Atrial natriuretic peptide therapy and in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) therapy has been reported to have beneficial effects in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI); however, its impact on in-hospital mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ANP therapy on in-hospital mortality in AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database in Japan. We identified AMI patients who underwent PCI with stent implantation on the day of admission, between 2010 and 2014. We compared 30-day in-hospital mortality between patients who started ANP therapy on the day of admission (ANP group) and those who received no ANP therapy during hospitalization (control group), using propensity score and instrumental variable methods.

RESULTS
Of 60,592 eligible patients (8189 ANP group, 52,403 control group) from 850 hospitals, 1:1 propensity score matching created 8027 pairs. There was no significant difference in 30-day in-hospital mortality between the ANP and control groups (3.4% vs. 3.8%, respectively; p=0.162; risk difference, -0.42%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.00% to 0.15%) in the propensity score-matched cohort. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for propensity score deciles found no significant association between ANP therapy and 30-day in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.19). Instrumental variable analysis also showed no significant association between ANP therapy and 30-day in-hospital mortality (risk difference, -0.59%; 95% CI, -1.24% to 0.05%).

CONCLUSIONS
This study found no significant association between ANP therapy and in-hospital mortality in AMI patients undergoing PCI.

Isogai|Toshiaki|T| Matsui|Hiroki|H| Tanaka|Hiroyuki|H| Fushimi|Kiyohide|K| Yasunaga|Hideo|H|

D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care

Atrial natriuretic peptide
In-hospital mortality
Acute myocardial infarction
Percutaneous coronary intervention


Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A narrative review and guide to management.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disabling disorder of gut-brain interaction manifested by stereotypical and severe episodes of nausea and vomiting. Prevalence data indicate that CVS affects 1-2% of children and there has been a recent dramatic rise in diagnosed adults.

METHODS
This narrative review summarizes relevant literature pertaining to pediatric and adult CVS and provides a guide to management based on extensive clinical experience.

RESULTS
More timely diagnosis is facilitated by an expert consensus diagnostic approach and limited testing. Some diagnostic tests of exclusion remain essential. These include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) contrast study to exclude intestinal malrotation and basic laboratory screening. An abdominal ultrasound is recommended to exclude renal hydronephrosis in children and biliary disease in adults. Exclusion of metabolic/genetic conditions is warranted in those with specific warning signs, presentation in infants/toddler age, and in those with refractory disease. In the absence of chronic GI symptoms, referral to a GI specialist for upper endoscopy is generally not necessary in children but recommended in adults. A large subset termed migraine-equivalent CVS display strong clinical and genetic features of migraine. A unifying pathophysiologic core concept involves neuronal hyperexcitability and aberrant central modulation of autonomic signals. This is coupled with multiple susceptibility factors including mitochondrial dysfunction/cellular energy deficits, a hyper-responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and many comorbidities that increase vulnerability to triggering events. CVS episodes are frequently triggered by stressors and intercurrent illnesses. Lifestyle and non-pharmacological interventions thus play a pivotal role in successful management. Pharmacological therapies are categorized into abortive, supportive/rescue, and prophylactic treatments. The majority respond particularly well to migraine-focused treatment strategies.

CONCLUSION
Despite improved characterization and understanding, CVS remains classified as a functional disorder of brain-gut interaction that is often disjointly managed by generalists and subspecialists. Early recognition, evaluation, and management will facilitate care and improve outcomes. Further research into its natural history with common progression to migraine headaches, neuroendocrine mechanisms, and the pathophysiologic relation to migraine diathesis is much needed.

nausea and vomiting
functional disorders
episodic vomiting


A systematic review of sex-based differences in effectiveness and adverse effects of clozapine.

Abstract: Clozapine is one of the most widely used antipsychotics for treating psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This drug, however, is associated with adverse effects such as weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and blood dyscrasias. The manifestations of mental illness may differ between men and women. Yet, there is little evidence on the influence of sex on treatment response or the occurrence of AEs. To fill this gap of knowledge, we carried out a systematic review of the literature on sex differences in the effectiveness and adverse effects of clozapine. Scant evidence has been published on differences in effectiveness of clozapine between men and women. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, this issue has only been addressed in a published study. Regarding adverse effects, males have been reported to be more likely to develop metabolic abnormalities such as cholesterol or triglycerides, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk, while females are at a higher risk for gaining weight, developing diabetes, and needing laxatives. Nevertheless, given the scarcity of sex-based studies on this drug, further studies are needed to explore sex-based differences, as the results obtained may be crucial to clinical practice and help improve the quality of life of patients.

Alberich|Susana|S| Fernández-Sevillano|Jessica|J| González-Ortega|Itxaso|I| Usall|Judith|J| Sáenz|Marga|M| González-Fraile|Eduardo|E| González-Pinto|Ana|A|

Effectiveness
Adverse effects
Clozapine
Sex-differences


Enhancing activity by means of tactile symbols: a study of a heterogeneous group of pupils with congenital blindness, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.

Abstract: This study investigates responses to verbal versus tactile requests in children with congenital blindness, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Observation was conducted on two occasions. At T1, requests were given verbally, and at T2, tactile requests were given. All pupils perceived tactile symbols to be explicit requests to perform the act referred to by the symbols. The children seldom or never followed verbal requests. All children followed more tactile than verbal requests. Individual differences in verbal skills, motivations and the complexity of the activity are discussed. The availability of tactile symbols for individuals with congenital blindness, intellectual disability and ASD seems to increase their level of activity and their participation in school.

D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive

activity
tactile symbols
congenital blindness
intellectual disability
autism spectrum disorder


The feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for antenatal depression: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Antenatal depression is common and associated with adverse consequences for mothers, babies, and future generations. Limitations with conventional approaches has resulted in additional therapies being considered. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture for improving mental health.

METHODS
Fifty-seven pregnant women with depressive symptomologies were randomised to acupuncture (n=19) plus treatment as usual (TAU), progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, n=19) plus TAU or TAU (n=19). Treatments were conducted from 24 to 31 weeks gestation. Clinical assessments were performed throughout the intervention, as well as at a six-week postnatal follow-up. The primary outcome measure was depression. Secondary outcome measurements were stress, anxiety, psychological distress, quality of life and adjustment to mothering. Intention to treat (ITT), Linear Mixed Model (LMM) repeated measures and per protocol (PP) analyses were conducted.

RESULTS
At end-of-intervention there were significantly lower depression scores in the acupuncture group versus TAU and PMR respectively [ITT p<0.001, mean difference (MD) -5.84 (95% CI -9.10 to -2.58); MD -3.42 (95% CI -6.64 to -0.20)]. LMM repeated measures analysis (including postnatal follow-up) also demonstrated significantly lowered acupuncture group scores for stress (p=0.006) and psychological distress (p<0.001) when compared to PMR and TAU. Between group differences were not significant at six-weeks postnatal. No adverse events were reported.

LIMITATIONS
Main limitations are small sample size and the use of self-reported outcome measures.

CONCLUSION
Prenatal acupuncture reduced depression, stress and distress, whilst also being well-tolerated and free from adverse events. Further research is warranted.

Ormsby|Simone M|SM|
Smith|Caroline A|CA|
Dahlen|Hannah G|HG|
Hay|Phillipa J|PJ|

Acupuncture
antenatal depression
stress
anxiety
clinical trial


The survival impact of surgical therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To describe the incidence and determinants of survival of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate (SCCHP) between the years of 1973 to 2014 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.

METHODS
Retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients in the SEER tumor registry who were diagnosed with SCCHP from 1973 to 2014. Outcomes and measures included overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

RESULTS
A total of 1,489 cases of primary SCCHP were identified. Of those, 53.2% were females and 47.8% presented with stage IV disease. The mean age at diagnosis was 69.8 years. Overall survival at 2, 5, and 10 years was 44%, 33%, and 21%, respectively. A total of 66.2% of patients underwent surgery (with or without radiation therapy [RT]); 20.1% received RT; and 22.4% had both surgical and RT. On multivariate analysis, RT, advanced age, stage, and grade were associated with worse OS and DSS (P < 0.05). Surgical therapy (with or without radiation) was an independent favorable predictor of OS and DSS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION
SCCHP is relatively infrequent tumor that portends an overall poor prognosis when advanced stage and a greater prognosis when early stage. Surgical therapy was found to be an independent predictor for improved OS and DSS, whereas RT was associated with reduced OS and DSS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4. Laryngoscope, 128:2050-2055, 2018.

Alonso|Jose E|JE|0000-0003-3602-7347
Han|Albert Y|AY|0000-0003-4427-6634
Kuan|Edward C|EC|0000-0003-3475-0718
Strohl|Madeline|M|
Clair|Jon Mallen-St|JM|
St John|Maie A|MA|
Ryan|William R|WR|
Heaton|Chase M|CM|

Squamous cell carcinoma
hard palate
head and neck surgery
otolaryngology


Misconstrual of EAPC's position paper on euthanasia.

Abstract: This is a response to Barutta and Vollmann's article 'Physician-assisted death with limited access to palliative care.' I show how they misconstrue a key empirical statement made by the European Association for Palliative Care regarding legalisation of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Additionally, I include some further remarks on the relationship between euthanasia and palliative care. I read with interest the article, which delineate well several positions and gives a nice overview of arguments presented on either side. I also found the line of argument unprejudiced and clear, and am sure people working within palliative care would benefit from reading it.

D033101:Euthanasia, Active, Voluntary
D006297:Health Services Accessibility
D006801:Humans
D010166:Palliative Care
D010819:Physician's Role
D017236:Suicide, Assisted
D019452:Terminally Ill

Euthanasia
Palliative Care
End of Life Care
End-of-life
Ethics


Disorganised schizotypy is selectively associated with poorer semantic processing in non-clinical individuals.

Abstract: The nature and severity of semantic memory (SM) impairments in schizophrenia has been related to symptoms, mainly formal thought disorder (FTD), and other clinical factors like length of illness. Symptom-related studies in schizophrenia are often confounded by clinical factors, for example medication and hospitalisations. We completed a schizotypy analogue study to examine the relationship between SM processing and FTD using an analogue schizotypy score referred to as cognitive disorganisation. Sixty individuals without a history of mental illness (M=22.92, SD=2.70) completed a schizotypy questionnaire and three semantic tasks - naming pictures, category fluency and semantic priming. Only decreasing fluency was associated with increasing cognitive disorganisation scores (p=0.029). In line with the prevailing dyssemantic theories, the results highlight that cognitive disorganisation is associated with some difficulties in SM processes, though not all. The observed differential relationships of SM processes to disorganised schizotypy are discussed in relation to previous work, and in terms of potential developmental trajectories for SM impairment in schizophrenia.

Tan|Eric Josiah|EJ|
Rossell|Susan Lee|SL|

Schizotypy
Semantic memory
Cognitive disorganisation
Naming
Fluency
Priming


Association between community characteristics and implementation of community programmes and policies addressing childhood obesity: the Healthy Communities Study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Little is known about whether characteristics of communities are associated with differential implementation of community programmes and policies to promote physical activity and healthy eating. This study examines associations between community characteristics (e.g. region and race/ethnicity) and the intensity of community programmes and policies implemented to prevent childhood obesity. It explores whether community characteristics moderate the intensity of community efforts to prevent childhood obesity.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to investigate associations between community characteristics and the intensity of community policies and programmes to prevent childhood obesity documented in the Healthy Communities Study that engaged a diverse sample of US communities.

METHOD
Programmes and policies were documented in 130 communities across the USA, reporting over 9000 different community programmes and policies to prevent obesity among children ages 4-15. We examined associations between community characteristics and the intensity of community programmes and policies implemented (i.e. their amount and reach, duration and strength of change strategy).

CONCLUSION
Community characteristics explain 25% of the variability in the intensity of community programmes and policies implemented in communities. Particular characteristics - urbanicity, region, being a large county and the per cent of African-Americans in a community - contributed to more (over 18% of the 25%) of the observed variability.

Schultz|J A|JA|0000-0002-2325-958X
Collie-Akers|V L|VL|0000-0002-7873-5512
Fawcett|S B|SB|
Strauss|W J|WJ|
Nagaraja|J|J|
Landgraf|A J|AJ|
McIver|K L|KL|
Weber|S A|SA|
Arteaga|S S|SS|
Nebeling|L C|LC|
Rauzon|S M|SM|
|||

D000293:Adolescent
D002648:Child
D002675:Child, Preschool
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D015444:Exercise
D054625:Healthcare Disparities
D006801:Humans
D063766:Pediatric Obesity
D011314:Preventive Health Services
D011634:Public Health
D012111:Residence Characteristics
D014481:United States

Childhood obesity
prevention
community interventions
context


Population-based study of acquired cerebellar ataxia in Al-Kharga district, New Valley, Egypt.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence and etiology of acquired ataxia in Al-Kharga district, New Valley, Egypt.

METHODS
A population-based study of acquired ataxia was conducted in a defined geographical region with a total population of 62,583. A door-to-door survey was used to identify cases of acquired cerebellar ataxia. Patients with acquired cerebellar ataxia at any age and of both genders were included. Cases of known inherited cerebellar ataxia, acquired neurological disorders with ataxia as a minor feature, or pure acquired sensory ataxia, were excluded.

RESULTS
We identified 17 cases of acquired ataxia, of which eight were vascular, six were an ataxic cerebral palsy subtype, and three involved postencephalitic ataxia. The crude prevalence rate for acquired ataxia was 27.16/100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.3-40.1). The mean age of the patients at interview was 31.8 (range 4-72) years, with a male to female ratio of 2.1:1. The most frequent presenting complaint was disturbance of gait (90.7%). The majority (92%) were ambulatory, but only 9.3% were independently self-caring.

CONCLUSION
This population-based study provides an insight into acquired cerebellar ataxia within a defined region, and may inform decisions about the rational use of health care resources for patients with acquired cerebellar ataxia. The most common causes of acquired cerebellar ataxia in this region were cerebrovascular injury and cerebral palsy.

Farghaly|Wafaa Ma|WM|
El-Tallawy|Hamdy N|HN|
Shehata|Ghaydaa A|GA|
Rageh|Tarek A|TA|
Hakeem|Nabil Abdel|NA|
Abo-Elfetoh|Noha M|NM|

acquired cerebellar ataxia
Egypt
prevalence
subtypes


Metasurface-Integrated Photonic Platform for Versatile Free-Space Beam Projection with Polarization Control.

Abstract: Densely integrated photonic circuits enable scalable, complex processing of optical signals, including modulation, multiplexing, wavelength conversion, and detection. Directly interfacing such integrated circuits to free-space optical modes will enable novel optical functions, such as chip-scale sensing, interchip free-space interconnect and cooling, trapping, and interrogation of atoms. However, doing this within the limits of planar batch fabrication requires new approaches for bridging the large mode scale mismatch. Here, by integrating a dielectric metasurface with an extreme photonic mode converter, we create a versatile nanophotonic platform for efficient coupling to arbitrary-defined free-space radiation of 780 nm wavelength with well-controlled spatially-dependent polarization, phase, and intensity. Without leaving the chip, the high index photonic mode is converted first to a ≈ 200 μm wide, precisely collimated, linearly-polarized Gaussian beam, which is then modified by a planar, integrated, low-loss metasurface. We demonstrate high numerical aperture, diffraction limited focusing to an ≈ 473 nm spot at an ≈ 75 μm working distance, and combine it with simultaneous conversion from linear to elliptical polarization. All device components are lithographically defined and can be batch fabricated, facilitating future chip-scale low-cost hybrid photonic systems for bio-sensing, nonlinear signal processing and atomic quantum sensing, frequency references and memory.

Yulaev|Alexander|A|
Zhu|Wenqi|W|
Zhang|Cheng|C|
Westly|Daron A|DA|
Lezec|Henri J|HJ|
Agrawal|Amit|A|
Aksyuk|Vladimir|V|

polarization control
Integrated photonics
metasurface
free-space radiation
high-NA focusing
photonic-free-space coupling


Association Between Genetically Proxied Lipid-Lowering Drug Targets and Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

Abstract: Observational studies suggested inconsistent associations between lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk. In a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) framework, we assessed the causal influence of lipid-lowering agents and circulating lipid traits on overall and sex-specific RCC risk. Genetic variants of six drug-target genes were selected to proxy the effects of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies. Instrumental variables for circulating lipid traits were constructed from two large genome-wide association studies. We used endpoints for RCC from summary statistics of two studies [International Agency for Research on Cancer [IARC], N = 13,230; National Cancer Institute [NCI], N = 4,735]. The robustness of results was assessed through conventional MR sensitivity analyses. Overall, there was no significant association between genetically proxied HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) inhibition and RCC risk [Odds ratio [OR] = 1.42, 95% CI, 0.29-6.99]. In the sex-stratified analysis, we observed a positive association for genetically proxied drug targets with RCC risk. Specifically, genetically proxied proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition was associated with a higher risk of RCC in men [OR = 2.20 [95% CI, 1.24-3.89]], and the difference by sex was moderate. This study suggested genetically proxied inhibition of HMGCR was not associated with RCC risk, while genetically proxied PCSK9 inhibition might be associated with a higher risk of RCC in male.

Liu|Luyang|L| Sheng|Chao|C| Lyu|Zhangyan|Z| Dai|Hongji|H| Chen|Kexin|K|

lipid-lowering drug
renal cell carcinoma
mendelian randomization
sex-specific
lipoprotein


Attitudes of editors of core clinical journals about whether systematic reviews are original research: a mixed-methods study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
In 2009, not all journal editors considered systematic reviews (SRs) to be original research studies, and not all PubMed Core Clinical Journals published SRs. The aim of this study was to conduct a new analysis about editors' opinion regarding SRs as original research.

DESIGN
We conducted a survey and qualitative interview study of journal editors.

PARTICIPANTS
All editors listed as editor-in chief of 118 PubMed Core Clinical Journals.

METHODS
We contacted editors via email and asked them whether they considered SRs original research, whether they published SRs in the journal and, if yes, in which section. We searched PubMed for any SRs (or meta-analyses) published in the included journals in 2017; if we did not find any, we hand-searched these journals. Editors were invited to participate in a follow-up qualitative interview study.

RESULTS
We received responses from 73 editors representing 72 (62%) journals. Fifty-two (80%) editors considered SRs original research, either for any type of SR (65%) or only for SRs with a meta-analysis (15%) and almost all (91%) of editors published SRs. Compared with the results of the 2009 study of Core Clinical Journals, a similar proportion of editors considered SRs to be original studies (71%), accepted SRs as original on certain condition such as presence of meta-analysis (14%) or published SRs (94%). Interviews with editors showed that they used various criteria to decide whether a SR is original research, including methodology, reproducibility, originality of idea and level of novelty.

CONCLUSION
The majority of editors of core clinical journals consider that SRs are original research. Among editors, there was no uniform approach to defining what makes a SR, or any study, original. This indicates that the concepts of originality of SRs and research are evolving and that this would be a relevant topic for further discussion.

Krnic Martinic|Marina|M|
Meerpohl|Joerg J|JJ|
von Elm|Erik|E|
Herrle|Florian|F|
Marusic|Ana|A|
Puljak|Livia|L|

D035081:Editorial Policies
D006801:Humans
D010506:Periodicals as Topic
D011643:Publishing
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000078202:Systematic Reviews as Topic

editors
systematic reviews
original research
opinions


Colorimetric Metal-Free Detection of Carbon Monoxide: Reversible CO Uptake by a BNB Frustrated Lewis Pair.

Abstract: We report two BNB-type frustrated Lewis pairs which feature an acceptor-donor-acceptor functionalized cavity, and which differ in the nature of the B-bound fluoroaryl group (C6 F5 vs. C6 H3 (CF3 )2 -3,5, Arf ). These receptor systems are capable of capturing gaseous CO, and in the case of the -BArf 2 system this can be shown to occur in reversible fashion at/above room temperature. For both systems, the binding event is accompanied by migration of one of the aryl substituents to the electrophilic carbon of the CO guest. Experiments utilizing an additional equivalent of Pt Bu3 allow the initially formed (non-migrated) CO adduct to be identified and trapped (via demethylation), while also establishing the reversibility of the B-to-C migration process. When partnered with the slightly less Lewis acidic -BArf 2 substituent, this reversibility allows for release of the captured carbon monoxide in the temperature range 40-70 °C, and the possibility for CO sensing, making use of the associated colourless to orange/red colour change.

carbon monoxide
frustrated Lewis pair
receptor
borane
reversible binding


Surgical peripheral iridectomy via a clear-cornea phacoemulsification incision for pupillary block following cataract surgery in acute angle closure.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
To describe a technique of surgical peripheral iridectomy via a clear-cornea tunnel incision to prevent or treat pupillary block following phacoemulsification.

METHODS
Description of technique and retrospective description results in 20 eyes of 20 patients with acute angle closure with coexisting visually significant cataract undergoing phacoemulsification considered at risk of postoperative papillary block as well as two pseudo-phakic eyes with acute postoperative pupillary-block. Following phacoemulsification and insertion of an intraocular lens, a needle with a bent tip was inserted behind the iris through the corneal tunnel incision. A blunt iris repositor was introduced through the paracentesis and placed above the iris to exert posterior pressure and create a puncture. The size of the puncture was enlarged using scissors. For postoperative pupillary block the same technique was carried out through the existing incisions created for phacoemulsification.

RESULTS
Peripheral iridectomy was successfully created in all 22 eyes. At a mean follow-up of 18.77 ± 9.72 months, none of the iridectomies closed or required enlargement. Two eyes had mild intraoperative bleeding and one eye a small Descemet's detachment that did not require intervention. No clinically significant complications were observed. Visual acuity and IOP improved or was maintained in all patients. The incidence of pupillary block in our hospital was 0.09% overall, 0.6% in diabetics and 3.5% in those with diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS
This technique of peripheral iridectomy via the cornea tunnel incision can be safely used during phacoemulsification in eyes at high risk of pupillary block or in the treatment of acute postoperative pupillary-block after cataract surgery. The technique is likely to be especially useful in brown iris, or if a laser is not available.

Surgical peripheral iridectomy
Phacoemulsification
Pupillary block
Acute angle closure


Whole glove permeation of cyclohexanol through disposable nitrile gloves on a dextrous robot hand: Fist clenching vs. non-clenching.

Abstract: The differences in permeation parameters when a gloved dextrous robot hand clenched and did not were investigated with the dynamic permeation system described in the companion paper. Increased permeation through the gloves of the present study for cyclohexanol when the gloved hand clenched depended on glove thickness and porosity for cyclohexanol permeation. The Sterling glove, the thinnest and most porous, was the least protective. Hand clenching promoted more permeation for the Sterling glove in terms of breakthrough times, steady state permeation rate, and diffusion coefficient. The Safeskin glove showed increased permeation only for the steady state permeation rate but not breakthrough times or diffusion coefficient. The Blue and Purple gloves showed no differences when the hand was clenching or not. The correlational analysis supported differences between the clenching and non-clenching situations, and the risk assessment considered the worst and best scenarios relative to one and two hydrated hands that were and were not protected by specific gloves.

glove permeation
cyclohexanol
nitrile gloves
dextrous robot hand
Clenching


Immune response genes receptors expression and polymorphisms in relation to multiple sclerosis susceptibility and response to INF-β therapy.

Abstract: Interferon (IFN)-β is one of the disease modifying drugs used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. A predictive marker that indicates good or poor response to the treatment is highly desirable. We aimed to investigate the relation between the immune response genes receptors (IFNAR1, IFNAR2, and CCR5) expression and their polymorhic variants and multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility as well as the response to IFN-β therapy. The immune response genes receptors expression and genotyping were analyzed in 80 patients with MS, treated with IFN-β and in 110 healthy controls. There was a significant decrease of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 mRNA expression and a significant increase of CCR5 mRNA expression in MS patients compared with the control group. Also, the level of IFNAR1, IFNAR2, and CCR5 mRNA expression was found to be significantly lower in the responders than nonresponders. Carriers of IFNAR1 18417 C/C genotype and C allele had an increased risk of developing MS. There was a significant relation between CCR5 Δ32 allele and IFN-β treatment response in MS patients. Our results highlighted the significance of IFNAR and CCR5 genes in multiple sclerosis risk and the response to IFN-β therapy. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(9):727-734, 2016.

Karam|Rehab A|RA|
Rezk|Noha A|NA|
Amer|Mona M|MM|
Fathy|Hala A|HA|


Labor inclusion of individuals with disabilities: Managers' conceptions as a contributing factor.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to analyze the managers' conceptions involved in the process of labor inclusion in 18 supermarkets with 5,000 employees, 300 of whom with disabilities.

METHODS
A group of 90 managers working with people with disability completed a Conceptions of Disability Inventory (CDI) about their conceptions of people with disabilities. Their responses were categorized as follows: (a) disability as a spiritual manifestation; b) disability as a deviation from normality; (c) disability based on assumptions of inclusion; (d) disability assessed from performance criteria; (e) disability assessed from the connection established with the work organization; (f) disability conceived by contracting benefits, and (g) disability based on the perception of the need for training.

RESULTS
Based on the outcomes of the Pearson Correlation Matrix, significant linear correlations were found in seven managers' conceptions of disability. The results also indicate that the managers' conceptions contributed to differentiated inclusionist actions based on their perceptions related to people with disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS
This study data contributes to identifying the best practices in labor inclusion. The outcomes of the present study could lead to development of a public policy aimed towards humanizing job alternatives for people with disability.

labor inclusion
Managers' conceptions
people with disabilities


Toward a European definition for a drug shortage: a qualitative study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Drug shortages are currently on the rise. In-depth investigation of the problem is necessary, however, a variety of definitions for 'drug shortages' are formulated in legislations, by different organizations, authorities, and other initiatives. For international comparison, the underlying definition for drug shortages is important to allow appropriate interpretation of national databases and the results of scientific studies. The objective is to identify the different elements which should be considered in a uniform definition for drug shortages in the European Union (EU) and to detect the different conditions for reporting drug shortages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Definitions of drug shortages were searched in the scientific databases as well as in the gray literature. Similar topics were identified and organizations were contacted to formulate the reasoning underlying the definitions.

RESULTS
Over 20 different definitions for drug shortages were identified. A distinction is made between general definitions of drug shortages and definitions used for the reporting of drug shortages. Differences and similarities are observed in the elements within the definitions, e.g., when does a supply problem become a drug shortage, permanent and/or temporally shortages, the typology and time frame of a drug shortage. The moment a supply problem is considered as a shortage, can be defined at four levels: (i) demand side, (ii) supply side, (iii) delivery of a drug, and (iv) availability of a drug. Permanent discontinuations of drugs are not always covered in definitions for drug shortages. Some definitions only consider those drugs used for the treatment of serious diseases or drugs for which no alternative is available. Different time frames were observed, varying between 1 day and 20 days.

CONCLUSION
Obtaining a uniform definition for drug shortages is important as well as identifying which conditions are preferable to report drug shortages in order to facilitate international benchmarking. This paper can be used as a guidance to point out all the different elements which should be considered to formulate a uniform definition to be applied in the EU.

De Weerdt|Elfi|E|
Simoens|Steven|S|
Casteels|Minne|M|
Huys|Isabelle|I|

drug shortages
supply problems
definition and concepts
literature review
qualitative research
semantics


Lung clearance index for early detection of pulmonary complications after allo-HSCT in children.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGvHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is characterized by impairment of the small airways. Assessment of lung clearance index (LCI) gained from multiple breath washout (MBW) is more sensitive than spirometry in detection of small airways disease. The aim of this study was to describe the development of LCI during the first year after pediatric HSCT and how LCI relates to other pulmonary function parameters and cGvHD.

METHODS
This prospective, longitudinal study included 28 pediatric HSCT-recipients. Spirometry, Sulfur hexafluoride MBW and diffusion capacity of the lungs were performed before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after HSCT. Respiratory symptoms and signs of cGvHD were recorded at each visit.

RESULTS
Before HSCT, 47.8% had abnormal LCI and 12.5% had abnormal forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 ). Patients with persisting respiratory symptoms 12 months post-HSCT had higher median LCI (factor 5.7, P = 0.0018) and lower FEV1 z-scores (-1.5, P = 0.033) post-HSCT compared to patients free of respiratory symptoms. Overall, post-HSCT LCI values were 3.49 times higher and FEV1 was 2.31 z-scores lower in eight patients with cGvHD in any organ system compared with patients without cGvHD (P = 0.0089 and P < 0.0001). LCI values during the first 3 months were not predictive of pulmonary cGvHD.

CONCLUSION
LCI is a sensitive marker for cGvHD and high LCI values were associated with persisting respiratory symptoms after 1 year. Further evaluation of MBW in early detection of HSCT-related pulmonary complications require larger patient cohorts and closer follow-up during the first months after HSCT.

Uhlving|Hilde H|HH|0000-0003-0389-3767
Skov|Linnea|L|
Buchvald|Frederik|F|0000-0003-4196-3893
Heilmann|Carsten|C|
Grell|Kathrine|K|
Ifversen|Marianne|M|
Green|Kent|K|
Müller|Klaus|K|
Nielsen|Kim G|KG|

D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation


Sleep Disorders in Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown to be associated with higher incidence of sleep disorders, which may be due to disease itself or because of secondary complications or associated comorbidities associated with diabetes. On the other hand, shorter sleep duration and erratic sleep behavior itself have been linked with higher incidence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and T2DM. Assessment of sleep quality and sleep disorders as a part of the comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended based on emerging evidence suggesting a relationship between sleep quality and glycemic control in persons with T2DM. In this review, we attempt to summarize common sleep disorders associated with T2DM, their impacts on glycemic and other metabolic control, and various preventive and therapeutic strategies to tackle these problems.

Khandelwal|Deepak|D| Dutta|Deep|D| Chittawar|Sachin|S| Kalra|Sanjay|S|

sleep disorders
type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
obstructive sleep apnea
sleep-disordered breathing


Integrated Care in the Era of COVID-19: Turning Vision Into Reality With Digital Health.

Abstract: The lives of millions of people have been affected during the coronavirus pandemic that spread throughout the world in 2020. Society is changing establishing new norms for healthcare education, social life, and business. Digital health has seen an accelerated implementation throughout the world in response to the pandemic challenges. In this perspective paper, the authors highlight the features that digital platforms are important to have in order to support integrated care during a pandemic. The features of the digital platform Safe in COVID-19 are used as an example. Integrated care can only be supported when healthcare data is available and can be sharable and reusable. Healthcare data is essential to support effective prevention, prediction, and disease management. Data available in personal health apps can be sharable and reusable when apps follow interoperability guidelines for semantics and data management. The authors also highlight that not only technical but also political and social barriers need to be addressed in order to achieve integrated care in practice.

Kouroubali|Angelina|A|
Kondylakis|Haridimos|H|
Katehakis|Dimitrios G|DG|

integrated care
COVID-19
digital health
interoperability
EHR
FHIR
eHealth


The Relationship of Physical Activity From Physical Education with Perceived Peer Acceptance Across Childhood and Adolescence.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although physical activity can play a positive role in psychosocial development, few studies have longitudinally examined the relationship between physical activity from physical education (PA from PE) and perceived peer acceptance (PPA).

METHODS
Data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were used with 1908 elementary students from the first (age 10 years) to the 4-year panel (age 13 years), and 1954 middle-school students from the first (age 14 years) to the 4-year panel (age 17 years). We analyzed the data using latent curve modeling.

RESULTS
In childhood, an increase in the amount of PA from PE over time positively corresponds with positive linear tendency of PPA over time. In adolescence, a decrease in the amount of PA from PE over time negatively corresponds with positive linear tendency toward PPA over time. Thus, PPA changes are positively associated with PA from PE across both childhood and adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the amount of PA obtained in PE is salient to perceived peer acceptance of both children and adolescents. Other variables (eg, friendship, self-presentational processes) that might affect this relationship should be explored.

peers
latent curve modeling
friendship
social development


Current role and future perspectives of multivariate (chemometric) methods in NMR spectroscopic analysis of pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a fast and accurate analytical method. Associated with chemometrics, it gradually becomes more important tool for the pharmaceutical industry. In this review studies dealing with the applications of multivariate analysis to NMR spectroscopic profiles were grouped and discussed according to the analytical problem solved. The following topics were covered: authenticity of medicines according to variety, seasonal and geographical differences of herbal plants; quantitative prediction of pharmacologically relevant parameters; production and batches approval; investigation of drug structure modifications; site-specific natural isotope fractionation (SNIF-NMR) fingerprinting for origin and manufacturer tracking and others. Special focus was put on the heparin authenticity by using 1D and 2D NMR measurements. Finally, further research directions have been outlined. Our review has shown that chemometrics plays an important role for the quality control and authenticity of pharmaceutical products and its role will definitely increase in the future. The discussed approaches are recommended to be implemented during development and production process of pharmaceuticals or in quality control laboratories.

Monakhova|Yulia B|YB|
Holzgrabe|Ulrike|U|
Diehl|Bernd W K|BWK|

D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular

Chemometrics
Pharmaceutical products
Authenticity
SNIF-NMR
Batch control
Herbal medicines


Sensitization of Tumors for Attack by Virus-Specific CD8+ T-Cells Through Antibody-Mediated Delivery of Immunogenic T-Cell Epitopes.

Abstract: Anti-tumor immunity is limited by a number of factors including the lack of fully activated T-cells, insufficient antigenic stimulation and the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. We addressed these hurdles by developing a novel class of immunoconjugates, Antibody-Targeted Pathogen-derived Peptides (ATPPs), which were designed to efficiently deliver viral T-cell epitopes to tumors with the aim of redirecting virus-specific memory T-cells against the tumor. ATPPs were generated through covalent binding of mature MHC class I peptides to antibodies specific for cell surface-expressed tumor antigens that mediate immunoconjugate internalization. By means of a cleavable linker, the peptides are released in the endosomal compartment, from which they are loaded into MHC class I without the need for further processing. Pulsing of tumor cells with ATPPs was found to sensitize these for recognition by virus-specific CD8+ T-cells with much greater efficiency than exogenous loading with free peptides. Systemic injection of ATPPs into tumor-bearing mice enhanced the recruitment of virus-specific T-cells into the tumor and, when combined with immune checkpoint blockade, suppressed tumor growth. Our data thereby demonstrate the potential of ATPPs as a means of kick-starting the immune response against "cold" tumors and increasing the efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors.

Sefrin|Julian P|JP|
Hillringhaus|Lars|L|
Mundigl|Olaf|O|
Mann|Karin|K|
Ziegler-Landesberger|Doris|D|
Seul|Heike|H|
Tabares|Gloria|G|
Knoblauch|Dominic|D|
Leinenbach|Andreas|A|
Friligou|Irene|I|
Dziadek|Sebastian|S|
Offringa|Rienk|R|
Lifke|Valeria|V|
Lifke|Alexander|A|

antibody-targeted pathogen-derived peptides (ATPP)


World Chagas Disease Day and the New Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Abstract: The first-ever World Chagas Disease Day, celebrated in April 14, 2020, is a key initiative to raise awareness of the impact of this neglected tropical disease (NTD). This landmark comes along with the first World NTD Day and the new WHO Road Map on NTDs for 2021-2030.

Ferreira|Leonardo L G|LLG|
Andricopulo|Adriano D|AD|

D014355:Chagas Disease
D006801:Humans
D058069:Neglected Diseases
D014330:Tropical Medicine
D014344:Trypanocidal Agents

New road map for neglected tropical diseases


Micronized fibres affect in vitro fermentation under normal buffered and osmotic stress conditions using porcine inocula.

Abstract: In this in vitro study, the modified Hohenheim gas test was used to determine fermentation activity and bacterial composition of pig's faecal microbial inoculum, when fermenting a standard pig diet with varying levels of crude protein (CP; 20, 24 and 28% CP), and supplemented with one of three fibre sources manufactured by micronization treatment. These were wheat envelopes (MWE), pea fibre (MPF) and lupine fibre (MLF). For comparison, inulin was used. As intestinal bacteria have to cope with varying osmotic conditions in their ecosystem, fermentation was performed under normal buffered and osmotic stress conditions. After 24 h of fermentation, total gas production and ammonia production were measured. In addition, the effect of MWE and inulin on short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and numbers of total eubacteria, Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus spp., Clostridium cluster XIVa and Clostridium cluster IV, were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. Under normal buffered conditions, supplementation of MWE resulted in increased (p < 0.05) SCFA, acetic, propionic and valerianic acid production at CP levels of 20 and 28%. There was an increase (p < 0.05) in ammonia production for the micronized supplements, and for MWE an increased (p < 0.05) branched-chain proportion was observed, possibly due to higher availability of protein for fermentation which was released during the micronization process. Osmotic stress conditions reduced (p < 0.05) total gas as well as total SCFA, acetic and propionic acid production for all treatments, while cell counts were increased (p < 0.05) for Bifidobacterium spp., Enterococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Under normal buffered conditions in combination with 24 and 28% CP levels, lactobacilli were increased for MWE, compared to inulin (p < 0.05). In conclusion, micronized supplements such as MWE may beneficially modulate pigs' intestinal microbiota by increasing SCFA production in addition to a selective proliferation of lactobacilli.

Aumiller|T|T| Mosenthin|R|R| Rink|F|F| Hartung|K|K| Weiss|E|E|

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

micronization
in vitro fermentation
osmotic stress
pig
dietary fibre


An Unusual Presacral Cyst in An Infant.

Abstract: The neurenteric cyst is a rare developmental lesion arising as a result of persistence of the neurenteric canal. It usually presents in the second and third decade. Lesions occurring in children are rare. Majority of the cases presented with signs of spinal cord involvement. This is a rare case of neurenteric cyst in an infant who presented with a presacral mass. A nine-month-old female had an antenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal lesion. Radiology suggested a diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma. Histology was typical of a neurenteric cyst. We report this case to create awareness about this rare cystic lesion and inclusion of this entity in the differential diagnosis of cystic masses in children at this location.

Sathe|Pragati Aditya|PA|
Ghodke|Ratnaprabha Kundlikrao|RK|
Laxmilal|Vageriya Natasha|VN|
Kandalkar|Bhuvaneshwari Mahendra|BM|
Vinod|Parelkar Sandesh|PS|

Neurenteric
Spinal cord
Sacrococcygeal lesion


The NEURAPRO Biomarker Analysis: Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve 6-Month and 12-Month Outcomes in Youths at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
NEURAPRO was a multicenter, placebo-controlled trial of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) (fish oil) in 304 individuals at ultra-high risk for psychotic disorders. The study failed to show benefits of n-3 PUFAs over placebo. Although the randomized controlled trial design is placed at the top of the evidence hierarchy, this methodology has limitations in fish oil randomized controlled trials, as not only is the test agent present in the intervention group, but also n-3 fats are present in the diet and the body tissue of all participants.

METHODS
Analysis of biomarker data (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA], docosahexaenoic acid [DHA], n-3 index, EPA+DHA) collected as part of NEURAPRO was conducted on 218 participants with longitudinal biomarker data to determine if n-3 PUFAs measured in erythrocytes at baseline and month 6 predicted clinical outcomes.

RESULTS
Increases of the n-3 index, EPA, and DHA predicted less severe psychopathology and better functioning at both follow-up time points. Higher baseline levels and increases of n-3 index also predicted overall clinical improvement at month 6 (n-3 index baseline: adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.79 [1.30-2.48]; n-3 PUFA increase: adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.43 [1.16-1.76]) and at month 12 (n-3 index baseline: adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 2.60 [1.71-3.97]; n-3 PUFA increase: adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 1.36 [1.06-1.74]).

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that n-3 PUFAs can exert therapeutic effects in ultra-high-risk individuals. This finding has implications for early intervention and treatment guidelines, as n-3 PUFA supplementation can easily and safely be used in a wide variety of settings, from primary care to specialist services.

Amminger|G Paul|GP|
Nelson|Barnaby|B|
Markulev|Connie|C|
Yuen|Hok Pan|HP|
Schäfer|Miriam R|MR|
Berger|Maximus|M|
Mossaheb|Nilufar|N|
Schlögelhofer|Monika|M|
Smesny|Stephan|S|
Hickie|Ian B|IB|
Berger|Gregor E|GE|
Chen|Eric Y H|EYH|
de Haan|Lieuwe|L|
Nieman|Dorien H|DH|
Nordentoft|Merete|M|
Riecher-Rössler|Anita|A|
Verma|Swapna|S|
Thompson|Andrew|A|
Yung|Alison Ruth|AR|
McGorry|Patrick D|PD|

Omega-3 fatty acids
Anxiety
Depression
Early psychosis
Lipid biology
RCT


Efficacy of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on emergence agitation and quality of recovery after nasal surgery.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Emergence agitation is common after nasal surgery. We investigated the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion on emergence agitation and quality of recovery after nasal surgery in adult patients.

METHODS
One hundred patients undergoing nasal surgery were randomized into two groups. The dexmedetomidine group (Group D, n=50) received dexmedetomidine infusion at a rate of 0.4 μg kg(-1) h(-1) from induction of anaesthesia until extubation, while the control group (Group C, n=50) received volume-matched normal saline infusion as placebo. Propofol (1.5-2 mg kg(-1)) and fentanyl (1 μg kg(-1)) were used for induction of anaesthesia, and desflurane was used for maintenance of anaesthesia. The incidence of agitation, haemodynamic parameters, and recovery characteristics were evaluated during emergence. A 40-item quality-of-recovery questionnaire (QoR-40) was provided to patients 24 h after surgery.

RESULTS
The incidence of agitation was lower in Group D than Group C (28 vs 52%, P=0.014). Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were more stable in Group D than in Group C during emergence (P<0.05). Time to extubation, bispectral index, and respiratory rate at extubation were similar between the groups. Global QoR-40 score at 24 h after surgery was higher in Group D (median [range], 183 [146 -198]) compared with Group C (178 [133-196]) (P=0.041).

CONCLUSIONS
Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine provided smooth and haemodynamically stable emergence. It also improved quality of recovery after nasal surgery.

Kim|S Y|SY|
Kim|J M|JM|
Lee|J H|JH|
Song|B M|BM|
Koo|B N|BN|

D000328:Adult
D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period
D001794:Blood Pressure
D020927:Dexmedetomidine
D004311:Double-Blind Method
D005260:Female
D006339:Heart Rate
D006801:Humans
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives
D015994:Incidence
D007430:Intraoperative Care
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures
D011595:Psychomotor Agitation
D012965:Sodium Chloride
D016896:Treatment Outcome
D055815:Young Adult

anaesthesia, general
complications, extubation trachea
pharmacology, dexmedetomidine
recovery, postoperative


Inhibition of Prostate Smooth Muscle Contraction by Inhibitors of Polo-Like Kinases.

Abstract: Background: Prostate smooth muscle contraction plays an important role for pathophysiology and treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but is incompletely understood. Because the efficacy of available medication is limited, novel options and improved understanding of prostate smooth muscle contraction are of high demand. Recently, a possible role of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) has been suggested for smooth muscle contraction outside the lower urinary tract. Here, we examined effects of PLK inhibitors on contraction of human prostate tissue. Methods: Prostate tissues were obtained from radical prostatectomy. RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect PLK expression and phosphorylated PLK. Smooth muscle contractions were induced by electric field stimulation (EFS), α1-agonists, endothelin-1, or the thromboxane A2 analog U46619 in organ bath. Results: RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence suggested expression of PLK1 in the human prostate, which may be located and active in smooth muscle cells. EFS-induced contractions of prostate strips were reduced by SBE 13 (1 μM), cyclapolin 9 (3 μM), TAK 960 (100 nM), and Ro 3280 (100 nM). SBE 13 and cyclapolin 9 inhibited contractions by the α1-agonists methoxamine, phenylephrine, and noradrenaline. In contrast, no effects of SBE 13 or cyclapolin 9 on endothelin-1- or U46619-induced contractions were observed. Conclusion: Alpha1-adrenergic smooth muscle contraction in the human prostate can be inhibited by PLK inhibitors. PLK-dependent signaling may be a new pathway, which promotes α1-adrenergic contraction of prostate smooth muscle cells. As contractions by endothelin and U46619 are not susceptible to PLK inhibition, this reflects divergent regulation of adrenergic and non-adrenergic prostate smooth muscle contraction.

Hennenberg|Martin|M|
Kuppermann|Paul|P|
Yu|Qingfeng|Q|
Herlemann|Annika|A|
Tamalunas|Alexander|A|
Wang|Yiming|Y|
Rutz|Beata|B|
Ciotkowska|Anna|A|
Strittmatter|Frank|F|
Stief|Christian G|CG|
Gratzke|Christian|C|

prostate smooth muscle contraction
lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
polo-like kinase (PLK)
α1-adrenoceptor
α1-blocker


Medialized vs. lateralized humeral implant in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: the comparison of outcomes in pseudoparalysis with massive rotator cuff tear.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
With the increasing use of lateralized humeral implants in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), it is still unclear whether this design will be as advantageous as the medialized humeral implants in the setting of pseudoparalysis (PP).

METHODS
A total of 51 eligible RTSA cases for PP signs due to massive rotator cuff deficiency were selected for the retrospective review. Twenty-five patients were allocated to group L in which the isolated humeral side lateralization was performed (neck-shaft angle of 145°), and 26 patients were allocated to group M (neck-shaft angle of 155°). Pre- and postoperative radiologic measurements including critical shoulder angle, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), lateral humeral offset (LHO), and deltoid wrapping offset (DWO), as well as range of motion (ROM) and clinical outcome scores, were compared. The mean age was 71.0 ± 6.5 years for group L and 70.3 ± 7.0 years for group M, and the overall mean follow-up period was 49.0 ± 13.5 months (range, 25.7-68.9).

RESULTS
The preoperative radiologic measurements were similar, but the postoperative LHO and DWO were significantly larger for group L, whereas the postoperative AHD was larger for group M compared with group L, with the values being 39.8 ± 9.7 mm and 33.6 ± 10.4 mm, respectively (P = .034). For the ROM, active forward elevation did improve significantly for both, starting preoperatively with the active ranges of 39° ± 19° (passively 153° ± 24°) for group L and 42° ± 18° (passively 156° ± 11°) for group M-the final postoperative active ranges being 142° ± 16° and 133° ± 33°, respectively, without significant difference between the groups (P = .426). The postoperative recovery of PP for group L was 100% (25 of 25), whereas for group M, it was 96.2% (25 of 26). The final visual analog scale (VAS) scores and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores improved significantly for both groups, but the differences between the groups at the final assessments were insignificant. The 4 complications were periprosthetic fracture, acromial stress fracture, periprosthetic joint infection, and neuropraxia, all of which were in group M, and scapular notching with higher grades were more prevalent for group M (26.9%, 7 of 26).

CONCLUSIONS
With RTSA, good outcomes and recovery were achieved in most cases of PP. The postoperative active elevation range and functional outcomes were not affected by medialization or lateralization of the humeral implant. Earlier recovery of motion was observed with the lateralized group, but no significant differences were seen in the final ROM between the groups.

Youn|Seung-Min|SM|
Lee|Hee Sung|HS|
Rhee|Sung-Min|SM|
Rhee|Yong Girl|YG|

reverse total shoulder arthroplasty
Pseudoparalysis
massive rotator cuff tear
cuff tear arthropathy
distalization
humeral lateralization
pseudoparesis


Comparison of fatigue and fatigability correlates in Korean breast cancer survivors and differences in associations with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and endocrine symptoms: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is one of the most common and burdensome symptoms experienced by cancer patients. In interventions intended to reduce fatigue in such patients, fatigability, or perception of fatigue contextualized to activities of fixed intensity and duration, may also be measured. This study investigated the effects of a 15-month intervention on fatigue and fatigability in breast cancer survivors (BCS); explored the fatigue-fatigability relationship; and evaluated the impacts of fatigue and fatigability on anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and endocrine symptoms.

METHODS
A randomized controlled trial design was applied to an exercise program called BLESS (Better Life after cancer, Energy, Strength, and Support). The intervention included this 12-week exercise program and four follow-up contacts intended to promote exercise adherence over the following year. Participants were women aged 20 to 69 who had been diagnosed with stage I, II, or III breast cancer; had completed active treatment; and had moderate or higher fatigue. At the completion of the intervention, the survey responses of 40 BCS were evaluated using the chi-square test and multiple regression analysis. The Korean versions of the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale and Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale were used to measure fatigue and fatigability, respectively.

RESULTS
There was no significant difference in fatigue or fatigability between the experimental and control groups at intervention completion. However, the control group showed a stronger association than the experimental group between fatigue and physical fatigability. In the control group, fatigue and fatigability were significantly associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and endocrine symptoms. In the experimental group, only the cognitive/mood fatigue score and depression were significantly associated. Only endocrine symptoms influenced mental fatigability (B = - 0.185, P < 0.05), and only depression influenced cognitive/mood fatigue (B = 1.469, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue and fatigability showed different correlations with cancer-related symptoms after the exercise intervention. Future assessments of fatigability in intervention studies will allow measurement of the spectrum of patients' abilities to overcome fatigue at various physical activity levels while capturing different aspects of cancer-related symptoms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was retrospectively registered on Clinical Research Information Service ( KCT0005763 ; date of registration: 31/12/2020).

Jang|Min Kyeong|MK|
Han|Jeehee|J|
Kim|Sung Hae|SH|
Ko|Yun Hee|YH|
Kim|Soo Yeon|SY|
Kim|Sue|S|

Fatigue
Fatigability
Breast Cancer
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep disturbance
Endocrine symptoms
Exercise


Endobronchial Ablative Therapies.

Abstract: Endobronchial ablative therapies, such as mechanical debulking, laser therapy, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, brachytherapy, photodynamic therapy, microdebrider bronchoscopy, resector balloon deobstruction, and intratumoral chemotherapy, are performed through a rigid or flexible bronchoscope in palliating or curing symptomatic malignant and benign airway lesions to improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival. Technical factors together with patient- and lesion-specific features determine the therapy of choice, as each therapy is different in capacity, limitation, and complications. In this article, indications, contraindications, and complications of endobronchial ablative therapies as well as practical issues related to their rational and cost-effective use are reviewed.

Ablative therapy
Airway lesions
Airway obstruction
Airway stenosis
Interventional bronchoscopy


A Stable, Autonomously Replicating Plasmid Vector Containing Pichia pastoris Centromeric DNA.

Abstract: The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris is widely used to produce recombinant proteins, taking advantage of this species' high-density cell growth and strong ability to secrete proteins. Circular plasmids containing the P. pastoris-specific autonomously replicating sequence (PARS1) permit transformation of P. pastoris with higher efficiency than obtained following chromosomal integration by linearized DNA. Unfortunately, however, existing autonomously replicating plasmids are known to be inherently unstable. In this study, we used transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data and genome sequence information to independently identify, on each of the four chromosomes, centromeric DNA sequences consisting of long inverted repeat sequences. By examining the chromosome 2 centromeric DNA sequence (Cen2) in detail, we demonstrate that an ∼111-bp region located at one end of the putative centromeric sequence had autonomous replication activity. In addition, the full-length Cen2 sequence, which contains two long inverted repeat sequences and a nonrepetitive central core region, is needed for the accurate replication and distribution of plasmids in P. pastoris Thus, we constructed a new, stable, autonomously replicating plasmid vector that harbors the entire Cen2 sequence; this episome facilitates genetic manipulation in P. pastoris, providing high transformation efficiency and plasmid stability.IMPORTANCE Secretory production of recombinant proteins is the most important application of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris, a species that permits mass production of heterologous proteins. To date, the genetic engineering of P. pastoris has relied largely on integrative vectors due to the lack of user-friendly tools. Autonomously replicating Pichia plasmids are expected to facilitate genetic manipulation; however, the existing systems, which use autonomously replicating sequences (ARSs) such as the P. pastoris-specific ARS (PARS1), are known to be inherently unstable for plasmid replication and distribution. Recently, the centromeric DNA sequences of P. pastoris were identified in back-to-back studies published by several groups; therefore, a new episomal plasmid vector with centromere DNA as a tool for genetic manipulation of P. pastoris is ready to be developed.

Nakamura|Yasuyuki|Y| Nishi|Teruyuki|T| Noguchi|Risa|R| Ito|Yoichiro|Y| Watanabe|Toru|T| Nishiyama|Tozo|T| Aikawa|Shimpei|S| Hasunuma|Tomohisa|T| Ishii|Jun|J|0000-0003-2568-515X Okubo|Yuji|Y| Kondo|Akihiko|A|

D001483:Base Sequence
D002503:Centromere
D015825:Chromosomes, Fungal
D004261:DNA Replication
D004271:DNA, Fungal
D005822:Genetic Vectors
D055029:Inverted Repeat Sequences
D010843:Pichia
D010957:Plasmids

autonomously replicating plasmid
Pichia pastoris
centromere
inverted repeat
plasmid retention


A tunable spherical cap microfluidic electrically small antenna.

Abstract: A highly efficient microfluidic 3D electrically small antenna is created using a simple fabrication technique. It is easy to construct simply by pneumatically inflating a planar microfluidic antenna into a spherical cap. It has premium performance around its hemispherical shape, combining a wide working band with high efficiency.

Jobs|Magnus|M| Hjort|Klas|K| Rydberg|Anders|A| Wu|Zhigang|Z|

electrically small antenna
elastic electronics
microfluidic electronics
tunable antenna


Collagen hydroxylysine glycosylation: non-conventional substrates for atypical glycosyltransferase enzymes.

Abstract: Collagen is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that confers fundamental mechanical properties to tissues. To allow proper folding in triple-helices and organization in quaternary super-structures, collagen molecules require essential post-translational modifications (PTMs), including hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, and subsequent attachment of glycan moieties (galactose and glucose) to specific hydroxylysine residues on procollagen alpha chains. The resulting galactosyl-hydroxylysine (Gal-Hyl) and less abundant glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine (Glc-Gal-Hyl) are amongst the simplest glycosylation patterns found in nature and are essential for collagen and ECM homeostasis. These collagen PTMs depend on the activity of specialized glycosyltransferase enzymes. Although their biochemical reactions have been widely studied, several key biological questions about the possible functions of these essential PTMs are still missing. In addition, the lack of three-dimensional structures of collagen glycosyltransferase enzymes hinders our understanding of the catalytic mechanisms producing this modification, as well as the impact of genetic mutations causing severe connective tissue pathologies. In this mini-review, we summarize the current knowledge on the biochemical features of the enzymes involved in the production of collagen glycosylations and the current state-of-the-art methods for the identification and characterization of this important PTM.

De Giorgi|Francesca|F|
Fumagalli|Marco|M|
Scietti|Luigi|L|
Forneris|Federico|F|

collagen
hydroxylysine glycosylation
glycosyltransferases
post translational modification


Phosphate functionalized layered double hydroxides (phos-LDH) for ultrafast and efficient U(VI) uptake from polluted solutions.

Abstract: Elimination of U(VI) from polluted solutions is important for human health and environmental safety. In this work, a relatively low-cost 3D flower-like phosphate-functionalized layered double hydroxides (phos-LDH) was fabricated by a one-pot hydrothermal method. The prepared phos-LDH inherited the structure of 3D flower-like layered double hydroxides (LDH), and had a higher specific surface area (∼203.4 m2⋅g-1) than that of LDH. The kinetic process indicated that U(VI) adsorption onto phos-LDH achieved equilibrium within 15 min and obeyed general order model. The adsorption isotherms of phos-LDH illustrated that the U(VI) adsorption obeyed Langmuir model, the adsorption capability of phos-LDH can reach 923.1 mg⋅g-1 at 298 K. The U(VI) adsorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process according to the thermodynamic data. There was the electrostatic attraction between U(VI) and phos-LDH at pH = 5.0. FTIR and XPS analyses educed that the hydroxyl and phosphate groups played a very useful role for the complexation between U(VI) and phos-LDH. In addition, the excellent selective adsorption capability for U(VI) in competitive cation and anion solutions further confirmed the practical application of phos-LDH in real wastewater treatment.

Wang|Xin|X| Cai|Yawen|Y| Han|Tianhao|T| Fang|Ming|M| Chen|Kechang|K| Tan|Xiaoli|X|

U(VI)
Adsorption
Adsorption capability
Competitive
Phosphate-functionalized LDH


The Role in Teledermoscopy of an Inexpensive and Easy-to-Use Smartphone Device for the Classification of Three Types of Skin Lesions Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The use of teledermatology has spread over the last years, especially during the recent SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Teledermoscopy, an extension of teledermatology, consists of consulting dermoscopic images, also transmitted through smartphones, to remotely diagnose skin tumors or other dermatological diseases. The purpose of this work was to verify the diagnostic validity of images acquired with an inexpensive smartphone microscope (NurugoTM), employing convolutional neural networks (CNN) to classify malignant melanoma (MM), melanocytic nevus (MN), and seborrheic keratosis (SK).

METHODS
The CNN, trained with 600 dermatoscopic images from the ISIC (International Skin Imaging Collaboration) archive, was tested on three test sets: ISIC images, images acquired with the NurugoTM, and images acquired with a conventional dermatoscope.

RESULTS
The results obtained, although with some limitations due to the smartphone device and small data set, were encouraging, showing comparable results to the clinical dermatoscope and up to 80% accuracy (out of 10 images, two were misclassified) using the NurugoTM demonstrating how an amateur device can be used with reasonable levels of diagnostic accuracy.

CONCLUSION
Considering the low cost and the ease of use, the NurugoTM device could be a useful tool for general practitioners (GPs) to perform the first triage of skin lesions, aiding the selection of lesions that require a face-to-face consultation with dermatologists.

teledermoscopy
convolutional neural networks
telemedicine


Tunicothrix halophila n. sp., a Secondarily Oligomerized Parabirojimid Hypotrich (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) From Hypersaline Costal Water in Korea.

Abstract: Tunicothrix halophila n. sp. was discovered in a hypersaline marine sample from Jeju Island, Korea. It is characterized by the highly reduced number of dorsal bristles. In addition, the main character of the genus Tunicothrix (e.g., alveolar layer) is absent/indistinct. To figure out its identity and phylogenetic relationship, we examined the new species based on modern morphological methods and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Since the parabirojimids are of basal position to core hypotrichs and a smaller data set could show incorrect phylogenetic relationships among the hypotrichs, we used a huge data set composed of 1,460 DNA sequences to infer the phylogenetic tree. The reduction of dorsal bristles is very likely a secondarily evolved character in hypotrichs, resulting in the independent phenotypic adaptation in the hypersaline ecosystems as shown in other hypersaline hypotrichs. Furthermore, the so-called right marginal row 1 in other congeners is found to produce a pretransverse and transverse cirrus and thus we recommend using the term frontoventral row. Based on our data, we can justify Tunicothrix halophila n. sp. as a new species; however, despite the phenotypic distinctiveness, we refrain to establish a new genus because of the missing data and the non-monophyly of Tunicothrix.

Omar|Atef|A|
Moon|Ji Hye|JH|
Nam|Seung Won|SW|
Jung|Jae-Ho|JH|

ciliate
extreme habitat
ontogenesis
phylogeny
taxonomy


Different effects of silica added internal or external on in vitro dissolution of indomethacin hot-melt extrudates.

Abstract: The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect on the dissolution behavior when silica was added in different ways. The solid dispersion was prepared by hot-melt extrusion (HME) using indomethacin (IND) as a model drug and Kollidon VA64 as a carrier. In order to change the dissolution behavior, the silica was added during or after the HME respectively, to obtain the corresponding silica internal-added solid dispersion (InSD) and silica external-added solid dispersion (ExSD). According to the results, the internal-added silicon dioxide could reduce the dissolution rate from 66.91%/h to 24.12%/h and the water infiltration rate from 0.37mm/h to 0.16mm/h in the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH 6.8, so the formulation of InSD had a significant sustained release effect. But the infiltration rate of the ExSD was increased to 13.22mm/h when silica was added external, and the density of VA64 in the powder was decreased from 541.87mg/cm3 to 141.87mg/cm3, leading to a weak resistance to the external force, and the powder was easy to be dispersed after wetted by water so that the formulation of ExSD had a relatively higher dissolution rate. This phenomenon was more visible when the phosphate buffer solution was changed to pH 5.6 in which the API was more difficult to be dissolved. Accordingly, different addition ways of aerosil would change release behavior of the HME preparation.

Xia|Yulong|Y| Yuan|Meng|M| Deng|Yueyang|Y| Ke|Xue|X| Ci|Tianyuan|T|

Silica
Solid dispersion
Agglomeration
Dissolution improvement
Hot melt extrusion


Continuous Maternal Hemodynamics Monitoring at Delivery Using a Novel, Noninvasive, Wireless,PPG-Based Sensor.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate continuous monitoring of maternal hemodynamics during labor and delivery utilizing an innovative, noninvasive, reflective photoplethysmography-based device.

STUDY DESIGN
The Biobeat Monitoring Platform includes a wearable wristwatch monitor that automatically samples cardiac output (CO), blood pressure (BP), stroke volume (SV), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), heart rate (HR) every 5 s and uploads all data to a smartphone-based app and to a data cloud, enabling remote patient monitoring and analysis of data. Low-risk parturients at term, carrying singletons pregnancies, were recruited at early delivery prior to the active phase. Big data analysis of the collected data was performed using the Power BI analysis tool (Microsoft). Next, data were normalized to visual presentation using Excel Data Analysis and the regression tool. Average measurements were compared before and after rupture of membranes, epidural anesthesia, fetal delivery, and placental expulsion.

RESULTS
Eighty-one parturients entered analysis. Epidural anesthesia was associated with a slight elevation in CO (5.5 vs. 5.6, L/min, 10 min before and after EA, p <0.05) attributed to a non-significant increase in both HR and SV. BP remained stable as of counter decrease in SVR (1361 vs. 1319 mmHg⋅min⋅mL-1, 10 min before and after EA, p <0.05). Fetal delivery was associated with a peak in CO after which it rapidly declined (6.0 vs. 7.2 vs. 6.1 L/min, 30 min before vs. point of delivery vs. after delivery, p <0.05). The mean BP remained stable throughout delivery with a slight increase at fetal delivery (92 vs. 95 vs. 92.1 mmHg, p <0.05), reflecting the increase in CO and decrease in SVR (1284 vs. 1112 vs. 1280 mmHg⋅min⋅mL-1,p <0.05)with delivery. Placental expulsion was associated with a second peak in CO and decrease in SVR.

CONCLUSIONS
We presented a novel application of noninvasive hemodynamic maternal monitoring throughout labor and delivery for both research and clinical use.

maternal hemodynamics
delivery
remote patient monitoring
noninvasive monitoring


Speech-Based Activity Recognition for Trauma Resuscitation.

Abstract: We present a speech-based approach to recognize team activities in the context of trauma resuscitation. We first analyzed the audio recordings of trauma resuscitations in terms of activity frequency, noise-level, and activity-related keyword frequency to determine the dataset characteristics. We next evaluated different audio-preprocessing parameters (spectral feature types and audio channels) to find the optimal configuration. We then introduced a novel neural network to recognize the trauma activities using a modified VGG network that extracts features from the audio input. The output of the modified VGG network is combined with the output of a network that takes keyword text as input, and the combination is used to generate activity labels. We compared our system with several baselines and performed a detailed analysis of the performance results for specific activities. Our results show that our proposed architecture that uses Mel-spectrum spectral coefficients features with a stereo channel and activity-specific frequent keywords achieve the highest accuracy and average F1-score.

Abdulbaqi|Jalal|J|
Gu|Yue|Y|
Xu|Zhichao|Z|
Gao|Chenyang|C|
Marsic|Ivan|I|
Burd|Randall S|RS|

activity recognition
trauma resuscitation
keyword
audio classification
speech processing


Patients' information needs and attitudes about post-treatment surveillance for colorectal cancer in the United States: a multi-perspective, mixed methods study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine patients' informational needs for post-treatment surveillance and elicit clinicians' and patient advocates' (ie, stakeholders) opinions regarding what patients should know about post-treatment surveillance in the USA.

DESIGN
A mixed-methods study, using semi-structured interviews followed by a survey study.

SETTING
Participants for the interviews were from two large academic medical centres and a safety-net hospital. The stakeholders were recruited from attendees at the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology Network Spring 2016 meeting.

PARTICIPANTS
Participants for the in-depth interviews were purposively sampled. Eligible patients were 6 months to 5 years post curative resection for colorectal cancer and were fluent in English. Participants for the anonymous survey were stakeholders.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The main outcome was patients' with colorectal cancer informational needs for post-treatment surveillance, using an interview guide. The second outcome was the importance of the identified informational needs using an anonymous survey.

RESULTS
Of the 67 patients approached, 31 were interviewed (response rate=46%), the majority were between 1 and 3 years post-treatment (81%) and diagnosed at stage III (74%). Despite a desire to monitor for cancer recurrence, patients had little understanding of the concept of post-treatment surveillance, equating surveillance with screening and a belief that if a recurrence was found early there would be a higher likelihood of cure. The survey suggested that clinicians (n=38) and patient advocates (n=11) had some differing opinions regarding what patients should know about surveillance to be active in decisions. For example, compared with clinicians, patient advocates felt that patients should know recurrence treatment options (100% vs 58%) and likelihood for cure following recurrence treatment (100% vs 38%).

CONCLUSIONS
The results of this exploratory mixed-methods study suggest that novel educational interventions targeting both patients and clinicians are needed to address the informational needs for post-treatment surveillance of colorectal cancer.

Lowenstein|Lisa M|LM|
Volk|Robert J|RJ|
Cuddy|Amanda|A|
Hempstead|Andrea P|AP|
You|Y Nancy|YN|
Van Loon|Katherine|K|
Millas|Stefanos|S|
Meyerhardt|Jeffrey A|JA|
Gavin|Patrick|P|
Chang|George J|GJ|

D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand

medical oncology clinical decision making


Lack of association between mean platelet volume and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Currently, many studies have focused on the possibility of using mean platelet volume (MPV) as a biomarker for disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To derive a more accurate estimation, a meta-analysis was conducted. Embase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library database and several Chinese databases (up to Nov 1 2017) were used to acquire published literatures on association of MPV levels with disease activity in SLE patients. Fixed-effects or random-effect model analysis was performed to calculate pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity test was tested by the Q statistic and quantified using I2. A funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test were used to evaluate the potential publication bias. A total of 618 articles were identified, nine studies with 376 active SLE patients and 270 inactive SLE patients were finally included. No significant difference in MPV level was found between active SLE patients and inactive SLE patients (SMD = - 0.05, 95% CI: - 0.83, 0.73). Subgroup analyses stratified by age or region also demonstrated consistent results. No significant publication bias was observed (P > 0.05). The sensitivity analysis showed no significant change when any one study was excluded. In summary, our meta-analysis does not support the use of MPV as an indicator for monitoring disease activity in SLE patients. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample size are warranted to unveil the possibility of using MPV as a biomarker of disease activity.

Zhao|Chan-Na|CN|
Mao|Yan-Mei|YM|
Wang|Peng|P|
Guan|Shi-Yang|SY|
Sam|Napoleon Bellua|NB|
Li|Xiao-Mei|XM|
Wang|De-Guang|DG|
Pan|Hai-Feng|HF|

Mean platelet volume
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Meta-analysis
Autoimmune


Peripheral nerve proteins as potential autoantigens in acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies.

Abstract: Guillain-Barré syndrome is classified into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and acute motor axonal neuropathy. Whereas autoantibodies to GM1 or GD1a induce the development of acute motor axonal neuropathy, pathogenic autoantibodies have yet to be identified in acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. This review highlights the importance of autoantibodies to peripheral nerve proteins in the physiopathology of acute and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Moreover, we listed up other potential antigens, which may become helpful biomarkers for acquired, dysimmune demyelinating neuropathies based on their critical functions during myelination and their implications in hereditary demyelinating neuropathies.

Lim|Jia Pei|JP|
Devaux|Jérôme|J|
Yuki|Nobuhiro|N|

D020277:Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy


LED lamps enhance somatic embryo maturation in association with the differential accumulation of proteins in the Carica papaya L. 'Golden' embryogenic callus.

Abstract: The use of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps has been shown to be a promising approach for improving somatic embryo maturation during somatic embryogenesis. The aim of this work was to study the influence of the light source on somatic embryo differentiation and its relationship with the differential abundance of proteins in the Carica papaya L. 'Golden' embryogenic callus at 14 days of maturation. The white plus medium-blue (WmB) LED and fluorescent lamp treatments produced an average of 82.4 and 47.6 cotyledonary somatic embryos per callus, respectively. A shotgun proteomics analysis revealed 28 upaccumulated and 7 downaccumulated proteins. The proteins upaccumulated in the embryogenic callus matured under the WmB LED lamp compared with that matured under the fluorescent lamp included indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase (GH3) and actin-depolymerizing factor 2 (ADF2), which are involved in the regulation of auxin levels by auxin conjugation and transport. Additionally, proteins related to energy production (aconitate, ADH1, GAPCp, PKp and TPI), cell wall remodeling (PG and GLPs), and intracellular trafficking (NUP50A, IST1, small GTPases and H+-PPase) showed significantly higher abundance in the embryogenic callus incubated under the WmB LED lamp than in that incubated under the fluorescent lamp. The results showed that the WmB LED lamp improved somatic embryo maturation in association with the differential accumulation of proteins in the C. papaya 'Golden' embryogenic callus.

Almeida|Felipe Astolpho|FA|
Vale|Ellen Moura|EM|
Reis|Ricardo Souza|RS|
Santa-Catarina|Claudete|C|
Silveira|Vanildo|V|

D058439:Plant Somatic Embryogenesis Techniques

LED
Carica papaya L.
Light-emitting diode
Somatic embryogenesis
Clonal propagation
Comparative proteomics
Label-free proteomics


Time-Varying Insomnia Symptoms and Incidence of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia among Older US Adults.

Abstract: There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between insomnia and the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. This study aimed to evaluate if time-varying insomnia is associated with the development of MCI and dementia. Data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 13,833) from 2002 to 2014 were used (59.4% female). The Brief Insomnia Questionnaire was used to identify insomnia symptoms which were compiled in an insomnia severity index, ranging from 0 to 4. In analysis, participants' symptoms could vary from wave-to-wave. Dementia was defined using results from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) global cognitive assessment tool. Respondents were classified as either having dementia, MCI, or being cognitively healthy. Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent exposure using the counting process (start-stop time) were used for analysis. For each one-unit increase in the insomnia symptom index, there was a 5-percent greater hazard of MCI (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.04-1.06) and dementia (HR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03-1.05), after fully adjusting. Using a nationally representative sample of adults age 51 and older, this study found that time-varying insomnia symptoms are associated with risk of MCI and dementia. This highlights the importance of identifying sleep disturbances and their change over time as potentially important risk factors for MCI and dementia.

Resciniti|Nicholas V|NV|
Yelverton|Valerie|V|0000-0002-9445-7022
Kase|Bezawit E|BE|
Zhang|Jiajia|J|
Lohman|Matthew C|MC|0000-0002-2273-2160

D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders

time-varying
insomnia
cognitive impairment
dementia
sleep
older adults


Fluorophore ligand binding and complex stabilization of the RNA Mango and RNA Spinach aptamers.

Abstract: The effective tracking and purification of biological RNAs and RNA protein complexes is currently challenging. One promising strategy to simultaneously address both of these problems is to develop high-affinity RNA aptamers against taggable small molecule fluorophores. RNA Mango is a 39-nucleotide, parallel-stranded G-quadruplex RNA aptamer motif that binds with nanomolar affinity to a set of thiazole orange (TO1) derivatives while simultaneously inducing a 103-fold increase in fluorescence. We find that RNA Mango has a large increase in its thermal stability upon the addition of its TO1-Biotin ligand. Consistent with this thermal stabilization, RNA Mango can effectively discriminate TO1-Biotin from a broad range of small molecule fluorophores. In contrast, RNA Spinach, which is known to have a substantially more rigid G-quadruplex structure, was found to bind to this set of fluorophores, often with higher affinity than to its native ligand, 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone (DFHBI), and did not exhibit thermal stabilization in the presence of the TO1-Biotin fluorophore. Our data suggest that RNA Mango is likely to use a concerted ligand-binding mechanism that allows it to simultaneously bind and recognize its TO1-Biotin ligand, whereas RNA Spinach appears to lack such a mechanism. The high binding affinity and fluorescent efficiency of RNA Mango provides a compelling alternative to RNA Spinach as an RNA reporter system and paves the way for the future development of small fluorophore RNA reporter systems.

Jeng|Sunny C Y|SC|
Chan|Hedy H Y|HH|
Booy|Evan P|EP|
McKenna|Sean A|SA|
Unrau|Peter J|PJ|

fluorophore
RNA Mango
RNA Spinach
aptamer
G-quadruplex
concerted binding


Glaucoma and Antioxidants: Review and Update.

Abstract: Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells. Oxidative stress has been related to the cell death in this disease. Theoretically, this deleterious consequence can be reduced by antioxidants substances. The aim of this review is to assemble the studies published in relation to antioxidant supplementation and its effects on glaucoma and to offer the reader an update on this field. With this purpose, we have included studies in animal models of glaucoma and clinical trials. Although there are variable results, supplementation with antioxidants in glaucoma may be a promising therapy in glaucoma.


Correlation between PLCE1 rs2274223 variant and digestive tract cancer: A meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The relationship between phospholipase C ε-1 (PLCE1) rs2274223 variant and digestive tract cancer remains inconclusive despite extensive investigations. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to obtain a more credible conclusion.

METHODS
PubMed, Medline, and Embase were systematic searched. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS
A total of 27 studies were finally included. Pooled analyses suggested that PLCE1 rs2274223 variant was significantly correlated with the likelihood of esophageal cancer (dominant model: p < 0.001, OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.72-0.83; recessive model: p < 0.001, OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.12-1.45; additive model: p < 0.001, OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.29; allele model: p < 0.001, OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.88) and gastric cancer (recessive model: p = 0.001, OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.10-1.47; allele model: p = 0.03, OR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.98) in overall population. Further subgroup analyses showed that the positive results were mainly driven by the East Asians. However, no positive results were detected in Caucasians and West Asians.

CONCLUSION
Our findings indicated that the PLCE1 rs2274223 variant might serve as a promising genetic biomarker of esophageal and gastric cancer in East Asians.

Chen|Qingfa|Q| Wang|Yu|Y| Xu|Yan|Y| Lin|Hai|H| Xue|Fangxi|F| Chen|Xingtian|X|0000-0002-2468-959X

Digestive tract cancer
Meta-analysis
Phospholipase C ε-1 (PLCE1)
Genetic variant


Evaluation of vestibular symptoms and postural balance control in patients with chronic otitis media.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Evidence to support potential links between chronic otitis media (COM) and vestibular impairment/postural balance control issues is lacking.

OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether COM associates with vestibular symptoms, balance problems, and abnormalities in vestibular function tests.

METHODS
We selected 126 patients with COM and excluded patients with any identifiable underlying causes for vestibular dysfunction. Fifty-two healthy volunteers were included as controls. All subjects underwent anamnesis, physical examination, posturography, and video-head impulse tests.

RESULTS
We found a high prevalence of vestibular symptoms (58.4%) among patients with COM, while only 2% of the controls had vestibular symptoms. There was a positive correlation between COM activity with the presence of tinnitus and vestibular symptoms (P < 0.05). Clinical vestibular tests were abnormal in 63% of patients with COM, and those positively associated with presence of vestibular symptoms. Posturography results shown worse postural balance control in patients with COM as compared with controls, especially in the limit of stability (LOS) (Mean LOS, COM = 157.56 cm2; controls = 228.98 cm2; p < 0.001) and worse results in the test with eyes closed while standing on a foam mattress (sway area, COM = 10.91 cm2; controls = 5.90 cm2; p < 0.001) in patients with COM as compared with controls. We did not observe differences in the average vestibuloocular reflex gains in the video-head impulse test between our COM and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that COM associates with higher prevalence of vestibular symptoms and abnormalities in clinical vestibular function tests, and worse postural control as compared with controls. Among patients with COM, the activity of the middle-ear inflammation seemed to positively associate with the severity of hearing and balance problems.

Monsanto|Rafael da Costa|RDC|
Kasemodel|Ana Luiza Papi|ALP|
Tomaz|Andreza|A|
Elias|Thais Gomes Abrahão|TGA|
Paparella|Michael Mauro|MM|
Penido|Norma de Oliveira|NO|


Intraoperative injection of (99mm)Tc- nanocolloid for localization of nonpalpable intratesticular tumours in organ-sparing surgery.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Radical orchidectomy is the standard treatment for malignant testis tumours. Radical orchidectomy results in androgen deprivation, infertility and impaired psychological well-being, especially in synchronous bilateral tumours, metachronous contralateral tumours or tumour in a solitary testis. According to the European Association of Urology Guidelines, if pre-operative testosterone level is normal and the tumour volume is less than 30% of the testicular volume, organ preserving surgery can be performed. For nonpalpable tumours, organ-sparing surgery needs a precise intraoperative localization with high-frequency ultrasound, especially for nonpalpable tumours.

MATHERIAL AND METHODS
We report two cases of nonpalpable intratesticular tumours successfully localised using (99mm)Tc nanocolloid injected with intraoperative US and detected with a γ-ray detection probe.

CONCLUSIONS
This method is easily reproducible and safe for the patient. This technique could guarantee complete excision of the tumour, especially if the mass is poorly delimited.

Ruiz-Domínguez|J M|JM|
Ibarz-Servio|L|L|
García-de Manuel|G|G|
Calaf Perisé|O|O|

D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin

Nonpalpable
Intratesticular
Tumour
Organ-sparing surgery
Ecografía testicular intraoperatoria
Intraoperative testicular ultrasound
No palpable
Orquiectomía parcial
Tecnecio-99 metaestable
Tecnecium-99mm
Tumor


Characterization of a degradable polar hydrophobic ionic polyurethane with circulating angiogenic cells in vitro.

Abstract: This study investigated the interaction of human circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) with a degradable polar hydrophobic ionic polyurethane (D-PHI) which has been previously shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory character and favorable interactions with human endothelial cells (ECs). Given the implication of the CACs in microvessel development it was of intrinsic interest to expand our knowledge of D-PHI biocompatibility with this relevant primary cell involved in angiogenesis. The findings will be compared to a well-established benchmark substrate for CACs, fibronectin-coated tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). Immunoblotting analysis showed that CACs were a heterogeneous population of cells composed mostly of monocytic cells expressing the CD14 marker. Assessment of the cytokine release profile, using ELISA, showed that D-PHI supported a higher concentration of interleukin-10 (IL-10) when compared to the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha, which is indicative of an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and was different from the response with TCPS. It was found that the CACs were attached to D-PHI and remained viable and functional (nitric oxide production) during the seven days of culture. However, there did not appear to be any significant proliferation on D-PHI, contrary to the CAC growth on fibronectin-coated TCPS. It was concluded that D-PHI displayed some of the qualities suitable to enable the retention of CACs onto this substrate, as well as maintaining an anti-inflammatory phenotype, characteristics which have been reported to be important for angiogenesis in vivo.

Mathieu|Eva|E|
Battiston|Kyle G|KG|
McBane|Joanne E|JE|
Davidson|Lien|L|
Suuronen|Erik J|EJ|
Santerre|J Paul|JP|
Labow|Rosalind S|RS|

D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1

degradable
polyurethane
circulating angiogenic cells
monocytes
vascular graft


Modelling long-term impacts of changes in climate, nitrogen deposition and ozone exposure on carbon sequestration of European forest ecosystems.

Abstract: We modelled the effects of past and expected future changes in climate (temperature, precipitation), CO2 concentration, nitrogen deposition (N) and ozone (O3) exposure (phytotoxic ozone dose, POD) on carbon (C) sequestration by European forest ecosystems for the period 1900-2050. Tree C sequestration was assessed by using empirical response functions, while soil C sequestration was simulated with the process-based model VSD, combined with the RothC model. We evaluated two empirical growth responses to N deposition (linear and non-linear) and two O3 exposure relationships (linear function with total biomass or net annual increment). We further investigated an 'interactive model' with interactions between drivers and a 'multiplicative model', in which the combined effect is the product of individual drivers. A single deposition and climate scenario was used for the period 1900-2050. Contrary to expectations, growth observations at European level for the period 1950-2010 compared better with predictions by the multiplicative model than with the interactive model. This coincides with the fact that carbon responses in kgCha-1yr-1 per unit change in drivers, i.e. per °C, ppm CO2, kgNha-1yr-1 and mmolm-2yr-1 POD, are more in line with literature data when using the multiplicative model. Compared to 1900, the estimated European average total C sequestration in both forests and forest soils between 1950 and 2000 increased by 21% in the interactive model and by 41% in the multiplicative model, but observed changes were even higher. This growth increase is expected to decline between 2000 and 2050. The simulated changes between 1950 and 2000 were mainly due to the increase in both N deposition and CO2, while the predicted increases between 2000 and 2050 were mainly caused by the increase in CO2 and temperature, and to lesser extent a decrease in POD, counteracted by reduced N deposition.

de Vries|Wim|W|
Posch|Maximilian|M|
Simpson|David|D|
Reinds|Gert Jan|GJ|

Nitrogen deposition
Ozone
Carbon sequestration
Forest
CO(2)
Climate change