Lipofection-Based Delivery of DNA Vaccines.

Abstract: The preventive and therapeutic potential of DNA vaccines combined with benefits of lipid-based delivery (lipofection) allow efficient nucleic acid transfer and immunization applicable in treatment of infections, cancer or autoimmune disorders. Lipofecting compositions consisting of cationic and neutral lipids can be used for both in vitro and in vivo applications and may also play the role of adjuvants. Here we describe a simple protocol of DNA vaccine carrier preparation based on cationic polyprenyl derivatives (PTAI-trimethylpolyprenylammonium iodides) and commonly used helper lipids with use of basic laboratory equipment. Such formulas have proven effective for immunization of animals as well as for cell transfection.

Lipofection
Lipid-based vaccine carriers
Nonviral gene delivery
PTAI
Polyprenyl-based vaccines


Super-Resolution Hyperpolarized 13C Imaging of Human Brain Using Patch-Based Algorithm.

Abstract: Spatial resolution of metabolic imaging with hyperpolarized 13C-labeled substrates is limited owing to the multidimensional nature of spectroscopic imaging and the transient characteristics of dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization. In this study, a patch-based algorithm (PA) is proposed to enhance spatial resolution of hyperpolarized 13C human brain images by exploiting compartmental information from the corresponding high-resolution 1H images. PA was validated in simulation and phantom studies. Effects of signal-to-noise ratio, upsampling factor, segmentation, and slice thickness on reconstructing 13C images were evaluated in simulation. PA was further applied to low-resolution human brain metabolite maps of hyperpolarized [1-13C] pyruvate and [1-13C] lactate with 3 compartment segmentations (gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid). The performance of PA was compared with other conventional interpolation methods (sinc, nearest-neighbor, bilinear, and spline interpolations). The simulation and the phantom tests showed that PA improved spatial resolution by up to 8 times and enhanced the image contrast without compromising quantification accuracy or losing the intracompartment signal inhomogeneity, even in the case of low signal-to-noise ratio or inaccurate segmentation. PA also improved spatial resolution and image contrast of human 13C brain images. Dynamic analysis showed consistent performance of the proposed method even with the signal decay along time. In conclusion, PA can enhance low-resolution hyperpolarized 13C images in terms of spatial resolution and contrast by using a priori knowledge from high-resolution 1H magnetic resonance imaging while preserving quantification accuracy and intracompartment signal inhomogeneity.

super-resolution
Hyperpolarized 13C imaging
human brain
patch-based algorithm


Intravenous oxygen: a novel method of oxygen delivery in hypoxemic respiratory failure?

Abstract: Hypoxemic respiratory failure is a common problem in critical care. Current management strategies, including mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, can be efficacious but these therapies put patients at risk for toxicities associated with invasive forms of support. Areas covered: In this manuscript, we discuss intravenous oxygen (IVO2), a novel method to improve oxygen delivery that involves intravenous administration of a physiologic solution containing dissolved oxygen at hyperbaric concentrations. After a brief review of the physiology behind supersaturated fluids, we summarize the current evidence surrounding IVO2. Expert commentary: Although not yet at the stage of clinical testing in the United States and Europe, IVO2 has been used safely in Asia. Furthermore, preliminary laboratory data have been encouraging, suggesting that IVO2 may play a role in the management of patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure in years to come. However, significantly more work needs to be done, including definitive evidence that such a therapy is safe, before it can be included in an intensivist's arsenal for hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Gehlbach|Jonathan A|JA|
Rehder|Kyle J|KJ|
Gentile|Michael A|MA|
Turner|David A|DA|
Grady|Daniel J|DJ|
Cheifetz|Ira M|IM|

intravenous oxygen
oxygen delivery
respiratory failure
critical care
mechanical ventilation
Hypoxia
lung injury


Thinness in young schoolchildren in Serbia: another case of the double burden of malnutrition?

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Thinness is rarely highlighted or regularly monitored among children in developed countries although it may be rather frequent and pose a significant risk to children's health. We aimed to describe the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe thinness among young Serbian schoolchildren.

DESIGN
Cross-sectional study of schoolchildren aged 6-9 years. Children were assessed for weight, height and BMI as part of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative in Serbia. Thinness grades were defined as gender- and age-specific cut-offs for BMI according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria.

SETTING
Serbia, September to November 2015.

SUBJECTS
Students (n 4861) in grades 2 and 3 (6-9 years, 2397 girls).

RESULTS
Overall prevalence of thinness in Serbian schoolchildren was 9·6 %. Mild thinness was clearly the largest category with a prevalence of 7·6 %, moderate thinness was present in 1·7 % of children and severe thinness was found in 0·3 % of children. OR indicated a significant risk of being thin for girls (1·44 times higher compared with boys) and children attending schools with no health-focused educational programme (1·57 times more likely to be thin than peers enrolled in schools with such programmes). In addition, OR for thinness tended to be 1·23 times higher in children living in an economically disadvantaged region of Serbia (P=0·06).

CONCLUSIONS
A rather high prevalence of thinness highlights this malnutrition disorder as an emerging health issue that should trigger public health policies to tackle thinness, especially in girls of young age and children living in economically disadvantaged areas.

Djordjic|Visnja|V|
Jorga|Jagoda|J|
Radisavljevic|Snezana|S|
Milanovic|Ivana|I|
Bozic|Predrag|P|
Ostojic|Sergej M|SM|0000-0002-7270-2541

Thinness Malnutrition Children Girls Underweight


Impairment of shooting performance by background complexity and motion.

Abstract: In many visual displays such as virtual environments, human tasks involve objects superimposed on both complex and moving backgrounds. However, most studies investigated the influence of background complexity or background motion in isolation. Two experiments were designed to investigate the joint influences of background complexity and lateral motion on a simple shooting task typical of video games. Participants had to perform the task on the moving and static versions of backgrounds of three levels of complexity, while their eye movements were recorded. The backgrounds displayed either an abstract (Experiment 1) or a naturalistic (Experiment 2) virtual environment. The results showed that performance was impaired by background motion in both experiments. The effects of motion and complexity were additive for the abstract background and multiplicative for the naturalistic background. Eye movement recordings showed that performance impairments reflected at least in part the impact of the background visual features on gaze control.

Caroux|Loïc|L|
Le Bigot|Ludovic|L|
Vibert|Nicolas|N|

virtual environments
eye movements
low-level visual features
visual perception


Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice: A global survey perspective.

Abstract:
AIM
To understand the views of contact lens (CL) practitioners across the globe regarding what they perceive as opportunities and threats in CL practice.

METHODS
A self-administered anonymised questionnaire, constructed in English and translated in six more languages, was distributed through reputed international professional bodies and academic institutions worldwide. The questionnaire included items on demographic characteristics, type of practice, and questions designed to explore practitioners' perspective on the future of their CL practice over the next five years.

RESULTS
A total of 2408 valid responses were analysed. Multifocal CLs for presbyopia, CLs for myopia control, use of daily disposable (DD) CLs for occasional wear, and biocompatible materials to improve comfort were identified as promising areas of opportunities by practitioners (all 8/10). Respondents from North America, and Europe valued DDCLs for occasional wear moderately more favourable (Median: 9/10 for all) as compared to colleagues in Asia (Median: 8/10, p < 0.001), South America (Median: 8/10, p < 0.01), and Africa (Median: 8/10p < 0.01). Multifocal CLs for presbyopia was perceived as a better opportunity by practitioners in North America and Europe (Median: 9/10 for both), as well as in Australasia (Median: 8/10), in comparison to Asia, Africa, and Middle East (for all Median: 6/10, p < 0.001). Practitioners expressed concerns about the availability of CLs and CL prescriptions online without direct professional involvement (both 9/10).

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the most appealing opportunities for CL practice growth were identified in occasional use of DD CLs, biocompatible materials to reduce CL discomfort, multifocal CLs for presbyopia correction and management of myopia control with CLs. Lack of regulation in CL sales, especially online, seemed to be a constant threat. The insights from this study can be used to design targeted strategies to enhance CL practice across the globe and in specific geographical areas.

Thite|Nilesh|N|
Desiato|Alfredo|A|
Shinde|Lakshmi|L|
Wolffsohn|James S|JS|
Naroo|Shehzad A|SA|
Santodomingo-Rubido|Jacinto|J|
Cho|Pauline|P|
Jones|Debbie|D|
Villa-Collar|César|C|
Carrillo|Guillermo|G|
Chan|Osbert|O|
Wang|Haiying|H|
Iomdina|Elena|E|
Tarutta|Elena|E|
Proskurina|Olga|O|
Fan|Chi Shing|CS|
Zeri|Fabrizio|F|
Bakkar|May M|MM|
Barodawala|Fakhruddin|F|
Dabral|Neeraj|N|
Lafosse|Edouard|E|
Lee|Cheni|C|
Nichols|Jason|J|
Chan|Jack|J|
Park|Kyounghee|K|
Nair|Vishakh|V|
van der Worp|Eef|E|
Vankudre|Gopi|G|
Maseedupalli|Vinod|V|
Bhattarai|Yashaswee|Y|
Nagzarkar|Dimple|D|
Brauer|Peter|P|
Gil-Cazorla|Raquel|R|

Opportunities
Threats
Contact lens practice


Brain transcriptomics of nonhuman primates: A review.

Abstract: The brain is one of the most important and intricate organs in our bodies. Interpreting brain function and illustrating the changes and molecular mechanisms during physiological or pathological processes are essential but sometimes difficult to achieve. In addition to histology, ethology and pharmacology, the development of transcriptomics alleviates this condition by enabling high-throughput observation of the brain at various levels of anatomical specificity. Moreover, because human brain samples are scarce, the brains of nonhuman primates are important alternative models. Here in this review, we summarize the applications of transcriptomics in nonhuman primate brain studies, including investigations of brain development, aging, toxic effects and diseases. Overall, as a powerful tool with developmental potential, transcriptomics has been widely utilized in neuroscience.

Pei|Wendi|W| Fu|Lin|L| Li|Shui-Qing|SQ| Yu|Yang|Y|

Brain
Transcriptomics
Nonhuman primate
RNA sequencing


Is Childhood Socioeconomic Status Related to Coronary Heart Disease? Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study (1992-2012).

Abstract: Objective: We investigated the association between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and coronary heart disease (CHD) in older Americans. Method: We used Health and Retirement Study data from 1992 to 2012 to examine a nationally representative sample of Americans aged ≥50 years (N = 30,623). We modeled CHD as a function of childhood and adult SES using maternal and paternal educational level as a proxy for childhood SES. Results: Respondents reporting low childhood SES were significantly more likely to have CHD than respondents reporting high childhood SES. Respondents reporting both low childhood and adult SES were 2.34 times more likely to have CHD than respondents reporting both high childhood and adult SES. People with low childhood SES and high adult SES were 1.60 times more likely than people with high childhood SES and high adult SES to report CHD in the fully adjusted model. High childhood SES and low adult SES increased the likelihood of CHD by 13%, compared with high SES both as a child and adult. Conclusion: Childhood SES is significantly associated with increased risk of CHD in later life among older adult Americans.

Lee|Minjee|M|
Khan|M Mahmud|MM|
Wright|Brad|B|

heart diseases
aging
socioeconomic factors


A multidisciplinary expert opinion on CINV and RINV, unmet needs and practical real-life approaches.

Abstract: Introduction: A range of combination chemotherapy regimens are currently used in clinical practice. However, international antiemetic guidelines often only categorize the emetogenic potential of single agents rather than the emetogenicity of combination chemotherapy regimens. To manage the nausea and vomiting induced by antineoplastic combinations, guidelines suggest antiemetics that are appropriate for the component drug with the highest emetogenic potential. Furthermore, antiemetic guidelines generally do not consider the influence of other factors, including individual patient characteristics, on the emetic effects of cancer treatments. Similarly, the emetogenic potential of radiotherapy is stratified only according to the site of radiation, while other factors contributing to emetic risk are overlooked.Areas covered: An Expert Panel was convened to examine unresolved issues and summarize the current clinical research on managing nausea and vomiting associated with combination chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Expert opinion: The panel identified the incidence of nausea and vomiting induced by multi-drug combination therapies currently used to treat cancer at different anatomic sites and by radiotherapy in the presence of other risk factors. Based on these data and the clinical experience of panel members, several suggestions are made for a practical approach to prevent or manage nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy regimens and radiation therapy.

Bossi|Paolo|P|
Airoldi|Mario|M|
Aloe Spiriti|Maria Antonietta|MA|
Antonuzzo|Andrea|A|
Bonciarelli|Giorgio|G|
Campagna|Alessia|A|
Cassano|Alessandra|A|
Murialdo|Roberto|R|
Musio|Daniela|D|
Silvano|Giovanni|G|

D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

CINV RINV chemotherapy Antiemetics guidelines nausea vomiting radiotherapy granisetron


A signal transduction approach for multiplexed detection of transcription factors by integrating DNA nanotechnology, multi-channeled isothermal amplification, and chromatography.

Abstract: The variation patterns of transcription factors (TFs) provide direct information for the states of cell populations, which is of significance for biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Herein, we show that through multi-channeled isothermal amplification, it is feasible to connect DNA-based signal transduction with chromatography for multiplexed detection of TFs. The described system is referred to as "PAC" which includes three major steps: (i) Protection, which uses DNA-modified magnetic beads to capture TFs and converts the capturing event into triggering signal; (ii) Amplification, which receives the triggering signal and generate DNA reporters through multi-channeled extension and nicking of oligonucleotides; and (iii) Chromatography, which separates and detects the DNA reporters in liquid chromatography. The quantitative detection of five essential TFs includes p50, p53, AP-1, MITF, and c-Myc is realized in a multiplexed manner, with the lowest detection limit of 0.5 pM. PAC can also provide effective means to measure the above five TFs in real samples, including cultured cells, xenograft tumors, and blood-based liquid biopsy. This study not only established a solution for multiplexed measurement of TFs for molecular diagnostics, but also paved avenue for bridging the gap between DNA nanotechnology and chromatography.

Chen|Yue|Y| Yan|Xiaoqiang|X| Yang|Wei|W| Wang|Jing|J| Lu|Qiaoyun|Q| Li|Bingzhi|B| Zhu|Wanying|W| Zhou|Xuemin|X|

D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques

D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Multiplexed detection
Transcription factor
DNA nanotechnology
Isothermal amplification
HPLC
Magnetic separation


Contribution to understand the biomineralization of bones.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The goal is to propose a material scientific hypothesis for the atomic arrangement of calcium phosphates during the mineralization of bones.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
It was reached by the analysis of bones of healthy and osteoporotic rats using analytical transmission electron microscopic methods.

RESULTS
Electron diffraction patterns show hydroxyapatite (HAP) as dominant phase within the mineralized areas. In the electron energy loss spectrum, a double peak of the phosphorous L-edge seems to be a characteristic feature of the phosphorous binding in biological HAP. The hypothesis bases on periodic features on the collagen surface which agree with distances between oxygen atoms in the (200) plane of octacalcium phosphate (OCP). Bridge pillars for the HAP network consist of OCP coupled with a half unit cell on collagen by oxygen-hydrogen bridges. Possibly, the metastable OCP bridges are only a transient step, while the mineralization is starting. OCP and HAP couple by similar distances of calcium atoms in an interface close to the (100) planes of the OCP and the HAP network. To reach the perfect overlap of the equidistant Ca atoms, the HAP network has to be rotated by 22.5° around the a-axis, 11.5° around the c-axis of HAP, and 10.1° around an axis perpendicular to a and c.

CONCLUSIONS
A supercell based on this idea is able to explain the dominance of HAP in the electron diffraction patterns, the arrangement of the (002) lattice planes perpendicular to the collagen fiber axis, and sections of high-resolution TEM images.

Thomas|Jürgen|J| Worch|Hartmut|H| Kruppke|Benjamin|B| Gemming|Thomas|T|

Biomineralization
Atomic arrangement
Electron diffraction
EELS
HRTEM


A genome-wide identification and classification of basic helix-loop-helix genes in the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae).

Abstract: Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are highly conserved DNA-binding transcription factors of a large superfamily. Animal bHLH proteins play important regulatory roles in various developmental processes such as neurogenesis, myogenesis, heart development, and hematopoiesis. The jewel wasp (Nasonia vitripennis) is a good model organism of hymenoptera insects for studies of developmental and evolutionary genetics. In this study, we identified 48 bHLH genes in the genome of N. vitripennis. According to phylogenetic analysis, based on N. vitripennis bHLH (NvbHLH) motif sequences and structural domain distribution in their full-length protein sequences, the identified NvbHLH genes were classified into 36 bHLH families with 19, 12, 9, 1, 6, and 1 member(s) in groups A, B, C, D, E, and F, respectively. Our classification to the identified NvbHLH family members confirms GenBank annotations for 21 of the 48 NvbHLH proteins and provides useful information for further characterization and annotation of the remaining 27 NvbHLH proteins. Compared to other insect species, N. vitripennis has the lowest number of bHLH family members. No NvbHLH members have been found in the families Net, MyoRa, and PTFa, while all other insect species have at least one member in each of the families. These data constitute a solid basis for further investigations into the functions of bHLH proteins in developmental regulation of N. vitripennis.

Liu|Xiao-Ting|XT| Wang|Yong|Y| Wang|Xu-Hua|XH| Tao|Xia-Fang|XF| Yao|Qin|Q| Chen|Ke-Ping|KP|

D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors

basic helix-loop-helix
Nasonia vitripennis
phylogenetic analysis
BLAST search
analyse phylogénétique
interrogation BLAST
motif basique hélice-boucle-hélice
ortholog
orthologue


Rapid remote conditioning mediates modulation of blood cell paracrine activity and leads to the production of a secretome with neuroprotective features.

Abstract: The indirect use of the protective potential of stem cells in the form of cell secretomes has become an attractive strategy in regenerative medicine. In the present work, we studied the paracrine activity of blood cells that could be modulated towards a neuroprotective nature using in vivo remote conditioning (i.e. tolerant blood cells). The increased neuronal survival mediated by the tolerant secretome was clearly confirmed in vitro in a model of glutamate toxicity in a primary culture of rat cortical neurons and in vivo in a pre- and post-treatment of rats that were subjected to transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Bioinformatic-based analysis of the protein profile revealed higher amounts of proteins released by the tolerant blood cells; 29 proteins were recognised as secreted. More than half of these secreted proteins were involved in the biological processes of the response to the stimulus (GO:0050896) and the response to chemicals (GO:0042221). The protective phenotype was most likely mediated by the synergistic effect of multiple identified proteins, including unique to the tolerant secretome (ceruloplasmin, D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase) and was promoted by the co-participation of several reaction pathways. The most probably of these pathways were post-translation protein modification, MAP2K and MAPK activation and platelet activation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that properly stimulated blood cells could serve as a source for cell-free-based therapies of regenerative medicine.

Bonova|Petra|P|0000-0002-5427-8126 Jachova|Jana|J| Nemethova|Miroslava|M| Macakova|Lubica|L| Bona|Martin|M| Gottlieb|Miroslav|M|

blood cells
paracrine activity
secretome
neuroprotection
glutamate toxicity
stroke


Biomedical application and controlled drug release of electrospun fibrous materials.

Abstract: Electrospinning, as a nanotechnology, is able to produce polymeric fibers materials with nanoscale structure which are also named electrospun fibers material (EFM). These EFMs can be used in many biomedical applications such as wound dressing, tissue engineering, and medical textile materials. Over the last decades, electrospun nanofibers also have been applied to drug delivery such as orodispersible film, solid dispersion and various controlled release dosage forms due to many properties such as high surface to volume ratio, high porous, ease of fabrication and adaptability and so on. This review focuses on the recent advances in biomedical application of EFM, controlled drug release from EFM and devices for producing sophisticated EFM. The processing parameters which influence the physicochemical properties of the resulting EFM are also summarized as well as scaling up techniques for mass production of EFM.

Cheng|Huiling|H| Yang|Xiaoye|X| Che|Xin|X| Yang|Mingshi|M| Zhai|Guangxi|G|

D001672:Biocompatible Materials
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations
D016503:Drug Delivery Systems
D065546:Drug Liberation
D057139:Nanofibers
D011108:Polymers
D023822:Tissue Engineering

Biomedical application
Controlled drug release
Electrospinning
Membranes
Scaffolds


Voluntary Exercise Attenuates Hyperhomocysteinemia, But Does not Protect Against Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Testicular and Epididymal Disturbances.

Abstract: The hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is toxic to the cells and associated with several diseases. Clinical studies have shown changes in plasma concentrations of Hcy after physical exercise. This study aimed to assess the effect of HHcy on testis, epididymis and sperm quality and to investigate whether voluntary exercise training protects this system against damage caused by HHcy in Swiss mice. In this study, 48 mice were randomly distributed in the control, HHcy, physical exercise, and HHcy combined with physical exercise groups. HHcy was induced by daily administration of dl-homocysteine thiolactone via gavage throughout the experimental period. Physical exercise was performed through voluntary running on the exercise wheels. The plasma concentrations of homocysteine (Hcy) and testosterone were determined. The testes and epididymis were used to assess the sperm count, histopathology, lipoperoxidation, cytokine levels, testicular cholesterol, myeloperoxidase, and catalase activity. Spermatozoa were analyzed for morphology, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and motility. In the testes, HHcy increased the number of abnormal seminiferous tubules, reduced the tubular diameter and the height of the germinal epithelium. In the epididymis, there was tissue remodeling in the head region. Ultimately, voluntary physical exercise training reduced plasma Hcy concentration but did not attenuate HHcy-induced testicular and epididymal disturbances.

de Lion Siervo|Glaucia Eloísa Munhoz|GEM|

Testis
Epididymis
Sperm
Homocysteine
Voluntary physical exercise
Reproduction


Post-acute care regains quality of life among middle-aged and older stroke patients in Taiwan.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle-aged and older stroke patients receiving the stroke post care (PAC) program and to identify possible predictors.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS
This is a retrospective cohort study. Demographic characteristics and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Concise Chinese Aphasia Test) were collected at enrollment. EQ-5D HRQoL questionnaires were administered at the beginning and the end of PAC, and health state utilities were compared.

RESULTS
The EQ-5D utilities of stroke patients aged 75-84 years and 85 years or above were estimated to be 0.091 and 0.159 lower than those aged less than 50 years. A decrease of the utility by 0.075 was observed among patients with the prior history of stroke. The EQ-5D utilities of patients having Barthel Index of 21-40, 41-60, and 61-100 were 0.1432, 0.1568, and 0.1387 higher than those having Barthel Index of 0-20, respectively. For patients reporting extreme problems in self-care or any dimension of EQ-5D questionnaires prior to PAC, increases in utilities by 0.0733 and 0.2875 were noted. The EQ-5D utility of PAC service duration rose by 0.0733 per one incremental day.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
This study provides vital evidence regarding time-varying benefits of PAC services to HRQoL of stroke patients and to identify multiple predictors of HRQoL among stroke patients receiving PAC services. This study thus could serve as good reference to enhance quality of PAC services among stroke patients.

Peng|Li-Ning|LN| Chen|Li-Ju|LJ| Lu|Wan-Hsuan|WH| Tsai|Shu-Ling|SL| Chen|Liang-Kung|LK| Hsiao|Fei-Yuan|FY|

Stroke
Health-related quality of life
EQ-5D
Health state utility
Postacute care


Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes following gland-preserving surgery for chronic sialadenitis.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS
Gland-preserving salivary surgery utilizing salivary endoscopy has been proposed as a treatment alternative in the management of chronic sialadenitis. This study seeks to determine medium-term clinical and quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes following a gland-preserving approach for chronic sialadenitis.

STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional survey with retrospective chart review.

METHODS
All patients undergoing attempted gland-preserving salivary surgery with salivary endoscopy for chronic sialadenitis at a tertiary, academic salivary referral center between October 2008 and April 2013 were identified from a quality assurance database. A research database was constructed to examine clinical factors of interest. A clinical outcomes and QOL survey was mailed to all eligible patients in order to obtain long-term follow-up data.

RESULTS
A total of 206 of 306 (67%) eligible patients returned the survey. The median length of follow-up was 17 months (3-54 months). The majority of patients (89%) endorsed symptom improvement after gland-preserving therapy. Surgical excision was performed on 8% of affected glands. Patients with chronic sialadenitis due to stones reported a greater incidence of symptom resolution (P = 0.0004) and more favorable QOL outcomes (P = 0.0001) than patients with nonstone etiologies.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients undergoing gland-preserving salivary surgery with salivary endoscopy for chronic sialadenitis have favorable long-term symptom improvement and gland retention rates. Although patients with stones demonstrated the best outcomes, improvement was documented for all etiologies of chronic sialadenitis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4.

Gillespie|M Boyd|MB|
O'Connell|Brendan P|BP|
Rawl|Jordan W|JW|
McLaughlin|Conor W|CW|
Carroll|William W|WW|
Nguyen|Shaun A|SA|

chronic sialadenitis
Sialadenitis
salivary endoscopy
quality of life
salivary stone
sialendoscopy
sialolithiasis


Sex-related differences in growth and carbon allocation to defence in Populus tremula as explained by current plant defence theories.

Abstract: Plant defence theories have recently evolved in such a way that not only the quantity but also the quality of mineral nutrients is expected to influence plant constitutive defence. Recently, an extended prediction derived from the protein competition model (PCM) suggested that nitrogen (N) limitation is more important for the production of phenolic compounds than phosphorus (P). We aimed at studying sexual differences in the patterns of carbon allocation to growth and constitutive defence in relation to N and P availability in Populus tremula L. seedlings. We compared the gender responses in photosynthesis, growth and whole-plant allocation to phenolic compounds at different combination levels of N and P, and studied how they are explained by the main plant defence theories. We found no sexual differences in phenolic concentrations, but interestingly, slow-growing females had higher leaf N concentration than did males, and genders differed in their allocation priority. There was a trade-off between growth and the production of flavonoid-derived phenylpropanoids on one hand, and between the production of salicylates and flavonoid-derived phenylpropanoids on the other. Under limited nutrient conditions, females prioritized mineral nutrient acquisition, flavonoid and condensed tannin (CT) production, while males invested more in above-ground biomass. Salicylate accumulation followed the growth differentiation balance hypothesis as low N mainly decreased the production of leaf and stem salicylate content while the combination of both low N and low P increased the amount of flavonoids and CTs allocated to leaves and to a lesser extent stems, which agrees with the PCM. We suggest that such a discrepancy in the responses of salicylates and flavonoid-derived CTs is linked to their clearly distinct biosynthetic origins and/or their metabolic costs.

Randriamanana|Tendry R|TR|
Nybakken|Line|L|
Lavola|Anu|A|
Aphalo|Pedro J|PJ|
Nissinen|Katri|K|
Julkunen-Tiitto|Riitta|R|

constitutive defence
nitrogen
phenolics
phosphorus
photosynthesis
biomass
aspen
dioecious
sexual dimorphism


Ascorbyl palmitate/d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate monoester mixed micelles for prolonged circulation and targeted delivery of compound K for antilung cancer therapy in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: The roles of ginsenoside compound K (CK) in inhibiting tumor have been widely recognized in recent years. However, low water solubility and significant P-gp efflux have restricted its application. In this study, CK ascorbyl palmitate (AP)/d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate monoester (TPGS) mixed micelles were prepared as a delivery system to increase the absorption and targeted antitumor effect of CK. Consequently, the solubility of CK increased from 35.2±4.3 to 1,463.2±153.3 μg/mL. Furthermore, in an in vitro A549 cell model, CK AP/TPGS mixed micelles significantly inhibited cell growth, induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest, induced cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration compared to free CK, all indicating that the developed micellar delivery system could increase the antitumor effect of CK in vitro. Both in vitro cellular fluorescence uptake and in vivo near-infrared imaging studies indicated that AP/TPGS mixed micelles can promote cellular uptake and enhance tumor targeting. Moreover, studies in the A549 lung cancer xenograft mouse model showed that CK AP/TPGS mixed micelles are an efficient tumor-targeted drug delivery system with an effective antitumor effect. Western blot analysis further confirmed that the marked antitumor effect in vivo could likely be due to apoptosis promotion and P-gp efflux inhibition. Therefore, these findings suggest that the AP/TPGS mixed micellar delivery system could be an efficient delivery strategy for enhanced tumor targeting and antitumor effects.

Zhang|Youwen|Y| Tong|Deyin|D| Che|Daobiao|D| Pei|Bing|B| Xia|Xiaodong|X| Yuan|Gaofeng|G| Jin|Xin|X|

ascorbyl palmitate
mixed micelles
TPGS
anti-tumor therapy
ginsenoside CK


Neural correlates of the implicit processing of grammatical and stereotypical gender violations: A masked and unmasked priming study.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the neural correlates of the automatic activation of gender stereotypes by using the masked and unmasked priming technique. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants were presented with an Italian third-person singular pronoun (lui or lei) that were preceded by either a grammatically-marked (e.g., passeggeraFEM, pensionatoMASC) or stereotypically-associated (e.g., insegnanteFEM, conducenteMASC) role noun. Participants were required to judge the grammatical gender of the personal pronoun ignoring the preceding word. This word was presented in a masked or unmasked way. The results revealed slower reaction times and larger N400, in both the masked and unmasked conditions, when the pronouns were preceded by gender-incongruent than gender-congruent grammatical and stereotypical primes. A P300 effect also emerged in both masked and unmasked conditions for the grammatical gender mismatch between the antecedent and the pronoun. These results provide evidence that gender stereotypes can strongly influence our behavior even under unconscious conditions.


The efficacy and safety of adding bevacizumab in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are more likely to suffer local recurrence and distant metastases, contributing to worse prognoses. Considering the provided dramatic reduction of local recurrences, neoadjuvant CRT (nCRT) followed by curative resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) and adjuvant chemotherapy has been established as standard therapy for LARC patients. However, the efficacy of adding bevacizumab in neoadjuvant therapy, especially in induction therapy-containing nCRT for LARC patients remains uncertain.

MATERIALS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to retrieve records on the application of bevacizumab in a neoadjuvant setting for LARC patients. The endpoints of interest were pCR and the rates of patients suffering Grade 3/4 bevacizumab-specific adverse events, namely bleeding, wound healing complications, and gastrointestinal perforation.

RESULTS
29 cohorts covering 1134 subjects were included in this systematic review. The pooled pCR rate for bevacizumab-relevant cohorts was 21% (95% confidence interval (95% CI), 17-25%; I2 = 61.8%), the pooled estimates of Grade 3/4 bleeding, Grade 3/4 wound healing complication, Grade 3/4 gastrointestinal perforation were 1% (95% CI, 0-3%; I2 = 0%), 2% (95% CI, 1-5%; I2 = 4.7%), and 2% (95% CI, 0-5%; I2 = 0%), respectively.

CONCLUSION
The addition of bevacizumab in the nCRT, especially in the TNT, for LARC patients provides promising efficacy and acceptable safety. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to the small amount of relevant data and need further confirmation by future studies.

Zhou|Yue|Y| Guo|Zhexu|Z| Wu|Zhonghua|Z| Shi|Jinxin|J| Zhou|Cen|C| Sun|Jie|J| Hidasa|Iko|I| Lu|Xuefei|X| Lu|Chong|C|

Bevacizumab
Locally advanced rectal cancer
Induction therapy
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
VEGF-inhibitor


Quantitative oxygenation venography from MRI phase.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To demonstrate acquisition and processing methods for quantitative oxygenation venograms that map in vivo oxygen saturation (SvO2 ) along cerebral venous vasculature.

METHODS
Regularized quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is used to reconstruct susceptibility values and estimate SvO2 in veins. QSM with ℓ1 and ℓ2 regularization are compared in numerical simulations of vessel structures with known magnetic susceptibility. Dual-echo, flow-compensated phase images are collected in three healthy volunteers to create QSM images. Bright veins in the susceptibility maps are vectorized and used to form a three-dimensional vascular mesh, or venogram, along which to display SvO2 values from QSM.

RESULTS
Quantitative oxygenation venograms that map SvO2 along brain vessels of arbitrary orientation and geometry are shown in vivo. SvO2 values in major cerebral veins lie within the normal physiological range reported by (15) O positron emission tomography. SvO2 from QSM is consistent with previous MR susceptometry methods for vessel segments oriented parallel to the main magnetic field. In vessel simulations, ℓ1 regularization results in less than 10% SvO2 absolute error across all vessel tilt orientations and provides more accurate SvO2 estimation than ℓ2 regularization.

CONCLUSION
The proposed analysis of susceptibility images enables reliable mapping of quantitative SvO2 along venograms and may facilitate clinical use of venous oxygenation imaging.

Fan|Audrey P|AP|
Bilgic|Berkin|B|
Gagnon|Louis|L|
Witzel|Thomas|T|
Bhat|Himanshu|H|
Rosen|Bruce R|BR|
Adalsteinsson|Elfar|E|

venography
quantitative susceptibility
brain oxygenation
venous oxygen saturation


6-Aryl and heterocycle quinazoline derivatives as potent EGFR inhibitors with improved activity toward gefitinib-sensitive and -resistant tumor cell lines.

Abstract: A group of novel anilinoquinazoline derivatives with variable aryl and heterocyclic substituents at position 6 were synthesized and tested for their EGFR-inhibitory activity. Aryl and heterocyclic rings were attached to the quinazoline scaffold through different linkages such as imine, amide, and thiourea. Most of the aryl and heterocyclic derivatives showed potent inhibition of wild-type EGFR with IC₅₀ values in the low nanomolar range. Among these, thiourea derivatives 6 a, 6 b and compound 10 b also retained significant activity toward the gefitinib-insensitive EGFR(T790M/L858R) mutant, displaying up to 24-fold greater potency than gefitinib. In addition, cell growth inhibitory activity was tested against cancer cell lines with wild-type (KB cells) and mutant EGFR (H1975 cells). Several compounds including 6 a were found to be more potent than the reference compound gefitinib toward both cell lines, as was the case for compound 10 b against H1975 cells. Therefore, compounds 6 a and 10 b in particular may serve as new leads for the development of inhibitors effective against wild-type EGFR as well as gefitinib-resistant mutants.

Hamed|Mostafa M|MM|
Abou El Ella|Dalal A|DA|
Keeton|Adam B|AB|
Piazza|Gary A|GA|
Abadi|Ashraf H|AH|
Hartmann|Rolf W|RW|
Engel|Matthias|M|

D001665:Binding Sites
D020134:Catalytic Domain
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor
D002470:Cell Survival
D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
D066246:ErbB Receptors
D000077156:Gefitinib
D006571:Heterocyclic Compounds
D006801:Humans
D062105:Molecular Docking Simulation
D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors
D011799:Quinazolines

heterocycles
quinazoline
EGFR
antitumor agents
tumor resistance


Effect of Mucosal Cytokine Administration on Selective Expansion of Vaginal Dendritic Cells to Support Nanoparticle Transport.

Abstract:
PROBLEM
The capacity of antigen-carrying vaccine nanoparticles (NPs) administered vaginally to stimulate local immune responses may be limited by the relatively low numbers of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the genital mucosa. Because inflammation is associated with increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, we sought to increase APC numbers without causing inflammation.

METHOD OF STUDY
In this study, we evaluated intravaginal delivery of chemokines, growth factors, or synthetic adjuvants to expand APCs in reproductive tissues.

RESULTS
We found that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulated expansion of CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) within 24 hr of intravaginal administration, with no effect on Langerhans cells or macrophages. Expansion of the CD11b+ DC population was not associated with increased inflammatory cytokine production, and these cells retained phagocytic function.

CONCLUSION
Our data suggest that non-inflammatory expansion of mucosal APCs by intravaginal GM-CSF could be used as an adjuvanting strategy to potentiate the genital immune response to nanoparticulate mucosal vaccines.

Ramanathan|Renuka|R|
Park|Jaehyung|J|
Hughes|Sean M|SM|
Lykins|William R|WR|
Bennett|Hunter R|HR|
Hladik|Florian|F|
Woodrow|Kim A|KA|

dendritic cells
chemokines
GM-CSF
Cellular expansion
reproductive mucosa


Can we consider silymarin as a treatment option for vitiligo? A double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial of phototherapy plus oral Silybum marianum product versus phototherapy alone.

Abstract: Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic skin disorder caused by destruction of the skin melanocytes, which presents as a depigmented area in the skin. This study examined the effect of Phototherapy plus oral Silybummarianum on the treatment of skin lesions of Vitiligo.Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 34 patients with vitiligo who were referred to Dermatology Clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was treated with phototherapy plus Narrowband UVB plus oral silymarin and the other group was treated with phototherapy with placebo. The patients in both groups were evaluated with vitiligo area severity index (VASI) at the beginning and end of the study. SPSS software version 23 was used for statistical analyses.Results: The mean of the VASI score showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups at the end of the study (p < .05), but the decrease in the VASI score in patients who received Silybum marianum was more in comparison with the other group.Conclusion: This study showed that probably Silybum marianum is a good choice for patients with vitiligo; however, further studies are recommended to be conducted to confirm our result.

silymarin
Vitiligo
phototherapy
Silybum marianum


Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) exosomes contain signaling phosphoproteins affected by oxidative stress.

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness among the elderly population in the industrialized world. One of the typical features of this pathology is the gradual death of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, which are essential for maintaining photoreceptor functions and survival. The etiology is multifactorial, and oxidative stress is clearly one of the key factors involved in disease pathogenesis (Plafker, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 664 (2010) 447-56; Qin, Drug Dev. Res. 68 (2007) 213-225). Recent work has revealed the presence of phosphorylated signaling proteins in the vitreous humour of patients affected by AMD or other retinal diseases. While the location of these signaling proteins is typically the cell membrane or intracellular compartments, vitreous samples were proven to be cell-free (Davuluri et al., Arch. Ophthalmol. 127 (2009) 613-21). To gain a better understanding of how these proteins can be shed into the vitreous, we used reverse phase protein arrays (RPMA) to analyze the protein and phosphoprotein content of exosomes shed by cultured ARPE-19 cells under oxidative stress conditions. Seventy two proteins were shown to be released by ARPE-19 cells and compartmentalized within exosomes. Forty one of them were selectively detected in their post-translationally modified form (i.e., phosphorylated or cleaved) for the first time in exosomes. Sets of these proteins were linked together reflecting activation of pathway units within exosomes. A subset of (phospho)proteins were altered in exosomes secreted by ARPE-19 cells subjected to oxidative stress, compared to that secreted by control/non stressed cells. Stress-altered exosome proteins were found to be involved in pathways regulating apoptosis/survival (i.e, Bak, Smac/Diablo, PDK1 (S241), Akt (T308), Src (Y416), Elk1 (S383), ERK 1/2 (T202/Y204)) and cell metabolism (i.e., AMPKα1 (S485), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (S79), LDHA). Exosomes may thus represent the conduit through which membrane and intracellular signaling proteins are released into the vitreous. Changes in their (phospho)protein content upon stress conditions suggest their possible role in mediating cell-cell signaling during physio-pathological events; furthermore, exosomes may represent a potential source of biomarkers.

Biasutto|Lucia|L|
Chiechi|Antonella|A|
Couch|Robin|R|
Liotta|Lance A|LA|
Espina|Virginia|V|

D002478:Cells, Cultured
D055354:Exosomes
D006801:Humans
D008954:Models, Biological
D018384:Oxidative Stress
D010750:Phosphoproteins
D040081:Protein Array Analysis
D040901:Proteomics
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species
D012015:Reference Standards
D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium
D015398:Signal Transduction

Endosomal sorting complex required for transport

P P P P P P P P P U M U U M U U U U U U U U


Identification of the Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in the Synergistic Neurotoxicity of an HIV Protease Inhibitor and Methamphetamine.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The abuse of psychostimulants such as methamphetamine (METH) is common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients taking METH and antiretroviral drugs could suffer severe neurologic damage and cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE
To reveal the underlying neuropathologic mechanisms of an HIV protease inhibitor (PI) combined with METH, growth-inhibition tests of dopaminergic cells and RNA sequencing were performed.

METHODS
A combination of METH and PI caused more growth inhibition of dopaminergic cells than METH alone or a PI alone. Furthermore, we identified differentially expressed gene (DEG) patterns in the METH vs. untreated cells (1161 genes), PI vs. untreated cells (16 genes), METH-PI vs. PI (3959 genes), and METH-PI vs. METH groups (14 genes).

RESULTS
The DEGs in the METH-PI co-treatment group were verified in the brains of a mouse model using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and were involved mostly in the regulatory functions of cell proliferation and inflammation.

CONCLUSION
Such identification of key regulatory genes could facilitate the study of their neuroprotective potential in the users of METH and PIs.

Li|Sangsang|S| Li|Yanfei|Y| Deng|Bingpeng|B| Yan|Jie|J| Wang|Yong|Y|

D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants

differentially expressed gene
HIV protease inhibitor
Methamphetamine
AIDS
RNA-seq
synergistic neurotoxicity.


SIRT1 reduction causes renal and retinal injury in diabetes through endothelin 1 and transforming growth factor β1.

Abstract: In diabetes, hyperglycaemia causes up-regulation of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Previously we showed glucose reduces sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase. Here, we investigated the regulatory role of SIRT1 on ET-1 and TGF-β1 expression. Human microvascular endothelial cells were examined following incubation with 25 mmol/l glucose (HG) and 5 mmol/l glucose (NG) with or without SIRT1 or histone acetylase p300 overexpression or knockdown. mRNA expressions of ET-1, TGF-β1, SIRT1, p300 and collagen 1α(I) were examined. SIRT1 enzyme activity, ET-1 and TGF-β1 protein levels were measured. Histone acetylation and endothelial permeability were further investigated. Similar analyses were performed in the kidneys and retinas of SIRT1 overexpressing transgenic mice with or without streptozotocin induced diabetes. Renal functions were evaluated. In the endothelial cells (ECs), HG caused increased permeability and escalated production of ET-1, TGF-β1, collagen Iα(I). These cells also showed increased p300 expression, histone acetylation and reduced SIRT1 levels. These changes were rectified in the ECs following p300 silencing or by SIRT1 overexpression, whereas SIRT1 knockdown or p300 overexpression in NG mimicked the effects of HG. High ET-1 and TGF-β1 levels were seen in the kidneys and retinas of diabetic mice along with micro-albuminuria and increased fibronectin protein (marker of glucose-induced cell injury) levels. Interestingly, these detrimental changes were blunted in SIRT1 overexpressing transgenic mice with diabetes. This study showed a novel SIRT1 mediated protection against renal and retinal injury in diabetes, regulated through p300, ET-1 and TGF-β1.

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1


The effects of self-management intervention among middle-age adults with knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract:
AIM
The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a self-management intervention for middle-aged adults with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND
Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of lower limb disability in middle-aged and older adults. Use of self-management interventions that apply the self-regulation theory have not been reported for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN
A quasi-experimental design was applied.

METHODS
Knee osteoarthritis patients were recruited from two medical centres in northern Taiwan by convenience sampling between July 2013-May 2014. We developed a self-management intervention programme for knee osteoarthritis; participants began an individualized programme 4 weeks after recruitment. Effectiveness of the intervention was evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Health Care Questionnaire and the Short-Form Health Survey. A generalized estimating equation compared assessment scores for 105 participants after the intervention (10 and 18 weeks) with scores at 4 weeks.

RESULTS
Knee symptoms and physical function scores significantly improved and quality-of-life scores significantly increased while body mass index, unplanned medical consultations and doses of pain medication significantly decreased at 10 and 18 weeks compared with 4 weeks. After adjusting for the effect of time- and significant-related factors, knee symptoms and physical function, body mass index and quality of life significantly improved at 10 and 18 weeks compared with 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS
The self-management intervention based on self-regulation theory, improved participants' symptoms and functions of knee osteoarthritis, overall health and quality of life. Offering self-management interventions in clinical practice can be beneficial for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Kao|Mei-Hua|MH| Tsai|Yun-Fang|YF| Chang|Ting-Kuo|TK| Wang|Jong-Shyan|JS| Chen|Chie-Pein|CP| Chang|Yue-Cune|YC|

self-management
osteoarthritis
symptom
quality of life
care need
nursing


The Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life Issues Experienced by Patients with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis (The QUALIFIED Study)-A Protocol for an International Cohort Study.

Abstract: Sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare soft tissue tumour with an unpredictable clinical course. These tumours are incapable of metastasising, but their local aggressive tumour growth and tendency to recur locally can result in a substantial symptom burden. Measuring the impact of DTF on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be challenging due to the variable clinical presentation of the disease. Therefore, a HRQoL instrument assessing DTF-specific issues is needed. The QUALIFIED study aims to (1) pre-test a previously developed DTF-specific HRQoL tool (the DTF-QoL); (2) evaluate prevalence of HRQoL issues in adult DTF patients; and (3) identify subgroups at risk of impaired HRQoL. This study (NCT04289077) is an international, multicentre, cross-sectional, observational cohort study. Patients ≥ 18 years with sporadic DTF from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires specifically composed for this patient group. Questionnaires will be completed using PROFILES (Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship). Analyses will include testing the psychometric properties of the DTF-QoL and evaluating the prevalence of HRQoL issues using the DTF-QoL, EORTC QOL-C30 and EQ-5D-5L, among other questionnaires. This study will provide insight into HRQoL issues experienced by patients with DTF. Awareness of these issues and the implementation of the DTF-QoL in research and clinical practice can help to improve overall HRQoL and to provide personalised care.

van der Graaf|Winette T A|WTA|0000-0001-7549-3338

health-related quality of life
desmoid-type fibromatosis
symptom burden
symptoms
disease-specific measures
patient-reported outcomes
rare diseases


Mental Health in the Young Athlete.

Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The goal of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of mental health concerns in young athletes, with a focus on common disorders, as well as population-specific risk factors.

RECENT FINDINGS
Athletes experience similar mental health concerns as non-athlete peers, such as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation, ADHD, eating disorders, and substance abuse. However, they also experience unique stressors that put them at risk for the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders. Student athletes have to balance academics with rigorous training regimens while focusing on optimal performance and managing high expectations. Physical injuries, overtraining, concussion, sleep disorders, and social identity are some of the factors that also impact the mental health of student athletes. Existing literature highlights the need to develop proactive mental health and wellness education for young athletes, and to develop services that recognize the unique needs of this population.

Xanthopoulos|Melissa S|MS|
Benton|Tami|T|
Lewis|Jason|J|
Case|Julia A|JA|
Master|Christina L|CL|

Mental health
Athletes
Risk factors
Injury
Sport


The Lymphoma-Associated Macrophage to Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg Cell Ratio Is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite the relatively high rate of curability, approximately 20% to 30% of patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma relapse. Hodgkin-Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells:lymphoma-associated macrophages (LAMs) cross talk promotes tumor growth and resistance to therapy. The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic role of the LAM to HRS ratio (LHR) in lymph node biopsies using a novel automated system for scanning large sample areas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
High-quality tissue samples obtained from 71 patients and stained with anti-CD30 and anti-CD68 were analyzed using the TissueFAXS (TissueGnostics).

RESULTS
A high LHR was associated with inferior 5-year progression-free survival (PFS; 50.0% vs. 79.3%; P = .032) and overall survival (OS; 65.4% vs. 92.3%; P = .012). Multivariate Cox regression identified the high LHR as an unfavorable prognostic factor for PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.07; P = .029) and OS (HR, 4.56; P = .025).

CONCLUSION
A high LHR at diagnosis is associated with a higher risk of lymphoma progression or death. Automated image analysis is a new tool that can overcome technical limitations of by microarray samples in lymphomas with high intratumor heterogeneity.

Procházka|Vít|V| Papajík|Tomáš|T| Dýšková|Tereza|T| Dihel|Martin|M| Brychtová|Světlana|S| Prouzová|Zuzana|Z| Kriegová|Eva|E| Lukášová|Marie|M| Hanáčková|Veronika|V|

Hodgkin lymphoma
Microenvironment
Prognosis


Yerba mate tea and mate saponins prevented azoxymethane-induced inflammation of rat colon through suppression of NF-κB p65ser(311) signaling via IκB-α and GSK-3β reduced phosphorylation.

Abstract: Yerba mate tea (YMT) has a chemopreventive role in a variety of inflammatory diseases. The objective was to determine the capability of YMT and mate saponins to prevent azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic inflammation in rats. YMT (2% dry leaves, w/v, as a source of drinking fluid) (n = 15) and mate saponins (0.01% in the diet, at a concentration present in one cup of YMT) (n = 15) were given ad libitum to rats 2 weeks prior to AOM-injection until the end of the study; while control rats (n = 15) received a basal diet and drinking water. After 8-weeks of study, total colonic mucosa was scraped (n = 3 rats/group) and the remaining colons (n =12 rats/group) were cut into three equal sections and aberrant crypt foci (ACF) were analyzed. YMT reduced ACF formation from 113 (control group) to 89 (P < 0.05). YMT and mate saponins reduced the expression of proinflammatory molecules COX-2 and iNOS with concomitant reduction in p-p65 (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of the formalin-fixed middle colons showed that YMT and mate saponins reduced the expression of p-p65(ser311) by 45.7% and 43.1%, respectively, in comparison to the control (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of molecules upstream of NF-κB such as p-IκB-α and p-GSK-3β(Y216) was downregulated by YMT 24.7% and 24.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). Results suggest the mechanism involved in the chemopreventive effect of YMT and mate saponin consumption in AOM induced-colonic inflammation in rats is through inhibition of NF-κB.

Puangpraphant|Sirima|S|
Dia|Vermont P|VP|
de Mejia|Elvira Gonzalez|EG|
Garcia|Guadalupe|G|
Berhow|Mark A|MA|
Wallig|Matthew A|MA|

D000071679:Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta

D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen

Yerba mate
mate saponins
inflammation
NF-κB signaling
colon cancer


Rational modification of the lead molecule: Enhancement in the anticancer and dihydrofolate reductase inhibitory activity.

Abstract: By using molecular docking studies, the practice of fragment based drug discovery is conceptualized by introducing oxindole and iso-propanol moieties in our previous lead molecule 1. The resulting compound 2 exhibited competitive inhibition and favorable Ka and Ki for hDHFR. The screening of compound 2 at 60 cell line panel of human tumor cell lines showed its considerably better efficacy than compound 1 and hence put the candidature of 2 on stronghold for further studies.

D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor

Dihydrofolate reductase
Anti-cancer activity
Indole


Occurrence and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts in raw water samples from the Rímac River, Peru.

Abstract: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are potentially pathogenic protozoa which are ubiquitous in ambient surface water. The present study included 60 samples of surface water from three sampling sites from the Rímac River, Lima and Callao, Peru, to detect the occurrence of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. and to perform molecular characterization of specimens found. Water samples were concentrated using the membrane filtration technique, and following elution, cysts and oocysts were visualized by direct immunofluorescence assay (IFA). For molecular characterization, tpi and bg gene fragments and 18S rRNA were amplified by nested PCR for Giardia and Cryptosporidium, respectively, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Giardia cysts were found in 93.3% of the analyzed samples, whereas Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 15%. The positivity of the Giardia cysts was 86.6% (n = 26) in 2014, while Cryptosporidium oocysts were not detected. In 2015, both protozoa were found in raw water samples, with all 30 samples collected positive for Giardia cysts (100.0%) and 9 positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts (30.0%). Oocysts were detected in 20.0% of water samples from sites 1 (mean 5.25 oocysts/L) and 2 (mean 52.3 oocysts/L), while at site 3, oocysts were detected in 50.0% of raw water samples (mean 193.6 oocysts/L). The presence of Giardia duodenalis assemblage A was confirmed in several samples by the phylogenetic positioning of the bg and tpi genes, and the sub-assemblage AII was predominant (8/9). Sequencing for Cryptosporidium resulted in profiles compatible with Cryptosporidium hominis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, and Cryptosporidium baileyi. This is the first time that the presence of G. duodenalis assemblage A/sub-assemblage AII and Cryptosporidium species has been reported in surface water samples in Peru. These Cryptosporidium species and the Giardia duodenalis assemblage are associated with human disease which highlights the potential risk to public health and the need to increase environmental monitoring measures to protect this water body.

Bautista|Meylin|M|
Bonatti|Taís Rondello|TR|
Fiuza|Vagner Ricardo da S|VRDS|
Terashima|Angelica|A|
Canales-Ramos|Marco|M|
José|Juliana|J|
Franco|Regina Maura Bueno|RMB|

Giardia duodenalis
Raw water
Rímac River
Peru
Lima
Cryptosporidium spp.


Combined Danio rerio embryo morbidity, mortality and photomotor response assay: A tool for developmental risk assessment from chronic cyanoHAB exposure.

Abstract: Freshwater harmful algal blooms produce a broad array of bioactive compounds, with variable polarity. Acute exposure to cyanotoxins can impact the liver, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and immune function. Increasing evidence suggests chronic effects from low-level exposures of cyanotoxins and other associated bioactive metabolites of cyanobacterial origin. These sundry compounds persist in drinking and recreational waters and challenge resource managers in detection and removal. A systematic approach to assess the developmental toxicity of cyanobacterial metabolite standards was employed utilizing a robust and high throughput developmental Danio rerio embryo platform that incorporated a neurobehavioral endpoint, photomotor response. Subsequently, we applied the platform to cyanobacterial bloom surface water samples taken from temperate recreational beaches and tropical lake subsistence drinking water sources as a model approach. Dechorionated Danio rerio embryos were statically immersed beginning at four to six hours post fertilization at environmentally relevant concentrations, and then assessed at 24 h and 5 days for morbidity, morphological changes, and photomotor response. At least one assessed endpoint deviated significantly for exposed embryos for 22 out of 25 metabolites examined. Notably, the alkaloid lyngbyatoxin-a resulted in profound, dose-dependent morbidity and mortality beginning at 5 μg/L. In addition, hydrophobic components of extracts from beach monitoring resulted in potent morbidity and mortality despite only trace cyanotoxins detected. The hydrophilic extracts with several order of magnitude higher concentrations of microcystins resulted in no morbidity or mortality. Developmental photomotor response was consistently altered in environmental bloom samples, independent of the presence or concentration of toxins detected in extracts. While limited with respect to more polar compounds, this novel screening approach complements specific fingerprinting of acutely toxic metabolites with robust assessment of developmental toxicity, critical for chronic exposure scenarios.

Roegner|Amber|A|
Truong|Lisa|L|
Weirich|Chelsea|C|
Pírez-Schirmer|Macarena|M|
Brena|Beatriz|B|
Miller|Todd R|TR|
Tanguay|Robert|R|

Cyanobacterial blooms
Chronic exposure
Behavioral response
Zebrafish embryo


'No daddy', 'A kind of daddy': words used by donor conceived children and (aspiring) parents to refer to the sperm donor.

Abstract: Research has shown that the recipients of donor sperm can experience difficulties finding appropriate language to refer to the donor. Based on two qualitative analysis techniques, namely word count and empirical discourse analysis, we studied the words used to refer to the donor in heterosexual and lesbian (aspiring) parents and in donor conceived children. Findings show that the words used in these households are highly diverse and have at least four different interlinked functions: (1) to position the donor in relation to the nuclear family; (2) to safeguard the role of the social parent; (3) to clarify family structure; and (4) to present a positive picture of the donor. Both parents and children consciously reflect on what words to use to refer to the donor. Although parents try to keep words like 'father' and 'daddy' out of the family narrative, children use these words. These findings show that it is important for healthcare personnel and policy makers to reflect on the careful use of terminology when they address questions around sperm donation because the terminology invokes specific meanings that have an effect on how the recipients and their children perceive the role of the donor.

Provoost|Veerle|V|
Bernaerdt|Jodie|J|
Van Parys|Hanna|H|
Buysse|Ann|A|
De Sutter|Petra|P|
Pennings|Guido|G|

children
parents
terminology
sperm donation
Donor conception
communication


The COPE healthy lifestyles TEEN randomized controlled trial with culturally diverse high school adolescents: baseline characteristics and methods.

Abstract: Obesity and mental health disorders remain significant public health problems in adolescents. Substantial health disparities exist with minority youth experiencing higher rates of these problems. Schools are an outstanding venue to provide teens with skills needed to improve their physical and mental health, and academic performance. In this paper, the authors describe the design, intervention, methods and baseline data for a randomized controlled trial with 779 culturally diverse high-school adolescents in the southwest United States. Aims for this prevention study include testing the efficacy of the COPE TEEN program versus an attention control program on the adolescents' healthy lifestyle behaviors, Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI%, mental health, social skills and academic performance immediately following the intervention programs, and at six and 12 months post interventions. Baseline findings indicate that greater than 40% of the sample is either overweight (n = 148, 19.00%) or obese (n = 182, 23.36%). The predominant ethnicity represented is Hispanic (n = 526, 67.52%). At baseline, 15.79% (n = 123) of the students had above average scores on the Beck Youth Inventory Depression subscale indicating mildly (n = 52, 6.68%), moderately (n = 47, 6.03%), or extremely (n = 24, 3.08%) elevated scores (see Table 1). Anxiety scores were slightly higher with 21.56% (n = 168) reporting responses suggesting mildly (n = 81, 10.40%), moderately (n = 58, 7.45%) or extremely (n = 29, 3.72%) elevated scores. If the efficacy of the COPE TEEN program is supported, it will offer schools a curriculum that can be easily incorporated into high school health courses to improve adolescent healthy lifestyle behaviors, psychosocial outcomes and academic performance.

Melnyk|Bernadette Mazurek|BM|
Kelly|Stephanie|S|
Jacobson|Diana|D|
Belyea|Michael|M|
Shaibi|Gabriel|G|
Small|Leigh|L|
O'Haver|Judith|J|
Marsiglia|Flavio Francisco|FF|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

High school
Adolescents
Mental health
Prevention
Overweight
RCT


Rare side effect of adjuvant ipilimumab after surgical resection of melanoma: Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a life-threatening neurological disorder that presents with rapid ascending paralysis and areflexia. Guillain-Barré syndrome is traditionally associated with infections from a gastrointestinal or respiratory tract source. We report the case of a 71-year-old man with melanoma who was treated with ipilimumab as adjuvant immunotherapy and subsequently developed Guillain-Barré syndrome. The diagnosis was made clinically through physical exam findings. He was successfully treated with a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and corticosteroids.

Patel|Rohini J|RJ|
Liu|Michael A|MA|
Amaraneni|Akshay|A|
Sindhu|Simran K|SK|

cancer intervention
chemotherapy
peripheral nerve disease
skin cancer
unwanted effects / adverse reactions


What's New in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Abstract: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune multisystem disease with a variable presentation and manifestations ranging from mild to severe or even life-threatening. There is an ongoing and unmet need for novel, disease-specific, effective and safe treatment modalities. The aim of this review is to summarize data on SLE treatment that have emerged over the last 3 years. We will put emphasis on studies evaluating potential treatments on severe lupus manifestations such as lupus nephritis. Despite the existence of several therapeutic agents in SLE, the disease keeps causing significant morbidity. It is encouraging that a variety of therapeutic options are currently under investigation, although there are occasional trial failures.

treatment
systemic lupus erythematosus
lupus nephritis
B cell
clinical trial


Obesity and gambling: neurocognitive and clinical associations.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Research on health correlates in gamblers has found an association between gambling and obesity. The neurocognitive underpinnings of impulsivity may be useful targets for understanding and ultimately treating individuals with both gambling and obesity problems.

METHOD
207 non-treatment seeking young adults (18-29 years) with subsyndromal gambling disorder were recruited from the community. Subjects were grouped according to weight ('normal weight' BMI<25, 'overweight' BMI≥25; or 'obese' BMI≥30). Measures relating to gambling behaviour and objective computerized neurocognitive measures were collected.

RESULTS
Of the 207 subjects, 22 (10.6%) were obese and 49 (23.7%) were overweight. The obese gamblers consumed more nicotine (packs per day equivalent) and reported losing more money per week to gambling. Obese gamblers exhibited significant impairments in terms of reaction times for go trials on the stop-signal test (SST), quality of decision making and risk adjustment on the Cambridge Gamble Test (CGT), and sustained attention on the rapid visual information processing task (RVP).

CONCLUSION
Obesity was associated with decision making and sustained attention impairments in gamblers, along with greater monetary loss due to gambling. Future work should use longitudinal designs to examine the temporal relationship between these deficits, weight, other impulsive behaviour, and functional impairment.

Grant|J E|JE|
Derbyshire|K|K|
Leppink|E|E|
Chamberlain|S R|SR|

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales


Effects of supplemental calcium gluconate embedded in a hydrogenated fat matrix on lactation, digestive, and metabolic variables in dairy cattle.

Abstract: There is growing evidence suggesting that by improving gut integrity and function, less energy is partitioned toward immune responses related to xenobiotic infiltration, sparing energy for productive purposes. Gluconic acid and its salts have previously shown prebiotic effects in the lower gut of nonruminant animals, where they serve as a precursor for butyrate, although evidence in ruminants is limited. Butyrate and its fermentative precursors have demonstrated multiple beneficial effects to gastrointestinal ecology, morphology, and function, such as the stimulation of epithelial cell proliferation and improvement of gut barrier function and ecology. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in milk production, milk fatty acid composition, and fecal and blood parameters in lactating dairy cattle fed a hydrogenated fat-embedded calcium gluconate (HFCG) supplement designed to target the hindgut for calcium gluconate delivery. In addition, the effects of a compound feed processing method (i.e., incorporated into a mash or an extruded pellet) were tested to evaluate the effect of extrusion on product efficacy. Forty-five lactating Holstein cows at approximately 165 d in milk were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square consisting of three 28-d periods, during which animals were offered a basal ration mixed with 3 different compound feeds: a negative control in mash form containing no HFCG, or the HFCG supplement fed at a target rate of 16 g/d, delivered in either a mash or pelleted form. Supplementation of HFCG tended to increase yields of milk fat and fat- and energy-corrected milk. Total yields and concentrations of milk fatty acids ≥18 carbons in length tended to increase in response to HFCG. Plasma nonesterified fatty acids and milk urea increased in HFCG treatments. No differences were observed in fecal pH or fecal concentrations of volatile fatty acids, with the exception of isobutyrate, which decreased in HFCG-fed cows. Changes in milk fatty acid profile suggest that increased milk fat yield was driven by increased incorporation of preformed fatty acids, supported by increased circulating nonesterified fatty acid. Future research investigating the mode of action of HFCG at the level of the hindgut epithelium is warranted, as measured fecal parameters showed no response to treatment.

Seymour|D J|DJ|
Sanz-Fernandez|M V|MV|
Daniel|J B|JB|
Martín-Tereso|J|J|
Doelman|J|J|


The Synthesis of Waltherione F and Its Analogues with Modifications at the 2- and 3-Positions as Potential Antitrypanosomal Agents.

Abstract: Chagas disease also know as American Trypanosomiasis (AT) is a tropical parasitic disease endemic in South America, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by the blood-sucking insect vectors called triatomine bugs. Quinoline alkaloids from the root extract of Waltheria indica are known to possess antitrypanosomal activity. Waltherione F, one of those alkaloids, was synthesised in 5 steps in 11 % overall yield. We report here the first X-ray crystallographic confirmation of the structure of Waltherione F 3. A key step in the sequence utilised the Conrad-Limpach synthesis for the formation of the quinolin-4(1H)-one ring system. Our synthetic strategy was designed to enable the modification of the 2- and 3-positions of the scaffold, allowing the generation of a diverse library of analogues to support our on-going medicinal chemistry program that is looking for new agents to tackle this devastating disease.

waltherione F
trypanosomiasis
quinoline
heterocycles
medicinal organic chemistry


Changes in food habits in cancer patients in Italy: a survey. AIOM - SINPE - FAVO.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cancer patients changing their diet in relation to cancer site, sex, age and geographic distribution. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the rationale behind dietary changes and to identify sources of information in order to plan specific educational training.

METHODS
Patients ≥18 y of age who accessed the Italian Cancer Patients, Families and Friends Association information points were invited to participate. An ad hoc self-report questionnaire was used. The questionnaire asked patients about changes made to the major food groups. A minimum sample of 100 patients for the most common cancers was planned. We analyzed 1257 questionnaires. We assessed the prevalence of, reasons for, and type of dietary changes. Logistic regression was used to analyze the main determinants of dietary changes.

RESULTS
Of the 1257 patients, 705 (56.1%) reported changes since receiving the diagnosis of cancer. On the logistic regression analysis, age and tumor site were significantly associated with dietary changes (P <0.001), mainly in patients <50 y of age and in those with upper gastrointestinal cancers. Slightly more than half (50.8%) of patients adopted a healthier diet, with 31.3% doing so to deal with eating-related side effects and 17.9% due to cancer sites. Regardless of the reasons for changing, the most common food items to result in a decrease in consumption were alcohol, red and processed meats, and sugary drinks. Only 15% of patients reported receiving specific nutrition indication.

CONCLUSION
Italian patients are attentive to the importance of diet during cancer treatment. Personal choices reflect some indications for cancer prevention as there is still a shortage of guidelines for a correct diet during treatment. Nutrition indications are rarely given within the oncologic center.

Gavazzi|Cecilia|C| Sieri|Sabina|S| Traclò|Francesca|F| Sproviero|Alessandro|A| Vandoni|Giulia|G| Ricci|Roberta|R| Stragliotto|Silvia|S| Zagonel|Vittorina|V| |||

Cancer patients
Dietary changes
Cancer survivors
Food habits' survey
Nutrition information


Interdisciplinary Approaches towards Materials with Enhanced Properties for Electrical Engineering.

Abstract: The internationally growing demand for electrical energy is one of the most prominent triggers stimulating research these days.[...].

charge transport
crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE)
epoxy resin
high-voltage engineering
mechanical properties
mica/epoxy composites
nanocomposites
surface chemistry


Systemic therapy and attachment narratives: Attachment Narrative Therapy.

Abstract: This article outlines an integration of attachment theory with narrative theory and systemic theory and practice: Attachment Narrative Therapy (ANT). This integration offers a more powerful explanatory formulation of the development and maintenance of human distress in relationships, families and communities, and gives direction to psychotherapeutic intervention.

attachment narrative therapy
Attachment theory
narrative theory
systemic theory
integrative formulation
systemic practice


Adaptogenic flower buds exert cancer preventive effects by enhancing the SCFA-producers, strengthening the epithelial tight junction complex and immune responses.

Abstract: Microbiome therapy has attracted a keen interest from both research and business sectors. Our lab has been applying this "second genome" platform to assess the functionality of herbal medicines with fulfilling results. In this study, we applied this platform to assess the potential cancer-preventive effects of three selected adaptogenic plants. The flower buds from these plants were used to constitute Preparations SL and FSP according to the receipts of two commonly consumed Chinese medicinal decoctions for gastrointestinal discomfort. Preparation SL contains Sophorae japonica and Lonicerae Japonicae, and Preparation FSP contains Sophorae japonica and Gardenia Jasminoides. SL and FSP extracts significantly (p < 0.001) lowered the polyp burden, as well as the expressions of oncogenic signaling molecules, such as MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, and STAT3 in ApcMin/+ mice. The inflamed gut was alleviated by shifting M1 to M2 macrophage phenotypes and the associated immune cytokines. The other remarkable change was on the extracellular tight junction protein complex, where the occludin, ZO-1, ICAM-1, E-cadherin were significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated while the N-cadherin and β-catenin were downregulated in the treated mice. The above physiological changes in the gut epithelial barrier were companied with the changes in gut microbiome. The 16S Sequencing data revealed a marked decrease in the potential pathogens (especially Helicobacter species and hydrogen sulfide producing-bacteria) and the increase in beneficial bacteria (especially for species from the genera of Akkermansia, Barnesiella, Coprococcus, Lachnoclostridium, and Ruminococcus). The majority of which were the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producers. Meanwhile SCFAs-sensing G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a were also significantly upregulated. In a recent report, we proved that the bacteria-derived SCFAs plays an essential role to the anti-cancer effects of the mushroom polysaccharides and saponins in ApcMin/+ mice. In this study, we further demonstrated that butyrate treatment could enhance the extracellular tight junction protein complex as effective as the treatments with SL and FSP to the ApcMin/+ mice. Our findings provide strong evidence of the vital role of the SCFA-producers and their metabolites to the cancer-preventive properties of the SL and FSP preparations.

Xia|Wenrui|W|
Khan|Imran|I|
Li|Xiao-Ang|XA|
Huang|Guoxin|G|
Yu|Zhiling|Z|
Leong|Wai Kit|WK|
Han|Ruixuan|R|
Ho|Leung Tsun|LT|
Wendy Hsiao|W L|WL|

Tight junction
Adhesion molecules
Colorectal cancer
Gut microbiota
Herbal products


3D Printed Gene-activated Octacalcium Phosphate Implants for Large Bone Defects Engineering.

Abstract: The aim of the study was the development of three-dimensional (3D) printed gene-activated implants based on octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and plasmid DNA encoding VEGFA. The first objective of the present work involved design and fabrication of gene-activated bone substitutes based on the OCP and plasmid DNA with VEGFA gene using 3D printing approach of ceramic constructs, providing the control of its architectonics compliance to the initial digital models. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and compressive strength analyses were applied to investigate the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the experimental samples. The biodegradation rate and the efficacy of plasmid DNA delivery in vivo were assessed during standard tests with subcutaneous implantation to rodents in the next stage. The final part of the study involved substitution of segmental tibia and mandibular defects in adult pigs with 3D printed gene-activated implants. Biodegradation, osteointegration, and effectiveness of a reparative osteogenesis were evaluated with computerized tomography, SEM, and a histological examination. The combination of gene therapy and 3D printed implants manifested the significant clinical potential for effective bone regeneration in large/critical size defect cases.

Bozo|Ilya Y|IY|
Deev|Roman V|RV|
Smirnov|Igor V|IV|
Fedotov|Alexander Yu|AY|
Popov|Vladimir K|VK|
Mironov|Anton V|AV|
Mironova|Olga A|OA|
Gerasimenko|Alexander Yu|AY|
Komlev|Vladimir S|VS|

Octacalcium phosphate
Plasmid DNA
Gene
Bone tissue engineering
Calcium phosphate
Three-dimensional printing
Vascular endothelial growth factor


Aortic Baroreceptors Display Higher Mechanosensitivity than Carotid Baroreceptors.

Abstract: Arterial baroreceptors are mechanical sensors that detect blood pressure changes. It has long been suggested that the two arterial baroreceptors, aortic and carotid baroreceptors, have different pressure sensitivities. However, there is no consensus as to which of the arterial baroreceptors are more sensitive to changes in blood pressure. In the present study, we employed independent methods to compare the pressure sensitivity of the two arterial baroreceptors. Firstly, pressure-activated action potential firing was measured by whole-cell current clamp with a high-speed pressure clamp system in primary cultured baroreceptor neurons. The results show that aortic depressor neurons possessed a higher percentage of mechano-sensitive neurons. Furthermore, aortic baroreceptor neurons show a lower pressure threshold than that of carotid baroreceptor neurons. Secondly, uniaxial stretching of baroreceptor neurons, that mimics the forces exerted on blood vessels, elicited a larger increase in intracellular Ca(2+) rise in aortic baroreceptor neurons than in carotid baroreceptor neurons. Thirdly, the pressure-induced action potential firing in the aortic depressor nerve recorded in vivo was also higher. The present study therefore provides for a basic physiological understanding on the pressure sensitivity of the two baroreceptor neurons and suggests that aortic baroreceptors have a higher pressure sensitivity than carotid baroreceptors.

Lau|Eva On-Chai|EO|
Lo|Chun-Yin|CY|
Yao|Yifei|Y|
Mak|Arthur Fuk-Tat|AF|
Jiang|Liwen|L|
Huang|Yu|Y|
Yao|Xiaoqiang|X|

aortic baroreceptor
carotid baroreceptor
action potential
mechano-sensitivity
electrophysiology


Degradation of dichloromethane by an isolated strain Pandoraea pnomenusa and its performance in a biotrickling filter.

Abstract: A strain Pandoraea pnomenusa LX-1 that uses dichloromethane (DCM) as sole carbon and energy source has been isolated and identified in our laboratory. The optimum aerobic biodegradation of DCM in batch culture was evaluated by response surface methodology. Maximum biodegradation (5.35 mg/(L·hr)) was achieved under cultivation at 32.8°C, pH 7.3, and 0.66% NaCl. The growth and biodegradation processes were well fitted by Haldane's kinetic model, yielding maximum specific growth and degradation rates of 0.133 hr(-1) and 0.856 hr(-1), respectively. The microorganism efficiently degraded a mixture of DCM and coexisting components (benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene). The carbon recovery (52.80%-94.59%) indicated that the targets were predominantly mineralized and incorporated into cell materials. Electron acceptors increased the DCM biodegradation rate in the following order: mixed > oxygen > iron > sulfate > nitrate. The highest dechlorination rate was 0.365 mg Cl(-)/(hr·mg biomass), obtained in the presence of mixed electron acceptors. Removal was achieved in a continuous biotrickling filter at 56%-85% efficiency, with a mineralization rate of 75.2%. Molecular biology techniques revealed the predominant strain as P. pnomenusa LX-1. These results clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of strain LX-1 in treating DCM-containing industrial effluents. As such, the strain is a strong candidate for remediation of DCM coexisting with other organic compounds.

Yu|Jianming|J| Cai|Wenji|W| Cheng|Zhuowei|Z| Chen|Jianmeng|J|

D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental
D042521:Burkholderiaceae
D005374:Filtration
D008752:Methylene Chloride
D013997:Time Factors
D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical

dichloromethane
Pandoraea pnomenusa
biodegradation characteristics
carbon balance
removal performance


Differences Risk Factors for Hypertension Among Elderly Woman in Rural and Urban Indonesia.

Abstract: Introduction: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A high prevalence of hypertension is found in elderly women. Rural areas have different characteristics from urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to identify risk factors for hypertension in rural and urban elderly women for optimal therapy management. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural (Banyuwangi district) and urban (Surabaya city) areas, East Java, Indonesia. The study was carried out in 2015-2016 in women aged ≥45 years, residing in an area for ≥10 years, and willing to collect urine for 24 hours. Respondents consisted of 54 older adults from rural areas and 51 older adults from urban areas who actively participate in the integrated healthcare center for the elderly. The independent t-test and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of hypertension in the rural area was 27.8% and in the urban area was 37.25%. The risk factors for hypertension in the urban area were urine sodium level (AOR=1.02, 95% CI=1.001-1.04, p-value=0.043), urine potassium level (AOR=0.88, 95% CI=0.78-0.999, p-value=0.022), and Body Mass Index (AOR=1.26, 95% CI=1.06-1.49, p-value=0.008). Meanwhile, the factor associated with hypertension in the rural area was age (AOR=1.08, 95% CI=1.003-1.16, p-value=0.042). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension in the urban area was higher than in the rural area. There were differences in risk factors for hypertension that occurred both in rural and urban areas. However, risk factors in both areas are equally important to overcome. Collaboration from multiple stakeholders and sectors is urgently needed, such as the Public Health Center, Integrated Assistance Post for Non-Communicable Diseases, and the local health office.

Astutik|Erni|E|
Farapti|Farapti|F|
Tama|Tika D|TD|
Puspikawati|Septa I|SI|


Serological survey on Leptospira infection in slaughtered swine in North-Central Italy.

Abstract: Swine can act as asymptomatic carriers of some Leptospira serovars. In this study, 1194 sera from 61 farms located in five different Regions of North-West Italy were collected from slaughtered healthy pigs. Presence of antibody against four Leptospira serovars was evaluated. Overall, 52.5% of analysed farms presented at least one positive animal and 34.4% presented at least one positive swine with titre ⩾1:400. A percentage of 16.6% sera was positive and 5.9% samples presented a positive titre ⩾1:400. Tuscany and Lombardy showed the highest percentage of positive farms (64.3% and 54.6%, respectively) and sera (28.5% and 13.3%, respectively), probably due to environmental conditions and potential risk factors, which promote maintenance and spreading of Leptospira in these areas. The main represented serogroups were Australis (21.3% positive farms, 8.2% positive sera) and Pomona (18.0% positive farms, 8.1% positive sera). In swine, these serogroups are the most detected worldwide; however, our results seem to highlight a reemerging of serogroup Pomona in pigs in investigated areas. A low percentage of sera (0.6%) scored positive to Canicola, leaving an open question on the role of pigs in the epidemiology of this serovar. Higher antibody titres were detected for serogroups Australis and Pomona. Swine leptospirosis is probably underestimated in Italy and could represent a potential risk for animal and human health.

Bertelloni|F|F|0000-0002-5292-0613 Turchi|B|B| Vattiata|E|E| Viola|P|P| Pardini|S|S| Cerri|D|D| Fratini|F|F|

serology swine Australis Pomona leptospirosis


Ultrasound Imaging of Cervical Anatomic Variants.

Abstract: Embryologic developmental variants of the thyroid and parathyroid glands may cause cervical anomalies that are detectable in ultrasound examinations of the neck. For some of these developmental variants, molecular genetic factors have been identified. Ultrasound, as the first-line imaging procedure, has proven useful in detecting clinically relevant anatomic variants. The aim of this article was to systematically summarize the ultrasound characteristics of developmental variants of the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as ectopic thymus and neck cysts. Quantitative measures were developed based on our findings and the respective literature. Developmental anomalies frequently manifest as cysts that can be detected by cervical ultrasound examinations. Median neck cysts are the most common congenital cervical cystic lesions, with a reported prevalence of 7% in the general population. Besides cystic malformations, developmental anomalies may appear as ectopic or dystopic tissue. Ectopic thyroid tissue is observed in the midline of the neck in most patients and has a prevalence of 1/100,000 to 1/300,000. Lingual thyroid accounts for 90% of cases of ectopic thyroid tissue. Zuckerkandl tubercles (ZTs) have been detected in 55% of all thyroid lobes. Prominent ZTs are frequently observed in thyroid lobes affected by autoimmune thyroiditis compared with normal lobes or nodular lobes (P = 0.006). The correct interpretation of the ultrasound characteristics of these variants is essential to establish the clinical diagnosis. In the preoperative assessment, the identification of these cervical anomalies via ultrasound examination is indispensable.

Cordes|Michael|M| Coerper|Stephan|S| Kuwert|Torsten|T| Schmidkonz|Christian|C|


Impact of the Updated Guidance for Palivizumab Prophylaxis against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Single Center Experience.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To determine the differences in number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations and outcomes in infants 290/7-346/7 weeks' gestational age (wGA) the season before (season 1 [S1]; 2013-2014) and after (season 2 [S2]; 2014-2015) implementation of the 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics revised guidance for palivizumab prophylaxis.

STUDY DESIGN
Children <12 months of age hospitalized with RSV infection were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes and virology reports. Clinical, outcome data, palivizumab eligibility, and hospital charges were compared among infants 29-34 wGA in S1 vs S2.

RESULTS
Of 1063 RSV hospitalizations in infants <12 months old, 7.1% (34/482) in S1 and 9.8% (57/581) in S2 occurred in 290/7-346/7 wGA infants. On the other hand, 29-34 wGA infants who were <6 months old constituted 3.5% (17/482) of RSV hospitalizations in S1 vs 7.1% (41/581) in S2 (P = .01). Among 290/7-346/7 wGA healthy infants who were <3 months old, oxygen administration (40.0% vs 78.9%; P = .05), pediatric intensive care unit admission (30.0% vs 68.4%; P = .04), mechanical ventilation (10.0% vs 52.6%; P = .04), duration of hospitalization (1.8 vs 8.8 days; P = .04), and hospital charges ($19 686 vs $30 662; P = .03) significantly increased in S2 vs S1. No differences in morbidity were observed in premature infants who were 3 to <6 and 6 to <12 months between seasons. Palivizumab eligibility decreased from 32.3% in S1 to 1.8% in S2 (P < .001). One infant died in each season.

CONCLUSIONS
In the year following implementation of the 2014 palivizumab prophylaxis guidance, there was an increase in RSV hospitalizations and associated morbidity among 29-34 wGA infants of younger chronological age.

Rajah|Bavani|B|
Sánchez|Pablo J|PJ|
Garcia-Maurino|Cristina|C|
Leber|Amy|A|
Ramilo|Octavio|O|
Mejias|Asuncion|A|

D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections

D018113:Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human

palivizumab
hospitalizations
premature infants
disease severity


Improving the quality of nurse-influenced patient care in the intensive care unit.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Quality of care is a major focus in the intensive care unit (ICU).

AIM
To describe a nurse-initiated quality improvement (QI) project that improved the care of critically ill patients in a New Zealand tertiary ICU.

DESIGN
A framework for QI was developed and implemented as part of a practice change initiative.

METHODS
Audit data were collected, analysed and reported across seven nurse-influenced patient care standards. The seven standards were enteral nutrition delivered within 24 h of admission, timely administration of antibiotics, sedation holds for eligible patients, early mobilization and three pressure ulcer prevention strategies.

RESULTS
Comparison of audit data collected in 2014 and 2015 demonstrated improvements in five of the seven standards. Those standards with the largest practice improvements were related to the following standards: all eligible patients have enteral nutrition commenced within the first 24 h of ICU admission (3% increase); all eligible patients receive antibiotics within 30 min of prescription time (6% increase); all eligible patients have a daily sedation interruption (DSI; 24% increase); and all eligible patients are mobilized daily in their ICU stay (11% increase in percentage of patients mobilized daily).

CONCLUSIONS
The nursing-initiated QI project demonstrated improved ICU patient care in relation to early enteral nutrition commencement, DSIs and early and daily mobilizing.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE
The use of a nursing QI framework incorporating audit and feedback is one method of evaluating and enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes. This initiative demonstrated the improved quality of nursing care for ICU patients, particularly in relation to early enteral nutrition commencement, timely antibiotics, DSIs and daily mobilizing. It is thus highly relevant to critical care nursing teams, particularly those working to create a culture where change is safe, achievable and valued.

Sutton|Lynsey J|LJ|
Jarden|Rebecca J|RJ|

D003422:Critical Care
D064648:Critical Care Nursing
D016638:Critical Illness
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007362:Intensive Care Units
D008297:Male
D009520:New Zealand
D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations
D005791:Patient Care
D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
D058996:Quality Improvement
D013997:Time Factors
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Quality of care
Practice change
Audit
Nursing care


The effect of the "stay-at-home" policy on requests for dermatology outpatient clinic visits after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Abstract: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged late in Turkey but it showed a rapid progression later. We aimed to investigate the changes in the number of patients who requested a dermatology outpatient clinic visit due to the increased social and medical burden caused by COVID-19 in Turkey during the first days of the pandemic. We also examined the most common dermatologic diseases diagnosed during the COVID-19 outbreak. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the number of COVID-19 patients in the country and the number of patients requesting a dermatology outpatient clinic visit in the secondary and tertiary care hospitals during self-quarantine. In the first 10 days after the COVID-19 outbreak, acne (28.2%), urticaria (12.8%), scabies (12.8%), irritant contact dermatitis (10.3%), and xerosis cutis (10.2%) were the most common diseases seen in the dermatology clinic at the secondary care hospital, while acne (23.3%), warts (5.4%), seborrheic dermatitis (4.5%), urticaria (3.8%), and psoriasis (3.32%) were the most common diseases seen in the dermatology clinic at the tertiary care hospital. This is our first study on the frequency and nature of outpatient dermatology visits during this novel coronavirus pandemic. Understanding the trends and impacts of dermatologic diseases on patients and health systems during this pandemic will allow for better preparation of dermatologists in the future.

dermatology outpatient COVID-19 pandemic