Atypical sleep in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation is associated with increased mortality.

Abstract:
Sleep patterns in critically ill patients' polysomnographic sleep studies (PSG) are severely abnormal.

PURPOSE
We aimed to investigate the association of atypical sleep patterns, micro-sleep phenomena (sleep spindles and K-complexes) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep with intensive care unit (ICU), in-hospital and 90-day mortality in conscious critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation.

METHOD
This was a prospective descriptive study. We analysed 52 PSGs recorded in conscious critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. PSGs were scored according to standard classification when possible. Otherwise, modified classification proposed for scoring sleep in critically ill patients was used. The association of PSG findings with mortality was studied using logistic regression and Weibull model of survival analysis.

RESULTS
The presence of atypical sleep patterns in accordance with modified sleep scoring classification was associated with higher odds for ICU mortality (odds ratio 11.63; p = 0.03). The absence of K-complexes was associated with higher odds for ICU mortality (odds ratio 11.63; p = 0.03), while the absence of sleep spindles was associated with higher odds for in-hospital (odds ratio 7.80; p = 0.02) and 90-day mortality (odds ratio 5.51; p = 0.02). Loss of sleep spindles was associated with higher mortality risk with cutoff point 90 days (hazard ratio 3.87; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of atypical sleep and absence of normal PSG sleep characteristics in conscious critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation indicates involvement of sleep producing brain structures in the pathological process and is associated with poor outcome.

Atypical sleep
Critically ill patients
Sleep scoring classification
Polysomnography


BAC mediated transgenic Large White boars with FSHα/β genes from Chinese Erhualian pigs.

Abstract: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a critical hormone regulating reproduction in mammals. Transgenic mice show that overexpression of FSH can improve female fecundity. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system and somatic cell nuclear transfer, we herein generated 67 Large White transgenic (TG) boars harboring FSHα/β genes from Chinese Erhualian pigs, the most prolific breed in the world. We selected two F0 TG boars for further breeding and conducted molecular characterization and biosafety assessment for F1 boars. We showed that 8-9 copies of exogenous FSHα and 5-6 copies of exogenous FSHβ were integrated into the genome of transgenic pigs. The inheritance of exogenous genes conforms to the Mendel's law of segregation. TG boars had higher levels of serum FSH, FSHα mRNA in multiple tissues, FSHβ protein in pituitary and more germ cells per seminiferous tubule compared with their wild-type half sibs without any reproductive defects. Analysis of growth curve, hematological and biochemical parameters and histopathology illustrated that TG boars grew healthily and normally. By applying 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we demonstrated that exogenous genes had no impact on the bacterial community structures of pig guts. Moreover, foreign gene drift did not occur as verified by horizontal gene transfer. Our findings indicate that overexpression of FSH could improve spermatogenesis ability of boars. This work provides insight into the effect of FSHα/β genes on male reproductive performance on pigs by a BAC-mediated transgenic approach.

Xu|Pan|P| Li|Qiuyan|Q| Jiang|Kai|K| Yang|Qiang|Q| Bi|Mingjun|M| Jiang|Chao|C| Wang|Xiaopeng|X| Wang|Chengbin|C| Li|Longyun|L| Qiao|Chuanmin|C| Gong|Huanfa|H| Xing|Yuyun|Y| Ren|Jun|J|

BAC
Pig
Follicle-stimulating hormone
Male reproductive traits
Transgenic animals


Comparison of high-performance thin-layer with overpressured layer chromatography combined with direct bioautography and direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry for tansy root.

Abstract: Bioactive polyacetylenes in tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) root extract were separated by overpressured layer chromatography (OPLC) with better resolutions than achievable by capillary flow high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). OPLC enabled a longer development distance in a shorter time (16 cm, 7 min) in comparison to conventional HPTLC (7 cm, 16 min). OPLC separations on HPTLC plates with spherical particles resulted in higher resolutions than on such with irregular particles. A slight distortion of zones sometimes occurred that could be eliminated by sonication of the mobile phase through removal of the dissolved air. However, zone distortion did not diminish the meaning of the qualitative outcome. The combination of OPLC with direct bioautography and direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) led to the determination of the individual polyacetylenes responsible for the diverse effects. In each recorded mass spectrum, the basepeak was the respective protonated molecule. The assignments confirmed the results of a previous study, however, compounds TR5a (tetradeca-2,4,6-triine-8-en-12-one) and TR5b (trans-2-(2,4-hexadiynylidene)-1,6-dioxaspiro[4,5]dec-3-ene) that were not separable by HPTLC were partially separated by OPLC. Thus, it was proven that TR5b was not an oxidation product of TR5a and thus not formed as artefact during the HPTLC-DART-HRMS analysis, but originally present in the sample.

Móricz|Ágnes M|ÁM|
Häbe|Tim T|TT|
Ott|Péter G|PG|
Morlock|Gertrud E|GE|

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) root extract

Direct analysis in real time – high resolution mass spectrometry


Tick-borne bacterial pathogens in southwestern Finland.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus are the main vectors of Lyme borreliosis spirochetes and several other zoonotic bacteria in northern Europe and Russia. However, few studies screening bacterial pathogens in Finnish ticks have been conducted. Therefore, reports on the occurrence and prevalence of several bacterial pathogens detected from ticks elsewhere in Europe and Russia are altogether missing from Finland. The main aim of the current study was to produce novel data on the occurrence and prevalence of several tick-borne bacterial pathogens in ticks collected from southwestern Finland.

METHODS
Ticks were collected in 2013-2014 by blanket dragging from 25 localities around southwestern Finland, and additionally from a dog in Lempäälä. Collected ticks were molecularly identified and screened for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Borrelia miyamotoi, Rickettsia, Bartonella and Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, detected Rickettsia spp. were sequenced using conventional PCR to determine species.

RESULTS
A total of 3169 ticks in 1174 DNA samples were screened for the listed pathogens. The most common bacteria detected was B. burgdorferi (s.l.) (18.5 % nymphal and 23.5 % adult ticks), followed by Rickettsia spp. (1.1 %; 5.1 %) and B. miyamotoi (0.51 %; 1.02 %). B. miyamotoi and Rickettsia spp. were also detected in larval samples (minimum infection rates 0.31 % and 0.21 %, respectively). Detected Rickettsia spp. were identified by sequencing as R. helvetica and R. monacensis. All screened samples were negative for Bartonella spp. and Ca. N. mikurensis.

CONCLUSIONS
In the current study we report for the first time the presence of Rickettsia in Finnish ticks. Furthermore, Rickettsia spp. and B. miyamotoi were found from larval tick samples, emphasizing the importance they may have as vectors of these pathogens. Comparisons of tick density estimates and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) prevalence made between the current study and a previous study conducted in 2000 in ten out of the 25 study localities suggest that an increase in tick abundance and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) prevalence has occurred in at least some of the study localities.

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Finland
Ixodes ricinus
Ixodes persulcatus
Borrelia burgdorferi
Borrelia miyamotoi
Rickettsia
Bartonella
Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis
Tick-borne diseases


Molar Absorptivity Measurements in Absorbing Solvents: Impact on Solvent Absorptivity Values.

Abstract: Molar absorptivity is a fundamental molecular property that quantifies absorption strength as a function of wavelength. Absolute measurements of molar absorptivity demand accounting for all mechanisms of light attenuation, including reflective losses at interfaces associated with the sample. Ideally, such measurements are performed in nonabsorbing solvents and reflective losses can be determined in a straightforward manner from Fresnel equations or effectively accounted for by path length difference methods. At near-infrared wavelengths, however, many solvents, including water, are absorbing which complicates the quantification of reflective losses. Here, generalized equations are developed for calculating absolute molar absorptivities of neat liquids wherein the dependency of reflective loss on absorption properties of the liquid are considered explicitly. The resulting equations are used to characterize sensitivity of absolute molar absorptivity measurements for solvents to the absorption strength of the solvent as well as the path length of the measurement. Methods are derived from these equations to properly account for reflective losses in general and the effectiveness of these methods is demonstrated for absolute molar absorptivity measurements for water over the combination region (5000-4000 cm-1) of the near-infrared spectrum. Results indicate that ignoring solvent absorption effects can incorporate wide ranging systematic errors depending upon experimental conditions. As an example, systematic errors range from 0 to 10% for common conditions used in the measurement of absolute molar absorptivity of water over the combination region of the near-infrared spectrum.

absorptivity measurements
near-infrared
Absorbance correction
mid-infrared


Characterization of Mangifera indica cultivars in Thailand based on macroscopic, microscopic, and genetic characters.

Abstract: Thai mango cultivars are classified into six groups plus one miscellaneous group according to germplasm database for mango. Characterization is important for conservation and the development of Thai mango cultivars. This study investigated macroscopic, microscopic leaf characteristics, and genetic relationship among 17 cultivars selected from six groups of mango in Thailand. Selected mango samples were obtained from three different locations in Thailand (n = 57). They were observed for their leaf and fruit macroscopic characteristics. Leaf measurement for the stomatal number, veinlet termination number, and palisade ratio was evaluated under a microscope attached with digital camera. DNA fingerprint was performed using CTAB extraction of DNA and inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification. Forty-five primers were screened; then, seven primers that amplified the reproducible band patterns were selected to amplified and generate dendrogram by Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Average. These selected 17 Thai mango cultivars had individually macroscopic characteristics based on fruits and leaves. For microscopic characteristics, the stomatal number, veinlet termination number, and palisade ratio were slightly differentiable. For genetic identification, 78 bands of 190-2660 bps were amplified, of which 82.05% were polymorphic. The genetic relationship among these cultivars was demonstrated and categorized into two main clusters. It was shown that ISSR markers could be useful for Thai mango cultivar identification.

Ganogpichayagrai|Aunyachulee|A| Rungsihirunrat|Kanchana|K| Palanuvej|Chanida|C| Ruangrungsi|Nijsiri|N|

inter-simple sequence repeat amplification


Disparities Old and New in US Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced well-being and economic security on a number of dimensions, likely worsening mental health. In this paper, we assess how mental health in the US population has changed during the pandemic. We use three large, nationally representative survey sources to provide a picture of mental health prior to and during the pandemic. We find dramatic but broad-based declines in the level of mental health from pre-pandemic baseline measures across both people and places. Rates of poor mental health have jumped roughly 25 percentage points, from a base of roughly one-third. We document substantial disparities in mental health but show that the pandemic has generally preserved, rather than widened, these. Significant worsening in relative mental health among Hispanics and respondents aged 30 and older are exceptions. Consistent with an important role for pandemic-specific shocks, We find that income loss, food insecurity, COVID-19 infection or death in one's close circle, and personal health symptoms are all associated with substantially worse mental health. If anything, the decline in mental health is worsening as the pandemic wears on and is becoming less related to local COVID-19 case rates.

disparities
mental health
COVID Impact Survey
COVID‐19
Household Pulse Survey
depression


Endopyelotomy versus redo pyeoloplasty for management of failed pyeloplasty in children: A single center experience.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
We compared endopyelotomy to redo pyeloplasty for the treatment of failed pyeloplasty in children to identify factors that may have an impact on outcome and favor one procedure over the other.

METHODS
Of 43 patients with recurrent UPJO, EP was performed in 27 and RP was performed in 16. Age, gender, side, presentation of secondary UPJO, hospital stay, complications and success rates were compared. Success was defined as radiographic relief of obstruction as determined by ultrasound or diuretic renography at latest follow-up.

RESULTS
Mean (Range) patient age was 7.2 years (range 6 months to 17 years) in EP (group 1) while 7.4 (range 6 months to 17 years) in RP (group 2). EP technique consisted of retrograde cold-knife in 17 patients, retrograde holmium laser in 8 and antegrade cold-knife in 2. RP was performed in 16 patients. All the patients with failed EP had a stricture greater than 15 mm. Mean length of the narrowed ureteral segment was 17.8 mm in the failed EP group vs 10 mm in the successful group (p < 0.001). Mean Hospital stay was 1 day for the EP group and 5 days for the RP group (p < 0.001). Mean follow-up was 17 months (range 12 to 43) after EP and 21 months (12 to 51) after RP. There was no statistical significance between both groups regarding the postoperative degree of hydronephrosis, parenchymal thickness, split renal functions and renal drainage. The overall success was (86%); the success was nonsignificantly higher in RP (93.8%) vs (81.5%) in EP.

CONCLUSION
In selected children, retrograde endopyelotomy is safe and may give comparable short-term outcomes as open redo pyeloplasty for correction of secondary UPJO after failed pyeloplasty. Narrowed ureteral segment greater than 15 mm and preoperative grade 4 hydronephrosis were factors significantly associated with a poor outcome after EP.

A LEVEL-OF-EVIDENCE RATING FOR CLASSIFYING STUDY QUALITY
LEVEL III Retrospective comparative study.

Abdrabuh|Abdrabuh M|AM|
Salih|Elsayed M|EM|
Aboelnasr|Mahmoud|M|
Galal|Hussein|H|
El-Emam|Abdelbasset|A|
El-Zayat|Tarek|T|

Child
Kidney pelvis
Postoperative complications
Ureteral obstruction
Urologic surgical procedures


Insights into the mechanism of Apoptin's exquisitely selective anti-tumor action from atomic level characterization of its conformation and dynamics.

Abstract: Apoptin is a 121 residue protein which forms large, soluble aggregates and possesses an exceptionally selectively cytotoxic action on cancer cells. In the accompanying paper, we described the design, production and initial characterization of an Apoptin truncated variant called H6-ApopΔProΔLeu. Whereas both the variant and wild type protein possess similar selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells following transfection, only the variant is cytotoxic when added externally. Remarkably, as observed by gel filtration chromatography and dynamic light scattering, H6-ApopΔProΔLeu lacks the tendency of wild type Apoptin to form large aggregates, which greatly facilitated the study of its biological properties. Here, we characterize the conformation and dynamics of H6-ApopΔProΔLeu. Using a battery of 2D, 3D and (4,2)D NMR spectra, the essentially complete 1H, 13C and 15N resonance assignments of H6-ApopΔProΔLeu were obtained. The analysis of these data shows that the variant is an intrinsically disordered protein, which lacks a preferred conformation. This conclusion is corroborated by a lack of protection against proteolytic cleavage and hydrogen/deuterium exchange. Moreover, the CD spectra are dominated by random coil contributions. Finally, 1H-15N NOE ratios are low, which indicates flexibility on the ps-ns time scale. Interestingly, H6-ApopΔProΔLeu's intrinsically disordered ensemble is not significantly altered by the redox state of its Cys residues or by Thr phosphorylation, which has been proposed to play a key role in Apoptin's selective cytotoxicity. These results serve to better comprehend Apoptin's remarkably selective anticancer action and provide a framework for the future design of improved Apoptin variants.

Ruiz-Martínez|Santiago|S|
Pantoja-Uceda|David|D|
Castro|Jessica|J|
Vilanova|Maria|M|
Ribó|Marc|M|
Bruix|Marta|M|
Benito|Antoni|A|
Laurents|Douglas V|DV|

D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor

Intrinsically disordered protein
Phosphorylation
Anti-cancer protein
NMR spectroscopy


EMG-based lumbosacral joint compression force prediction using a support vector machine.

Abstract: Electromyography-assisted optimization (EMGAO) approach is widely used to predict lumbar joint loads under various dynamic and static conditions. However, such approach uses numerous anthropometric, kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data in the computation process, and thus makes data collection and processing complicated. This study developed an electromyography-based support vector machine (EMGB_SVM) approach for predicting lumbar spine load during walking with backpack loads. The EMGB_SVM is simple and uses merely the electromyographic data. Anthropometric information of 10 healthy male adults as well as their kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data acquired during walking exercises with no-load and with various backpack loads (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of their body weight) were used as the inputs of a biomechanical model, which was then used for predicting the lumbosacral joint compression force. The efficacy of the EMGB_SVM was investigated by comparing the force profiles obtained using this model with those obtained using the current EMGAO approach. On average, the EMGB_SVM obtained deviations in the peak and minimum forces of -3.3% and 5.1%, respectively, and a root mean square difference in the force profile of 7.5%. The EMGB_SVM is a comparable estimator in terms of its slight bias, favourable consistency, and efficiency at predicting the lumbosacral joint compression force.

Li|Simon S W|SSW|
Chu|Carlin C F|CCF|
Chow|Daniel H K|DHK|

Walking
Electromyography
Machine learning
Spinal loads
Trunk muscle


Human catalase gene polymorphism (CAT C-262T) and risk of male infertility.

Abstract: Infertility is the failure of a couple to engender after endeavouring at least one full year of unprotected intercourse. It has been reported that reactive oxygen species contributed to pathogenesis of various disease. To inactivate ROS cells biosynthesise several antioxidant enzymes, one of them is catalase which contributes H2 O2 to H2 O and O2 . This study set out to delineate the association of catalase C-262T polymorphism with idiopathic male infertility. The study included 195 men with idiopathic infertility and 190 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. Genotype and allele frequencies were determined in patients and controls using allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR). The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the CAT CC/CT/TT was 31.79%, 65.12% and 3.07%, respectively, in infertile subjects, as against 24.73%, 55.26% and 20%, respectively, in healthy volunteers. Statistical analysis has emerged significant difference from the comparison of either genotype (P < 0.05). Taking into accounts of results, the catalase C-262T polymorphism indicates that CAT-262T/T genotype confers less susceptibility to male infertility. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are required for further evaluation and confirmation of our finding.

Sabouhi|S|S|
Salehi|Z|Z|
Bahadori|M H|MH|
Mahdavi|M|M|

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Catalase
polymorphism
idiopathic male infertility
oxidative stress


Absence of serological or molecular evidence of Leptospira infection in farmed swine in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Abstract: Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease with several maintenance host species including swine. A cross sectional survey was undertaken between January to October 2020 to investigate the prevalence of leptospirosis in farmed swine in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China. Serum samples were collected from swine on seven farms (15 swine per farm; ten multiparous sows and five twelve-week-old weaners), while kidney samples were collected from 64 swine submitted for routine post-mortem (26 farms; average 2.4 swine per farm, range 1-6). Microscopic agglutination tests (MAT) to a panel of 24 Leptospira antigens did not reveal any evidence of seroconversion at a titre of 1:100. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the kidney samples for Leptospira DNA did not detect any evidence of infection. Bayesian methods were used to compute the probability that the leptospirosis prevalence in farmed swine in the HKSAR was <3%, given none of the 105 swine sampled were positive on the MAT. The results of this study demonstrate no serological or molecular evidence of leptospirosis in farmed swine in the HKSAR. Subsequent statistical analysis supports the conclusion that the prevalence of leptospirosis in farmed swine in the HKSAR is negligible at present.

Flay|Kate J|KJ|
Yang|Dan A|DA|
Wilson|Michael T|MT|
Lee|Song H|SH|
Bhardwaj|Vidya|V|
Hill|Fraser I|FI|
Pfeiffer|Dirk U|DU|

FAO, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

HKSAR, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

OIE, World Organisation for Animal Health


Beyond the Limits: How to Avoid a Surgical Nightmare in the Third and Subsequent Renal Transplantation Procedures.

Abstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Approximately, 25% of the patients with ESRD will enter the waiting list for kidney transplantation. Among these patients, almost 15% will require a retransplantation surgery. This review aims to summarize the most recent information on different controversial issues regarding retransplantation, to provide the reader with a clear and updated view on the topic.

RECENT FINDINGS
Despite current evidence is mainly based on retrospective, small, single-center experiences, it seems clear that retransplantation remains a surgical and immunological challenge, for which the perioperative management still remains crucial to avoid mishaps. Different surgical approaches have been tested, but the general consensus advocates for the heterotopic extraperitoneal in first instance. Although higher immunological risk and complication rates are reported invariably in the available series, the benefits in terms of overall survival are superior to those obtained under dialysis, thus still representing the most recommended option for this group of patients.

Lledó-García|Enrique|E| González|Javier|J| Martínez-Holguín|Elena|E| Herranz-Amo|Felipe|F| Hernández-Fernández|Carlos|C|

D006801:Humans
D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic
D016030:Kidney Transplantation
D011183:Postoperative Complications
D012086:Reoperation
D012189:Retrospective Studies

Kidney transplantation
Retransplantation
Complication rate
Immune rejection
Vascular thrombosis


Fludarabine-based reduced-intensity conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patient with IL10 receptor deficiency.

Abstract: IL-10R deficiency results in severe immune dysregulation. Herein, we describe the successful treatment of a girl aged 6.8 years with IL10R deficiency by using RIC prior to HSCT from a matched unrelated donor. The regimen was well tolerated, the engraftment was completely attained. On a follow-up of 7 months, the patient remained in good medical conditions with full donor chimerism. All complications before HSCT were completely resolved and her growth was accelerated. RIC regimen might be adequate to induce permanent engraftment and avoid severe organ toxicity in IL-10R deficiency patients.

reduced-intensity conditioning
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
IL-10R deficiency


Laboratory trial and full-scale implementation of integrated anaerobic-aerobic treatment for high strength acrylic acid wastewater.

Abstract: Sustainable treatment of highly polluting industrial wastewaters poses a challenge to many municipalities. This study presented treatment of a high strength inhibitory acrylic acid wastewater by integrated anaerobic-aerobic processes. A novel scheme integrating anaerobic granular sludge blanket (GSB) reactor, aerobic carrier biofilm (CBR) reactor and activated sludge reactor (ASR) was tested. The laboratory trial showed that the GSB was able to degrade exceptionally high chemical oxygen demand (COD up to 32,420 mg/L) acrylic acid wastewater laden with 5% waste oil. Operated under a high volumetric loading (VLR) rate of 21.6 g/L·d, the integrated GSB-CBR-ASB achieved 99% of COD removal, of which 90% were removed by the anaerobic process and 9% by the aerobic processes. Full-scale implementation indicated comparable performance with overall removal up to 99%, thus meeting the discharge limits of 500 mg COD/L of public sewer. The integrated scheme was effective in which the anaerobic GSB functioning as a prime degrader that degraded most of the pollutants, while the aerobic CBR-ASB serving as a polisher that removed the remaining COD. With adequate microbial acclimation and granulation, the novel integrated scheme offers a resilient and robust treatment system for high strength inhibitory acrylic acid wastewater.

Show|Kuan-Yeow|KY| Yan|Yue-Gen|YG| Zhao|Jian|J| Shen|Jie|J| Han|Zhong-Xu|ZX| Yao|Hai-Yong|HY| Lee|Duu-Jong|DJ|

Acrylic acid wastewater
Prime degrader
Polisher
Integrated treatment


Vasculogenic and angiogenic potential of adipose stromal vascular fraction cell populations in vitro.

Abstract: Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is a heterogeneous cell source that contains endothelial cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, stem cells, and other accessory immune and stromal cells. The SVF cell population has been shown to support vasculogenesis in vitro as well vascular maturation in vivo. Matrigel, an extracellular matrix (ECM) mixture has been utilized in vitro to evaluate tube formation of purified endothelial cell systems. We have developed an in vitro system that utilizes freshly isolated SVF and ECM molecules both in pure form (fibrin, laminin, collagen) as well as premixed form (Matrigel) to evaluate endothelial tip cell formation, endothelial stalk elongation, and early stages of branching and inosculation. Freshly isolated SVF rat demonstrate cell aggregation and clustering (presumptive vasculogenesis) on Matrigel ECM within the first 36 h of seeding followed by tip cell formation, stalk cell formation, branching, and inosculation (presumptive angiogenesis) during the subsequent 4 days of culture. Purified ECM molecules (laminin, fibrin, and collagen) promote cell proliferation but do not recapitulate events seen on Matrigel. We have created an in vitro system that provides a functional assay to study the mechanisms of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in freshly isolated SVF to characterize SVF's blood vessel forming potential prior to clinical implantation.

Adipose
Stromal vascular fraction
Vasculogenesis
Angiogenesis


The role of TLR2 in the acute inflammatory response induced by Bothrops atrox snake venom.

Abstract: Envenomation by snakes of the species Bothrops atrox induces local and systemic effects. Local effects include drastic tissue damage and a marked inflammatory response as a result of the synthesis and release of a variety of protein and lipid mediators. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways can play an important role in this response, leading to synthesis of these inflammatory mediators. This study investigated the influence of TLR2 on the acute inflammatory response induced by Bothrops atrox venom. Wild-type C57BL/6 mice (WT) and TLR2 gene knockout mice (TLR2(-/-)) were injected with Bothrops atrox venom (BaV), and the following responses to the venom were assessed in peritoneal exudate: leukocyte accumulation; release of mediators, including CCL-2, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6 and LTB4; protein expression of COX-1 and COX-2; and quantification of their products PGE2 and TXA2. After injection with BaV, the TLR2(-/-) mice (TLR2(-/-)BaV) had higher levels of IL-6 and CCL-2 than WT animals kept under the same conditions (WTBaV), together with an accumulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), inhibition of IL-1β and LTB4 and reduced mononuclear leukocyte influx. However, no significant differences in COX-2 protein expression or PGE2, TXA2 and IL-10 production between the TLR2(-/-)BaV and WTBav animals were observed. Together, these results indicate that the signaling pathway activated by TLR2 acts by modulating the induced inflammatory response to BaV through the direct action of venom-associated molecular patterns (VAMPs) or indirectly by forming damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and that this may have important therapeutic implications.

Moreira|Vanessa|V|
Teixeira|Catarina|C|
Borges da Silva|Henrique|H|
D'Império Lima|Maria Regina|MR|
Dos-Santos|Maria Cristina|MC|

TLR2
Bothrops atrox snake venom
Cytokines
Eicosanoids
Mediators of inflammation


Care and social support from family and community in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Pakistan.

Abstract:
Objectives
This study aimed to validate the Medical Outcome Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) instrument in Pakistan and to quantify the nature of care and social support currently extended to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Pakistan.

Design
This is a cross-sectional study design conducted within a period of 3 months from 1 November 2016 to 31 January 2017.

Participants
A total of 269 patients, registered at 11 TB centres and private clinics, were interviewed through an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Main outcome measures
Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the internal consistency and reliability of the MOS-SSS survey instrument. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions have been used to explore the association between care and social support, and socioeconomic factors.

Result
This study validated the use of the MOS-SSS among patients with TB in Pakistan. Findings of the study revealed significant differences among the socioeconomic groups of patients in each subscale of social support. Additionally, results of logistic regressions showed that patients who were older (adjusted OR=6.17, 95% CI 1.55 to 24.59, p≤0.01), male (adjusted OR=2.73, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.98, p≤0.01), widow (adjusted OR=0.17, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.80, p≤0.05), and had a larger household size (adjusted OR=5.69, 95% CI 1.32 to 24.65, p≤0.05), higher monthly income (adjusted OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.60, p≤0.05) and house ownership (adjusted OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.60, p≤0.05) were significant factors associated with the extent of care and social support that the participants received.

Conclusion
To cure TB, this study suggests a coordinated approach that includes not only clinical services to address this issue but also a strong social support system based on family and community necessary throughout the treatment process.

Saqib|Shahab E|SE|0000-0003-0326-5197
Ahmad|Mokbul Morshed|MM|
Panezai|Sanaullah|S|

care
social support
family
community
patients
tuberculosis


Preparation of gelatin nanoparticles by two step desolvation method for application in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Gelatin nanoparticles have recently been receiving considerable attention because they offer a good option as release systems due to their low cost, biocompatibility, biodegradability and its application in several types of formulations. This study aim was to evaluate the potential application of gelatin nanoparticles entrapping a photosensitizer in Photodynamic Therapy. Gelatin nanoparticles were studied by steady-state techniques and the biological activity evaluated by in vitro MTT assay. The particles were spherical in shape exhibiting a 273 nm diameter with a low tendency to aggregate. The loading efficiency was 76%. Photosensitizer photophysical properties were shown to be preserved after GN encapsulation. The cells viability obtaining 85% cells death compared with control. The results demonstrate that gelatin nanoparticles can be successfully applied for photosensitizers encapsulation or other active drugs and be used as an optimal medium for a variety of bioactive materials, which can also be encapsulated by the proposed method.

Carvalho|Janicy Arantes|JA|
Abreu|Alexandro Silva|AS|
Ferreira|Vitória Tonini Porto|VTP|
Gonçalves|Erika Peterson|EP|
Tedesco|Antonio Claudio|AC|
Pinto|Juliana Guerra|JG|
Ferreira-Strixino|Juliana|J|
Beltrame Junior|Milton|M|
Simioni|Andreza Ribeiro|AR|

Gelatin
nanoparticles
photodynamic therapy
photosensitizer


Decreased Sleep and Subjective Well-Being as Independent Predictors of Injury in Female Collegiate Volleyball Players.

Abstract:
Background
The relationship among sleep duration, subjective well-being, and injury risk in athletes is poorly defined.

Purpose
To evaluate the independent effects of sleep duration, sleep quality, and subjective well-being on in-season injuries in collegiate female volleyball athletes.

Study Design
Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods
During a 9-month competitive season, 17 female National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I volleyball players reported mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep duration (hours), and sleep quality every morning. Well-being measures were recorded from 0 (worst) to 5 (best), and all time-loss injuries were recorded by the team athletic trainer. Separate mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of sleep and subjective well-being on in-season injury. Each well-being variable was also included in a separate mixed-effects logistic regression model with sleep duration as a covariate.

Results
A total of 54 injuries were recorded during the study period. Compared with days without an injury, mood, fatigue, stress, soreness, sleep quality, and sleep duration were significantly worse the day before an injury occurred. In the separate prediction models, in-season injury was significantly predicted by fatigue (odds ratio [OR], 0.56 [95% CI, 0.36-0.86]; P = .008), mood (OR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.35-0.78]; P = .002), stress (OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.42-0.94]; P = .023), soreness (OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.38-0.79]; P = .001), sleep quality (OR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.34-0.7]; P < .001), and sleep duration (OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.55-0.87]; P = .001). In the multivariable models, sleep duration remained a significant independent predictor in each of the subsequent multivariable models (OR, 0.72-0.74; P < .05 for all), as did mood (OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.83); P = .005) and soreness (OR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.39-0.83]; P = .003), while fatigue (OR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42-1]; P = .054) and stress (OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.45-1]; P = .061) no longer reached statistical significance.

Conclusion
Increased sleep duration, mood, and decreased soreness were independently associated with a reduced risk of in-season injury in this cohort of female NCAA volleyball players.

Haraldsdottir|Kristin|K|
Sanfilippo|Jennifer|J|
McKay|Lauren|L|
Watson|Andrew M|AM|

sleep
subjective well-being
injury risk
athletes
mood
fatigue
stress
soreness
athlete monitoring


Functions of 'A disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs)' in the mammalian nervous system.

Abstract: 'A disintegrin and metalloproteases' (ADAMs) are a family of transmembrane proteins with diverse functions in multicellular organisms. About half of the ADAMs are active metalloproteases and cleave numerous cell surface proteins, including growth factors, receptors, cytokines and cell adhesion proteins. The other ADAMs have no catalytic activity and function as adhesion proteins or receptors. Some ADAMs are ubiquitously expressed, others are expressed tissue specifically. This review highlights functions of ADAMs in the mammalian nervous system, including their links to diseases. The non-proteolytic ADAM11, ADAM22 and ADAM23 have key functions in neural development, myelination and synaptic transmission and are linked to epilepsy. Among the proteolytic ADAMs, ADAM10 is the best characterized one due to its substrates Notch and amyloid precursor protein, where cleavage is required for nervous system development or linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. Recent work demonstrates that ADAM10 has additional substrates and functions in the nervous system and its substrate selectivity may be regulated by tetraspanins. New roles for other proteolytic ADAMs in the nervous system are also emerging. For example, ADAM8 and ADAM17 are involved in neuroinflammation. ADAM17 additionally regulates neurite outgrowth and myelination and its activity is controlled by iRhoms. ADAM19 and ADAM21 function in regenerative processes upon neuronal injury. Several ADAMs, including ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM15 and ADAM30, are potential drug targets for AD. Taken together, this review summarizes recent progress concerning substrates and functions of ADAMs in the nervous system and their use as drug targets for neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Hsia|Hung-En|HE|
Tüshaus|Johanna|J|
Brummer|Tobias|T|
Zheng|Yuanpeng|Y|
Scilabra|Simone D|SD|
Lichtenthaler|Stefan F|SF|

Metalloprotease
ADAM
Neural development
Ectodomain shedding
Neurological disease


Partnerships in nursing homes: How do family caregivers of residents with dementia perceive collaboration with staff?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Partnerships between family and nursing staff in nursing homes are essential to address residents' needs and wishes. Collaboration is needed to create partnerships; nonetheless, challenges exist.

AIM
This study aimed to gain insights into the experiences of families collaborating with staff.

METHOD
Semi-structured interviews were held with 30 family caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia.

FINDINGS
Data reflected three themes, which shaped collaboration with staff from families' perspective, 'communication', 'trust and dependency' and 'involvement'.

DISCUSSION
Good communication appeared to be a requisite condition for having trust in staff and quality of involvement in residents' life. Good communication was described as having informal contact with staff, which enabled family and staff to build a personal connection. Consequently, this seemed to increase trust and satisfaction regarding involvement.

CONCLUSION
Findings suggest that increasing informal contact and building a personal connection should be a priority for staff in order to improve collaboration and to create partnerships with families.

partnership
nursing home
family caregiving
dementia
communication


Relative compatibility of Schistosoma mansoni with Biomphalaria sudanica and B. pfeifferi from Kenya as assessed by PCR amplification of the S. mansoni ND5 gene in conjunction with traditional methods.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Schistosoma mansoni is hosted by several species of Biomphalaria spp. snails in Africa. We were interested in determining if there were differences in compatibility of S. mansoni with Biomphalaria sudanica from Lake Victoria, or with B. pfeifferi from streams and smaller water bodies in Kenya. Does this parasite develop with equal efficiency in both snail species, and does this have implications for transmission in different habitat types?

METHODS
Primers for PCR amplification of the S. mansoni ND5 gene were designed and tested for sensitivity and specificity. We exposed laboratory-reared B. sudanica and field-derived B. pfeifferi to single miracidium infections and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 days post-exposure (dpe), snails were extracted for the PCR assay. Snails were also shed for cercariae and/or dissected prior to extraction. Additionally, B. sudanica and B. pfeifferi were collected from field locations and tested with the PCR assay.

RESULTS
The ND5 PCR assay was sensitive (>0.1 fg S. mansoni genomic DNA) and allowed S. mansoni to be differentiated from other relevant schistosome species or snails. The number of PCR positive snails at 1-4 dpe was higher for B. pfeifferi than for B. sudanica, but not significantly so (P = 0.052). From 8-24 dpe, more B. pfeifferi harbored successfully developing parasites (positive by both dissection and PCR) than did B. sudanica (P = 0.008). At 40 dpe, more B. pfeifferi than B. sudanica shed cercariae or harbored dissection positive/PCR positive infections (P < 0.001). Both immature and failed (dissection negative but PCR positive) S. mansoni infections could also be detected in naturally infected snails of both species.

CONCLUSIONS
The PCR assay detected S. mansoni infections in snails exposed to one miracidium for one day. Both B. sudanica and B. pfeifferi supported full development of S. mansoni, but B. pfeifferi was more compatible, with significantly more dissection positive/PCR positive or shedding infections, and significantly fewer failed infections (dissection negative/PCR positive). This highlights the relatively lower compatibility of B. sudanica with S. mansoni, and suggests the factors responsible for incompatibility and how they might affect transmission of S. mansoni in habitats like Lake Victoria deserve additional study.

Compatibility
Schistosoma mansoni
Biomphalaria sudanica
Kenya
Biomphalaria pfeifferi
Epidemiology
Parasite transmission
Schistosomiasis


Logic digital fluidic in miniaturized functional devices: Perspective to the next generation of microfluidic lab-on-chips.

Abstract: Microfluidics has emerged following the quest for scale reduction inherent to micro- and nanotechnologies. By definition, microfluidics manipulates fluids in small channels with dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers. Recently, microfluidics has been greatly developed and its influence extends not only the domains of chemical synthesis, bioanalysis, and medical researches but also optics and information technology. In this review article, we will shortly discuss an enlightening analogy between electrons transport in electronics and fluids transport in microfluidic channels. This analogy helps to master transport and sorting. We will present some complex microfluidic devices showing that the analogy is going a long way off toward more complex components with impressive similarities between electronics and microfluidics. We will in particular explore the vast manifold of fluidic operations with passive and active fluidic components, respectively, as well as the associated mechanisms and corresponding applications. Finally, some relevant applications and an outlook will be cited and presented.

Zhang|Qiongdi|Q| Zhang|Ming|M| Djeghlaf|Lyas|L| Bataille|Jeanne|J| Gamby|Jean|J| Haghiri-Gosnet|Anne-Marie|AM| Pallandre|Antoine|A|

Microfluidic
Electronic fluidic analogies
Logic digital microfluidic


Effects of intraoperative PEEP optimization on postoperative pulmonary complications and the inflammatory response: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients undergoing general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation during major abdominal surgery commonly develop pulmonary atelectasis and/or hyperdistention of the lungs. Recent studies show benefits of lung-protective mechanical ventilation with the use of low tidal volumes, a moderate level of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and regular alveolar recruitment maneuvers during general anesthesia, even in patients with healthy lungs. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of intraoperative lung-protective mechanical ventilation, using individualized PEEP values, on postoperative pulmonary complications and the inflammatory response.

METHODS/DESIGN
A total number of 40 patients with bladder cancer undergoing open radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (ileal conduit or orthotopic bladder substitute) will be enrolled and randomized into a study (SG) and a control group (CG). Standard lung-protective ventilation with a PEEP of 6 cmH2O will be applied in the CG and an optimal PEEP value determined during a static pulmonary compliance (Cstat)-directed PEEP titration procedure will be used in the SG. Low tidal volumes (6 mL/Kg ideal bodyweight) and a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.5 will be applied in both groups. After surgery both groups will receive standard postoperative management. Primary endpoints are postoperative pulmonary complications and serum procalcitonin kinetics during and after surgery until the third postoperative day. Secondary and tertiary endpoints will be: organ dysfunction as monitored by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score, in-hospital stay, 28-day and in-hospital mortality.

DISCUSSION
This trial will assess the possible benefits or disadvantages of an individualized lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategy during open radical cystectomy and urinary diversion regarding postoperative pulmonary complications and the inflammatory response.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02931409 . Registered on 5 October 2016.

Ruszkai|Zoltán|Z|
Kiss|Erika|E|
László|Ildikó|I|
Gyura|Fanni|F|
Surány|Erika|E|
Bartha|Péter Töhötöm|PT|
Bokrétás|Gergely Péter|GP|
Rácz|Edit|E|
Buzogány|István|I|
Bajory|Zoltán|Z|
Hajdú|Erzsébet|E|
Molnár|Zsolt|Z|

D015415:Biomarkers
D002116:Calcitonin
D002985:Clinical Protocols
D015653:Cystectomy
D017052:Hospital Mortality
D006801:Humans
D006814:Hungary
D007249:Inflammation
D018836:Inflammation Mediators
D007430:Intraoperative Care
D008168:Lung
D008170:Lung Compliance
D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration
D011446:Prospective Studies
D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis
D012107:Research Design
D012307:Risk Factors
D016037:Single-Blind Method
D013997:Time Factors
D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms
D014547:Urinary Diversion

Postoperative pulmonary complications
Positive end-expiratory pressure
Radical cystectomy
Lung-protective ventilation
Static pulmonary compliance
Procalcitonin


Cognitive, behavioural and sleep-related adverse effects on introduction of levetiracetam versus oxcarbazepine for epilepsy.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
There is limited literature on cognitive, behaviour and sleep-related adverse effects of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine among adult epilepsy patients, except for what is available from the initial efficacy trials. This study was initiated with the aim to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of various cognitive, behaviour and sleep-related adverse effects of levetiracetam versus oxcarbazepine among people with epilepsy.

METHODS
The study was conducted in two parts: part A was a cross-sectional study, and part B was a longitudinal study. Trail making test A & B, digit symbol substitution test, Stroop colour and word test, controlled oral word association test and PGI memory scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, sleep log and ESS-I were used for assessment of cognitive, behaviour and sleep-related adverse effects.

RESULTS
In the cross-sectional as well as prospective study, no significant difference was observed in the cognitive performance of patients in levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine group in any of the cognitive assessment. Among 120 patients enrolled in the cross-sectional study, significantly higher number of patients in the levetiracetam group compared to the oxcarbazepine group,had agitation/aggression (20% vs10%, p =  0.047) and irritability (26.7% vs 3.3%, p = 0.007).Among 132 patients enrolled in the prospective study, significantly higher increase in the domain score of agitation/aggression (14.5% vs 1.6%, p = 0.028) and irritability (17.7% vs 1.6%, p =  0.018) was observed in the levetiracetam group compared to oxcarbazepine group. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the oxcarbazepine group had hypersomnolence (11.3% vs 1.6%, p =  0.026), as compared to the levetiracetam group.

SIGNIFICANCE
On cross-sectional as well as on longitudinal assessment, nearly one-fifth of patients on levetiracetam have behaviour related adverse effects, with dose modification required for half among these. Nearly 11% of patients on oxcarbazepine reported sleep-related adverse effects (higher total sleep duration per 24 h).

Thelengana|A|A|
Shukla|Garima|G|
Srivastava|Achal|A|
Singh|Mamta Bhushan|MB|
Gupta|Anupama|A|
Rajan|Roopa|R|
Vibha|Deepti|D|
Pandit|Awadh Kishor|AK|
Prasad|Kameshwar|K|

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Cognition Behaviour Levetiracetam Oxcarbazepine Sleep


A ferulic acid (FA)-eluting system for biodegradable magnesium stent: Cells response of HUVECs.

Abstract: A new drug-eluting system was designed for biodegradable magnesium stents, in which ferulic acid (FA) was used as drug due to its promotion function to endothelial cells and PHBHHx as drug delivery due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. A 5 and 10% FA were added in PHBHHx to prepare FA containing PHBHHX films. The cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation on these films was investigated in order to assess cell response of HUVECs. It was also found that FA enhanced the adhesion, spreading and proliferation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Cell viability after H2 O2 injury and NO production of HUVECs were also studied. The results indicated that FA effectively inhibited H2 O2 -induced injury and promotes NO production. It was also shown that alkali treatment improved the cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation while the treatment reduces the FA release and in turn reduces the inhibition on H2 O2 -induced injury and NO production. However, alkali treatment itself had no influence on the H2 O2 induced injure and NO production. The tensile shear strength between the FA containing coating and Mg substrate was also tested. All results demonstrated that FA containing PHBHHx films exhibited strong promotion to the endothelialization and could be a choice for surface modification of magnesium stent.

D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

biodegradable magnesium stent
HUVECs
ferulic acid (FA)
PHBHHx
biodegradable drug-eluting system


Characterization of resistance to a potent D-peptide HIV entry inhibitor.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
PIE12-trimer is a highly potent D-peptide HIV-1 entry inhibitor that broadly targets group M isolates. It specifically binds the three identical conserved hydrophobic pockets at the base of the gp41 N-trimer with sub-femtomolar affinity. This extremely high affinity for the transiently exposed gp41 trimer provides a reserve of binding energy (resistance capacitor) to prevent the viral resistance pathway of stepwise accumulation of modest affinity-disrupting mutations. Such modest mutations would not affect PIE12-trimer potency and therefore not confer a selective advantage. Viral passaging in the presence of escalating PIE12-trimer concentrations ultimately selected for PIE12-trimer resistant populations, but required an extremely extended timeframe (> 1 year) in comparison to other entry inhibitors. Eventually, HIV developed resistance to PIE12-trimer by mutating Q577 in the gp41 pocket.

RESULTS
Using deep sequence analysis, we identified three mutations at Q577 (R, N and K) in our two PIE12-trimer resistant pools. Each point mutant is capable of conferring the majority of PIE12-trimer resistance seen in the polyclonal pools. Surface plasmon resonance studies demonstrated substantial affinity loss between PIE12-trimer and the Q577R-mutated gp41 pocket. A high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of PIE12 bound to the Q577R pocket revealed the loss of two hydrogen bonds, the repositioning of neighboring residues, and a small decrease in buried surface area. The Q577 mutations in an NL4-3 backbone decreased viral growth rates. Fitness was ultimately rescued in resistant viral pools by a suite of compensatory mutations in gp120 and gp41, of which we identified seven candidates from our sequencing data.

CONCLUSIONS
These data show that PIE12-trimer exhibits a high barrier to resistance, as extended passaging was required to develop resistant virus with normal growth rates. The primary resistance mutation, Q577R/N/K, found in the conserved gp41 pocket, substantially decreases inhibitor affinity but also damages viral fitness, and candidate compensatory mutations in gp160 have been identified.

Smith|Amanda R|AR|
Weinstock|Matthew T|MT|
Siglin|Amanda E|AE|
Whitby|Frank G|FG|
Francis|J Nicholas|JN|
Hill|Christopher P|CP|
Eckert|Debra M|DM|
Root|Michael J|MJ|
Kay|Michael S|MS|0000-0003-3186-9684

D-peptide
PIE12-trimer
Hydrophobic pocket
gp41
Viral passaging
Compensatory mutation
gp120
Viral fitness
HIV entry inhibition
Viral resistance mutation


Difference in Spinal Sagittal Alignment and Health-Related Quality of Life between Males and Females with Cervical Deformity.

Abstract:
Study Design
Large cohort study.

Purpose
To clarify spinal sagittal alignment and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to sex in volunteers aged >50 years with cervical deformity (CD).

Overview of Literature
Adult spinal deformities, especially those associated with lumbosacral lesions, are more frequent in females; however, CD is observed to a greater extent in males.

Methods
We divided 656 volunteers (263 males, 393 females; age, 50-89 years [mean, 73 years]) as follows: males with CD (CDM; 82 patients); males without CD (NCDM, 181); females with CD (CDF, 36); and females without CD (NCDF, 357). CD was defined as C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥40 mm. We measured pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), thoracic kyphosis, T1 slope, cervical lordosis, C7 SVA, and C2-7 SVA. HRQOL was evaluated using EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D).

Results
In CDM, NCDM, CDF, and NCDF groups, the respective parameters were as follows: PT: 15°, 14°, 26°, and 21°; PI-LL: 7°, 5°, 16°, and 10°; C2-7 SVA: 49, 24, 46, and 20 mm; C7 SVA: 61, 40, 75, and 47 mm; and EQ-5D: 0.82, 0.88, 0.78, and 0.81. PT and PI-LL were significantly greater in the CDF group than in the NCDF group (p<0.05) but were not significantly different between CDM and NCDM groups. The CDF group already showed deterioration of spinopelvic alignment, although it was maintained in the CDM group. EQ-5D in showed significantly greater deterioration the CDM group than in the NCDM group; deterioration of lumbopelvic parameters had less influence in males (p<0.05).

Conclusions
Sagittal spinal deformity may have different mechanisms in males and females. The deterioration of spinal sagittal alignment in males may originate from the cervical spine, and CD may be associated with HRQOL.

Oe|Shin|S| Togawa|Daisuke|D| Yoshida|Go|G| Hasegawa|Tomohiko|T| Yamato|Yu|Y| Kobayashi|Sho|S| Yasuda|Tatsuya|T| Banno|Tomohiro|T| Mihara|Yuki|Y| Matsuyama|Yukihiro|Y|

Cervical deformity
Spinal deformity
Cervical alignment, Health-related QOL
Sex differences


Single-port laparoscopy: Considerations in children.

Abstract: As the quest to minimize scars from surgery continues, innovative methods of surgery, including single-port surgery, have come to the forefront. Here, we review considerations for surgery in children with particular attention to appendectomy and cholecystectomy. We discuss the future technologies that will aid in single-port surgery and how they apply to the paediatric population.

single-port surgery
paediatrics
Minimally invasive surgery
single-access surgery


Inhalation of gas metal arc-stainless steel welding fume promotes lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice.

Abstract: Epidemiologic studies suggest an increased risk of lung cancer with exposure to welding fumes, but controlled animal studies are needed to support this association. Oropharyngeal aspiration of collected "aged" gas metal arc-stainless steel (GMA-SS) welding fume has been shown by our laboratory to promote lung tumor formation in vivo using a two-stage initiation-promotion model. Our objective in this study was to determine whether inhalation of freshly generated GMA-SS welding fume also acts as a lung tumor promoter in lung tumor-susceptible mice. Male A/J mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of corn oil or the chemical initiator 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA; 10 µg/g) and 1 week later were exposed by whole-body inhalation to air or GMA-SS welding aerosols for 4 h/d × 4 d/w × 9 w at a target concentration of 40 mg/m3. Lung nodules were enumerated at 30 weeks post-initiation. GMA-SS fume significantly promoted lung tumor multiplicity in A/J mice initiated with MCA (16.11 ± 1.18) compared to MCA/air-exposed mice (7.93 ± 0.82). Histopathological analysis found that the increased number of lung nodules in the MCA/GMA-SS group were hyperplasias and adenomas, which was consistent with developing lung tumorigenesis. Metal deposition analysis in the lung revealed a lower deposited dose, approximately fivefold compared to our previous aspiration study, still elicited a significant lung tumorigenic response. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that inhaling GMA-SS welding fume promotes lung tumorigenesis in vivo which is consistent with the epidemiologic studies that show welders may be at an increased risk for lung cancer.

Falcone|Lauryn M|LM|
Erdely|Aaron|A|
Meighan|Terence G|TG|
Battelli|Lori A|LA|
Salmen|Rebecca|R|
McKinney|Walter|W|
Stone|Samuel|S|
Cumpston|Amy|A|
Cumpston|Jared|J|
Andrews|Ronnee N|RN|
Kashon|Michael|M|
Antonini|James M|JM|
Zeidler-Erdely|Patti C|PC|

Inhalation
Welding
Cancer
A/J mouse
Stainless steel


SNAP23 promotes the malignant process of ovarian cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ovarian cancer (OC) was the primary malignant gynecological cancer and SNARE protein is closely related with tumor progression. Here, we identified SNAP23, a member of SNARE complex, as a potential oncogene in OC.

METHODS
We determined the expression of SNAP23 in OC tissues and explored the clinical significance through bioinformatics analysis. The effects of SNAP23 on OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle and apoptosis were then evaluated in vitro.

RESULTS
SNAP23 is hyper-expressed in OC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and increased expression of SNAP23 is associated with a poor progression free survival (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.07-1.44, p = 0.0042). SNAP23 knock down increases cell apoptosis and inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion of OC cells. GO analysis reveals that most genes correlated highly with SNAP23 were enriched in metabolic process.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that SNAP23 may serve as an oncogene promoting tumorigenicity of OC cells by decreasing apoptotic process.

Sun|Qi|Q| Huang|Xing|X| Zhang|Quanli|Q| Qu|Junwei|J| Shen|Yang|Y| Wang|Xin|X| Sun|Haijun|H| Wang|Jie|J| Xu|Lin|L| Chen|Xiaoxiang|X| Ren|Binhui|B|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic


Quantifying the Power and Precision of QTL Analysis in Autopolyploids Under Bivalent and Multivalent Genetic Models.

Abstract: New genotyping technologies, offering the possibility of high genetic resolution at low cost, have helped fuel a surge in interest in the genetic analysis of polyploid species. Nevertheless, autopolyploid species present extra challenges not encountered in diploids and allopolyploids, such as polysomic inheritance or double reduction. Here we investigate the power and precision of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in outcrossing autopolyploids, comparing the results of a model that assumes random bivalent chromosomal pairing during meiosis to one that also allows for multivalents and double reduction. Through a series of simulation studies we found that marginal gains in QTL detection power are achieved using the double reduction model when multivalent pairing occurs. However, when exploring the effect of variable genotypic information across parental homologs, we found that both QTL detection power and precision require high and uniform genotypic information contents. This effect far outweighed considerations regarding bivalent or multivalent pairing (and double reduction) during meiosis. We propose that autopolyploid QTL studies be accompanied by both marker coverage information and per-homolog genotypic information coefficients (GIC). Application of these methods to an autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) mapping population confirmed our ability to locate and dissect QTL in highly heterozygous outcrossing autotetraploid populations.

autopolyploid
double reduction
Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) analysis
genotypic information coefficient (GIC)
Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC)


Luteinizing hormone beta gene polymorphism and its effect on semen quality traits and luteinizing hormone concentrations in Murrah buffalo bulls.

Abstract:
Objective
Present investigation was aimed to study the Single Nucleotide Variants of the luteinizing hormone beta (LHβ) gene and to analyze their association with the semen quality (fresh and post-thawed frozen semen) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in Murrah buffalo bulls.

METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and Sanger sequencing method is used to study genetic variability in LHβ gene. LH assay was carried out using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. A fixed general linear model was used to analyze association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of LHβ gene with semen quality in 109 and LH concentrations in 80 Murrah bulls.

RESULTS
LHβ gene was found to be polymorphic. Total six SNPs were identified in LHβ gene g C356090A, g C356113T, g A356701G, g G355869A, g G356330C, and g G356606T. Single Stranded Conformational Polymorphism variants of pattern 2 of exon 1+pattern 2 of exon 2+pattern 1 of exon 3 had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on sperm concentration (million/mL), percent mass motility, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity in fresh and frozen semen whereas significant (p<0.05) effect was observed on percent live spermatozoa. SSCP variants of pattern 2 of exon 1+pattern 2 of exon 2+pattern 1 of exon 3 had highly significant (p<0.01) effect on luteinizing hormone concentrations too.

CONCLUSION
The observed association between SSCP variants of LHβ gene with semen quality parameters and LH concentrations indicated the possibilities of using LHβ as a candidate gene for identification of markers for semen quality traits and LH concentrations in Murrah buffaloes.

Reen|Jagish Kour|JK|
Kerekoppa|Ramesha|R|
Deginal|Revanasiddu|R|
Ahirwar|Maneesh Kumar|MK|
Kannegundla|Uday|U|
Chandra|Satish|S|
Palat|Divya|D|
Das|Dayal Nitai|DN|
Kataktalware|Mukund Amritrao|MA|
Jeyakumar|Sakthivel|S|
Isloor|Shri Krishna|SK|

Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Polymerase Chain Reaction–Single Stranded Conformational Polymorphism (PCR-SSCP)


A Retrospective Study of Thoracolumbar Fractures Treated with Fixation and Nonfusion Surgery of Intravertebral Bone Graft Assisted with Balloon Kyphoplasty.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Posterior fixation and fusion is the primary treatment for thoracolumbar fractures, although this treatment may sacrifice range of motion (ROM) to achieve stability, rather than treating the fracture itself. Two issues addressed when treating thoracolumbar fractures are 1) replacing the fractured vertebrae, especially the upper end plate of the injured vertebrae and 2) providing strong fixation with biomechanical stability and flexibility.

METHODS
This retrospective study included 61 consecutive patients with thoracic or lumbar fractures treated from October 2010 to May 2014. Patients were divided into 1 of 2 groups: group A, intravertebral bone graft with balloon kyphoplasty (nonfusion surgery), and group B, traditional posterior fixation and fusion surgery. The visual analog scale was used preoperatively and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed preoperatively. Radiography was performed postoperatively at 3 months and 2 years. At 3 months after surgery, computed tomography was used to confirm healing of the vertebral fracture.

RESULTS
All fractures in both groups were reduced successfully, and deformities were improved. After the removal of hardware in group A, ROM at the injury level recovered, and at 2 years, there was no loss of vertebral height or recurrence of deformity. There was no hardware failure in group A, but there was evidence of screw loosening in 3 screws in group B.

CONCLUSIONS
Nonfusion treatment of intravertebral bone graft assisted with balloon kyphoplasty showed good fracture reduction, deformity correction, fracture healing, and ROM maintenance. There were no complications associated with the implant.

Zhang|Chengmin|C| Ouyang|Bin|B| Li|Pei|P| Wang|Liyuan|L| Luo|Lei|L| Zhao|Chen|C| Liu|Liehua|L| Tu|Bing|B| Hou|Tianyong|T| Arnold|Paul|P| Zhou|Qiang|Q|

D001863:Bone Screws
D016025:Bone Transplantation
D005260:Female
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal
D006801:Humans
D058498:Kyphoplasty
D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae
D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D011859:Radiography
D016059:Range of Motion, Articular
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D016103:Spinal Fractures
D013123:Spinal Fusion
D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae
D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Thoracolumbar
Fracture
Nonfusion surgery
Intravertebral bone graft
Kyphoplasty


Frequency of rare mutations and common genetic variations in severe hypertriglyceridemia in the general population of Spain.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a common complex metabolic trait that results of the accumulation of relatively common genetic variants in combination with other modifier genes and environmental factors resulting in increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels. The majority of severe primary hypertriglyceridemias is diagnosed in adulthood and their molecular bases have not been fully defined yet. The prevalence of HTG is highly variable among populations, possibly caused by differences in environmental factors and genetic background. However, the prevalence of very high TG and the frequency of rare mutations causing HTG in a whole non-selected population have not been previously studied.

METHODS
The total of 23,310 subjects over 18 years from a primary care-district in a middle-class area of Zaragoza (Spain) with TG >500 mg/dL were selected to establish HTG prevalence. Those affected of primary HTG were considered for further genetic analysis. The promoters, coding regions and exon-intron boundaries of LPL, LMF1, APOC2, APOA5, APOE and GPIHBP1 genes were sequenced. The frequency of rare variants identified was studied in 90 controls.

RESULTS
One hundred ninety-four subjects (1.04%) had HTG and 90 subjects (46.4%) met the inclusion criteria for primary HTG. In this subgroup, nine patients (12.3%) were carriers of 7 rare variants in LPL, LMF1, APOA5, GPIHBP1 or APOE genes. Three of these mutations are described for the first time in this work. The presence of a rare pathogenic mutation did not confer a differential phenotype or a higher family history of HTG.

CONCLUSION
The prevalence of rare mutations in candidate genes in subjects with primary HTG is low. The low frequency of rare mutations, the absence of a more severe phenotype or the dominant transmission of the HTG would not suggest the use of genetic analysis in the clinical practice in this population.

Lamiquiz-Moneo|Itziar|I|
Blanco-Torrecilla|Cristian|C|
Bea|Ana M|AM|
Mateo-Gallego|Rocío|R|
Pérez-Calahorra|Sofía|S|
Baila-Rueda|Lucía|L|
Cenarro|Ana|A|
Civeira|Fernando|F|
de Castro-Orós|Isabel|I|


Ursolic acid ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative DNA damage and inflammation in mouse kidney by inhibiting the STAT3 and NF-κB activities.

Abstract: Ursolic acid (UA), a common pentacyclic triterpenoid compound, has been reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced injury in kidneys are not yet clear. In the current report, we investigated whether UA inhibited the oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys of CCl4 treated mice. Male ICR mice were injected with CCl4 with or without UA co-administration (25 and 50mg/kg intragastrically once daily) for six weeks. Our data showed that UA significantly prevented CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of kidney damage and histopathological analysis. Moreover, CCl4-induced profound elevation of ROS and oxidative stress, as evidenced by the increase of lipid peroxidation level and the depletion of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level in the kidney, was suppressed by treatment with UA. UA also decreased 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (one product of oxidative DNA damage) levels. Furthermore, protein expression by Western blot analysis showed that UA significantly decreased production of pro-inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in CCl4-treated mouse kidney. In exploring the underlying mechanisms of UA action, we found that UA increased the phosphorylation of transcription 3 (STAT3), which in turn activated the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and the inflammatory cytokines in the kidneys. In conclusion, these results suggested that the inhibition of CCl4-induced inflammation by UA is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant activity and its ability to modulate the STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Ma|Jie-Qiong|JQ| Ding|Jie|J| Xiao|Zheng-Hua|ZH| Liu|Chan-Min|CM|

Ursolic acid
STAT3
NF-κB
Oxidative stress
CCl(4)
Kidney inflammation


Multiple epitope-based vaccine prediction against SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.

Abstract: The global emergence of novel coronavirus disease and its rapid global expansion over a short span of time require effective countermeasures to combat it. Development of a specific vaccine can induce an optimal antibody response, thus providing immunity against it. Our study proposes a detailed and comprehensive immunoinformatic approach that can be applied to the currently available coronavirus protein data in the online server for vaccine candidate development. We have identified the receptor binding domain (RBD) of structural spike protein (S1) as a potential target for immunity against COVID- 19 infection. Epitope prediction illustrated cytotoxic T-cell epitopes, helper T-cell epitopes, and B-cell epitopes associated with the target protein. These were joined through specific linkers along with adjuvant beta-defensin located at the N-terminal to create a multi epitope subunit vaccine (MESV). The specificity in the binding of the devised vaccine candidate to the TLR-3 immune cell receptor was evaluated via molecular docking interaction studies. Good docking score combined with robust interactions in the binding cavity certified the stringency of the engineered vaccine. Molecular dynamics simulation data showed minimal variation of the root-mean square deviations (RMSDs) and root-mean-square fluctuations (RMSFs) which confirmed the interaction stability. These results obtained from various in-silico experiments indicate the potency of this vaccine candidate as a probable therapeutic agent against COVID-19. Vaccination strategies targeting conserved epitope-based immune response would be beneficial in providing cross protection across beta-coronaviruses, and such vaccines would be resistant to the ever-evolving viruses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Spike glycoprotein
immunoinformatics
receptor binding domain
subunit vaccine
COVID-19


Refining of crude rubber seed oil as a feedstock for biofuel production.

Abstract: Crude rubber seed oil is a potential source for biofuel production. However it contains undesirable impurities such as peroxides and high oxidative components that not only affect the oil stability, colour and shelf-life but promote insoluble gums formation with time that could cause deposition in the combustion engines. Therefore to overcome these problems the crude rubber seed oil is refined by undergoing degumming and bleaching process. The effect of bleaching earth dosage (15-40 wt %), phosphoric acid dosage (0.5-1.0 wt %) and reaction time (20-40 min) were studied over the reduction of the peroxide value in a refined crude rubber seed oil. The analysis of variance shows that bleaching earth dosage was the most influencing factor followed by reaction time and phosphoric acid dosage. A minimum peroxide value of 0.1 milliequivalents/gram was achieved under optimized conditions of 40 wt % of bleaching earth dosage, 1.0 wt % of phosphoric acid dosage and 20 min of reaction time using Response Surface Methodology design.

Gurdeep Singh|Haswin Kaur|HK|
Yusup|Suzana|S|
Abdullah|Bawadi|B|
Cheah|Kin Wai|KW|
Azmee|Fathin Nabilah|FN|
Lam|Hon Loong|HL|

Refining
Crude rubber seed oil
Biofuel
Oxidative components
Gums
Peroxide value


Passiflora incarnata in Neuropsychiatric Disorders-A Systematic Review.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Stress is a natural response of the body, induced by factors of a physical (hunger, thirst, and infection) and/or psychological (perceived threat, anxiety, or concern) nature. Chronic, long-term stress may cause problems with sleep, concentration, and memory, as well as affective disorders. The passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate Passiflora incarnata in terms of its neuropsychiatric effects.

METHODS
The scientific databases PubMed, ClinTrials.gov, and Embase were searched up to 22 October 2019. The search identified randomized clinical trials describing the effects of Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders.

RESULTS
The systematic review included nine clinical trials. The duration of the studies included in the analysis varied widely, from one day up to 30 days. Study participants were no less than 18 years old. In each of the papers, the effects of passionflower were measured by using a number of different tests and scales. The majority of studies reported reduced anxiety levels following the administration of Passiflora incarnata preparations, with the effect less evident in people with mild anxiety symptoms. No adverse effects, including memory loss or collapse of psychometric functions, were observed.

CONCLUSION
Passiflora incarnata may be helpful in treating some symptoms in neuropsychiatric patients.

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

Passiflora incarnata
stress
anxiety
depression
neuropsychiatric disorders


Term amniotic fluid: an unexploited reserve of mesenchymal stromal cells for reprogramming and potential cell therapy applications.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently being evaluated in numerous pre-clinical and clinical cell-based therapy studies. Furthermore, there is an increasing interest in exploring alternative uses of these cells in disease modelling, pharmaceutical screening, and regenerative medicine by applying reprogramming technologies. However, the limited availability of MSCs from various sources restricts their use. Term amniotic fluid has been proposed as an alternative source of MSCs. Previously, only low volumes of term fluid and its cellular constituents have been collected, and current knowledge of the MSCs derived from this fluid is limited. In this study, we collected amniotic fluid at term using a novel collection system and evaluated amniotic fluid MSC content and their characteristics, including their feasibility to undergo cellular reprogramming.

METHODS
Amniotic fluid was collected at term caesarean section deliveries using a closed catheter-based system. Following fluid processing, amniotic fluid was assessed for cellularity, MSC frequency, in-vitro proliferation, surface phenotype, differentiation, and gene expression characteristics. Cells were also reprogrammed to the pluripotent stem cell state and differentiated towards neural and haematopoietic lineages.

RESULTS
The average volume of term amniotic fluid collected was approximately 0.4 litres per donor, containing an average of 7 million viable mononuclear cells per litre, and a CFU-F content of 15 per 100,000 MNCs. Expanded CFU-F cultures showed similar surface phenotype, differentiation potential, and gene expression characteristics to MSCs isolated from traditional sources, and showed extensive expansion potential and rapid doubling times. Given the high proliferation rates of these neonatal source cells, we assessed them in a reprogramming application, where the derived induced pluripotent stem cells showed multigerm layer lineage differentiation potential.

CONCLUSIONS
The potentially large donor base from caesarean section deliveries, the high yield of term amniotic fluid MSCs obtainable, the properties of the MSCs identified, and the suitability of the cells to be reprogrammed into the pluripotent state demonstrated these cells to be a promising and plentiful resource for further evaluation in bio-banking, cell therapy, disease modelling, and regenerative medicine applications.

Moraghebi|Roksana|R|
Kirkeby|Agnete|A|
Chaves|Patricia|P|
Rönn|Roger E|RE|
Sitnicka|Ewa|E|
Parmar|Malin|M|
Larsson|Marcus|M|
Herbst|Andreas|A|
Woods|Niels-Bjarne|NB|

Term amniotic fluid
Mesenchymal stromal cells
Cell-based therapy
Regenerative medicine
Cellular reprogramming
Caesarean section deliveries
Pluripotency
Biobanking


Aesthetic expression of caring in nursing among Japanese undergraduate nursing students.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Caring is the heart of nursing. However, not many understand the significance of caring in nursing from the perspectives of undergraduate nursing students, especially in Japan.

AIM
To describe caring in nursing among Japanese nursing students as learned and communicated through their aesthetic expressions.

METHODS
The study employed hermeneutic phenomenology. Sixty-one Japanese nursing students in their second year of baccalaureate degree studies participated. Constituting the data were art-based graphic expressions, such as drawings and written reflections on the drawings, as a response to the question of how the participants describe their meanings of caring in nursing. The thematic analysis method was used to analyze and interpret the data. The trustworthiness of the research was established following Lincoln and Guba's criteria.

FINDINGS
Seven thematic categories were identified. These categories include (1) Engaging with others; (2) Knowing each other; (3) Being with other persons; (4) Nurturing intimate personal growth; (5) Supporting wholeness of persons; (6) Vacillating rhythm; and (7) Intensifying competency.

CONCLUSION
This study described the understanding of caring in nursing among undergraduate Japanese nursing students during their second year of study. The caring in nursing focused on reciprocal relationships, whole-person relating, and practice competency. Findings suggested that nurse educators should develop teaching-learning strategies for nursing students to continuously grow as caring persons.

Kongsuwan|Waraporn|W| Yasuhara|Yuko|Y| Tanioka|Tetsuya|T| Locsin|Rozzano|R| Osaka|Kyoko|K|

Aesthetic expression
Caring
Nursing student
Art


Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Gene-Transfected Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulate Apoptosis And Inflammation In The Chronic Constriction Injury Model of Neuropathic Pain.

Abstract: Stem cell therapy is noted for its clinical effect in the treatment of neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) and fibroblast growth factor 1 gene-transfected adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs FGF1) on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat's sciatic nerve. The rats that underwent CCI were treated with AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. Bax, Bcl2, and caspases 3, the major contributors of apoptosis, and inflammatory markers including Iba-1, IL1-β, and MMP-2 were evaluated in the lumbar portion (L4-L6) of the spinal cord through western bloating at days 3 and 14. The ratio of Bax/Bcl2, cleaved caspases 3, MMP-2, IL-1β, and Iba1, was elevated in CCI animals compared to sham-operated animals and decreased following treatment with both AD-MSCs and AD-MSCs FGF1. However, the effect of AD-MSCs FGF1 was significantly higher than AD-MSCs. These data suggest that the administration of AD-MSCs FGF1 through modulating apoptosis and neuroinflammation could be considered a promising medicine for treating neuropathic pain.

Forouzanfar|Fatemeh|F|
Sadeghnia|Hamid R|HR|
Hoseini|Seyed Javad|SJ|
Ghorbani|Ahmad|A|
Ghazavi|Hamed|H|
Ghasemi|Faezeh|F|
Hosseinzadeh|Hossein|H|

Fibroblast growth factor 1
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell
Neuropathic pain
Transfection


NTPDase activities: possible roles on Leishmania spp infectivity and virulence.

Abstract: Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases) are enzymes that belong to the GDA1/CD39 protein superfamily. These enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP to the monophosphate form (AMP). Biochemical characterization of the nucleotidases/NTPDases from various types of cells, including those from plants, animals, and pathogenic organisms, has revealed the existence of several isoforms with different specificities with respect to divalent cations (magnesium, calcium, manganese, and zinc) and substrates. In mammals, the NTPDases play important roles in the regulation of thrombosis and inflammation. In parasites of the genus Leishmania, the causative agents of leishmaniasis, two NTPDase isoforms, termed NTPDase-1 and NTPDase-2 have been described. Independently of their cellular localization, whether cell-surface localized, secreted or targeted to other organelles, in some Leishmania species these NTPDases could be involved in parasite growth, infectivity, and virulence. Experimental evidence has suggested that the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP by parasite ecto-nucleotidases can down-modulate the host immune response. In this context, the present work provides an overview of recent works that show strong evidence not only of the involvement of the nucleotidases/NTPDases in Leishmania spp infectivity and virulence but also of the molecular mechanisms that lead to the success of the parasitic infection.

Paes-Vieira|Lisvane|L|
Gomes-Vieira|André Luiz|AL|
Meyer-Fernandes|José Roberto|JR|

NTPDases Leishmania infectivity virulence nucleotidases immunotherapy


Assessing sleep-wake survival dynamics in relation to sleep quality in a placebo-controlled pharmacological intervention study with people with insomnia and healthy controls.

Abstract:
RATIONALE
The mechanisms underlying impaired sleep quality in insomnia are not fully known, but an important role for sleep fragmentation has been proposed.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to explore potential mechanisms of sleep fragmentation influencing alterations of perceived sleep quality.

METHODS
We analyzed polysomnography (PSG) recordings from a double-blind crossover study with zopiclone 7.5 mg and placebo, in elderly participants with insomnia complaints and age-matched healthy controls. We compared survival dynamics of sleep and wake across group and treatment. Subsequently, we used a previously proposed model to estimate the amount of sleep onset latency (SOL) misperception from PSG-defined sleep fragmentation. Self-reported and model-estimated amount of SOL misperception were compared across group and treatment, as well as model prediction errors.

RESULTS
In the zopiclone night, the average segment length of NREM sleep was increased (group F = 1.16, p = 0.32; treatment F = 8.89, p < 0.01; group x treatment F = 0.44, p = 0.65), while the segment length of wake was decreased (group F = 1.48, p = 0.23; treatment F = 11.49, p < 0.01; group x treatment F = 0.36, p = 0.70). The self-reported and model-estimated amount of SOL misperception were lower during the zopiclone night (self-reported group F = 6.08, p < 0.01, treatment F = 10.8, p < 0.01, group x treatment F = 2.49, p = 0.09; model-estimated F = 1.70, p = 0.19, treatment F = 16.1, p < 0.001, group x treatment F = 0.60, p = 0.55). The prediction error was not altered (group F = 1.62, p = 0.20; treatment F = 0.20, p = 0.65; group x treatment F = 1.01, p = 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS
Impaired subjective sleep quality is associated with decreased NREM stability, together with increased stability of wake. Furthermore, we conclude that zopiclone-induced changes in SOL misperception can be largely attributed to predictable changes of sleep architecture.

Insomnia
Sleep fragmentation
Zopiclone
Sleep onset latency
Sleep state misperception


The evolution of transanal surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome: Mid-term results from a randomized study comparing double TST 36 HV and Contour TRANSTAR staplers.

Abstract: A randomized study was carried out to compare the mid-term outcome of transanal rectal resection with the CCS-30 TRANSTAR and two TST36 staplers in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome. After selection, patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups:104 underwent a TRANSTAR operation and 104 a transanal rectal resection with two TST36 staplers. Patients were followed up with clinical examination, and defecography. Cumulative complication rate was significantly higher in TRANSTAR operation (P = 0.019). All symptoms and defecographic parameters significantly improved (P < 0.001), without differences. Costs were significantly lower with double TST (P = 0.035). Recurrence rates were 6.2% in TRANSTAR group and 11.4% with double TST (P = 0.206). Two circular TST 36 staplers consent to obtain the same clinical and functional results than the CCS-30, with significantly lower complication rate and costs.

Boccasanta|Paolo|P| Agradi|Sergio|S| Vergani|Contardo|C| Calabrò|Giuseppe|G| Bordoni|Luca|L| Missaglia|Claudio|C| Venturi|Marco|M|

D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery

Obstructed defecation
Curved CCS-30 Transtar stapler
Double circular TST36 stapler


Comparison of In Vitro Inactivation of SARS CoV-2 with Hydrogen Peroxide and Povidone-Iodine Oral Antiseptic Rinses.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To evaluate the in vitro inactivation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and povidone-iodine (PVP-I) oral antiseptic rinses at clinically recommended concentrations and contact times.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
SARS-CoV-2, USA-WA1/2020 strain virus stock was prepared prior to testing by growing in Vero 76 cells. The culture media for prepared virus stock was minimum essential medium (MEM) with 2% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 50 µg/mL gentamicin. Test compounds consisting of PVP-I oral rinse solutions and H2 O2 aqueous solutions were mixed directly with the virus solution so that the final concentration was 50% of the test compound and 50% of the virus solution. Thus PVP-I was tested at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.25%, and 1.5%, and H2 O2 was tested at 3% and 1.5% concentrations to represent clinically recommended concentrations. Ethanol and water were evaluated in parallel as standard positive and negative controls. All samples were tested at contact periods of 15 seconds and 30 seconds. Surviving virus from each sample was then quantified by standard end-point dilution assay and the log reduction value of each compound compared to the negative control was calculated.

RESULTS
After the 15-second and 30-second contact times, PVP-I oral antiseptic rinse at all 3 concentrations of 0.5%, 1.25%, and 1.5% completely inactivated SARS-CoV-2. The H2 O2 solutions at concentrations of 1.5% and 3.0% showed minimal viricidal activity after 15 seconds and 30 seconds of contact time.

CONCLUSIONS
SARS-CoV-2 virus was completely inactivated by PVP-I oral antiseptic rinse in vitro, at the lowest concentration of 0.5 % and at the lowest contact time of 15 seconds. Hydrogen peroxide at the recommended oral rinse concentrations of 1.5% and 3.0% was minimally effective as a viricidal agent after contact times as long as 30 seconds. Therefore, preprocedural rinsing with diluted PVP-I in the range of 0.5% to 1.5% may be preferred over hydrogen peroxide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

hydrogen peroxide
povidone-iodine
SARS-CoV-2
oral rinse
Corona virus
dental safety


Temperature Sensing Is Distributed throughout the Regulatory Network that Controls FLC Epigenetic Silencing in Vernalization.

Abstract: Many organisms need to respond to complex, noisy environmental signals for developmental decision making. Here, we dissect how Arabidopsis plants integrate widely fluctuating field temperatures over month-long timescales to progressively upregulate VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE3 (VIN3) and silence FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), aligning flowering with spring. We develop a mathematical model for vernalization that operates on multiple timescales-long term (month), short term (day), and current (hour)-and is constrained by experimental data. Our analysis demonstrates that temperature sensing is not localized to specific nodes within the FLC network. Instead, temperature sensing is broadly distributed, with each thermosensory process responding to specific features of the plants' history of exposure to warm and cold. The model accurately predicts FLC silencing in new field data, allowing us to forecast FLC expression in changing climates. We suggest that distributed thermosensing may be a general property of thermoresponsive regulatory networks in complex natural environments.

Antoniou-Kourounioti|Rea L|RL|
Hepworth|Jo|J|
Heckmann|Amélie|A|
Duncan|Susan|S|
Qüesta|Julia|J|
Rosa|Stefanie|S|
Säll|Torbjörn|T|
Holm|Svante|S|
Dean|Caroline|C|
Howard|Martin|M|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

temperature sensing
FLC
epigenetics
vernalization
VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE3
VIN3
FLOWERING LOCUS C
mathematical modeling
climate change
gene regulation
phenology


Uncertainty and self-efficacy in parents of a child with congenital cataract-New implications for clinical practice.

Abstract:
Aim
The aim was an in-depth exploration of uncertainty and self-efficacy among parents of a child with congenital cataract by means of two theoretical frameworks to re-design family care.

Design
A directed content analysis in accordance with Hsieh & Shannon, using Mishel's theory of uncertainty and Bandura's self-efficacy theory.

Methods
Open-ended, in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 parents of a child with congenital cataract; six mothers, five fathers and six couples.

Results
In this novel study, self-efficacy was interpreted as the ability to balance between uncertainty and acceptance. The performance accomplishment of the child and parents bridges the gap between uncertainty and acceptance by reducing uncertainty, thus constituting the level of self-efficacy. Setbacks and complications increase uncertainty and reduce self-efficacy, thus performance accomplishment is a mediator of self-efficacy, while ability to master uncertainty determines the level of self-efficacy.

uncertainty
congenital cataract
content analysis
nursing
parental perspective
qualitative
self‐efficacy
self‐management


TRAIL-expressing gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibit tumorigenesis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract: Recent research has verified that mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow or adipose tissues can migrate toward a variety of tumors. In this study, we explored whether human gingival-derived MSCs (G-MSCs) can migrate toward tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and evaluated the antitumor effect of engineered G-MSCs in expressing and delivering the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). An in vitro cell migration assay with Transwell plates showed that human G-MSCs can migrate toward TSCC cell lines (Tca8113 and Cal27). Then, human G-MSCs, as a type of cell-based vehicle, were transduced with full-length TRAIL and enhanced green fluorescent protein reporter genes by the lentivirus (LV) system (G-MSCs with full-length TRAIL; G-MSCFLT). Tca8113 and Cal27 were co-cultured with G-MSCFLT, respectively, to evaluate the function of G-MSCFLT on tumor cells in vitro. This resulted in G-MSCFLT's inducing a great number of tumor cell necrosis and apoptosis. Meanwhile, in vivo antitumor assays were performed by administering G-MSCFLT to nude mice locally and systematically (mixed injection with tumor cells and tail vein injection). This showed that G-MSCFLT can reduce or even inhibit TSCC growth regardless of the method of administration, especially when the mixed injection of tumor cells and G-MSCFLT was at a ratio of 1:1, which showed no tumor formation. Furthermore, this verified that G-MSCFLT migrated toward TSCC in quantity. These data emphasize the effectiveness of G-MSCs as a vehicle for cell-based gene therapy and the antitumor activity of TRAIL-expressing G-MSCs.

Xia|L|L| Peng|R|R| Leng|W|W| Jia|R|R| Zeng|X|X| Yang|X|X| Fan|M|M|

D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

cell migration assays
vehicles
nude mice
gene therapy
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
transfection


The Glucose Metabolic Pathway as A Potential Target for Therapeutics: Crucial Role of Glycosylation in Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Glucose uptake in the brain decreases because of normal aging but this decline is accelerated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. In fact, positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that metabolic reductions in AD patients occur decades before the onset of symptoms, suggesting that metabolic deficits may be an upstream event in at least some late-onset cases. A decrease in availability of glucose content induces a considerable impairment/downregulation of glycosylation, which is an important post-translational modification. Glycosylation is an important and highly regulated mechanism of secondary protein processing within cells and it plays a crucial role in modulating stability of proteins, as carbohydrates are important in achieving the proper three-dimensional conformation of glycoproteins. Moreover, glycosylation acts as a metabolic sensor that links glucose metabolism to normal neuronal functioning. All the proteins involved in β-amyloid (Aβ) precursor protein metabolism have been identified as candidates of glycosylation highlighting the possibility that Aβ metabolism could be regulated by their glycosylation. Within this framework, the present review aims to summarize the current understanding on the role of glycosylation in the etiopathology of AD, emphasizing the idea that glucose metabolic pathway may represent an alternative therapeutic option for targeting AD. From this perspective, the pharmacological modulation of glycosylation levels may represent a 'sweet approach' to treat AD targeting new mechanisms independent of the amyloid cascade and with comparable impacts in familial and sporadic AD.

glycosylation
post-translational modifications
Alzheimer’s disease
glycans
neurodegeneration
phosphorylation


The clinical use of parvovirus B19 assays: recent advances.

Abstract: Parvovirus B19 (B19V), a single-stranded DNA virus in the family Parvoviridae, is a human pathogenic virus, characterized by a selective but not exclusive tropism for erythroid progenitor cells. Widely diffuse, it is responsible for an ample range of clinical manifestations, whose characteristics and outcomes depend on the interplay between the viral properties and the physiological and immune status of the infected individuals. The complexity of virus-host relationship and the diversity of the clinical course of infection pose a diagnostic challenge that may require non-trivial solutions. Areas covered: The review includes an updated description of the course of B19V infection in its complexity and diversity of pathogenetic mechanisms, discusses the consequent requirements for different and appropriated diagnostic approaches, presents the main diagnostic techniques, more recent technical advancements, and their application to the diverse clinical situations. Expert commentary: The complex scenario of the infectious process and the diversity in possible pathogenetic mechanisms make necessary a multi-parametric approach for an accurate and informative laboratory diagnosis of B19V infection, combining as much as possible the molecular detection of viral components, mainly viral DNA, to commonly followed immunological detection of virus-specific antibodies and a critical assessment of laboratory findings.

D004279:DNA, Viral
D015672:Erythroid Precursor Cells
D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions
D006801:Humans
D010322:Parvoviridae Infections
D016732:Parvovirus B19, Human

parvovirus B19
Antibody detection
molecular diagnostic
qPCR assays
virus–host relationship


Enteral Guanfacine to Treat Severe Anxiety and Agitation Complicating Critical Care After Cardiac Surgery.

Abstract: This article is the first reported case describing the off-label use of enteral immediate-release guanfacine, a long-acting α-2 adrenergic agonist most commonly used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, for sedation in a patient with severe anxiety and agitation limiting mechanical ventilation weaning several days after cardiac surgery. In this case, after several days of unsuccessful attempts to control his agitation and anxiety with conventional therapies, guanfacine therapy was initiated, and the patient was rapidly weaned from all other sedatives and mechanical ventilation shortly thereafter. The patient was weaned from guanfacine therapy without evidence of bradycardia, hypotension, or rebound syndrome. Enteral guanfacine therapy should be further studied as a potentially useful and cost-effective sedative therapy for patients with severe anxiety and/or agitation in the intensive care unit following cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures.

Srour|Habib|H| Pandya|Komal|K| Flannery|Alex|A| Hatton|Kevin|K|

D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists

critical care
intensive care unit
cognitive dysfunction
postoperative care
withdrawal