Chen|Hai-Le|HL|
Wang|Yu-Han|YH|
Goto|Masuo|M|
Gao|Wen-Jing|WJ|
Cheng|Pi-Le|PL|
Morris-Natschke|Susan L|SL|
Liu|Ying-Qian|YQ|
Zhu|Gao-Xiang|GX|
Wang|Mei-Juan|MJ|
Lee|Kuo-Hsiung|KH|

D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor

Sulfonylamidine
Camptothecin
Cytotoxic activity
C-20 position
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)