An appetite for pests: Synanthropic insectivorous bats exploit cotton pest irruptions and consume various deleterious arthropods.

Abstract: Conservation biological control (CBC) seeks to minimize the deleterious effects of agricultural pests by enhancing the efficiency of natural enemies. Despite the documented potential of insectivorous bats to consume pests, many synanthropic bat species are still underappreciated as beneficial species. We investigated the diet of Kuhl's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus kuhlii), a common synanthropic insectivorous bat that forages in urban and agricultural areas, to determine whether it may function as a natural enemy in CBC. Faecal samples of P. kuhlii were collected throughout the cotton-growing season from five roost sites near cotton fields located in a Mediterranean agroecosystem, Israel, and analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. Additionally, data on estimated abundance of major cotton pests were collected. We found that the diet of P. kuhlii significantly varied according to sites and dates and comprised 27 species of agricultural pests that were found in 77.2% of the samples, including pests of key economic concern. The dominant prey was the widespread cotton pest, the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, found in 31% of the samples and in all the roosts. Pink bollworm abundance was positively correlated with its occurrence in the bat diet. Furthermore, the bats' dietary breadth narrowed, while temporal dietary overlap increased, in relation to increasing frequencies of pink bollworms in the diet. This suggests that P. kuhlii exploits pink bollworm irruptions by opportunistic feeding. We suggest that synanthropic bats provide important pest suppression services, may function as CBC agents of cotton pests and potentially contribute to suppress additional deleterious arthropods found in their diet in high frequencies.

bats
cotton pest
conservation biological control
DNA metabarcoding


Approaches to Determine Protein Ubiquitination Residue Types.

Abstract: Ubiquitination is an important posttranslational modification in eukaryotic organisms and plays a central role in many signaling pathways in plants. Most ubiquitination typically occurs on substrate lysine residues, forming a covalent isopeptide bond. Some recent reports suggested ubiquitin can be attached to non-lysine sites such as serine/threonine, cysteine or the N-terminal methionine, via oxyester or thioester linkages, respectively. In the present protocol, we developed a convenient in vitro assay for investigating ubiquitination on Ser/Thr and Cys residues.

Ubiquitination
Posttranslational modification
Serine/threonine
Cysteine
Hydrolysis


Synthesis of iron(II,III) oxide/zinc oxide/copper(II) oxide (Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO) nanocomposites and their photosonocatalytic property for organic dye removal.

Abstract: A facile sol-gel method was adopted to synthesize iron(II,III) oxide/zinc oxide/copper(II) oxide (Fe3O4/ZnO/CuO) nanocomposites with various CuO loadings at a low temperature. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyses. The photosonocatalytic properties of the nanocomposites were tested by methylene blue removal in aqueous solutions under the combination of UV or visible light and ultrasound. The catalyst with the lowest CuO loading exhibited the highest photosonocatalytic performance under UV light, while the fastest degradation under visible light was achieved at the highest CuO loading. Overall, the photosonocatalytic process with light and ultrasound irradiation led to more complete degradation compared to using light alone. According to the experiments performed with radical scavengers, the holes and OH radicals are the dominant oxidative species. The nanocomposites can be easily separated from the treated solution using an external magnetic field, and the samples remain very stable after 4 cycles. These results indicate that these materials have great potential for treating organic pollutants in wastewaters.

ZnO/CuO Photosonocatalytic Magnetite Stability


Doctor, please make me freer: Capabilities enhancement as a goal of medicine.

Abstract: Biomedical innovations are making possible the enhancement of human capabilities. There are two philosophical stances on the role that medicine should play in this respect. On the one hand, naturalism rejects every medical intervention that goes beyond preventing and treating disease. On the other hand, welfarism advocates enhancements that foster subjective well-being. We will show that both positions have considerable shortcomings. Consequently, we will introduce a third characterization in which therapies and enhancements can be reconciled with the legitimate objectives of medicine inasmuch as they improve the capabilities that enable the freedom to pursue personal well-being.

Goals of medicine
Naturalism
Welfarism
Autonomy
Capability approach
Human enhancement


Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events in Gene Therapy Trials for Inherited Retinal Diseases: A Narrative Review.

Abstract: Patient safety is a primary priority in the conduction of retinal gene therapy trials. An understanding of risk factors and mitigation strategies for post-procedure complications is crucial for the optimization of gene therapy clinical trial protocols. In this review, we synthesize the literature on ocular delivery methods, vector platforms, and treatment-emergent adverse effects in recent gene therapy clinical trials for inherited retinal diseases.

Nuzbrokh|Yan|Y|
Kassotis|Alexis S|AS|
Ragi|Sara D|SD|
Jauregui|Ruben|R|
Tsang|Stephen H|SH|

Adverse events
Inherited retinal diseases
Retinal gene therapy


Longitudinal changes in cognition in young adult cannabis users.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Adolescent cannabis use (CU) is associated with impaired attention, executive function, and verbal learning/memory. These associations are generally observed in cross-sectional studies. Longitudinal studies of cannabis users are lacking.

METHOD
The present study examines associations between CU and cognition over time in chronic daily adolescent-onset CUs, as compared to nonusing controls. Both groups completed a neuropsychological battery at study intake and again 2 years later.

RESULTS
Baseline group differences have been published and indicated deficits in verbal learning and memory, motivated decision-making, planning, and working memory in CUs. In this follow-up report, the longitudinal performance of users is compared to that of sustained nonusers using the same battery. At follow-up, the majority of CUs continued to report regular and heavy cannabis use. Relative impairments in the domains of working memory, planning and verbal memory remained stable, suggesting that these are enduring vulnerabilities associated with continued CU during young adulthood. Improvements in motivated decision-making were evident in both groups. In addition, CUs demonstrated relatively better performance on short-duration speeded tasks. An earlier age of CU onset was associated with poorer verbal learning and memory and planning performance over time.

CONCLUSIONS
Verbal learning and memory and planning processes, as well as their neural correlates, merit further scrutiny within etiological models of cannabis-induced cognitive impairments.

Becker|Mary P|MP|
Collins|Paul F|PF|
Schultz|Ashley|A|
Urošević|Snežana|S|
Schmaling|Brittany|B|
Luciana|Monica|M|

cannabis
Adolescence
executive function
memory
neurocognition


Metabolic Reprogramming of the Host Cell by Human Adenovirus Infection.

Abstract: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that alter many cellular processes to create an environment optimal for viral replication. Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is an important, yet underappreciated feature of many viral infections, as this ensures that the energy and substrates required for viral replication are available in abundance. Human adenovirus (HAdV), which is the focus of this review, is a small DNA tumor virus that reprograms cellular metabolism in a variety of ways. It is well known that HAdV infection increases glucose uptake and fermentation to lactate in a manner resembling the Warburg effect observed in many cancer cells. However, HAdV infection induces many other metabolic changes. In this review, we integrate the findings from a variety of proteomic and transcriptomic studies to understand the subtleties of metabolite and metabolic pathway control during HAdV infection. We review how the E4ORF1 protein of HAdV enacts some of these changes and summarize evidence for reprogramming of cellular metabolism by the viral E1A protein. Therapies targeting altered metabolism are emerging as cancer treatments, and similar targeting of aberrant components of virally reprogrammed metabolism could have clinical antiviral applications.

Prusinkiewicz|Martin A|MA|
Mymryk|Joe S|JS|


Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activity of Dunaliella salina in Paracetamol-induced Acute Toxicity in Rats.

Abstract: Paracetamol has a reasonable safety profile when taken in therapeutic doses. However, it could induce hepatotoxicity and even more severe fatal acute hepatic damage when taken in an overdose. The green alga, Dunaliella salina was investigated for hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats overdosed with paracetamol showed liver damage and oxidative stress as indicated by significantly (P<0.05) increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin, malondialdehyde, cholesterol and nitric oxide. At the same time, there were decreased activities of serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity compared with the control group. Treatment with D. salina methanol extract at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight or silymarin could significantly (P<0.05) decrease the liver damage marker enzymes, total and direct bilirubin, malondialdehyde, cholesterol and nitric oxide levels and increase the activities of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum when compared with paracetamol intoxicated group. Liver histopathology also showed that D. salina reduced the centrilobular necrosis, congestion and inflammatory cell infiltration evoked by paracetamol overdose. These results suggest that D. salina exhibits a potent hepatoprotective effect on paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats, which may be due to both the increase of antioxidant enzymes activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.

Madkour|Fedekar F|FF|
Abdel-Daim|M M|MM|

antioxidant
Dunaliella salina
paracetamol
hepatotoxicity
reactive oxygen species


Dataset on social demographic and employee job satisfaction in the Nigerian manufacturing company.

Abstract: The dataset on the effects of social demographic on job satisfaction was obtained through self-administered questionnaire. The survey was situated in a Nigerian manufacturing company and the valid ninety two copies of the questionnaire were analyzed by AMOS 21. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis was carried out on the constructs. In addition, further analysis of the data will assist in establishing the significant level of demographic on job satisfaction.

Osibanjo|Adewale O|AO|
Igbinoba|Ebeguki E|EE|
Falola|Hezekiah O|HO|
Awe|Kayode O|KO|

Social demographic
Job satisfaction
Structural Equation Modeling


Enhanced transfer of a photocross-linking N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) analog by an O-GlcNAc transferase mutant with converted substrate specificity.

Abstract: O-Linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) is a post-translational modification of proteins in multicellular organisms. O-GlcNAc modification is catalyzed by the O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which transfers N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from the nucleotide sugar donor UDP-GlcNAc to serine or threonine residues of protein substrates. Recently, we reported a novel metabolic labeling method to introduce the diazirine photocross-linking functional group onto O-GlcNAc residues in mammalian cells. In this method, cells are engineered to produce diazirine-modified UDP-GlcNAc (UDP-GlcNDAz), and the diazirine-modified GlcNAc analog (GlcNDAz) is transferred to substrate proteins by endogenous OGT, producing O-GlcNDAz. O-GlcNDAz-modified proteins can be covalently cross-linked to their binding partners, providing information about O-GlcNAc-dependent interactions. The utility of the method was demonstrated by cross-linking highly O-GlcNAc-modified nucleoporins to proteins involved in nuclear transport. For practical application of this method to a broader range of O-GlcNAc-modified proteins, efficient O-GlcNDAz production is critical. Here we examined the ability of OGT to transfer GlcNDAz and found that the wild-type enzyme (wtOGT) prefers the natural substrate, UDP-GlcNAc, over the unnatural UDP-GlcNDAz. This competition limits O-GlcNDAz production in cells and the extent of O-GlcNDAz-dependent cross-linking. Here we identified an OGT mutant, OGT(C917A), that efficiently transfers GlcNDAz and, surprisingly, has altered substrate specificity, preferring to transfer GlcNDAz rather than GlcNAc to protein substrates. We confirmed the reversed substrate preference by determining the Michaelis-Menten parameters describing the activity of wtOGT and OGT(C917A) with both UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GlcNDAz. Use of OGT(C917A) enhances O-GlcNDAz production, yielding improved cross-linking of O-GlcNDAz-modified molecules both in vitro and in cells.

O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT)


Serum zinc is associated with plasma leptin and Cu-Zn SOD in elite male basketball athletes.

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between plasma trace element and plasma leptin, as well as percent fat mass, in 16 male basketball athletes. Blood samples were obtained before intensive training and 24h after intensive training to measure plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and leptin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total and cholesterol (TC) levels were determined using commercially available kits for humans. Subjects presented similar values in terms of age (21.1±2.2 years old), body mass index (23.9±2.00kg/m(2)), percent body fat (14.40±1.52%), plasma hemoglobin (150.1±9.4g/L), plasma Zn (17.47±1.28μmol/l), plasma Cu (13.42±1.40μmol/L), plasma Ca (2.41±0.14mmol/L), and plasma Mg (0.96±0.02mmol/L). The correlation analysis between degree of plasma leptin and plasma element contents was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Plasma Zn correlated positively with plasma leptin (r=0.746, P<0.01), Cu-Zn SOD (r=0.827, P<0.01), and negatively with percent fat mass (r=-0.598, P<0.05) under no-training conditions. Meanwhile, plasma Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe did not correlate with plasma leptin or percent fat mass (P>0.05). In conclusion, plasma Zn may be involved in the regulation of plasma leptin and may serve as a lipid-mobilizing factor in Chinese men's basketball athletes.

Zhao|Jiexiu|J| Fan|Bin|B| Wu|Zhaozhao|Z| Xu|Minxiao|M| Luo|Yufeng|Y|


Feasibility study by a single-blind randomized controlled trial of self-management of mobility with a gait-speed feedback device by older persons at risk for falling.

Abstract: This single-blind randomized pilot study explored feasibility and safety of a self-management fall prevention program, hypothesizing that older persons can comply with this program, while it does not result in more (injurious) falls, or a decrease in mental wellbeing as an adverse effect of being focused on falls prevention. Eighty-six persons, community-dwelling or home for the aged (mean age 80.3 years [SD: 6.3], 56 women (65.1%)) participated. The intervention group measured their gait speed by using the Mobility Feedback Device (MFD) weekly for 6 months. The control group was monitored for the outcomes without an intervention. Change scores involving health perception and mental wellbeing (Medical Outcomes Study 20-item short form (MOS-20)) were compared between groups. Feasibility was assessed by drop-out rate and compliance to measure gait speed. Safety was assessed by fall incidence during follow-up. MOS-20 decreased significantly in the control group (p = 0.024) but remained stable in the intervention group. Drop-out rate was low (9.3%), and compliance was good. Fall incidence was the same for both groups (p = 0.155). The self-management fall prevention program is feasible and safe in a community-dwelling and home for the aged population, making it worthwhile to further explore self-management fall-prevention studies.

Schoon|Yvonne|Y|
Bongers|Kim T J|KTJ|
Olde Rikkert|Marcel G M|MGM|

D000058:Accidental Falls
D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D005240:Feasibility Studies
D005260:Female
D000068156:Formative Feedback
D006707:Homes for the Aged
D006801:Humans
D057187:Independent Living
D008297:Male
D010865:Pilot Projects
D012656:Self-Help Devices
D000073278:Self-Management
D016037:Single-Blind Method
D000072797:Walking Speed

falls
prevention
home for the aged
community-dwelling older persons
telemonitoring


Role of carbon ion beams irradiation in mitigating cold stress in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: Carbon ion beams irradiation as an important type of ionizing radiation is one of the major approaches used to create mutants in plants. This study investigated the role of carbon ion beams irradiation in mitigating cold stress in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. The results showed that 50-Gy carbon ion beam irradiation appeared stimulatory effects on root length and fresh weight in Arabidopsis seedlings under cold stress. In comparison with control, the content of hydrogen peroxide, the production rate of superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical generation activity, and malondialdehyde content were obviously decreased in 50-Gy carbon ion beam irradiated seedlings in response to cold stress. Moreover, irradiated 50-Gy carbon ion beam in Arabidopsis seedlings were significantly triggered the efficiency of antioxidant under cold stress. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of cold-related genes in irradiated and non-irradiated samples. Carbon ion beams irradiation up-regulated the expression levels of C-REPEAT BINDING FACTORS (CBFs), INDUCER OF CBF EXPRESSION 1 (ICE1), ICE2, CALMODULIN-BINDING TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATOR 3 (CAMTA3) and cold-regulated COR genes, in response to cold stress. This study suggests that low-dose carbon ion beams irradiation can modulate the physiological responses and up-regulate cold signaling genes in mitigating cold stress in the growth of Arabidopsis seedlings.

Wang|Lin|L| Ma|Ruonan|R| Yin|Yue|Y| Jiao|Zhen|Z|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Carbon ion beams irradiation
Arabidopsis thaliana
Cold-related genes
Reactive oxygen species


Detection of two biological markers of intercourse: prostate-specific antigen and Y-chromosomal DNA.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although biological markers of women's exposure to semen from vaginal intercourse have been developed as surrogates for risk of infection or probability of pregnancy, data on their persistence time and clearance are limited.

STUDY DESIGN
During 2006-2008, 52 couples were enrolled for three 14-day cycles of abstinence from vaginal sex during which women were exposed in the clinic to a specific quantity (10, 100 or 1000 μL) of their partner's semen. Vaginal swabs were collected before and at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after exposure for testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Yc DNA).

RESULTS
Immediately after exposure to 1000 μL of semen, the predicted sensitivity of being PSA positive was 0.96; this decreased to 0.65, 0.44, 0.21 and 0.07 at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Corresponding predicted sensitivity of being Yc DNA positive was 0.72 immediately postexposure; this increased to 0.76 at 1 h postexposure and then decreased to 0.60 (at 6 h), 0.63 (at 12 h), 0.49 (at 24 h), 0.21 (at 48 h), 0.17 (at 72 h) and 0.12 (at 144 h).

CONCLUSIONS
Overall findings suggest that PSA may be more consistent as a marker of very recent exposure and that Yc DNA is more likely to be detected in the vagina after 12 h postexposure compared to PSA.

Jamshidi|Roxanne|R|
Penman-Aguilar|Ana|A|
Wiener|Jeffrey|J|
Gallo|Maria F|MF|
Zenilman|Jonathan M|JM|
Melendez|J H|JH|
Snead|Margaret|M|
Black|Carolyn M|CM|
Jamieson|Denise J|DJ|
Macaluso|Maurizio|M|

Prostate-specific antigen
Y-chromosome DNA
Clearance
Semen biomarkers


The effectiveness of the peer delivered Thinking Healthy Plus (THPP+) Programme for maternal depression and child socio-emotional development in Pakistan: study protocol for a three-year cluster randomized controlled trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The negative effects of perinatal depression on the mother and child start early and persist throughout the lifecourse (Lancet 369(9556):145-57, 2007; Am J Psychiatry 159(1):43-7, 2002; Arch Dis Child 77(2):99-101, 1997; J Pak Med Assoc 60(4):329; J Psychosoma Res 49(3):207-16, 2000; Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 14(1):1-27, 2011). Given that 10-35 % of children worldwide are exposed to perinatal depression in their first year of life (Int Rev Psychiatry 8(1):37-54, 1996), mitigating this intergenerational risk is a global public health priority (Perspect Public Health 129(5):221-7, 2009; Trop Med Int Health 13(4):579-83, 2008; Br Med Bull 101(1):57-79, 2012). However, it is not clear whether intervention with depressed women can have long-term benefits for the mother and/or her child. We describe a study of the effectiveness of a peer-delivered depression intervention delivered through 36 postnatal months, the Thinking Healthy Program Peer-delivered PLUS (THPP+) for women and their children in rural Pakistan.

METHODS/DESIGN
The THPP+ study aims are: (1) to evaluate the effects of an extended 36-month perinatal depression intervention on maternal and index child outcomes using a cluster randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) and (2) to determine whether outcomes among index children of perinatally depressed women in the intervention arm converge with those of index children born to perinatally nondepressed women. The trial is designed to recruit 560 pregnant women who screened positive for perinatal depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) from 40 village clusters, of which 20 receive the THPP+ intervention. An additional reference group consists of 560 perinatally nondepressed women from the same 40 clusters as the THPP+ trial. The women in the nondepressed group are not targeted to receive the THPP+ intervention; but, by recruiting pregnant women from both intervention and control clusters, we are able to evaluate any carryover effects of the THPP+ intervention on the women and their children. Perinatally depressed women in the THPP+ intervention arm receive bimonthly group-based sessions. Primary outcomes are 3-year maternal depression and 3-year child development indicators. Analyses are intention-to-treat and account for the clustered design.

DISCUSSION
This trial, together with the reference group, has the potential to further our understanding of the early developmental lifecourse of children of both perinatally depressed and perinatally nondepressed women in rural Pakistan and to determine whether intervening with women's depression in the perinatal period can mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression on 36-month child development.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
THPP-P ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02111915 (registered on 9 April 2014). THPP+ ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02658994 (registered on 21 January 2016).

SPONSOR
Human Development Research Foundation (HDRF).

Turner|Elizabeth L|EL|
Sikander|Siham|S|
Bangash|Omer|O|
Zaidi|Ahmed|A|
Bates|Lisa|L|
Gallis|John|J|
Ganga|Nima|N|
O'Donnell|Karen|K|
Rahman|Atif|A|
Maselko|Joanna|J|

D000367:Age Factors
D002652:Child Behavior
D002657:Child Development
D002675:Child, Preschool
D002985:Clinical Protocols
D019052:Depression, Postpartum
D004644:Emotions
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007223:Infant
D057194:Intention to Treat Analysis
D008603:Mental Health
D009034:Mother-Child Relations
D009035:Mothers
D010154:Pakistan
D010379:Peer Group
D011615:Psychotherapy, Group
D012107:Research Design
D012307:Risk Factors
D019035:Rural Health Services
D013850:Thinking
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Maternal depression
Perinatal depression
Thinking healthy program
Child development
Low- and middle-income countries
Nonmental health professionals
Peer volunteers
Psychological treatment
Randomized trials
Task-shifting


Flow cytometry detection of planktonic cells with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons sorbed to cell surfaces.

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are very important components of oil pollution. These pollutants tend to sorb to cell surfaces, exerting toxic effects on organisms. Our study developed a flow cytometric method for the detection of PAHs sorbed to phytoplankton by exploiting their spectral characteristics. We discriminated between cells with PAHs from cells free of PAHs. Clear discrimination was observed with flow cytometer provided with 375 or 405nm lasers in addition to the standard 488nm laser necessary to identify phytoplankton. Using this method, we measured the relationship between the percentages of phytoplankton organisms with PAHs, with the decrease in the growth rate. Moreover, the development of this method could be extended to facilitate the study of PAHs impact on cell cultures from a large variety of organisms.

Cerezo|Maria I|MI|
Linden|Matthew|M|
Agustí|Susana|S|

Flow cytometry
PAHs
Phytoplankton
Cell fluorescence
Oil spills
Ultraviolet laser


Pre- and Post-Treatment Imaging of Primary Central Nervous System Tumors in the Molecular and Genetic Era.

Abstract: Recent advances in the molecular and genetic characterization of central nervous system (CNS) tumors have ushered in a new era of tumor classification, diagnosis, and prognostic assessment. In this emerging and rapidly evolving molecular genetic era, imaging plays a critical role in the preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning, molecular marker prediction, targeted treatment planning, and post-therapy assessment of CNS tumors. This review provides an overview of the current imaging methods relevant to the molecular genetic classification of CNS tumors. Specifically, we focused on 1) the correlates between imaging features and specific molecular genetic markers and 2) the post-therapy imaging used for therapeutic assessment.

D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms

Molecular marker
CNS tumor
Magnetic resonance imaging
Positron emission tomography


Development of a brief, reliable and valid diet assessment tool for impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: the UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Dietary advice is fundamental in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Advice is improved by individual assessment but existing methods are time-consuming and require expertise. We developed a twenty-five-item questionnaire, the UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire (UKDDQ), for quick assessment of an individual's diet. The present study examined the UKDDQ's repeatability and relative validity compared with 4 d food diaries.

DESIGN
The UKDDQ was completed twice with a median 3 d gap (interquartile range=1-7 d) between tests. A 4 d food diary was completed after the second UKDDQ. Diaries were analysed and food groups were mapped on to the UKDDQ. Absolute agreement between total scores was examined using intra-class correlation (ICC). Agreement for individual items was tested with Cohen's weighted kappa (κ w).

SETTING
South West of England.

SUBJECTS
Adults (n 177, 50·3 % women) with, or at high risk for, T2DM; mean age 55·8 (sd 8·6) years, mean BMI 34·4 (sd 7·3) kg/m2; participants were 91 % White British.

RESULTS
The UKDDQ showed excellent repeatability (ICC=0·90 (0·82, 0·94)). For individual items, κ w ranged from 0·43 ('savoury pastries') to 0·87 ('vegetables'). Total scores from the UKDDQ and food diaries compared well (ICC=0·54 (0·27, 0·70)). Agreement for individual items varied and was good for 'alcohol' (κ w=0·71) and 'breakfast cereals' (κ w=0·70), with no agreement for 'vegetables' (κ w=0·08) or 'savoury pastries' (κ w=0·09).

CONCLUSIONS
The UKDDQ is a new British dietary questionnaire with excellent repeatability. Comparisons with food diaries found agreements similar to those for international dietary questionnaires currently in use. It targets foods and habits important in diabetes prevention and management.

England|Clare Y|CY|0000-0003-0685-0690
Thompson|Janice L|JL|
Jago|Russ|R|
Cooper|Ashley R|AR|
Andrews|Rob C|RC|

Validation
Diabetes
Brief questionnaire
Dietary assessment


Naturally-Derived Amphiphilic Polystyrenes Prepared by Aqueous Controlled/Living Cationic Polymerization and Copolymerization of Vinylguaiacol with R⁻OH/BF₃·OEt₂.

Abstract: In this study, we investigated direct-controlled/living cationic polymerization and copolymerization of 4-vinylguaiacol (4VG), i.e., 4-hydroxy-3-methoxystyrene, which can be derived from naturally-occurring ferulic acid, to develop novel bio-based amphiphilic polystyrenes with phenol functions. The controlled/living cationic polymerization of 4VG was achieved using the R⁻OH/BF₃·OEt₂ initiating system, which is effective for the controlled/living polymerization of petroleum-derived 4-vinylphenol in the presence of a large amount of water via reversible activation of terminal C⁻OH bond catalyzed by BF₃·OEt₂, to result in the polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions. The random or block copolymerization of 4VG was also examined using p-methoxystyrene (pMOS) as a comonomer with an aqueous initiating system to tune the amphiphilic nature of the 4VG-derived phenolic polymers. The obtained polymer can be expected not only to be used as a novel styrenic bio-based polymer but also as a material with amphiphilic nature for some applications.

cationic polymerization
controlled/living polymerization
amphiphilic polymer
aqueous media
naturally-occurring monomer
phenolic styrene


The Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2-SiC Ceramic Composites Fabricated by Plasma Spray Process.

Abstract: Our goal is to develop a structural ceramic for high-temperature applications in which silicon carbide-based materials (SiCs) are used as matrix composites. The potential of SiCs to deposit a mixture of SiC and zirconium diboride (ZrB2) plasma spray coating is analyzed. To deposit thermal barrier layers containing up to 50 vol.% SiC, a high-pressure plasma spray (HPPS) process was used. Although the SiC cannot be deposited by thermal spray, a mixture of SiC and zirconium diboride (ZrB2) was deposited because these two compounds form a eutectic phase at a temperature below SiC decomposition. The preference was two different forms, 3 mm and 1 mm, of graphite substrates with different thickness values. A comparison of the morphology of SiC-ZrB2 coatings before and after thermal treatment was performed by applying heat to the surface of a gas torch and traditional furnace between 800 °C and 1200 °C. The growth of the oxide scale was calculated with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and density. The oxide scale consists of a SiO2 layer with ZrO2 groups. The findings indicate a greater potential for the studied material in protecting against high-temperature oxidation and in a wide variety of aerospace applications.

Alosime|Eid M|EM|0000-0003-4925-7192
Alsuhybani|Mohammed S|MS|
Almeataq|Mohammed S|MS|

high-pressure plasma spray
Ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC)
oxidation resistance
silicon carbide


The effect of position on the precision of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and correlation with body condition score in dogs and cats.

Abstract: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been used to assess body composition in dogs and cats in several studies, but studies are difficult to compare for several reasons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether positioning of dogs or cats in either dorsal or ventral recumbency during DEXA scanning influences results. Dogs and cats that were brought to the University Hospital for Companion Animals for euthanasia during the period 15 September-6 November 2015 were consecutively recruited if owners signed a written consent. Following euthanasia and before rigor mortis, the animals were body condition scored (BCS, nine-point scale) and DEXA scanned. DEXA measurements of total body mass (TBM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) and body fat (BF) were performed five times in ventral and two times in dorsal recumbency on each animal. Differences between positioning were analysed using Student's t test or Wilcoxon's test depending on normality of the data. A total of thirteen dogs and seven cats of different breeds, size, sexes and age were included. The CV for DEXA parameters in ventral or dorsal recumbency were, for dogs, TBM ≤ 0·1 %, BMC ≤ 1·63 %, BMD ≤ 1·29 %, LSTM ≤ 0·89 % and BF ≤ 1·52 %; and, for cats, TBM ≤ 0·08 %, BMC ≤ 0·61 %, BMD ≤ 0·49 %, LSTM ≤ 0·45 % and BF ≤ 0·88 %. In both positions, a good correlation was found for dogs (r 0·84-0·85; P < 0·0003) and cats (r 0·89-0·90; P < 0·0081) between the nine-point BCS system and BF percentage measured by DEXA. Ventral and dorsal recumbency provides comparable results, except that BMD measures were higher in dorsal recumbency (P < 0·0004).

Bjørnvad|Charlotte R|CR|
Nielsen|Mie E|ME|
Hansen|Susanna E M|SEM|
Nielsen|Dorte H|DH|

Body composition
BCS, body condition scoring
BF%, body fat percentage
BF, body fat
BMD, bone mineral density
BW, body weight
Canine nutrition
DEXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
Fat percentage
Feline nutrition
Lean body mass
TBM, total body mass


Diagnostic accuracy of DXA compared to conventional spine radiographs for the detection of vertebral fractures in children.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
In children, radiography is performed to diagnose vertebral fractures and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess bone density. In adults, DXA assesses both. We aimed to establish whether DXA can replace spine radiographs in assessment of paediatric vertebral fractures.

METHODS
Prospectively, lateral spine radiographs and lateral spine DXA of 250 children performed on the same day were independently scored by three radiologists using the simplified algorithm-based qualitative technique and blinded to results of the other modality. Consensus radiograph read and second read of 100 random images were performed. Diagnostic accuracy, inter/intraobserver and intermodality agreements, patient/carer experience and radiation dose were assessed.

RESULTS
Average sensitivity and specificity (95 % confidence interval) in diagnosing one or more vertebral fractures requiring treatment was 70 % (58-82 %) and 97 % (94-100 %) respectively for DXA and 74 % (55-93 %) and 96 % (95-98 %) for radiographs. Fleiss' kappa for interobserver and average kappa for intraobserver reliability were 0.371 and 0.631 respectively for DXA and 0.418 and 0.621 for radiographs. Average effective dose was 41.9 μSv for DXA and 232.7 μSv for radiographs. Image quality was similar.

CONCLUSION
Given comparable image quality and non-inferior diagnostic accuracy, lateral spine DXA should replace conventional radiographs for assessment of vertebral fractures in children.

KEY POINTS
• Vertebral fracture diagnostic accuracy of lateral spine DXA is non-inferior to radiographs. • The rate of unreadable vertebrae for DXA is lower than for radiographs. • Effective dose of DXA is significantly lower than radiographs. • Children prefer DXA to radiographs. • Given the above, DXA should replace radiographs for paediatric vertebral fracture assessment.

Adiotomre|E|E|
Summers|L|L|
Allison|A|A|
Walters|S J|SJ|
Digby|M|M|
Broadley|P|P|
Lang|I|I|
Morrison|G|G|
Bishop|N|N|
Arundel|P|P|
Offiah|A C|AC|

Radiography
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
Interobserver variability
Osteoporosis
Spinal fractures


Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Requiring Surgical Decompression in the Young Adult: Factors Influencing Morbidity and Mortality - A Retrospective Analysis.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young adults. The clinical outcome may also be difficult to predict. We aim to identify the factors predictive of favorable and unfavorable clinical outcomes for youthful patients with severe TBI who have the option of surgical craniotomy or surgical craniectomy.

METHODS
A retrospective review at a single Level II trauma center was conducted, identifying patients aged 18 to 30 years with isolated severe TBI with a mass-occupying lesion requiring emergent (< 6 hours from time of arrival) surgical decompression. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on arrival, type of surgery performed, mechanism of injury, length of hospital stay, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), mortality, and radiographic findings were recorded. A favorable outcome was a GOS of four or five at 30 days post operation, while an unfavorable outcome was GOS of 1 to 3.

RESULTS
Fifty patients were included in the final analysis. Closed head injuries (skull and dura intact), effacement of basal cisterns, disproportional midline shift (MLS), and GCS 3-5 on arrival all correlated with statistically significant higher rate of mortality and poor 30-day functional outcome. All mortalities (6/50 patients) were positive for each of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS
Closed head injuries, the presenting GCS 3-5, the presence of MLS disproportional to the space occupying lesion (SOL), and effacement of basal cisterns on the initial computed tomography of the head all correlated with unfavorable 30-day outcome. Future prospective studies investigating a larger cohort may provide further insight into patients suffering from severe TBI.

Ogunlade|John|J|
Elia|Chris|C|
Duong|Jason|J|
Yanez|Paulino J|PJ|
Dong|Fanglong|F|
Wacker|Margaret R|MR|
Menoni|Rosalinda|R|
Goldenberg|Todd|T|
Miulli|Dan E|DE|

severe traumatic brain injury
traumatic brain injury
craniotomy
glasgow coma scale
decompressive craniectomy
glasgow outcome scale
neurotrauma


Acute ischemic pancreatitis associated with acute type B aortic dissection: a case report.

Abstract: A 47 year-old man, presenting with sudden back pain in the absence of abdominal discomfort, was diagnosed with acute type B aortic dissection which extended to the celiac and the splenic arteries. Antihypertensive treatment was initiated. However, he subsequently complained of upper abdominal pain with increased amylase levels. Computed tomography scan (CT) revealed new accumulation of peripancreatic fluid with no signs of further aortic or visceral dissection. A protease inhibitor was administered for mild acute pancreatitis. Follow-up CT demonstrated disappearance of thrombosed false lumen of the splenic artery and reduction of the effusion. The patient was discharged without any surgical interventions.

acute type B aortic dissection
acute pancreatitis


Sonographic Evaluation of Superficial Peroneal Nerve Abnormalities.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to review the anatomy of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and describe the sonographic appearances of various abnormalities affecting it. We performed a retrospective chart review of ultrasound (US) examinations of the SPN performed from 2014 to 2016.

CONCLUSION
SPN abnormalities are well shown on US. Of 181 patients examined with US, the most commonly detected abnormality was scar encasement and neuroma or laceration.

Nwawka|O Kenechi|OK|
Lee|Susan|S|
Miller|Theodore T|TT|

superficial peroneal nerve
ultrasound
peripheral nerve imaging


Two-year follow-up of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in emergency service personnel: A randomized clinical trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Emergency service personnel experience elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are few controlled trials for PTSD in this population, and none report longer term effects of treatment. This study evaluated the benefits of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for PTSD in emergency service personnel who received either brief exposure (CBT-B) to trauma memories or prolonged exposure (CBT-L) 2 years following treatment.

METHODS
One hundred emergency service personnel with PTSD were randomized to CBT-L, CBT-B, or Wait-List (WL). Following posttreatment assessment, WL participants were randomized to an active treatment. Participants randomized to CBT-L or CBT-B were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, 6-month, and 2-year follow-up. Both CBT conditions involved 12 weekly individual sessions comprising education, CBT skills building, imaginal exposure, in vivo exposure, cognitive restructuring, and relapse prevention. Reliving trauma memories occurred for 40 min per session in CBT-L and for 10 min in CBT-B.

RESULTS
At the 2-year follow-up, there were no differences in PTSD severity (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale) between CBT-L and CBT-B. There were very large effect sizes for CBT-L (1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90-1.64) and CBT-B (1.28, 95% CI = 0.05-1.63) from baseline to 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights that CBT can be an effective treatment of PTSD in emergency service personnel using either prolonged or brief periods of reliving the trauma memory, and that these benefits can last for at least 2 years after treatment.

cognitive behavior therapy
posttraumatic stress disorder
emergency services
controlled trial


Circulating microRNA after autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) injection in patients with ischemic stroke.

Abstract: Previous studies have shown the potential of microRNAs (miRNA) in the pathological process of stroke and functional recovery. Bone marrow mononuclear cell (BM-MNC) transplantation improves recovery in experimental models of ischemic stroke that might be related with miRNA modifications. However, its effect on circulating miRNA has not been described in patients with stroke. We aimed to evaluate the circulating levels of miRNAs after autologous BM-MNC transplantation in patients with stroke. We investigate the pattern of miRNA-133b and miRNA-34a expression in patients with ischemic stroke included in a multicenter randomized controlled phase IIb trial (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; unique identifier: NCT02178657). Patients were randomized to 2 different doses of autologous intra-arterial BM-MNC injection (2×106/kg or 5×106/kg) or control group within the first 7 days after stroke onset. We evaluate plasma concentration of miRNA-113b and miRNA-34a at inclusion and 4, 7, and 90 days after treatment. Thirteen cases (8 with 2×106/kg BM-MNC dose and 5 with 5×106/kg dose) and 11 controls (BM-MNC non-treated) were consecutively included. Mean age was 64.1±12.3 with a mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at inclusion of 14.5. Basal levels of miRNA were similar in both groups. miR-34a-5p and miR-133b showed different expression patterns. There was a significant dose-dependent increase of miRNA-34a levels 4 days after BM-MNC injection (fold change 3.7, p<0.001), whereas miRNA-133b showed a significant increase in the low-dose BM-MNC group at 90 days. Intra-arterial BM-MNC transplantation in patients with ischemic stroke seems to modulate early circulating miRNA-34a levels, which have been related to precursor cell migration in stroke and smaller infarct volumes.

microRNAs
stroke
transplantation
adult human bone marrow
clinical trial


Facing the Adversity: the Role of Internal Assets on Well-Being in Adolescents with Special Needs.

Abstract: Negative life events are one of the major threats to well-being. Some adolescents are more vulnerable, namely adolescents with special needs that face special challenges for growing up healthy and happy. Nevertheless, internal assets can act as protective factors. The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that moderate the impact of negative life events, among adolescents with special needs, on well-being. The sample included 472 adolescents with special needs, mean age 14 years old. Pupils attended 77 public schools in Portugal. Sample was collected within the HBSC (Health Behavior in School aged Children) Portuguese survey. Questions used in this study, covered well-being, internal assets and life events. Results showed that the well-being of adolescents with special needs who had a set of internal assets (personal and social competences) was protected, even when they faced negative life events. However when several negative life events were present, the assets that continued to be protective were problem solving, F(4, 383) = 3.79, p = .005, η2 = .04, and self-efficacy, F(4, 377) = 3.39, p = .010, η2 = .04, suggesting the resilience properties of these factors.

Simões|Celeste|C|
Matos|Margarida Gaspar|MG|
Morgan|Antony|A|

assets
well-being
adolescents
special needs
negative life events


Family matters: The contribution of households' educational and employment composition to income inequality.

Abstract: The rise in inequality in most industrial countries has drawn attention to the social and economic processes underlying it. This study examines how changing educational attainment and employment patterns of women (mainly) are impacting households' income distribution, with Israel as a case study. The level of income inequality in Israel, which is one of the highest in the Western world, has risen significantly in recent decades, along with a rise in education and labor force participation, especially among women. Using counterfactual analysis of the Theil index between the years 1983 and 2008, our findings show that the share of highly educated households has soared, together with a rise in the share of fulltime dual-earner households. There has also been an increase in the share of doubly fortunate households: both highly educated and fulltime dual-earner. All these changes have contributed to the rise in income inequality. The study emphasizes the importance of the joint change in educational attainment and participation level as an important mechanism behind the rise in income inequality.

Income inequality
Educational composition of households
Households' employment patterns


A fully automated method for accurate measurement of geometrical distortion in magnetic resonance imaging of a 3D-lattice phantom.

Abstract: This paper describes an automated method for extracting the apparent positions of fiducial points from 2D or 3D images of a phantom. We consider a 3D-lattice phantom for two main reasons: first, ease of manufacture and isotropy of its structure with respect to coordinate projections; second, a connected structure allowing to uniquely assess the adjacency relationship between fiducial points even if geometric distortions arising from main magnet inhomogeneity and gradient fields non-linearity is severe as observed in open-bore systems. In order to validate our proposed method and compare different choices for the parameters of our phantom (i.e. number and distance between grids and thickness of its branches) we developed in-house a software for simulating 2D or 3D volume images of the phantom, using customizable MRI sequence parameters and Spherical Harmonic Coefficients for the fields. We deem worthy of note that using simulated images is the only way to evaluate the estimated position error, since it allows to compare the estimates to their theoretical counterparts. Furthermore, the use of simulated images allows to evaluate the robustness of the method with respect to image quality in terms of Signal-to-Noise Ratios and geometric distortion, and allows to evaluate different phantom geometries without having to manufacture them. The proposed method can be easily extended to phantoms having an arbitrary overall shape, as long as it is a fully connected structure. Specifically, it is easy to design a phantom with fiducial points laying outside of the homogeneity sphere, so that indirect measurement of the fields becomes possible, for example by using the recent method proposed by Acquaviva et al. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed method outperforms other state-of-the-art methods, with an average positioning offset of 0.052 mm (with a 0.99 quantile of 0.12 mm) when working on images featuring a differential Signal-to-Noise Ratio within Region-of-Interest (ROI) equal to 105 (20.2 dB) and a ROI-to-background SNR of 20 dB. Estimating the positions of 6859 fiducial points in a volume, our highest density case, was carried out in less than 30 min on a desktop personal computer.

D000388:Air
D003198:Computer Simulation
D001330:Electronic Data Processing
D006801:Humans
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional
D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
D008962:Models, Theoretical
D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated
D019047:Phantoms, Imaging
D059629:Signal-To-Noise Ratio
D012984:Software

Image enhancement/restoration (noise and artifact reduction)


Assessing Creatine Supplementation for Neuroprotection against Perinatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review of Perinatal and Adult Pre-Clinical Studies.

Abstract:
There is an important unmet need to develop interventions that improve outcomes of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Creatine has emerged as a promising neuroprotective agent. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the preclinical animal studies that used creatine for perinatal neuroprotection, and to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed before creatine can be considered for pragmatic clinical trials for HIE.

METHODS
We reviewed preclinical studies up to 20 September 2021 using PubMed, EMBASE and OVID MEDLINE databases. The SYRCLE risk of bias assessment tool was utilized.

RESULTS
Seventeen studies were identified. Dietary creatine was the most common administration route. Cerebral creatine loading was age-dependent with near term/term-equivalent studies reporting higher increases in creatine/phosphocreatine compared to adolescent-adult equivalent studies. Most studies did not control for sex, study long-term histological and functional outcomes, or test creatine post-HI. None of the perinatal studies that suggested benefit directly controlled core body temperature (a known confounder) and many did not clearly state controlling for potential study bias.

CONCLUSION
Creatine is a promising neuroprotective intervention for HIE. However, this systematic review reveals key knowledge gaps and improvements to preclinical studies that must be addressed before creatine can be trailed for neuroprotection of the human fetus/neonate.

creatine
neuroprotection
phosphocreatine
brain injury
hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy
perinatal encephalopathy


Everolimus compliance and persistence among tuberous sclerosis complex patients with renal angiomyolipoma or subependymal giant cell astrocytoma.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Everolimus is the only FDA approved drug to treat renal angiomyolipoma or subependymal giant-cell astrocytoma (SEGA) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Potential differences exist between patients with commercial and Medicaid insurance on everolimus use; however, there is limited information from the real world. This study compared compliance and persistence of everolimus between commercial and Medicaid patients using US claims data.

METHODS
Patients with ≥1 claim of TSC with renal angiomyolipoma or SEGA were selected from the MarketScan commercial (1 January 2009-31 August 2016) and Medicaid (1 January 2009-30 June 2015) databases. Patients were followed from index date (the earliest date of TSC, renal angiomyolipoma or SEGA diagnosis) to death or end of data. Non-persistence, defined as ≥60 day gap without everolimus, and medication possession ratio (MPR) were assessed among the subset of patients with ≥1 year of follow-up from the first everolimus claim.

RESULTS
A total of 1497 TSC patients met the study criteria (896 renal angiomyolipoma only, 411 SEGA only and 190 both). Compared to Medicaid patients (N = 513), commercial patients (N = 984) had the same ages (22 years) but a shorter length of follow-up (38 vs. 48 months, p < .001). Medicaid and commercial patients had similar rates of being treated with everolimus (14.4% vs. 13.6%, p = .668), but it took Medicaid patients a longer time to start everolimus (871 vs. 704 days, p < .001). Although the non-persistence rate was not significantly different between commercial and Medicaid patients (42.5% vs. 35.1%, p = .561), the number of days from everolimus initiation to non-persistence was significantly lower for commercial patients (945 vs. 1132, p < .001). During the 1 year post everolimus initiation, commercial patients had a significantly higher MPR (0.81 vs. 0.74, p < .001) and higher percentage of patients with MPR ≥0.80 (67.8% vs. 58.1%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS
Among TSC patients with renal angiomyolipoma or SEGA and treated with everolimus, everolimus MPR was between 0.74 and 0.81. Medicaid patients had lower MPR than commercial patients but better persistence.

Song|Xue|X|
Said|Qayyim|Q|
Tran|Oth|O|
Krueger|Darcy A|DA|
Bissler|John|J|

everolimus
compliance
persistence
tuberous sclerosis complex
Renal angiomyolipoma
subependymal giant cell astrocytoma
adherence


Polypectomy During Both Insertion and Withdrawal Phase Versus During Withdrawal Phase Only: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Abstract: This study aimed to compare polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal phase versus during withdrawal phase only.  We performed literature searching in PubMed and Ovid for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal phase versus during withdrawal phase only on April 3, 2020. The primary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR).  Five RCTs published between 2012 and 2020 with a total of 2694 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. No significant difference was observed between the two groups for ADR (P = .99, odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-1.19, I2 = 0%), or average number of adenomas per individuals (P = .53, weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.04, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.17, I2 = 30%). Besides, polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal group showed significantly longer time for insertion phase (P = .01, WMD = 2.16, 95% CI 0.47-3.84, I2 = 95%), and shorter time for withdrawal phase (P = .010, WMD = -2.32, 95% CI -4.09 to -0.56, I2 = 94%), although the total procedure time was not significantly different between the two groups.  No obvious advantages were observed for polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal phase. We are looking forward to the long-term outcomes of these studies. More studies are warranted in the future for further exploration, especially the detection rate of small lesions.

Dai|Qiaoqiong|Q| Tu|Shiliang|S| Chen|Sheng|S| Zheng|Boan|B| Wan|Ziang|Z| Chen|Bingchen|B|

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

polypectomy
withdrawal phase
meta-analysis
adenoma detection rate
insertion phase


The effects of mild closed head injuries on tauopathy and cognitive deficits in rodents: Primary results in wild type and rTg4510 mice, and a systematic review.

Abstract: In humans, the majority of sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are classified as 'mild' and most often a result of a closed head injury (CHI). The effects of a non-penetrating CHI are not benign and may lead to chronic pathology and behavioral dysfunction, which could be worsened by repeated head injury. Clinical-neuropathological correlation studies provide evidence that conversion of tau into abnormally phosphorylated proteotoxic intermediates (p-tau) could be part of the pathophysiology triggered by a single TBI and enhanced by repeated TBIs. However, the link between p-tau and CHI in rodents remains controversial. To address this question experimentally, we induced a single CHI or two CHIs to WT or rTg4510 mice. We found that 2× CHI increased tau phosphorylation in WT mice and rTg4510 mice. Behavioral characterization in WT mice found chronic deficits in the radial arm water maze in 2× CHI mice that had partially resolved in the 1× CHI mice. Moreover, using Manganese-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging with R1 mapping - a novel functional neuroimaging technique - we found greater deficits in the rTg4510 mice following 2× CHI compared to 1× CHI. To integrate our findings with prior work in the field, we conducted a systematic review of rodent mild repetitive CHI studies. Following Prisma guidelines, we identified 25 original peer-reviewed papers. Results from our experiments, as well as our systematic review, provide compelling evidence that tau phosphorylation is modified by experimental mild TBI studies; however, changes in p-tau levels are not universally reported. Together, our results provide evidence that repetitive TBIs can result in worse and more persistent neurological deficits compared to a single TBI, but the direct link between the worsened outcome and elevated p-tau could not be established.

Bachstetter|Adam D|AD|
Morganti|Josh M|JM|
Bodnar|Colleen N|CN|
Webster|Scott J|SJ|
Higgins|Emma K|EK|
Roberts|Kelly N|KN|
Snider|Henry|H|
Meier|Shelby E|SE|
Nation|Grant K|GK|
Goulding|Danielle S|DS|
Hamm|Matthew|M|
Powell|David K|DK|
Vandsburger|Moriel|M|
Van Eldik|Linda J|LJ|
Abisambra|Jose F|JF|

TBI
Tau
CTE
Concussion
Neurodegeneration
Rodent behavior


Light Has Diverse Spatiotemporal Molecular Changes in the Mouse Suprachiasmatic Nucleus.

Abstract: To be physiologically relevant, the period of the central circadian pacemaker, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), has to match the solar day in a process known as circadian photoentrainment. However, little is known about the spatiotemporal molecular changes that occur in the SCN in response to light. In this study, we sought to systematically characterize the circadian and light effects on activity-dependent markers of transcriptional (cFos), translational (pS6), and epigenetic (pH3) activities in the mouse SCN. To investigate circadian versus light influences on these molecular responses, we harvested brains from adult wild-type mice in darkness at different circadian times (CT) or from mice exposed to a 15-min light pulse at the middle of the subjective day (CT6, no phase shifts), early subjective night (CT14, large phase delays), or late subjective night (CT22, small phase advances). We found that cFos and pS6 exhibited rhythmic circadian expression in the SCN with distinct spatial rhythms, whereas pH3 expression was undetectable at all circadian phases. cFos rhythms were largely limited to the SCN shell, whereas pS6 rhythms encompassed the entire SCN. pH3, pS6, and cFos showed gating in response to light; however, we were surprised to find that the expression levels of these markers were not higher at phases when larger phase shifts are observed behaviorally (CT14 versus CT22). We then used animals lacking melanopsin (melanopsin knockout [MKO]), which show deficits in phase delays, to further investigate whether changes in these molecular markers correspond to behavioral phase shifts. Surprisingly, only pS6 showed deficits in MKOs at CT14. Therefore, our previous understanding of the molecular pathways that lead to circadian photoentrainment needs to be revised.

light
suprachiasmatic nucleus
cFos
pS6
pH3
phase shifts
melanopsin
circadian rhythms
ipRGCs
retina


Workflow for Integrated Processing of Multicohort Untargeted 1H NMR Metabolomics Data in Large-Scale Metabolic Epidemiology.

Abstract: Large-scale metabolomics studies involving thousands of samples present multiple challenges in data analysis, particularly when an untargeted platform is used. Studies with multiple cohorts and analysis platforms exacerbate existing problems such as peak alignment and normalization. Therefore, there is a need for robust processing pipelines that can ensure reliable data for statistical analysis. The COMBI-BIO project incorporates serum from ∼8000 individuals, in three cohorts, profiled by six assays in two phases using both 1H NMR and UPLC-MS. Here we present the COMBI-BIO NMR analysis pipeline and demonstrate its fitness for purpose using representative quality control (QC) samples. NMR spectra were first aligned and normalized. After eliminating interfering signals, outliers identified using Hotelling's T2 were removed and a cohort/phase adjustment was applied, resulting in two NMR data sets (CPMG and NOESY). Alignment of the NMR data was shown to increase the correlation-based alignment quality measure from 0.319 to 0.391 for CPMG and from 0.536 to 0.586 for NOESY, showing that the improvement was present across both large and small peaks. End-to-end quality assessment of the pipeline was achieved using Hotelling's T2 distributions. For CPMG spectra, the interquartile range decreased from 1.425 in raw QC data to 0.679 in processed spectra, while the corresponding change for NOESY spectra was from 0.795 to 0.636, indicating an improvement in precision following processing. PCA indicated that gross phase and cohort differences were no longer present. These results illustrate that the pipeline produces robust and reproducible data, successfully addressing the methodological challenges of this large multifaceted study.

Karaman|Ibrahim|I|
Ferreira|Diana L S|DL|
Boulangé|Claire L|CL|
Kaluarachchi|Manuja R|MR|
Herrington|David|D|
Dona|Anthony C|AC|
Castagné|Raphaële|R|
Moayyeri|Alireza|A|
Lehne|Benjamin|B|
Loh|Marie|M|
de Vries|Paul S|PS|
Dehghan|Abbas|A|
Franco|Oscar H|OH|
Hofman|Albert|A|
Evangelou|Evangelos|E|
Tzoulaki|Ioanna|I|
Elliott|Paul|P|
Lindon|John C|JC|
Ebbels|Timothy M D|TM|

D066244:Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

multicohort
NMR
metabolomics
epidemiology
alignment
normalization
quality control
large scale
preprocessing


Patterns of quadrupedal locomotion in a vertical clinging and leaping primate (Propithecus coquereli) with implications for understanding the functional demands of primate quadrupedal locomotion.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Many primates exhibit a suite of characteristics that distinguish their quadrupedal gaits from non-primate mammals including the use of a diagonal sequence gait, a relatively protracted humerus at touchdown, and relatively high peak vertical forces on the hindlimbs compared to the forelimbs. These characteristics are thought to have evolved together in early, small-bodied primates possibly in response to the mechanical demands of navigating and foraging in a complex arboreal environment. It remains unclear, however, whether primates that employ quadrupedalism only rarely demonstrate the common primate pattern of quadrupedalism or instead use the common non-primate pattern or an entirely different mechanical pattern from either group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study compared the kinematics and kinetics of two habitually quadrupedal primates (Lemur catta and Varecia variegata) to those of a dedicated vertical clinger and leaper (Propithecus coquereli) during bouts of quadrupedal walking.

RESULTS
All three species employed diagonal sequence gaits almost exclusively, displayed similar degrees of humeral protraction, and exhibited lower vertical peak forces in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimb.

DISCUSSION
From the data in this study, it is possible to reject the idea that P. coquereli uses a non-primate pattern of quadrupedal walking mechanics. Nor do they use an entirely different mechanical pattern from either most primates or most non-primates during quadrupedal locomotion. These findings provide support for the idea that this suite of characteristics is adaptive for the challenges of arboreal locomotion in primates and that these features of primate locomotion may be basal to the order or evolved independently in multiple lineages including indriids. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:644-652, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Granatosky|Michael C|MC|
Tripp|Cameron H|CH|
Fabre|Anne-Claire|AC|
Schmitt|Daniel|D|

arboreal
evolution
experimental biology
strepsirrhines


Does Early Debridement, Antibiotic Therapy and Implant Retention (DAIR) have a Role in Managing Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Knee in Indian Scenario: A Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes.

Abstract:
Purpose
To report outcomes of Debridement, Antibiotic therapy and Implant Retention (DAIR) for periprosthetic knee joint infections (PJI) in the Indian population and to study factors influencing outcomes.

Methods
This was a Retrospective study of 80 cases of acute PJI after total knee arthroplasty who were treated by DAIR, within 2 weeks of onset of infection. A standardised institutional management protocol was applied to all cases. Patients were followed up for a minimum 1 year. Outcomes of DAIR were classified as successful or unsuccessful based on resolution or persistence of infection, and subsequent requirement of revision surgery. Influence of factors, like comorbidities, culture status and microbiological characteristics of causative organism, on outcomes was assessed.

Results
Overall 55 patients (68.75%) had successful eradication of infection after DAIR. 27 (33.7%) patients were culture negative and 53 (66.2%) patients grew organisms on culture. There was no statistically significant difference in outcomes (p = 0.082) between culture-positive cases (69.8% success rate) and (66.7% success rate) in culture negative cases. Furthermore, no difference in outcomes was observed in culture-positive patients between those who grew Gram-positive organisms versus Gram-negative organisms (p = 0.398) Similarly, patient comorbidities did not significantly alter the outcomes after DAIR (p = 0.732).

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that early DAIR within 2 weeks of onset of infection using a standard protocol during surgery and postoperatively can result in good outcomes. Patient comorbidities, culture status (positive versus negative), Gram staining characteristics of organisms and the identity of pathogenic bacteria did not influence outcomes of DAIR for acute PJI.

DAIR
Infection
Outcomes
Arthroplasty
Culture
Periprosthetic infection


New insights into the structure and function of phyllosphere microbiota through high-throughput molecular approaches.

Abstract: The phyllosphere is an ecologically and economically important ecosystem that hosts a large and diverse microbial community. Phyllosphere microbiota play a critical role in protecting plants from diseases as well as promoting their growth by various mechanisms. There are serious gaps in our understanding of how and why microbiota composition varies across spatial and temporal scales, the ecology of leaf surface colonizers and their interactions with their host, and the genetic adaptations that enable phyllosphere survival of microorganisms. These gaps are due in large part to past technical limitations, as earlier studies were restricted to the study of culturable bacteria only and used low-throughput molecular techniques to describe community structure and function. The availability of high-throughput and cost-effective molecular technologies is changing the field of phyllosphere microbiology, enabling researchers to begin to address the dynamics and composition of the phyllosphere microbiota across a large number of samples with high, in-depth coverage. Here, we discuss and connect the most recent studies that have used next-generation molecular techniques such as metagenomics, proteogenomics, genome sequencing, and transcriptomics to gain new insights into the structure and function of phyllosphere microbiota and highlight important challenges for future research.

Rastogi|Gurdeep|G|
Coaker|Gitta L|GL|
Leveau|Johan H J|JH|

phyllosphere
metagenomics
proteogenomics
next-generation sequencing
pyrosequencing


Convergent Functional Changes of Default Mode Network in Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Activation Likelihood Estimation.

Abstract: Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents a transitional state between normal aging and dementia disorders, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). The disruption of the default mode network (DMN) is often considered to be a potential biomarker for the progression from MCI to AD. The purpose of this study was to assess MRI-specific changes of DMN in MCI patients by elucidating the convergence of brain regions with abnormal DMN function. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Ovid, and Web of science for relevant articles. We identified neuroimaging studies by using amplitude of low frequency fluctuation /fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF/fALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and functional connectivity (FC) in MCI patients. Based on the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) algorithm, we carried out connectivity modeling of coordination-based meta-analysis and functional meta-analysis. Results: In total, this meta-analysis includes 39 articles on functional neuroimaging studies. Using computer software analysis, we discovered that DMN changes in patients with MCI mainly occur in bilateral inferior frontal lobe, right medial frontal lobe, left inferior parietal lobe, bilateral precuneus, bilateral temporal lobe, and parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). Conclusions: Herein, we confirmed the presence of DMN-specific damage in MCI, which is helpful in revealing pathology of MCI and further explore mechanisms of conversion from MCI to AD. Therefore, we provide a new specific target and direction for delaying conversion from MCI to AD.

Yuan|Qianqian|Q| Qi|Wenzhang|W| Xue|Chen|C| Ge|Honglin|H| Hu|Guanjie|G| Chen|Shanshan|S| Xu|Wenwen|W| Song|Yu|Y| Zhang|XuLian|X| Xiao|Chaoyong|C| Chen|Jiu|J|

amplitude of low frequency fluctuation/fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation


Reduced temperature hydrolysis at 134 °C before thermophilic anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge at increasing organic load.

Abstract: The performance of thermophilic digestion of waste activated sludge, either untreated or thermal pretreated, was evaluated through semi-continuous tests carried out at organic loading rates in the range of 1-3.7 kg VS/m(3)d. Although the thermal pretreatment at T=134 °C proved to be effective in solubilizing organic matter, no significant gain in organics degradation was observed. However, the digestion of pretreated sludge showed significant soluble COD removal (more than 55%) whereas no removal occurred in control reactors. The lower the initial sludge biodegradability, the higher the efficiency of thermal pretreated digestion was observed, in particular as regards higher biogas and methane production rates with respect to the parallel untreated sludge digestion. Heat balance of the combined thermal hydrolysis/thermophilic digestion process, applied on full-scale scenarios, showed positive values for direct combustion of methane. In case of combined heat and power generation, attractive electric energy recoveries were obtained, with a positive heat balance at high load.

Gianico|A|A|
Braguglia|C M|CM|
Cesarini|R|R|
Mininni|G|G|

Organic loading rate
Methane
Thermal hydrolysis
Dewaterability
Supernatants


Salvage brachytherapy in combination with interstitial hyperthermia for locally recurrent prostate carcinoma following external beam radiation therapy: a prospective phase II study.

Abstract: Optimal treatment for patients with only local prostate cancer recurrence after external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) failure remains unclear. Possible curative treatments are radical prostatectomy, cryosurgery, and brachytherapy. Several single institution series proved that high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) and pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy (PDRBT) are reasonable options for this group of patients with acceptable levels of genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. A standard dose prescription and scheme have not been established yet, and the literature presents a wide range of fractionation protocols. Furthermore, hyperthermia has shown the potential to enhance the efficacy of re-irradiation. Consequently, a prospective trial is urgently needed to attain clear structured prospective data regarding the efficacy of salvage brachytherapy with adjuvant hyperthermia for locally recurrent prostate cancer. The purpose of this report is to introduce a new prospective phase II trial that would meet this need. The primary aim of this prospective phase II study combining Iridium-192 brachytherapy with interstitial hyperthermia (IHT) is to analyze toxicity of the combined treatment; a secondary aim is to define the efficacy (bNED, DFS, OS) of salvage brachytherapy. The dose prescribed to PTV will be 30 Gy in 3 fractions for HDRBT, and 60 Gy in 2 fractions for PDRBT. During IHT, the prostate will be heated to the range of 40-47°C for 60 minutes prior to brachytherapy dose delivery. The protocol plans for treatment of 77 patients.

Kukiełka|Andrzej M|AM|
Strnad|Vratislav|V|
Stauffer|Paul|P|
Dąbrowski|Tomasz|T|
Hetnał|Marcin|M|
Nahajowski|Damian|D|
Walasek|Tomasz|T|
Brandys|Piotr|P|
Matys|Robert|R|

hyperthermia
prostate cancer
high-dose-rate brachytherapy
pulsed-dose-rate brachytherapy
clinical trial


Testicular Biopsy for Fertility Preservation in Prepubertal Boys with Cancer: Identifying Preferences for Procedure and Reactions to Disclosure Practices.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Fertility preservation options are limited in prepubertal boys with cancer. Worldwide there has been growing interest in testicular tissue cryopreservation as a promising experimental strategy to address future infertility. We measured and compared parent, male cancer survivor and provider willingness to accept the risk of testicular biopsy among prepubertal boys with cancer, and identified reactions to disclosure practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We conducted a multicenter study that included 153 parents of prepubertal boys with cancer, 77 male survivors of childhood cancer and 30 oncology providers. The threshold technique was used to measure subject relative willingness to accept risk of testicular biopsy under 4 different aspects of care, ie chance of infertility, complications from biopsy, development of technology to use tissue and tissue storage cost. A total of 47 in-depth interviews were conducted to identify reactions to disclosure practices.

RESULTS
A total of 52 survivors (67%), 22 providers (73%) and 110 parents (72%) selected to have testicular biopsy (vs no biopsy). Median minimum infertility risk to make biopsy worthwhile varied from 25% to 30% among the 3 respondent groups. Interviews revealed that some providers would not offer biopsy in cases of greater perceived risk than benefit, that parents preferred having information regardless of risk of infertility and that nondisclosure elicited adverse feelings from some parents.

CONCLUSIONS
Parents, survivors and providers were willing to accept risk of prepubertal testicular biopsy. Parental/survivor desire for information and provider decision not to disclose suggest that barriers to information delivery need to be addressed.

Gupta|Abha A|AA|
Donen|Rachel M|RM|
Sung|Lillian|L|
Boydell|Katherine M|KM|
Lo|Kirk C|KC|
Stephens|Derek|D|
Pritchard|Sheila|S|
Portwine|Carol|C|
Maloney|Anne Marie|AM|
Lorenzo|Armando J|AJ|

biopsy
fertility preservation
cryopreservation
testicular neoplasms


Dose-response relationship after yttrium-90-radioembolization with glass microspheres in patients with neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In radioembolization, response is achieved through the irradiation and damaging of tumor DNA. For hepatic metastases of neuroendocrine tumors, a dose-response relationship has not been established yet. This study assesses whether increasing tumor-absorbed doses lead to increased response rates.

METHODS
We included all patients who underwent yttrium-90 (90Y) glass microspheres radioembolization in our center if both pre- and post-treatment contrast-enhanced CT and post-injection PET/CT were available. Up to five hepatic tumors and the healthy hepatic tissue were delineated, and absorbed dose was quantified using post-injection PET/CT. Response was measured according to RECIST 1.1 on patient and tumor level. Linear mixed models were used to study the relationship between absorbed dose and response on tumor level. Logistic regression analysis was used on patient level to study dose-response and hepatic dose-toxicity relationships.

RESULTS
A total of 128 tumors in 26 patients (31 procedures) were included in the response analysis. While correcting for confounding by tumor volume, a significant effect of response on dose was found (p = 0.0465). Geometric mean of absorbed dose for responding tumors was 170 Gy, for stable disease 101 Gy, and for progressive disease 67 Gy. No significant dose-toxicity relationship could be identified.

CONCLUSION
In patients with neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases, treated with 90Y-radioembolization, a clear dose-response relationship was found. We propose to perform 90Y-radioembolization with an absolute minimum planned tumor-absorbed dose of 150 Gy.

Ebbers|Sander C|SC|
van Roekel|Caren|C|
Braat|Manon N G J A|MNGJA|
Barentsz|Maarten W|MW|
Lam|Marnix G E H|MGEH|
Braat|Arthur J A T|AJAT|

Liver metastases
Radioembolization
Yttrium-90
Dose–response
Neuroendocrine neoplasm
SIRT


The Use of Mouse Asthma Models to Successfully Discover and Develop Novel Drugs.

Abstract: The past 20 years have seen a proliferation of scientific data on the pathophysiology of asthma. Most of these data were generated in mice using tool reagents, gene-deficient or transgenic animals. In contrast, studies on disease pathogenesis in patients are scarce. Previously, a good novel antiasthma target for drug development was one that abrogated asthma in mice when it was knocked out, neutralized or induced asthma when it was overexpressed. This type of approach led to many drug candidates that worked in mice but unfortunately failed in patients, thereby demonstrating that the results of experiments in mice are not always predictive of clinical efficacy. Currently, there is active debate about the use of mouse models in drug discovery. In this review, we summarize the obstacles and challenges faced when using experimental mouse models of asthma in drug discovery. We propose that the initial selection of a novel drug target begins with defining the unmet medical need and specific patient population, followed by a thorough evaluation of available human data, and, only then, well-planned and executed mouse asthma experiments. Using this approach, we argue that mouse models lend support for the target when the models are tailored for the specific asthma patient population, and that targeted, reliable, and predictive mouse models can indeed improve and accelerate the drug discovery process.

Epstein|Michelle M|MM|
Tilp|Cornelia|C|
Erb|Klaus J|KJ|

Animal models
Anti-asthma drugs
Asthma therapy
Murine asthma models
Respiratory diseases


Presence of Sarcocystis sybillensis in Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon) captured in its native territory and its phylogenetic relationship with Sarcocystis nipponi.

Abstract: The first study reporting the morphological characterization of Sarcocystis sybillensis was performed in 1983; however, without any molecular analysis. Sarcocystis nipponi has been recently described as a species synonymic to S. sybillensis. We reconfirmed the presence of S. sybillensis in Japanese sika deer (Cervus nippon) captured in its native territory; and performed its molecular and phylogenetic characterization. The morphological characteristics of the sarcocysts were consistent with those of S. nipponi and S. sybillensis described in the first report. However, the nucleotide sequence of 18S rRNA gene of S. sybillensis showed only 91.9% identity to that of S. nipponi, suggesting low homology among the concerned Sarcocystis spp. Accordingly, S. sybillensis was found to occupy a clade distinct from that of S. nipponi in a phylogenetic tree of Sarcocystis. Therefore, the present study provides essential information on 18S rRNA-based molecular characterization of S. sybillensis and disproves the existing notion of morphology-based species synonymity of S. sibillensis and S. nipponi. These results also suggest that S. sybillensis belongs to type 2 Sarcocystis.

Sarcocystis sybillensis
Synonym
S. nipponi
18S rRNA gene
Phylogenetic tree


Ureteric injuries during hysterectomy-A Norwegian retrospective study of occurrence and claims for compensation over an 11-year period.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Ureteric injury is a rare but serious, iatrogenic complication of hysterectomy. The risk depends on indication for surgery, predisposing risk factors, and peroperative conditions. Our aims were to evaluate and learn from compensation claims to The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (NPE) for ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomies to predict risk factors, time of identification, symptoms, and consequences, and to relate these cases to injuries registered in The Norwegian Patient Registry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A retrospective study of ureteric injuries occurring during hysterectomies, reported to NPE and the Norwegian Patient Registry from 2009 through 2019.

RESULTS
During the study period, 53 096 hysterectomies were registered in The Norwegian Patient Registry, of which ureteric injury was documented in 643 (1.2%). More ureteric injuries were registered in large hospital trusts than in small trusts (1.3% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.05). NPE received 69 claims due to ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomy, comprising 11% of all injuries in the study period. Compensation was approved for 15%. Women who claimed compensation were younger (48.1 ± 8.9 years vs. 55.1 ± 13.6 years, p < 0.01), more likely to have had a benign diagnosis (89.9% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.01), and more likely to have had the ureteric injury recognized after discharge (58.0% vs. 33.0%, p < 0.001) compared with non-complainants. Identification of the ureters during the hysterectomy was documented in 30% of the NPE patient files. Additional information for the NPE cases included the following. The most common symptoms of unidentified injury were pain (77%), fever (12%), urinary leakage (13%), and anuria (8%). Re-operation was necessary in 77% of the cases, and 10% of the women lost one kidney. Long-term consequences after repair, such as loss of a kidney or persistent pain, were seen in 17%. No women died because of the injury.

CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of ureteric injury occurring during hysterectomy in Norway was 1.2%; 11% involved a claim for compensation, and 15% of these had their case approved. Most ureteric injuries were not recognized during the hysterectomy. Documentation of peroperative identification of the ureters during hysterectomy was often missing. Vigilance to pain as a postoperative symptom of peroperative unrecognized ureteric injury may result in earlier diagnosis and treatment.

ureteric injury
claims for compensation
hysterectomy


Methylprednisolone Induces Extracellular Trap Formation and Enhances Bactericidal Effect of Canine Neutrophils.

Abstract: Methylprednisolone is a glucocorticoid and can negatively influence immune defense mechanisms. During bacterial infections in the dog, neutrophils infiltrate infected tissue and mediate antimicrobial effects with different mechanisms such as phagocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Here, we investigated the influence of methylprednisolone on canine NET formation and neutrophil killing efficiency of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Therefore, canine blood derived neutrophils were treated with different concentrations of methylprednisolone over time. The survival factor of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococcus canis or Escherichia coli was determined in presence of stimulated neutrophils. Additionally, free DNA and nucleosomes as NET marker were analyzed in supernatants and neutrophils were assessed for NET formation by immunofluorescence microscopy. Methylprednisolone concentrations of 62.5 and 625 µg/mL enhanced the neutrophil killing of Gram positive bacteria, whereas no significant influence was detected for the Gram negative Escherichia coli. Interestingly, higher amounts of free DNA were detected under methylprednisolone stimulation in a concentration dependency and in the presence of Streptococcus canis and Escherichia coli. The nucleosome release by neutrophils is induced by bacterial infection and differs depending on the concentration of methylprednisolone. Furthermore, immunofluorescence microscopy analysis identified methylprednisolone at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL as a NET inducer. In summary, methylprednisolone enhances NET-formation and time-dependent and concentration-dependent the bactericidal effect of canine neutrophils on Gram positive bacteria.

Steffensen|Nicole|N|
Imker|Rabea|R|
Lassnig|Simon|S|
Fulde|Marcus|M|
Rieder|Johanna C|JC|
de Buhr|Nicole|N|0000-0002-4516-7838

methylprednisolone
dog
NETs
Gram negative bacteria
free DNA
Gram positive bacteria


Identification of the Lingual Papillae in the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.

Abstract: A morphological description of the sugar glider's (Petaurus breviceps) tongue was obtained from five individual sugar gliders and analysed under a scanning electron microscope and a light microscope using four methods of staining. The tongue has a noticeably elongated structure with three regions: apex, corpus and radix. Transition to the corpus is indicated by the sulcus medianus linguae and the frenulum on its ventral surface. The dorsal tongue displayed a raised mucous membrane manifesting as a type of papillae. Filiform papillae were differentiated into two subtypes: brush-like papillae, with a short base splitting into 5-6 processes; and flower bud filiform papillae that are shorter and wider than the former, and divided into a single main process and 4-5 secondary processes. Fungiform papillae with 1-2 taste buds are interspersed between filiform papillae and absent on the radix. Conical papillae cover the lateral margin of the corpus and increase in size when closer to the radix. Vallate papillae-three in number-are arranged as a triangular structure, with the middle papillae pointing towards the root of the tongue. A continuous groove wrapped around each papilla with several taste buds is found on its lateral surface. Two of the vallate papillae are located symmetrically on each side and are much smaller than the most caudal middle vallate that is directed posteriorly. A positive reaction using separate staining with periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue (pH 2.5) showed Weber's glands and von Ebner's glands appearing beneath the papillae, mainly on the muscle layer of the radix. Different reactions to the stains indicated that Weber's gland contains sialomucin and/or sulfomucin, whereas von Ebner's gland consists of serous cells secreting glycogen and/or neutral mucin. The collagen structure was identified using Masson's trichrome stain in the two bottom layers of the tongue from the apex, decreasing gradually towards the radix.

lingual papillae
Petaurus breviceps
light microscopy (LM)
scanning electron microscopy (SEM)


Past variations and future projection of runoff in typical basins in 10 water zones, China.

Abstract: Understanding the historical and future changing characteristics of key climatic variables and runoff in 10 major river zones in China is essential for water resources evaluation and management. To this end, the historical and future changing trends of key hydrometeorological variables, including precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and runoff were analyzed in detail for each water zone across China. The climate elasticity method was also established to quantify the impacts of climate change and human activities on historical runoff variations. The results indicate that the characteristics and causes of runoff variations in China were generally spatially heterogeneous. The runoff in water-scarce river basins of northern China decreased significantly during the period of 1961-2018, variations of which were more sensitive to human activities. For southern water zones in China, the runoff showed no significant trend and climate change was the main influencing factor. On basis of 9 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate model ensemble simulations under three different shared socioeconomic pathways (ssp126, ssp245 and ssp585), the future runoff in 10 typical basins of the water zones were projected and the results suggested an increasing trend of runoff over China, thanks to increasing precipitation in the rest 21 century. While under ssp585, the rising air temperature tends to evaporate more water and offset the effect of precipitation increase to some extent, resulting in that the increments of runoff under ssp585 are not necessarily greater than those under ssp245 and ssp126. Overall, our study could be used as a basis to support climate adaptation strategies and policies to cope with future water resources conditions.

Guan|Xiaoxiang|X| Zhang|Jianyun|J| Bao|Zhenxin|Z| Liu|Cuishan|C| Jin|Junliang|J| Wang|Guoqing|G|

10 water zones
Climate elasticity method
Climate change
Effects quantification
Runoff variation and projection


Symptomatology Correlations Between the Diaphragm and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Abstract: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most debilitating and common gastrointestinal disorders; nevertheless, its pathophysiology is still unclear. It affects 11% of the world's population, and is characterized by alternating periods of pain and/or motility disorders with periods of remission and without any evidence of any structural and functional organic variation. It has been recently proposed that an altered contractile ability of the diaphragm muscle might adversely influence intestinal motility. The text reviews the diaphragm's functions, anatomy, and neurological links in correlation with the presence of chronic symptoms associated to IBS, like chronic low back pain, chronic pelvic pain, chronic headache, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, vagus nerve inflammation, and depression and anxiety. The interplay between an individual's breath dynamic and intestinal behaviour is still an unaddressed point in the physiopathology of IBS, and the paucity of scientific studies should recommend further research to better understand the importance of breathing in this syndrome.

diaphragm
irritable bowel syndrome
pain
low back pain
chronic headache


Hyaluronic acid/polyethylene glycol nanoparticles for controlled delivery of mitoxantrone.

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) has inherent ability to target the CD44 receptors and internalize into tumour cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Therefore, conjugation of this natural linear polysaccharide to polymeric NPs or micelles, as one of the most promising approaches, could be useful for future clinical applications such as drug delivery. Accordingly, we report on the synthesis of mitoxantrone (MTX)-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) composed of polyethylene glycol-HA (PEG-HA) for MTX delivery toward special tumour cells. To determine the size of the polymeric NPs, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and particle size analyzer system Zetasizer_nanoZS were employed. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis of MTX-loaded HA-PEG NPs and free MTX against two cell lines with different levels of CD44 expression (MDA-MB-231 (very high) and MCF-7 (low) was conducted by MTT assay. Also, computational molecular docking was employed to study in detail the active site residues and the critical interactions between HA-EDA-PEG-EDA-MTX NPs and CD44 receptor. The particle size analysis and electron microscopy showed the average size of polymeric NPs less than 350 nm. FT-IR spectrophotometry analysis and also NMR confirmed the conjugation of HA and MTX onto the PEG. Cytotoxicity assay revealed that the engineered polymeric NPs were able to specifically bind to and significantly inhibit the CD44 receptor-positive MDA-MB-231 cells, but not the CD44-negative MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, analysis of the binding modes revealed that for the best-docked pose nearly 10 conventional hydrogen bond can occur between the MTX-EDA-PEG-EDA-HA NPs and amino acids of CD44 receptor. Based on these findings, we suggest the HA-PEG-MTX NPs as an effective functional-targeted nanomedicine toward therapy of CD44-positive cancers.

Sargazi|Azam|A|
Kamali|Naeem|N|
Shiri|Fereshteh|F|
Heidari Majd|Mostafa|M|

D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations
D006801:Humans
D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors
D006820:Hyaluronic Acid
D006860:Hydrogen Bonding
D061986:MCF-7 Cells
D008942:Mitoxantrone
D062105:Molecular Docking Simulation
D053758:Nanoparticles
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins
D009369:Neoplasms
D011092:Polyethylene Glycols

Hyaluronic acid
mitoxantrone
polymeric nanoparticles
MTT assay
molecular docking


Advanced paternal age and risk of schizophrenia in offspring - Review of epidemiological findings and potential mechanisms.

Abstract: A large number of studies have examined the association between advanced paternal age (APA) and risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Here we present an overview of epidemiological studies on this subject published since 2000, and systematically summarize their methodologies and results. Next, we discuss evidence to elucidate the potential mechanisms contributing to the association between APA and offspring schizophrenia, considering paternal psychiatric morbidity and genetic liability, maternal factors, and findings from family design studies. We propose that multiple mechanisms, including causal and non-causal pathways, contribute to the observed relationship between APA and schizophrenia in offspring, and conclude by highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary studies in disentangling these complex, non-mutually exclusive mechanisms.

Khachadourian|Vahe|V| Zaks|Nina|N| Lin|Emma|E| Reichenberg|Abraham|A| Janecka|Magdalena|M|

Advanced paternal age
Paternal age
Schizophrenia
Delayed fatherhood
Psychiatric epidemiology
de novo mutations


Hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy induces apoptosis of myoloma SP2/0 cells depended on caspase activity in vitro.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is becoming a promising therapeutic modality for hematological malignancies. Hypericin is a natural photosensitizer possessing anti-depressant, anti-virus and anti-cancer activities. The present study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of hypericin-mediated PDT on the mouse multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro.

METHODS
The mouse myeloma SP2/0 cells were incubed with different concentrations of hypericin and then illuminated with different light doses. The inhibitory effect of hypericin-mediated PDT on tumor cell proliferation was assayed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The apoptosis related morphological changes of SP2/0 cells were observed by microscopy. The biochemical hallmarks of apoptosis such as DNA fragments, mitochondrial membrane potential changes were assessed. The expression of apoptosis related proteins were investigated by western blotting.

RESULTS
Hypericin-mediated PDT induced the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of tumor cells in a dose dependent manner. Tumor cells showed obvious morphological changes of apoptosis and necrosis and DNA fragmentation after treated by hypericin mediated PDT (0.025 ~ 0.05 μM). The mitochondria membrane potential in SP2/0 cells was decreased significantly after incubated with the 0.025 μM and 0.5 μM hypericin (P < 0.05). The expression level of caspase-3 was decreased, while caspase activity was elevated with the increasing drug dosage. The apoptosis of SP2/0 cells was blocked by a pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO.

CONCLUSION
Hypericin-mediated PDT induced apoptosis mainly dependent on caspase related pathways. Hypericin-mediated PDT may be a potential and alternative therapy for MM.

Zhang|Junping|J| Shao|Linxiang|L| Wu|Chunlin|C| Lu|Hongfei|H| Xu|Ruian|R|

Hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy
Apoptosis
SP2/0 cells
Caspase
Multiple myeloma


Review on docosahexaenoic acid in poultry and swine nutrition: Consequence of enriched animal products on performance and health characteristics.

Abstract: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are linked to a variety of health benefits against human disorders and disease. However, the typical western diet is generally low in n-3 PUFA and high in n-6 PUFA, suggesting that the recommended intake of these essential fatty acids is seldom achieved. Therefore, dietary enrichment of animal meat and eggs with n-3 PUFA could help increase consumption of these fatty acids. Fish oils and microalgae (MA) are rich sources of long chain n-3 PUFA, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Feeding these marine products has been shown to increase DHA content of tissues and yolk, however, this may also lead to an increased requirement for anti-oxidants to prevent oxidative deterioration and associated negative sensory attributes. Nonetheless, increased DHA has been linked to promising results in animal growth, fertility, immunity and bone strength in both pigs and poultry. These findings suggest that feeding DHA-rich ingredients to mono-gastric can enrich human diets as well as providing additional benefits to the animal.

Lee|Sophie A|SA|
Whenham|Natasha|N|
Bedford|Michael R|MR|