An international survey and modified Delphi process revealed editors' perceptions, training needs, and ratings of competency-related statements for the development of core competencies for scientific editors of biomedical journals.

Abstract: Background: Scientific editors (i.e., those who make decisions on the content and policies of a journal) have a central role in the editorial process at biomedical journals. However, very little is known about the training needs of these editors or what competencies are required to perform effectively in this role. Methods: We conducted a survey of perceptions and training needs among scientific editors from major editorial organizations around the world, followed by a modified Delphi process in which we invited the same scientific editors to rate the importance of competency-related statements obtained from a previous scoping review. Results: A total of 148 participants completed the survey of perceptions and training needs. At least 80% of participants agreed on six of the 38 skill and expertise-related statements presented to them as being important or very important to their role as scientific editors. At least 80% agreed on three of the 38 statements as necessary skills they perceived themselves as possessing (well or very well).  The top five items on participants' list of top training needs were training in statistics, research methods, publication ethics, recruiting and dealing with peer reviewers, and indexing of journals. The three rounds of the Delphi were completed by 83, 83, and 73 participants, respectively, which ultimately produced a list of 23 "highly rated" competency-related statements and another 86 "included" items. Conclusion: Both the survey and the modified Delphi process will be critical for understanding knowledge and training gaps among scientific editors when designing curriculum around core competencies in the future.

Delphi
training needs
core competencies
scientific editor
biomedical
journal


Construction and characterization on composite electrospinning fibers doped with iridium complex owing fluorine atoms in its auxiliary ligand.

Abstract: The authors synthesized a fluorine-containing Ir(III) complex Ir(PTZ)2(HFD) and the corresponding composite electrospinning fibers PVP@Ir(PTZ)2(HFD), where PTZ, HFD and PVP stood for 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoropentane-2,4-dione and poly(vinylpyrrolidone), respectively. The molecular structure of the Ir(III) complex was confirmed by its single crystal analysis, which suggested that Ir(PTZ)2(HFD) molecules crystallized as monoclinic system with two molecules in each unit cell. Density functional theory calculation on the crystal revealed that the onset electronic transitions possessed a mixed character of metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and ligand-to-ligand-charge-transfer (LLCT). Ir(PTZ)2(HFD) was then doped into electrospinning fibers so that the photophysical comparison between bulk Ir(PTZ)2(HFD) and composite samples could be performed. It was found that both face-to-face π-π attraction in crystal and the immobilization in PVP host could improve photoluminescence performance by restraining the geometric relaxation of MLCT excited state, showing emission blue shift, longer excited state lifetime and improved photostability.

Gao|Yu-Qian|YQ| Zhang|Shimin|S| Wang|Pengju|P| Xu|Shuxia|S| Wu|Kun|K| Mou|Wanzhi|W|

Iridium complex
Crystal
Photoluminescence
Microfiber


Visualization of declamping procedure during carotid endarterectomy by ICG videoangiography.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
ICG videoangiography (ICG-VAG) is widely used in neurovascular surgery. In carotid artery disease, it has been used to assess the extent of the plaque and to confirm the removal of the plaque and patency of the artery. We introduce a novel usage of the ICG-VAG to confirm the patency of the external carotid artery (ECA) and superior thyroid artery (STA), which should work as a drainage system of possible debris in the lumen.

METHOD
Consecutive 27 patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis were employed. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was done in the usual fashion. After suturing the arteriotomy, ICG was injected intravenously before reperfusion. Before declamping procedure, ICG-VAG mode was started. As the declamping procedure went on, the assistant judged whether the STA and the ECA were patent by watching the ICG flow on the monitor. After confirming the patency of the ECA-CCA system, the ICA was reperfused.

RESULT
The back flow from the STA was not confirmed in two cases. The back flow from the ECA was confirmed in all 27 cases. In four cases, the ICG-VAG showed air bubbles in the lumen; these bubbles were washed away to the ECA or STA.

CONCLUSION
Using ICG-VAG during the reperfusion procedure of CEA, the patency of the ECA and the STA can be confirmed. It may contribute to reduce embolic complication during reperfusion procedure.

Kimura|Toshikazu|T| Kidani|Naoya|N| Ibayashi|Kenji|K| Kawai|Kensuke|K|

D000328:Adult
D002342:Carotid Artery, External
D016893:Carotid Stenosis
D002533:Cerebral Angiography
D002536:Cerebral Arteries
D015331:Cohort Studies
D004396:Coloring Agents
D003250:Constriction
D004322:Drainage
D016894:Endarterectomy, Carotid
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007208:Indocyanine Green
D020766:Intracranial Embolism
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D011183:Postoperative Complications
D014741:Video Recording

carotid endarterectomy
ICG videoangiography
embolic complication


Repositioning "old" drugs for new causes: identifying new inhibitors of prostate cancer cell migration and invasion.

Abstract: The majority of prostate cancer (PCa) deaths occur due to the metastatic spread of tumor cells to distant organs. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapies once tumor cells have spread outside the prostate. It is therefore imperative to rapidly develop therapeutics to inhibit the metastatic spread of tumor cells. Gain of cell motility and invasive properties is the first step of metastasis and by inhibiting motility one can potentially inhibit metastasis. Using the drug repositioning strategy, we developed a cell-based multi-parameter primary screening assay to identify drugs that inhibit the migratory and invasive properties of metastatic PC-3 PCa cells. Following the completion of the primary screening assay, 33 drugs were identified from an FDA approved drug library that either inhibited migration or were cytotoxic to the PC-3 cells. Based on the data obtained from the subsequent validation studies, mitoxantrone hydrochloride, simvastatin, fluvastatin and vandetanib were identified as strong candidates that can inhibit both the migration and invasion of PC-3 cells without significantly affecting cell viability. By employing the drug repositioning strategy instead of a de novo drug discovery and development strategy, the identified drug candidates have the potential to be rapidly translated into the clinic for the management of men with aggressive forms of PCa.

Shah|Esha T|ET|
Upadhyaya|Akanksha|A|
Philp|Lisa K|LK|
Tang|Tiffany|T|
Skalamera|Dubravka|D|
Gunter|Jennifer|J|
Nelson|Colleen C|CC|
Williams|Elizabeth D|ED|
Hollier|Brett G|BG|

D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor
D002465:Cell Movement
D002470:Cell Survival
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness
D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms

Prostate cancer
Migration
Drug repositioning
PC-3
IncuCyte™
Scratch wound assay


Assessment of the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy technique in experimental manikins and canine cadavers.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate procedure time, ease of placement, and complication rates of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) compared to surgical tracheostomy (ST) in canine cadavers.

DESIGN
Randomized crossover experimental manikin and cadaver study involving 6 novice veterinary students.

SETTING
University teaching hospital.

ANIMALS
Canine tracheostomy training manikin, 24 canine cadavers.

INTERVENTIONS
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
For training, each student performed 10 PDT and 10 ST procedures on a training manikin, followed by 2 PDT and 2 ST procedures on a canine cadaver. After each training procedure, feedback from bronchoscopy and observers was provided. Final PDT and ST tube placements using new equipment were performed in unused cadavers. Placements were timed, ease of placement was scored using visual analog scales (VAS, 0-10 cm), and complications were assessed by two independent observers using ordinal scales (0-3). Cadaver tracheas were explanted postprocedure to evaluate anatomical damage scores (0-3). Procedure time and VAS scores for PDT and ST procedures were analyzed using mixed-effects linear models, accounting for student, technique, and procedure number with post hoc pairwise comparisons. Data are presented as median (range). For the final cadaver placement, there were no significant differences in placement time (300 seconds [230-1020] vs 188 seconds [116-414], P = 0.210), ease of placement (3.8 cm [2.1-5.7] vs 1.9 cm [0-4.7], P = 0.132), anatomical damage score (1 [0-2] vs 0 [0-1], P = 0.063), or equipment complications score (0 [0-1] vs 0 [0-0], P = 1.000) between PDT and ST, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that PDT can be performed as quickly, as easily, and as safely as ST in a canine cadaver by novice veterinary students following manikin training. Additional studies will be required to determine if these findings can be translated into veterinary clinical practice.

complications
trachea
manikin training
anatomic models
upper airway obstruction


Risk factors for major amputation in hospitalized diabetic patients with forefoot ulcers.

Abstract:
AIMS
The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for major amputation in patients hospitalized with diabetic forefoot ulcers.

METHODS
Between January 2003 and December 2018, a total of 1792 diabetic patients were admitted to the diabetic wound center for the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Among the patients, 1032 diabetic patients with forefoot ulcers were included in this study. Nine hundred and eighty-three patients (95%) healed without major amputations while 49 patients (5%) healed after major amputations. Data related to 88 potential risk factors including demographics, ulcer condition, vascularity, bioburden, neurology, and serology were collected from the patients in these two groups for comparison.

RESULTS
Among the 88 potential risk factors, 34 showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. In the univariate analysis of 88 risk factors, 33 showed statistically significant differences. In stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, four of the 33 risk factors remained statistically significant. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios for gender, magnesium levels, platelet levels, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were 8.216, 2.480, 1.009, and 0.570, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Risk factors for major amputation in patients hospitalized with diabetic forefoot ulcers include male gender, increased magnesium, increased platelet levels, and low levels of HbA1c.

Moon|Kyung-Chul|KC| Kim|Soo-Byn|SB| Han|Seung-Kyu|SK| Jeong|Seong-Ho|SH| Dhong|Eun-Sang|ES|

Risk factors
Amputation
Diabetic foot
Foot ulcer
Risk analysis


Potential Role for Urine Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Whipple's Disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Whipple's disease (WD) is a rare infection with Tropheryma whipplei that is fatal if untreated. Diagnosis is challenging and currently based on invasive sampling. In a case of WD diagnosed from a kidney biopsy, we observed morphologically-intact bacteria within the glomerular capsular space and tubular lumens. This raised the questions of whether renal filtration of bacteria is common in WD and whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of urine might serve as a diagnostic test for WD.

METHODS
We prospectively investigated urine samples of 12 newly-diagnosed and 31 treated WD patients by PCR. As controls, we investigated samples from 110 healthy volunteers and patients with excluded WD or acute gastroenteritis.

RESULTS
Out of 12 urine samples from independent, therapy-naive WD patients, 9 were positive for T. whipplei PCR. In 3 patients, fluorescence in situ hybridization visualized T. whipplei in urine. All control samples were negative, including those of 11 healthy carriers with T. whipplei-positive stool samples. In our study, the detection of T. whipplei in the urine of untreated patients correlated in all cases with WD.

CONCLUSIONS
T. whipplei is detectable by PCR in the urine of the majority of therapy-naive WD patients. With a low prevalence but far-reaching consequences upon diagnosis, invasive sampling for WD is mandatory and must be based on a strong suspicion. Urine testing could prevent patients from being undiagnosed for years. Urine may serve as a novel, easy-to-obtain specimen for guiding the initial diagnosis of WD, in particular in patients with extra-intestinal WD.

Moter|Annette|A| Janneck|Matthias|M| Wolters|Manuel|M| Iking-Konert|Christof|C| Wiessner|Alexandra|A| Loddenkemper|Christoph|C| Hartleben|Björn|B| Lütgehetmann|Marc|M| Schmidt|Julia|J| Langbehn|Ulrike|U| Janssen|Sabrina|S| Geelhaar-Karsch|Anika|A| Schneider|Thomas|T| Moos|Verena|V| Rohde|Holger|H| Kikhney|Judith|J| Wiech|Thorsten|T|

Tropheryma whipplei
fluorescence in situ hybridization
Whipple’s disease
electron microscopy
real-time PCR


The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on smoking and health outcomes in COPD patients.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Although several positive effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are known in COPD patients, the results of PR in smoker COPD patients are unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of PR on smoking behaviour and health outcomes between COPD patients who are smoker and ex-smoker.

METHODS
In our study; 62 COPD patients (31 of them active smoker and 31 of them were ex-smoker) who completed in an 8-week outpatient PR programme were included. Pulmonary function test, blood gas analysis, mMRC Dyspnoea Scale, 6-minute walk test, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale were performed. Smoking behaviour and nicotine dependence of the study group was evaluated.

RESULTS
At baseline assessment; TLCO was found to be lower in the currently smoking group (p = 0.042) and significantly increased after PR (p = 0.012). FEV1 , PaO2 , arterial saturation, 6-min walk distance and quality of life improved in both groups (p < 0.05). Anxiety score decreased in both groups; depression score decreased only in the ex-smoker group. When comparing changes between groups; mMRC score was observed to be decreased more in the smoker group (p = 0.01). At the end of the programme, nicotine dependence score and the daily number of cigarettes were significantly decreased in the smoker group (p < 0.001), also 2 patients completely quit smoking.

CONCLUSION
Smoker COPD patients benefited from the PR programme at least as much as the patients who do not smoke. Furthermore, nicotine dependence and amount of cigarette decreased in smoker patients. Therefore, COPD patients who smoke should be referred to the PR programmes.

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

pulmonary rehabilitation
smoking
COPD
exercise


Biomechanics and Pinch Force of the Index Finger Under Simulated Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To analyze the effect of simulated proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis on distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint free flexion-extension (FE) and maximal voluntary pinch forces.

METHODS
Five healthy subjects were tested with the PIP joint unconstrained and constrained to selected angles to produce (1) free FE movements of the DIP joint at 2 selected angles of the metacarpophalangeal joint, and (2) maximal voluntary tip (thumb and index finger) and chuck (thumb, index, and middle fingers) pinch forces. Kinematic data from a motion analysis system, pinch force data from a mechanical pinch meter, and electromyography (EMG) data recorded from 2 flexor and extensor muscles of the index finger were collected during free FE movements of the DIP joint and pinch tests for distinct PIP joint constraint angles.

RESULTS
The EMG root mean square (RMS) values of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and extensor digitorum (ED) did not change during free FE of the DIP joint. The extension angle of the range of motion of the DIP joint changed during free FE. It increased as the PIP constraint angle increased. The EMG RMS value of FDP and ED showed maximum values when the PIP joint was unconstrained and constrained at 0° to 20° of flexion during tip and chuck pinch. Neither the index finger metacarpophalangeal and DIP joint positions nor pinch force measurements differed with imposed PIP joint arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS
The PIP joint arthrodesis angle affects DIP joint extension. A minimal overall impact from simulated PIP arthrodesis in muscle activity and pinch force of the index finger was observed. The EMG RMS values of the FDP and ED revealed that a PIP arthrodesis at 0° to 20° of flexion leads to a more natural finger posture during tip and chuck pinch.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This study provided a quantitative comparison of free FE motion of the DIP joint, as well as FDP and ED forces during pinch, under simulated index finger PIP arthrodesis angles.

Arauz|Paul|P|
DeChello|Karen|K|
Dagum|Alexander|A|
Sisto|Sue Ann|SA|
Kao|Imin|I|

electromyography
Proximal interphalangeal joint fusion
finger biomechanics
finger tendon forces
hand


Dual Photothermal/Chemotherapy of Melanoma Cells with Albumin Nanoparticles Carrying Indocyanine Green and Doxorubicin Leads to Immunogenic Cell Death.

Abstract: Recent focus on cancer immunotherapies has led to significant interest in the development of therapeutic strategies that can lead to immunogenic cell death (ICD), which can cause activation of an immune response against tumor cells and improve immunotherapy outcomes by enhancing the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment. In this work, a nanomedicine-mediated combination therapy is used to deliver the ICD inducers doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic agent, and indocyanine green (ICG), a photothermal agent. These agents are loaded into nanoparticles (NPs) of bovine serum albumin (BSA) that are prepared through a desolvation process. The formulation of BSA NPs is optimized to achieve NPs of 102.6  nm in size and loadings of 8.55 % and 5.69 % (w/w) for ICG and Dox, respectively. The controlled release of these agents from the BSA NPs is confirmed. Upon laser irradiation for 2.5 min, NPs at a dose of 62.5 μg mL-1 are able to increase the temperature of the cells by 7 °C and thereby inhibit the growth of B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro. Surface presentation of heat shock proteins and calreticulin from the cells after treatment confirmed the ability of the Dox/ICG loaded BSA NPs to induce ICD in the melanoma cells.

albumin nanoparticles
indocyanine green
doxorubicin
immunogenic cell death
nanomedicine
photothermal therapy


Latent Class Analysis to Classify Injury Severity in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract: Heterogeneity of injury severity among children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) classified by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) makes comparisons across research cohorts, enrollment in clinical trials, and clinical predictions of outcomes difficult. The present study uses latent class analysis (LCA) to distinguish severity subgroups from a prospective cohort of 433 children 2.5-15 years of age with TBI who were recruited from two level 1 pediatric trauma centers. Indicator variables available within 48 h post-injury including emergency department (ED) GCS, hospital motor GCS, Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), Rotterdam Score, hypotension in the ED, and pre-hospital loss of consciousness, intubation, seizures, and sedation were evaluated to define subgroups. To understand whether latent class subgroups were predictive of clinically meaningful outcomes, the Pediatric Injury Functional Outcome Scale (PIFOS) at 6 and 12 months, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function at 12 months, were compared across subgroups. Then, outcomes were examined by GCS (primary) and AIS (secondary) classification alone to assess whether LCA provided improved outcome prediction. LCA identified four distinct increasing severity subgroups (1-4). Unlike GCS classification, mean outcome differences on PIFOS at 6 months showed decreasing function across classes. PIFOS differences relative to the lowest latent class (LC1) were: LC2 2.27 (0.83, 3.72), LC3 3.99 (1.88, 6.10), and LC4 11.2 (7.04, 15.4). Differences in 12 month outcomes were seen between the most and least severely injured groups. Differences in outcomes in relation to AIS were restricted to the most and less severely injured at both time points. This study distinguished four latent classes that are clinically meaningful, distinguished a more homogenous severe injury group, and separated children by 6-month functional outcomes better than GCS alone. Systematic reporting of these variables would allow comparisons across research cohorts, potentially improve clinical predictions, and increase sensitivity to treatment effects in clinical trials.

Keenan|Heather T|HT|
Clark|Amy E|AE|
Holubkov|Richard|R|
Cox|Charles S|CS|
Patel|Rajan P|RP|
Moore|Kevin R|KR|
Ewing-Cobbs|Linda|L|


Imaging of the perivertebral space.

Abstract: The perivertebral space extends from the skull base to the mediastinum and is delineated by the deep layer of the deep cervical fascia. The different tissue types, including muscles, bones, nerves, and vascular structures, give rise to the various disorders that can be seen in this space. This article defines the anatomy of the perivertebral space, guides lesion localization, discusses different disease processes arising within this space, and reviews the best imaging approaches.

Perivertebral space
Deep cervical fascia
Infrahyoid neck
Paraspinal space
Prevertebral space
Suprahyoid neck


Rates of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolus After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Abstract:
CONTEXT
Venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease is thought to be an uncommon but serious problem after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Rates of VTE after ACL reconstruction are not well documented.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and symptomatic pulmonary emboli (PE) after ACL reconstruction.

DATA SOURCES
Five publicly available databases (PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Embase, and CINAHL Complete) were utilized.

STUDY SELECTION
All studies that screened patients for DVT and reported rates of DVT and PE after ACL reconstruction were eligible for inclusion. Level 5 evidence, cadaver, biomechanical, and basic science studies; studies reporting only multiligament reconstruction outcomes; studies where rates of DVT and PE could not be separated out from patients undergoing other types of arthroscopic knee procedures; and classification studies were excluded.

STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.

DATA EXTRACTION
All study, subject, and surgical data were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS
Six studies met the inclusion criteria, with a mean Modified Colman Methodology Score of 30 ± 8.22. A total of 692 patients (488 men [70.5%]; mean age, 31.6 ± 2.82 years; mean follow-up, 7 ± 18.4 months) underwent ACL reconstruction using either semitendinosus-gracilis autograft (77.6%), bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft (22%), or allograft (0.4%). No patient received postoperative pharmacological anticoagulation. Fifty-eight patients (8.4%) had a DVT (81% below knee and 19% above knee), while only 1 patient (0.2%) had a symptomatic PE. When reported, 27% of DVT episodes were symptomatic.

CONCLUSION
The rate of DVT after ACL reconstruction in patients who did not receive postoperative pharmacological anticoagulation is 8.4%, while the rate of symptomatic PE is 0.2%. Of the DVT episodes that occurred, 73% were asymptomatic.

Erickson|Brandon J|BJ|
Saltzman|Bryan M|BM|
Campbell|Kirk A|KA|
Fillingham|Yale A|YA|
Harris|Joshua D|JD|
Gupta|Anil K|AK|
Bach|Bernard R|BR|

anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction


Applying the Theory of Constructed Emotion to Police Decision Making.

Abstract: Law enforcement personnel commonly make decisions in stressful circumstances, where the costs associated with errors are high and sometimes fatal. In this paper, we apply a powerful theoretical approach, the theory of constructed emotion (TCE), to understand decision making under evocative circumstances. This theory posits that the primary purpose of a brain is to predictively regulate physiological resources to coordinate the body's motor activity and learning in the short term, and to meet the body's needs for growth, survival, and reproduction in the long term. This process of managing the brain and body's energy needs, called allostasis, is based on the premise that a brain anticipates bodily needs and attempts to meet those needs before they arise (e.g., vestibular activity that raises sympathetic nervous system activity before standing), because this is more efficient than responding to energetic needs after the fact. In this view, all mental events-cognition, emotion, perception, and action-are shaped by allostasis, and thus all decision making is embodied, predictive, and concerned with balancing energy needs. We also posit a key role for the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in regulating short-term energy expenditures, such that the ANS influences experience and behavior under stressful circumstances, including police decision making. In this paper, we first explain the core features of the TCE, and then offer insights for understanding police decision making in complex, real-world situations. In so doing, we describe how the TCE can be used to guide future studies of realistic decision making in occupations in which people commonly make decisions in evocative situations or under time pressure, such as in law enforcement.

Fridman|Joseph|J|
Barrett|Lisa Feldman|LF|
Wormwood|Jolie B|JB|
Quigley|Karen S|KS|

theory of constructed emotion
police decision making
law enforcement
allostasis
autonomic nervous system
predictive coding


Outcome of 1051 Octogenarian Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Observational Cohort From the London Heart Attack Group.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is increasingly common in octogenarians, and optimal management in this cohort is uncertain. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of octogenarians with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS AND RESULTS
We analyzed 10 249 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention between 2005 and 2011 at 8 tertiary cardiac centers across London, United Kingdom. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at a median follow-up of 3 years. In total, 1051 patients (10.3%) were octogenarians, with an average age of 84.2 years, and the proportion increased over the study period (P=0.04). In-hospital mortality (7.7% vs 2.4%, P<0.0001) and long-term mortality (51.6% vs 12.8%, P<0.0001) were increased in octogenarians compared with patients aged <80 years, and age was an independent predictor of mortality in a fully adjusted model (hazard ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.07-1.09, P<0.0001). Time-stratified analysis revealed an increasingly elderly and more complex cohort over time. Nonetheless, long-term mortality rates among octogenarians remained static over time, and this may be attributable to improved percutaneous coronary intervention techniques, including significantly higher rates of radial access and lower bleeding complications. Variables associated with bleeding complications were similar between octogenarian and younger cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS
In this large registry, octogenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention had a higher rate of complications and mortality compared with a younger population. Over time, octogenarians undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention increased in number, age, and complexity. Nevertheless, in-hospital outcomes were reasonable, and long-term mortality rates were static.

Bromage|Daniel I|DI|
Jones|Daniel A|DA|
Rathod|Krishnaraj S|KS|
Grout|Claire|C|
Iqbal|M Bilal|MB|
Lim|Pitt|P|
Jain|Ajay|A|
Kalra|Sundeep S|SS|
Crake|Tom|T|
Astroulakis|Zoe|Z|
Ozkor|Mick|M|
Rakhit|Roby D|RD|
Knight|Charles J|CJ|
Dalby|Miles C|MC|
Malik|Iqbal S|IS|
Mathur|Anthony|A|
Redwood|Simon|S|
MacCarthy|Philip A|PA|
Wragg|Andrew|A|

D000072657:ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction


PET/Computed Tomography in Treatment Response Assessment in Cancer: An Overview with Emphasis on the Evolving Role in Response Evaluation to Immunotherapy and Radiation Therapy.

Abstract: The effectiveness of cancer treatment must be assessed early in the course of the therapy so that regimens can be tailored in an individualized manner. Whole-body metabolic burden, metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis are the newer quantitative PET metrics that reflect the overall disease burden and take into account the stage of the disease, the heterogeneous intra-tumoral metabolism and uptake of PET tracer. Immunotherapy response evaluation in solid tumors is challenging, and combined use of anatomical and molecular imaging could evolve as the optimal way for assessing treatment response to immunotherapy. PET based parameters may be better predictors of response, necrosis and recurrence of disease after radiation therapy vis-à-vis the conventional cross-sectional imaging.

D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
(18)F-FDG
MTV
PERCIST
PET/CT
RECIST
TLG
Treatment response monitoring


Semi-quantitative real-time PCR: A useful approach to identify persons with low replicative chronic hepatitis B.

Abstract: Antiviral therapy can be avoided during the low replicative phase of chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection which is characterized notably by HBV DNA concentration below 2000IU/ml. Simplified diagnostic tests can improve access to HBV DNA monitoring in resource-limited settings. The capacity of a new semi-quantitative real-time PCR approach based on sample-to-standard relative detection of the target to discriminate samples with HBV DNA levels above or below the clinical threshold of 2000IU/ml was compared to a quantitative assay (Roche CobasAmpliPrep/CobasTaqMan HBV Test v2.0). The semi-quantitative assay correctly identified 40/40 (100%) low replicative HBV DNA patients and 58/61 (95%) samples from HBV-infected subjects with moderate/high levels of viral DNA. Our results suggested that this alternative PCR test is efficient to guide therapeutic decision based on identification of low replicative HBV infection from all of the chronic hepatitis B carriers requiring treatment, and may be useful in resource-limited settings where the vast majority of cases live.

Castéra-Guy|Joany|J|
Rubbo|Pierre-Alain|PA|
Kania|Dramane|D|
Lemoine|Maud|M|
Van de Perre|Philippe|P|
Tuaillon|Edouard|E|

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Hepatitis B virus
Monitoring
Resource-limited settings
Diagnosis
Inactive chronic hepatitis
Semi-quantitative PCR


Prevalence of tuberculosis among mentally ill patients in conflict-stricken Afghanistan: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Tuberculosis (TB) and mental illness share underlying factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and stress. This study's objective was to determine the prevalence of TB among mentally ill patients in Afghanistan.

METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in five public and one private health facility. All patients in those centers were screened for TB, and the diagnosis of TB was made with GeneXpert or made clinically by a physician.

RESULTS
Out of 8598 patients registered, 8324 (96.8%) were reached and 8073 (93.9%) were screened for TB, of whom 1703 (21.1%) were found to be presumptive TB patients. A total of 275 (16.7%) were diagnosed with all forms of TB, of whom 90.5% were women. Eighty-eight (32%) of them were bacteriologically confirmed and 187 (68%) were clinically diagnosed. The number needed to screen (NNS) was 29.3 and the number needed to test (NNT) was 6.1. The overall prevalence of TB among mentally ill patients was 3,567/100,000-20 times higher than the national incidence rate. TB was independently associated with married and widowed adults, young adults, females, and oral sleep drug users.

CONCLUSIONS
TB among mentally ill patients is very high, and we recommend that TB care and prevention services be integrated into mental health centers.

Qader|G|G|
Seddiq|M K|MK|
Rashidi|K M|KM|
Hamim|A|A|
Akhgar|M H|MH|
Ahmad|B|B|
Dryer|S|S|
Somji|A|A|
Melese|M|M|
Suarez|P G|PG|

Afghanistan
Women
Delivery of health care
Disease susceptibility
Mental disorders
TB services


Form Factors for Branched Polymers with Excluded Volume.

Abstract: The form factors for star-branched polymers with linear branches or with looping branches are calculated. The effect of chain swelling excluded volume is incorporated through an excluded volume parameter approach. The form factor for ring polymers is also included, since it is nicely derived as a special case. Furthermore, the form factor for dendrimers with excluded volume is also calculated. In order to evaluate the form factor for stars with looping branches, the multivariate Gaussian function is used to close the looping branches. Analytical results are possible in the Gaussian chain case (i.e., with no excluded volume), but the calculations are left in a form involving summations over monomers when the general case incorporates excluded volume.

star-branched polymers
looping branches
dendrimers
excluded volume effect
polymer ring
small-angle scattering form factors


Experimental observation of static component generation by Lamb wave propagation in an elastic plate.

Abstract: The experimental observation of acoustic radiation induced static component (SC) generation by Lamb wave propagation in an elastic plate is first reported. An experimental approach to directly detect the generated SC of primary Lamb wave propagation in an elastic plate is proposed, where a low-frequency wedge transducer is used to detect the SC pulse generated by primary Lamb wave tone-burst that is excited by a high-frequency wedge transducer. The basic requirements are that the group velocity of primary Lamb wave needs to be equal to that of the s0 mode at zero frequency (i.e., the SC), and that the central frequency of the low-frequency wedge transducer needs to be near the center of the main lobe frequency range of the generated SC pulse. For this purpose, the S4 mode whose group velocity is equal to that of the generated SC is selected as the primary Lamb wave, and then the specific mode pair S4-s0 is focused and analyzed. Accompanying propagation of the S4 mode tone-burst, the generated SC pulse detected with the low-frequency wedge transducer is clearly observed. Through respectively measuring the amplitudes of the S4 mode and the generated SC for different spatial separation between the transmitting and receiving wedge transducers, the quantitative relationship of the relative nonlinear acoustic parameter with propagation distance is obtained. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can be used to directly detect the generated SC of Lamb wave propagation, and that the said SC does have a cumulative growth effect with propagation distance.

Gao|Guangjian|G| Chen|Han|H| Hu|Ning|N| Deng|Mingxi|M|

Lamb wave
Static component (SC)
Cumulative growth effect
Group velocity matching


Efficacy of remdesivir in patients with COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite global containment measures to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic continued to rise, rapidly spread across the world, and resulting in 2.6 million confirmed cases and 185 061 deaths worldwide as of 23 April 2020. Yet, there are no approved vaccines or drugs to make the disease less deadly, while efforts are underway. Remdesivir, a nucleotide-analogue antiviral drug developed for Ebola, is determined to prevent and stop infections with COVID-19, while results are yet controversial. Here, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of remdesivir in patients with COVID-19.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS
We will search MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google scholar databases for articles published as of 30 June 2020 and we will complete the study on 30 August 2020. We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines for the design and reporting of the results. We will include RCTs that assessed the efficacy of remdesivir versus placebo or standard of care. The primary endpoint will be time to clinical recovery. The secondary endpoints will be proportion of participants relieved from clinical symptoms defined at the time (in hours) from initiation of the study treatment, all-cause mortality, discharged date, frequency of respiratory progression and treatment-emergent adverse events. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for statistical analysis. Random effects model will be carried out to calculate mean differences for continuous outcome data and risk ratio for dichotomous outcome data between remdesivir and placebo or standard of care.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
There are no ethical considerations associated with this study as we will use publicly available data from previously published studies. We plan to publish results in open-access peer-reviewed journals and present at international and national conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020177953.

clinical trials
infection control
respiratory infections
virology


Apoptosis-mediated neurotoxicity and altered gene expression induced by silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: Although not fully recognized, the neurotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are thought to occur through induction of oxidative stress and apoptosis. To investigate the exact underlying molecular mechanism, we aimed to explore the apoptotic effects of intraperitoneal injection of Ag-NPs and investigated the possible attributed changes in the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in the rat hippocampus. Two in vivo sets of experiments, one to demonstrate apoptosis and the other to assess gene expression, were conducted on male Wistar rats. In each set, the first group, acting as control, received saline and the other three groups received Ag-NP at doses of 100, 200, and 400 ppm for five successive days. Ten days after the last injection, hippocampal tissue of the first set of rats was assessed for apoptosis using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate nick-end labeling staining. In the second set of experiments, mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Ag-NP treatment was shown to induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Ag-NP reduced mRNA level of Bcl-2 in the rat hippocampal cells at all investigated doses compared to the control group ( p < 0.001). The mRNA level of Bax, on the other hand, was increased in these cells. The increase was significant compared to the control group at the doses of 200 ppm ( p < 0.05) and 400 ppm ( p < 0.001). Our results show that Ag-NPs reduce Bcl-2 and increase Bax genes expression, resulting in increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratios in rat hippocampal cells. This altered gene expression induces cell apoptosis and contributes to the neurotoxicity of Ag-NPs.

Silver nanoparticles
Bax gene
Bcl-2 gene
TUNEL
real-time PCR


The mediating role of knowledge on the contact and stigma of mental illness in Hong Kong.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Although knowledge is a crucial component in contact theory delineating how prejudice changes toward out-groups with stigmatized conditions, little is known about the mediating role of knowledge on contact, stigmatizing attitudes, and behaviors toward mental illness.

AIM
This study aimed to examine the mechanism underlie contact and stigma change by knowledge.

METHODS
A total of 366 participants including family members (FM), mental health providers (MHP), and community residents (CR) recruited across communities in Hong Kong and completed measures of contact level, contact quantity, contact quality, mental health related knowledge, prejudice, and discriminatory behaviors. Structural equation modeling was adopted to test the association among the key variables.

RESULTS
Higher level of contact was significantly correlated with better knowledge, less prejudice, and less discriminatory behaviors. Knowledge was directly and negatively correlated with prejudicial attitudes but was not significantly related to discriminatory behaviors. Furthermore, lower levels of prejudice were associated with less discriminatory behaviors.

CONCLUSION
Enhancement of contact may increase understanding toward people with mental illness (PMI) and diminish stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors. Although prejudicial attitudes may be reduced by broadening mental health knowledge, increasing knowledge only might not ameliorate discriminatory behaviors. Future research should test mediators on contact and stigma by using longitudinal data.

D006723:Hong Kong
D006801:Humans
D001523:Mental Disorders
D008603:Mental Health
D011287:Prejudice
D057545:Social Stigma

knowledge
Contact
stigma of mental illness
Hong Kong


Dietary supplement of Smilax china L. ethanol extract alleviates the lipid accumulation by activating AMPK pathways in high-fat diet fed mice.

Abstract:
Background
Obesity has become a public health concern worldwide because it is linked to numerous metabolic disorders, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies that are efficacious and have minimal side effects in obesity treatment. This study examined the effect of dietary supplement of Smilax china L. ethanol extract (SCLE) on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity.

Methods
Fifty ICR mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with 0.25, 0.5% or 1% SCLE for 8 weeks. Body weight, intraperitioneal adipose tissue (IPAT) weight, serum biochemical parameters, and liver lipids were measured. Activity, mRNA and protein expressions of lipid metabolism-related enzymes were analyzed.

Results
Over 0.5% SCLE had reduced cholesterol biosynthesis by the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which subsequently suppressed the mRNA expression of both sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase. Thus, the plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations in the HFD-fed mice were decreased. AMPK activation caused by SCLE also significantly upregulated lipolysis by enhancing adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive lipase activities. This accelerated triglyceride hydrolysis and fatty acid release. Finally, SCLE increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 and acyl-CoA oxidase activities, which further promoted fatty acid β-oxidation.

Conclusion
SCLE could lead to a decrease in body weight gain and fat mass by inhibiting the lipid synthesis and promoting lipolysis and β-oxidation in HFD fed mice. The underlying mechanism is probably associated with regulating AMPK pathway.

Yang|Licong|L| Zhao|Yan|Y| Pan|Yongfang|Y| Li|Dongming|D| Zheng|Guodong|G|

Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins


A natural solution for obesity: bioactives for the prevention and treatment of weight gain. A review.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Obesity and obesity-related disorders are reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. In this review, we summarize the accumulating studies that have emerged in the last few decades demonstrating that bioactives from different natural sources could potentially have anti-obesity effects.

METHODS
We carried out an extensive search of relevant literature from Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, and other online databases for studies where anti-obesity effects were shown by compounds from natural sources.

RESULTS
Appetite suppression, lipid metabolism regulation, and increase of energy expenditure are the main mechanisms by which anti-obesity effects are exerted. Plants represent the most studied natural source of anti-obesity bioactives. Camellia sinensis is the most representative species exerting several anti-obesity effects. Moreover, probiotics (bacteria which bestow health benefit), such as strains of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus families, and certain prebiotics (non-viable food components that confers a health benefit on the host associated with modulation of the microbiota effects), such as insulin-type fructans, have also shown capability to combat obesity. Finally, compounds from animal sources, in particular bioactive peptides derived from milk-derived whey and casein protein digestion, high dietary calcium, and omega-3s polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) present in fish oils, have also shown potential anti-obesity effects.

DISCUSSION
Several anti-obesity effects have been observed in different natural bioactives providing an interesting and potentially safer and more desirable treatment strategy for the development of anti-obesity functional or medical foods.

Torres-Fuentes|Cristina|C|
Schellekens|Harriët|H|
Dinan|Timothy G|TG|
Cryan|John F|JF|

Obesity
Appetite
Natural bioactives
Food intake


Reindeer control over subarctic treeline alters soil fungal communities with potential consequences for soil carbon storage.

Abstract: The climate-driven encroachment of shrubs into the Arctic is accompanied by shifts in soil fungal communities that could contribute to a net release of carbon from tundra soils. At the same time, arctic grazers are known to prevent the establishment of deciduous shrubs and, under certain conditions, promote the dominance of evergreen shrubs. As these different vegetation types associate with contrasting fungal communities, the belowground consequences of climate change could vary among grazing regimes. Yet, at present, the impact of grazing on soil fungal communities and their links to soil carbon have remained speculative. Here we tested how soil fungal community composition, diversity and function depend on tree vicinity and long-term reindeer grazing regime and assessed how the fungal communities relate to organic soil carbon stocks in an alpine treeline ecotone in Northern Scandinavia. We determined soil carbon stocks and characterized soil fungal communities directly underneath and >3 m away from mountain birches (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) in two adjacent 55-year-old grazing regimes with or without summer grazing by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). We show that the area exposed to year-round grazing dominated by evergreen dwarf shrubs had higher soil C:N ratio, higher fungal abundance and lower fungal diversity compared with the area with only winter grazing and higher abundance of mountain birch. Although soil carbon stocks did not differ between the grazing regimes, stocks were positively associated with root-associated ascomycetes, typical to the year-round grazing regime, and negatively associated with free-living saprotrophs, typical to the winter grazing regime. These findings suggest that when grazers promote dominance of evergreen dwarf shrubs, they induce shifts in soil fungal communities that increase soil carbon sequestration in the long term. Thus, to predict climate-driven changes in soil carbon, grazer-induced shifts in vegetation and soil fungal communities need to be accounted for.

fungal community
grazing
Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii
Rangifer tarandus
Arctic shrubification
ITS2
subarctic tundra
tree-line


Joint exposure to various ambient air pollutants and incident heart failure: a prospective analysis in UK Biobank.

Abstract:
AIMS
Little is known about the relation between the long-term joint exposure to various ambient air pollutants and the incidence of heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess the joint association of various air pollutants with HF risk and examine the modification effect of the genetic susceptibility.

METHODS AND RESULTS
This study included 432 530 participants free of HF, atrial fibrillation, or coronary heart disease in the UK Biobank study. All participants were enrolled from 2006 to 2010 and followed up to 2018. The information on particulate matter (PM) with diameters ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5), ≤10 µm (PM10), and between 2.5 and 10 µm (PM2.5-10) as well as nitrogen oxides (NO2 and NOx) was collected. We newly proposed an air pollution score to assess the joint exposure to the five air pollutants through summing each pollutant concentration weighted by the regression coefficients with HF from single-pollutant models. We also calculated the weighted genetic risk score of HF. During a median of 10.1 years (4 346 642 person-years) of follow-up, we documented 4201 incident HF. The hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence interval (CI)] of HF for a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, PM2.5-10, NO2, and NOx were 1.85 (1.34-2.55), 1.61 (1.30-2.00), 1.13 (0.80-1.59), 1.10 (1.04-1.15), and 1.04 (1.02-1.06), respectively. We found that the air pollution score was associated with an increased risk of incident HF in a dose-response fashion. The HRs (95% CI) of HF were 1.16 (1.05-1.28), 1.19 (1.08-1.32), 1.21 (1.09-1.35), and 1.31 (1.17-1.48) in higher quintile groups compared with the lowest quintile of the air pollution score (P trend <0.001). In addition, we observed that the elevated risk of HF associated with a higher air pollution score was strengthened by the genetic susceptibility to HF.

CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that the long-term joint exposure to various air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, PM2.5-10, NO2, and NOx is associated with an elevated risk of incident HF in an additive manner. Our findings highlight the importance to comprehensively assess various air pollutants in relation to the HF risk.

Wang|Mengying|M| Zhou|Tao|T| Song|Yongze|Y| Li|Xiang|X| Ma|Hao|H| Hu|Yonghua|Y| Heianza|Yoriko|Y| Qi|Lu|L|

D000393:Air Pollutants
D000397:Air Pollution
D018070:Biological Specimen Banks
D004781:Environmental Exposure
D006333:Heart Failure
D006801:Humans
D052638:Particulate Matter
D011446:Prospective Studies
D006113:United Kingdom

Air pollution
Heart failure
Joint association
Cohort


Impact of occupational exposures on exacerbation of asthma: a population-based asthma cohort study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease and occupation contributes to approximately 15 % of cases among adults. However, there are still few studies on risk factors for work-exacerbated asthma. The current study investigated the association between asthma exacerbations and occupational exposures.

METHODS
The study comprised all currently working adults (n = 1356) who reported ever asthma in prior population-based cohorts. All subjects completed a questionnaire about exposures, occupations and exacerbations of asthma. Exposure to high and low molecular weight agents, irritating agents and asthmagens were classified using the asthma-specific job exposure matrix for northern Europe (N-JEM). Severe exacerbation of asthma was defined as sought emergency care at a hospital, admitted to a hospital overnight, or made an urgent visit to a primary care physician or district medical office due to breathing problems during the last 12 months. Moderate exacerbation was defined as both being not severe exacerbation and an additional visit to a primary care physician or district medical office, or had extra treatments with corticosteroid tablets. Mild exacerbation was defined as being neither severe nor moderate exacerbation, and increasing usage of inhaled corticosteroids. Multiple logistic regression was applied to investigate the association between exacerbation of asthma and occupational exposures while adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS
Approximately 26 % of the working asthmatics reported exacerbation, and more than two-thirds of them had moderate or severe exacerbation. From 23 to 49 % of the asthmatics reported occupational exposure to a variety of different types of agents. Exposure to any gas, smoke or dust (OR 1.7[95 % CI 1.2-2.6]) was associated with severe exacerbation of asthma, as were organic dust (OR 1.7[1.2-2.5]), dampness and mold (OR 1.8[1.2-2.7]), cold conditions (OR 1.7[1.1-2.7]), and a physically strenuous job (OR 1.6[1.03-2.3]). Asthmagens and low molecular weight agents classified by the N-JEM were associated with mild exacerbation, with OR 1.6[1.1-2.5] and OR 2.2[1.1-4.4], respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported exposure to any gas, smoke or dust, organic dust, dampness and mold, cold conditions and physically strenuous work, and jobs handling low molecular weight agents were associated with exacerbation of asthma. Reduction of these occupational exposures may help to reduce exacerbation of asthma.

Kim|Jeong-Lim|JL|
Henneberger|Paul K|PK|
Lohman|Susanna|S|
Olin|Anna-Carin|AC|
Dahlman-Höglund|Anna|A|
Andersson|Eva|E|
Torén|Kjell|K|
Holm|Mathias|M|

Occupational exposure
Exacerbation
Asthma
Job exposure matrix
Work exacerbated asthma
Workplace


Brilliant blue G attenuates lipopolysaccharide-mediated microglial activation and inflammation.

Abstract: Previous studies have confirmed that oxidized adenosine triphosphate, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, attenuates lipopolysaccharide-mediated microglial activation and inflammatory expression following neuronal damage in rat brain. NaCl and temperature may affect the potency of oxidized adenosine triphosphate. Brilliant blue G is a derivative of a widely used food additive and has little toxicity. This study explored the effects of brilliant blue G, a selective P2X7 receptor antagonist, on microglial activation and inflammation. Results demonstrated that brilliant blue G inhibited the release of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6 in BV2 cells. Immunofluorescence displayed that brilliant blue G could suppress lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation. This study used RNA interference to block P2X7 receptor expression and found that small interfering RNA also suppressed the release of cyclooxygenase-2 and interleukin-6 in BV2 cells. These results suggested that downregulation of the P2X7 receptor by brilliant blue G was involved in the inhibition of microglial activation and inflammation.

Lu|Kui|K| Wang|Jue|J| Hu|Bin|B| Shi|Xiaolei|X| Zhou|Junyi|J| Tang|Yamei|Y| Peng|Ying|Y|

brilliant blue G
P2X7 receptor
cyclooxygenase-2
interleukin-6
RNA interference
grants-supported paper
inflammatory cytokines
lipopolysaccharide
microglia
neural regeneration
neurodegenerative disease
neuroregeneration
photographs-containing paper


Identifying a Molecular Mechanism That Imparts Species-Specific Toxicity to YoeB Toxins.

Abstract: The ribosome-dependent E. coli (Ec) mRNase toxin YoeB has been demonstrated to protect cells during thermal stress. Agrobacterium tumefaciens (At), a plant pathogen, also encodes a YoeB toxin. Initial studies indicated that AtYoeB does not impact the growth of Ec, but its expression is toxic to the native host At. The current work examines this species-specific effect. We establish the highly similar structure and function of Ec and AtYoeB toxins, including the ability of the AtYoeB toxin to inhibit Ec ribosomes in vitro. Comparison of YoeB sequences and structures highlights a four-residue helix between β-strands 2 and 3 that interacts with mRNA bases within the ribosome. This helix sequence is varied among YoeB toxins, and this variation correlates with bacterial classes of proteobacteria. When the four amino acid sequence of this helix is transplanted from EcYoeB onto AtYoeB, the resulting chimera gains toxicity to Ec cells and lessens toxicity to At cells. The reverse is also true, such that EcYoeB with the AtYoeB helix sequence is less toxic to Ec and gains toxicity to At cultures. We suggest this helix sequence directs mRNA sequence-specific degradation, which varies among proteobacterial classes, and thus controls growth inhibition and YoeB toxicity.

Ames|Jessica R|JR|
McGillick|Julia|J|
Murphy|Tamiko|T|
Reddem|Eswar|E|
Bourne|Christina R|CR|

species-specific toxicity
toxicity
YoeB toxin
E. coli
A. tumefaciens
ribosome-dependent mRNase


Inherently fluorescent polystyrene microspheres for coating, sensing and cellular imaging.

Abstract: Commercially available polystyrene (PS) fluorescent microspheres are widely used in biological field for tracing, in vivo imaging and calibration of flow cytometry, among other applications. However, these particles do suffer from some drawbacks such as the leakage and photobleaching of organic dyes within them. In the present study, inherently fluorescent properties of PS based microspheres have been explored for the first time. Here we find that a simple chloromethylation reaction endows the polystyrene particles with inherent fluorescence without any subsequent conjugation of an external fluorophore. A possible mechanism for fluorescence is elucidated by synthesizing and investigating p-ethylbenzyl chloride, a compound with similar structure. Significantly, no photobleaching or leaking issues were observed owing to the stable structure of the microspheres. Chloromethylated PS (CMPS) microspheres can keep their perpetual blue fluorescence even in dry powder state making them attractive as a potential coating material. Furthermore, the chloromethyl groups on CMPS microspheres make them very convenient for further functionalization. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted microspheres showed good biocompatibility and negligible cytotoxicity, and could be used to image intracellular Fe3+ due to the selective fluorescence quenching effect of aqueous Fe3+ in cytoplasm.

Qu|Jian-Bo|JB| Xu|Yu-Liang|YL| Liu|Yu|Y| Wang|Yanan|Y| Sui|Yuanhong|Y| Liu|Jian-Guo|JG| Wang|Xiaojuan|X|

D015374:Biosensing Techniques
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging
D008863:Microspheres
D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
D011137:Polystyrenes


On the identification of thyroid nodules using semi-supervised deep learning.

Abstract: Detecting malign cases from thyroid nodule examinations is crucial in healthcare particularly to improve the early detection of such cases. However, malign thyroid nodules can be extremely rare and is hard to find using the traditional rule based or expert-based methods. For this reason, the solutions backed by Machine Learning (ML) algorithms are key to improve the detection rates of such rare cases. In this paper, we investigate the application of ML in the healthcare domain for the detection of rare thyroid nodules. The utilized dataset is collected from 636 distinct patients in 99 unique days in Turkey. In addition to the texture feature data of the Ultrasound (US), we have also included the scores of different assessment methods created by different health institutions (e.g., Korean, American and European thyroid societies) as additional features. For detection of extremely rare malign cases, we use auto-encoder based neural network model. Through numerical results, it is shown that the auto-encoder based model can result in an average Recall score of 0.98 and a Sensitivity score of 1.00 for detecting malign and non-malign cases from the healthcare dataset outperforming the traditional classification algorithms that are trained after Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) oversampling.

Turk|Gamze|G| Ozdemir|Mustafa|M| Zeydan|Ruken|R| Turk|Yekta|Y| Bilgin|Zeki|Z| Zeydan|Engin|E|0000-0003-3329-0588

thyroid nodule
semi-supervised deep learning
malign
auto-encoder
classification


Interferon-Alpha 2-a and Its Dual Effect in Treating Two Diseases (Hepatitis C and Polycythemia Vera).

Abstract: Hepatitis C and polycythemia vera (PV) co-existence is not rare; it has been reported in the literature. Treatment with interferon (IFN) has been used to treat both conditions; however, the use of IFN in concomitant hepatitis C infection with PV and its outcome are rarely described in the literature. Here, we report a 56-years-old male patient with hepatitis C virus infection and PV, who was treated with IFN for his chronic hepatitis C, which resulted in significant improvement of HB as well as normalization of his bone marrow and eradication of the clone (Jak2 V617F).

Shwaylia|Hawraa|H|
Ali|Elrazi|E|
Yassin|Mohamed A|MA|

Hepatitis
Hepatitis C
Polycythemia vera
Interferon


High UDG and BRCA1 expression is associated with adverse outcome in patients with pemetrexed treated non-small cell lung Cancer.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The antifolate chemotherapy agent pemetrexed has been widely used to treat non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC), but there is no clinically validated biomarker to select patients likely to respond. The aim of this study was to assess two proteins involved in DNA repair mechanisms, uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and BRCA1 as potential prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 119 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with pemetrexed between 2004 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Expression of UDG, BRCA1, and known prognostic factors ALK, TTF-1, thymidylate synthase and folylpolyglutamate synthase was assessed by immunohistochemistry using H-SCORE (product of percent stained cells and intensity of expression). Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) served as reference endpoint.

RESULTS
Most NSCLC tumor samples had UDG positivity in at least 5% of tumor cells and 34% samples had more than 50% positive tumor cells. Using the median expression value as threshold, high UDG expression (H-SCORE≥75) was significantly associated with shorter median PFS (3-year PFS 7% vs. 37%, p = 0.045) and a trend for shorter OS (3-year OS 15% vs 42%, p = 0.066) compared to patients with low UDG. In multivariable Cox analysis, the association between high UDG and shorter PFS was close to statistically significant (p = 0.08) at a significance level of 0.05 after controlling for age, gender, ALK- and TTF1-status with hazard ratio of 2.1. Grouping patients according to combined UDG and BRCA1 expression, patients with a profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the shortest PFS and OS compared to all other patient groups (p = 0.007 and 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrate an important prognostic role for high UDG expression in pemetrexed-treated NSCLC patients, in addition to its previously reported role in pemetrexed cytotoxicity. High UDG expression was predictive of shorter PFS and OS, and patients with a combined profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the poorest outcome following pemetrexed treatment.

Hashemi Sadraei|Nooshin|N|
Feng|Yan|Y|
Du|Lingling|L|
Fu|Pingfu|P|
Haque|Sulsal|S|
Dowlati|Afshin|A|
Gollamudi|Jahnavi|J|
Pennell|Nathan A|NA|
Mekhail|Tarek|T|
Avril|Stefanie|S|
Farver|Carol|C|
Gerson|Stanton L|SL|
Sharma|Neelesh|N|

D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

UDG
BRCA1
Pemetrexed
Non-small cell lung cancer
Uracil DNA glycosylase


Diaphanous-related formin 1 as a target for tumor therapy.

Abstract: Formins nucleate actin and stabilize microtubules (MTs). Expression of the formin Diaphanous homolog 1 (DIAPH1) is increased in malignant colon carcinoma cells, while expression of DIAPH3 is up-regulated in breast and prostate carcinoma cells. Both DIAPH1 isoforms are required to stabilize interphase MTs of cancer cells, and it has been shown that loss of this function decreases the metastatic potential of these cells. Moreover, depletion of DIAPH3 increases the sensitivity of breast and prostate carcinoma cells to taxanes. In contrast with DIAPH1 + 3, DIAPH2 regulates metaphase MTs of tumor cells by stabilizing binding of kinetochore MTs to chromosomes. Depletion of DIAPH2 impairs chromosome alignment, thus proper chromosome segregation during mitosis. In summary, expression of DIAPH formins in tumor cells is essential for stabilizing interphase or metaphase MTs, respectively. Thus, it would be very interesting to analyze if tumor cells exhibiting low DIAPH expression are more sensitive to taxanes than those with high DIAPH expression.

D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing

cytoskeleton
tumor cell adhesion
vesicle trafficking


Myofascial pain and treatment: Editorial a critical overview of the current myofascial pain literature - August 2019.

Abstract: This quarter's overview of the myofascial pain literature includes quite a few basic research papers in addition to the usual high quantity of dry needling (DN) papers. Of particular interest are a study by Fischer and colleagues studying the role of mitochondrial functions in chronic trigger points (TrPs) (Fischer et al 2018), a study by Li and associates who conducted a quantitative proteomics analysis to identify biomarkers of chronic myofascial pain and therapeutic targets of dry needling in a rat model of TrPs (Li et al 2019), and a sonography study by Mitchell et al. looking into the distances from the skin to the pleura in the context of DN (Mitchell et al 2019). A total of 33 papers are included in this overview article. We welcome Dr. Jacob Thorp to our team of authors. Dr. Thorp is a US-based physical therapist. He is Professor and Founding Director of the Physical Therapy Program at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, SC.

Dommerholt|Jan|J|
Chou|Li-Wei|LW|
Hooks|Todd|T|
Thorp|Jacob N|JN|

Dry needling
Trigger points
Manual therapy
Myofascial pain syndrome


Aged complement factor H knockout mice kept in a clean barriered environment have reduced retinal pathology.

Abstract: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the largest cause of visual loss in those over 60 years in the West and is a condition increasing in prevalence. Many diseases result from genetic/environmental interactions and 50% of AMD cases have an association with polymorphisms of the complement system including complement factor H. Here we explore interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental conditions in triggering retinal pathology in two groups of aged complement factor H knock out (Cfh(-/-)) mice. Mice were maintained over 9 months in either a conventional open environment or a barriered pathogen free environment. Open environment Cfh(-/-) mice had significant increases in subretinal macrophage numbers, inflammatory and stress responses and reduced photoreceptor numbers over mice kept in a pathogen free environment. Hence, environmental factors can drive retinal disease in these mice when linked to complement deficits impairing immune function. Both groups of mice had similar levels of retinal amyloid beta accumulation. Consequently there is no direct link between this and inflammation in Cfh(-/-) mice.

Hoh Kam|Jaimie|J|
Morgan|James E|JE|
Jeffery|Glen|G|

Factor H
Age-related macular degeneration
Pathogens
Inflammation


The Diagnostic Value of Troponin T Level in the Determination of Cardiac Damage in Perinatal Asphyxia Newborns.

Abstract: Perinatal asphyxia is a clinical condition which results from oxygen deprivation of the fetus or newborn and the breakdown of perfusion in various organs. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare troponin T levels over time as a marker of cardiac injury in cases of perinatal asphyxia and healthy newborns. The study included a total of 30 newborns diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia with a gestational age of 32-41 weeks, based on the last menstruation date, and 30 healthy newborns with a gestational age of 34-40 weeks, as the control group. Levels of troponin T and creatinin kinase MB were recorded for all participants. No difference was determined between the groups in terms of gestational age, manner of birth, electrocardiographic findings, and PaO2 and PaCO2 values. The umbilical artery pH levels and bicarbonate levels in the study group were found to be statistically lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). The troponin T and creatinin kinase MB levels in the patients in the study group were higher than those within the control group, at all times. The periods when specificity and sensitivity were highest together for troponin T were the 12th and 24th h. Specificity for troponin T reached the highest value at the 24th h and sensitivity reached the highest value in the cord blood. A positive correlation was found between the troponin T and creatinin kinase MB values at the 6th and 12th h. However, no correlation could be found in the blood between the serum troponin T and creatinin kinase MB levels at the 3rd and 24th h. The troponin T level is a useful test for showing cardiac damage in hypoxic patients in the neonatal period. The sensitivity and specificity of cardiac specific troponin T levels in detecting cardiac damage are much higher according to telecardiography and electrocardiography, while the implementation of the method is simple.

Yildirim|Ali|A| Ozgen|Fatih|F| Ucar|Birsen|B| Alatas|Ozkan|O| Tekin|Neslihan|N| Kilic|Zubeyir|Z|

D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum
D015415:Biomarkers
D005260:Female
D005312:Fetal Blood
D006331:Heart Diseases
D006801:Humans
D007231:Infant, Newborn
D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D020107:Troponin T

Troponin T level
cardiac damage
perinatal asphyxia
newborns


Influence of ageing on the physical qualities of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris muscles from male and female free-ranging common eland (Taurotragus oryx).

Abstract: The physical quality changes (pH, purge loss, cooking loss, drip loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force and CIE Lab colour) of vacuum-packaged longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were determined for male (n = 6) and female (n = 6) eland during a 35-day post-mortem ageing period at 4 °C. The BF and LTL muscles reached maximum tenderness (57 to 67 N) at Day 17 and 21, respectively, but could still be considered tough after ageing. Purge losses increased throughout ageing for the two muscles, respectively; however, cooking loss decreased. Meat surface colour turned brighter, more red and yellow with ageing. Initially the BF muscle was more tender, had less purge loss and higher CIE a* and b* values than the LTL, however as the ageing period progressed the differences between the muscles became less apparent. Thus, ageing improved uniformity between muscles as well as tenderness, with minor influences of sex thereon.

Needham|Tersia|T|
Laubser|Johannes G|JG|
Kotrba|Radim|R|
Bureš|Daniel|D|
Hoffman|Louwrens C|LC|


Kinetic control of the coverage of oil droplets by DNA-functionalized colloids.

Abstract: We report a study of reversible adsorption of DNA-coated colloids on complementary functionalized oil droplets. We show that it is possible to control the surface coverage of oil droplets using colloidal particles by exploiting the fact that, during slow adsorption, compositional arrest takes place well before structural arrest occurs. As a consequence, we can prepare colloid-coated oil droplets with a "frozen" degree of loading but with fully ergodic colloidal dynamics on the droplets. We illustrate the equilibrium nature of the adsorbed colloidal phase by exploring the quasi-two-dimensional phase behavior of the adsorbed colloids under the influence of depletion interactions and present simulations of a simple model that illustrates the nature of the compositional arrest and the structural ergodicity.

DNA functionalization
Smart emulsions
colloidal aggregation
self-assembly


Finding the fifth intercostal space for chest drain insertion: guidelines and ultrasound.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
International guidelines exist for chest drain insertion and recommend identifying the fifth intercostal space or above, around the midaxillary line. In a recent study, applying these guidelines in cadavers risked insertion in the 6th intercostal space or below in 80% of cases. However, there are limitations of cadaveric studies and this investigation uses ultrasound to determine the intercostal space identified when applying these guidelines in healthy adult volunteers.

METHODS
On each side of the chest wall in 31 volunteers, the position for drain insertion was identified using the European Trauma Course method, Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) method, British Thoracic Society's 'safe triangle' and the 'traditional' method of palpation. Ultrasound imaging was used to determine the relationship of the skin marks with the underlying intercostal spaces.

RESULTS
Five methods were assessed on 60 sides. In contrast to the cadaveric study, 94% of skin marks lay over a safe intercostal space. However, the range of intercostal spaces found spanned the second to the seventh space. In 44% of women, the inferior boundary of the 'safe triangle' and the ATLS guidelines located the sixth intercostal space or below.

CONCLUSIONS
Current guidelines often identify a safe site for chest drain insertion, although the same site is not reproducibly found. In addition, women appear to be at risk of subdiaphragmatic drain insertion when the nipple is used to identify the fifth intercostal space. Real-time ultrasonography can be used to confirm the intercostal space during this procedure, although a safe guideline is still needed for circumstances in which ultrasound is not possible.

Bowness|J S|JS|
Nicholls|K|K|
Kilgour|P M|PM|
Ferris|J|J|
Whiten|S|S|
Parkin|I|I|
Mooney|J|J|
Driscoll|P|P|

Trauma
Trauma, chest
emergency department
imaging, ultrasound
safety


Salience of multisensory feedback regulates behavioral variability.

Abstract: Many animal behaviors are robust to dramatic variations in morphophysiological features, both across and within individuals. The control strategies that animals use to achieve such robust behavioral performances are not known. Recent evidence suggests that animals rely on sensory feedback rather than precise tuning of neural controllers for robust control. Here we examine the structure of sensory feedback, including multisensory feedback, for robust control of animal behavior. We re-examined two recent datasets of refuge tracking responses ofEigenmannia virescens, a species of weakly electric fish.Eigenmanniarely on both the visual and electrosensory cues to track the position of a moving refuge. The datasets include experiments that varied the strength of visual and electrosensory signals. Our analyses show that increasing the salience (perceptibility) of visual or electrosensory signals resulted in more robust and precise behavioral responses. Further, we find that robust performance was enhanced by multisensory integration of simultaneous visual and electrosensory cues. These findings suggest that engineers may achieve better system performance by improving the salience of multisensory feedback rather than solely focusing on precisely tuned controllers.

behavioral variability
sensory feedback
weakly electric fish
sensorimotor control
sensory salience


Bariatric surgery in obese patients reduced resting connectivity of brain regions involved with self-referential processing.

Abstract: Obese individuals exhibit brain alterations of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) integrity of resting-state networks (RSNs) related to food intake. Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for combating morbid obesity. How bariatric surgery influences neurocircuitry is mostly unknown. Functional connectivity density (FCD) mapping was employed to calculate local (lFCD)/global (gFCD) voxelwise connectivity metrics in 22 obese participants who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging before and 1 month after sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and in 19 obese controls (Ctr) without surgery but tested twice (baseline and 1-month later). Two factor (group, time) repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess main and interaction effects in lFCD/gFCD; regions of interest were identified for subsequent seed to voxel connectivity analyses to assess resting-state functional connectivity and to examine association with weight loss. Bariatric surgery significantly decreased lFCD in VMPFC, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)/precuneus, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC)/dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC) and decreased gFCD in VMPFC, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and right insula (pFWE  < .05). lFCD decreased in VMPFC and PCC/precuneus correlated with reduction in BMI after surgery. Seed to voxel connectivity analyses showed the VMPFC had stronger connectivity with left DLPFC and weaker connectivity with hippocampus/parahippocampus, and PCC/precuneus had stronger connectivity with right caudate and left DLPFC after surgery. Bariatric surgery significantly decreased FCD in regions involved in self-referential processing (VMPFC, DMPFC, dACC, and precuneus), and interoception (insula), and changes in VMPFC/precuneus were associated with reduction in BMI suggesting a role in improving control of eating behaviors following surgery.

Li|Guanya|G|
Ji|Gang|G|
Hu|Yang|Y|
Xu|Mingzhu|M|
Jin|Qingchao|Q|
Liu|Li|L|
von Deneen|Karen M|KM|
Zhao|Jizheng|J|
Chen|Antao|A|
Cui|Guangbin|G|
Wang|Huaning|H|
Zhao|Qingchuan|Q|
Wu|Kaichun|K|
Shokri-Kojori|Ehsan|E|
Tomasi|Dardo|D|
Volkow|Nora D|ND|
Nie|Yongzhan|Y|
Zhang|Yi|Y|0000-0003-0859-9735
Wang|Gene-Jack|GJ|

bariatric surgery
obesity
self-referential
executive control
fMRI
sensory-emotional-memory


Sarcoidosis presenting with glazy mucoid sputum and dyspnea: a case report.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis commonly present with a dry cough; a productive cough suggests a complicating airway infection or an alternative diagnosis such as tuberculosis or bronchiectasis.

CASE PRESENTATION
A 36-year-old European (Frisian) woman recently diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis presented with debilitating exertional dyspnea and cough productive of glazy mucoid sputum. Several different attempts including video-assisted thoracoscopic biopsies failed to reach a second or alternative diagnosis including an infectious, autoimmune or collagen-vascular condition. She responded to steroids but with poor tolerance to this treatment, which could not be tapered. After she was started on anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy with infliximab, 200 mg at three-monthly intervals, she has been fine for well over a decade.

CONCLUSIONS
In this patient with sarcoidosis who had a productive cough accompanied by fever, an extensive workup and prolonged follow-up, an alternative or second diagnosis could be ruled out; we therefore conclude that this highly unusual presentation is part of the clinical spectrum of sarcoidosis.

Al-Kailany|Wud|W|
Timens|Wim|W|
Venmans|Ben|B|
de Jonge|Gonda|G|
van der Werf|Tjip S|TS|

Sarcoidosis
Mucoid sputum
Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha


Green nanotechnology - a new hope for medical biology.

Abstract: The development of eco-friendly technologies in material synthesis is of considerable importance to expand their biological applications. Nowadays, a variety of green nanoparticles with well-defined chemical composition, size, and morphology have been synthesized by different methods and their applications in many cutting-edge technological areas have been explored. This review highlights the classification of nanoparticles giving special emphasis on biosynthesis of metal nanoparticle by viable organisms. It also focuses on the applications of these biosynthesized nanoparticles in a wide spectrum of potential areas of medical biology including catalysis, targeted drug delivery, cancer treatment, antibacterial agents and as biosensors.

D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation

Biological application
Nanoparticles
Chemical synthesis
Green synthesis


Predicting reintroduction outcomes for highly vulnerable species that do not currently coexist with their key threats.

Abstract: Predicting reintroduction outcomes before populations are released is inherently challenging. It becomes even more difficult when the species being considered for reintroduction no longer coexists with the key threats limiting its distribution. However, data from other species facing the same threats can be used to make predictions under these circumstances. We used an integrated Bayesian modeling approach to predict growth of a reintroduced population at a range of predator densities when no data are available for the species in the presence of that predator. North Island Saddlebacks (Philesturnus rufusater) were extirpated from mainland New Zealand by exotic mammalian predators, particularly ship rats (black rats [Rattus rattus]) but are now being considered for reintroduction to sites with intensive predator control. We initially modeled data from previous saddleback reintroductions to predator-free sites to predict population growth at a new predator-free site while accounting for random variation in vital rates among sites. We then predicted population growth at different rat-tracking rates (an index of rat density) by incorporating a previously modeled relationship between rat-tracking and vital rates of another predator-sensitive species, the North Island Robin (Petroica longipes), and accounted for greater vulnerability of saddlebacks to rat predation based on information on historical declines of both species. The results allowed population growth to be predicted as a function of management effort while accounting for uncertainty, which means formal decision analysis could be used to decide whether to proceed with a reintroduction. Similar approaches could be applied to other situations where data on the species of interest are limited and provide an alternative to decision making based solely on expert judgment.

D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources

reintroductions
vulnerability
predation
population growth
crecimiento poblacional
depredación
especies focales
focal species
modelado poblacional
population modeling
reintroducción
vulnerabilidad
捕食
焦点物种
种群增长
种群建模
脆弱性
重引入


The BUDDY (Bedside Ultrasound to Detect Dehydration in Youth) study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Prior research suggests that the ratio of the ultrasound-measured diameter of the inferior vena cava to the aorta correlates with the level of dehydration in children. This study was designed to externally validate this and to access the accuracy of the ultrasound measured inspiratory IVC collapse and physician gestalt to predict significant dehydration in children in the emergency department.

METHODS
We prospectively enrolled a non-consecutive cohort of children ≤18 years old. Patient weight, ultrasound measurements of the IVC and Ao, and physician gestalt were recorded. The percent weight change from presentation to discharge was used to calculate the degree of dehydration. A weight change of ≥5% was considered clinically significant dehydration. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for each of the ultrasound measurements and physician gestalt. Sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) were calculated based on previously established cutoff points of the IVC/Ao ratio (0.8), the IVC collapsibility index of 50%, and a new cut off point of IVC collapsibility index of 80% or greater. Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the degree of inter-rater reliability between ultrasound observers.

RESULTS
Of 113 patients, 10.6% had significant dehydration. The IVC/Ao ratio had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.72 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.91) and, with a cutoff of 0.8, produced a SN of 67% and a SP of 71% for the diagnosis of significant dehydration. The IVC collapsibility index of 50% had an AUC of 0.58 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.72) and, with a cutoff of 80% collapsibility, produced a SN of 83% and a SP of 42%. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.83 for the IVC/Ao ratio and 0.70 for the IVC collapsibility. Physician gestalt had an AUC of 0.61 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.78) and, with a cutoff point of 5, produced a SN of 42% and a SP of 65%.

CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasound-measured IVC/Ao ratio is a modest predictor of significant dehydration in children. The inspiratory IVC collapse and physician gestalt were poor predictors of the actual level of dehydration in this study.

Jauregui|Joshua|J|
Nelson|Daniel|D|
Choo|Esther|E|
Stearns|Branden|B|
Levine|Adam C|AC|
Liebmann|Otto|O|
Shah|Sachita P|SP|

Ultrasound
Dehydration
Inferior vena cava
Aorta
Diarrhea
Pediatric
Vomiting


Auricular acupuncture diagnosis in patients with lumbar hernia.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Auricular Acupuncture Diagnosis is a diagnostic method which is essential for the topographic identification on the auricle of the anatomical parts of the body carrying a particular ailment or dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE
To identify the specific zones related to lumbar hernia in patients treated with a series of epidural infiltrations with corticosteroids.

METHODS
In a consecutive group of thirty patients with lumbar hernia 2 diagnostic methods used in Auricular Acupuncture Diagnosis, Pain Pressure Test and Electric Skin Resistance Test, were applied before the first infiltration (T0), before the second and the third infiltration (T1, T2) and one week after the third infiltration (T3). The parameters, whose variations were analyzed at T0-T3, were the following: the number of points identified; the intensity of pain on a verbal rating scale and the foot-hand distance in cm with bent spine and extended knees. The identified points were reported on the Auricular Sectogram which is a validated graphic system suitable for a correct transcription of the points and indicated for a statistical analysis of their distribution on the different sectors.

RESULTS
A significant association was found for some auricular areas, along the series of epidural infiltrations, with a progressive reduction in the number of tender and low electrical resistance points together with a decrease of pain and hand-foot distance.

CONCLUSIONS
The auricular zones found with Auricular Acupuncture Diagnosis in our group of patients seem of clinical relevance and could be included in the complementary treatment of lumbar-sciatic pain in lumbar hernia.

Auricular acupuncture diagnosis
Lumbar hernia
Lumbar-sciatic pain


Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia with CD5+ expression presented as cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephropathy: a case report.

Abstract: Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder associated with bone marrow involvement of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and an IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Generally B-lymphocytes in LPL do not express CD5 that is important for differential diagnosis of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. In WM, various renal diseases and type I cryoglobulinemia are well described separately, but cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephropathy is very rarely reported. A 61-yr-old woman complained of generalized edema, cyanosis of the extremities in cold weather, visual disturbance, and pancytopenia. Bone marrow and renal biopsy showed CD5+ expressing B-cells and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephropathy. With the diagnosis of WM, she received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone chemotherapy and got complete remission. Here, we report a rare case of WM associated with unusual expression of CD5+ B-lymphocytes and cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephropathy, and emphasize the importance of the clinical features in differentiating CD5+ B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Kim|You Lim|YL|
Gong|Soo Jung|SJ|
Hwang|Young Hwan|YH|
Joo|Jong Eun|JE|
Cho|Young Uk|YU|
Lee|Jung Ae|JA|
Sung|Su Ah|SA|
Lee|So Young|SY|
Kim|Nae Yoo|NY|

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
CD5+ Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma
Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis


Is the size of the lepidic component negligible when measuring the size of the tumor to determine the stage of lung adenocarcinoma?

Abstract:
Background
After applying the 8th edition of the TNM staging system, the invasive component size, not total tumor size, began to be used as a T descriptor for the stage. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the size of the lepidic component can be negligible when using only the invasive component size as the T descriptor.

Methods
From 2010 to 2018, 613 consecutive patients were diagnosed as having stage IA lung adenocarcinoma and underwent anatomical lobectomy at a tertiary hospital. Pathologic specimens and medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Statistical analyses were conducted to find out whether the recurrence of stage IA lung adenocarcinoma was more affected by total tumor size (including lepidic component size) or invasive component size.

Results
The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates of stage 0, stage IA1, stage IA2, and stage IA3 were 100%, 98.4%, 89.1%, and 81.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, total tumor size was not a risk factor for recurrence, whereas invasive component size was a significant risk factor for recurrence (Hazard ratio =1.658, P=0.043). In subgroup analysis, 5-year RFS rates of large lung adenocarcinoma (total tumor size >3 cm) and others (total tumor size ≤3 cm) in the same invasive component size group (stage IA2 and stage IA3) were not statistically different.

Conclusions
Invasive component size was a risk factor for recurrence of stage IA lung adenocarcinoma, while total tumor size was not a risk factor. Therefore, it seems to be appropriate to ignore the size of the lepidic component.


Falling asleep after a big meal: Neuronal regulation of satiety.

Abstract: C. elegans has become an ideal model to study genetics of appetite control and energy metabolism because of its robust conservation in molecular mechanisms underlying appetite control and in regulation of the relevant feeding behavior. Satiety behavior in worms in particular shows striking similarities to that in mammals, as a worm becomes quiescent after a big meal, mimicking post-prandial sleep in mammals. Here we review our recent finding regarding the neuronal regulation of the behavior and the implication of the finding such as cyclicity of behavioral states. Based on the finding, we propose a rather speculative but intriguing view of how metabolism could link to post-prandial sleep.

post-prandial sleep
ASI
antagonism between hunger and satiety
metabolic regulation of sleep
satiety quiescence


The complete mitochondrial genome of a marine mussel, Modiolus comptus (Mollusca: Mytilidae), and its phylogenetic implication.

Abstract: In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Modiolus comptus was determined and annotated for the first time. The 15,591 bp circular genome has a base composition of 24.3% A, 38.6% T, 12.5% C, and 24.5% G, demonstrating a bias of higher AT content (63.0%) than GC content (27.0%). The mitochondrial genome contains 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), and one control region. All genes of M. comptus were encoded on the heavy strand, except trnT(ugu) gene. The whole mitochondrial genome of M. comptus and 21 mitogenomes of other Mytilidae species were used for phylogenetic analysis. The result indicated the newly sequenced species had the closest relationship with Modiolus nipponicus (MK721547) and was clustered within the clade of genus Modiolus.

mitochondrial genome
Modiolus comptus
Mytilidae
phylogeny


Higher Serum Urate Levels Are Associated With an Increased Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association of serum urate (SU) levels with sudden cardiac death and incident coronary heart disease (CHD), separately, among adults without a history of CHD.

METHODS
We conducted a case-cohort analysis of Black and White participants aged ≥ 45 years enrolled in the REason for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study without a history of CHD at baseline between 2003 and 2007. Participants were followed for sudden cardiac death or incident CHD (i.e., myocardial infarction [MI] or death from CHD excluding sudden cardiac death) through December 31, 2013. Baseline SU was measured in a random sample of participants (n = 840) and among participants who experienced sudden cardiac death (n = 235) or incident CHD (n = 851) during follow-up.

RESULTS
Participants with higher SU levels were older and more likely to be male or Black. The crude HR (95% CI) per 1 mg/dL higher SU level was 1.26 (1.14-1.40) for sudden cardiac death and 1.17 (1.09-1.26) for incident CHD. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and cardiovascular risk factors, the HR (95% CI) per 1 mg/dL higher SU level was 1.19 (1.03-1.37) for sudden cardiac death and 1.05 (0.96-1.15) for incident CHD. HRs for sudden cardiac death were numerically higher among participants aged 45-64 vs ≥ 65 years, without vs with diabetes, and among those of White vs Black race, although P values for effect modification were all ≥ 0.05.

CONCLUSION
Higher SU levels were associated with an increased risk for sudden cardiac death but not with incident CHD.

sudden cardiac death
coronary heart disease
adults
primary prevention
uric acid


MiR-643 inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced endometritis progression by targeting TRAF6.

Abstract: Endometritis is a prevalent disease with inflammation of uterus endangering women reproductive health. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in inflammatory disorders, including endometritis. However, the role and mechanism of miR-643 in endometritis development remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-643 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response and clarify the potential mechanism. LPS-treated human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs) were cultured to investigate the role of miR-643 in vitro. The expression levels of miR-643 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) were measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. LPS-induced inflammatory response was assessed by inflammatory cytokines secretion via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was investigated by western blot. The interaction between miR-643 and TRAF6 was validated by bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation. The expression of miR-643 was decreased and TRAF6 protein level was enhanced in LPS-treated HEECs. The overexpression of miR-643 suppressed LPS-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β [IL-1β], and IL-6) and activation of NF-κB pathway. The knockdown of TRAF6 inhibited LPS-induced inflammatory response in HEECs. TRAF6 was validated as a target of miR-643 and TRAF6 restoration reversed the effect of miR-643 on inflammation response in LPS-treated HEECs. Collectively, miR-643 attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory response by targeting TRAF6, indicating a novel avenue for the treatment of endometritis.

Zhao|Rui|R| Wang|Jing|J| Zhang|Xiaojuan|X| Chen|Yang|Y|

D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins


Bacterial RNAs activate innate immunity in Arabidopsis.

Abstract: The common molecular patterns of microbes play a critical role in the regulation of plant innate immunity. However, little is known about the role of nucleic acids in this process in plants. We pre-infiltrated Arabidopsis leaves with total RNAs from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pto DC3000) and subsequently inoculated these plants with the same bacterial cells. Total Pto DC3000 RNAs pre-infiltrated into Arabidopsis leaves elicited plant immune responses against Pto DC3000. However, sheared RNAs and RNase A application failed to induce immunity, suggesting that intact bacterial RNAs function in plant innate immunity. This notion was supported by the positive regulation of superoxide anion levels, callose deposition, two mitogen-activated protein kinases and defense-related genes observed in bacterial RNA-pre-treated leaves. Intriguingly, the Pto DC3000 population was not compromised in known pattern recognition receptor mutants for chitin, flagellin and elongation factor-Tu (EF-Tu). Plant defense-related mutant analyses further revealed that bacterial RNA-elicited innate immunity was normally required for salicylic and jasmonic acid signaling. Notably, among total RNAs, the abundant bacterial RNA species 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs were the major determinants of this response. Our findings provide evidence that bacterial RNA serves as a microbe-associated molecular pattern in plants.

Lee|Boyoung|B|
Park|Yong-Soon|YS|
Lee|Soohyun|S|
Song|Geun Cheol|GC|
Ryu|Choong-Min|CM|

D004578:Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases

D000069452:Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules

microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)


C57BL/KsJ-db/db-Apc mice exhibit an increased incidence of intestinal neoplasms.

Abstract: The numbers of obese people and diabetic patients are ever increasing. Obesity and diabetes are high-risk conditions for chronic diseases, including certain types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to develop a novel animal model in order to clarify the pathobiology of CRC development in obese and diabetic patients. We developed an animal model of obesity and colorectal cancer by breeding the C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mouse, an animal model of obesity and type II diabetes, and the C57BL/6J-Apc(Min/+) (Min/+) mouse, a model of familial adenomatous polyposis. At 15 weeks of age, the N9 backcross generation of C57BL/KsJ-db/db-Apc(Min/+) (db/db-Min/+) mice developed an increased incidence and multiplicity of adenomas in the intestinal tract when compared to the db/m-Min/+ and m/m-Min/+ mice. Blood biochemical profile showed significant increases in insulin (8.3-fold to 11.7-fold), cholesterol (1.2-fold to 1.7-fold), and triglyceride (1.2-fold to 1.3-fold) in the db/db-Min/+ mice, when compared to those of the db/m-Min/+ and m/m-Min/+ mice. Increases (1.4-fold to 2.6-fold) in RNA levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IRF-1R, and IGF-2 were also observed in the db/db- Min/+ mice. These results suggested that the IGFs, as well as hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia, promoted adenoma formation in the db/db-Min/+ mice. Our results thus suggested that the db/db-Min/+ mice should be invaluable for studies on the pathogenesis of CRC in obese and diabetes patients and the therapy and prevention of CRC in these patients.

Hata|Kazuya|K| Kubota|Masaya|M| Shimizu|Masahito|M| Moriwaki|Hisataka|H| Kuno|Toshiya|T| Tanaka|Takuji|T| Hara|Akira|A| Hirose|Yoshinobu|Y|