Influenza vaccine and risk of acute myocardial infarction in a population-based case-control study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between influenza vaccination and risk of a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the general population by different epidemic periods.

METHODS
This is a population-based case-control study carried out in BIFAP (Base de datos para la investigación farmacoepidemiológica en atención primaria), over 2001-2015, in patients aged 40-99 years. Per each incident AMI case, five controls were randomly selected, individually matched for exact age, sex and index date (AMI diagnosis). A patient was considered vaccinated when he/she had a recorded influenza vaccination at least 14 days before the index date within the same season. The association between influenza vaccination and AMI risk was assessed through a conditional logistic regression, computing adjusted ORs (AOR) and their respective 95% CIs. The analysis was performed overall and by each of the three time epidemic periods per study year (pre-epidemic, epidemic and postepidemic).

RESULTS
We identified 24 155 AMI cases and 120 775 matched controls. Of them, 31.4% and 31.2%, respectively, were vaccinated, yielding an AOR of 0.85 (95% CI 0.82 to 0.88). No effect modification by sex, age and background cardiovascular risk was observed. The reduced risk of AMI was observed shortly after vaccination and persisted over time. Similar results were obtained during the pre-epidemic (AOR=0.87; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.95), epidemic (AOR=0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.96) and postepidemic (AOR=0.83; 95% CI 0.79 to 0.87) periods. No association was found with pneumococcal vaccine (AOR=1.10; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.15).

CONCLUSIONS
Results are compatible with a moderate protective effect of influenza vaccine on AMI in the general population, mostly in primary prevention, although bias due to unmeasured confounders may partly account for the results.


Does perceived organisational support influence career intentions? The qualitative stories shared by UK early career doctors.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The wish to quit or take time out of medical training appears to be related, at least in part, to a strong desire for supportive working and learning environments. However, we do not have a good understanding of what a supportive culture means to early career doctors, and how perceptions of support may influence career decision making. Our aim was to explore this in UK Foundation doctors.

METHODS
This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews incorporating a narrative inquiry approach for data collection. Interview questions were informed by the literature as well as data from two focus groups. Interviews were carried out in two UK locations. Initial data coding and analysis were inductive, using thematic analysis. We then used the lens of Perceived Organizational Support (POS) to group themes and aid conceptual generalisability.

RESULTS
Twenty-one interviews were carried out. Eleven interviewees had applied for specialty training, while ten had not. Support from senior staff and colleagues influenced participants' job satisfaction and engagement. Positive relationships with senior staff and colleagues seemed to act as a buffer, helping participants cope with challenging situations. Feeling valued (acknowledgement of efforts, and respect) was important. Conversely, perceiving a poor level of support from the organisation and its representatives (supervisors and colleagues) had a detrimental impact on participants' intentions to stay working within the National Health Service (NHS).

CONCLUSION
Overall, this is the first study to explore directly how experiences in early postgraduate training have a critical impact on the career intentions of trainee/resident doctors. We found perceived support in the early stages of postgraduate training was critical to whether doctors applied for higher training and/or intended to stay working in the NHS. These findings have transferable messages to other contexts struggling to recruit and retain junior doctors.


Measurements of semi-volatile organic compounds in settled dust: influence of storage temperature and duration.

Abstract: Indoor dust samples cannot always be analyzed immediately after collection. However, little information is currently available on how storage conditions may affect measurements. This study was designed to determine how sample storage conditions may affect the concentration of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the dust. A composite dust was prepared using a Standard Reference Material (SRM 2585) with real indoor dust samples. The composite dust was stored in various types of packaging, at different temperatures (-18°C, 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C), and in different light conditions. The concentration of SVOCs was measured after various storage durations. No effect on SVOC concentrations was observed for the composite dust stored in an amber glass vial at -18°C for 36 months. At 5°C, 20°C, and 35°C, losses occurred for the more volatile compounds. The experimental storage conditions clearly showed that temperature and duration affected the concentrations of SVOCs in the composite dust. The type of packaging material (polyethylene zip bag or polyethylene garbage bag) did not seem to have a systematic effect on the preservation of SVOCs in the composite dust. Maximum storage duration times are proposed for each compound at various temperatures. For most compounds, samples can be stored for 2 months at 20°C. For samples that cannot be analyzed immediately, we recommend to store them in the dark at -18°C to ensure a good recovery of all tested compounds.

Blanchard|O|O|
Mercier|F|F|
Ramalho|O|O|
Mandin|C|C|
Le Bot|B|B|
Glorennec|P|P|

Semi-volatile organic compounds
Exposure
House dust
Indoor pollution
Vacuum cleaner
Wipe


Improved strategies to counter the COVID-19 pandemic: Lockdowns vs. primary and community healthcare.

Abstract: COVID-19 pandemic mitigation strategies are mainly based on social distancing measures and healthcare system reinforcement. However, many countries in Europe and elsewhere implemented strict, horizontal lockdowns because of extensive viral spread in the community which challenges the capacity of the healthcare systems. However, strict lockdowns have various untintended adverse social, economic and health effects, which have yet to be fully elucidated, and have not been considered in models examining the effects of various mitigation measures. Unlike commonly suggested, the dilemma is not about health vs wealth because the economic devastation of long-lasting lockdowns will definitely have adverse health effects in the population. Furthermore, they cannot provide a lasting solution in pandemic containment, potentially resulting in a vicious cycle of consecutive lockdowns with in-between breaks. Hospital preparedness has been the main strategy used by governments. However, a major characteristic of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rapid viral transmission in populations with no immunity. Thus, even the best hospital system could not cope with the demand. Primary, community and home care are the only viable strategies that could achieve the goal of pandemic mitigation. We present the case example of Greece, a country which followed a strategy focused on hospital preparedness but failed to reinforce primary and community care. This, along with strategic mistakes in epidemiological surveillance, resulted in Greece implementing a second strict, horizontal lockdown and having one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in Europe during the second wave. We provide recommendations for measures that will reinstate primary and community care at the forefront in managing the current public health crisis by protecting hospitals from unnecessary admissions, providing primary and secondary prevention services in relation to COVID-19 and maintaining population health through treatment of non-COVID-19 conditions. This, together with more selective social distancing measures (instead of horizontal lockdowns), represents the only viable and realistic long-term strategy for COVID-19 pandemic mitigation.

Farsalinos|Konstantinos|K|
Poulas|Konstantinos|K|
Kouretas|Dimitrios|D|
Vantarakis|Apostolos|A|
Leotsinidis|Michalis|M|
Kouvelas|Dimitrios|D|
Docea|Anca Oana|AO|
Kostoff|Ronald|R|
Gerotziafas|Grigorios T|GT|
Antoniou|Michael N|MN|
Polosa|Riccardo|R|
Barbouni|Anastastia|A|
Yiakoumaki|Vassiliki|V|
Giannouchos|Theodoros V|TV|
Bagos|Pantelis G|PG|
Lazopoulos|George|G|
Izotov|Boris N|BN|
Tutelyan|Victor A|VA|
Aschner|Michael|M|
Hartung|Thomas|T|
Wallace|Heather M|HM|
Carvalho|Félix|F|
Domingo|Jose L|JL|
Tsatsakis|Aristides|A|

COVID-19 pandemic
Horizontal lockdowns
Hospital preparedness
Primary care


The role of lymphadenectomy in uterine sarcoma: a clinical practical approach based on retrospective analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Uterine sarcomas are rare, highly aggressive tumors with an unfavorable prognosis. Only limited data on treatment and outcome are available and the role of lymphadenectomy is controversial for this particular tumor type.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
By performing a retrospective analysis, through clinical practice, we analyzed the impact of lymphadenectomy on patient outcome.

RESULTS
Out of 52 patients, 48 women underwent surgical treatment. Among those, lymphadenectomy was performed in 58%. 10% underwent pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and 48% underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy alone.

CONCLUSION
In our cohort, surgeons tended to perform paraaortic-plus-pelvic or pelvic-alone lymphadenectomy irrespective of the presence or absence of enlarged lymph nodes. Patients who underwent lymphadenectomy showed a better survival. This observation might indicate a potential role for systematic lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of uterine sarcoma. We review on clinical operative decisions, critically with regard to current evidence.

Hoellen|Friederike|F| Waldmann|Anika|A| Benthin|Stephanie|S| Hanker|Lars|L| Rody|Achim|A| Fischer|Dorothea|D|

lymphadenectomy
Sarcoma
carcinosarcoma
leiomyosarcoma
uterine cancer


Factors associated with quality of life of dementia caregivers: Direct and indirect effects.

Abstract:
AIMS
To examine the direct and indirect relationships between the characteristics of people with dementia and caregivers associated with caregivers' quality of life.

BACKGROUND
Complex relationships exist among the factors associated with caregivers' quality of life.

DESIGN
This study was a retrospective cross-sectional design.

METHODS
The data were retrospectively extracted from participants who had visited the Center for Diagnosis of Dementia at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine from April 2013-March 2016. The data search was conducted on 21 April 2017. In total, 110 people with dementia and their caregivers participated. The characteristics of people with dementia were evaluated in terms of cognitive function, basic and instrumental activities of daily living and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We also evaluated caregivers' quality of life, depressive symptoms and care burden. Path analysis was used to investigate direct and indirect relationships.

RESULTS
The path analysis revealed that care burden and depressive symptoms directly affected caregivers' quality of life. Furthermore, declines in instrumental activities of daily living among people with dementia indirectly affected caregivers' quality of life, while declines in cognitive function of people with dementia also indirectly affected caregivers' care burden and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION
Caregiver quality of life was directly and indirectly affected by the characteristics of caregivers and people with dementia. The present findings provided evidence that factors related to both people with dementia and caregivers should be considered when nursing interventions are conducted.

behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia


Regular drinking may strengthen the beneficial influence of social support on depression: findings from a representative Israeli sample during a period of war and terrorism.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Social support is consistently associated with reduced risk of depression. Few studies have investigated how this relationship may be modified by alcohol use, the effects of which may be particularly relevant in traumatized populations in which rates of alcohol use are known to be high.

METHODS
In 2008 a representative sample of 1622 Jewish and Palestinian citizens in Israel were interviewed by phone at two time points during a period of ongoing terrorism and war threat. Two multivariable mixed effects regression models were estimated to measure the longitudinal association of social support from family and friends on depression symptoms. Three-way interaction terms between social support, alcohol use and time were entered into the models to test for effect modification.

RESULTS
Findings indicated that increased family social support was associated with less depression symptomatology (p=<.01); this relationship was modified by alcohol use and time (p=<.01). Social support from friends was also associated with fewer depression symptoms (p=<.01) and this relationship was modified by alcohol use and time as well (p=<.01). Stratified analyses in both models revealed that the effect of social support was stronger for those who drank alcohol regularly than those who did not drink or drank rarely.

CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that social support is a more important protective factor for depression among regular drinkers than among those who do not drink or drink rarely in the context of political violence. Additional research is warranted to determine whether these findings are stable in other populations and settings.

Kane|Jeremy C|JC|
Rapaport|Carmit|C|
Zalta|Alyson K|AK|
Canetti|Daphna|D|
Hobfoll|Stevan E|SE|
Hall|Brian J|BJ|

Social support
Depression
Alcohol use
Political violence
PTSD
Prolonged conflict


Safety assessment of the process ISAP Packaging, based on Starlinger deCON technology, used to recycle post-consumer PET into food contact materials.

Abstract: The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP) assessed the safety of the recycling process ISAP Packaging (EU register number RECYC218), which uses the Starlinger deCON technology. The input material is hot washed and dried poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) flakes originating from collected post-consumer PET containers, e.g. bottles, including no more than 5% PET from non-food consumer applications. The flakes are preheated before being submitted to solid-state polycondensation (SSP) in a reactor at high temperature under vacuum and ■■■■■ The process may be operated with more than one SSP reactor (normally four). Having examined the challenge test provided, the Panel concluded that the preheating (step 2) and the decontamination in the ■■■■■ SSP reactor (step 3) are critical in determining the decontamination efficiency of the process. The operating parameters to control the performance of these critical steps are temperature, pressure, residence time and ■■■■■ It was demonstrated that this recycling process is able to ensure a level of migration of potential unknown contaminants into food below the conservatively modelled migration of 0.1 μg/kg food. Therefore, the Panel concluded that the recycled PET obtained from this process is not considered to be of safety concern, when used at up to 100% for the manufacture of materials and articles for contact with all types of foodstuffs for long-term storage at room temperature, with or without hotfill. The final articles made of this recycled PET are not intended to be used in microwave or conventional ovens and such uses are not covered by this evaluation.

|||
Lambré|Claude|C|
Barat Baviera|José Manuel|JM|
Bolognesi|Claudia|C|
Chesson|Andrew|A|
Cocconcelli|Pier Sandro|PS|
Crebelli|Riccardo|R|
Gott|David Michael|DM|
Grob|Konrad|K|
Mengelers|Marcel|M|
Mortensen|Alicja|A|
Rivière|Gilles|G|
Steffensen|Inger-Lise|IL|
Tlustos|Christina|C|
Van Loveren|Henk|H|
Vernis|Laurence|L|
Zorn|Holger|H|
Dudler|Vincent|V|
Milana|Maria Rosaria|MR|
Papaspyrides|Constantine|C|
Tavares Poças|Maria de Fátima|MF|
Lioupis|Alexandros|A|
Lampi|Evgenia|E|

safety assessment
Starlinger deCON
food contact materials
recycling process
poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
ISAP Packaging S.p.A.
plastic


Wnt3α and transforming growth factor-β induce myofibroblast differentiation from periodontal ligament cells via different pathways.

Abstract: Myofibroblasts are specialized cells that play a key role in connective tissue remodeling and reconstruction. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and tenascin-C are myofibroblast phenotype, while α-SMA is the phenotypic marker. The observation that human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) differentiate into myofibroblasts under orthodontic force has provided a new perspective for understanding of the biological and biomechanical mechanisms involved in orthodontic tooth movement. However, the cell-specific molecular mechanisms leading to myofibroblast differentiation in the periodontal ligament (PDL) remain unclear. In this study, we found that expression of Wnt3α, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-SMA and tenascin-C increased in both tension and compression regions of the PDL under orthodontic load compared with unloaded control, suggesting that upregulated Wnt3α and TGF-β1 signaling might have roles in myofibroblast differentiation in response to orthodontic force. We reveal in vitro that both Wnt3α and TGF-β1 promote myofibroblast differentiation from hPDLCs. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) impairs Wnt3α-induced myofibroblast differentiation in a β-catenin-dependent manner. TGF-β1 stimulates myofibroblast differentiation via a JNK-dependent mechanism. DKK1 has no significant effect on TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic phenotype.

Xu|Hui|H|
He|Yao|Y|
Feng|Jian Q|JQ|
Shu|Rui|R|
Liu|Zhe|Z|
Li|Jingyu|J|
Wang|Yating|Y|
Xu|Yang|Y|
Zeng|Huan|H|
Xu|Xin|X|
Xiang|Zichao|Z|
Xue|Chaoran|C|
Bai|Ding|D|
Han|Xianglong|X|

D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins


Validation of SAPS3 admission score and its customization for use in Korean intensive care unit patients: a prospective multicentre study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
To externally validate the simplified acute physiology score 3 (SAPS3) and to customize it for use in Korean intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS
This is a prospective multicentre cohort study involving 22 ICUs from 15 centres throughout Korea. The study population comprised patients who were consecutively admitted to participating ICUs from 1 July 2010 to 31 January 2011.

RESULTS
A total of 4617 patients were enrolled. ICU mortality was 14.3%, and hospital mortality was 20.6%. The patients were randomly assigned into one of two cohorts: a development (n = 2309) or validation (n = 2308) cohort. In the development cohort, the general SAPS3 had good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.829), but poor calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test H = 123.06, P < 0.001, C = 118.45, P < 0.001). The Australasia SAPS3 did not improve calibration (H = 73.53, P < 0.001, C = 70.52, P < 0.001). Customization was achieved by altering the logit of the original SAPS3 equation. The new equation for Korean ICU patients was validated in the validation cohort, and demonstrated both good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve = 0.835) and good calibration (H = 4.61, P = 0.799, C = 5.67, P = 0.684).

CONCLUSIONS
General and regional Australasia SAPS3 admission scores showed poor calibration for use in Korean ICU patients, but the prognostic power of the SAPS3 was significantly improved by customization. Prediction models should be customized before being used to predict mortality in different regions of the world.

Lim|So Yeon|SY|
Koh|Shin Ok|SO|
Jeon|Kyeongman|K|
Na|Sungwon|S|
Lim|Chae-Man|CM|
Choi|Won-Il|WI|
Lee|Young-Joo|YJ|
Kim|Seok Chan|SC|
Chon|Gyu Rak|GR|
Kim|Je Hyeong|JH|
Kim|Jae Yeol|JY|
Lim|Jaemin|J|
Rhee|Chin Kook|CK|
Park|Sunghoon|S|
Kim|Ho Cheol|HC|
Lee|Jin Hwa|JH|
Lee|Ji Hyun|JH|
Park|Jisook|J|
Koh|Younsuck|Y|
Suh|Gee Young|GY|
|||
|||

intensive care unit
discrimination
calibration
severity of illness


Invasive and in situ lesions of squamous cell carcinoma are independent factors for postoperative surgical-site infection after outpatient skin tumors surgery: A retrospective study of 512 patients.

Abstract: Surgical-site infection (SSI) is one of the major postoperative complications in surgery, which can cause significant morbidity. However, factors associated with SSI in dermatological surgery are not well understood. Here, we retrospectively investigated 512 patients who underwent outpatient surgery for skin tumors at the University of Tsukuba Hospital to analyze factors associated with postoperative SSI. The overall incidence of SSI was 28 (5.5%). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SSI was significantly associated with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC), Bowen's disease (BD), actinic keratosis (AK), longer diameter of defects, presence of ulcer, reconstruction with full-thickness skin graft and local skin flaps, medical history of diabetes mellitus, and use of immunosuppressive agents. However, in the multivariate analysis only iSCC, BD, and AK retained significance. The frequencies of SSI in iSCC, BD, and AK were 22% (13/58 patients), 15.6% (5/32), and 25% (2/8), respectively; however, the frequency of other non-SCC tumors was only 1.9% (8/414). χ2 -Tests revealed that the frequency of SSI in iSCC, BD, and AK were all significantly higher than in non-SCC tumors, with the frequencies being more than eight times higher. These results suggest that invasive and in situ lesions of SCC are independent risk factors of SSI development after outpatient skin surgery.

D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures
D001913:Bowen's Disease
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
D006801:Humans
D055623:Keratosis, Actinic
D010045:Outpatients
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D012878:Skin Neoplasms

squamous cell carcinoma
infection
surgery
actinic keratosis
Bowen’s disease


Creating pedestrian crash scenarios in a driving simulator environment.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
In 2012 in the United States, pedestrian injuries accounted for 3.3% of all traffic injuries but, disproportionately, pedestrian fatalities accounted for roughly 14% of traffic-related deaths (NHTSA 2014 ). In many other countries, pedestrians make up more than 50% of those injured and killed in crashes. This research project examined driver response to crash-imminent situations involving pedestrians in a high-fidelity, full-motion driving simulator. This article presents a scenario development method and discusses experimental design and control issues in conducting pedestrian crash research in a simulation environment. Driving simulators offer a safe environment in which to test driver response and offer the advantage of having virtual pedestrian models that move realistically, unlike test track studies, which by nature must use pedestrian dummies on some moving track.

METHODS
An analysis of pedestrian crash trajectories, speeds, roadside features, and pedestrian behavior was used to create 18 unique crash scenarios representative of the most frequent and most costly crash types. For the study reported here, we only considered scenarios where the car is traveling straight because these represent the majority of fatalities. We manipulated driver expectation of a pedestrian both by presenting intersection and mid-block crossing as well as by using features in the scene to direct the driver's visual attention toward or away from the crossing pedestrian. Three visual environments for the scenarios were used to provide a variety of roadside environments and speed: a 20-30 mph residential area, a 55 mph rural undivided highway, and a 40 mph urban area.

RESULTS
Many variables of crash situations were considered in selecting and developing the scenarios, including vehicle and pedestrian movements; roadway and roadside features; environmental conditions; and characteristics of the pedestrian, driver, and vehicle. The driving simulator scenarios were subjected to iterative testing to adjust time to arrival triggers for the pedestrian actions. This article discusses the rationale behind creating the simulator scenarios and some of the procedural considerations for conducting this type of research.

CONCLUSIONS
Crash analyses can be used to construct test scenarios for driver behavior evaluations using driving simulators. By considering trajectories, roadway, and environmental conditions of real-world crashes, representative virtual scenarios can serve as safe test beds for advanced driver assistance systems. The results of such research can be used to inform pedestrian crash avoidance/mitigation systems by identifying driver error, driver response time, and driver response choice (i.e., steering vs. braking).

Chrysler|Susan T|ST|
Ahmad|Omar|O|
Schwarz|Chris W|CW|

pedestrian crash avoidance and mitigation systems


Dose-response effects of supplementation with calcifediol on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and its metabolites: A randomized controlled trial in older adults.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Oral supplementation with vitamin D is recommended for older adults to maintain a sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status throughout the year. While supplementation with vitamin D2 or D3 is most common, alternative treatment regimens exist which require further investigation with respect to increasing 25(OH)D concentration. We investigated the dose-response effects of supplementation with calcifediol compared to vitamin D3 and assessed the dose which results in mean serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations between 75 and 100 nmol/L.

METHODS
This randomized, double-blind intervention study included men and women aged ≥65 years (n = 59). Participants received either 5, 10 or 15 μg calcifediol or 20 μg vitamin D3 per day, for a period of 24 weeks. Blood samples were collected every four weeks to assess response profiles of vitamin D related metabolites; serum vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3). Further, serum calcium, plasma parathyroid hormone, and urinary calcium were evaluated.

RESULTS
Supplementation with 20 μg vitamin D3 increased 25(OH)D3 concentrations towards 70 nmol/L within 16 weeks. Supplementation with 10 or 15 μg calcifediol increased 25(OH)D3 levels >75 nmol/L in 8 and 4 weeks, respectively. Steady state was achieved from week 12 onwards with serum 25(OH)D3 levels stabilizing between 84 and 89 nmol/L in the 10 μg calcifediol group. A significant association was observed between the changes in 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 (R2 = 0.83, P < 0.01), but not between 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 (R2 = 0.04, P = 0.18). No cases of hypercalcemia occurred in any treatment during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS
Calcifediol supplementation rapidly and safely elevates serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations to improve vitamin D status in older adults. A daily dose of 10 μg calcifediol allows serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations to be maintained between 75 and 100 nmol/L.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT01868945.

Vaes|Anouk M M|AMM|
Tieland|Michael|M|
de Regt|Margot F|MF|
Wittwer|Jonas|J|
van Loon|Luc J C|LJC|
de Groot|Lisette C P G M|LCPGM|

Supplementation
Calcifediol
25-Hydroxyvitamin D
Vitamin D
Dose–response
PTH


Bud-bank and tiller dynamics of co-occurring C3 caespitose grasses in mixed-grass prairie.

Abstract:
PREMISE OF THE STUDY
Tiller recruitment from the belowground bud bank of caespitose grasses influences their ability to monopolize local resources and, hence, their genet fitness. Differences in bud production and outgrowth among tiller types within a genet and among species may explain co-occurrence of caespitose grasses. This study aimed to characterize genet bud-bank and tiller production and dynamics in two co-occurring species and compare their vegetative reproductive strategies.

METHODS
Bud-bank and tiller dynamics of Hesperostipa comata and Nassella viridula, dominant C3 caespitose grasses in the northern mixed-grass prairie of North America, were assessed throughout an annual cycle.

KEY RESULTS
The two species showed similar strategies, maintaining polycyclic tillers and thus creating mixed-age genet bud banks comprising multiple bud cohorts produced in different years. Vegetative tillers produced the majority of buds, whereas flowering tillers contributed little to the bud bank. Buds lived for at least 2 yr and were maintained in multiple developmental stages throughout the year. Because bud longevity rarely exceeded tiller longevity, tiller longevity drove turnover within the bud bank. Tiller population dynamics, more than bud production per tiller, determined the differential contribution of tiller types to the bud bank. Nassella viridula had higher bud production per tiller, a consistent annual tiller recruitment density, and greater longevity of buds on senesced and flowering tillers than H. comata.

CONCLUSIONS
Co-occurring C3 caespitose grasses had similar bud-bank and tiller dynamics contributing to genet persistence but differed in bud characteristics that could affect genet longevity and species coexistence.

Ott|Jacqueline P|JP|
Hartnett|David C|DC|

tiller dynamics
caespitose
grasses
mixed-grass prairie
bud bank
vegetative reproduction
Hesperostipa comata
Nassella viridula
polycyclicity
genet longevity


Directly Mailing gFOBT Kits to Previous Responders Being Recalled for Colorectal Cancer Screening Increases Participation.

Abstract:
Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening with guaiac fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) reduces CRC-related death. Average risk individuals should be recalled for screening with gFOBT every 2 years in order to maximize effectiveness. However, adherence with repeated testing is often suboptimal. Our aim was to evaluate whether adding a gFOBT kit to a mailed recall letter improves participation compared with a mailed recall letter alone, among previous responders to a mailed invitation.

Methods
We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial, with the primary care provider as the unit of randomization. Eligible patients had completed a gFOBT and tested negative in an earlier pilot study and were now due for recall. The intervention group received a mailed CRC screening recall letter from their primary care provider plus a gFOBT kit (n = 431) while the control group received a mailed CRC screening mailed recall letter alone (n = 452). The primary outcome was the uptake of gFOBT or colonoscopy within 6 months.

Results
gFOBT uptake was higher in the intervention group (61.3%, n = 264) compared with the control group (50.4%, n = 228) with an absolute difference between the two groups of 10.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 20.2%, P = <0.01). Patients in the intervention group were more likely to complete the gFOBT compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.9).

Conclusion
Our findings show that adding gFOBT kits to the mailed recall letter increased participation among persons recalled for screening. Nine gFOBT kits would have to be sent by mail in order to screen one additional person.

Tinmouth|Jill|J|0000-0002-0264-2176
Patel|Jigisha|J|
Austin|Peter C|PC|
Baxter|Nancy N|NN|
Brouwers|Melissa C|MC|
Earle|Craig C|CC|
Levitt|Cheryl|C|
Lu|Yan|Y|
MacKinnon|Marnie|M|
Paszat|Lawrence|L|
Rabeneck|Linda|L|

Colorectal cancer
Screening
Fecal occult blood test
Randomized controlled trial


Acquired hemophilia A and delta storage pool deficiency in a patient with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract: B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases may be associated with acquired hemostasis disorders, such as acquired hemophilia A (AHA) caused by autoantibodies that neutralize factor VIII activity, and δ-storage pool deficiency, an abnormality of platelet function due to defective dense granules and impaired secretion. We describe the case of a 67-year-old man in whom these two acquired bleeding disorders were concomitantly present as the first clinical manifestation of an indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone was initially started to eradicate anti-FVIII antibodies, subsequently boosted with cyclophosphamide and rituximab, these medications being also chosen to treat the associated indolent lymphoma. Bleeding symptoms were first tackled with limited benefit by using rFVIIa and then rescued using recombinant porcine FVIII. After a 6 month's follow-up lymphoma and AHA were in remission and platelet function was improved. This case underlines the need of multiple and complex diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to rare acquired bleeding disorders associated with lymphoproliferative diseases.

Acquired hemophilia A
lymphoma
bleeding
hemostatic disorders
platelet dysfunction


Biodegradation study of PDLA/cellulose microfibres biocomposites by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: Aerobic biodegradation of biocomposites has been studied in both solid and liquid media. The research was concentrated on the biodegradation under aerobic and mesophilic conditions using poly-d-lactic acid (PDLA) and PDLA/cellulose microfibres (CMFs) samples as the sole carbon source. To determine the efficiency of the biodegradation, quantitative (mass variations, optical density (OD)) and qualitative (FTIR, NMR and SEM) analyses have been used to follow the polymer changes after degradation. The weight loss and OD of the biocomposites samples PDLA/CMFs were slower than that of pristine PDLA. The PDLA displayed the most important loss of weight (7.09%, 8.95%) compared to its initial weight and the lowest weight loss was detected in PDLA/CMF300 (1.04%, 2.19%) in solid and liquid mediums respectively. Also, the OD value of PDLA was increased from the seven days (0.381) to the last day (0.969). It appears that the major rate-determining factor affecting material degradation was its crystallinity without or with minimal assistance from abiotic factor because crystalline phases inhibit the diffusion of small water molecules. Otherwise, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from Mediterranean soil has been found to be a novel candidate to biodegrade PDLA under mesophilic conditions.

Mbarki|Khadija|K| Fersi|Mariem|M| Louati|Ibtihel|I| Elleuch|Boubaker|B| Sayari|Adel|A|

PDLA
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
mesophilic conditions
OD
SEM


Production, Characterization, and Stability of Orange or Eucalyptus Essential Oil/β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to produce and characterize inclusion complexes (IC) between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and orange essential oil (OEO) or eucalyptus essential oil (EEO), and to compare these with their pure compounds and physical mixtures. The samples were evaluated by chemical composition, morphology, thermal stability, and volatile compounds by static headspace-gas chromatography (SH-GC). Comparing the free essential oil and physical mixture with the inclusion complex, of both essential oils (OEO and EEO), it was observed differences occurred in the chemical composition, thermal stability, and morphology. These differences show that there was the formation of the inclusion complex and demonstrate the necessity of the precipitation method used to guarantee the interaction between β-CD and essential oils. The slow loss of the volatile compounds from both essential oils, when complexed with β-CD, showed a higher stability when compared with their physical mixtures and free essential oils. Therefore, the results showed that the chemical composition, molecular size, and structure of the essential oils influence the characteristics of the inclusion complexes. The application of the β-CD in the formation of inclusion complexes with essential oils can expand the potential applications in foods.

D002849:Chromatography, Gas
D032084:Citrus sinensis
D004355:Drug Stability
D005052:Eucalyptus
D005421:Flavoring Agents
D005638:Fruit
D006358:Hot Temperature
D009822:Oils, Volatile
D010938:Plant Oils
D055549:Volatile Organic Compounds
D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins

essential oil
β-cyclodextrin
inclusion complex
volatile compounds


Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium parvum in dairy calves in Punjab (India).

Abstract: Cryptosporidium parvum is an important zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrate animals and man. The current study was contemplated for molecular detection of Cryptosporidium species prevalent in dairy calves in Punjab, India. A total of 302 faecal samples were screened by modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique for the detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. Molecular characterisation was done using PCR followed by sequence analysis of the representative isolates. An overall prevalence of 26.15 % was obtained with the highest prevalence obtained in 0-30 day old calves in both diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic animals. PCR analysis revealed the expected bands at 1,325 and 835 bp from all the isolates for primary and secondary/nested PCR respectively. Ten representative samples were sequenced in both directions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of C. parvum in all the samples. The high rate of calves infected with C. parvum can act as a great source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis which indicates a potential risk of zoonotic transmission from animal to human beings in Punjab (India).

Joute|J R|JR|
Gill|J P S|JP|
Singh|B B|BB|

Prevalence
Cryptosporidium parvum
Dairy calves
Punjab
India


Integrating transcriptome, proteome and QTL data to discover functionally important genes for duck eggshell and albumen formation.

Abstract: Duck egg quality improvement is an essential target for Asian poultry breeding. In total, 15 RNA-Seq libraries (magnum, isthmus, and uterus at two different physiological states) were sequenced from 48 weeks old Pekin ducks. De novo assembly and annotation methods were utilized to generate new reference transcripts. Our results revealed that 1264 and 2517 genes were differentially expressed in magnum and uterus in the presence versus absence of an egg, respectively. We identified 1089 genes that were differentially expressed in isthmus compared to uterus (in both presence and absence of a calcifying egg). We observed that 11 common DEGs were detected in the egg white proteomes of 6 different bird species including domestic Chicken, Duck, Goose, Turkey, Quail, and Pigeon. On the other hand, only one of the top five most highly expressed genes in duck isthmus was in this category for the chicken isthmus (SPINK7). Among the large number of DEGs during eggshell formation in ducks, only 41 genes showed a similar differential expression pattern in both duck and chicken. By combining chicken QTL database, chicken oviduct transcriptome and egg proteome data for five bird species, we have obtained high-quality gene lists for egg formation. This is the first study to elucidate the transcriptomic changes in different duck oviduct segments during egg formation, and to integrate QTL, proteome and transcriptome data to probe the functional genes associated with albumen secretion and eggshell mineralization.

Zhang|Fan|F| Yin|Zhong-Tao|ZT| Zhang|Jin-Feng|JF| Zhu|Feng|F| Hincke|Maxwell|M| Yang|Ning|N| Hou|Zhuo-Cheng|ZC|

QTL
Eggshell
Albumen
Differentially expressed gene


Effect of Bisphosphonates on Fracture Incidence in Young Adults With Low Bone Density.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of bisphosphonates on fracture incidence in young adults over a 5-year follow-up period.

METHODS
Based on the Kaiser Permanente electronic health record, this retrospective study investigated patients aged 19 to 40 years with abnormal bone density (either any Z-score of ≤-2 standard deviation [SD] or any T-score of ≤-2.5 SD). The incidence and time to fracture between the control (patients with <6 months of bisphosphonate exposure) and treatment (patients with ≥6 months of bisphosphonate use within 4 years of their first dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) groups were compared. Comparisons were analyzed with Χ2 test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables.

RESULTS
A total of 422 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fractures occurred in 18 patients (5.0%) of the control group (n = 358) and 5 patients (7.8%) of the treatment group (n = 64; P = .37). T-scores were significantly lower in the treatment group (-2.53 ± 0.58 SD) than those in the control group (-2.30 ± 0.80 SD; P = .002) but did not correlate with fracture risk. No significant differences were found in total fracture incidence (hazard ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-6.26). Similarly, no correlation was noted between the length of bisphosphonate therapy and fracture incidence (odds ratio = 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.966-1.026).

CONCLUSION
In summary, we did not find a clear correlation of fracture incidence with the use of bisphosphonates in young adults. Further research into the pathophysiology, specific etiologies, and treatment options in this population is needed.

Choudhary|Manita|M|
Maximous|Mina|M|
Yang|Su-Jau T|ST|
Chock|Brandon|B|

D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents

bisphosphonate
fracture incidence
young adults
osteoporosis
premenopausal


Efficient vaccine against pandemic influenza: combining DNA vaccination and targeted delivery to MHC class II molecules.

Abstract: There are two major limitations to vaccine preparedness in the event of devastating influenza pandemics: the time needed to generate a vaccine and rapid generation of sufficient amounts. DNA vaccination could represent a solution to these problems, but efficacy needs to be enhanced. In a separate line of research, it has been established that targeting of vaccine molecules to antigen-presenting cells enhances immune responses. We have combined the two principles by constructing DNA vaccines that encode bivalent fusion proteins; these target hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Such DNA vaccines rapidly induce hemagglutinin-specific antibodies and T cell responses in immunized mice. Responses are long-lasting and protect mice against challenge with influenza virus. In a pandemic situation, targeted DNA vaccines could be produced and tested within a month. The novel DNA vaccines could represent a solution to pandemic preparedness in the advent of novel influenza pandemics.

D019267:Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus

D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II

vaccine
influenza
DNA vaccine
antibodies
APC targeting
MHC II molecules


In vivo operating lengths of the gastrocnemius muscle during gait in children who idiopathically toe-walk.

Abstract:
NEW FINDINGS
What is the central question of this study? What are the in vivo operating lengths of the gastrocnemius muscle in children who idiopathically toe-walk? What is the main finding and its importance? Children who idiopathically toe-walk operate at more plantarflexed positions but at longer fascicle lengths than typically developing children during gait. However, these ranges utilised during gait correspond to where children who idiopathically toe-walk are optimally strong. This should be considered when prescribing clinical treatments to restore typical gait.

ABSTRACT
Children who idiopathically toe-walk (ITW) habitually operate at greater plantarflexion angles than typically developing (TD) children, which might result in shorter, sub-optimal gastrocnemius fascicle lengths. However, currently no experimental evidence exists to substantiate this notion. Five children who ITW and 14 TD children completed a gait analysis, whilst gastrocnemius fascicle behaviour was simultaneously quantified using ultrasound. The moment-angle (hip, knee and ankle) and moment-length (gastrocnemius) relationships were determined from isometric maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) on an isokinetic dynamometer combined with ultrasound. During gait, children who ITW operated at more plantarflexed angles (Δ = 20°; P = 0.013) and longer muscle fascicle lengths (Δ = 12 mm; P = 0.008) than TD children. During MVC, no differences in the peak moment of any joint were found. However, peak plantarflexor moment occurred at significantly more plantarflexed angles (-16 vs. 1°; P = 0.010) and at longer muscle fascicle lengths (44 vs. 37 mm; P = 0.001) in children who ITW than TD children. Observed alterations in the moment-angle and moment-length relationships of children who ITW coincided with the ranges used during gait. Therefore, the gastrocnemius muscle in children who ITW operates close to the peak of the force-length relationship, similarly to TD children. Thus, this study indicates that idiopathic toe-walking is truly an ankle joint pathology, and children who ITW present with substantial alterations in the gastrocnemius muscle functional properties, which appear well adapted to the characteristic demands of equinus gait. These findings should be considered when prescribing clinical treatments to restore typical gait.

muscle
idiopathic toe-walking
ultrasound
equinus


Land use and episodic rainfall as drivers of nitrogen exports in subtropical rivers: Insights from δ15N-NO3-, δ18O-NO3- and 222Rn.

Abstract: Ongoing land-use intensification in subtropical catchments is expected to release more inorganic nitrogen to downstream coastal waters similar to historical changes in temperate ecosystems. Here, we examined spatial and temporal drivers of stream nitrogen loads across a subtropical land-use gradient using the isotopic compositions of nitrate (NO3--N) and radon (222Rn), a natural groundwater tracer. We investigated eleven subtropical creeks/rivers over contrasting hydrological conditions in Australia. NOx-N (nitrite (NO2--N) + nitrate (NO3--N)) accounted for 13.1%, 34.0%, and 42.6% of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN-N) in forest, peri-urban and agricultural creeks, respectively. Following an 80 mm rain event, loads of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN-N) from agriculture catchments reached 368 mg N m-2 catchment area day-1. Forest and peri-urban catchments had aquatic TDN-N loads 17.8% and 31.1% of loads from agricultural catchments. Radon observations suggest that nitrogen and phosphorus loads were driven primarily by surface runoff rather than groundwater discharge. The δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3- values in the agriculture, forest and peri-urban catchments indicate fertilisers and soil nitrogen as the main sources of NO3--N. However, one of the catchments (Double Crossing Creek) received a mixture of recirculated greywater and chemical nitrogen fertilisers. Isotopic signatures imply significant NO3--N losses via denitrification during dry conditions. Groundwater discharge played a minor role because regional aquifers were not contaminated by nitrogen. Overall, intensive agricultural land use and episodic rainfall events were the major spatial and temporal drivers of nitrogen loads.

Wadnerkar|Praktan D|PD|
Andrews|Luke|L|
Wong|Wei Wen|WW|
Chen|Xiaogang|X|
Correa|Rogger E|RE|
White|Shane|S|
Cook|Perran L M|PLM|
Sanders|Christian J|CJ|
Santos|Isaac R|IR|

Land-use
Groundwater
Coastal nutrients
Eutrophication
Pollution


Intra-operatively measured spastic semimembranosus forces of children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract: The knee kept forcibly in a flexed position is typical in cerebral palsy. Using a benchmark, we investigate intra-operatively if peak spastic hamstring force is measured in flexed knee positions. This tests the assumed shift of optimal length due to adaptation of spastic muscle and a decreasing force trend towards extension. Previously we measured spastic gracilis (GRA) and semitendinosus (ST) forces. Presently, we studied spastic semimembranosus (SM) and tested the following hypotheses: spastic SM forces are (1) high in flexed and (2) low in extended positions. We compared the data to those of GRA and ST to test (3) if percentages of peak force produced in flexed positions are different. During muscle lengthening surgery of 8 CP patients (9years, 4months; GMFCS levels=II-IV; limbs tested=13) isometric SM forces were measured from flexion (120°) to full extension (0°). Spastic SM forces were low in flexed knee positions (only 4.2% (3.4%) and 10.7% (9.7%) of peak force at KA=120° and KA=90° respectively, indicating less force production compared to the GRA or ST) and high in extended knee positions (even 100% of peak force at KA=0°). This indicates an absence of strong evidence for a shift of optimal muscle length of SM towards flexion.

Yucesoy|Can A|CA|
Temelli|Yener|Y|
Ateş|Filiz|F|

Spasticity
Cerebral palsy
Intraoperative measurements
Muscle force-knee angle characteristics
Semimembranosus muscle


Spontaneous Super-Swarming Derivatives of Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 have Different DNA Profiles and Behavior in the Presence of Various Nitrogen Sources.

Abstract: Azospirillum brasilense swims in liquid environments and swarms in semisolid media. Five variants of A. brasilense Sp245, Sp245.P1-Sp245.P5, which swarmed faster than Sp245 in a semisolid malate-salt medium, have been isolated. In Sp245.P1-Sp245.P4, a new megaplasmid was revealed instead of an indigenous 85-MDa plasmid (p85). By polymerase chain reactions (PCR) with primers to the segments of p85 important for proper bacterial motility/flagellation and for dissimilatory nitrite and NO reduction, that DNA of p85 was found retained by all the variants. In ERIC- and RAPD-PCR, microdiversity between the total DNAs of Sp245 and its variants was detected. Interstrain differences in growth characteristics in liquid peptone-succinate-salt medium with KNO3 or KNO2 and in KNO2 production/consumption were revealed. Although all the variants swam and swarmed faster than Sp245 in the medium supplemented with NH4Cl or KNO3, not all of them could do so in MPSS with KNO2.

Varshalomidze|Olga E|OE|
Petrova|Lilia P|LP|
Shelud'ko|Andrei V|AV|
Katsy|Elena I|EI|

Azospirillum
Motility
Nitrate reduction
Plasmid plasticity


Industrial carbon emission intensity: A comprehensive dataset of European regions.

Abstract: The dataset has been developed within the framework of the EU EIT-Climate Kic Flagship Project "Re-Industrialise" and it includes data of Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI) from industrial sources for the European Regions. CEI is considered as a proxy for analysing the Industrial Sustainability Transition pathways and is calculated as the ratio between CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2e) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the industrial sector over a nine-year timespan, i.e. from 2008 to 2016. CO2e data at plant level have been retrieved from EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS) register and aggregated at different geographical scales, corresponding to the nested structure of NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics), proposed by EUROSTAT. Industrial GDP data have been selected from EUROSTAT database to match the industrial sectors covered by EU ETS.

Mura|Matteo|M| Longo|Mariolina|M| Toschi|Laura|L| Zanni|Sara|S| Visani|Franco|F| Bianconcini|Silvia|S|

Carbon emission intensity
Sustainability transitions
GDP
NUTS
CO2 emissions
Longitudinal data


Cotherapy of Tiron and selenium against vanadium induced toxic effects in lactating rats.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Vanadium is an important environmental and industrial pollutant. It has a status of reproductive toxicant and is reported to cross placental barrier.

OBJECTIVE
The current study was performed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of Tiron and its combination with selenium against vanadium induced toxicity in lactating and suckling rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Rats were exposed to vanadium at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg/day (p.o.) for 20 days from 0 day of post partom (p.p.). Tiron (606 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and selenium (0.5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered for 5 days on 21-25 day PP.

RESULTS
Vanadium exposure decreased blood sugar level while serum transaminases and serum alkaline phosphatase showed increased values significantly (p<0.01). Elevation in glycogen content of liver and kidney of suckling and kidney of lactating rats was found after toxicant administration. Toxicant intoxication increased the enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase in liver of suckling and lactating and kidney of suckling rats. On the contrary alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase activities were inhibited significantly (p<0.01) in all the organs. Lipid peroxidation was enhanced whereas glutathione was reduced significantly in liver of suckling and lactating rats (p<0.01). Vanadium also caused histopathological lesions. Therapies of Tiron per se and Tiron along with selenium maintained almost all blood and tissue biochemical parameters towards normal. Tiron along with selenium reduced vanadium induced lesions in lactating and sucklings rats.

CONCLUSION
Tiron along with selenium is more effective than Tiron alone against vanadium induced toxic effect on lactating and suckling rats.

Shrivastava|Sadhana|S| Joshi|Deepmala|D| Bhadauria|Monika|M| Shukla|Sangeeta|S| Mathur|Ramesh|R|

Tiron selenium Vanadium lactating Suckling Teratogenecity


From the coast to the shelf: Microplastics in Rías Baixas and Miño River shelf sediments (NW Spain).

Abstract: Microplastics (<5 mm; MPs) are globally recognized as an issue of emerging concern in the marine environment. In this study, MPs were determined for the first time in sediments from Rías Baixas and Miño river shelf, to show the baseline contamination levels. The Rías is well known for its intense fishing and shellfish harvesting activities. The sampling stations were selected due to their different exposure to anthropogenic activities and/or pressures. Sediment samples were collected using a box corer dredge and analyzed with density separation and μF-TIR analysis to determine polymer type. The results showed MPs pollution in all stations. The mean concentration was 70.2 ± 74.2 particles/kg DW. The main MPs shape was fibers (88.8%) followed by fragments (5.80%). Regarding the polymers, the most abundant were PP (43%) and HDPE (29%). Once again, MPs are ubiquitous all along Rías and Miño river mouth as previously shown in different works.

Microplastics
Sediments
NW Spain
Estuaries
Marine debris
Monitoring


Twin study shows association between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and kynurenic acid in cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Preclinical studies indicate a link between the kynurenine pathway and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), but there is a lack of clinical studies examining this further. We here perform a secondary analysis of kynurenine metabolites and MCP-1 in cerebrospinal fluid of 23 twins affected from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or unaffected. We show an association between MCP-1 and kynurenic acid (KYNA), driven by unique environmental influences and a less pronounced association between MCP-1 and tryptophan. No association was detected between MCP-1 and quinolinic acid. Further studies on the mechanism behind the putative relationship between KYNA and MCP-1 are needed.

Twin study
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1
Kynurenic acid
Cerebrospinal fluid
Biomarker
Chemokine ligand 2


Lung cancer and immunotherapy: a real-life experience from second line and beyond.

Abstract: Aim: This study assessed the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents in real life when used in second line or beyond. Materials & methods: Patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer progressing after standard chemotherapy and receiving immunotherapy in the second line or beyond were included. Results: One hundred and ten patients were included with PD-L1 expression above 50%, between 1-49 and <1% in 38.6, 27.3 and 34.1% of patients, respectively. Checkpoint inhibitors were used as second, third and fourth line in 74.7, 21.8 and 3.5%, respectively. Partial response was observed in 25.6% of patients. Median progression-free survival was 4 months and median overall survival was 8.1 months. Conclusion: Immunotherapies are emerging as important tools in the oncologic field with good responses in real-life practice.

El Karak|Fady|F|
Gh Haddad|Fady|F|
Eid|Roland|R|
Al Ghor|Maya|M|
El Rassy|Elie|E|
Ahmadieh|Nizar|N|
Choullamy|Theresia|T|
Halim|Nour A|NA|
Tfayli|Arafat|A|
Farhat|Fadi|F|
Kattan|Joseph|J|
Nasr|Fady|F|
Ghosn|Marwan|M|
Assi|Hazem I|HI|

lung cancer
immunotherapy
experience
second line
real life
non-small-cell lung cancer
checkpoint inhibitors
real-world


Basal IL-6 and S100b levels are associated with infarct volume.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The study of biomarkers related to the infarct volume of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a valuable clinical strategy. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the relationship between a wide panel of biomarkers involved in different biochemical pathways and lesion volume.

MATERIALS & METHODS
We studied 332 patients with AIS. Infarct volume was calculated from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Blood samples were drawn within 24 h of symptom onset to test a panel of biomarkers that included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), IL-6, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP), S100b, troponin and IL-10.

RESULTS
The median lesion volume was 2.5 cc (IQR: 0.6-15.3). Patients with previous atrial fibrillation, cardioembolic aetiology and total anterior circulation infarct TACI classification had higher lesion volumes than those without them. Patients with previous recent TIA had smaller ischaemic lesions than those without it. Age and NIHSS were significantly correlated with lesion volume. In a linear regression analysis adjusted by aetiology, S100b and IL-6 emerged as the only biomarkers independently associated with infarct volume. In contrast, previous recent TIA and small-vessel disease were inversely related to infarct volume.

CONCLUSIONS
The correlation between the two blood marker levels and ischaemic lesion volume would support the use of these biomarkers as a surrogate endpoint in AIS, especially in centres without DWI 24/7 but these could not substitute basic neuroimaging. Our findings should be further explored in larger, preferably multicentre studies.

D064568:S100 Calcium Binding Protein beta Subunit

IL-6
S100b
volume
biomarkers
acute ischaemic stroke
stroke
DWI
prognosis


Oncogenic role of Tc17 cells in cervical cancer development.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
As one of the subsets of CD8+ T cells, Tc17 cells have recently been identified and are characterized by the secretion of interleukin (IL)-17, which is related to inflammatory diseases.

AIM
To assess the status of Tc17 cells in cervical cancer and investigate the biological function of Tc17 cells in cervical cancer development.

METHODS
Flow cytometry assay, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the levels and phenotype of Tc17 cells in blood and tumor samples from patients with cervical cancer. Prior to cell suspension culture, ELISA was carried out to measure the production of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-23, CXCL12, and IL-17 in tumor tissue supernatant and co-cultured supernatant of patients with cervical cancer. In addition, multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with overall survival using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS
Compared with normal tissues, Tc17 cells specifically accumulated in tumor tissues of cervical cancer patients. Cancer cells produced a greater amount of IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-23, which in turn promoted Tc17 cell polarization. Unlike the traditional cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, Tc17 cells secreted IL-17, which subsequently promoted CXCL12 expression in tumor cells, eventually enhancing the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Thus, the ratio of tumor-infiltrating Tc17 cells was highly correlated with poor clinical outcome in patients with cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION
Our data identified the oncogenic role of Tc17 cells in the development of cervical cancer. We propose that the ratio of Tc17 cells may be a useful index in the prognosis of patients with cervical cancer.

Zhang|Zun-Sheng|ZS| Gu|Ying|Y| Liu|Bing-Gang|BG| Tang|Hong|H| Hua|Yu|Y| Wang|Jun|J|

Oncogenic role
Tc17 cells
Cervical cancer
Cancer development
Biological function
Interleukin-17


Significant Down-Regulation of "Biological Adhesion" Genes in Porcine Oocytes after IVM.

Abstract: Proper maturation of the mammalian oocyte is a compound processes determining successful monospermic fertilization, however the number of fully mature porcine oocytes is still unsatisfactory. Since oocytes' maturation and fertilization involve cellular adhesion and membranous contact, the aim was to investigate cell adhesion ontology group in porcine oocytes. The oocytes were collected from ovaries of 45 pubertal crossbred Landrace gilts and subjected to two BCB tests. After the first test, only granulosa cell-free BCB⁺ oocytes were directly exposed to microarray assays and RT-qPCR ("before IVM" group), or first in vitro matured and then if classified as BCB⁺ passed to molecular analyses ("after IVM" group). As a result, we have discovered substantial down-regulation of genes involved in adhesion processes, such as: organization of actin cytoskeleton, migration, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, survival or angiogenesis in porcine oocytes after IVM, compared to oocytes analyzed before IVM. In conclusion, we found that biological adhesion may be recognized as the process involved in porcine oocytes' successful IVM. Down-regulation of genes included in this ontology group in immature oocytes after IVM points to their unique function in oocyte's achievement of fully mature stages. Thus, results indicated new molecular markers involved in porcine oocyte IVM, displaying essential roles in biological adhesion processes.

Budna|Joanna|J|
Celichowski|Piotr|P|
Bryja|Artur|A|
Dyszkiewicz-Konwińska|Marta|M|
Jeseta|Michal|M|
Bukowska|Dorota|D|
Antosik|Paweł|P|
Brüssow|Klaus Peter|KP|
Bruska|Małgorzata|M|
Nowicki|Michał|M|
Zabel|Maciej|M|0000-0003-2004-0010
Kempisty|Bartosz|B|

D059471:In Vitro Oocyte Maturation Techniques

oocytes
gamete biology
in vitro maturation (IVM)
molecular biology
pig


Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury after Cesarean Section in a Patient with HELLP Syndrome.

Abstract: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious adverse reaction of transfusion, and presents as hypoxemia and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema within 6 hours of transfusion. A 14-year-old primigravida woman at 34 weeks of gestation presented with upper abdominal pain without dyspnea. Because she showed the syndrome of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count), an emergency cesarean section delivery was performed, and blood was transfused. In the case of such patients, clinicians should closely observe the patient's condition at least during the 6 hours while the patient receives blood transfusion, and should suspect TRALI if the patient complains of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea. Furthermore, echocardiography should be performed to distinguish between the different types of transfusion-related adverse reactions.

Moon|Kyoung Min|KM|
Han|Min Soo|MS|
Rim|Ch'ang Bum|CB|
Kim|So Ri|SR|
Shin|Sang Ho|SH|
Kang|Min Seok|MS|
Lee|Jun Ho|JH|
Kim|Jihye|J|
Kim|Sang Il|SI|

Acute Lung Injury
Cesarean Section
HELLP Syndrome
Blood Transfusion


Modeling Emergent Properties in the Brain Using Tissue Models to Investigate Neurodegenerative Disease.

Abstract: Here we describe emergent properties of the brain and the key challenges associated with modelling them in vitro. Modeling emergent properties of the brain will provide insights into brain function, development, and disease.

emergence
tissue modeling
neurodegenerative disease
neural structure
tissue engineering


Subcutaneous facial emphysema secondary to a dental procedure.

Abstract: Subcutaneous emphysema is a possible but infrequent consequence of dental procedures. We present the case of a 6-year-old healthy boy transferred from a dental clinic immediately after local anaesthesia for tooth extraction, due to sudden orbital and facial swelling. On physical examination, oedema of the left upper eyelid with fine crepitus on palpation and left hemiface oedema with local pain were observed. Ophthalmologic observation was normal. CT scan of the face and orbits documented extensive infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue planes of the left face by air, with extension to the external part of the body of the mandible, retromaxillary fat, masticatory muscle spaces, parapharyngeal space and adjacent to the orbital roof. After completing initial evaluation, the dentist confirmed the use of an air-driven device during local anaesthesia administration. The patient improved with conservative treatment. Early recognition of this condition is essential to provide an adequate clinical assessment with exclusion of possible life-threatening complications.

anaesthesia
air leaks
dentistry and oral medicine
emergency medicine
empyema


Isoform-level brain expression profiling of the spermidine/spermine N1-Acetyltransferase1 (SAT1) gene in major depression and suicide.

Abstract: Low brain expression of the spermidine/spermine N-1 acetyltransferase (SAT1) gene, the rate-limiting enzyme involved in catabolism of polyamines that mediate the polyamine stress response (PSR), has been reported in depressed suicides. However, it is unknown whether this effect is associated with depression or with suicide and whether all or only specific isoforms expressed by SAT1, such as the primary 171 amino acid protein-encoding transcript (SSAT), or an alternative splice variant (SSATX) that is involved in SAT1 regulated unproductive splicing and transcription (RUST), are involved. We applied next generation sequencing (RNA-seq) to assess gene-level, isoform-level, and exon-level SAT1 expression differences between healthy controls (HC, N = 29), DSM-IV major depressive disorder suicides (MDD-S, N = 21) and MDD non-suicides (MDD, N = 9) in the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 9, BA9) of medication-free individuals postmortem. Using small RNA-seq, we also examined miRNA species putatively involved in SAT1 post-transcriptional regulation. A DSM-IV diagnosis was made by structured interview. Toxicology and history ruled out recent psychotropic medication. At the gene-level, we found low SAT1 expression in both MDD-S (vs. HC, p = 0.002) and MDD (vs. HC, p = 0.002). At the isoform-level, reductions in MDD-S (vs. HC) were most pronounced in four transcripts including SSAT and SSATX, while reductions in MDD (vs. HC) were pronounced in three transcripts, one of which was reduced in MDD relative to MDD-S (all p < 0.1 FDR corrected). We did not observe evidence for differential exon-usage (i.e. splicing) nor differences in miRNA expression. Results replicate the finding of low SAT1 brain expression in depressed suicides in an independent sample and implicate low SAT1 brain expression in MDD independent of suicide. Low expressions of both SSAT and SATX isoforms suggest that shared transcriptional mechanisms involved in RUST may account for low SAT1 brain expression in depressed suicides. Future studies are required to understand the functions and regulation of SAT1 isoforms, and how they relate to the pathogenesis of MDD and suicide.

Pantazatos|Spiro P|SP|
Andrews|Stuart J|SJ|
Dunning-Broadbent|Jane|J|
Pang|Jiuhong|J|
Huang|Yung-Yu|YY|
Arango|Victoria|V|
Nagy|Peter L|PL|
John Mann|J|J|

Major depressive disorder
Psychiatric genomics
RNAseq
Suicidal behavior
Transcriptome
ncRNA


Effects of short-term sex steroid suppression on dietary fat storage patterns in healthy males.

Abstract: Hypogonadism in males is associated with increased body fat and altered postprandial metabolism, but mechanisms remain poorly understood. Using a cross-over study design, we investigated the effects of short-term sex hormone suppression with or without testosterone add-back on postprandial metabolism and the fate of dietary fat. Eleven healthy males (age: 29 ± 4.5 year; BMI: 26.3 ± 2.1 kg/m2 ) completed two 7-day study phases during which hormone levels were altered pharmacologically to produce a low sex hormone condition (gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist, aromatase inhibitor, and placebo gel) or a testosterone add-back condition (testosterone gel). Following 7 days of therapy, subjects were administered an inpatient test meal containing 50 μCi of [1-14 C] oleic acid. Plasma samples were collected hourly for 5 h to assess postprandial responses. Energy metabolism (indirect calorimetry) and dietary fat oxidation (14 CO2 in breath) were assessed at 1, 3, 5, 13.5, and 24 h following the test meal. Abdominal and femoral adipose biopsies were taken 24 h after the test meal to determine uptake of the labeled lipid. Postprandial glucose, insulin, free-fatty acid, and triglyceride responses were not different between conditions (P > 0.05). Whole-body energy metabolism was also not different between conditions at any time point (P > 0.05). Dietary fat oxidation trended lower (P = 0.12) and the relative uptake of 14 C labeled lipid into femoral adipose tissue was greater (P = 0.03) in the low hormone condition. Short-term hormone suppression did not affect energy expenditure or postprandial metabolism, but contributed to greater relative storage of dietary fat in the femoral depot. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03289559.

Rynders|Corey A|CA|0000-0001-5767-6261
Schmidt|Stacy L|SL|
Bergouignan|Audrey|A|
Horton|Tracy J|TJ|
Bessesen|Daniel H|DH|

hypogonadism
postprandial metabolism
testosterone
Energy metabolism
lipid metabolism


The role of mobility as a protective factor of cognitive functioning in aging adults: a review.

Abstract:
CONTEXT
Over 33 chronic disease states and health disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, are grouped into what is known as sedentary death syndrome. All these conditions are positively affected by 30 minutes of brisk exercise daily. In addition, only 30% of aging is based on genetics, with 70% on lifestyle. Therefore, a large majority of aging is controlled by individual health behaviors. Exercise is a powerful tool for healthy aging of the body and the mind. Courses of short- and long-term exercise provide benefits to musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health and can prevent age-related brain structural and functional losses. This review examines the evidence in support of mobility as an inexpensive and effective protective factor in maintaining brain health and preventing cognitive decline in aging adults.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A PubMed search was performed for articles in English from 1990 to 2012. Reference lists were also reviewed and relevant articles obtained.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.

RESULTS
Evidence suggests that maintaining a high level of cardiopulmonary fitness and mobility exhibits protective effects on structural changes that occur with aging in areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and task completion. Chronic exercise is also associated with preservation of overall cognitive functioning and prevention of dementia.

CONCLUSION
In combination with other preventative measures, physical mobility can assist in preventing or slowing cognitive decline in aging adults.

Zhao|Emily|E|
Tranovich|Michael J|MJ|
Wright|Vonda J|VJ|

mobility
cognitive function
aging
exercise
master athlete


Impact of Gestational Weight Gain on Cesarean Delivery Risk, Perinatal Birth Weight and Gestational Age in Women with Normal Pre-pregnancy BMI.

Abstract:
Background
Gestational weight gain (GWG) proportional to body mass index before pregnancy is one of the factors on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of the current study was to assess association between GWG, and cesarean section, birth weight and gestational age at birth in women with normal BMI prior to pregnancy.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 103 hospitals in Tehran, the capital of Iran, from July 6 to 21, 2015. The data were extracted by 103 trained midwives. Finally, 2394 pregnant women with normal BMI before pregnancy and singleton birth were examined. GWG was categorized based on Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations.

Results
Prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) was 5.41% and prevalence of macrosomia was 2.18%. The prevalence of LBW in women with GWG less than the weight gain recommended by IOM was 2.13 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-4.02, P = 0.019] more than in women with GWG equal to the weight gain recommended by IOM. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of LBW between women with GWG more than recommended weight gain by IOM and women with GWG equal to the weight gain recommended by IOM (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.61-2.38, P = 0.580).

Conclusion
After controlling for confounding variables, the prevalence of cesarean section and preterm birth had no significant difference at various levels of GWG. Accordingly, the prevalence of LBW among women with GWG less than the recommended weight gain by IOM was significantly 2.13 more than that among women with GWG equal to the recommended weight gain by IOM.

Omani-Samani|Reza|R| Sepidarkish|Mahdi|M| Safiri|Saeid|S| Esmailzadeh|Arezoo|A| Vesali|Samira|S| Farzaneh|Farahnaz|F| Almasi-Hashiani|Amir|A|

Gestational Weight Gain
Cesarean Delivery
Low Birth Weight
Preterm Birth


Cholecystokinin octapeptide induces endogenous opioid-dependent anxiolytic effects in morphine-withdrawal rats.

Abstract: Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), a brain-gut peptide, plays an important role in several opioid addictive behaviors. We previously reported that CCK-8 attenuated the expression and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference. The possible effects of CCK-8 on the negative affective components of drug abstinence are not clear. There are no studies evaluating the effect of CCK-8 on emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, in morphine-withdrawal animals. We investigated the effects of CCK-8 on the anxiety-like behavior in morphine-withdrawal rats using an elevated plus-maze. Morphine withdrawal elicited time-dependent anxiety-like behaviors with peak effects on day 10 (5 days after induction of morphine dependence). Treatment with CCK-8 (0.1 and 1 μg, i.c.v.) blocked this anxiety in a dose-dependent fashion. A CCK1 receptor antagonist (L-364,718, 10 μg, i.c.v.) blocked the effect of CCK-8. Mu-opioid receptor antagonism with CTAP (10 μg, i.c.v.) decreased the 'anxiolytic' effect. CCK-8 inhibited anxiety-like behaviors in morphine-withdrawal rats by up-regulating endogenous opioids via the CCK1 receptor in rats. This study clearly identifies a distinct function of CCK-8 and a potential medication target of central CCK1 receptors for drugs aimed at ameliorating drug addiction.

Wen|D|D| Sun|D|D| Zang|G|G| Hao|L|L| Liu|X|X| Yu|F|F| Ma|C|C| Cong|B|B|

cholecystokinin octapeptide
anxiety
elevated plus-maze
morphine withdrawal
CCK receptor


Identification of potential genes associated with ALDH1A1 overexpression and cyclophosphamide resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia using network analysis.

Abstract: Cyclophosphamide (CP), an important alkylating agent which is used in the treatment therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, acquired drug resistance owing to the inactivation of its active metabolite aldophosphamide via tumoral-overexpressing aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) is one of the major issues with the CP therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of ALDH1A1 overexpression in cancer cells remains poorly defined. Therefore, the current study focused on analyzing the ALDH1A1-overexpressing microarray data for CP resistance and CP-sensitive CML cell lines. In this study, the microarray dataset was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus GEO. The GEO2R tool was used to identify Differentially Expressing Genes (DEGs). Further, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs were constructed using STRING database. Finally, Hub gene-miRNA-TFs interaction were constructed using miRNet tool. A total of 749 DEGs including 387 upregulated and 225 downregulated genes were identified from this pool of microarray data. The construction of DEGs network resulted in identification of three genes including ZEB2, EZH2, and MUC1 were found to be majorly responsible for ALDH1A1 overexpression. miRNA analysis identified that, hsa-mir-16-5p and hsa-mir-26a-5p as hub miRNA which are commonly interacting with maximum target genes. Additionally, drug-gene interaction analysis was performed to identify drugs which are responsible for ALDH1A1 expression. The entire study may provide a deeper understanding about ALDH1A1 regulatory genes responsible for its overexpression in CP resistance cancer. This understanding may be further explore for developing possible co-therapy to avoid the ALDH1A1-mediated CP resistance.

ALDH1A1
Chronic myeloid leukemia
CP resistance
PPI
Drug-target gene interaction
miRNA-target gene interaction


Detail investigation of toxicity, bioaccumulation, and translocation of Cd-based quantum dots and Cd salt in white mustard.

Abstract: In this study, a model crop plant white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) was treated with an aqueous dispersion of silica-coated CdTe quantum dots (CdTe/SiO2 QDs) in a 72-h short-term toxicity test. The toxicity was established via measurements of (i) the root length and (ii) the chlorophyll fluorescence. These results were compared to two other sources of cadmium, free Cd ions (CdCl2) and prime un-shell nanoparticles CdTe QDs. Tested compounds were applied in concentrations representing 20 and 200 μM Cd. The uptake and translocation of Cd were investigated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and the spatial Cd distribution was investigated in detail applying laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The LIBS maps with a lateral resolution of 100 μm were constructed for the whole plants, and maps with a lateral resolution of 25 μm (micro-LIBS arrangement) were used to analyse only the most interesting parts of plants with Cd presence (e.g. root tips or a part crossing the root into the above-ground part). Our results show that the bioaccumulation patterns and spatial distribution of Cd in CdTe/SiO2 QDs-treated plants differ from the plants of positive control and CdTe QDs. Fluorescence microscopy photographs revealed that CdTe/SiO2 became adsorbed onto the plant surface in comparison to CdTe QDs. Further, a physico-chemical characterization of QDs before and after the test exposure showed only minor changes in the nanoparticle diameters and no tendencies of QDs for agglomeration or aggregation during the exposure.

Modlitbová|Pavlína|P| Pořízka|Pavel|P| Střítežská|Sára|S| Zezulka|Štěpán|Š| Kummerová|Marie|M| Novotný|Karel|K| Kaiser|Jozef|J|

Translocation
Sinapis alba L.
Cadmium
Nanoparticles
Uptake
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy


Site-specific phosphorylation and microtubule dynamics control Pyrin inflammasome activation.

Abstract: Pyrin, encoded by the MEFV gene, is best known for its gain-of-function mutations causing familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), an autoinflammatory disease. Pyrin forms a caspase-1-activating inflammasome in response to inactivating modifications of Rho GTPases by various bacterial toxins or effectors. Pyrin-mediated innate immunity is unique in that it senses bacterial virulence rather than microbial molecules, but its mechanism of activation is unknown. Here we show that Pyrin was phosphorylated in bone marrow-derived macrophages and dendritic cells. We identified Ser-205 and Ser-241 in mouse Pyrin whose phosphorylation resulted in inhibitory binding by cellular 14-3-3 proteins. The two serines underwent dephosphorylation upon toxin stimulation or bacterial infection, triggering 14-3-3 dissociation, which correlated with Pyrin inflammasome activation. We developed antibodies specific for phosphorylated Ser-205 and Ser-241, which confirmed the stimuli-induced dephosphorylation of endogenous Pyrin. Mutational analyses indicated that both phosphorylation and signal-induced dephosphorylation of Ser-205/241 are important for Pyrin activation. Moreover, microtubule drugs, including colchicine, commonly used to treat FMF, effectively blocked activation of the Pyrin inflammasome. These drugs did not affect Pyrin dephosphorylation and 14-3-3 dissociation but inhibited Pyrin-mediated apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) aggregation. Our study reveals that site-specific (de)phosphorylation and microtubule dynamics critically control Pyrin inflammasome activation, illustrating a fine and complex mechanism in cytosolic immunity.

Gao|Wenqing|W| Yang|Jieling|J| Liu|Wang|W| Wang|Yupeng|Y| Shao|Feng|F|

phosphorylation
Pyrin
inflammasome
FMF
Rho toxins


Cold Agglutinin Autoantibodies in a Patient without a Visible Coronary Sinus Ostium: Strategies for Myocardial Protection without Using Retrograde Cardioplegia.

Abstract: The presence of cold agglutinins (CA) during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass usually creates the need for an altered surgical plan. In this case, the CA were discovered after the initiation of bypass, limiting the time, and cardioplegia solutions that could be used in the new approach. The inability to cannulate the coronary sinus with a retrograde cardioplegia catheter excluded the standard approach to myocardial preservation with CA of using continuous warm blood. For this case, we used intermittent cold crystalloid delivered via the antegrade needle for the first half of the procedure and through the saphenous vein graft anastomosis during the aortic valve portion of the cross-clamp period.

Heath|Michele|M| Yalamuri|Suraj|S| Walker|Julie|J| Maxwell|Cory|C| Williams|Adam|A| McCartney|Sharon|S| Daneshmand|Mani|M|

D001323:Autoantibodies
D002314:Cardioplegic Solutions
D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass
D054326:Coronary Sinus
D006324:Heart Arrest, Induced
D006801:Humans

coronary sinus
cardioplegia
antibody/antigen
hematology


Comparative Proteomics Unravels the Differences in Salt Stress Response of Own-Rooted and 110R-Grafted Thompson Seedless Grapevines.

Abstract: Thompson Seedless, a commonly grown table grape variety, is sensitive to salinity when grown on its own roots, and therefore, it is frequently grafted onto salinity-tolerant wild grapevine rootstocks. Rising soil salinity is a growing concern in irrigated agricultural systems. The accumulation of salts near the root zone severely hampers plant growth, leading to a decrease in the productive lifespan of grapevine and causing heavy yield losses to the farmer. In the present study, we investigated the differences in response to salinity between own-rooted Thompson Seedless (TSOR) and 110R-grafted Thompson Seedless (TS110R) grapevines, wherein 110R is reported to be a salt-tolerant rootstock. The grapevines were subjected to salt stress by treating them with a 150 mM NaCl solution. The stress-induced changes in protein abundance were investigated using a label-free shotgun proteomics approach at three time-points viz. 6 h, 48 h, and 7 days of salt treatment. A total of 2793 proteins were identified, of which 246 were differentially abundant at various time-points in TSOR and TS110R vines. The abundance of proteins involved in several biological processes such as photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, translation, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and generation of precursor metabolites was significantly affected by salt stress in both the vines but at different stages of stress. The results revealed that TSOR vines responded fervently to salt stress, while TS110R vines adopted a preventive approach. The findings of this study add to the knowledge of salinity response in woody and grafted plants and hence open the scope for further studies on salt stress-specific differences induced by grafting.

Patil|Sucheta|S|0000-0002-6188-3789 Shinde|Manisha|M| Prashant|Ramya|R| Kadoo|Narendra|N| Upadhyay|Anuradha|A| Gupta|Vidya|V|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

salt stress
grafting
110R rootstock
Vitis vinifera
gene ontology
label-free proteomics


Lung Cancer Prevalence in Iran by Histologic Subtypes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Prevalence statistics are essential for cancer control in addition to incidence and mortality data. As we know, there is no published report regarding lung cancer (LC) prevalence in Iran. Herein, we provide model-based estimates of limited time LC prevalence in Iran, 2015.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Incidence numbers of LC were extracted from Iranian National Cancer Registry reports for 2003-2009. Trends were analyzed by joinpoint regression, assuming a logarithmic poisson model. Incidence numbers were projected up to 2015, using linear regression models which were trained by corrected annual percentage changes. A Monte Carlo-based model was generated, and absolute survival rates, number of incident cases, and incompleteness of Iranian cancer registry for LC were included into it. Limited-time prevalence (within 1, 2-3, and 4-5 years from diagnosis) and its respective 95% uncertainty level (UL) were estimated by age, gender, and histopathological type.

RESULTS
Five-year prevalence was estimated to be 4.21 (95% UL: 3.37-5.38) per 100,000 adult person, with a male:female ratio of 2.01. Estimated number of patients within 1, 2-3, and 4-5 years from diagnosis were 1871 (1497-2392), 993 (770-1285), and 420 (322-550), respectively. Most prevalent form of LC were squamous cell carcinoma (802; 579-999) and adenocarcinoma (319; 230-389) in males and females, respectively.

CONCLUSION
According to our results, the most plausible estimates of number of alive LC patients within initial treatment, clinical follow-up, and cure phases were 2392, 1285, and 550 cases in Iran in 2015.

Vardanjani|Hossein Molavi|HM|
Zeinali|Masoud|M|
Radmerikhi|Samera|S|
Hadipour|Maryam|M|

lung cancer
prevalence
Iran
Histopathologic


Perceptions of preconception counselling among women planning a pregnancy: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Preconception care is a promising new approach to improve the health of future children through primary intervention. Although most women have a positive attitude towards preconception care, women often do not seek preconception care for themselves.

OBJECTIVE
To explore women's hesitancy to seek preconception counselling.

METHODS
An empirical-analytic approach was used to explore women's hesitation to seek preconception counselling. In-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews (n = 16) of women desiring to conceive were conducted, and responses were analysed using the determinants 'attitude' and 'subjective norms' of the Theory of Planned Behaviour of Ajzen.

RESULTS
The interviewed women expressed a positive attitude towards preconception care in general but were hesitant about seeking preconception care themselves. Women seemed to regard themselves as not being in the target group for preconception care. Additionally, we identified the following four subthemes of subjective norms around the process of becoming pregnant: planning, publicity, information on fertility and artificiality.

CONCLUSIONS
Women do not consider themselves to be part of the target group for preconception care. In some aspects, subjective norms around the process of becoming pregnant may conflict with the current practice of preconception care. Recommendations are provided.

van der Zee|Boukje|B|
de Beaufort|Inez D|ID|
Steegers|Eric A P|EA|
Denktas|Semiha|S|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care

preconception counselling
subjective norms
Medical ethics
Theory of Planned Behaviour.
qualitative research


Improving the Patient Experience: Call Light Intervention Bundle.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Delays in call light response are a significant patient quality and safety concern. Research on call light interventions and patient outcomes has focused exclusively on adult inpatients. This project examined the impact of increasing staff awareness and workflow redesign to improve the pediatric patient experience and outcomes based on timely response.

DESIGN AND METHODS
A quality improvement project was conducted on two pediatric medical surgical units' (31 and 35 beds respectively) at a large Midwest academic medical center with patients' ages from to young adults. Data on staff knowledge, patient satisfaction, and fall rates was examined pre- and post-intervention of an evidence-based call light intervention bundle which included: 1) unit-based patient experience committees, 2) purposeful rounding, 3) pod buddy assignments, and 4) staff education.

RESULTS
Post-intervention both units demonstrated improvement in staff knowledge on call light interventions and exhibited sustained improvement in patient satisfaction scores for promptness to call. Likelihood to recommend the hospital and satisfaction with pain control improved for one of the two units. No impact on fall rates was noted over time for either unit.

CONCLUSIONS
A call light intervention bundle can positively impact patient satisfaction with promptness to call lights in pediatric medical surgical hospitalized patients and their families. Unlike adult patients, a call light intervention bundle did not impact fall rates in children and further study in pediatric fall reduction strategies is needed.

Nelson|Jacqueline J|JJ|
Staffileno|Beth A|BA|

Call light response
Pediatric patient experience
Patient satisfaction falls


How people think about the chemicals in cigarette smoke: a systematic review.

Abstract: Laws and treaties compel countries to inform the public about harmful chemicals (constituents) in cigarette smoke. To encourage relevant research by behavioral scientists, we provide a primer on cigarette smoke toxicology and summarize research on how the public thinks about cigarette smoke chemicals. We systematically searched PubMed in July 2016 and reviewed citations from included articles. Four central findings emerged across 46 articles that met inclusion criteria. First, people were familiar with very few chemicals in cigarette smoke. Second, people knew little about cigarette additives, assumed harmful chemicals are added during manufacturing, and perceived cigarettes without additives to be less harmful. Third, people wanted more information about constituents. Finally, well-presented chemical information increased knowledge and awareness and may change behavior. This research area is in urgent need of behavioral science. Future research should investigate whether educating the public about these chemicals increases risk perceptions and quitting.

Morgan|Jennifer C|JC|
Byron|M Justin|MJ|
Baig|Sabeeh A|SA|
Stepanov|Irina|I|
Brewer|Noel T|NT|

Chemicals Constituents Additives Communication Ingredients Tobacco


Recent Advances in the Development of Novel Drug Candidates for Regulating the Secretion of Pulmonary Mucus.

Abstract: Hypersecretion of pulmonary mucus is a major pathophysiological feature in allergic and inflammatory respiratory diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Overproduction and/or oversecretion of mucus cause the airway obstruction and the colonization of pathogenic microbes. Developing a novel pharmacological agent to regulate the production and/or secretion of pulmonary mucus can be a useful strategy for the effective management of pathologic hypersecretion of mucus observed in COPD and asthma. Thus, in the present review, we tried to give an overview of the conventional pharmacotherapy for mucus-hypersecretory diseases and recent research results on searching for the novel candidate agents for controlling of pulmonary mucus hypersecretion, aiming to shed light on the potential efficacious pharmacotherapy of mucus-hypersecretory diseases.

Li|Xin|X|
Jin|Fengri|F|
Lee|Hyun Jae|HJ|
Lee|Choong Jae|CJ|

Mucus Hypersecretion Pharmacotherapy Mucin


Refractory Cryptococcus neoformans Meningoencephalitis in an Immunocompetent Patient: Paradoxical Antifungal Therapy-Induced Clinical Deterioration Related to an Immune Response to Cryptococcal Organisms.

Abstract: We present a case of refractory Cryptococcus neoformans meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent woman. Her clinical symptoms did not improve with 6 months of antifungal therapy, and MRI abnormalities, indicating severe meningeal and cerebral inflammation, persisted despite a decreasing cryptococcal antigen titer. The patient continued to deteriorate despite antifungal therapy, and her condition clearly improved following treatment with adjunctive corticosteroid. We postulate that the paradoxical antifungal therapy-related clinical deterioration was due to an immune response to cryptococcal organisms, which responded to corticosteroids. These observations provide rationale for a further evaluation of corticosteroids in the management of select cases of C. neoformans central nervous system infection.

Nakajima|Hideto|H| Takayama|Ayami|A| Fujiki|Yohei|Y| Ito|Takumi|T| Kitaoka|Haruko|H|

Paradoxical antifungal therapy-induced clinical deterioration


Measuring maternal body composition by biomedical impedance can predict risk for gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study among 22,223 women.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify which element of body composition measurements taken before 17th week gestation was the strongest risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Chinese pregnant women.

DESIGN AND SETTING
A retrospective study was performed using data retrieved from the Electronic Medical Record database of Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children (China) from January 2014 to December 2015.

PARTICIPANTS
A total of 22,223 women were included with singleton pregnancies and no preexisting diabetes who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) before 17 gestational weeks and 75-g OGTT at 24-28 gestational weeks.

RESULTS
The prevalence of GDM from 2014 to 2015 was 27.13% (IADPSG). All indicators of BIA (total body water, fat mass, fat-free mass, percent body fat, muscle mass, visceral fat levels, proteins, bone minerals, basal metabolic rate, lean trunk mass), age, weight and body mass index (BMI) were risk factors that significantly increased the occurrence of GDM (p < .001 for all). Women older than 30 years or with a BMI more than 23, had a significantly higher GDM prevalence (34.89% and 34.77%). After adjusted covariates, visceral fat levels at the third quartile, the ORs of GDM were 1.142 (95% CI 1.032-1.263) in model I and 1.419 (95% CI 1.274-1.581) in model II used the first quartile as reference (p < .05 for both); bone minerals at the third quartile, the ORs of GDM were 1.124 (95% CI 1.020-1.238) in model I and 1.311 (95% CI 1.192-1.442) in model II (p < .05 for both). After adjusted for age, visceral fat levels and bone minerals, OR of GDM for percent body fat more than 28.77% at the third quartile was 1.334 (95% CI 1.201-1.482) in model II (p < .05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS
Visceral fat levels, bone minerals and percent body fat were significantly associated with an increased risk of GDM, providing the reference ranges of visceral fat levels, bone minerals and percent body fat as predictive factors for Chinese women to estimate the risk of GDM by BIA during pregnancy.

Zhang|Rui-Yuan|RY|
Wang|Lan|L|
Zhou|Wei|W|
Zhong|Qi-Mei|QM|
Tong|Chao|C|
Zhang|Ting|T|
Han|Ting-Li|TL|
Wang|Lian-Rong|LR|
Fan|Xin|X|
Zhao|Yan|Y|
Ran|Rui-Tu|RT|
Xia|Yin-Yin|YY|
Qi|Hong-Bo|HB|
Zhang|Hua|H|
Norris|Tom|T|0000-0002-9140-0776
Baker|Philip N|PN|
Saffery|Richard|R|

Body composition
gestational diabetes mellitus
bioelectrical impedance analysis


Job characteristics as risk factors for early retirement due to ill health: The Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2014).

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To investigate work-related factors that contribute to early retirement due to ill health (ERIH) in middle-aged and elderly people in Korea.

METHODS
Data were collected from a sample from the first through the fifth phases of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging which was conducted biennially from 2006 to 2014. ERIH was defined as the retirement of workers due to health problems before their scheduled or regular retirement age as reported in one of the follow-up surveys. Three broad subdomains of working conditions were examined: work arrangements, physical working conditions, and job satisfactions. Hazard ratios of ERIH were estimated by Cox regression.

RESULTS
Females, older people, unskilled manual workers, and day laborers were more likely to experience ERIH. In adjusted Cox proportional hazard models, the risk for ERIH in male workers was significantly higher among those with the following conditions: high physical demands, awkward posture, dissatisfaction with the working environment, and no industrial compensation insurance or retirement benefits. However, no significant association was found among female participants.

CONCLUSIONS
Occupational class, physical working conditions, job satisfaction, and work arrangement were the potential risk factors for ERIH among male workers in Korea. Moreover, our results revealed gender differences in the risk for ERIH.

early retirement due to ill health
working conditions
work arrangement
occupational class
gender difference


Study of slow sand filtration with backwash and the influence of the filter media on the filter recovery and cleaning.

Abstract: Slow sand filters are considered as a great alternative for supplying drinking water in rural and/or isolated areas where raw water that is treatable with this technique is available. Some studies used backwashing as an alternative for cleaning the slow sand filter with the goal of applying the technology in small communities, since filters that supply water to a small number of people do not require much space. In this study the influence of the effective diameter on water quality in the filters and cleaning system was evaluated. A pilot system with six filters was built: three filters were conventionally cleaned by scraping and the other three were cleaned by backwashing, each with a different effective diameter of filter medium. Most filters had an average turbidity of less than 1.0 NTU, the turbidity required at the output of the filters by the Brazilian Ministry of Health Ordinance. In the study, the filters cleaned by scraping with smaller-diameter filter beds effectively filtered water better but had worse effective production. The opposite occurs in the case of backwashed filters.

de Souza|Fernando Hymnô|FH|
Pizzolatti|Bruno Segalla|BS|
Schöntag|Juliana Marques|JM|
Sens|Maurício Luiz|ML|

D001938:Brazil
D005374:Filtration
D012822:Silicon Dioxide
D018508:Water Purification
D060753:Water Quality
D014881:Water Supply

Slow sand filtration
backwashing
filter cleaning
filter bed
water treatment