Acute exposure to traffic-related air pollution alters antioxidant status in healthy adults.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Evidence suggests that inhaled pollutants precipitate these effects via multiple pathways involving oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE
Postulating that a decrease in circulating antioxidant levels reflect an oxidative response, we investigated the effect of inhaled diesel exhaust (DE) on the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in healthy adults, and whether pre-exposure antioxidant supplementation blunted this response. We also examined exposure-related changes in antioxidant/stress response leukocyte gene expression (GCLc, HMOX-1, IL-6, TGFβ) and plasma IL-6 levels.

METHODS
Nineteen nonsmoking adults participated in a double-blind, randomized, four-way crossover study. Each subject completed 120-min exposures to filtered air and DE (200 μg/m3), with and without antioxidant pretreatment. Antioxidant comprised 1000 mg ascorbate for 7 days and 1200 mg N-acetylcysteine 1 day prior to exposure, with 1000 mg and 600 mg, respectively, administered 2 h prior to exposure. Whole blood glutathione was measured pre- and post-exposure; plasma IL-6 and mRNA expression were quantified pre, during and post exposure.

RESULTS
Diesel exhaust exposure was associated with significantly decreased GSH/GSSG (p = 0.001) and a 4-fold increase in IL-6 mRNA (p = 0.01) post exposure. Antioxidant pretreatment did not significantly mediate the effect of DE exposure on GSH/GSSG, though appeared to decrease the effect of exposure on IL-6 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS
Acute DE inhalation induced detectable oxidative effects in healthy adults, which were not significantly attenuated by the selected antioxidant pre-treatment. This finding supports the premise that oxidative stress is one mechanism underlying the adverse effects of traffic-related air pollution.

Cosselman|Kristen E|KE|
Allen|Jason|J|
Jansen|Karen L|KL|
Stapleton|Patricia|P|
Trenga|Carol A|CA|
Larson|Timothy V|TV|
Kaufman|Joel D|JD|

Air pollution
Antioxidant
Diesel exhaust
Glutathione
IL-6


Cigarette cues capture attention of smokers and never-smokers, but for different reasons.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
While the notion that smokers reliably show higher reactivity to cigarette-related versus neutral cues is both theoretically and empirically supported, it is unclear why never-smokers also show enhanced brain responses to cigarette-related cues.

METHODS
Using a repetitive picture viewing paradigm, in which responses evoked by affective cues are more resistant to habituation, we assessed the effects of stimulus repetition on event-related potentials (ERPs) evoked by pleasant, unpleasant, cigarette-related, and neutral images in 34 smokers (SMO) and 34 never-smokers (NEV). We examined the early posterior negativity (EPN) and the late positive potential (LPP), two ERP components which are sensitive to a picture's motivational qualities.

RESULTS
Before stimulus repetition, pleasant, unpleasant, and cigarette-related cues produced greater EPN and LPP amplitudes than neutral cues in all subjects. During stimulus repetition, both components were similarly modulated by emotional arousal, such that pleasant, unpleasant, and cigarette-related cues evoked greater EPN and LPP amplitude, relative to neutral. Smoking status did not modulate these effects. While there were no group differences in self-reported stimulus ratings of valence for pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral stimuli, NEV rated cigarette-related cues as unpleasant. We observed a moderate, negative correlation between LPP amplitude and self-reported valence ratings of cigarette-related cues among NEV.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that cigarette-related cues capture attentional resources of both SMO and NEV, but for different reasons. For SMO, cigarette-related cues have acquired motivational significance through repeated associations with nicotine delivery, whereas for NEV, cigarette-related cues are perceived as unpleasant.

Deweese|Menton M|MM|
Codispoti|Maurizio|M|
Robinson|Jason D|JD|
Cinciripini|Paul M|PM|
Versace|Francesco|F|

Repetition
Event-related potentials
Smoking
Addiction


Enzymatic Protein Biopolymers as a Tool to Synthetize Eukaryotic Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) with Uses in Vaccination, Immunotherapy and Nanotechnology.

Abstract: Multi-subunit enzymes are protein biopolymers that are involved in many cellular processes. The enzyme that carries out the process of transcription of mRNAs is RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), which is a multi-subunit enzyme in eukaryotes. This protein biopolymer starts the transcription from specific sites and is positioned by transcription factors, which form a preinitiation complex (PIC) on gene promoters. To recognize and position the RNAPII and the transcription factors on the gene promoters are needed specific DNA sequences in the gene promoters, which are named promoter elements. Those gene promoter elements can vary and therefore several kinds of promoters exist, however, it appears that all promoters can use a similar pathway for PIC formation. Those pathways are discussed in this review. The in vitro transcribed mRNA can be used as vaccines to fight infectious diseases, e.g., in immunotherapy against cancer and in nanotechnology to deliver mRNA for a missing protein into the cell. We have outlined a procedure to produce an mRNA vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the causing agent of the big pandemic, COVID-19, affecting human beings all over the world. The potential advantages of using eukaryotic RNAPII to synthetize large transcripts are outlined and discussed. In addition, we suggest a method to cap the mRNA at the 5' terminus by using enzymes, which might be more effective than cap analogs. Finally, we suggest the construction of a future multi-talented RNAPII, which would be able to synthetize large mRNA and cap them in the test tube.

protein biopolymer
mRNA
vaccine
immunotherapy
nanotechnology
transcription


The regulatory role of antisense lncRNAs in cancer.

Abstract: Antisense long non-coding RNAs (antisense lncRNAs), transcribed from the opposite strand of genes with either protein coding or non-coding function, were reported recently to play a crucial role in the process of tumor onset and development. Functionally, antisense lncRNAs either promote or suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoradiosensitivity. Mechanistically, they exert their regulatory functions through epigenetic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational modulations. Simultaneously, because of nucleotide sequence complementarity, antisense lncRNAs have a special role on its corresponding sense gene. We highlight the functions and molecular mechanisms of antisense lncRNAs in cancer tumorigenesis and progression. We also discuss the potential of antisense lncRNAs to become cancer diagnostic biomarkers and targets for tumor treatment.

Antisense lncRNA
Cancer
Target therapy
Transcriptional modulation
Translational control


Structural features and oligomeric nature of human podocin domain.

Abstract: Podocytes are crucial cells of the glomerular filtration unit and plays a vital role at the interface of the blood-urine barrier. Podocyte slit-diaphragm is a modified tight junction that facilitates size and charge-dependent permselectivity. Several proteins including podocin, nephrin, CD2AP, and TRPC6 form a macromolecular assembly and constitute the slit-diaphragm. Podocin is an integral membrane protein attached to the inner membrane of the podocyte via a short transmembrane region (101-125). The cytosolic N- and C-terminus help podocin to attain a hook-like structure. Podocin shares 44% homology with stomatin family proteins and similar to the stomatin proteins, podocin was shown to associate into higher-order oligomers at the site of slit-diaphragm. However, the stoichiometry of the homo-oligomers and how it partakes in the macromolecular assemblies with other slit-diaphragm proteins remains elusive. Here we investigated the oligomeric propensity of a truncated podocin construct (residues:126-350). We show that the podocin domain majorly homo-oligomerizes into a 16-mer. Circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy suggest that the 16-mer oligomer has considerable secondary structure and moderate tertiary packing.

Mulukala|Sandeep K N|SKN|
Irukuvajjula|Shivkumar S|SS|
Kumar|Krishan|K|
Garai|Kanchan|K|
Venkatesu|Pannuru|P|
Vadrevu|Ramakrishna|R|
Pasupulati|Anil K|AK|

NPHS1 & 2, Nephrotic syndrome-type I and type II

TRPC6, Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 6


Prevalence and distribution of seven human pathogens in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs in Minnesota, USA.

Abstract: In the north-central United States, the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is currently known to vector seven human pathogens. These include five bacteria (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia mayonii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis), one protozoan (Babesia microti) and one virus (Powassan). We sought to assess the prevalence and distribution of these pathogens in host-seeking nymphs collected throughout Minnesota, a state on the northwestern edge of the tick's expanding range, where reported cases of I. scapularis-borne diseases have increased in incidence and geographic range over the past decade. Among the 1240 host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs that we screened from 64 sites, we detected all seven pathogens at varying frequencies. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was the most prevalent and geographically widespread, found in 25.24% of all nymphs tested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia microti were also geographically widespread, but they were less prevalent than Bo. burgdorferi s.s. (detected in 6.29% and 4.68% of ticks, respectively). Spatial clusters of sites with high prevalence for these three pathogens were identified in the north-central region of the state. Prevalence was less than 1.29% for each of the remaining pathogens. Two or more pathogens were detected in 90 nymphs (7.26%); coinfections with Bo. burgdorferi s.s. and either A. phagocytophilum (51 nymphs, 4.11%) or Ba. microti (43 nymphs, 3.47%) were the most common combinations. The distribution and density of infected ticks mirrors the distribution of notifiable tick-borne diseases in Minnesota and provides information on the distribution and prevalence of recently described human pathogens.

Johnson|Tammi L|TL|
Graham|Christine B|CB|
Maes|Sarah E|SE|
Hojgaard|Andrias|A|
Fleshman|Amy|A|
Boegler|Karen A|KA|
Delory|Mark J|MJ|
Slater|Kimetha S|KS|
Karpathy|Sandor E|SE|
Bjork|Jenna K|JK|
Neitzel|David F|DF|
Schiffman|Elizabeth K|EK|
Eisen|Rebecca J|RJ|

Coinfection
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis
Density of infected nymphs (DIN)
Lyme disease
Nymphal infection prevalence (NIP)


The effect of frequency of activity interruptions in prolonged sitting on postprandial glucose metabolism: A randomized crossover trial.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that increased frequency of interruptions in prolonged sitting reduces postprandial glycemia independent of energy intake and expenditure.

MATERIALS/METHODS
Healthy, sedentary, centrally obese men (n = 14; age*, 28.2 (23.4; 38.3) years; BMI, 31.9 ± 6.7 kg/m2; VO2max*, 39.5 (38.8; 40.9) ml/min/kg; HbA1c, 5.3 ± 0.4% (34.1 ± 4.2 mmol/mol); mean ± SD (*median (25th; 75th percentile)) completed four 8-h interventions in randomized order: 1) uninterrupted sitting (SIT), 2) sitting interrupted by 2 min of walking (~30% of VO2max) every 20th minute (INT20), 3) sitting interrupted by 6 min of walking every hour (INT60), and 4) sitting interrupted by 12 min of walking every second hour (INT120). A standardized test drink was served at the beginning of and 4 h into the intervention (total of 2310 ± 247 kcal; 50% energy from carbohydrate, 50% energy from fat). Outcomes included the difference in the 8-h total area under the curve (tAUC) for primarily plasma glucose, and secondarily plasma insulin and C-peptide during INT20, INT60, and INT120 compared to SIT.

RESULTS
No difference [95% CI] was observed in the primary outcome, the 8-h tAUC for the plasma glucose, during INT20, INT60, and INT120 compared to SIT (-65.3 mmol/l∗min [-256.3; 125.7], +53.8 mmol/l∗min [-143.1; 250.8], and +18.6 mmol/l∗min [-172.4; 209.6], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
Interrupting sitting with increasing frequency did not reduce the postprandial plasma glucose response to prolonged sitting in healthy, sedentary, centrally obese men.

Thorsen|Ida K|IK|
Johansen|Mette Y|MY|
Pilmark|Nanna S|NS|
Jespersen|Naja Z|NZ|
Brinkløv|Cecilie F|CF|
Benatti|Fabiana B|FB|
Dunstan|David W|DW|
Karstoft|Kristian|K|
Pedersen|Bente K|BK|
Ried-Larsen|Mathias|M|

Postprandial glucose metabolism
Walking
Cardiometabolic risk
Postprandial lipid metabolism
Sedentary behavior
Substrate oxidation


Plasma-based microRNA signatures in early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of the present study was to identify plasma miRNAs enabling early diagnosis of BC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Expression levels of seven plasma miRNAs (miR-23a-3p, miR-29b-2-5p, miR-130a-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-152-3p, and miR-182-5p) in 106 patients with newly diagnosed BC and 96 healthy participants were analyzed by qRT-PCR. We also evaluated the relationship between the expression levels of these miRNAs and clinicopathological features of patients with BC.

RESULTS
Compared with healthy controls, we found that miR-23a-3p (p = .025), miR-130a-5p (p = .006), miR-144-3p (p = .040), miR-148a-3p (p = .023), and miR-152-3p (p = .019) were downregulated in the plasma of patients with BC. MiR-130a-5p, miR-144-3p, and miR-152-3p were downexpressed in BC tissues as well as plasma. The expression of the miR-23a-3p, miR-144-3p, and miR-152-3p was related to ER positive and PR positive. Besides, miR-23a-3p, miR-144-3p, and miR-152-3p did show the significant difference in the staging compromised to the control, especially in stage I-II. Moreover, we also found that miR-144-3p and miR-148a-3p were associated with lymph node invasion.

CONCLUSIONS
The expression levels of the miR-23a-3p, miR-130a-5p, miR-144-3p, miR-148a-3p, and miR-152-3p were lower in patients with BC compared to healthy controls and were associated with ex hormone receptor, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis, indicating the diagnostic potential of these miRNAs in BC.

Li|Xu|X| Zou|Wenjing|W| Wang|Yuzhen|Y| Liao|Zijun|Z| Li|Lina|L| Zhai|Yang|Y| Zhang|Lingxiao|L| Gu|Shanzhi|S| Zhao|Xinhan|X|0000-0003-0532-5253

D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor
D001943:Breast Neoplasms
D000074166:Circulating MicroRNA
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D008875:Middle Aged


Optical-Gain-based Sensing Using Inorganic-Ligand-Passivated Colloidal Quantum Dots.

Abstract: Thanks to their extremely large surface-to-volume ratio, colloidal quantum dots are potential high-performance sensing materials. However, previous sensing works using their spontaneous emission suffer from low sensitivities. The absence of an amplification process and the presence of the steric hindrance of long-chain organic ligands are two possible causations. Herein we propose that these two issues can be circumvented by using the amplified spontaneous emission of colloidal quantum dots capped by short-chain inorganic ligands. To exemplify this concept, we performed humidity sensing and observed a ∼31 times enhancement in sensitivity. Meanwhile, we found that the amplified spontaneous emission threshold power was reduced by 34% in a high humidity environment. On the basis of our transient absorption measurements, we attribute these observations to the mitigation of ultrafast subpicosecond trapping processes, which are enabled by the absorption of water molecules.

Colloidal quantum dots
amplified spontaneous emission
gas sensing
ligand exchange
optical gain
ultrafast carrier dynamics


Active physiotherapy interventions following total knee arthroplasty in the hospital and inpatient rehabilitation settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Physiotherapy is a routine component of postoperative management following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). As the demand for surgery increases it is vital that postoperative physiotherapy interventions are effective and efficient.

OBJECTIVES
Determine the most beneficial active physiotherapy interventions in acute hospital and inpatient rehabilitation for improving pain, activity, range of motion and reducing length of stay for adults who have undergone TKA.

DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PUBMED and EMBASE.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of active physiotherapy interventions in the acute hospital or inpatient rehabilitation setting for adults who have undergone TKA.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Risk of bias for individual studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Standardised Mean Differences (SMD) or Mean Differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and combined in meta-analyses. Quality of meta-analyses was assessed using the Grades of Research, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS
Accelerated physiotherapy regimens were effective for reducing acute hospital length of stay (MD -3.50 days, 95% CI -5.70 to -1.30). Technology-assisted physiotherapy did not show any difference for activity (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.82 to 0.13). From high quality individual studies pain, activity and range of motion improved with accelerated physiotherapy regimens and activity improved with hydrotherapy.

LIMITATIONS
Lack of blinding and small sample sizes across the included trials.

CONCLUSION
After TKA, there is low level evidence that accelerated physiotherapy regimens can reduce acute hospital length of stay. Systematic review registration number PROSPERO (Registration number CRD42014013414) http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.

Henderson|Kate G|KG|
Wallis|Jason A|JA|
Snowdon|David A|DA|

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Total knee arthroplasty
Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy specialty
Physiotherapy techniques


A case of desmoplakin mutation and delayed arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia after atrial septal defect closure.

Abstract: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a slow-developing cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium. Its clinical diagnosis is challenging because of its variable clinical presentation and low genetic penetrance. We describe the case of a 67-year-old man who was diagnosed as having ARVC/D with a desmoplakin mutation that appeared after occlusion of an atrial septal defect (ASD). He underwent patch closure surgery for ASD at the age of 54 years. Four years later, he underwent catheter ablation for multifocal atrial tachycardias. Because of pre-syncope and inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was implanted. When he was admitted for worsening heart failure at the age of 61 years, the desmoplakin mutation was detected with progressive left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Subsequently, he was diagnosed as having ARVC/D with RV dysfunction. At cardiac autopsy, characteristics of ARVC/D, including dilatation, fibrofatty changes in the right ventricle, and diffuse fibrosis in the left ventricle were detected. Along with the effect of RV dysfunction caused by ASD, the progression of LV dysfunction after ASD closure was also possibly caused by the disease progression of ARVC/D. Physicians should carefully assess the various states of ARVC/D. <Learning objective: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) is a cardiomyopathy characterized by arrhythmias, fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular (RV) myocardium, and slow progression to more diffuse ventricular dysfunction. This case involved an atrial septal defect (ASD) that promoted the RV failure and was complicated with delayed progression of ARVC/D after ASD closure. The present case suggests that physicians need to carefully assess the various states of ARVC/D.>.

Yoshida|Ayano|A| Suzuki|Atsushi|A| Kawada|Erisa|E| Tobita|Takashige|T| Serizawa|Naoki|N| Suzuki|Tsuyoshi|T| Arai|Kotaro|K| Shiga|Tsuyoshi|T| Shoda|Morio|M| Yosizawa|Saeko|S| Uto|Kenta|K| Masui|Kenta|K| Hagiwara|Nobuhisa|N|


Transcriptome analysis and identification of significantly differentially expressed genes in Holstein calves subjected to severe thermal stress.

Abstract: RNA-Seq analysis was used to characterize transcriptome response of Holstein calves to thermal stress. A total of eight animals aged between 2 and 3 months were randomly selected and subjected to thermal stress corresponding to a temperature humidity index of 95 in an environmentally controlled house for 12 h consecutively for 3 days. A set of 15,787 unigenes were found to be expressed and after a threshold of threefold change, and a Q value <0.05; 502, 394, and 376 genes were found to be differentially expressed on days 1, 2, and 3 out of which 343, 261 and 256 genes were upregulated and 159, 133, and 120 genes were downregulated. Only 356 genes out of these were expressed on all 3 days, and only they were considered as significantly differentially expressed. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that ten pathways were significantly enriched; the top two among them were protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum and MAPK signaling pathways. These results suggest that thermal stress triggered a complex response in Holstein calves and the animals adjusted their physiological and metabolic processes to survive. Many of the genes identified in this study have not been previously reported to be involved in thermal stress response. The results of this study extend our understanding of the animal's response to thermal stress and some of the identified genes may prove useful in the efforts to breed Holstein cattle with superior thermotolerance, which might help in minimizing production loss due to thermal stress.

Srikanth|Krishnamoorthy|K| Lee|Eunjin|E| Kwan|Anam|A| Lim|Youngjo|Y| Lee|Junyep|J| Jang|Gulwon|G| Chung|Hoyoung|H|

Differentially expressed genes
Holstein calves
Thermal stress
Global warming


Quantitative risk assessment of human Taenia solium exposure from consuming pork produced in Punjab, India.

Abstract: Taenia solium cysticercosis is a neglected zoonosis that affects people throughout much of the developing world. The disease is endemic in Punjab state of India and controlling it is a public health challenge. No studies have been conducted to quantify the risk of T. solium exposure from consuming pork produced in the state. A stochastic quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model was constructed to understand the risk of human T. solium infection from consuming pork produced in Punjab. Input data were collected from official records, published literature, active surveillance and specifically for this study. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the influence of the input parameters on the main output probability that any one pork meal is infective (contains at least one viable cyst) at consumption. The probability of any pork meal in Punjab containing at least one viable T. solium cyst post-storage and post-cooking was median 5.57 × 10-4 (95% PI 1.06 × 10-4 -1.95 × 10-3 ). Sobol' sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the most influential input parameters on consumption of a pork meal with at least one viable T. solium were the probability that a meal is insufficiently cooked to render cysts unviable, and the proportion of infected carcasses following informal slaughter. Whilst improved sanitation and hygiene can prevent cysticercosis in people, efforts to reduce the prevalence of T. solium cysts in pig carcases by preventing pigs' access to human waste, increasing meat inspection and promoting effective cooking practices are also important to reduce this source of taeniasis.

quantitative risk assessment
Taenia solium
pork
Punjab
India
cysticercosis
pigs


Comparison of Hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (6%) with commonly used agents in an experimental Pleurodesis model.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES) 130/0.4 (6%) is a commonly used intravascular volume expander with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to compare the histopathologic activity of HES 130/0.4 (6%) with various widely-used agents in pleurodesis.

METHODS
Forty male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into five groups: controls, povidone-iodine recipients (PI group), sterile talcum recipients (Talcum group), autologous blood recipients (AB group) and HES 130/0.4 (6%) recipients (HES group). Thirty days after application of agents, pleural and lung tissues were resected. Evaluation was performed via macroscopic scoring (adhesion) and specimens were stained with H&E for microscopic examination (inflammation and fibrosis).

RESULTS
HES recipients had significantly higher adhesion compared to controls (lower grade 0, higher grade 1 frequency vs. controls), they were found to have significantly lower frequency of grade 2 adhesion (vs. PI, Talc and AB) and grade 3 adhesion (vs. AB), indicating that the adhesion-generating properties of HES were only superior to the control group. HES recipients had significantly higher inflammatory grades compared to controls (lower grade 0, higher grade 1 frequency), while they had lower grades compared to the PI, Talc and AB groups. Although the PI, Talc and AB groups were statistically similar in most comparisons, we observed a trend towards higher success with the use of Talc and especially AB.

CONCLUSION
Our results do not support a role for HES in pleurodesis. We believe that the autologous blood method remains as an effective and successful procedure without side effects.

Hydroxyethyl starch
Pleurodesis
Parietal-visceral pleura


Impact of anti-infective periodontal therapy on parameters of vascular health.

Abstract:
AIM
This study assessed the impact of anti-infective periodontal therapy on the status of vascular health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Periodontal and vascular health of 55 patients with severe untreated chronic periodontitis was evaluated before and 12 months after anti-infective periodontal therapy. Observed parameters were bleeding on probing (BoP), pocket probing depth (PPD), periodontal inflamed surface area index (PISA), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), central pulse pressure (PPao) and peripheral systolic pressure (RRsys).

RESULTS
ΔPISA (baseline-12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.21; p < .03), ΔAIx (τ 0.29; p < .002) and ΔPPao (τ 0.23; p < .02). ΔBoP% (baseline-12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.18; p < .05) and ΔAIx (τ 0.25; p < .01), while mean ΔPPD (baseline-12 months) correlated with ΔPWV (τ 0.24; p < .01) and ΔAIx (τ 0.21; p < .03). Grouping patients evenly into three groups based on tertiles of BoP resolution after 12 months revealed a significant decrease in the observed PWV median value by -0.6 m/s (p < .04) in the best response tertile (ΔBoP ≥ 88%). In the worst response tertile (ΔBoP ≤ 66%), by contrast, significant increase in PPao (+10.5 mmHg; p < .02) and AIx (+5.5; p < .02) was observed.

CONCLUSION
Efficacious resolution of periodontal inflammation may beneficially impact on vascular health.

D000890:Anti-Infective Agents
D001794:Blood Pressure
D055113:Chronic Periodontitis
D006801:Humans
D008875:Middle Aged
D010512:Periodontal Index
D063177:Pulse Wave Analysis
D059289:Vascular Stiffness

periodontal therapy
periodontitis
pulse wave velocity
inflammation
arterial stiffness
central blood pressure


Resilience and Equity in a Time of Crises: Investing in Public Urban Greenspace Is Now More Essential Than Ever in the US and Beyond.

Abstract: The intersecting negative effects of structural racism, COVID-19, climate change, and chronic diseases disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities in the US and around the world. Urban populations of color are concentrated in historically redlined, segregated, disinvested, and marginalized neighborhoods with inadequate quality housing and limited access to resources, including quality greenspaces designed to support natural ecosystems and healthy outdoor activities while mitigating urban environmental challenges such as air pollution, heat island effects, combined sewer overflows and poor water quality. Disinvested urban environments thus contribute to health inequity via physical and social environmental exposures, resulting in disparities across numerous health outcomes, including COVID-19 and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this paper, we build off an existing conceptual framework and propose another conceptual framework for the role of greenspace in contributing to resilience and health equity in the US and beyond. We argue that strategic investments in public greenspaces in urban neighborhoods impacted by long term economic disinvestment are critically needed to adapt and build resilience in communities of color, with urgency due to immediate health threats of climate change, COVID-19, and endemic disparities in chronic diseases. We suggest that equity-focused investments in public urban greenspaces are needed to reduce social inequalities, expand economic opportunities with diversity in workforce initiatives, build resilient urban ecosystems, and improve health equity. We recommend key strategies and considerations to guide this investment, drawing upon a robust compilation of scientific literature along with decades of community-based work, using strategic partnerships from multiple efforts in Milwaukee Wisconsin as examples of success.

Bikomeye|Jean C|JC|0000-0003-0013-1628
Namin|Sima|S|
Anyanwu|Chima|C|
Rublee|Caitlin S|CS|0000-0002-2964-0349
Ferschinger|Jamie|J|
Leinbach|Ken|K|
Lindquist|Patricia|P|
Hoppe|August|A|
Hoffman|Lawrence|L|
Hegarty|Justin|J|
Sperber|Dwayne|D|
Beyer|Kirsten M M|KMM|

resilience
greenspace
structural racism
COVID-19
climate change
cancer
cardiovascular diseases (CVD)
health equity
urban neighborhoods
health disparities


Macular ganglion-cell-complex layer thinning and optic nerve integrity in drug-naïve Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: To reveal the macular inner retinal change linked to axonal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), we performed macular optical coherence tomography scan and diffusion tensor imaging of the retrobulbar optic nerve on both eyes of 36 drug-naïve PD patients. Thicknesses of inner retinal layers were automatically measured, and correlation analysis was conducted between the retinal thickness and diffusion parameters of the optic nerve. PD patients showed thinning of the inner retinal layers compared to control data. Thicknesses of the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers were both correlated positively with fractional anisotropy and negatively with diffusivity indices of ipsilateral optic nerve (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05). This study revealed a novel in vivo connection between macular parafoveal ganglion cell change and integrity in the retrobulbar optic nerve in drug-naïve PD.

Lee|Jee-Young|JY|0000-0002-9120-2075
Ahn|Jeeyun|J|
Yoon|Eun Jin|EJ|
Oh|Sohee|S|
Kim|Yu Kyeong|YK|
Jeon|Beomseok|B|

Optic nerve
Optical coherence tomography
Diffusion tensor imaging
Macula
Parkinson’s disease
Retina


On-line solid-phase separation/preconcentration for the determination of copper in urine by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Abstract: A new on-line separation/preconcentration system was developed for the determination of Cu(II) ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in urine samples. A newly synthesized chelating resin, by anchoring eriochrome blue black R reagent to Amberlite XAD-16 resin, was used as a packing material for the selective separation/preconcentration of Cu(II) ions. The influence of the parameters on the determination of Cu(II) ions such as pH of sample solution, amount of the resin, eluent type, interfering ions and flow variables was studied. The detection limit of the method was 1.0 μg L(-1) while precision was 2.3% (n=15) at 50 μg L(-1) Cu(II) level. The adsorption capacity of the resin was 217 μg g(-1) Cu(II). The accuracy of the method was proven using TMDA-64 standard lake water and synthetic urine sample. The developed method has been applied successfully to the determination of copper in urine with satisfactory results.

Saçmacı|Serife|S| Sahan|Serkan|S| Sahin|Uğur|U| Kartal|Senol|S| Ulgen|Ahmet|A|

Chelating resin
Eriochrome blue black R
On-line preconcentration
Urinary copper


Surplus value of implanted peroneal functional electrical stimulation over ankle-foot orthosis for gait adaptability in people with foot drop after stroke.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Implanted peroneal functional electrical stimulation (FES) is an effective alternative treatment to ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in people with drop foot after stroke. With FES no constraints on ankle mobility are imposed which might particularly be exploited in challenging walking environments that require adaptations of the gait pattern to environmental disturbances.

RESEARCH QUESTION
Is gait adaptability, by means of the capacity to avoid sudden obstacles while walking on a treadmill, superior with implanted FES compared to AFO in people with drop foot after stroke?

METHODS
A 4-channel peroneal nerve stimulator (ActiGait®) was implanted in 22 persons with stroke (>6 months) who regularly used an AFO. Gait adaptability was tested with an obstacle avoidance task on an instrumented treadmill up to 26 weeks (n = 10) or 52 weeks (n = 12) after FES-system activation. At assessments, 30 trials, in which obstacles were suddenly dropped onto the treadmill in front of the paretic leg, were recorded with each device (FES / AFO). Trials were grouped by available response times (ART) and success rates were calculated. The effect of device, ART and follow up time on success rates was tested using generalized estimated equations. Nonparametric correlations were calculated to associate changes in success rates with clinimetrics.

RESULTS
Success rates of obstacle avoidance were higher when participants used their FES system compared to AFO (Δ4.7%, p = 0.03), which effect was largest for longest ARTs (Δ15%, p = 0.03). Participants with greater motor impairment of the paretic leg showed greater benefit from FES (rs=-0.49, p = 0.04).

SIGNIFICANCE
FES has been found equally effective as AFO in improving walking speed of people with drop foot after stroke. We now present superior walking performance in a complex walking environment for implanted peroneal FES compared to AFO. These findings underline the importance of using gait assessments that require interplay with the environment, besides assessment of stationary walking, in community ambulators.

Berenpas|Frank|F|
Geurts|Alexander C|AC|
den Boer|Jasper|J|
van Swigchem|Roos|R|
Nollet|Frans|F|
Weerdesteyn|Vivian|V|

Functional electrical stimulation
Ankle-foot orthosis
Gait
Stroke
Peroneal nerve
Obstacle avoidance
Rehabilitation


Thyroid and androgen receptor signaling are antagonized by μ-Crystallin in prostate cancer.

Abstract: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains a key approach in the treatment of prostate cancer (PCa). However, PCa inevitably relapses and becomes ADT resistant. Besides androgens, there is evidence that thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and its active form 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (T3) are involved in the progression of PCa. Epidemiologic evidences show a higher incidence of PCa in men with elevated thyroid hormone levels. The thyroid hormone binding protein μ-Crystallin (CRYM) mediates intracellular thyroid hormone action by sequestering T3 and blocks its binding to cognate receptors (TRα/TRβ) in target tissues. We show in our study that low CRYM expression levels in PCa patients are associated with early biochemical recurrence and poor prognosis. Moreover, we found a disease stage-specific expression of CRYM in PCa. CRYM counteracted thyroid and androgen signaling and blocked intracellular choline uptake. CRYM inversely correlated with [18F]fluoromethylcholine (FMC) levels in positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging of PCa patients. Our data suggest CRYM as a novel antagonist of T3- and androgen-mediated signaling in PCa. The role of CRYM could therefore be an essential control mechanism for the prevention of aggressive PCa growth.

Aksoy|Osman|O|0000-0002-3068-455X
Pencik|Jan|J|
Hartenbach|Markus|M|
Moazzami|Ali A|AA|
Schlederer|Michaela|M|
Balber|Theresa|T|
Varady|Adam|A|
Philippe|Cecile|C|
Baltzer|Pascal A|PA|
Mazumder|Bismoy|B|
Whitchurch|Jonathan B|JB|
Roberts|Christopher J|CJ|
Haitel|Andrea|A|
Herac|Merima|M|
Susani|Martin|M|
Mitterhauser|Markus|M|
Marculescu|Rodrig|R|
Stangl-Kremser|Judith|J|
Hassler|Melanie R|MR|
Kramer|Gero|G|
Shariat|Shahrokh F|SF|
Turner|Suzanne D|SD|
Tichy|Boris|B|
Oppelt|Jan|J|
Pospisilova|Sarka|S|
Hartenbach|Sabrina|S|
Tangermann|Simone|S|
Egger|Gerda|G|
Neubauer|Heidi A|HA|
Moriggl|Richard|R|
Culig|Zoran|Z|
Greiner|Georg|G|
Hoermann|Gregor|G|
Hacker|Marcus|M|
Heery|David M|DM|
Merkel|Olaf|O|
Kenner|Lukas|L|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

androgen receptor
μ-Crystallin
prostate cancer
PSMA-PET
thyroid hormone receptor


Quantitative Structure-Cytotoxicity Relationship of 3-Styryl-2H-chromenes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sixteen 3-styryl-2H-chromenes were subjected to quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis based on their cytotoxicity, tumor selectivity and anti-HIV activity, in order to find their new biological activities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cytotoxicity against four human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines, three mesenchymal and two epithelial normal oral cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. Tumor-selectivity (TS) was evaluated by the ratio of the mean CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration) against normal human oral cells to that against OSCC cell lines. Anti-HIV activity was evaluated by the ratio of CC50 to EC50 (50% cytoprotective concentration from HIV infection). Potency-selectivity expression (PSE) was determined by the ratio of TS/CC50 against OSCC. Physicochemical, structural and quantum-chemical parameters were calculated based on the conformations optimized by the LowModeMD method.

RESULTS
All 3-styryl-2H-chromene derivatives showed relatively high tumor selectivity. Especially, the compound that has a methoxy group at 7-position of the chromene ring and chlorine at 4'-position of phenyl group in styryl moiety [ 12: ] showed the highest TS and PSE values, exceeding those of resveratrol, doxorubicin and 5-FU. All compounds showed no anti-HIV activity. Among 330 chemical descriptors, 8, 74 and 16 descriptors significantly correlated to the cytotoxicity of normal and tumor cells, and tumor-specificity, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Multivariate statistics with chemical descriptors for molecular shape and flatness may be useful for the evaluation of tumor-specificity of 3-styryl-2H-chromenes.

Uesawa|Yoshihiro|Y| Sakagami|Hiroshi|H| Ishihara|Mariko|M| Kagaya|Hajime|H| Kanamoto|Taisei|T| Terakubo|Shigemi|S| Nakashima|Hideki|H| Yahagi|Hideaki|H| Takao|Koichi|K| Sugita|Yoshiaki|Y|

3-styryl-2H-chromenes
cytotoxicity
tumor selectivity
anti-HIV activity
QSAR analysis


Deep learning trained algorithm maintains the quality of half-dose contrast-enhanced liver computed tomography images: Comparison with hybrid iterative reconstruction: Study for the application of deep learning noise reduction technology in low dose.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study compares the image and diagnostic qualities of a DEep Learning Trained Algorithm (DELTA) for half-dose contrast-enhanced liver computed tomography (CT) with those of a commercial hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) method used for standard-dose CT (SDCT).

METHODS
This study enrolled 207 adults, and they were divided into two groups: SDCT and low-dose CT (LDCT). SDCT was reconstructed using the HIR method (SDCTHIR), and LDCT was reconstructed using both the HIR method (LDCTHIR) and DELTA (LDCTDL). Noise, Hounsfield unit (HU) values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between three image series. Two radiologists assessed the noise, artefacts, overall image quality, visualisation of critical anatomical structures and lesion detection, characterisation and visualisation.

RESULTS
The mean effective doses were 5.64 ± 1.96 mSv for SDCT and 2.87 ± 0.87 mSv for LDCT. The noise of LDCTDL was significantly lower than that of SDCTHIR and LDCTHIR. The SNR and CNR of LDCTDL were significantly higher than those of the other two groups. The overall image quality, visualisation of anatomical structures and lesion visualisation between LDCTDL and SDCTHIR were not significantly different. For lesion detection, the sensitivities and specificities of SDCTHIR vs. LDCTDL were 81.9 % vs. 83.7 % and 89.1 % vs. 86.3 %, respectively, on a per-patient basis. SDCTHIR showed 75.4 % sensitivity and 82.6 % specificity for lesion characterisation on a per-patient basis, whereas LDCTDL showed 73.5 % sensitivity and 82.4 % specificity.

CONCLUSIONS
LDCT with DELTA had approximately 49 % dose reduction compared with SDCT with HIR while maintaining image quality on contrast-enhanced liver CT.

Zeng|Lingming|L| Xu|Xu|X| Zeng|Wen|W| Peng|Wanlin|W| Zhang|Jinge|J| Sixian|Hu|H| Liu|Keling|K| Xia|Chunchao|C| Li|Zhenlin|Z|

D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted

Deep learning
Computed tomography
Image reconstruction
Radiation dosage


Global proteomic analysis in trypanosomes reveals unique proteins and conserved cellular processes impacted by arginine methylation.

Abstract:
UNLABELLED
Arginine methylation is a common posttranslational modification with reported functions in transcription, RNA processing and translation, and DNA repair. Trypanosomes encode five protein arginine methyltransferases, suggesting that arginine methylation exerts widespread impacts on the biology of these organisms. Here, we performed a global proteomic analysis of Trypanosoma brucei to identify arginine methylated proteins and their sites of modification. Using an approach entailing two-dimensional chromatographic separation and alternating electron transfer dissociation and collision induced dissociation, we identified 1332 methylarginines in 676 proteins. The resulting data set represents the largest compilation of arginine methylated proteins in any organism to date. Functional classification revealed numerous arginine methylated proteins involved in flagellar function, RNA metabolism, DNA replication and repair, and intracellular protein trafficking. Thus, arginine methylation has the potential to impact aspects of T. brucei gene expression, cell biology, and pathogenesis. Interestingly, pathways with known methylated proteins in higher eukaryotes were identified in this study, but often different components of the pathway were methylated in trypanosomes. Methylarginines were often identified in glycine rich contexts, although exceptions to this rule were detected. Collectively, these data inform on a multitude of aspects of trypanosome biology and serve as a guide for the identification of homologous arginine methylated proteins in higher eukaryotes.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
T. brucei is a protozoan parasite that causes lethal African sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in livestock, thereby imposing a significant medical and economic burden on sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite encounters very different environments as it cycles between mammalian and insect hosts, and must exert cellular responses to these varying milieus. One mechanism by which all cells respond to changing environments is through posttranslational modification of proteins. Arginine methylation is one such modification that can dramatically impact protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions and subcellular localization of proteins. To define the breadth of arginine methylation in trypanosomes and identify target proteins, we performed a global proteomic analysis of arginine methylated proteins in insect stage T. brucei. We identified 1332 methylarginines in 676 proteins, generating the largest compilation of methylarginine containing proteins in any organism to date. Numerous arginine methylated proteins function in RNA and DNA related processes, suggesting this modification can impact T. brucei genome integrity and gene regulation at numerous points. Other processes that appear to be strongly influenced by arginine methylation are intracellular protein trafficking, signaling, protein folding and degradation, and flagellar function. The widespread nature of arginine methylation in trypanosomes highlights its potential to greatly affect parasite biology and pathogenesis.

Lott|Kaylen|K|
Li|Jun|J|
Fisk|John C|JC|
Wang|Hao|H|
Aletta|John M|JM|
Qu|Jun|J|
Read|Laurie K|LK|

Trypanosomes
Arginine methylation
RNA processing
Mass spectrometry


TRSWA-BP Neural Network for Dynamic Wind Power Forecasting Based on Entropy Evaluation.

Abstract: The performance evaluation of wind power forecasting under commercially operating circumstances is critical to a wide range of decision-making situations, yet difficult because of its stochastic nature. This paper firstly introduces a novel TRSWA-BP neural network, of which learning process is based on an efficiency tabu, real-coded, small-world optimization algorithm (TRSWA). In order to deal with the strong volatility and stochastic behavior of the wind power sequence, three forecasting models of the TRSWA-BP are presented, which are combined with EMD (empirical mode decomposition), PSR (phase space reconstruction), and EMD-based PSR. The error sequences of the above methods are then proved to have non-Gaussian properties, and a novel criterion of normalized Renyi's quadratic entropy (NRQE) is proposed, which can evaluate their dynamic predicted accuracy. Finally, illustrative predictions of the next 1, 4, 6, and 24 h time-scales are examined by historical wind power data, under different evaluations. From the results, we can observe that not only do the proposed models effectively revise the error due to the fluctuation and multi-fractal property of wind power, but also that the NRQE can reserve its feasible assessment upon the stochastic predicted error.

Wang|Shuangxin|S| Zhao|Xin|X| Li|Meng|M|0000-0002-4725-7159 Wang|Hong|H|

normalized Renyi’s quadratic entropy (NRQE)


Glia-neuron interactions in the mammalian retina.

Abstract: The mammalian retina provides an excellent opportunity to study glia-neuron interactions and the interactions of glia with blood vessels. Three main types of glial cells are found in the mammalian retina that serve to maintain retinal homeostasis: astrocytes, Müller cells and resident microglia. Müller cells, astrocytes and microglia not only provide structural support but they are also involved in metabolism, the phagocytosis of neuronal debris, the release of certain transmitters and trophic factors and K(+) uptake. Astrocytes are mostly located in the nerve fibre layer and they accompany the blood vessels in the inner nuclear layer. Indeed, like Müller cells, astrocytic processes cover the blood vessels forming the retinal blood barrier and they fulfil a significant role in ion homeostasis. Among other activities, microglia can be stimulated to fulfil a macrophage function, as well as to interact with other glial cells and neurons by secreting growth factors. This review summarizes the main functional relationships between retinal glial cells and neurons, presenting a general picture of the retina recently modified based on experimental observations. The preferential involvement of the distinct glia cells in terms of the activity in the retina is discussed, for example, while Müller cells may serve as progenitors of retinal neurons, astrocytes and microglia are responsible for synaptic pruning. Since different types of glia participate together in certain activities in the retina, it is imperative to explore the order of redundancy and to explore the heterogeneity among these cells. Recent studies revealed the association of glia cell heterogeneity with specific functions. Finally, the neuroprotective effects of glia on photoreceptors and ganglion cells under normal and adverse conditions will also be explored.

Vecino|Elena|E|
Rodriguez|F David|FD|
Ruzafa|Noelia|N|
Pereiro|Xandra|X|
Sharma|Sansar C|SC|

Retina
Glial cells
Astrocytes
Microglia
Neurons
Macrophages
Neuroprotection
Photoreceptors
Extracellular matrix
Glaucoma
Integrins
Müller glia
Neurotrophins
Plasticity
Retinal ganglion cells
Retinitis pigmentosa


Study of the occurrence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in patients of blunt abdominal trauma and its correlation with the clinical outcome in the above patients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurements have been identified as essential for diagnosis and management of both intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). It has gained prominent status in ICUs worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the utility of measurement of rise in bladder pressure to assess IAP levels in blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Thirty patients of BAT with solid organ injuries were included in this study. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured through a Foleys bladder catheter throughout their stay. Bladder pressure was compared with clinical parameters like mean arterial pressures(MAP), respiratory rate(RR), serum creatinine(SC) and abdominal girth(AG) and also with outcome in terms of intervention whether operative(OI) or non-operative(NOI).

RESULTS
Bladder pressure showed significant correlation with MAP (R = -0.418; P = 0.022), AG (R = 0.755; P = 0.000), SC (R = 0.689; P = 0.000) and RR (R = 0.537; P = 0.002). Bladder pressure (R = 0.851; P = 0.000), SC (R = 0.625; P = 0.000), MAP (R = -0.350; P = 0.058) and maximum AG difference (R = 0.634; P = 0.000) showed significant correlation with intervention. In total, 17 patients (56 %) required intervention, 9 patients (30 %) underwent NOI (pigtailing or aspiration) while 8 (27 %) needed OI. More than 3 derailed parameters were associated with 100 % intervention (Mean 3.47, SD-1.23). High APACHE III score on admission (>40) was associated with increased intervention (p = 0.001). Intervention correlates well with Grade of injury (p = 0.000) and not with number of organs injured (p = 0.061). Blood transfusion of 2 or more units of blood was associated with increased intervention (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION
Increased bladder pressure and other clinical parameters (MAP, SC, RR and change in AG) correlates well with intervention. Elevated bladder pressure correlates well with other clinical parameters in patients with BAT. Bladder pressure, SC, MAP, RR and AG difference can be used to determine the group of patients that can be managed conservatively and those that would benefit with minimal intervention or exploration. During Non-operative management (NOM) of patients with BAT and multiple solid organ injuries, IAP monitoring may be a simple and objective guideline to suggest further intervention whether NOI or OI. Although routine bladder pressure measurements will result in unnecessary monitoring of large number of patients it is hoped that patients with IAH can be detected early and subsequent ACS with morbid abdominal exploration can be prevented. However the criterion for non-operative failure and the point of decompression needs further refinement to prevent an increase of nontherapeutic operations.

Tiwari|Ajeet Ramamani|AR|
Pandya|Jayashri Sanjay|JS|

Intra-abdominal hypertension
Abdominal compartment syndrome
Blunt abdominal trauma
Intra-abdominal pressure
Bladder pressure
Non-operative management


The effects of hydrogen peroxide on the sonochemical degradation of phenol and bisphenol A.

Abstract: This report describes the effects of H2O2 concentration (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10mM) on the sonochemical degradation of phenol and bisphenol A (BPA) using an ultrasonic source of 35kHz and 0.08W/mL. The concentration of the target pollutants (phenol or BPA), total organic carbon (TOC), and H2O2 were monitored for each input concentration of H2O2. The effects of H2O2 on the sonochemical degradation of phenol was more significant than that of BPA because phenol has a high solubility and low octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) value and is subsequently very likely to remain in the aqueous phase, giving it a greater probability of reacting with H2O2. The removal of TOC was also enhanced by the addition of H2O2. Some intermediates of BPA have a high Kow value and subsequently have a greater probability of pyrolyzing by the high temperatures and pressures inside of cavitation bubbles. Thus the removal efficiency of TOC in BPA was higher than that of phenol. The removal efficiencies of TOC were lower than the degradation efficiencies of phenol and BPA. This result is due to the fact that some intermediates cannot readily degrade during the sonochemical reaction. The H2O2 concentration decreased but was not completely consumed during the sonochemical degradation of pollutants. The initial H2O2 concentration and the physical/chemical characteristics of pollutants were considered to be important factors in determining the formation rate of the H2O2. When high concentration of H2O2 was added to the solution, the formation rates were relatively low compared to when low concentrations of H2O2 were used.

Hydrogen peroxide
Phenol
Bisphenol A
Cavitation
Sonolysis


Folate-conjugated human serum albumin-encapsulated resveratrol nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, bioavailability and targeting of liver tumors.

Abstract: This work investigated the preparation of specific targeted drug delivery systems in cancer chemotherapy by folate conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles encapsulated resveratrol (RES) nanoparticles (FA-HSA-RESNPs). FA was coupled to HSA, and RES was encapsulated in FA-conjugated HSA by high pressure fluid nano-homogeneous emulsification. The average particle size and polydispersity index of NPs prepared under optimal conditions were 102.1 ± 4.9 nm and 0.001. The drug capsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency were 98.36 and 14.66%, respectively. The analysis of the results of the physical characterization showed that the RES was present in the FA-HSA-RESNPs in an amorphous state. In vitro drug-release study showed that the NPs can release the drug persistently and slowly. The inhibition rate of FA-HSA-RESNPs and RES was detected using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide method to be 110.8 and 157.2 μM, respectively. The targeting ability of the FA-HSA-RESNPs for the HepG2 cell was measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-modified albumin techniques. The uptake rate of FA-HSA-RESNPs was higher than that of the original RES. By using near-infrared imaging, in vivo activity was labeled with Cy5 fluorescent FA-HSA-RESNP confirmed FA-HSA-RESNP tumor-targeting ability. The intravenous administration bioavailability of FA-HSA-RESNPs was about 5.95-fold higher than that of the original RES.

Lian|Bolin|B| Wu|Mingfang|M| Feng|Ziqi|Z| Deng|Yiping|Y| Zhong|Chen|C| Zhao|Xiuhua|X|

noninvasive live animal imaging technology


Reducing the Cost of Electrophysiology in the Teaching Laboratory.

Abstract: Electrophysiology is a fundamental part of neuroscience and there are many published laboratory exercises suitable for undergraduates. However, the cost of equipping a lab is often a barrier to implementing these exercises. In this paper, we outline lab needs, suggest strategies for building a lab incrementally by adding equipment as budgets permit, and suggest specific areas for cost-cutting. We also point out instances in which it makes most sense to purchase or borrow research-grade equipment. A linked Google document lists specific items, prices, and purchase links.

Wyttenbach|Robert A|RA|
Johnson|Bruce R|BR|
Hoy|Ronald R|RR|

electrophysiology
amplifier
extracellular
intracellular
micromanipulator
vibration isolation


Age stage, two-sex life table of Habrobracon hebetor (Braconidae) on Spodoptera exigua (Noctuidae) reared on different sugar beet genotypes.

Abstract: The present study was carried out to unveil interactive relevance among consecutive and alternate members of a tritrophic system comprised of sugar beet genotypes, beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and its parasitoid, Habrobracon hebetor (Say) using demographic parameters. To do so, H. hebetor was reared on S. exigua fed on 10 sugar beet genotypes, including SB26; SB27; SB29; SB33; SB34; (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5; FC220; FC301; SBSI006; and HM 1339RZ in a growth chamber at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH, and 16:8 (L: D) h photoperiod. The data was analyzed based on the age-stage, two-sex life table theory. Our results revealed high variation in duration of different life stages of H. hebetor on S. exigua reared on different sugar beet genotypes examined. The shortest (10.605 days) and longest (13.721 days) pre-adult period of H. hebetor was on S. exigua reared on SB26 and SB34, respectively. The longest (17.2 days) and shortest adult longevity (7.5 days) was on S. exigua reared on SB26 and SB27, respectively. The highest values of the intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.209 day-1) and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.233 day-1) were observed on S. exigua reared on SB34 and their lowest values (0.159 and 1.172 day-1, respectively) were recorded on SB27. Resistant and susceptible genotypes to S. exigua, FC301 and (7112*SB36)*Sh-1-HSF-5, respectively, were only genotypes on which H. hebetor had greater and approximately equal r compared with S. exigua. This finding indicates high capability of H. hebetor to be successfully employed against S. exigua on sugar beet genotypes which are extremely different in resistance to this pest.

two-sex life table
Spodoptera exigua
Developmental time
population parameter
tritrophic level


Shedding of glycan-modifying enzymes by signal peptide peptidase-like 3 (SPPL3) regulates cellular N-glycosylation.

Abstract: Protein N-glycosylation is involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes such as autoimmunity, tumour progression and metastasis. Signal peptide peptidase-like 3 (SPPL3) is an intramembrane-cleaving aspartyl protease of the GxGD type. Its physiological function, however, has remained enigmatic, since presently no physiological substrates have been identified. We demonstrate that SPPL3 alters the pattern of cellular N-glycosylation by triggering the proteolytic release of active site-containing ectodomains of glycosidases and glycosyltransferases such as N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V, β-1,3 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1 and β-1,4 galactosyltransferase 1. Cleavage of these enzymes leads to a reduction in their cellular activity. In line with that, reduced expression of SPPL3 results in a hyperglycosylation phenotype, whereas elevated SPPL3 expression causes hypoglycosylation. Thus, SPPL3 plays a central role in an evolutionary highly conserved post-translational process in eukaryotes.

Voss|Matthias|M|
Künzel|Ulrike|U|
Higel|Fabian|F|
Kuhn|Peer-Hendrik|PH|
Colombo|Alessio|A|
Fukumori|Akio|A|
Haug-Kröper|Martina|M|
Klier|Bärbel|B|
Grammer|Gudula|G|
Seidl|Andreas|A|
Schröder|Bernd|B|
Obst|Reinhard|R|
Steiner|Harald|H|
Lichtenthaler|Stefan F|SF|
Haass|Christian|C|
Fluhrer|Regina|R|

glycosyltransferases
GxGD aspartyl proteases
protein glycosylation
signal peptide peptidase like‐3


Identity formation in adolescents and emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: The present study investigated identity formation in adolescents and emerging adults with type 1 diabetes and its relation to psychological and diabetes-specific functioning. As diabetes management is especially challenging in these life periods, identity problems may not only hamper psychological adjustment, but could also impact diabetes management. A total of 431 patients were 1:1 matched with control participants, based on age, gender, and context (student, employed, other). To investigate identity types or statuses, cluster analysis on different identity processes was conducted, resulting in six statuses. Patients in foreclosure and achievement (both characterized by strong identity commitments) presented with the most adaptive functioning. Patients in troubled diffusion and moratorium (both characterized by a maladaptive type of exploration) showed the least adaptive scores on well-being, diabetes-specific problems, treatment adherence, and illness-perceptions. The present study underscores the importance of assessing identity issues in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Identity
adolescence
type 1 diabetes
emerging adulthood
psychological functioning


Predominance of Distinct Listeria Innocua and Listeria Monocytogenes in Recurrent Contamination Events at Dairy Processing Facilities.

Abstract: : The genus Listeria now comprises up to now 21 recognized species and six subspecies, with L. monocytogenes and L. innocua as the most prevalent sensu stricto associated species. Reports focusing on the challenges in Listeria detection and confirmation are available, especially from food-associated environmental samples. L. innocua is more prevalent in the food processing environment (FPE) than L. monocytogenes and has been shown to have a growth advantage in selective enrichment and agar media. Until now, the adaptive nature of L. innocua in FPEs has not been fully elucidated and potential persistence in the FPE has not been observed. Therefore, the aim of this study is to characterize L. innocua (n = 139) and L. monocytogenes (n = 81) isolated from FPEs and cheese products collected at five dairy processing facilities (A-E) at geno- and phenotypic levels. Biochemical profiling was conducted for all L. monocytogenes and the majority of L. innocua (n = 124) isolates and included a rhamnose positive reaction. L. monocytogenes isolates were most frequently confirmed as PCR-serogroups 1/2a, 3a (95%). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)-typing, applying the restriction enzymes AscI, revealed 33 distinct Listeria PFGE profiles with a Simpson's Index of Diversity of 0.75. Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) resulted in 27 STs with seven new L. innocua local STs (ST1595 to ST1601). L. innocua ST1597 and ST603 and L. monocytogenes ST121 and ST14 were the most abundant genotypes in dairy processing facilities A-E over time. Either SSI-1 (ST14) or SSI-2 (ST121, all L. innocua) were present in successfully FPE-adapted strains. We identified housekeeping genes common in Listeria isolates and L. monocytogenes genetic lineage III. Wherever there are long-term contamination events of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species, subtyping methods are helpful tools to identify niches of high risk.

Kaszoni-Rückerl|Irene|I| Mustedanagic|Azra|A| Muri-Klinger|Sonja|S| Brugger|Katharina|K| Wagner|Karl-Heinz|KH| Wagner|Martin|M| Stessl|Beatrix|B|

Listeria innocua
Listeria monocytogenes
dairy processing
persistence
subtyping


Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma of the Descending Colon: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract: Dedifferentiated liposarcomas are rare; localization of these tumors in the descending colon is extremely uncommon. We describe the case of a 75-year-old man with a dedifferentiated liposarcoma originating from the descending colon that manifested as partial bowel obstruction. The very uncommon presentation of this rare disease contributed to a challenging diagnostic process. The patient was successfully treated by surgical resection of the mass through left hemicolectomy. Although exceptionally unusual, soft tissue sarcomas should be considered in the differential diagnosis for bowel obstruction. Currently, radical resection of the mass is considered to be the first-line treatment.

Serafini|L|L|
Lauro|A|A|
Eusebi|L H|LH|
Vaccari|S|S|
Pirini|M G|MG|
D'Andrea|V|V|
Marino|I R|IR|
Cervellera|M|M|
Tonini|V|V|

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma
Bowel obstruction
Primary colonic tumor


Efficient inexact proximal gradient algorithms for structured sparsity-inducing norm.

Abstract: Structured-sparsity regularization is popular for sparse learning because of its flexibility of encoding the feature structures. This paper considers a generalized version of structured-sparsity regularization (especially for l1∕l∞ norm) with arbitrary group overlap. Due to the group overlap, it is time-consuming to solve the associated proximal operator. Although Mairal et al. have proposed a network-flow algorithm to solve the proximal operator, it is still time-consuming, especially in the high-dimensional setting. To address this challenge, in this paper, we have developed a more efficient solution for l1∕l∞ group lasso with arbitrary group overlap using inexact proximal gradient method. In each iteration, our algorithm only requires to calculate an inexact solution to the proximal sub-problem, which can be done efficiently. On the theoretic side, the proposed algorithm enjoys the same global convergence rate as the exact proximal methods. Experiments demonstrate that our algorithm is much more efficient than the network-flow algorithm while retaining similar generalization performance.

Gu|Bin|B| Geng|Xiang|X| Li|Xiang|X| Zheng|Guansheng|G|

norm
Structured-sparsity regularization
Inexact proximal operator
overlapping groups


Reasons why low-income people in urban areas do not drink tap water.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite its higher cost and potential environmental effect compared with those of tap water, bottled water consumption has been increasing over the past decade, especially in low-income communities in which children are at a higher risk of developing caries.

METHODS
The authors used a systematic sequential sampling design for the Water Consumption Survey to collect information about water consumption beliefs and practices from clients attending 4 public health centers in Los Angeles County (LAC). The authors used health belief model constructs to examine why some low-income residents in LAC do not drink tap water.

RESULTS
From October through December 2013, 1,230 participants completed the Water Consumption Survey (86% response rate); the authors included 1,171 participants in the final analysis. Hispanic and African-American participants accounted for the largest proportions (38% and 37%, respectively). Overall, 48% of participants reported drinking tap water daily compared with 58% who reported drinking bottled water daily. The health belief model construct of perceived health risks (that is, perceived threats) significantly predicted why survey participants did not drink tap water. Other results revealed several misconceptions about tap water fluoridation and differences in beliefs about tap water safety according to income level.

CONCLUSIONS
Fluoridated tap water is a low-cost, ecologically friendly resource that provides health benefits seldom found in bottled water. However, mistrust about the quality and safety of tap water may make those in low-income communities more vulnerable to the effects of not receiving adequate fluoride and thus at higher risk of developing caries.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
Future interventions should encourage tap water use by dispelling misconceptions and educating low-income people in urban areas of LAC about the health benefits of fluoridated tap water and the safety of its sources. In addition, patient encounters could be an opportunity for pediatric dentists, general dentists, and other health care providers to reinforce the health benefits of tap water fluoridation and its use.

Family|Leila|L|
Zheng|Guili|G|
Cabezas|Maritza|M|
Cloud|Jennifer|J|
Hsu|Shelly|S|
Rubin|Elizabeth|E|
Smith|Lisa V|LV|
Kuo|Tony|T|

bottled water
Fluoridation
drinking water
patient education


The Effect of Target Sex, Sexual Dimorphism, and Facial Attractiveness on Perceptions of Target Attractiveness and Trustworthiness.

Abstract: Facial sexual dimorphism has widely demonstrated as having an influence on the facial attractiveness and social interactions. However, earlier studies show inconsistent results on the effect of sexual dimorphism on facial attractiveness judgments. Previous studies suggest that the level of attractiveness might work as a moderating variable among the relationship between sexual dimorphism and facial preference and have often focused on the effect of sexual dimorphism on general attractiveness ratings, rather than concentrating on trustworthiness perception. Male and female participants viewed target male and female faces that varied on attractiveness (more attractive or less attractive) and sexual dimorphism (masculine or feminine). Participants rated the attractiveness of the faces and reported how much money they would give to the target person as a measure of trust. For the facial attractiveness ratings, (a) both men and women participants preferred masculine male faces to feminine male ones under the more attractive condition, whereas preferred feminine male faces to masculine male ones under the less attractive condition; (b) all participants preferred feminine female faces to masculine female ones under the less attractive condition, while there were no differences between feminine female faces and masculine female faces under the more attractive condition. For the target trustworthiness perception, (a) participants showed no preference between masculine male faces and feminine male faces, neither under the more attractive condition nor the less attractiveness condition; (b) however, all the participants preferred masculine female faces over feminine female faces under the more attractive condition, exhibiting no preference between feminine female faces and masculine female faces under the less attractive condition. These findings suggest that the attractiveness of facial stimulus may be a reason to interpret the inconsistent results from the previous studies, which focused on the effect of facial sexual dimorphism on the facial attractiveness. Furthermore, implications about the effect of target facial sexual dimorphism on participants' trustworthiness perception were discussed.

Hu|Yuanyan|Y|
Abbasi|Najam Ul Hasan|NUH|
Zhang|Yang|Y|
Chen|Hong|H|

sexual dimorphism
facial attractiveness
trustworthiness
masculine
feminine


The frequency of Th17 and Th22 cells in patients with colorectal cancer at pre-operation and post-operation.

Abstract: T helper 17 (Th17) and Th22 cells regulate the development of tumors. However, their roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) are still unclear. A total of 49 patients with CRC and 18 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated for the percentages of circulating Th17 and Th22 cells by flow cytometry. The concentrations of serum interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-22 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were examined. The levels of IL-17A and IL-22 in tumors were determined by real-time PCR. We found that the percentages of Th17 and Th22 cells in the CRC patients were significantly lower than that in the HC and were associated negatively with the pathological stages of CRC. The levels of IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA transcripts were lower in the tumor tissues, particularly in the advanced CRC. After the tumor resection, the percentages of circulating Th17 and Th22 cells increased. These data suggest that decreased Th17 and Th22 responses may be associated with the development of CRC.

Ling|Limian|L| Zhao|Pingwei|P| Yan|Guoqiang|G| Chen|Mingxiao|M| Zhang|Ting|T| Wang|Lei|L| Jiang|Yanfang|Y|


Cuticle expansion during feeding in the tick Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae): The role of hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Female Amblyomma hebraeum ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) increase their weight ∼10-fold during a 'slow phase of engorgement' (7-9 days), and a further 10-fold during the 'rapid phase' (12-24h). During the rapid phase, the cuticle thins by half, with a plastic (permanent) deformation of greater than 40% in two orthogonal directions. A stress of 2.5 MPa or higher is required to achieve this degree of deformation (Flynn and Kaufman, 2015). Using a dimensional analysis of the tick body and applying the Laplace equation, we calculated that the tick must achieve high internal hydrostatic pressures in order to engorge fully: greater than 55 kPa at a fed:unfed mass ratio of ∼20:1, when cuticle thinning commences (Flynn and Kaufman, 2011). In this study we used a telemetric pressure transducer system to measure the internal hydrostatic pressure of ticks during feeding. Sustained periods of irregular high frequency (>20 Hz) pulsatile bursts of high pressure (>55 kPa) were observed in two ticks: they had been cannulated just prior to the rapid phase of engorgement, and given access to a host rabbit for completion of the feeding cycle. The pattern of periods of high pressure generation varied over the feeding cycle and between the two specimens. We believe that these pressures exceed those reported so far for any other animal.

Kaufman|W Reuben|WR|
Kaufman|S|S|
Flynn|Peter C|PC|

Cuticle
Ticks
Amblyomma hebraeum
Hydrostatic pressure
Engorgement


Temperature-Invariant Superelastic Multifunctional MXene Aerogels for High-Performance Photoresponsive Supercapacitors and Wearable Strain Sensors.

Abstract: Assembling MXene two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets solely into structurally robust three-dimensional (3D) multifunctional macroarchitectures with temperature-invariant elasticity is significant for widening their potential applications but has remained exceedingly challenging. To this end, a facile freeze-induced co-assembly was developed to allow the disparate integration of MXene 2D nanosheets into the directive heterogeneities to easily customize the controllable 3D architectures for geometry accessibility, structure integrity, and function adaptability. With functionalized cellulose nanocrystal serving as a structural modifier and cross-linking by polyurethane as well as manipulating the directionally ice templating process, multilevel nanostructured configurations with interconnected porous channels could be obtained for biomimetic aerogel electrodes across multiple length scales. Benefiting from the high ion pathway from the low-tortuosity topology, MXene aerogels showed outstanding electrochemical property (225 F/g), high-rate capacity, and temperature-invariant superelasticity (from 0 to 150 °C), which surpassed some of the best reported values. MXene quasi-solid-state supercapacitors presented superior electrochemistry (energy density: 38.5 μWh/cm2) and outstanding cycle ability (86.7% after 4000 cycles). Exhibiting excellent photoresponse capacity, they could be used as an integrated photodetector. More importantly, specially designed bio-mimicking structures with mechanically self-adaptive resilience could promote MXene 3D aerogels to apply in wearable electronic devices, monitoring various human motions. This work will shed light on MXene aerogels for smart and self-powered lightweight electronics.

superelasticity
MXene
aerogel
strain sensor
electrochemical energy storage


Diabetic nephropathy: newer therapeutic perspectives.

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN is a dreaded consequence of diabetes mellitus, accounting for about 40% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, both directly by causing ESRD and indirectly by increasing cardiovascular risk. Extensive research in this field has thrown light on multiple pathways that can be pharmacologically targeted, to control or reverse the process of DN. Glomerulocentric approach of DN still continues to produce favourable results as evidenced by the recent data on SGLT-2 (sodium glucose co-transporter type 2) inhibitors. Beyond the glomerular mechanisms, numerous novel pathways have been discovered in the last decade. Some of these pathways target inflammatory and oxidative damage, while the others target more specific mechanisms such as AGE-RAGE (advanced glycation end products-receptors for advanced glycation end products), ASK (apoptotic signal-regulating kinase), and endothelin-associated pathways. As a result of the research, a handful of clinically relevant drugs have made it to the human trials which have been elucidated in the following review, bearing in the mind that there are many more to come over the next few years. Ongoing research is expected to inform the clinicians regarding the use of the newer drugs in DN. Abbreviations: USFDA: Unites States Food and Drug Administration; SGLT-2: Sodium glucose transporter type 2; GLP-1: Glucagon-like peptide-1; DDP-4: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4; UACR: urinary albumin creatinine ratio; eGFR: Estimated glomerular filtration rate; CKD: Chronic kidney disease; DN: Diabetic nephropathy; TGF: Tubuloglomerular feedback; RAAS: Renin angiotensin aldosterone system; T1DM: Type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2DM: Type 2 diabetes mellitus; RCT: Randomized controlled trial; AGE-RAGE: Advanced glycation end products-receptors for advanced glycation end products; ASK-1: Apoptotic signal-regulating kinase-1; Nrf-2: Nuclear 1 factor [erythroid derived-2]-related factor 2; ml/min/1.73m2: Millilitre/minute/1.73 square meters of body surface area; ~: Approximately.

Keri|Krishna C|KC|0000-0002-5392-6160
Samji|Naga S|NS|
Blumenthal|Samuel|S|

Diabetic nephropathy
ASK pathway
DPP-4 inhibitors
SGLT-2 inhibitors


Navigating the Healthy Context Paradox: Identifying Classroom Characteristics that Improve the Psychological Adjustment of Bullying Victims.

Abstract: The healthy context paradox-an unexpected pattern in which victims' psychological adjustment worsens as the overall level of victimization in a classroom or school declines-implies that reducing the frequency of bullying or victimization incidents does not do enough to help victims of bullying. In light of this finding, it is imperative to identify protective factors that alleviate victimization-related distress in the peer ecology. The current study examines classroom-level peer victimization and peer-defending behaviors as moderators of the association between individual-level victimization and psychological adjustment. These classroom-level moderators were tested with a sample of 1373 adolescents (40% girls, Mage: 14 years) from 54 classrooms in South Korean middle schools. Consistent with past findings documenting the healthy context paradox, the results of multilevel modeling indicated that victimized youth experienced a lower level of depressive symptoms in classrooms where victimization was more common. Most importantly, bullied students reported fewer depressive symptoms, on average, in classrooms with relatively high levels of bully-oriented (i.e., confronting the bully), rather than victim-oriented (i.e., comforting the victim), defending behavior. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the role of peers' defending behaviors toward bullied adolescents and have significant implications for anti-bullying interventions.

Healthy context paradox
Victimization
Adolescents
Defending


Atypical antipsychotic initiation and the risk of type II diabetes in children and adolescents.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To estimate the risk of type II diabetes (T2DM) in children and adolescents initiating atypical antipsychotic (AAP) therapy.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a new user design approach. Medical and pharmacy claims data between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 for dependents ages 4 to 18 from an employed, commercially insured population from across the USA were included. AAP exposure was defined in the presence of a pharmacy claim preceded by at least six months of AAP-free history. We used propensity score (PS) methodology to identify and match incident AAP users and non-users. New-onset T2DM, was defined based on medical and pharmacy claims. Follow-up was extended until the date of new-onset T2DM or the end of the study period. The risk of T2DM was evaluated in an intent to treat fashion using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard regression that provided hazard ratio (HR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS
Our study population included 6236 new AAP users and 22 080 non-users. In this PS-matched sample, the estimated risk of T2DM was twice as high in AAP users as non-users (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.45-3.29). Noticeable risk differences between AAP-treated and control groups materialized within four months of AAP initiation and became constant after six months until the end of the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS
Children and adolescents who were prescribed an AAP medication had a two times higher risk of developing T2DM; our study raises questions about continued AAP use in children and adolescents.

Sohn|Minji|M|
Talbert|Jeffery|J|
Blumenschein|Karen|K|
Moga|Daniela Claudia|DC|

D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

atypical antipsychotics
risk
type II diabetes
children
pharmacoepidemiology


Short-Term Reproducibility of MUC5AC Measurement in Human Tear Fluid.

Abstract: The assessment of tear fluid components is a common and valuable approach to understanding ocular surface disease and testing the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies. However, the interpretation and utility of the findings can be limited by changes in the composition of the tear film, particularly in studies requiring repetitive patient sampling. Here, tear samples were collected twice within a one-hour interval to evaluate the short-term reproducibility of an immunoassay aimed to measure the amount of MUC5AC mucin. We found no statistical difference in total protein or MUC5AC content between the two consecutive collections of tear fluid, although the inter-individual variability in each group was high, with coefficients of variation exceeding 30% and 50%, respectively. Scatterplots showed a significant correlation in both protein and MUC5AC following collection within a one-hour interval. These data indicate that, regardless of the high inter-individual variability, repeated collection of tear fluid within an hour interval produces reproducible intra-individual data in terms of MUC5AC mucin content, and suggest that the normal mucin composition of the tear fluid can be re-established within an hour of the initial collection.

Woodward|Ashley M|AM|
Senchyna|Michelle|M|
Argüeso|Pablo|P|0000-0001-7321-9503

short-term reproducibility
MUC5AC
human tear fluid
biomarker
repetitive sample collection


Reliability of orbital volume measurements based on computed tomography segmentation: Validation of different algorithms in orbital trauma patients.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To compare the most common methods of segmentation for evaluation of the bony orbit in orbital trauma patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Computed tomography scans (before and after treatment) from 15 patients with unilateral blowout fractures and who underwent orbital reconstructions were randomly selected for this study. Orbital volume measurements, volume difference measurements, prolapsed soft tissue volumes, and bony defect areas were made using manual, semi-automated, and automated segmentation methods.

RESULTS
Volume difference values between intact and damaged orbits after surgery using the manual mode were 0.5 ± 0.3 cm3, 0.5 ± 0.4 cm3 applying semi-automated method, and 0.76 ± 0.5 cm3, determined by automated segmentation (р = 0.216); the mean volumes (MVs) for prolapsed tissues were 3.0 ± 1.9 cm3, 3.0 ± 2.3 cm3, and 2.8 ± 3.9 cm3 (p = 0.152); and orbital wall defect areas were 4.7 ± 2.8 cm2, 4.75 ± 3.1 cm2, and 4.9 ± 3.3 cm2 (p = 0.674), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The analyzed segmentation methods had the same accuracy in evaluation of volume differences between two orbits of the same patient, defect areas, and prolapsed soft tissue volumes but not in absolute values of the orbital volume due to the existing diversity in determination of anterior closing. The automated method is recommended for common clinical cases, as it is less time-consuming with high precision and reproducibility.

Chepurnyi|Yurii|Y| Chernohorskyi|Denys|D| Prykhodko|Danylo|D| Poutala|Arto|A| Kopchak|Andriy|A|

Orbital volume
Orbital reconstruction
Automated segmentation
Semi-automated segmentation


Mathematical foundations of moral preferences.

Abstract: One-shot anonymous unselfishness in economic games is commonly explained by social preferences, which assume that people care about the monetary pay-offs of others. However, during the last 10 years, research has shown that different types of unselfish behaviour, including cooperation, altruism, truth-telling, altruistic punishment and trustworthiness are in fact better explained by preferences for following one's own personal norms-internal standards about what is right or wrong in a given situation. Beyond better organizing various forms of unselfish behaviour, this moral preference hypothesis has recently also been used to increase charitable donations, simply by means of interventions that make the morality of an action salient. Here we review experimental and theoretical work dedicated to this rapidly growing field of research, and in doing so we outline mathematical foundations for moral preferences that can be used in future models to better understand selfless human actions and to adjust policies accordingly. These foundations can also be used by artificial intelligence to better navigate the complex landscape of human morality.

morality
cooperation
altruism
honesty
mathematical modelling
utility function


Why are repeated words produced with reduced durations? Evidence from inner speech and homophone production.

Abstract: Acoustic reduction for repeated words could be the result of articulation and motor practice (Lam & Watson, 2014), facilitated production (Kahn & Arnold, 2015; Gahl et al., 2012), or audience design and shared common ground (Galati & Brennan, 2010). We sought to narrow down what kind of facilitation leads to repetition reduction. Repetition could, in principle, facilitate production on a conceptual, lexical, phonological, articulatory, or acoustic level (Kahn & Arnold, 2015). We compared the durations of the second utterance of a target word when the initial production was aloud or silent. The silent presentation either involved unmouthed or mouthed inner speech. Overt production, unmouthed and mouthed inner speech all led to reduction in target word onsets, but target word durations were only shortened when a word was initially said aloud. In an additional experiment, we found that prior naming of a homophone of the target word also led to duration reduction. The results suggest that repetition reduction occurs when there is a recently experienced auditory memory of the item. We propose that duration may be controlled in part by auditory feedback during production, the use of which can be primed by recent auditory experience.

Jacobs|Cassandra L|CL|
Yiu|Loretta K|LK|
Watson|Duane G|DG|
Dell|Gary S|GS|

duration
inner speech
homophones
repetition priming


Metabolic Glycoengineering in hMSC-TERT as a Model for Skeletal Precursors by Using Modified Azide/Alkyne Monosaccharides.

Abstract: Metabolic glycoengineering enables a directed modification of cell surfaces by introducing target molecules to surface proteins displaying new features. Biochemical pathways involving glycans differ in dependence on the cell type; therefore, this technique should be tailored for the best results. We characterized metabolic glycoengineering in telomerase-immortalized human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC-TERT) as a model for primary hMSC, to investigate its applicability in TERT-modified cell lines. The metabolic incorporation of N-azidoacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAz) and N-alkyneacetylmannosamine (Ac4ManNAl) into the glycocalyx as a first step in the glycoengineering process revealed no adverse effects on cell viability or gene expression, and the in vitro multipotency (osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential) was maintained under these adapted culture conditions. In the second step, glycoengineered cells were modified with fluorescent dyes using Cu-mediated click chemistry. In these analyses, the two mannose derivatives showed superior incorporation efficiencies compared to glucose and galactose isomers. In time-dependent experiments, the incorporation of Ac4ManNAz was detectable for up to six days while Ac4ManNAl-derived metabolites were absent after two days. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the successful metabolic glycoengineering of immortalized hMSC resulting in transient cell surface modifications, and thus present a useful model to address different scientific questions regarding glycosylation processes in skeletal precursors.

Altmann|Stephan|S| Mut|Jürgen|J| Wolf|Natalia|N| Meißner-Weigl|Jutta|J| Rudert|Maximilian|M| Jakob|Franz|F| Gutmann|Marcus|M|0000-0001-6000-7923 Lühmann|Tessa|T| Seibel|Jürgen|J| Ebert|Regina|R|0000-0002-8192-869X

metabolic glycoengineering
hMSC-TERT
glycocalyx
click chemistry
modified monosaccharides


The effect of adenosine triphosphate on sunitinib-induced cardiac injury in rats.

Abstract: In this study, we aimed to show the effect of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) on sunitinib-induced cardiac injury in rats. The rats (n = 30) were divided equally into three groups as sunitinib group (SG), sunitinib plus ATP group (SAG), and healthy group (HG); 2 mg/kg ATP was injected intraperitoneally (ip) to the SAG group. Same volume normal saline as solvent was administered ip to the other two groups. After 1 h, 25 mg/kg sunitinib was applied orally via catheter to stomach in the SAG and SG groups. This procedure was repeated once daily for 5 weeks. At the end of this period, all animals were sacrificed and their cardiac tissue was removed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) levels in rats' cardiac tissues and troponin I (Tp-I) levels in rats' blood samples were evaluated. Histopathological analysis was also performed in cardiac tissues of the animals. MDA, TNF-α, NF-κB, and Tp-I levels were higher in the SG group compared to the SAG and HG groups (p < 0.001). tGSH levels of the SG group were lower than the SAG and HG groups (p < 0.001). The structure and morphology of cardiac muscle fibers and blood vessels were normal in the control group. In the SG group, obvious cardiac muscle tissue damage with dilated myofibers, locally atrophic myofibers, and congested blood vessels were observed. In the SAG group, marked amelioration in these findings was observed. We showed this for the first time that ATP administration exerts a protective effect against cardiac effects of sunitinib.

Adenosine triphosphate
sunitinib
cardiotoxicity


Unique structural features of the Mycobacterium ribosome.

Abstract: Protein synthesis in all the living cells is mediated by a large protein-RNA complex called the ribosome. These macromolecular complexes can range from 2.5 (prokaryotes) to 4.2 MDa. (eukaryotes) in size and undergo various conformational transitions during protein synthesis to translate the genetic code into the nascent polypeptide chains. Recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and image processing methods have provided numerous detailed structures of ribosomes from diverse sources and in different conformational states resolved to near-atomic resolutions. These structures have not only helped in better understanding of the translational mechanism but also revealed species-specific variations or adaptations in the ribosome structures. Structural investigations of the ribosomes from Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm) and its closely related pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) lead to the identification of two additional ribosomal proteins named as bS22 and bL37 and several unique extensions in ribosomal-protein and ribosomal-RNA. Hibernation Promoting Factor (HPF) bound structure of Msm ribosome, termed as the hibernating ribosome, possibly indicates a new mechanism of ribosome protection during dormancy. These studies enabled the identification of the mycobacteria-specific ribosomal features and provides an opportunity to understand their function and target them for further drug-discovery purposes. Here we review the unique structural features identified in Msm ribosome and their possible implications in comparison to a well-studied Escherichia coli (Ec) ribosome.

D004926:Escherichia coli
D008958:Models, Molecular
D009161:Mycobacterium
D009169:Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D010455:Peptides
D011487:Protein Conformation
D012335:RNA, Ribosomal
D012269:Ribosomal Proteins
D012270:Ribosomes

ribosome
Translation
Cryo-EM
Species-specific
Mycobacterium smegmatis
Hibernation


Application of nanotechnology to control bacterial adhesion and patterning on material surfaces.

Abstract: Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on surfaces raises health hazard issues in the medical environment. Previous studies of bacteria adhesion have focused on observations in their natural/native environments. Recently, surface science has contributed in advancing the understanding of bacterial adhesion by providing ideal platforms that attempt to mimic the bacteria's natural environments, whilst also enabling concurrent control, selectivity and spatial control of bacterial adhesion. In this review, we will look at techniques of how nanotechnology is used to control cell adhesion on a planar scale, in addition to describing the use of nanotools for cell micropatterning. Additionally, it will provide a general background of common methods for nanoscale modification enabling biologist unfamiliar with nanotechnology to enter the field.

Costello|Cait M|CM|
Yeung|Chun L|CL|
Rawson|Frankie J|FJ|
Mendes|Paula M|PM|

nanotechnology
bacterial adhesion
surface science
bacterial patterning
self-assembled monolayers


Dynamics of Epstein-Barr virus on post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after antithymocyte globulin-conditioned allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is associated with an increased risk of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). The dynamics and outcomes of EBV-DNAemia are not well described in this population.

METHODS
We retrospectively assessed the kinetics of EBV-DNAemia after ATG conditioning of HCT recipients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess EBV-DNAemia to predict EBV-PTLD in this group.

RESULTS
A total of 174/405 (43%) consecutive HCT recipients from two centers met inclusion criteria of ATG conditioned, non-B-cell lymphoma patients. Of these with EBV-DNA measured using standardized IU/ml, 78.6% (92/117) developed EBV-DNAemia: 62% spontaneously resolved; 19% cleared after preemptive rituximab, and 13% developed EBV-PTLD. ROC curve analysis using maximum pre-EBV-PTLD EBV-DNAemia, demonstrated an AUC of 0.912 with EBV-DNAemia of 9782 IU/ml, associated with 82.6% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity for development of EBV-PTLD. Median time for EBV-DNAemia to increase from initial detection to >1000 IU/ml was 7 days; to >10 000 IU/ml, 12 days; and to >100 000 IU/ml, 18 days. Median EBV-DNAemia level prior to administration of rituximab was significantly lower in patients with successful preemptive treatment, compared with those who developed EBV-PTLD (3.41 log10  IU/ml [3.30-3.67] vs. 4.34 log10  IU/ml [3.85-5.13], p = .002; i.e., 2628 IU/ml vs. 21 965 IU/ml, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
EBV-DNAemia >10 000 IU/ml was the strongest predictor of the development of EBV-PTLD, and progression to this level was rapid in ATG-conditioned HCT recipients. This information may guide EBV-PTLD management strategies in these high-risk patients.

D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation


MS/MS-Free Protein Identification in Complex Mixtures Using Multiple Enzymes with Complementary Specificity.

Abstract: In this work, we present the results of evaluation of a workflow that employs a multienzyme digestion strategy for MS1-based protein identification in "shotgun" proteomic applications. In the proposed strategy, several cleavage reagents of different specificity were used for parallel digestion of the protein sample followed by MS1 and retention time (RT) based search. Proof of principle for the proposed strategy was performed using experimental data obtained for the annotated 48-protein standard. By using the developed approach, up to 90% of proteins from the standard were unambiguously identified. The approach was further applied to HeLa proteome data. For the sample of this complexity, the proposed MS1-only strategy determined correctly up to 34% of all proteins identified using standard MS/MS-based database search. It was also found that the results of MS1-only search were independent of the chromatographic gradient time in a wide range of gradients from 15-120 min. Potentially, rapid MS1-only proteome characterization can be an alternative or complementary to the MS/MS-based "shotgun" analyses in the studies, in which the experimental time is more important than the depth of the proteome coverage.

protein identification
proteomics
database search
MS1-only search
peptide mass fingerprinting
shotgun proteomics


Nodular histiocytic/mesothelial hyperplasia as consequence of chronic mesothelium irritation by subphrenic abscess.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Pleural nodular histiocytic/mesothelial hyperplasia is a nodular histiocytic/mesothelial proliferation, often delimiting cystic cavities, due to irritation by a pulmonary noxa. Case report results: The patient had right pleural parietal and diaphragmatic thickness, with pleural effusion, without lung alterations. He previously underwent left hemicolectomy and liver resection, due to a diverticulitis and a liver histiocytes-rich abscess. Video-assisted thoracoscopy biopsy showed a double population of reactive mesothelial cells and histiocytes.

CONCLUSION
Nodular histiocytic/mesothelial hyperplasia represents a potential pitfall for pathologists. Immunohistochemistry is crucial for the differential diagnosis with some malignancies. We suggest that in our patient, a chronic mesothelium inflammation happened by transdiaphragmatic involvement as a consequence of the liver abscess. Some pathogenetic mechanisms are hypothesized.

Cabibi|Daniela|D|
Lo Iacono|Giorgio|G|
Raffaele|Francesco|F|
Dioguardi|Salvatore|S|
Ingrao|Sabrina|S|
Pirrotta|Antonio|A|
Fatica|Federica|F|
Cajozzo|Massimo|M|

mesothelial hyperplasia
pleural effusion
VATS