Retrospective analysis of four-year injury data from the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) represents a considerable threat to the effectiveness and productivity of military organisations globally. The impact on the medical chain, occupational disposal with associated loss of working days and associated financial burden have far-reaching consequence. The moral and legal responsibility to reduce avoidable injuries through risk assessment and prevention strategies is fundamental to governance and a key component of best practice.

METHODS
A retrospective observational analysis was performed of 4101 MSKIs presenting from a total inflow of 10 498 British Army Infantry recruits recorded over four consecutive training years between 2012 and 2016. Injury incidence, site, type and week of training were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS
The total incidence of all MSKI was observed as 39.1%. Overuse injuries were the most common subclassification of injury type (24.5%), followed by trauma (8.8%) and then stress fractures (5.7%). Causes of medical discharge over a four-year cumulative incidence were from overuse injuries (59.3%), stress fractures (21.5%) and trauma (19.2%). 45.5% of all MSKIs presented within the first eight weeks of training.

CONCLUSIONS
MSKI data highlighted the requirement for a comprehensive service evaluation of the Combat Infantryman's Course and subsequent justification for the introduction of an injury prevention intervention - Project OMEGA.

Heagerty|Robert|R| Sharma|J|J| Cayton|J|J| Goodwin|N|N|

D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders
D015775:Fractures, Stress
D006801:Humans
D008889:Military Personnel
D009141:Musculoskeletal System
D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities
D012042:Registries
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006113:United Kingdom

epidemiology
health informatics
rehabilitation medicine


Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in South African women living with HIV.

Abstract: The colliding epidemics of HIV and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are of great public health concern. People living with HIV (PLHIV) are more predisposed to CVD development as a result of a multitude of contributors. Women living with HIV (WLHIV) appear to be at a higher risk of developing CVD given a heightened immune activation and, in South Africa particularly, a higher body mass index compared with their male counterparts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made recommendations for the provision of a CVD risk assessment for all PLHIV and has developed regional CVD prediction charts to identify PLHIV who may require primary prevention strategies by means of interventions such as the WHO Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease Interventions for primary health care in low-resource settings (WHO PEN). However, methods of risk prediction and risk reduction integrated strategies for atherosclerotic CVD in PLHIV such as the WHO PEN, particularly in women who may have sex-specific risk factors and culture-specific perceptions of body image, remain a major research gap in developing countries. Further research is crucial in guiding primary health care policy in South Africa.

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

primary prevention
women living with HIV
cardiovascular disease risk


Distribution, behaviour, bioavailability and remediation of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in solid biowastes and biowaste-treated soil.

Abstract: Aqueous film-forming foam, used in firefighting, and biowastes, including biosolids, animal and poultry manures, and composts, provide a major source of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) input to soil. Large amounts of biowastes are added to soil as a source of nutrients and carbon. They also are added as soil amendments to improve soil health and crop productivity. Plant uptake of PFAS through soil application of biowastes is a pathway for animal and human exposure to PFAS. The complexity of PFAS mixtures, and their chemical and thermal stability, make remediation of PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices challenging. Remediation of PFAS in biowastes, as well as soils treated with these biowastes, can be achieved through preventing and decreasing the concentration of PFAS in biowaste sources (i.e., prevention through source control), mobilization of PFAS in contaminated soil and subsequent removal through leaching (i.e., soil washing) and plant uptake (i.e., phytoremediation), sorption of PFAS, thereby decreasing their mobility and bioavailability (i.e., immobilization), and complete removal through thermal and chemical oxidation (i.e., destruction). In this review, the distribution, bioavailability, and remediation of PFAS in soil receiving solid biowastes, which include biosolids, composts, and manure, are presented.

Bolan|Nanthi|N|
Sarkar|Binoy|B|
Vithanage|Meththika|M|
Singh|Gurwinder|G|
Tsang|Daniel C W|DCW|
Mukhopadhyay|Raj|R|
Ramadass|Kavitha|K|
Vinu|Ajayan|A|
Sun|Yuqing|Y|
Ramanayaka|Sammani|S|
Hoang|Son A|SA|
Yan|Yubo|Y|
Li|Yang|Y|
Rinklebe|Jörg|J|
Li|Hui|H|
Kirkham|M B|MB|

Biowastes
Biosolids
Manure
Compost
Aqueous firefighting foam
Soil remediation


Filamentous Bacteriophage Viruses: Preparation, Magic-Angle Spinning Solid-State NMR Experiments, and Structure Determination.

Abstract: Filamentous bacteriophages are elongated semi-flexible viruses that infect bacteria. They consist of a circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) wrapped by a capsid consisting of thousands of copies of a major coat protein subunit. Given the increasing number of discovered phages and the existence of only a handful of structures, the development of methods for phage structure determination is valuable for biophysics and structural virology. In recent years, we developed and applied techniques to elucidate the 3D atomic-resolution structures of intact bacteriophages using experimental magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR data. The flexibility in sample preparation - precipitated homogeneous solids - and the fact that ssNMR presents no limitation on the size, weight or morphology of the system under study makes it an ideal approach to study phage systems in detail.In this contribution, we describe approaches to prepare isotopically carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 enriched intact phage samples in high yield and purity, and we present experimental MAS NMR methods to study the capsid secondary and tertiary structure, and the DNA-capsid interface. Protocols for the capsid structure determination using the Rosetta modeling software are provided. Specific examples are given from studies of the M13 and fd filamentous bacteriophage viruses.

Morag|Omry|O|
Sgourakis|Nikolaos G|NG|
Abramov|Gili|G|
Goldbourt|Amir|A|

D017104:Bacteriophage M13
D002213:Capsid
D002247:Carbon Isotopes
D004277:DNA, Single-Stranded
D004279:DNA, Viral
D017912:Inovirus
D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes

Bacteriophages
Magic-angle spinning
Solid-state NMR
Structure determination
Structural virology
Rosetta
Assignment
DNA-protein interaction


Pregnancy after Breast Reconstruction.

Abstract: Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in women of childbearing age. One of the surgeries performed in the management of the disease is mastectomy , which might negatively affect body image and quality of life, and breast reconstruction is seen as a remedy to this problem. However, for the women who are interested in having children after treatment of breast cancer, the debate is whether they can have a successful pregnancy and delivery after breast reconstruction.

Alkhashnam|Heba|H| Rimareix|Francoise|F| Mazouni|Chafika|C| Leymarie|Nicolas|N| Sarfati|Benjamin|B| Honart|Jean-Francois|JF| Kolb|Frédéric|F|

Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap

Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap


Urine peptidome analysis predicts risk of end-stage renal disease and reveals proteolytic pathways involved in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease progression.

Abstract:
Background
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by slowly progressive bilateral renal cyst growth ultimately resulting in loss of kidney function and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Disease progression rate and age at ESRD are highly variable. Therapeutic interventions therefore require early risk stratification of patients and monitoring of disease progression in response to treatment.

Methods
We used a urine peptidomic approach based on capillary electrophoresis-mass-spectrometry (CE-MS) to identify potential biomarkers reflecting the risk for early progression to ESRD in the Consortium of Radiologic Imaging in Polycystic Kidney Disease (CRISP) cohort.

Results
A biomarker-based classifier consisting of 20 urinary peptides allowed the prediction of ESRD within 10-13 years of follow-up in patients 24-46 years of age at baseline. The performance of the biomarker score approached that of height-adjusted total kidney volume (htTKV) and the combination of the biomarker panel with htTKV improved prediction over either one alone. In young patients (<24 years at baseline), the same biomarker model predicted a 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 glomerular filtration rate decline over 8 years. Sequence analysis of the altered urinary peptides and the prediction of the involved proteases by in silico analysis revealed alterations in distinct proteolytic pathways, in particular matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsins.

Conclusion
We developed a urinary test that accurately predicts relevant clinical outcomes in ADPKD patients and suggests altered proteolytic pathways involved in disease progression.

Pejchinovski|Martin|M|
Siwy|Justyna|J|
Metzger|Jochen|J|
Dakna|Mohammed|M|
Mischak|Harald|H|
Klein|Julie|J|
Jankowski|Vera|V|
Bae|Kyongtae T|KT|
Chapman|Arlene B|AB|
Kistler|Andreas D|AD|

D016891:Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant

progression
ADPKD
ESRD
urinary peptides
proteases prediction


Serious phlegmonous lesion of the hand following an injury by vegetal thorn: Never forget Pasteurella multocida!

Abstract: Pasteurella multocida can cause serious infections after dog or cat bite. We report here a rare case of hand infection caused by P. multocida consecutive to an injury by a thorn of the prickly pear. It caused an amputation of the distal phalanx of the thumb in a trisomic patient. It is about a 27-year-old man who was admitted to the hospital with swelling and intense pain of the left hand. He reported a sting by a thorn of prickly pear 15 days before. The patient was admitted to proceed with operative irrigation and debridement. The pus was collected for microbiological examination. Microscopic examination after Gram staining revealed small Gram-negative coccobacilli, associated to polymorphonuclear reaction. Culture have objectivated Pasteurella multocida. The isolated strain was susceptible to betalactamins. Patient was treated with ampicillin. Well-conducted antibiotics and repetitive local cares have not prevented local lesions from progressing to necrosis of the soft parts of the thumb and osteitis of the distal phalanx of the thumb. The patient underwent a necrosectomy and an amputation of the distal phalanx. Ampicillin was replaced by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and after 15 days, progression was clinically and microbiologically favorable. In the case we report, since the patient does not report any exposure or contact with animals, the thorn prick is the source of infection. It was contaminated from the animal reservoir. Taking into account the monomicrobism of the infection, treatment with aminopenicillins was sufficient. Our propositus came to the hospital 15 days after the inoculation of the bacterium. This duration appears to be very late in relation to the acute character of pasteurellosis. This was probably the main reason why the local infection evolved towards osteoarticular complications. That's why, we should consider Pasteurella multocida in case of infection by inoculation, even in the absence of contact with the animals.

Maleb|A|A|
Elmalki|J|J|
Bouayadi|O|O|
Ben Lahlou|Y|Y|
Frikh|M|M|
Abdeljaouad|N|N|
Lemnouer|A|A|
Yacoubi|H|H|
Elouennass|M|M|

Pasteurella multocida
Infection
Amputation
Osteitis
Bites and stings


Prognostic significance of preoperative serum albumin in epithelial ovarian cancer patients: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies.

Abstract:
Purpose
To comprehensively assess the impact of preoperative serum albumin levels on survival of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Materials and methods
Two independent researchers searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies from inception to October 20, 2017. The studies were independently reviewed and those deemed eligible were selected based on predetermined selection criteria. Summarized HRs and 95% CIs were calculated for overall survival (OS) with a profile likelihood random-effects model.

Results
Twelve cohort studies comprising 3884 EOC patients were included for analysis. Comparison of the highest vs the lowest categories of preoperative serum albumin yielded a summarized HR of 0.63 (95% CI=0.45-0.88, I2=88.8%). Although the results were robust in all subgroup analyses stratified by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, cutoff definition, geographical location, quality of study, number of EOC cases, followup time, and adjustments made for potential confounders, not all were statistically significant. Of note, dose-response analysis showed that for each 10 g/L increment in preoperative serum albumin level, the summary HR was 0.56 (95% CI=0.35-0.92, I2=78.6%). No evidence of publication bias was detected by funnel plot analysis and formal statistical tests. Sensitivity analyses showed no important differences in the estimates of effects.

Conclusion
The present meta-analysis suggests that preoperative serum albumin can be used as an independent prognostic predictor of OS in EOC patients. Since the included studies had high heterogeneity and retrospective designs, these results require further validation with prospective cohort trials enrolling larger patient populations with longer follow-up examinations.

preoperative
albumin
ovarian cancer
meta-analysis
prognosis


Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Amaranth and Tartrazine in Drinks and Gelatins Using a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode.

Abstract: A fast, sensitive, and selective method for the simultaneous determination of one pair of synthetic colorants commonly found mixed in food products, Amaranth (AM) and Tartrazine (TZ), based on their adsorption and oxidation on a screen-printed electrode (SPE) is presented. The variation of peak current with pH, supporting electrolyte, adsorption time, and adsorption potential were optimized using square wave adsorptive voltammetry. The optimal conditions were found to be: pH 3.2 (PBS), Eads 0.00 V, and tads 30 s. Under these conditions, the AM and TZ signals were observed at 0.56 and 0.74 V, respectively. A linear response were found over the 0.15 to 1.20 µmol L-1 and 0.15 to 0.80 µmol L-1 concentrations, with detection limits (3σ/slope) of 26 and 70 nmol L-1 for AM and TZ, respectively. Reproducibility for 17.7 µmol L-1 AM and TZ solutions were 2.5 and 3.0% (n = 7), respectively, using three different electrodes. The method was validated by determining AM and TZ in spiked tap water and unflavored gelatin spiked with AM and TZ. Because a beverage containing both AM and TZ was not found, the method was applied to the determination of AM in a kola soft drink and TZ in an orange jelly and a soft drink powder.

amaranth
tartrazine
drinks
gelatins
screen-printed carbon electrode
adsorptive stripping voltammetry


MicroRNA-9 controls apoptosis of neurons by targeting monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 expression in rat acute spinal cord injury model.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
For the purpose of an early identification of intervention targets for acute spinal cord injury (ASCI), we investigated the changes in expression levels of microRNA-9 (miR-9) and MCPIP1 in rat ASCI model.

METHOD
A total of 108 healthy rats were randomly divided into non-ASCI group (n=18) and five ASCI groups, 6h, 12h, 24h, 3 days and 7 days, representing the experimental time points following ASCI (n=18 per group). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the ASCI damage, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH) were employed for the detection of miR-9 and MCPIP1 mRNA expression.

RESULTS
HE staining results showed normal neuronal morphology in the non-ASCI group, but spinal cord tissue at 6h after ASCI showed developing neuronal necrosis. Acute inflammatory response was evident at 12h and 24h, with immune cells infiltrating into the gray matter. Vascular permeability increased and the nerve cells in gray-white matter exhibited extensive damage and necrosis at 24h and 7 days after ASCI. MiR-9 expression in ASCI tissue was significantly lower than that in normal spinal cord tissue. Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in miR-9 expression in all the ASCI groups, compared to the non-ASCI group. Results from real-time PCR analysis revealed that MCPIP1 expression in all the ASCI groups was significantly higher than the non-ASCI group, and MCPIP1 expressions gradually increased with times at 6h-24h after ASCI. ISH revealed the following results after ASCI (1) miR-9 and MCPIP1 mRNA expression mainly distributed in ventral horn motor neurons, (2) miR-9 expression was high at 7 day after ASCI and (3) in the non-ASCI group, MCPIP1 expression was high at 6h, 12h, 24h and 3 days.

CONCLUSION
MCPIP1 is significantly up-regulated after ASCI. The negative relationship between MCPIP1 and miR-9 suggest that MCPIP1 mRNA could be a target of miR-9 during ASCI. Thus, miR-9 is a marker for apoptosis in neurons, and an excellent therapeutic target for ASCI patients.

Xu|Yong|Y| An|Bao-Yan|BY| Xi|Xiao-Bing|XB| Li|Zhong-Wei|ZW| Li|Fei-Yue|FY|

Monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1


The Culture of Translational Science Research: Participants' Stories.

Abstract: We apply a symbolic interactionist framework and a qualitative methodology to the examination of the everyday reality of translational science research (TSR). This is a growing scientific movement that aims to facilitate the efficient application of basic research to clinical service design and delivery. We describe the emerging culture of translational research at a mid-size medical center that received a Clinical and Translational Science Award from the National Institutes of Health. The stories related by scientists, clinicians, and students in interviews indicate that they make sense of the emerging inter- and cross-disciplinary, team-oriented culture of TSR through the refinement and redefinition of the significant symbols that inform their work while they attempt to master translational research by addressing the dilemmas it produces for them and their work. We see the strength, currency, adaptability, and energy of the core self-definition of "scientist" to be significant in shaping the emerging culture of translational research. We conclude by celebrating the value of interpretive ethnography for evaluation research.

Kotarba|Joseph A|JA|
Wooten|Kevin|K|
Freeman|Jean|J|
Brasier|Allan R|AR|

science
translational research
interpretive ethnography
evaluation
knowledge transfer
qualitative research
symbolic interactionism


Hydrogen sulfide inhibits calcium and phosphorus loss after fracture by negatively regulating glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor α.

Abstract:
AIMS
Post-fracture calcium and phosphorus excretion is greater than influx, which might be caused by stress. Glucocorticoid is known to enhance calcium and phosphorous excretion, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on glucocorticoid. Therefore, this study explored whether H2S could inhibit calcium and phosphorus loss after fracture by regulating glucocorticoid and/or its receptor.

MAIN METHODS
The following properties were analyzed in rats with femur fractures: serum and urinary calcium and phosphorus (by colorimetry); bone turnover markers alkaline phosphatase, serum type 1 collagen amino terminal peptide, type 1 procollagen carboxy terminal peptide, and anti-tartaric acid phosphatase (by ELISA); factors related to calcium-phosphorus metabolism including glucocorticoid, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, fibroblast growth factor 23, and 1,25(OH)2D3 (by ELISA); and sulfhydration of glucocorticoid receptor α in the kidney (by immunoprecipitation linked biotin-switch assay), after supplementing with mifepristone, the H2S donor GYY4137 or H2S generating enzyme inhibitors aminooxyacetic acid and propargylglycine.

KEY FINDINGS
Serum H2S decreased and glucocorticoid secretion increased in rats post-fracture. The glucocorticoid receptor inhibitor mifepristone partly blunted calcium and phosphorus loss. Furthermore, supplementation with GYY4137 reduced glucocorticoid secretion; inhibited glucocorticoid receptor α activity by sulfhydration; downregulated vitamin D 1α-hydroxylase expression; and upregulated 24-hydroxylase, calbindin-D28k, and sodium phosphate cotransporter 2a expression in the kidney; thereby inhibiting calcium and phosphorus loss induced by fracture. Moreover, inhibiting endogenous H2S generation showed opposite effects.

SIGNIFICANCE
Our findings suggest that H2S antagonized calcium and phosphorus loss after fracture by reducing glucocorticoid secretion and inhibiting glucocorticoid receptor α activity by sulfhydration.

Liao|Feng|F| Zhu|Zongdong|Z| Xiao|Chengwei|C| Yuan|Jiabin|J| Geng|Bin|B| Hu|Jiang|J|

Hydrogen sulfide
Fracture
Glucocorticoid
Glucocorticoid receptor α
Calcium and phosphorus metabolism


Evaluation of laser ablation microtomy for correlative microscopy of hard tissues.

Abstract: Laser ablation machining or microtomy (LAM) is a relatively new approach to producing slide mounted sections of translucent materials. We evaluated the method with a variety of problems from the bone, joint and dental tissues fields where we require thin undecalcified and undistorted sections for correlative light microscopy (LM) and backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM). All samples were embedded in poly-methylmethacrlate (PMMA) and flat block surfaces had been previously studied by BSE-SEM and confocal scanning light microscopy (CSLM). Most were also studied by X-yay microtomography (XMT). The block surface is stuck to a glass slide with cyanoacrylate adhesive. Setting the section thickness and levelling uses inbuilt optical coherence tomographic imaging. Tight focusing of near-infrared laser radiation in the sectioning plane gives extreme intensities causing photodisruption of material at the focal point. The laser beam is moved by a fast scanner to write a cutting line, which is simultaneously moved by an XY positioning unit to create a sectioning plane. The block is thereby released from the slide, leaving the section stuck to the slide. Light, wet polishing on the finest grade (4000 grit) silicon carbide polishing paper is used to remove a 1-2 μm thick damaged layer at the surface of the section. Sections produced by laser cutting are fine in quality and superior to those produced by mechanical cutting and can be thinner than the 'voxel' in most laboratory X-ray microtomography systems. The present extensive pilot studies have shown that it works to produce samples which we can study by both light and electron microscopy.

Bone enthesis ligament osteoarthritis osteoporosis tendon


Corrigendum (2): Overexpression of Rice Glutaredoxin OsGrx_C7 and OsGrx_C2.1 Reduces Intracellular Arsenic Accumulation and Increases Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: [This corrects the article on p. 740 in vol. 7, PMID: 27313586.].

Verma|Pankaj K|PK|
Verma|Shikha|S|
Pande|Veena|V|
Mallick|Shekhar|S|
Deo Tripathi|Rudra|R|
Dhankher|Om P|OP|
Chakrabarty|Debasis|D|

glutaredoxin
arsenic
GSH
Oryza sativa
OsGrxs
aquaporin


Ischemic Heart Disease during Acute Exacerbations of COPD.

Abstract: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a higher risk of acute cardiovascular events, and around 30% die from cardiovascular diseases. Recent data suggest an increased risk of myocardial infarction in the following days of a severe exacerbation of COPD. Disruption in the balance during the exacerbation with tachycardia, increased inflammation and systemic oxidative stress as well as some other factors may confer an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. A number of investigations may be useful to an early diagnosis, including electrocardiography, imaging techniques and blood test for biomarkers. Some drugs that have changed prognosis in the cardiovascular setting such as cardioselective beta-blockers may be underused in patients with COPD despite its demonstrated benefits. This review focuses on several aspects of exacerbation of COPD and cardiovascular events including epidemiology, possible mechanism, diagnosis and treatment.

Malo de Molina|Rosa|R|
Aguado|Silvia|S|
Arellano|Carlos|C|0000-0001-8954-9929
Valle|Manuel|M|
Ussetti|Piedad|P|

exacerbation
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
cardiovascular
myocardial infarction
beta-blockers
treatment


Scoping Review of Textbooks for Medical Spanish Education.

Abstract:
Despite medical Spanish program proliferation to teach clinicians the language skills to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients, course material selection remains a challenge. We conducted a scoping review to systematically identify medical Spanish textbooks, evaluate utility, and identify gaps. On average, language reviewers scored books lower than medical reviewers. Medical and language professionals present complementary perspectives to evaluating medical Spanish educational materials.

Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-021-01333-8.

Shin|Tiffany M|TM|
Hardin|Karol|K|
Johnston|Dennis|D|
Rajadhyaksha|Evan|E|
Diamond|Lisa C|LC|
Chang|Rocío|R|
Martínez|Glenn A|GA|
Ortega|Pilar|P|0000-0002-5136-1805

Medical Spanish education
Clinical skills
Communication skills
Cultural competence
Health communication
Language concordance
Limited English proficiency
Minority health


A study on the relationship between clinical features with Ki67 expression and eosinophil cells infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Cell proliferation is one of the most critical factors in metastasis and prognosis of the malignant tumors.Recent investigations show that the eosinophil granolosytes have an important role in developing of malignant tumors. The relation between cell proliferation and eosinophilic infiltration in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCS) with prognosis is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Ki67 expression and eosinophilic infiltration with the clinical features on OSCC.

METHODS
This study was cross sectional in which 24 paraffined embeded block of OSCC selected from the Imam Khomeini hospital; cancer institute's archive. 4 micron sections were prepared and studied for Ki67 antigen immunohistochemically. The labeling index (LI: positive epithelial cells/1000 epithelial cells) of Ki67 positive cells were obtained. In each section eosinophilic cells were counted in 10 fields with 400 (HPF). The relations between the eosinophil cells and Ki67 positive cells counts with clinical features and histopathological differentiation were achived by the linear regression and spirman statistical tests.

RESULTS
There were no any significant relationship between gender, histopathological differentiation and the number of eosinophils and Ki67 positive cells counts (p= 0.33 and p=0.73). A significant relationship between lymph node involvement and the number of eosinophils and the Ki67 positive cells counts was found (p=0.04).There was a positive relationship between the number of Ki67 positive cells and the number of eosinophil cells (p= 0.05).

CONCLUSION
A significant relationship between lymph node involvement with eosinophilc cells and Ki67 positive cells counts were exist.

Jalayer Naderi|Noushin|N|
Tirgari|Farrokh|F|
KharaziFard|Mohammad Javad|MJ|
Farahani Parsa|Fateme|F|

Eosinophil cells
Ki67 antigen
Lymph node involvement
Oral squamus cell carcinoma


Comparison of antidepressant-like and abuse-related effects of phencyclidine in rats.

Abstract: Preclinical Research N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, have emerged as novel candidate treatments for major depressive disorder, but abuse potential of these agents is a concern. The NMDA antagonist phencyclidine has known abuse liability but undefined efficacy as an antidepressant. To further evaluate the relationship between antidepressant-like and abuse-related effects of NMDA antagonists, this study evaluated the effects of phencyclidine (1.0-10.0 mg/kg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats responding under two procedures that have been used to assess antidepressant-like effects (differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate [DRL] 72 s schedule of food reinforcement; n = 9) and abuse-related drug effects (intracranial self-stimulation [ICSS]; n = 6). Under the DRL 72 s schedule, phencyclidine (10.0 mg/kg) increased reinforcers and decreased responses without shifting the peak location of the interresponse time (IRT) distribution. Ketamine (10.0 mg/kg) also increased reinforcers and decreased responses, but unlike phencyclidine, it produced a rightward shift in the peak location of the IRT distribution. The 10.0 mg/kg phencyclidine dose that decreased DRL 72 s responding also decreased rates of ICSS for 50 min after its administration; however, abuse-related ICSS facilitation was observed at later times (100-300 min) or after a lower phencyclidine dose (3.2 mg/kg). These results suggest that phencyclidine produces weaker antidepressant-like effects, but stronger abuse-related effects than ketamine in these procedures.

Hillhouse|Todd M|TM|
Porter|Joseph H|JH|
Negus|S Stevens|SS|

D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists


Quantifying corticosterone in feathers: validations for an emerging technique.

Abstract: Feather corticosterone measurement is becoming a widespread tool for assessing avian physiology. Corticosterone is deposited into feathers during growth and provides integrative and retrospective measures of an individual's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Although researchers across disciplines have been measuring feather corticosterone for the past decade, there are still many issues with the extraction and measurement of corticosterone from feathers. In this paper, we provide several directives for refining the methodology for feather hormone analysis. We compare parallelism between the standard curve and serially diluted feather tissue from wild turkeys, Canada jays, and black-capped chickadees to demonstrate the wide applicability across species. Through a series of validations, we compare methods for feather preparation, sample filtration and extract reconstitution prior to corticosterone quantification using a radioimmunoassay. Higher corticosterone yields were achieved following pulverization of the feather however, more variation between replicates was observed. Removal of the rachis also increased the amount of corticosterone detected per unit mass while glass versus paper filters had no effect, and using ethanol in the reconstution buffer decreased intra-assay variation. With these findings and continued methodological refinement, feather corticosterone has the potential to be a powerful tool for both ecologists and physiologists working with historical and contemporary specimens.

Freeman|Nikole E|NE|
Newman|Amy E M|AEM|


Delirium and Adverse Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the association between acute mental changes and adverse outcomes in hospitalized adults with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the occurrence of delirium in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and explore its association with adverse outcomes.

DESIGN
Longitudinal observational study.

SETTING
Tertiary university hospital dedicated to the care of severe cases of COVID-19 in São Paulo, Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS
A total of 707 patients, aged 50 years or older, consecutively admitted to the hospital between March and May 2020.

MEASUREMENTS
We completed detailed reviews of electronic medical records to collect our data. We identified delirium occurrence using the Chart-Based Delirium Identification Instrument (CHART-DEL). Trained physicians with a background in geriatric medicine completed all CHART-DEL assessments. We complemented our baseline clinical information using telephone interviews with participants or their proxy. Our outcomes of interest were in-hospital death, length of stay, admission to intensive care, and ventilator utilization. We adjusted all multivariable analyses for age, sex, clinical history, vital signs, and relevant laboratory biomarkers (lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, glomerular filtration rate, D-dimer, and albumin).

RESULTS
Overall, we identified delirium in 234 participants (33%). On admission, 86 (12%) were delirious. We observed 273 deaths (39%) in our sample, and in-hospital mortality reached 55% in patients who experienced delirium. Delirium was associated with in-hospital death, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.75 (95% confidence interval = 1.15-2.66); the association held both in middle-aged and older adults. Delirium was also associated with increased length of stay, admission to intensive care, and ventilator utilization.

CONCLUSION
Delirium was independently associated with in-hospital death in adults aged 50 years and older with COVID-19. Despite the difficulties for patient care during the pandemic, clinicians should routinely monitor delirium when assessing severity and prognosis of COVID-19 patients.


Cytochrome c modification and oligomerization induced by cardiolipin hydroperoxides in a membrane mimetic model.

Abstract: Cytochrome c (cytc) is a heme protein of 12 kDa that transfers electrons in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Increased cytc peroxidase activity leads to cardiolipin (CL) oxidation, a hallmark of early apoptosis stage. Here, we aimed to investigate the interaction between cytc with cardiolipin hydroperoxide (CLOOH) in a mimetic mitochondrial membrane. Cytc-CL peroxidase reaction occurred at faster rates with CLOOH than with H2O2. Moreover, liposomes containing CLOOH promoted increased protein aggregation with minor or no release of cytc from the membrane. Dimeric and trimeric cytc species were observed in the first 15 min, followed by increased formation of high-molecular-weight aggregates afterwards. nLC-MS/MS analysis identified several Lys and His residues covalently modified by lipid aldehydes that showed mass increments corresponding to 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), 4-oxononenal (ONE), hexanoyl, heptenal and octenal addition. Noteworthy, most modifications were observed at Lys and His residues located at A-site (K73, K87, K88), L-site (H26, H33, and K27) membrane binding sites. Further, dityrosine cross-linked peptides were also characterized at residues Y48-Y74, Y48-Y97 and Y74-Y97. Collectively, our findings show that CLOOH causes irreversible protein damage and crosslinking of cytc in the membrane.

Pinto|Isabella Fernanda Dantas|IFD|
Chaves-Filho|Adriano de Britto|AB|
Cunha|Daniela da|DD|
Miyamoto|Sayuri|S|

Cytochrome c
Cardiolipin hydroperoxides
Protein aggregation
Lipid aldehydes


Correlation Between Mechanography and Clinical Parameters at Six Months After Hip Fracture Surgery.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlation between mechanography and clinical parameters in older people at 3 and 6 months after hip fracture surgery.

METHODS
A longitudinal follow-up study was conducted in university hospitals with 38 patients at 3 months and 29 patients at 6 months after hip fracture surgery. Subjects 65 years and older completed measurements on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), walking ability by Koval, Korean version of the fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight (K-FRAIL) scale, and hand grip strength. The Romberg test with center of foot pressure (COP), chair rise test (CRT), and maximal power (W/kg) were conducted using the Leonardo Mechanograph.

RESULTS
COP area and pathway length were correlated with BBS at 3 and 6 months. Change in BBS was correlated with change in COP area, but not with change in COP length. COP area and pathway length were correlated with K-FRAIL at 3 months after hip fracture surgery. The same COP variables showed correlations with FAC and walking ability by Koval at 6 months after surgery. Maximal power during CRT had correlation with chair rise time but not with other clinical parameters.

CONCLUSION
The study revealed correlations between mechanography and clinical parameters in older people at 3 and 6 months after hip fracture surgery. Both the clinical assessment and objective test with mechanography may be required for the quantitative and sensitive measurement of postural balance and lower limb muscle power.

Min|Tae Jun|TJ|
Cho|Junmo|J|
Ha|Yong-Chan|YC|
Lim|Jae-Young|JY|
Kang|Si Hyun|SH|
Kim|Don-Kyu|DK|
Seo|Kyung Mook|KM|
Beom|Jaewon|J|

Hip fractures
Postural balance
Dependent ambulation
Muscle strength


Subcellular Location of Tirapazamine Reduction Dramatically Affects Aerobic but Not Anoxic Cytotoxicity.

Abstract: Hypoxia is an adverse prognostic feature of solid cancers that may be overcome with hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs). Tirapazamine (TPZ) is a HAP which has undergone extensive clinical evaluation in this context and stimulated development of optimized analogues. However the subcellular localization of the oxidoreductases responsible for mediating TPZ-dependent DNA damage remains unclear. Some studies conclude only nuclear-localized oxidoreductases can give rise to radical-mediated DNA damage and thus cytotoxicity, whereas others identify a broader role for endoplasmic reticulum and cytosolic oxidoreductases, indicating the subcellular location of TPZ radical formation is not a critical requirement for DNA damage. To explore this question in intact cells we engineered MDA-231 breast cancer cells to express the TPZ reductase human NADPH: cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) harboring various subcellular localization sequences to guide this flavoenzyme to the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, cytosol or inner surface of the plasma membrane. We show that all POR variants are functional, with differences in rates of metabolism reflecting enzyme expression levels rather than intracellular TPZ concentration gradients. Under anoxic conditions, POR expression in all subcellular compartments increased the sensitivity of the cells to TPZ, but with a fall in cytotoxicity per unit of metabolism (termed 'metabolic efficiency') when POR is expressed further from the nucleus. However, under aerobic conditions a much larger increase in cytotoxicity was observed when POR was directed to the nucleus, indicating very high metabolic efficiency. Consequently, nuclear metabolism results in collapse of hypoxic selectivity of TPZ, which was further magnified to the point of reversing O2 dependence (oxic > hypoxic sensitivity) by employing a DNA-affinic TPZ analogue. This aerobic hypersensitivity phenotype was partially rescued by cellular copper depletion, suggesting the possible involvement of Fenton-like chemistry in generating short-range effects mediated by the hydroxyl radical. In addition, the data suggest that under aerobic conditions reoxidation strictly limits the TPZ radical diffusion range resulting in site-specific cytotoxicity. Collectively these novel findings challenge the purported role of intra-nuclear reductases in orchestrating the hypoxia selectivity of TPZ.

tirapazamine
hypoxia-activated prodrug
endoplasmic reticulum
cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase
DNA damage-response
DNA-targeted cytotoxin
cell membrane
cell nucleus


Typhim vi immunization assists to discriminate primary antibody responses in hematological malignancies.

Abstract: Assessment of specific antibody (Ab) production to polysaccharide antigens is clinically relevant, identifying patients at risk for infection by encapsulated bacteria and thus enabling a more rigorous selection of patients that can benefit of immunoglobulin replacement therapy. Classically, the gold-standard test is the measurement of antibody production to pure polysaccharide pneumococcal (PPV) immunization. Several factors, including introduction of conjugate vaccination schedule, serotyping analysis, high baseline Ab levels, have hindered the evaluation of polysaccharide antigens. This is even more difficult in secondary immunodeficiencies (SID), where patients can show secondary responses despite lack of primary antibody responses and present with recurrent or severe infections. Assessment of specific Ab production to pure Salmonella typhi Vi polysaccharide (TV) immunization has been proposed as a complementary test to PPV, given its low seroprevalence. To set the optimal cut-off value for PPV and TV response in SID, we tested different biostatistical methodologies, including ROC analysis, Youden index, Union index and Closest-topleft in a cohort of 42 SID patients and 24 healthy controls. The statistically chosen cut-offs value pre-post TV Ab ratio was ≥5, (sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 100%) and a postvaccination TV concentration of 28.5 U/mL (sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 95%), showing relevant clinical correlate.

Ochoa-Grullón|J|J|
Orte|C|C|
Rodríguez de la Peña|A|A|
Guevara-Hoyer|K|K|
Cordero Torres|G|G|
Fernández-Arquero|M|M|
Serrano-García|I|I|
Recio|M J|MJ|
Pérez de Diego|R|R|
Sánchez-Ramón|S|S|

Typhim Vi
Hematological Malignancies
secondary responses
Youden index
Pneumo 23
Primary responses
ROC curve
Union index, cut-off value
specific polysaccharide Ab response


Evaluation of the Correlation Between Childhood Asthma and Helicobacter pylori in Kashan.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory air-way disease with increasing prevalence rate during the recent years. There are studies about the relationship between asthma and infectious diseases, including the association between asthma and Helicobacter pylori. According to the latest studies, there is an epidemiological correlation between asthma prevalence and prevalence of H. pylori.

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this research was to study the correlation between H. pylori and asthma by biopsy in five to eighteen year-old children who had undergone endoscopy at Shahid Beheshti Hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Three hundred children (5 to 18 years old) undergoing endoscopy owing to gastro-intestinal problems at Shahid Beheshti Hospital were observed for childhood asthma using the Gina 2010 questionnaire which included 24 questions with "yes" and "no" answers to identify asthmatic patients with five positive answers. Next, the patients were referred to an allergy and asthma specialist for clinical examinations, spirometry and post bronchodilator test (Post BD).

RESULTS
Among 138 H. pylori positive patients, eight cases (5.8 %) were asthmatic while of the 162 H. pylori negative patients 28 (17.3%) were asthmatic. This difference was statistically significant (P Value = 0.002). The correlation between H. pylori and asthma was studied after controlling the confounding variables including, gender, age and family history. The results obtained for the above-mentioned variables were significant (P Values of 0.004, 0.005 and 0.002, and Odd-Ratio Mantel Haenszel (ORMH) of 3.38, 3.24 and 4.06, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings showed that there is an inverse correlation between H. pylori and asthma. Performing more studies with larger sample sizes is necessary to confirm these results.

Khamechian|Tahere|T|
Movahedian|Amir Hossein|AH|
Ebrahimi Eskandari|Ghasem|G|
Heidarzadeh Arani|Marzieh|M|
Mohammadi|Abouzar|A|

Childhood Asthma
Asthma
Helicobacter pylori


Serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphisms are associated with response to fluoxetine in south Indian major depressive disorder patients.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Up to 30-40 % of the major depressive disorder patients do not respond sufficiently to antidepressant treatment. Genetic variations in the serotonin transporter gene have been implicated in modulating treatment response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and this association is influenced by ethnicity. We investigated the influence of serotonin transporter gene variants 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 in Indian population on fluoxetine response.

METHODS
One hundred and two major depressive disorder patients were started on fluoxetine treatment and after 6 weeks, classified as responders (n = 56) and non-responders (n = 46) using Hamilton depression rating scale and genotyped. Fisher's exact test was used to compare genotype frequencies between responders and non-responders. One-way analysis of variance and student t test were used to compare the percentage reduction (week 0-6) in Hamilton depression rating scores between genotype and haplotype groups.

RESULTS
We observed a significant association between LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR and fluoxetine treatment response (p = 0.0066, OR (95 %) = 4.0 (1.45-11.03)) but not with the functional groups of 5-HTTLPR -rs25531. However, there was a significant difference in percentage reduction in HAM-D scores (week 0-6) between 5-HTTLPR genotypes (LL vs. LS + SS, p = 0.0036; LL vs. LS, p = 0.0109) as well as the functionally grouped haplotypes of 5-HTTLPR -rs25531 (LALA carriers vs. non-carriers of LALA, p = 0.0118; LALA vs. LAS+ LALG, p = 0.0419).

CONCLUSION
The LL genotype and LALA haplotype of SLC6A4 are associated with favorable treatment response to fluoxetine in south Indian major depression patients.

Manoharan|Aarthi|A|
Shewade|Deepak Gopal|DG|
Rajkumar|Ravi Philip|RP|
Adithan|Surendiran|S|

D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins

SLC6A4
Response
Fluoxetine
Major depression


Impact of Acute Physical Activity on Children's Divergent and Convergent Thinking: The Mediating Role of a Low Body Mass Index.

Abstract: While prior studies have examined the positive influence of physical activity (PA) programs on children's creative potential, they have not explored the mediating roles of psychological and physiological variables. In this study, we investigated the impact of a single dance session as a form of PA on two indicators of creative potential-divergent and convergent thinking, each of which adopts a different cognitive pathway. We also investigated the influence of a physiological condition, low body mass index (BMI), on the relation between PA and creative potential. This was a randomized controlled experiment involving 34 school children randomly assigned to either the dance intervention or a sedentary group based on their BMI profile. We measured the children's divergent and convergent thinking at pre- and post-intervention time points. Following this single PA session, we found a significant difference between divergent and convergent thinking abilities in treatment group participants with normal BMI levels and participants in the control group, but there was no difference between low BMI level treatment group participants and those in the control group. This study supported hypothesized boundary conditions for executive function improvements from PA and suggests a need for a holistic approach (involving both proper nourishment and PA) in order to facilitate improved creativity in children.

physical activity
convergent thinking
creativity
dance
body mass index (BMI)
executive function
divergent thinking


Ultrafast 3D Bloch-Siegert B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -mapping using variational modeling.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Highly accelerated B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -mapping based on the Bloch-Siegert shift to allow 3D acquisitions even within a brief period of a single breath-hold.

THEORY AND METHODS
The B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> dependent Bloch-Siegert phase shift is measured within a highly subsampled 3D-volume and reconstructed using a two-step variational approach, exploiting the different spatial distribution of morphology and B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -field. By appropriate variable substitution the basic non-convex optimization problem is transformed in a sequential solution of two convex optimization problems with a total generalized variation (TGV) regularization for the morphology part and a smoothness constraint for the B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -field. The method is evaluated on 3D in vivo data with retro- and prospective subsampling. The reconstructed B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -maps are compared to a zero-padded low resolution reconstruction and a fully sampled reference.

RESULTS
The reconstructed B <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msubsup><mml:mrow/> <mml:mn>1</mml:mn> <mml:mo>+</mml:mo></mml:msubsup> </mml:math> -field maps are in high accordance to the reference for all measurements with a mean error below 1% and a maximum of about 4% for acceleration factors up to 100. The minimal error for different sampling patterns was achieved by sampling a dense region in k-space center with acquisition times of around 10-12 s for 3D-acquistions.

CONCLUSIONS
The proposed variational approach enables highly accelerated 3D acquisitions of Bloch-Siegert data and thus full liver coverage in a single breath hold.

Lesch|Andreas|A| Schlöegl|Matthias|M| Holler|Martin|M| Bredies|Kristian|K| Stollberger|Rudolf|R|

B<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
                        <mml:msubsup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
                            <mml:mrow xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"/>
                            <mml:mn xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">1</mml:mn>
                            <mml:mo xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">+</mml:mo>
                        </mml:msubsup>
                    </mml:math>
-Bloch-Siegert shift

B<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
                        <mml:msubsup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
                            <mml:mrow xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"/>
                            <mml:mn xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">1</mml:mn>
                            <mml:mo xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">+</mml:mo>
                        </mml:msubsup>
                    </mml:math>
-mapping


Investigating the H2O/O2 selective permeability from a view of multi-scale structure of starch/SiO2 nanocomposites.

Abstract: In order to control H2O/O2 selective permeability of starch based nanocompsites for food packaging, the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles was proven to be an effective method. The results suggested that the SiO2/hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) ratio was a feasible approach to regulate the film multi-scale structure. The H2O/O2 selective permeability was influenced by comprehensive factors including film short-range molecular conformation, crystalline structure and aggregated structure. The increase of micro-ordered region size was likely to favor the improvement of water vapor barrier property and the rise of compactness in this region seems to contribute to the oxygen prevention. Notably, the effect of film multi-scale structure on H2O/O2 selective permeability could be a supplement to conventional "tortuous path" theory for the explanation of barrier property improvement. This study could significantly guide to the rational design of H2O/O2 selective biodegradable food packaging in order to meet the requirement for different food systems.

Liu|Siyuan|S| Li|Xiaoxi|X| Chen|Ling|L| Li|Lin|L| Li|Bing|B| Zhu|Jie|J| Liang|Xiaoyun|X|

Selective permeability
Multi-scale structure
Water vapor
Oxygen
Starch-based nanocomposites


Evaluating the Effects of Gamma-Irradiation for Decontamination of Medicinal Cannabis.

Abstract: In several countries with a National medicinal cannabis program, pharmaceutical regulations specify that herbal cannabis products must adhere to strict safety standards regarding microbial contamination. Treatment by gamma irradiation currently seems the only method available to meet these requirements. We evaluated the effects of irradiation treatment of four different cannabis varieties covering different chemical compositions. Samples were compared before and after standard gamma-irradiation treatment by performing quantitative UPLC analysis of major cannabinoids, as well as qualitative GC analysis of full cannabinoid and terpene profiles. In addition, water content and microscopic appearance of the cannabis flowers was evaluated. This study found that treatment did not cause changes in the content of THC and CBD, generally considered as the most important therapeutically active components of medicinal cannabis. Likewise, the water content and the microscopic structure of the dried cannabis flowers were not altered by standard irradiation protocol in the cannabis varieties studied. The effect of gamma-irradiation was limited to a reduction of some terpenes present in the cannabis, but keeping the terpene profile qualitatively the same. Based on the results presented in this report, gamma irradiation of herbal cannabis remains the recommended method of decontamination, at least until other more generally accepted methods have been developed and validated.

gamma-irradiation
medicinal cannabis
cannabinoids
terpenes
quality control


Regenerative medicine: Stroke survivor and carer views and motivations towards a proposed stem cell clinical trial using placebo neurosurgery.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Few studies explore stroke survivor views and motivations towards stem cell therapy (SCT). This qualitative study explores the views and motivations of both stroke survivors and their partners/carers towards a proposed 2-arm Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing intracerebral insertion of stem cells with placebo neurosurgery in stroke survivors with disability.

OBJECTIVE
To explore views and motivations towards a proposed 2-arm stem cell trial and identify factors that may impede and enhance participation.

DESIGN
This study adopts a naturalistic design to explore the complexity of this field, employing a participatory action-research approach comprising a specialized Conversation (World) Café form of focus group. Data were collected via 5 Conversation Cafés with stroke survivors (age 40-75) and partners/carers between June and October 2016. Of 66 participants, 53 (31 male, 22 female) were stroke survivors and 13 (6 female, 7 male) were partners/carers. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
Stroke survivor views and motivations reflect anticipation of the personal and future benefits of regenerative medicine. Partners/carers sought to balance the value of stroke survivor hope with carrying the weight of hope as carer, a conflict burden adding to known caregiver burden. All participants expressed the need for during and post-trial psychological support. This study provides a rare opportunity to explore the prospective views and motivations of stroke survivors and their partners/carers towards a proposed Phase III 2-arm RCT. This adds weight to qualitative evidence exploring capacity, consent, decision making, perceptions of treatment risk and supports required for clinical trial participation.

regenerative medicine
caregiver burden
consent
treatment decision-making


The effect of artichoke on lipid profile: A review of possible mechanisms of action.

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease is a highly prevalent issue worldwide, and one of its main manifestations, dyslipidaemia, needs more attention. Cooked artichoke (Cynara scolymus) hearts or artichoke leaf extract (ALE) are believed to be helpful in the treatment of dyslipidaemia. In this narrative review, we provide a brief overview of the potential impact of artichoke consumption on lipid profile. We appraised the Cochrane, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, and included articles published between 2000 and June 2018 on intervention in humans only. The main potential of ALE administration observed on lipid profile relates to decreased serum LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, although no strong evidence for increasing HDL appears to exist. Evidence suggests that decreases of 8-49 mg/dL for LDL concentration, 12-55 mg/dL for total cholesterol, and 11-51 mg/dL for triglycerides, can be attributed to 2 to 3 g/d of ALE, in which its components luteolin and chlorogenic acid may play a key role. On the other hand, the effects of cooked artichoke hearts can be attributed mainly to its soluble fibres, particularly inulin. Despite the convincing evidence on its health benefits, additional long-term clinical trials are pivotal to fully elucidate the potential effects of ALE administration on positive cardiovascular outcomes.

Santos|Heitor Oliveira|HO|
Bueno|Allain Amador|AA|
Mota|João Felipe|JF|

Artichoke
Lipids
Dyslipidaemia
Cynara scolymus
Phytotherapy


Appendiceal Neuroendocrine, Goblet and Signet-Ring Cell Tumors: A Spectrum of Diseases with Different Patterns of Presentation and Outcome.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Appendiceal tumors are a heterogeneous group of diseases that include typical neuroendocrine tumors (TNET), goblet cell carcinoids (GCC), and atypical GCC. Atypical GCC are classified into signet-ring cell cancers (SRCC) and poorly differentiated appendiceal adenocarcinoids. The prognosis and management of these diseases is unclear because there are no prospective studies. The aim of this study is to assess the characteristics and outcome of appendiceal TNET, GCC, and SRCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Appendiceal TNET, GCC, and SRCC patients diagnosed between 1973 and 2011 were identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Demographics, type of surgery, and clinicopathologic characteristics were collected. Survival functions were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank test was used to assess the difference in overall survival (OS) among the three histologies.

RESULTS
The SEER database yielded 1,021 TNET patients, 1,582 with GCC, and 534 SRCC patients. TNET presented at a younger age (p < 0.001). Patients with SRCC presented with advanced stage disease (p < 0.001). The median OS (mOS) for GCC and TNET patients was not reached; mOS for SRCC was 24 months. Multivariate analysis stratified for stage revealed significantly longer survival for TNET and GCC than SRCC (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION
This is the largest report to date for appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor patients, suggesting a spectrum of diseases with different characteristics and outcomes. In this report, we present a treatment approach for this complex spectrum of disease, based on the experience of Ohio State and Emory Universities investigators.

Shaib|Walid|W|
Krishna|Kavya|K|
Kim|Sungjin|S|
Goodman|Michael|M|
Rock|Jonathan|J|
Chen|Zhengjia|Z|
Brutcher|Edith|E|
Staley|Charles Iii|CI|
Maithel|Shishir K|SK|
Abdel-Missih|Samih|S|
El-Rayes|Bassel F|BF|
Bekaii-Saab|Tanios|T|

Neuroendocrine tumors
Goblet cells
Survival
Appendiceal neoplasms
Disease management
Signet ring


mRNAs involved in copper homeostasis are regulated by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway depending on environmental conditions.

Abstract: The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway (NMD) is an mRNA degradation pathway that degrades mRNAs that prematurely terminate translation. These mRNAs include mRNAs with premature termination codons as well as many natural mRNAs. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae a number of features have been shown to target natural mRNAs to NMD. However, the extent to which natural mRNAs from the same functional group are regulated by NMD and how environmental conditions influence this regulation is not known. Here, we examined mRNAs involved in copper homeostasis and are predicted to be sensitive to NMD. We found that the majority of these mRNAs have long 3'-UTRs that could target them for degradation by NMD. Analysis of one of these mRNAs, COX19, found that the long 3'-UTR contributes to regulation of this mRNA by NMD. Furthermore, we examined an additional mRNA, MAC1 under low copper conditions. We found that low copper growth conditions affect NMD sensitivity of the MAC1 mRNA demonstrating that sensitivity to NMD can be altered by environmental conditions. MAC1 is a copper sensitive transcription factor that regulates genes involved with high affinity copper transport. Our results expand our understanding of how NMD regulates mRNAs from the same functional group and how the environment influences this regulation.

Peccarelli|Megan|M|
Scott|Taylor D|TD|
Steele|Megan|M|
Kebaara|Bessie W|BW|

D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal

mRNA
Copper
Copper homeostasis
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay
mRNA decay
Saccharomyces cerevisiae


Comparison of Spinal Anesthesia Quality Between Patients Addicted and Not Addicted to Opium.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare the quality of spinal anesthesia between opium-dependent and opium-naive patients.

DESIGN
A case-control study.

METHODS
Two groups of subjects including opium-dependent and opium-naive patients (30 per group) were enrolled. Spinal anesthesia was performed using 15 mg of bupivacaine. The level of anesthesia was assessed every minute for 10 min and then every 10 min for 180 min. Motor block was recorded at 10, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. The duration of anesthesia was recorded.

FINDINGS
The mean duration of spinal anesthesia was significantly shorter in opium-dependent patients (101.45 ± 28.670) than in opium-naive patients (126.14 ± 24.206) (P = .003). The mean onset of sensory block was not significantly different between the two groups (4.14 ± 1.62 vs 3.69 ± 1.36, P = .259).

CONCLUSIONS
Substance abuse affects the duration of spinal anesthesia, so it is recommended to use intravenous medications or higher doses of spinal marcaine for these patients.

Razavi|Majid|M| Bameshki|Alireza|A| Jarahi|Lida|L| Saghari|Mahdieh|M|

spinal anesthesia
anesthesia
opium dependence


The management of esophago-gastric necrosis due to caustics ingestion: Anastomotic reinforcement with Cyanoacrylate glue and damage control with Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy-A case report.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The surgical treatment of a complete gastric necrosis due to caustic ingestion is extremely challenging and life threatening. In this emergency scenario, a first-time reconstruction of the gastrointestinal tract is often dangerous for the patient because of the high risk of infections and anastomosis leakage. Literature lacks of clear indications for the management of this condition.

PRESENTATION OF CASE
Male patient with history of major depression disorder was admitted to our Emergency Unit after the ingestion of muriatic acid. CT scan showed massive pneumo-peritoneum with esophago-gastric thickening. Free fluids in the abdominal cavity were detected. Intraoperative finding was a complete necrosis of the stomach and corrosion of the lower esophagus.

DISCUSSION
In this case report we proposed a first approach with the drainage and lavage of the abdomen cavity. Then, an esophago-jejunum anastomosis reinforced by Cyanoacrylate glue was performed and a damage control with VAC therapy (Vacuum Assisted Closure) was carried out.

CONCLUSION
Cyanoacrylate glue could be considered useful and efficient in the reinforcement of anastomosis even in emergency surgical procedures. Damage control using VAC allows to keep a good control of the surgery performed.

Picciariello|A|A|
Papagni|V|V|
Martines|G|G|
Palasciano|N|N|
Altomare|D F|DF|

Cyanoacrylate glue
Damage control
Vacuum assisted closure
Gastric necrosis
Esophago-jejunum anastomosis


The marker C-reactive protein is helpful in monitoring the integrity of anastomosis: plasma calprotectin.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite improved surgical techniques and materials, anastomotic leakage is a big problem for surgeons. The most frequently used laboratory parameters is leukocyte (white blood cell) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Availability of plasma calprotectin with CRP to detect anastomotic leakage was studied.

METHODS
In this prospective study of 41 (male/female 18/23) patients in the anastomosis group, 30 (male/female 20/10) patients were included in the control group. The anastomosis groups viewed in preoperatively day and postoperatively 1st, 3rd, and 5th day of CRP, white blood cell, and plasma calprotectin values.

RESULTS
Anastomosis group with complications and without complications were studied. Statistically significant similarities between plasma calprotectin and CRP levels in the postoperative period were observed.

CONCLUSION
Plasma calprotectin in monitoring the integrity of the anastomosis can be used with a marker CRP.

Cikot|Murat|M|
Kones|Osman|O|
Gedikbası|Asuman|A|
Kocatas|Ali|A|
Karabulut|Mehmet|M|
Temizgonul|Kaplan Baha|KB|
Alis|Halil|H|

D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures

C-reactive protein
Plasma calprotectin
Leakage
Anastomoses


Assessment of drinking water fortification with iron plus ascorbic Acid or ascorbic Acid alone in daycare centers as a strategy to control iron-deficiency anemia and iron deficiency: a randomized blind clinical study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Assess drinking water fortification with iron and/or ascorbic acid as a strategy to control iron-deficiency anemia and iron deficiency.

METHODS
Randomized blind clinical study, fortifying drinking water to 153 pre-school children during 3 months, with iron and ascorbic acid (A), ascorbic acid (B) or plain water (C). Hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and ferritin were measured.

RESULTS
Within the groups, Hb raised in all three groups, MCV in A and B and ferritin in A. The difference between time points 0 and 1 was significant between A and B for Hb, when A and B were compared with C for MCV and when A was compared with either B or C for ferritin.

CONCLUSIONS
Water fortification is efficient in controlling iron deficiency and anemia. Iron stores' recovery depends on a more effective offer of iron. Water fortification must be preceded by a careful assessment of the previous nutritional status.

de Almeida|Carlos A N|CA|
De Mello|Elza D|ED|
Ramos|Adriana P R|AP|
João|Camila A|CA|
João|Carolina R|CR|
Dutra-de-Oliveira|José E|JE|

anemia
iron deficiency
health education
nutrition assessment


Micropatterning of reagent-free, high energy crosslinked gelatin hydrogels for bioapplications.

Abstract: Hydrogels are crosslinked polymeric gels of great interest in the field of tissue engineering, particularly as biocompatible cell or drug carriers. Reagent-free electron irradiated gelatin is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and biocompatible. Here, the potential to micropattern gelatin hydrogel surfaces during electron irradiation crosslinking was demonstrated as a promising microfabrication technique to produce thermally stable structures on highly relevant length scales for bioapplications. In the present work, grooves of 3.75 to 170 µm width and several hundred nanometers depth were transferred onto gelatin hydrogels during electron irradiation and characterized by 3D confocal microscopy after exposure to ambient and physiological conditions. The survival and influence of these microstructures on cellular growth was further characterized using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Topographical modifications produced surface structures on which the cultured fibroblasts attached and responded by adapting their morphologies. This developed technique allows for simple and effective structuring of gelatin and opens up new possibilities for irradiation crosslinked hydrogels in biomedical applications in which cell attachment and contact guidance are favored. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 320-330, 2018.

Heyart|Benedikt|B|
Weidt|Astrid|A|
Wisotzki|Emilia I|EI|
Zink|Mareike|M|
Mayr|Stefan G|SG|

micropatterning
high energy crosslinking
hydrogel
microstructure
contact guidance


Oral Health and Interprofessional Collaborative Practice: Examples of the Team Approach to Geriatric Care.

Abstract: Oral health for the older adult patient is vital for function, comfort, and communication and is a critical component of overall health. Oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer may lead to pain, functional limitations, and decreased quality of life. Optimal oral health outcomes are often owing to effective interprofessional collaboration between and among health care providers, in conjunction with patient family members and caregivers. This article highlights 2 cases illustrating how interprofessional team dynamics can affect patient outcomes.

Kaufman|Laura B|LB|
Henshaw|Michelle M|MM|
Brown|Blase P|BP|
Calabrese|Joseph M|JM|

D016321:Dental Care for Aged
D003731:Dental Caries
D006801:Humans
D007400:Interprofessional Relations
D009909:Oral Health
D010348:Patient Care Team
D011788:Quality of Life

Oral cancer
Dental education
Geriatric dentistry
Interprofessional relations
Medical education
Patient care planning
Patient care team
Prosthodontics


Overview of HIV molecular epidemiology among people who inject drugs in Europe and Asia.

Abstract: HIV strains continuously evolve, tend to recombine, and new circulating variants are being discovered. Novel strains complicate efforts to develop a vaccine against HIV and may exhibit higher transmission efficiency and virulence, and elevated resistance to antiretroviral agents. The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set an ambitious goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies that include epidemiological input as the first step of the process. In this context, molecular epidemiology becomes invaluable as it captures trends in HIV evolution rates that shape epidemiological pictures across several geographical areas. This review briefly summarizes the molecular epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe and Asia. Following high transmission rates of subtype G and CRF14_BG among PWID in Portugal and Spain, two European countries, Greece and Romania, experienced recent HIV outbreaks in PWID that consisted of multiple transmission clusters including subtypes B, A, F1, and recombinants CRF14_BG and CRF35_AD. The latter was first identified in Afghanistan. Russia, Ukraine, and other Former Soviet Union (FSU) states are still facing the devastating effects of epidemics in PWID produced by AFSU (also known as IDU-A), BFSU (known as IDU-B), and CRF03_AB. In Asia, CRF01_AE and subtype B (Western B and Thai B) travelled from PWID in Thailand to neighboring countries. Recombination hotspots in South China, Northern Myanmar, and Malaysia have been generating several intersubtype and inter-CRF recombinants (e.g. CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, CRF33_01B etc.), increasing the complexity of HIV molecular patterns.

Nikolopoulos|Georgios K|GK|
Kostaki|Evangelia-Georgia|EG|
Paraskevis|Dimitrios|D|

HIV
Molecular epidemiology
PWID
Subtypes
Drug injecting


Neonatal Pain: Perceptions and Current Practice.

Abstract: Neonates may experience more than 300 painful procedures throughout their hospitalizations. Prior to 1980, there was a longstanding misconception that neonates do not experience pain. Current studies demonstrate that not only do neonates experience pain but also, due to their immature nervous systems, they are hypersensitive to painful stimuli. Poorly treated pain may lead to negative long-term consequences. Proper assessment of neonate pain is vital. The use of nonpharmacologic treatments may be beneficial in alleviating neonate pain. Pharmacologic treatments in the neonate have been well established. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions can be used in conjunction to increase the efficacy of analgesia.

Perry|Mallory|M|
Tan|Zewen|Z|
Chen|Jie|J|
Weidig|Tessa|T|
Xu|Wanli|W|
Cong|Xiaomei S|XS|

D006760:Hospitalization
D006801:Humans
D007231:Infant, Newborn
D007234:Infant, Premature
D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases
D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
D017283:Neonatal Nursing
D010146:Pain
D059408:Pain Management
D010147:Pain Measurement
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires

Pain
Nonpharmacologic intervention
Barriers
Neonatal care
Pharmacologic intervention


Outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia bacteraemia in a tertiary care centre due to contaminated ultrasound probe gel.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Burkholderia cepacia is an important opportunistic organism in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients, particularly in cystic fibrosis.

AIMS
To describe the epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of B. cepacia bacteraemia.

METHODS
The study examined 14 patients during their admission to three intensive care units in a tertiary care hospital between January and June 2016. The outbreak involved nine (57%) female and six (43%) male patients. All patients were adults of ages ranging from 19 to 85 years with a median age of 52 years. Patients' medical charts, laboratory cultures, exposures, and central line insertion procedures were reviewed.

FINDINGS
B. cepacia was isolated from the blood cultures of 14 patients resulting from contamination of the gel applied to the ultrasound probe used to guide the insertion of a central venous catheter. Molecular pathogen typing using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed 95% similarity between the B. cepacia isolates from the blood of these patients and those isolated from the ultrasound gel.

CONCLUSION
Ongoing surveillance and prompt investigation of unusual disease outbreaks are vital for identifying sources of contamination of B. cepacia and protecting at-risk patients. Sound epidemiological methods are very important for identifying the source of any hospital infection outbreak.

Abdelfattah|R|R| Al-Jumaah|S|S| Al-Qahtani|A|A| Al-Thawadi|S|S| Barron|I|I| Al-Mofada|S|S|

Burkholderia cepacia
Bacteraemia
Intensive care units
Opportunistic infections
Outbreak investigations
Ultrasound probe cover


Diagnostic Biopsy of a Motor Branch of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve to the Peroneus Longus: A Convenient Alternative for Motor Nerve Biopsy.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Motor nerve biopsy is performed to supplement clinical, serologic, and imaging data in the workup of neuropathies of unknown origin, especially when motor neuron disease is suspected.

METHODS
We describe a surgical technique for biopsy of a motor branch of the superficial peroneal nerve innervating the peroneus longus muscle.

RESULTS
Three patients presented with weakness concerning for motor neuropathy and underwent biopsy of a motor branch of the superficial peroneal nerve innervating the peroneus longus muscle. The surgical technique is described in detail. Biopsied tissue was sufficient for pathologic diagnosis. No patient suffered postsurgical sensory or motor deficits related to the procedure. No patient suffered postsurgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS
Biopsy of the motor branch of the superficial peroneal nerve to the peroneus longus is a safe and effective alternative for motor nerve biopsy and can be easily combined with peroneus longus muscle biopsy.

D'Amico|Randy S|RS|
Winfree|Christopher J|CJ|

D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases

Superficial peroneal nerve
Peroneal nerve
Peroneus longus
Motor nerve biopsy
Nerve biopsy
Neuropathy
Common peroneal nerve


A Review of Nervonic Acid Production in Plants: Prospects for the Genetic Engineering of High Nervonic Acid Cultivars Plants.

Abstract: Nervonic acid (NA) is a very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid that plays crucial roles in brain development and has attracted widespread research interest. The markets encouraged the development of a refined, NA-enriched plant oil as feedstocks for the needed further studies of NA biological functions to the end commercial application. Plant seed oils offer a renewable and environmentally friendly source of NA, but their industrial production is presently hindered by various factors. This review focuses on the NA biosynthesis and assembly, NA resources from plants, and the genetic engineering of NA biosynthesis in oil crops, discusses the factors that affect NA production in genetically engineered oil crops, and provides prospects for the application of NA and prospective trends in the engineering of NA. This review emphasizes the progress made toward various NA-related topics and explores the limitations and trends, thereby providing integrated and comprehensive insight into the nature of NA production mechanisms during genetic engineering. Furthermore, this report supports further work involving the manipulation of NA production through transgenic technologies and molecular breeding for the enhancement of crop nutritional quality or creation of plant biochemical factories to produce NA for use in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

Liu|Fang|F| Wang|Pandi|P| Xiong|Xiaojuan|X| Zeng|Xinhua|X| Zhang|Xiaobo|X| Wu|Gang|G|

nervonic acid
production
genetic engineering
oil crops
3-ketoacyl-CoA synthase
plant source


Illusory resizing of the painful knee is analgesic in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract:
Background
Experimental and clinical evidence support a link between body representations and pain. This proof-of-concept study in people with painful knee osteoarthritis (OA) aimed to determine if: (i) visuotactile illusions that manipulate perceived knee size are analgesic; (ii) cumulative analgesic effects occur with sustained or repeated illusions.

Methods
Participants with knee OA underwent eight conditions (order randomised): stretch and shrink visuotactile (congruent) illusions and corresponding visual, tactile and incongruent control conditions. Knee pain intensity (0-100 numerical rating scale; 0 = no pain at all and 100 = worst pain imaginable) was assessed pre- and post-condition. Condition (visuotactile illusion vs control) × Time (pre-/post-condition) repeated measure ANOVAs evaluated the effect on pain. In each participant, the most beneficial illusion was sustained for 3 min and was repeated 10 times (each during two sessions); paired t-tests compared pain at time 0 and 180s (sustained) and between illusion 1 and illusion 10 (repeated).

Results
Visuotactile illusions decreased pain by an average of 7.8 points (95% CI [2.0-13.5]) which corresponds to a 25% reduction in pain, but the tactile only and visual only control conditions did not (Condition × Time interaction: p = 0.028). Visuotactile illusions did not differ from incongruent control conditions where the same visual manipulation occurred, but did differ when only the same tactile input was applied. Sustained illusions prolonged analgesia, but did not increase it. Repeated illusions increased the analgesic effect with an average pain decrease of 20 points (95% CI [6.9-33.1])-corresponding to a 40% pain reduction.

Discussion
Visuotactile illusions are analgesic in people with knee OA. Our results suggest that visual input plays a critical role in pain relief, but that analgesia requires multisensory input. That visual and tactile input is needed for analgesia, supports multisensory modulation processes as a possible explanatory mechanism. Further research exploring the neural underpinnings of these visuotactile illusions is needed. For potential clinical applications, future research using a greater dosage in larger samples is warranted.

Stanton|Tasha R|TR|
Gilpin|Helen R|HR|
Edwards|Louisa|L|
Moseley|G Lorimer|GL|
Newport|Roger|R|

Pain
Knee osteoarthritis
Visuotactile illusions
Bodily illusions
Mediated reality
Multisensory integration


Sequential Transplantation of Haploidentical Stem Cell and Unrelated Cord Blood With Using ATG/PTCY Increases Survival of Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies.

Abstract: Allogeneic haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT) and unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation(UCBT)are used in patients lacking HLA-identical sibling or unrelated donors. With myeloablative condition and GVHD prophylaxis of using low-dose ATG and post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCY), we conducted a prospective clinical trial. Of eligible 122 patients from February 2015 to December 2019 in the study, 113 patients were involved. Forty-eight patients were in the group of sequential haplo-cord transplantation (haplo-cord HSCT), and 65 patients were in the group of single UCBT. The primary endpoint of 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) was no statistical difference between groups (64.1 vs. 56.5%), p>0.05. The analysis of subgroup patients with relapsed/refractory showed haplo-cord HSCT was associated with better OS (HR 0.348, 95% CI, 0.175-0.691; p=0.0025), DFS (HR 0.402, 95% CI, 0.208-0.779; p=0.0069), and GRFS (HR 0.235, 95% CI, 0.120-0.457, p<0.0001) compared to the single cord group. The 2-year's probability in OS, DFS, and GRFS was 64.9 vs. 31.6%, 64.5 vs. 31.6%, and 60.8 vs. 15.0% in the haplo-cord group and single cord group, respectively. III-IV acute GVHD 8.3 vs. 6.2%, chronic GVHD 25.8 vs. 13.7%, and extensive chronic GVHD 5.3 vs. 1.8% were shown in corresponding group, p>0.05. The patients engrafted persistently with UCB showed better survival outcomes. Our sequential Haplo-cord HSCT with ATG/PTCY improved the survival of patients and might be an alternative transplantation approach for patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies.

Li|Hua|H| Li|Xiaofan|X| Chen|Yiling|Y| Li|Duihong|D| Chen|Xianling|X| Zhu|Zhijuan|Z| Wang|Yiting|Y| Huang|Jiafu|J| Chen|Ping|P| Chen|Yuanzhong|Y| Li|Nainong|N|


Current irritability robustly related to current and prior anxiety in bipolar disorder.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although current irritability and current/prior anxiety have been associated in unipolar depression, these relationships are less well understood in bipolar disorder (BD). We investigated relationships between current irritability and current/prior anxiety as well as other current emotions and BD illness characteristics.

METHODS
Outpatients referred to the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic during 2000-2011 were assessed with the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP-BD) Affective Disorders Evaluation. Prevalence and clinical correlates of current irritability and current/prior anxiety and other illness characteristics were examined.

RESULTS
Among 497 BD outpatients (239 Type I, 258 Type II; 58.1% female; mean ± SD age 35.6 ± 13.1 years), 301 (60.6%) had baseline current irritability. Patients with versus without current irritability had significantly higher rates of current anxiety (77.1% versus 42.9%, p < 0.0001) and history of anxiety disorder (73.1% versus 52.6%, p < 0.0001). Current irritability was more robustly related to current anxiety than to current anhedonia, sadness, or euphoria (all p < 0.001), and current irritability-current anxiety associations persisted across current predominant mood states. Current irritability was more robustly related to past anxiety than to all other assessed illness characteristics, including 1° family history of mood disorder, history of alcohol/substance use disorder, bipolar subtype, and current syndromal/subsyndromal depression (all p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS
Limited generalizability beyond our predominately white, female, educated, insured American BD specialty clinic sample.

CONCLUSIONS
In BD, current irritability was robustly related to current/prior anxiety. Further studies are warranted to assess longitudinal clinical implications of relationships between irritability and anxiety in BD.

Yuen|Laura D|LD|
Miller|Shefali|S|
Wang|Po W|PW|
Hooshmand|Farnaz|F|
Holtzman|Jessica N|JN|
Goffin|Kathryn C|KC|
Shah|Saloni|S|
Ketter|Terence A|TA|

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

Irritability
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorder
Comorbidity


Contribution of collagen adhesion receptors to tissue fibrosis.

Abstract: Fibrosis is the result of a wound-healing response that fails to restore normal tissue structure function. One of the critical hallmarks of fibrosis is disrupted collagen remodeling. In tissue homeostasis, the production, deposition and organization of collagen is balanced by the degradation and remodeling of collagen within the existing matrix. After injury or chronic infection, tissues initiate a wound-healing response that is intended to create a new ECM for restoring tissue structure and function. If the wound-healing response is dysregulated or if the tissue injury or infection is severe or long-lasting, collagen deposition exceeds collagen degradation and the tissue repair process leads to fibrosis. The fibrotic repair response is extraordinarily complex and involves a wide spectrum of cells, signaling pathways and regulatory systems, some of which can be readily disrupted and thereby contribute to fibrotic lesions. The dysregulated collagen remodeling is a common end-point of all fibrotic disorders, and one of the rate-limiting steps of collagen remodeling is the binding of cells to collagen fibrils by specific cell adhesion receptors. In this review, we describe how the expression and function of collagen adhesion receptors contribute to collagen processing events that contribute to tissue fibrosis. Graphical abstract Balance between collagen remodeling in health and disease.

Coelho|Nuno Miranda|NM|
McCulloch|Christopher A|CA|

D019038:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIb-IX Complex

Collagen
Adhesion Receptors
Fibrosis
Collagen Remodeling
Fibroblast


Dietary butyrylated high-amylose starch reduces azoxymethane-induced colonic O(6)-methylguanine adducts in rats as measured by immunohistochemistry and high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract: O(6)-methyl guanine (O(6)MeG) adducts are major toxic, promutagenic, and procarcinogenic adducts involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. Resistant starch and its colonic metabolite butyrate are known to protect against oncogenesis in the colon. In this study, we hypothesized that a dietary intervention that specifically delivers butyrate to the large bowel (notably butyrylated high-amylose maize starch [HAMSB]) would reduce colonic levels of O(6)MeG in rats shortly after exposure to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) alkylating agent azoxymethane (AOM) when compared with a low-amylose maize starch (LAMS). A further objective was to validate an immunohistochemistry (IHC) method for quantifying O(6)MeG against a high-performance liquid chromatography method using fluorescence and diode array detection. Rats were fed either LAMS or HAMSB diets for 4 weeks followed by a single injection of AOM or saline and killed 6 hours later. After AOM exposure, both IHC and high-performance liquid chromatography method using fluorescence and diode array detection measured a substantially increased quantity of DNA adducts in the colon (P<.001). Both techniques demonstrated equally that consumption of HAMSB provided a protective effect by reducing colonic adduct load compared with the LAMS diet (P<.05). In addition, IHC allowed visualization of the O(6)MeG distribution, where adduct load was reduced in the lower third of the crypt compartment in HAMSB-fed rats (P=.036). The apoptotic response to AOM was higher in the HAMSB-fed rats (P=.002). In conclusion, the reduction in O(6)MeG levels and enhancement of the apoptotic response to DNA damage in the colonic epithelium through consumption of HAMSB provide mechanistic insights into how HAMSB protects against colorectal tumorigenesis.

Le Leu|Richard K|RK|
Scherer|Benjamin L|BL|
Mano|Mark T|MT|
Winter|Jean M|JM|
Lannagan|Tamsin|T|
Head|Richard J|RJ|
Lockett|Trevor|T|
Clarke|Julie M|JM|

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Colon
Resistant starch
Butyrate
DNA adduct
Colorectal cancer
Rat model


Transcriptome analysis reveals differentially expressed ERF transcription factors associated with salt response in cotton.

Abstract: Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting plant growth and development that has caused severe damage to yield and quality of cotton fiber. Uncovering the mechanisms of response to salt stress is important in breeding salt-tolerant cotton varieties. Transcriptome analysis identified 2356 differentially expressed genes in cotton under salt stress, of which 9.4% were predicted transcription factors (TFs). Approximately 17.6% (39 out of 222) of the differentially expressed TFs belonged to the ethylene response factor (ERF) family. Expression pattern analysis showed significant changes in these ERFs during salt stress. Moreover, the number of down-regulated ERFs was more than that of the up-regulated ERFs. Two of the ERFs, GhERF4L and GhERF54L, showed increased (12-15 times) expression after 12 h of salt treatment. Silencing of GhERF4L and GhERF54L significantly reduced salt tolerance of cotton seedlings, indicating their role in regulating cotton response to salt stress. This study revealed the essential role of ERF transcription factors in the salt response mechanism of plants, and provided important genetic resources for breeding salt-tolerant cotton.

Long|Lu|L| Yang|Wen-Wen|WW| Liao|Peng|P| Guo|Ya-Wei|YW| Kumar|Arvind|A| Gao|Wei|W|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

ERF transcription factor
Cotton
Salt stress
Virus-Induced gene silencing


Upregulation of airway smooth muscle calcium-sensing receptor by low-molecular-weight hyaluronan.

Abstract: We investigated the mechanisms involved in the development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) following exposure of mice to halogens. Male mice (C57BL/6; 20-25 g) exposed to either bromine (Br2) or Cl2 (600 or 400 ppm, respectively, for 30 min) developed AHR 24 h after exposure. Nifedipine (5 mg/kg body wt; an L-type calcium channel blocker), administered subcutaneously after Br2 or Cl2 exposure, produced higher AHR compared with Br2 or Cl2 alone. In contrast, diltiazem (5 mg/kg body wt; a nondihydropyridine L-type calcium channel blocker) decreased AHR to control (air) values. Exposure of immortalized human airway smooth muscle cells (hASMC) to Br2 resulted in membrane potential depolarization (Vm Air: 62 ± 3 mV; 3 h post Br2:-45 ± 5 mV; means ± 1 SE; P < 0.001), increased intracellular [Ca2+]i, and increased expression of the calcium-sensing receptor (Ca-SR) protein. Treatment of hASMC with a siRNA against Ca-SR significantly inhibited the Br2 and nifedipine-induced Vm depolarization and [Ca2+]i increase. Intranasal administration of an antagonist to Ca-SR in mice postexposure to Br2 reversed the effects of Br2 and nifedipine on AHR. Incubation of hASMC with low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMW-HA), generated by exposing high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HMW-HA) to Br2, caused Vm depolarization, [Ca2+]i increase, and Ca-SR expression to a similar extent as exposure to Br2 and Cl2. The addition of HMW-HA to cells or mice exposed to Br2, Cl2, or LMW-HA reversed these effects in vitro and improved AHR in vivo. We conclude that detrimental effects of halogen exposure on AHR are mediated via activation of the Ca-SR by LMW-HA.

calcium-sensing receptor
airway hyperresponsiveness
halogens
nifedipine
diltiazem
human airway smooth muscle cells
membrane potential


Thermostable chitinase from Cohnella sp. A01: isolation and product optimization.

Abstract: Twelve bacterial strains isolated from shrimp farming ponds were screened for their growth activity on chitin as the sole carbon source. The highly chitinolytic bacterial strain was detected by qualitative cup plate assay and tentatively identified to be Cohnella sp. A01 based on 16S rDNA sequencing and by matching the key morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. The cultivation of Cohnella sp. A01 in the suitable liquid medium resulted in the production of high levels of enzyme. The colloidal chitin, peptone, and K2HPO4 represented the best carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus sources, respectively. Enzyme production by Cohnella sp. A01 was optimized by the Taguchi method. Our results demonstrated that inoculation amount and temperature of incubation were the most significant factors influencing chitinase production. From the tested values, the best pH/temperature was obtained at pH 5 and 70°C, with Km and Vmax values of chitinase to be 5.6mg/mL and 0.87μmol/min, respectively. Ag+, Co2+, iodoacetamide, and iodoacetic acid inhibited the enzyme activity, whereas Mn2+, Cu2+, Tweens (20 and 80), Triton X-100, and EDTA increased the same. In addition, the study of the morphological alteration of chitin treated by enzyme by SEM revealed cracks and pores on the chitin surface, indicating a potential application of this enzyme in several industries.

Aliabadi|Nasrin|N|
Aminzadeh|Saeed|S|
Karkhane|Ali Asghar|AA|
Haghbeen|Kamahldin|K|

Thermostable
Chitinase
Cohnella sp. A01
Isolation
Biochemical characterization


Electrocardiographic screening in primary care for cardiovascular disease risk and atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are frequently recorded in primary care for screening purposes. An ECG is essential in diagnosing atrial fibrillation, and ECG abnormalities are associated with cardiovascular events. While recent studies show that ECGs adequately reclassify a proportion of patients based on the clinical risk score calculations, there are no data to support that this also results in improved health outcomes. When applied for screening for atrial fibrillation, more cases are found with routine care, but this would be undone when physicians would perform systematic pulse palpation. In most studies, the harms of routine ECG use (such as unnecessary diagnostic testing, emotional distress, increased health expenses) were poorly documented. As such, the routine performing of ECGs in asymptomatic primary care patients, whether it is for cardiovascular disease risk assessment or atrial fibrillation, cannot be recommended.

screening
primary care
ECG
electrocardiography
general practice


Study on the mechanism of the effect of temperature on the decomposition reaction of SFn (n = 1-6) under discharge conditions.

Abstract: The study on the mechanism of the effect of temperature on the decomposition reaction of SFn (n = 1-6) under discharge conditions is very important in studying the potential fault of SF6 high voltage switch equipment and perfecting the chemical kinetic model of SFn discharge. In this paper, structural optimizations, thermal correction to Gibbs free energy for the reactants, and products were performed at the B3LYP/6-311 +  + G(d,p) theory level. The single-point energies of all species were collected at the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-PVTZ level. The electric and thermal decomposition mechanism of SFn under discharge conditions of 298-10,000 K were studied, respectively. The conclusion drawn was that in the temperature range of 298-10,000 K, the thermal decomposition homopolytic reaction △G began to decline from 200 kJ/mol, while the △G of the other two heterogenous reactions began to decrease from 1000 kJ/mol and 2000 kJ/mol, showing a downward trend of an almost similar slope. The electrolysis of SFn is related to electron energy. When the electron energy is low, SFn + e → SFn- series reactions occur, and △G of R12, R20, R28, R36, and R44 increases with temperature rise, while △G of R4 decreases with temperature. When the electron energy is high, one of SFn-  → SFn-1-  + F, SFn-  → SFn-1 + F-, and SFn-  → SFn-1 + F + e will occur, and the reactions that occur at various temperature ranges as the temperature rises vary. When the second electron hits the SFn-, the SFn-  + e → SFn-1-  + F reaction will occur. The △G of this reaction slowly decreases with an increase in temperature. This study in clearer terms explains the decomposition process and mechanism of SFn at different temperatures.

Electronic impact
Gibbs free energy change
Quantum chemistry
Reaction mechanism


Preliminary Investigation on Vacancy Filling by Small Molecules on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: The Case of a Type-II Absorber.

Abstract: The steric shielding offered by sensitizers on semiconducting surfaces as a result of branching in the dyes used offers the less utilization of semiconducting substrate sites during device fabrication in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This work proposes a strategy to increase the coverage through the utilization of small molecules which have the ability to penetrate into the sites. The small molecules play the dual role of vacancy filling and sensitization, which can be viewed as an alternative to co-sensitization also. Hence, we show for the first time ever that the co-adsorption of catechol with Z907 as a sensitizer enhances the electron density in the photo-anode by adsorbing on the vacant sites. Catechol was subsequently adsorbed on TiO2 after Z907 as it has a stronger interaction with TiO2 owing to its favorable thermodynamics. The reduced number of vacant sites, suppressed charge recombination, and enhanced spectral response are responsible for the improvement in the PCEs. Quantitatively, both organic and aqueous electrolytes were used and the co-sensitized DSSCs had PCE enhancements of 7.2 and 60%, respectively, compared to the control devices.

Asiam|Francis Kwaku|FK|
Hao|Nguyen Huy|NH|
Kaliamurthy|Ashok Kumar|AK|
Kang|Hyeong Cheol|HC|
Yoo|Kicheon|K|
Lee|Jae-Joon|JJ|

dye-sensitized solar cells and thermodynamics