Managing acute pulmonary embolism in primary care in a patient declining emergency department transfer: a case report.

Abstract:
Background
For patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosed in the primary care setting, transfer to a higher level of care, like the emergency department, has long been the convention. Evidence is growing that outpatient management, that is, care without hospitalization, is safe, effective, and feasible for selected low-risk patients with acute PE. Whether outpatient care can be provided entirely in the primary care setting has not been well-studied. We report a case of outpatient management of a low-risk patient with acute PE without emergency department transfer.

Case summary
A 74-year-old woman with a history of recent surgery and immobilization presented to a primary care physician with 10 days of mild, non-exertional pleuritic chest pain. Her D-dimer concentration was elevated. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography identified a lobar embolus without right ventricular dysfunction. She declined emergency department transfer but was classified as low risk (class II) on the PE Severity Index and met the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for outpatient care. Her physician provided comprehensive clinic-based PE management, discharging her to home with education, anticoagulation, and close follow-up. She completed her 3-month treatment course without complication.

Discussion
This case describes patient-centred, comprehensive, outpatient PE management in the primary care setting for a woman meeting explicit ESC outpatient criteria. This case illustrates the elements of care that clinics can put in place to facilitate PE management without having to transfer eligible low-risk patients to a higher level of care.

Pulmonary embolism
Case report
Outpatient
Ambulatory care
Risk stratification
Venous thromboembolism


Meropenem heteroresistance in clinical isolates of OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Abstract: OXA-48-producing Klebsiellapneumoniae isolates often show growth of colonies within inhibition zones in carbapenem diffusion assays. The nature of these colonies was investigated in a series of clinical isolates of OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae obtained in the context of a hospital outbreak, and they were found to be persistent colonies that reproduced again the same phenotype when they were collected and tested in diffusion assays again. The frequency of mutations conferring resistance to meropenem (8 μg/mL) was determined for the same isolates. The average mutation frequency was 5.47·10-6 (range: 2.59·10-8-5.87·10-5), and the analysis of several resistant mutants showed that all of them had mutations in the ompK36 porin gene. Heteroresistance was investigated using population analysis profiling. The profiles were compatible with mutation frequency assays, and all the colonies analyzed were resistant mutants. In OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae, the growth of persisters seems to be specific of diffusion assays.

López-Camacho|Elena|E|
Paño-Pardo|José Ramón|JR|
Sotillo|Alma|A|
Elías-López|Cristina|C|
Martínez-Martínez|Luis|L|
Gómez-Gil|Rosa|R|
Mingorance|Jesús|J|

D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
D015331:Cohort Studies
D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial
D006801:Humans
D007710:Klebsiella Infections
D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae
D000077731:Meropenem
D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests
D001618:beta-Lactamases

Heteroresistance
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Carbapenem
Porin
OXA-48


Pigmentary analysis of eggs of the silkworm Bombyx mori.

Abstract: Ommochromes are major pigments involved in coloration of eggs, eyes, wings, and epidermis of insects. Bombyx mori (silkworm) eggs contain a mixture of ommochrome pigments and their precursors. Here, we analyzed the pigment composition of every egg color strain using egg color mutants (w-2, pe, and re) and wild-type strains (dazao and C108) by using full wavelength scanning and high-performance liquid chromatography. We identified ommochrome pigments and their precursors in pigment extracts from non-diapause eggs and diapause eggs, and found that the quantities of ommochrome precursor 3-hydroxy-kynurenine were much higher in the diapause eggs. Ommochrome pigments were absent in the non-diapause eggs. We analyzed the pigment composition of every egg color strain and found an accumulation of 3-hydroxy-kynurenine and absence of ommochromes in the yellow eggs (w-2 and pe), suggesting that the essential factors for ommochrome biosynthesis are high levels of 3-hydroxy-kynurenine, enzymes for ommochrome synthesis and transferase, and spermatiation. Moreover, we confirmed that both decarboxylated xanthommatin and xanthommatin are major ommochrome pigments, and the quantity of decarboxylated xanthommatin is much higher than that of xanthommatin in silkworm eggs. Since ommochrome pigments can change color under oxidative/reductive conditions and the egg color mutant re turns crimson when preserved at a low temperature for a few weeks, we used an oxidation-reduction reaction in vitro to explore mechanisms behind the pigment-based color change. Specifically, during diapause, the contents of decarboxylated xanthommatin and xanthommatin are increased, and the ommochrome pigments convert into their reduced forms.

Zhang|Haiyan|H| Lin|Ying|Y| Shen|Guanwang|G| Tan|Xue|X| Lei|Chao|C| Long|Wei|W| Liu|Hongling|H| Zhang|Yandi|Y| Xu|Yinying|Y| Wu|Jinxin|J| Gu|Jianjian|J| Xia|Qingyou|Q| Zhao|Ping|P|

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Silkworm
Ommochrome
3-Hydroxy-kynurenine
Xanthommatin
Pigment-based color change


Cancellation but not restraint ability is modulated by trait anxiety: An event-related potential and oscillation study using Go-Nogo and stop-signal tasks.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Trait anxiety has a detrimental effect on attention, which further leads to dysfunction of inhibitory control. However, there is no study examining how trait anxiety modulates inhibitory abilities on restraint and cancellation in the same subjects. Therefore, we aimed to use electrophysiological recordings to interrogate whether and to what extent trait anxiety modulated these two kinds of inhibitory functions. The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), a self-reported assessment of daily absentmindedness, was also used to examine its association with inhibition-related electrophysiological indicators.

METHODS
Forty subjects were recruited from the top 10% (Higher Trait Anxiety [HTA], n = 20) and last 10% (Lower Trait Anxiety [LTA], n = 20) of the trait anxiety score distribution from 400 college students. During electrophysiological recordings, the Go-Nogo and stop-signal tasks were performed, which evaluated the abilities of restraint and cancellation, respectively.

RESULTS
The HTA and LTA groups showed a comparable behavioral performance of restraint and cancellation abilities. However, the results of time-frequency analysis revealed that those with HTA demonstrated a stronger power of alpha oscillations (600‒1000 ms) in response to Stop trials in the stop-signal task, compared with individuals with LTA. Such oscillatory activity was positively correlated with the CFQ score. There was no significant between-group difference of the brain activation in the Go-Nogo task.

LIMITATIONS
Future studies can recruit both individuals with trait anxiety and anxiety disorders to clarify the boundaries between healthy and pathological worries in terms of cancellation ability.

CONCLUSIONS
Cancellation, but not restraint, is modulated by trait anxiety.

Hsieh|Meng-Tien|MT| Lu|Hsinjie|H| Chen|Li-Fen|LF| Liu|Chia-Yih|CY| Hsu|Shih-Chieh|SC| Cheng|Chia-Hsiung|CH|


Synthesis of a novel water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine and its CT DNA-damaging studies.

Abstract: A novel 3-(4-methoxybenzylamino) propanoic acid substituted water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine (CNPcZn) was synthesized. The interaction between CNPcZn with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) was studied using spectroscopic methods. The studies indicated that CNPcZn has strong affinity to CT DNA, and furthermore, CNZnPc showed excellent photodamaging activity to CT DNA. Above results indicated that such CNPcZn has great potential to be used as an effective photosensitizer in the field of photodynamic therapy.

Wang|Tianhui|T| Wang|Ao|A| Zhou|Lin|L| Lu|Shan|S| Jiang|Weiwei|W| Lin|Yun|Y| Zhou|Jiahong|J| Wei|Shaohua|S|

Water-soluble
Phthalocyanine
CT DNA
Photodynamic therapy
Singlet oxygen


Gate-Tunable Polar Optical Phonon to Piezoelectric Scattering in Few-Layer Bi2 O2 Se for High-Performance Thermoelectrics.

Abstract: Atomically thin Bi2 O2 Se has emerged as a new member in 2D materials with ultrahigh carrier mobility and excellent air-stability, showing great potential for electronics and optoelectronics. In addition, its ferroelectric nature renders an ultralow thermal conductivity, making it a perfect candidate for thermoelectrics. In this work, the thermoelectric performance of 2D Bi2 O2 Se is investigated over a wide temperature range (20-300 K). A gate-tunable transition from polar optical phonon (POP) scattering to piezoelectric scattering is observed, which facilitates the capacity of drastic mobility engineering in 2D Bi2 O2 Se. Consequently, a high power factor of more than 400 µW m-1  K-2 over an unprecedented temperature range (80-200 K) is achieved, corresponding to the persistently high mobility arising from the highly gate-tunable scattering mechanism. This finding provides a new avenue for maximizing thermoelectric performance by changing the scattering mechanism and carrier mobility over a wide temperature range.


Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Sleep, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Continuous Glucose Monitor Use.

Abstract: While children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents report significant sleep problems, few studies have focused on young children and included health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as an outcome of sleep disturbance. In addition, relatively little is known about the use of diabetes devices, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), in young children and their link with sleep disturbances. This brief report examines the relationship between sleep quality and HRQOL and explores sleep disturbances related to CGM use in a sample of young children with T1D. Data are from the baseline of a behavioral intervention pilot for 46 parents of children ages 2-5 years with T1D. Parents reported on their child's sleep disturbances as a result of nighttime blood glucose monitoring (NBGM). Sleep was measured objectively in a subset of children (N = 11) who wore accelerometers for a 5-day period. All parents completed measures of pediatric and parental HRQOL. Greater child sleep disturbance due to NBGM was associated with lower pediatric HRQOL. Child sleep disturbances were negatively associated with parental life satisfaction. In addition, children who used CGM experienced fewer sleep disturbances than those who did not. However, parents of children who used CGM experienced greater sleep disturbances related to a higher frequency of NBGM. Pediatric and parental HRQOL were most related to child sleep disturbances by NBGM. CGM use may be associated with better child sleep, as parents are less likely to wake their child for NBGM, although CGM use may also be associated with greater sleep difficulties in parents. Future studies should further explore the relationship between sleep and technology use and impact on clinical outcomes in young children with T1D and their parents.

Sinisterra|Manuela|M| Hamburger|Samantha|S| Tully|Carrie|C| Hamburger|Emily|E| Jaser|Sarah|S| Streisand|Randi|R|

Sleep
Health-related quality of life
Continuous glucose monitoring
Pediatrics


Sex-Specific Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral-Valve Repair and Medical Therapy for Mitral Regurgitation in Heart Failure.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to assess the sex-specific outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with 3+ and 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) treated with transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone in the COAPT trial.

BACKGROUND
The impact of sex in patients with HF and severe SMR treated with TMVr with the MitraClip compared with GDMT alone is unknown.

METHODS
Patients were randomized 1:1 to TMVr versus GDMT alone. Two-year outcomes were examined according to sex.

RESULTS
Among 614 patients, 221 (36.0%) were women. Women were younger than men and had fewer comorbidities, but reduced quality of life and functional capacity at baseline. In a joint frailty model accounting for the competing risk of death, the 2-year cumulative incidence of the primary endpoint of all HF hospitalizations (HFH) was higher in men compared with women treated with GDMT alone. However, the relative reduction in HFHs with TMVr was greater in men (HR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.34-0.54) than women (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.57-1.05) (Pinteraction = 0.002). A significant interaction between TMVr versus GDMT alone treatment and time was present for all HFHs in women (HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39-0.84, and HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.83-2.33 between 0-1 year and 1-2 years after randomization, respectively, Pinteraction = 0.007) but not in men (HR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.36-0.64, and HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.21-0.51; Pinteraction = 0.16). Female sex was independently associated with a lower adjusted risk of death at 2 years (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.46-0.90; P = 0.011). TMVr consistently reduced 2-year mortality compared with GDMT alone, irrespective of sex (Pinteraction = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS
In the COAPT trial, TMVr with the MitraClip resulted in improved clinical outcomes compared with GDMT alone, irrespective of sex. However, the impact of TMVr in reducing HFH was less pronounced in women compared with men beyond the first year after treatment. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [The COAPT Tria] [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Kosmidou|Ioanna|I|
Lindenfeld|JoAnn|J|
Abraham|William T|WT|
Rinaldi|Michael J|MJ|
Kapadia|Samir R|SR|
Rajagopal|Vivek|V|
Sarembock|Ian J|IJ|
Brieke|Andreas|A|
Gaba|Prakriti|P|
Rogers|Jason H|JH|
Shahim|Bahira|B|
Redfors|Björn|B|
Zhang|Zixuan|Z|
Mack|Michael J|MJ|
Stone|Gregg W|GW|

D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation

heart failure
sex
mortality
transcutaneous mitral valve repair


Role change as breadwinner in cancer caregiving.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
: Indian families are known for adopting the role of caregiver naturally when someone in the family falls ill to cancer. Although there were strong family structure and system existed here, now the changing family pattern and structure are challenging the role of cancer caregiving as well.

OBJECTIVE
: This study analyses the life situation of caregivers of cancer survivors during the course of treatment and attempts to explore the areas of interventions for caregivers themselves.

METHODS
: A descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A sample of 40 respondents was chosen for the study through purposive sampling technique.

RESULTS
: Majority of the caregivers were females (75%) and fell into the age group of 35 to 45 years (65%). The education among the caregivers was varying between illiteracy to postgraduation. Majority of 95% of them adapted the dual role voluntarily and 85% of them felt that they were finding it very difficult to cope with the dual responsibility. About 60% of them felt that they would fail in their roles and were not satisfied with their performances dually.

CONCLUSION
: Adaptation to a dual role involves time factor and as part of care to the caregiver, a guided interaction and orientation towards managing these roles would help them better ways to adapt. Given the scarcity of support system on Indian settings, the caregivers who do dual role have huge responsibility and challenges to deliver quality caregiving and fulfill their other roles as well. It is the duty of the complete health care system to seriously take this into consideration and to act on it.

role change
Caregiving
mental health
stress


The cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) regulates mqsRA, coding for the bacterial toxin-antitoxin gene pair, in Escherichia coli.

Abstract: Bacterial persisters represent a small number of slow-growing antibiotic-tolerant cells among populations of rapidly growing cells, and are the main cause of frequent recurrent infections. MqsR-MqsA, the toxin-antitoxin (TA) pair, is the most frequently induced TA system associated with antibiotic persistence in Escherichia coli. In this study, we show that the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) indirectly upregulates mqsRA transcription. We also show that CRP plays an important role in antibiotic persistence, which seems to be partially mediated through MqsRA. Overall, this study highlights the role of CRP as an important regulator of antibiotic persistence in E. coli.

D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

CRP Coli Persister Antibiotic Toxin mqsR


Variation and Association of Hen Performance and Egg Quality Traits in Individual Early-Laying ISA Brown Hens.

Abstract: Uniformity in hen and egg traits is an important consideration in commercial layer flocks. There is little information on how individual hen feed consumption and body weight affect egg quality measurements. This study investigated the variation in performance traits of individual hens and associations with egg quality characteristics. Four hundred and fifty-five ISA Brown caged hens in early lay were monitored for 42 days (25 to 30 weeks of age) to collect hen feed consumption and egg production measurements. Forty-four hens from the flock were randomly selected and eggs were collected from the same hen once weekly for albumen, yolk, and shell assessment. The means ± standard deviation of average daily feed intake (ADFI), albumen height, initial body weight (IBW), and final body weight (FBW) were 124 g ± 15, 10.3 mm ± 1.5, 1802 g ± 129, and 2000 g ± 175, respectively. Albumen height was not associated with ADFI (r = 0.18, p = 0.21), IBW (r = -0.04, p = 0.79), or FBW (r = -0.06, p = 0.69). This study showed variation in feed intake, body weight, and albumen quality of individual early-lay hens. Feed intake and body weight did not influence albumen quality.

body weight
egg production
feed intake
albumen quality
laying hens


Structural biology study of human TNF receptor associated factor 4 TRAF domain.

Abstract: TRAF4 is a unique member of TRAF family, which is essential for innate immune response, nervous system and other systems. In addition to be an adaptor protein, TRAF4 was identified as a regulator protein in recent studies. We have determined the crystal structure of TRAF domain of TRAF4 (residues 292-466) at 2.60 Å resolution by X-ray crystallography method. The trimericly assembled TRAF4 resembles a mushroom shape, containing a super helical "stalk" which is made of three right-handed intertwined α helixes and a C-terminal "cap", which is divided at residue L302 as a boundary. Similar to other TRAFs, both intermolecular hydrophobic interaction in super helical "stalk" and hydrogen bonds in "cap" regions contribute directly to the formation of TRAF4 trimer. However, differing from other TRAFs, there is an additional flexible loop (residues 421-426), which contains a previously identified phosphorylated site S426 exposing on the surface. This S426 was reported to be phosphorylated by IKKα which is the pre-requisite for TRAF4-NOD2 complex formation and thus to inhibit NOD2-induced NF-κB activation. Therefore, the crystal structure of TRAF4-TRAF is valuable for understanding its molecular basis for its special function and provides structural information for further studies.

Niu|Fengfeng|F| Ru|Heng|H| Ding|Wei|W| Ouyang|Songying|S| Liu|Zhi-Jie|ZJ|

D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions

D053449:TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4

TRAF domain
TRAF4
crystal structure
phosphorylation site
additional loop


Brief report: How short is too short? An ultra-brief measure of the big-five personality domains implicates "agreeableness" as a risk for all-cause mortality.

Abstract: Controversy exists over the use of brief Big Five scales in health studies. We investigated links between an ultra-brief measure, the Big Five Inventory-10, and mortality in the General Social Survey. The Agreeableness scale was associated with elevated mortality risk (hazard ratio = 1.26, p = .017). This effect was attributable to the reversed-scored item "Tends to find fault with others," so that greater fault-finding predicted lower mortality risk. The Conscientiousness scale approached meta-analytic estimates, which were not precise enough for significance. Those seeking Big Five measurement in health studies should be aware that the Big Five Inventory-10 may yield unusual results.

all-cause mortality
General Social Survey
BFI-10
Big Five personality traits
brief scales


Postural control data from prevalent kidney transplant patients with and without history of falls.

Abstract: This article presents data from a research paper entitled "Postural balance, muscle strength, and history of falls in end-stage renal disease patients living with a kidney transplant: a cross-sectional study" available in Journal Gait and Posture [1]. In this article, we reported the minimal detectable changes at the 95% level of confidence (MDC95) of postural balance variables measured in eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions, with a stabilometric platform, in 59 kidney transplant (KT) recipients (mean age= 53.2 ± 11 years). In addition, we also performed receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis to explore the ability of postural balance measures to discriminate fallers and non-fallers (history of falls: yes or no). Sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) of mean center of pressure velocity (CoPv), sway area (SA), center of pressure range of displacement in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions were calculated. These data can be used by researchers aiming to design psychometric studies of postural balance in KT patients and they also provide clinicians with information on possible prioritization of outcome assessment for future fall-risk research in this clinical population.

Gobbo|Stefano|S| Zanotto|Tobia|T| Bullo|Valentina|V| Roma|Enrico|E| Duregon|Federica|F| Ermolao|Andrea|A| Bergamin|Marco|M|

Kidney transplantation
Postural balance
End-stage renal disease
Accidental falls


Injectable and thermally contractible hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose/Fe3O4 for magnetic hyperthermia ablation of tumors.

Abstract: The development of efficient strategies for the magnetic hyperthermia ablation of tumors remains challenging. To overcome the significant safety limitations, we developed a thermally contractible, injectable and biodegradable material for the minimally invasive and highly efficient magnetic hyperthermia ablation of tumors. This material was composed of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Fe3O4. The thermal contractibility of HPMC/Fe3O4 was designed to avoid damaging the surrounding normal tissue upon heating, which was confirmed by visual inspection, ultrasound imaging and computed tomography (CT). The efficient injectability of HPMC/Fe3O4 was proven using a very small needle. The biosafety of HPMC/Fe3O4 was evaluated by MTT and biochemical assays as well as flow cytometry (FCM). All the aforementioned data demonstrated the safety of HPMC/Fe3O4. The results of in vitro and ex vivo experiments showed that the temperature and necrotic volume of excised bovine liver were positively correlated with the HPMC/Fe3O4 weight, iron content and heating duration. The in vivo experimental results showed that the tumors could be completely ablated using 0.06 ml of HPMC/60%Fe3O4 after 180 s of induction heating. We believe that this novel, safe and biodegradable material will promote the rapid bench-to-bed translation of magnetic hyperthermia technology, and it is also expected to bring a new concept for the biomaterial research field.

Wang|Fengjuan|F| Yang|Yang|Y| Ling|Yi|Y| Liu|Jianxin|J| Cai|Xiaojun|X| Zhou|Xiaohan|X| Tang|Xiuzhen|X| Liang|Bing|B| Chen|Yini|Y| Chen|Hangrong|H| Chen|Dengming|D| Li|Chunhong|C| Wang|Zhigang|Z| Hu|Bing|B| Zheng|Yuanyi|Y|

Thermally contractible
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
Magnetic hyperthermia
Tumor therapy


Expansion of effector and memory T cells is associated with increased survival in recurrent glioblastomas treated with dendritic cell immunotherapy.

Abstract:
Background
The efficacy of dendritic cell (DC) immunotherapy as a single therapeutic modality for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM) patients remains limited. In this study, we evaluated in patients with GBM recurrence the immune-mediated effects of DC loaded with autologous tumor lysate combined with temozolomide (TMZ) or tetanus toxoid (TT).

Methods
In the phase I-II clinical study DENDR2, 12 patients were treated with 5 DC vaccinations combined with dose-dense TMZ. Subsequently, in eight patients, here defined as Variant (V)-DENDR2, the vaccine site was preconditioned with TT 24 hours before DC vaccination and TMZ was avoided. As a survival endpoint for these studies, we considered overall survival 9 months (OS9) after second surgery. Patients were analyzed for the generation of effector, memory, and T helper immune response.

Results
Four of 12 DENDR2 patients reached OS9, but all failed to show an immunological response. Five of eight V-DENDR2 patients (62%) reached OS9, and one patient is still alive (OS >30 months). A robust CD8+ T-cell activation and memory T-cell formation were observed in V-DENDR2 OS>9. Only in these patients, the vaccine-specific CD4+ T-cell activation (CD38+/HLA-DR+) was paralleled by an increase in TT-induced CD4+/CD38low/CD127high memory T cells. Only V-DENDR2 patients showed the formation of a nodule at the DC injection site infiltrated by CCL3-expressing CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions
TT preconditioning of the vaccine site and lack of TMZ could contribute to the efficacy of DC immunotherapy by inducing an effector response, memory, and helper T-cell generation.

Eoli|Marica|M|
Corbetta|Cristina|C|
Anghileri|Elena|E|
Di Ianni|Natalia|N|
Milani|Micaela|M|
Cuccarini|Valeria|V|
Musio|Silvia|S|
Paterra|Rosina|R|
Frigerio|Simona|S|
Nava|Sara|S|
Lisini|Daniela|D|
Pessina|Sara|S|
Maddaloni|Luisa|L|
Lombardi|Raffaella|R|
Tardini|Maria|M|
Ferroli|Paolo|P|
DiMeco|Francesco|F|
Bruzzone|Maria Grazia|MG|
Antozzi|Carlo|C|
Pollo|Bianca|B|
Finocchiaro|Gaetano|G|
Pellegatta|Serena|S|

glioblastoma
dendritic cells
immunotherapy
tetanus toxoid
T-cell memory


Mental disorder recovery correlated with centralities and interactions on an online social network.

Abstract: Recent research has established both a theoretical basis and strong empirical evidence that effective social behavior plays a beneficial role in the maintenance of physical and psychological well-being of people. To test whether social behavior and well-being are also associated in online communities, we studied the correlations between the recovery of patients with mental disorders and their behaviors in online social media. As the source of the data related to the social behavior and progress of mental recovery, we used PatientsLikeMe (PLM), the world's first open-participation research platform for the development of patient-centered health outcome measures. We first constructed an online social network structure based on patient-to-patient ties among 200 patients obtained from PLM. We then characterized patients' online social activities by measuring the numbers of "posts and views" and "helpful marks" each patient obtained. The patients' recovery data were obtained from their self-reported status information that was also available on PLM. We found that some node properties (in-degree, eigenvector centrality and PageRank) and the two online social activity measures were significantly correlated with patients' recovery. Furthermore, we re-collected the patients' recovery data two months after the first data collection. We found significant correlations between the patients' social behaviors and the second recovery data, which were collected two months apart. Our results indicated that social interactions in online communities such as PLM were significantly associated with the current and future recoveries of patients with mental disorders.

Mental disorder
Social network
Social media
PatientsLikeMe
Non-drug treatments
Patient-to-patient network


Phospholipase A2 in skin biology: new insights from gene-manipulated mice and lipidomics.

Abstract: The skin represents one of the tissues that are most profoundly influenced by alterations in the quality of lipids (lipoquality). Lipids not only constitute cellular membranes, but also serve as bioactive lipid mediators and essential components of the skin barrier. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes supply fatty acids and lysophospholipids from membrane phospholipids, thereby variably affecting cutaneous homeostasis. Accordingly, perturbation of particular PLA2-driven lipid pathways can be linked to various forms of skin disease. In this review article, we highlight the roles of several PLA2 subtypes in cutaneous pathophysiology, as revealed by transgenic/knockout studies in combination with comprehensive lipidomics. We focus mainly on secreted PLA2 group IIF (sPLA2-IIF), which is associated with epidermal hyperplasia through mobilization of a unique lipid metabolite. We also address the distinct roles of sPLA2-IIE in hair follicles and sPLA2-IID in lymphoid immune cells that secondarily affect cutaneous inflammation, and provide some insights into species differences in sPLA2s. Additionally, we briefly overview the patatin-like phospholipase PNPLA1, which belongs to the Ca2+-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) family, as a key regulator of skin barrier function through catalysis of a unique non-PLA2 reaction. These knowledges on lipid metabolism driven by various PLA2 subtypes will open novel opportunities for translated studies toward diagnosis and therapy of human skin diseases.

Phospholipase A2
Skin
Lipidomics
Lipid mediator
Knockout mouse


Initial FDG-PET/CT predicts survival in adults Ewing sarcoma family of tumors.

Abstract:
Purpose
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine, at baseline, the prognostic value of different FDG-PET/CT quantitative parameters in a homogenous Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFT) adult population, compared with clinically relevant prognostic factors.

Methods
Adult patients from 3 oncological centers, all with proved ESFT, were retrospectively included. Quantitative FDG-PET/CT parameters (SUV (maximum, peak and mean), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary lesion of each patient were recorded before treatment, as well as usual clinical prognostic factors (stage of disease, location, tumor size, gender and age). Then, their relation with progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated.

Results
32 patients were included. Median age was 21 years (range, 15 to 61). Nineteen patients (59%) were initially metastatic. On multivariate analysis, high SUVmax remained independent predictor of worst OS (p=0.02) and PFS (p=0.019), metastatic disease of worst PFS (p=0.01) and high SUVpeak of worst OS (p=0.01). Optimal prognostic cut-off of SUVpeak was found at 12.5 in multivariate analyses for PFS and OS (p=0.0001).

Conclusions
FDG-PET/CT, recommended at ESFT diagnosis for initial staging, can be a useful tool for predicting long-term adult patients outcome through semi-quantitative parameters.

Jamet|Bastien|B| Carlier|Thomas|T| Campion|Loic|L| Bompas|Emmanuelle|E| Girault|Sylvie|S| Borrely|Fanny|F| Ferrer|Ludovic|L| Rousseau|Maxime|M| Venel|Yann|Y| Kraeber-Bodéré|Françoise|F| Rousseau|Caroline|C|

FDG-PET/CT
Ewing sarcoma family of tumors
oncology
prognosis
survival analysis


Alternative fluorescent labeling strategies for characterizing gram-positive pathogenic bacteria: Flow cytometry supported counting, sorting, and proteome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus retrieved from infected host cells.

Abstract: Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive opportunistic pathogen that is able to cause a broad range of infectious diseases in humans. Furthermore, S. aureus is able to survive inside nonprofessional phagocytic host cell which serve as a niche for the pathogen to hide from the immune system and antibiotics therapies. Modern OMICs technologies provide valuable tools to investigate host-pathogen interactions upon internalization. However, these experiments are often hampered by limited capabilities to retrieve bacteria from such an experimental setting. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a labeling strategy allowing fast detection and quantitation of S. aureus in cell lysates or infected cell lines by flow cytometry for subsequent proteome analyses. Therefore, S. aureus cells were labeled with the DNA stain SYTO® 9, or Vancomycin BODIPY® FL (VMB), a glycopeptide antibiotic binding to most Gram-positive bacteria which was conjugated to a fluorescent dye. Staining of S. aureus HG001 with SYTO 9 allowed counting of bacteria from pure cultures but not in cell lysates from infection experiments. In contrast, with VMB it was feasible to stain bacteria from pure cultures as well as from samples of infection experiments. VMB can also be applied for histocytochemistry analysis of formaldehyde fixed cell layers grown on coverslips. Proteome analyses of S. aureus labeled with VMB revealed that the labeling procedure provoked only minor changes on proteome level and allowed cell sorting and analysis of S. aureus from infection settings with sensitivity similar to continuous gfp expression. Furthermore, VMB labeling allowed precise counting of internalized bacteria and can be employed for downstream analyses, e.g., proteomics, of strains not easily amendable to genetic manipulation such as clinical isolates. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Hildebrandt|Petra|P|
Surmann|Kristin|K|
Salazar|Manuela Gesell|MG|
Normann|Nicole|N|
Völker|Uwe|U|
Schmidt|Frank|F|

flow cytometry
proteomics
S. aureus
internalization
gram-positive bacteria
cell counting and sorting
fluorescence labeling of S. aureus
fluorescence microscopy
fluorescent vancomycin conjugate


An evaluation of the role of mixing techniques in the observed variation in acetylcysteine infusion concentrations.

Abstract: Intravenous acetylcysteine is commonly prescribed as a course of three infusions for the management of paracetamol poisoning. Previous studies have demonstrated large variation in administered doses of intravenous acetylcysteine, which has been attributed to numerous factors, including inadequate mixing of infusion bags. The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of mixing of infusion bags contributes significantly to this variation. Using acetylcysteine doses for a 60-69 kg patient, we added the appropriate volume of acetylcysteine to 5% glucose and subsequently inverted the infusion bags 0-5 times to mix the solutions. Infusion bags were then run through using an infusion pump and acetylcysteine concentrations measured at the beginning and end of the infusions. We found no significant difference between the beginning and end concentrations of acetylcysteine regardless of whether bags were mixed or not; infusion 1 (150 mg kg-1 ) showed beginning and end concentrations of 44.61 and 42.48 mg ml-1 respectively after 0 mixes, whilst beginning and end concentrations were 44.45 and 44.58 mg ml-1 respectively after five mixes. The same trend was observed for infusions 2 and 3. This confirmed that mixing does not play a substantial role in variation of drug concentrations; these are likely to be caused by an accumulation of small errors in infusion preparation.

Layne|Kerry|K|0000-0002-4740-0664
Hope|Louise|L|
Rab|Edmund|E|
Archer|John|J|
Wood|David M|DM|
Dargan|Paul I|PI|

acetylcysteine
concentration
paracetamol
administration
drug errors


Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Spanish Extra Virgin Olive Oil Regarding Cultivar, Harvest Year and Crop Stage.

Abstract: The health benefits of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are related to its chemical composition and the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidant compounds (pigments, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and phenolic compounds) and antioxidant properties of EVOO from the same region comparing different cultivars (Hojiblanca and Arbequina), harvest year and crop stage. Antioxidant properties of oils were studied before and after a gastrointestinal digestion process, by in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) and antioxidant markers in Caco-2 cells (reactive oxygen species production). The content of bioactive compounds measured was significantly affected by cultivar and harvest year (except for carotenoids) and by the crop stage (except for coenzyme Q10). Higher amounts of coenzyme Q10 were observed in Hojiblanca than in Arbequina EVOO. Total phenol content and antioxidant properties were also different depending on cultivar and harvest year and the in vitro digestion process strongly improved antioxidant marker values. Antioxidant potential in bioaccessible fractions was mainly related to the content of coenzyme Q10 and phenolic compounds in EVOO. Chemometric analysis showed that the oils were clearly classified by cultivars, harvest and crop stage, according to the chemical composition and antioxidant activity analyzed in the present study.

antioxidant properties
extra virgin olive oil
Hojiblanca
Arbequina
chemometric analysis
polyphenols


Cortical microcirculatory disturbance in the super acute phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage - In vivo analysis using two-photon laser scanning microscopy.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) causes cerebral ischemia and drastically worsens the clinical status at onset. However, the arterial flow is surprisingly well maintained on the cerebral surface. We investigated cortical microcirculatory changes in the super acute phase of SAH using two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM).

METHODS
SAH was induced at the skull base in 10 mice using a prone endovascular perforation model. Before SAH, and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60min after SAH, the cortical microcirculation was observed with TPLSM through a cranial window. Diameters of penetrating and precapillary arterioles were measured and red blood cell (RBC) velocities in precapillary arterioles were analyzed using a line-scan method after administration of Q-dot 655 nanocrystals.

RESULTS
One minute after SAH, RBC velocity and flow in precapillary arterioles drastically decreased to <20% of the pre-SAH values, while penetrating and precapillary arterioles dilated significantly. Subsequently, the arterioles either dilated or constricted inconsistently for 60min with continual decreases in RBC velocity and flow in the arterioles, suggesting neurovascular dysfunction.

CONCLUSION
SAH caused sudden worsening of the cortical arteriolar velocity and flow at onset. The neurovascular unit cannot function sufficiently to maintain cortical microcirculatory flow in the super acute phase of SAH.

Ishikawa|Mami|M| Kajimura|Mayumi|M| Morikawa|Takayuki|T| Tsukada|Kosuke|K| Tsuji|Toshiyuki|T| Kusaka|Gen|G| Tanaka|Yuichi|Y| Suematsu|Makoto|M|

D000704:Analysis of Variance
D000818:Animals
D001253:Astrocytes
D002540:Cerebral Cortex
D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation
D004195:Disease Models, Animal
D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional
D008297:Male
D051379:Mice
D008822:Mice, Transgenic
D008833:Microcirculation
D018613:Microscopy, Confocal
D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
D013997:Time Factors

Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Ischemia
Microcirculation
Neurovascular function
Vasodilation


Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity promotes migration of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells toward cancer cells.

Abstract: The breakthrough in derivation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provides an approach that may help overcome ethical and allergenic challenges posed in numerous medical applications involving human cells, including neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs). Considering the great potential of NSCs in targeted cancer gene therapy, we investigated in this study the tumor tropism of hiPSC-derived NSCs and attempted to enhance the tropism by manipulation of biological activities of proteins that are involved in regulating the migration of NSCs toward cancer cells. We first demonstrated that hiPSC-NSCs displayed tropism for both glioblastoma cells and breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We then compared gene expression profiles between migratory and non-migratory hiPSC-NSCs toward these cancer cells and observed that the gene encoding neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was down-regulated in migratory hiPSC-NSCs. Using nNOS inhibitors and nNOS siRNAs, we demonstrated that this protein is a relevant regulator in controlling migration of hiPSC-NSCs toward cancer cells, and that inhibition of its activity or down-regulation of its expression can sensitize poorly migratory NSCs and be used to improve their tumor tropism. These findings suggest a novel application of nNOS inhibitors in neural stem cell-mediated cancer therapy.

Chen|Can|C|
Wang|Yi|Y|
Goh|Sally S L|SS|
Yang|Jing|J|
Lam|Dang Hoang|DH|
Choudhury|Yukti|Y|
Tay|Felix Chang|FC|
Du|Shouhui|S|
Tan|Wee Kiat|WK|
Purwanti|Yovita Ida|YI|
Fan|Weimin|W|
Wang|Shu|S|

D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

neuronal nitric oxide synthase
Neural stem cells
tumor tropism
Boyden chamber assay
microarray analysis


In Situ Peroxidase Labeling and Mass Spectrometry of Alpha-Synuclein in Rat Cortical Neurons.

Abstract: In this chapter, we describe a novel ascorbate peroxidase (APEX)-based labeling method that in combination with mass spectrometry identifies proteins in the immediate vicinity of αSyn in living rat cortical neurons. To isolate these interactions, we transduced primary cortical neurons with a lentivirus encoding APEX2 tagged to the C-terminus of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) and under the control of a synapsin promoter. Neural protein lysates were then incubated with streptavidin magnetic beads, washed, eluted from the beads, and digested overnight. The desalted peptides were then labeled with iTRAQ (4-plex) reagents and analyzed by nanoflow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Collected data were analyzed using Spectrum Mill software, ultimately shedding light on αSyn physiological function and abnormal behavior during pathology.

Sanz|Ricardo|R|
Ovando-Roche|Patrick|P|
Udeshi|Namrata D|ND|
Carr|Steven A|SA|
Chung|Chee Yeun|CY|
Khurana|Vikram|V|

Mass spectrometry
Alpha-synuclein
Neurons
APEX2
APEX
Parkinson’s disease
Synucleinopathies


Crossreactivity of an Antiserum Directed to the Gram-Negative Bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae with the SNARE-Complex Protein Snap23 Correlates to Impaired Exocytosis in SH-SY5Y Cells.

Abstract: Early maternal infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) correlate to an increased lifetime schizophrenia risk for the offspring, which might be due to an immune-mediated mechanism. Here, we investigated the interactions of polyclonal antisera to NG (α-NG) with a first trimester prenatal brain multiprotein array, revealing among others the SNARE-complex protein Snap23 as a target antigen for α-NG. This interaction was confirmed by Western blot analysis with a recombinant Snap23 protein, whereas the closely related Snap25 failed to interact with α-NG. Furthermore, a polyclonal antiserum to the closely related bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (α-NM) failed to interact with both proteins. Functionally, in SH-SY5Y cells, α-NG pretreatment interfered with both insulin-induced vesicle recycling, as revealed by uptake of the fluorescent endocytosis marker FM1-43, and insulin-dependent membrane translocation of the glucose transporter GluT4. Similar effects could be observed for an antiserum raised directly to Snap23, whereas a serum to Snap25 failed to do so. In conclusion, Snap23 seems to be a possible immune target for anti-gonococcal antibodies, the interactions of which seem at least in vitro to interfere with vesicle-associated exocytosis. Whether these changes contribute to the correlation between maternal gonococcal infections and psychosis in vivo remains still to be clarified.

Almamy|A|A|
Schwerk|C|C|
Schroten|H|H|
Ishikawa|H|H|
Asif|A R|AR|
Reuss|B|B|

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Snap23
Exocytosis
SH-SY5Y cells
Neisseria meningitidis
GluT4


Role of STAT signaling and autocrine action of chemokines during H2 O 2 induced HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells invasion.

Abstract: During pregnancy, regulated generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is important for activation of signaling pathways and placentation. In the current study, the effect of H2 O2 on invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, a human extravillous trophoblast cell line, is investigated. Treatment of HTR-8/SVneo cells for 24 hr with H 2 O2 (25 µM) leads to a significant increase in invasion without affecting cell proliferation, viability, and apoptosis. Concomitantly, a significant increase in the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) ratio is observed. Further, significant increase in phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1) and STAT-3 (both at ser727 residue) is observed on treating HTR-8/SVneo cells with 25 µM of H2 O2 accompanied by an increase in the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β). A significant decrease in H2 O2 -mediated invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells and reduced expression of IL-8 and MIP-1β accompanied by decrease in MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio are observed on inhibiting STAT-1 and STAT-3 by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Inhibition of STAT-1 activity by fludarabine and STAT-3 activity by Stattic also leads to a decrease in H2 O2 -mediated increase in HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion. Inhibition of IL-8 and MIP-1β by siRNA also leads to a significant decrease in both basal and H2 O2 -mediated invasion. Interestingly, inhibition of MIP-1β by siRNA leads to a significant reduction in H2 O2 -mediated increase in IL-8. However, no significant effect of IL-8 silencing on H2 O2 -mediated MIP-1β expression was observed. From the above results, it can be concluded that H2 O2 activates STAT signaling, MIP-1β & IL-8 secretion and increases MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio leading to an increased invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells without affecting their viability.

D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1


Changes in the Biorhythms of Biochemical Parameters in Animals with Modeled Acute Desynchronosis.

Abstract: This article describes models for the study of acute desynchronosis: jetlag syndrome and acute desynchronosis under physical stress for possible pharmacological correction of these disorders. The cosinor analysis allowed assessing significance of changes in biological rhythms in 2 biological models: the jetlag-type diurnal rhythm shift model and the model with changed light mode. The revealed changes in the rhythms of biochemical parameters in the blood serum of animals with acute desynchronosis indicate significant changes in the intensity of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, which affected the processes of cell bioenergetics. These changes are most pronounced in the group of animals that were kept under conditions of constant darkness, which can serve as a marker of the initial stage of pathological desynchronosis. The jetlag-type model can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the pharmacological correction of physiological desynchronosis. The model with modified light regimen can be used for evaluation of the effectiveness of pharmacological correction of pathological desynchronosis.

Batotsyrenova|E G|EG|
Bakulev|S E|SE|
Nevzorova|T G|TG|
Ivanov|M B|MB|
Kashuro|V A|VA|
Zolotoverkhaja|E A|EA|
Kostrova|T A|TA|
Sharabanov|A V|AV|

biorhythms
jetlag
cosinor analysis
desynchronosis modeling


Four hundred or more participants needed for stable contingency table estimates of clinical prediction rule performance.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To quantify variability in the results of statistical analyses based on contingency tables and discuss the implications for the choice of sample size for studies that derive clinical prediction rules.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING
An analysis of three pre-existing sets of large cohort data (n = 4,062-8,674) was performed. In each data set, repeated random sampling of various sample sizes, from n = 100 up to n = 2,000, was performed 100 times at each sample size and the variability in estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, posttest probabilities, odds ratios, and risk/prevalence ratios for each sample size was calculated.

RESULTS
There were very wide, and statistically significant, differences in estimates derived from contingency tables from the same data set when calculated in sample sizes below 400 people, and typically, this variability stabilized in samples of 400-600 people. Although estimates of prevalence also varied significantly in samples below 600 people, that relationship only explains a small component of the variability in these statistical parameters.

CONCLUSION
To reduce sample-specific variability, contingency tables should consist of 400 participants or more when used to derive clinical prediction rules or test their performance.

Kent|Peter|P|
Boyle|Eleanor|E|
Keating|Jennifer L|JL|
Albert|Hanne B|HB|
Hartvigsen|Jan|J|

Clinical prediction rule
Sample size
Decision support techniques
Epidemiologic research design
Predictive value of tests
Reproducibility of results


Criteria Used for Priority-Setting for Public Health Resource Allocation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aimed to identify criteria being used for priority setting for resource allocation decisions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, the included studies were analyzed from a policy perspective to understand priority setting processes in these countries.

METHODS
Searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, Econlit, and Cochrane databases, supplemented with pre-identified Web sites and bibliographic searches of relevant papers. Quality appraisal of included studies was undertaken. The review protocol is registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO CRD42017068371.

RESULTS
Of 16,412 records screened by title and abstract, 112 papers were identified for full text screening and 44 studies were included in the final analysis. At an overall level, cost-effectiveness 52 percent (n = 22) and health benefits 45 percent (n = 19) were the most cited criteria used for priority setting for public health resource allocation. Inter-region (LMICs) and between various approaches (like health technology assessment, multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), accountability for reasonableness (AFR) variations among criteria were also noted. Our review found that MCDA approach was more frequently used in upper middle-income countries and AFR in lower-income countries for priority setting in health. Policy makers were the most frequently consulted stakeholders in all regions.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Priority-setting criteria for health resource allocation decisions in LMICs largely comprised of cost-effectiveness and health benefits criteria at overall level. Other criteria like legal and regulatory framework conducive for implementation, fairness/ethics, and political considerations were infrequently reported and should be considered.

Kaur|Gunjeet|G|
Prinja|Shankar|S|
Lakshmi|P V M|PVM|
Downey|Laura|L|
Sharma|Deepshikha|D|
Teerawattananon|Yot|Y|

D003906:Developing Countries
D006292:Health Priorities
D006801:Humans
D011634:Public Health
D040841:Resource Allocation

Criteria
Resource allocation
Systematic review
Priority setting
Health policy


Optimization of three-dimensional modeling for geometric precision and efficiency for healthy and diseased aortas.

Abstract: The study purpose is to optimize modeling parameters, specifically segmentation spacing and centerline extraction, to efficiently construct accurate 3D aortic models. Models are constructed by centerline extraction and orthogonal 2D segmentations. We examine the effect of segmentation interval spacing (2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 cm) and orthogonal segmentation and centerline extraction iteration (one, two, three iterations) for constructing models of Healthy, Tortuous, Aneurysmal, and Dissected human thoracic aortas. Aortic arclength, curvature, and cross-sectional axis ratio were computed to compare variations in modeling parameters. Centerline arclength is precisely characterized for all aortas with a single iteration of centerline extraction (≤1% deviation), however, complex anatomies required 1 cm segmentation intervals whereas the Healthy aorta only required 2 cm intervals. Centerline curvature is more sensitive to modeling methods, requiring 1 cm intervals for ≤5% deviation in peak curvature for the three diseased anatomies, and two iterations of segmentation and centerline extraction for the Aneurysmal and Dissected aortas. Accurate lumen cross-sectional characterization required 1 or 0.5 cm segmentation intervals, and two or three segmentation and centerline iterations, with greater refinement needed for more complex geometries. Depending on the geometric characteristic and complexity of anatomy and pathology, different levels of segmentation interval refinement and iterations of segmentation and centerline extraction are required.

Cheng|Christopher P|CP|
Zhu|Yufei D|YD|
Suh|Ga-Young|GY|

aorta
arclength
curvature
geometry
3D modeling
image segmentation


The behavior of graphene oxide trapped at the air water interface.

Abstract: Graphene oxide is a derivate of graphene obtained by oxidation of graphite and other carbonaceous materials. The more accepted structure consists in carbonyl and carboxyl groups located at the edge of the graphene network and hydroxyl and epoxy groups attached to the basal plane. The percentage of O-groups depends on the synthesis route and the material used as carbon source. In addition, highly oxidized fragments, called oxidative debris, OD, are produced during the oxidation process. These fragments are adsorbed onto the graphene oxide network and can be removed by alkaline washing. The purified material has lower O/C ratio than graphene oxide and its properties are also quite different. Due to its structure, graphene oxide can be adsorbed at the air-water interface of the aqueous solution by diffusion, Gibbs monolayers, or by spreading on a clean water subphase resulting in a Langmuir film. This review is intended to provide information on the importance of controlling the chemical composition, structure, size, and oxidative debris, on the manufacture of graphene oxide films. To this end the review shows the influence of the synthesis route and the starting material on the structure of graphene oxide and analyzes several examples of the behavior and properties of films prepared with different types of graphene oxides. The great variability of behaviors of graphene oxide films caused by the different structure of this material provides a great opportunity to fine-tune the properties of films according to the needs of different applications.

López-Diaz|David|D|
Merchán|M Dolores|MD|
Velázquez|M Mercedes|MM|

Graphene oxide
Oxidative debris
Langmuir film
Purified graphene oxide
Surface activity


The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in deer from 1978 to 2019: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii infecting virtually all warm-blooded animals, including humans, is an intracellular protozoan parasite. The immunocompromised patients or pregnant women infected by Toxoplasma usually can cause encephalitis or abortion. Deer are also the important intermediate host of the parasite and people can be infected by ingesting the undercooked venison. Therefore, to raise the attention of the researchers and T. gondii infection on people in deer, we conducted the meta-analysis. All potential publications on the T. gondii infection in deer were retrieved by searching the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer- Link, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP Chinese Journal Databases. Finally, a total of 48 publications were included. The pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was 22.92% (95% CI 17.89-28.38) calculated by the random effect model. The seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer was the lowest in Asia (12.72%, 95% CI 6.29-20.89), and the highest in North America (32.21%, 95% CI 20.32-45.39). The highest point estimate of deer T. gondii in detection method subgroup was using MAT (31.28%, 95% CI 20.15-43.61). The estimated pooled seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in elk (63.50%, 95% CI 50.01-76.01) was higher than other types of deer. Our meta-regression analysis found that the subgroups including region, sampling year, age, climate, and deer species may be the main heterogeneous source in our meta-analysis. It is necessary to monitor the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in deer at all times. Furthermore, people should be taken to precautions when ingesting the venison by cooking it well before serving to prevent the T. gondii infection via eating venison.

Zeng|Ao|A| Gong|Qing-Long|QL| Wang|Qi|Q| Wang|Chun-Ren|CR| Zhang|Xiao-Xuan|XX|

Seroprevalence
Toxoplasma gondii
Deer
Meta-analysis
Toxoplasmosis


Silver deposition directed by self-assembled gold nanorods for amplified electrochemical immunoassay.

Abstract: A novel electrochemical immunoassay was developed based on the signal amplification strategy of silver deposition directed by gold nanorods (AuNRs), which was in-situ assembled on the sandwich immunocomplex. The superstructure formed by the self-assembly of AuNRs provided abundant active sites for the nucleation of silver nanoparticles. In this pathway, the stripping current of silver was greatly enhanced. Using human immunoglobulin G (HIgG) as a model analyte, the ultrasensitive immunoassay showed a wide linear range of six orders of magnitude from 0.1 fg mL(-1) to 100 pg mL(-1), with the low detection limit down to 0.08 fg mL(-1). The practicality of this electrochemical immunoassay for detection of HIgG in serum was validated with the average recovery of 93.9%. In addition, this enzyme-free immunoassay also has the advantages of acceptable reproducibility and specificity, and thus this immunosensing protocol can be extended to the detection of other low-abundant protein biomarkers.

Zhang|Hongfang|H| Ning|Danlei|D| Ma|Lina|L| Zheng|Jianbin|J|

Silver deposition
Gold nanorod
Signal amplification
Human IgG
Immunosensor


Delirium superimposed on dementia: a survey of delirium specialists shows a lack of consensus in clinical practice and research studies.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Despite advances in delirium knowledge and the publication of best practice guidelines, uncertainties exist regarding assessment of Delirium Superimposed on Dementia (DSD). An international survey of delirium specialists was undertaken to evaluate current practice.

METHODS
Invitations to participate in an online survey were distributed by email among members of four international delirium associations with additional publication on their websites. The survey covered the assessment and diagnosis of DSD in clinical practice and research studies. Questions were structured around current practice and attitudes.

RESULTS
The 205 responders were mostly confident that they could detect DSD with 60% rating their confidence at 7 or above on a likert scale of 0 (none) to 10 (excellent). Seventy-six percent felt that Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) was the most challenging dementia subtype in which to diagnose DSD. Several scales were used to assess for the presence of DSD including the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) (54%), DSM-5 criteria (25%) and CAM-ICU (15%). Responders stated that attention (71%), fluctuation in cognitive status (65%), and arousability (41%) were the most clinically useful features to assess when diagnosing DSD. Motor fluctuations were also deemed important but 61% had no specific test to monitor these.

CONCLUSIONS
The largest survey of DSD practice to date demonstrates that despite good levels of confidence in recognizing DSD, there exists a lack of consensus concerning assessment and diagnosis globally. These findings suggest the need for the development of more research leading to precise diagnostic criteria and comprehensive guidelines regarding the assessment and diagnosis of DSD.

Richardson|Sarah|S|
Teodorczuk|Andrew|A|
Bellelli|Giuseppe|G|
Davis|Daniel H J|DH|
Neufeld|Karin J|KJ|
Kamholz|Barbara A|BA|
Trabucchi|Marco|M|
MacLullich|Alasdair M J|AM|
Morandi|Alessandro|A|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

delirium
delirium superimposed on dementia
dementia
survey
clinical practice
knowledge
European delirium association


A descriptive qualitative study of adolescent girls' well-being in Northern Finland.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown that girls present welfare-related symptoms differently than boys and that the severity of their symptoms increases with age. Girls living in Northern Finland experience reduced well-being in some aspects of their lives. However, the opinions of girls on these matters have not previously been studied.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe girls' well-being in Northern Finland.

METHOD
This is a descriptive qualitative study. The participants were 117 girls aged between 13 and 16 who were living in the province of Lapland in Finland and attending primary school. Data were collected electronically; the girls were asked to respond to a set of open-ended questions using a computer during a school day. The responses were evaluated by using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS
Four main categories of girls' well-being were identified: health as a resource, a beneficial lifestyle, positive experience of life course, and favourable social relationships. Health as a resource was about feeling healthy and the ability to enjoy life. A beneficial lifestyle was about healthy habits and meaningful hobbies. Positive experience of life course is related to high self-esteem and feeling good, safe, and optimistic. Favourable social relationships meant having good relationships with family and friends.

CONCLUSIONS
To the participating girls, well-being was a positive experience and feeling which was revealed when they interact between their relationships, living conditions, lifestyle, and environment. Knowledge about girls' description of their well-being can be used to understand how the girls themselves and their environment influence their well-being and what can be done to promote it.

D000293:Adolescent
D000294:Adolescent Behavior
D001294:Attitude to Health
D005260:Female
D005387:Finland
D006304:Health Status
D006801:Humans
D007398:Interpersonal Relations
D010549:Personal Satisfaction
D036301:Qualitative Research
D011788:Quality of Life
D018570:Risk Assessment
D012924:Social Conditions
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires

descriptive
girl
well-being
content analysis
gender


Aging over 70 Years Is Not a Decisively Dismal Prognostic Factor in Gastric Cancer Surgery.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Gastric cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate in Korea. Despite a growing older population and an increase in the number of older patients with gastric cancer, the older patients are not willing to undergo surgery due to their operative risks. Hence, to determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of gastric cancer surgery for them, we investigate factors influencing the treatment decision.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 1996 and December 2005, a total of 1,519 patients were classified into two groups; the younger age group between 41 and 69 years of age, and the older age group of 70 years or older. The analysis conducted included patient characteristics, accompanying disorders, related American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, pathological characteristics and survival rate for each age group.

RESULTS
Significant differences were found in the ASA grade (P<0.001) and the number of accompanying disorders (P<0.001) between the two groups. The average length of hospital stay after surgery was 14.5 days in the younger age group, and 13.3 days in the older age group (P=0.065). The average survival time was 47.5 months in the younger age group, and 43.2 months in the older age group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrated that there was more number of accompanying disorders with a high surgical risk in the older age group. However, there was no significant difference between the older and younger age groups in terms of the incidence of complications, under the given disease conditions and if proper management was provided.

Cho|Sung-Il|SI| Jang|You-Jin|YJ| Kim|Jong-Han|JH| Park|Sung-Soo|SS| Park|Seong-Heum|SH| Kim|Seung-Joo|SJ| Kim|Chong-Suk|CS| Mok|Young-Jae|YJ|


Observation of Robust Néel Skyrmions in Metallic PtMnGa.

Abstract: Over the past decade the family of chiral noncollinear spin textures has continued to expand with the observation in metallic compounds of Bloch-like skyrmions in several B20 compounds, and antiskyrmions in a tetragonal inverse Heusler. Néel like skyrmions in bulk crystals with broken inversion symmetry have recently been seen in two distinct nonmetallic compounds, GaV4 S8 and VOSe2 O5 at low temperatures (below ≈13 K) only. Here, the first observation of bulk Néel skyrmions in a metallic compound PtMnGa and, moreover, at high temperatures up to ≈220 K is reported. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals the chiral Néel character of the skyrmions. A strong variation is reported of the size of the skyrmions on the thickness of the lamella in which they are confined, varying by a factor of 7 as the thickness is varied from ≈90 nm to ≈4 µm. Moreover, the skyrmions are highly robust to in-plane magnetic fields and can be stabilized in a zero magnetic field using suitable field-cooling protocols over a very broad temperature range to as low as 5 K. These properties, together with the possibility of manipulating skyrmions in metallic PtMnGa via current induced spin-orbit torques, make them extremely exciting for future spintronic applications.


Osteoporotic alterations in a group of different ethnicity Brazilian postmenopausal women: An observational study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To compare peripheral bone mineral density alterations among Brazilian postmenopausal women from three ethnic groups considering age and body mass index influence; to correlate their bone mineral density with the mandibular cortical index (MCI); and to evaluate the influence of age, body mass index and ethnicity in the MCI using risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND
Osteoporosis risk is known to have ethical influences. However, little is known about the differences in ethnicity in radiomorphometric indices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 150 postmenopausal women with different ethnicities (Caucasian, Asian and Afro-descendant) who underwent peripheral dual X-ray absorptiometry and panoramic examination were included. Bone mineral density and MCI were assessed. Adjusted odds ratio analyses were performed on bone density and MCI considering the effect of age, ethnicity and body mass index. The correlations between the MCI and the dual X-ray absorptiometry results were made.

RESULTS
Old age, low body mass index and non-Afro-descendant were associated with low bone density. Compared with Afro-descendants, Asians and Caucasians have higher chances of having decreased bone mass. For the MCI, statistical analysis showed that age is the only variable associated with osteoporotic alterations in the mandible. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was found between the MCI and the T-scores.

CONCLUSION
Bone density is higher in Brazilian Afro-descendant women than in Caucasians and Asians. Patient's age is associated with bone density and the MCI. The mandibular cortical index is inversely correlated with the peripheral densitometry results within the study ethnic population.

postmenopausal
ethnic groups
osteoporosis
bone loss
panoramic radiography


CCL2 associated with CD38 expression during ex vivo expansion in human cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: To date, different experimental strategies have been developed for the ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) for clinical applications. However, differences in the genomic function of expanded HSCs under different culture systems remain unclear. In this study, we compared the gene expression profiles of HSCs in ex vivo expanded serum (10% FBS, fetal bovine serum) and serum-free culture systems and analyzed the molecular functions of differentially expressed genes using microarray chips. We identified 839 differentially expressed genes between the two culture systems. These genes were enriched in the TNF -regulated inflammatory pathway in an FBS culture system. In addition, the mRNA expression of CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2), TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and FOS (FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog) was validated by RT-qPCR. Our data revealed that ex vivo expansion of HSCs using the FBS culture system induces an inflammatory response and high CD38 expression, indicating that this system might activate an inflammatory pathway and induce expression of the cancer marker CD38 during ex vivo expansion of HSCs. This study provides a transcriptional profile and new insights into the genomic functions of HSCs under different expanded cultures.

Yao|Chao-Ling|CL|
Huang|Poyin|P|
Liu|Tsai-Chi|TC|
Lin|Yung-Kai|YK|
Chen|Ching-Yun|CY|
Lai|Yi-Ting|YT|
Chin|Tzu Yun|TY|
Tseng|Tsung-Yu|TY|
Hsu|Yi-Chiung|YC|

CD38
hematopoietic stem cells
microarray
cord blood
inflammation


CMR in the Evaluation of Diastolic Dysfunction and Phenotyping of HFpEF: Current Role and Future Perspectives.

Abstract: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presents a challenging diagnosis given a heterogeneous patient population and limited therapeutic options. Diastolic function assessment using echocardiography has been a cornerstone in the work-up and is as important as systolic functional assessment. There has been increased awareness to the potential utility of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging over the past decade as a promising, radiation-free, robust imaging modality providing an unrestricted field of view and high-resolution images for global and regional functional assessment. CMR provides early markers for detecting myocardial disease using tissue characterization imaging, which might prove useful to improve diagnosis and management. Over the years, several studies have examined CMR-derived diastolic functional indices, including transmitral and pulmonary venous velocities, left ventricular and left atrial strain using myocardial tagging, and, more recently, feature tracking. The relevance of imaging-based diastolic function indices and their clinical application across different modalities is increasingly recognized.

Chamsi-Pasha|Mohammed A|MA|
Zhan|Yang|Y|
Debs|Dany|D|
Shah|Dipan J|DJ|

D019028:Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine

cardiac magnetic resonance
T1 mapping
extracellular volume map
feature-tracking CMR imaging
phase-contrast imaging


Streptococcus Pneumoniae Causing Intra-abdominal and Pelvic Infection: A Case Series.

Abstract: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a pathogen known to cause pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis, and otitis media, but is overlooked as a pathogen causing gastrointestinal illness. We report four cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing intra-abdominal and pelvic infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae should be considered in the setting of intra-abdominal infection, especially in patients with risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease or with a concomitant respiratory infection at presentation.

Ronnachit|Amrita|A|
Ellenberger|Katherine A|KA|
Gray|Timothy J|TJ|
Liu|Eunice Y|EY|
Gilbey|Timothy L|TL|
Cheong|Elaine Y|EY|
Gottlieb|Thomas|T|
McKew|Genevieve L|GL|

streptococcus pneumoniae
infection
abdomen
pelvis


Investigating the relationship between serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein ratio and metabolic syndrome.

Abstract:
AIMS
This study aimed to determine a parameter to more easily diagnose metabolic syndrome and predict its probability of occurrence in high-risk individuals.

METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, data related to the study population in the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factor Study (KERCADRS) were examined. Subjects were divided into two groups with and without metabolic syndrome, and the relevant factors such as the ratios of uric acid to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (UHR) in these two groups were compared, and the best cut-off point was determined.

RESULTS
Data related to 817 people including 96 people with metabolic syndrome and 721 people without metabolic syndrome were analysed. The mean UHR was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (14.76 ± 6.33%) compared with those without metabolic syndrome (10.0 ± 3.10%) (p < .001). People with high UHR are 2.9 times more at risk of metabolic syndrome and the best cut-off point was 9.50% with 86% sensitivity and 55% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS
According to our study, UHR is also helpful in diagnosing metabolic syndrome and can also be used to screen people at risk for metabolic syndrome.


Coexistence of Gitelman Syndrome and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in a Pregnant Woman.

Abstract: Gitelman syndrome (GS) is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait and characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis in combination with significant hypomagnesemia and low urinary calcium excretion. The symptoms and severity of the disease can vary greatly from one person to another and can range from mild to severe. Sudden cardiac arrest has been reported occasionally as well. Here, for the first time, we reported a 34-year-old pregnant GS woman who was diagnosed to have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy during her cardiac examination for the complaints of palpitation and presyncope.

Nabi Aslan|Abdullah|A|
Sivri|Serkan|S|
Can Güney|Murat|M|
Keleş Prof|Telat|T|

Gitelman syndrome
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Pregnant
Sudden cardiac death


Personalized normative feedback interventions targeting hazardous alcohol use and alcohol-related risky sexual behavior in Swedish university students: A randomized controlled replication trial.

Abstract:
Introduction
This study replicates two US intervention studies using personalized normative feedback (PNF) on alcohol-related risky sexual behavior (RSB).

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial, 654 Swedish university students were assigned to an alcohol only intervention, an alcohol-related RSB only intervention, a combined alcohol and alcohol-related RSB intervention, an integrated alcohol and alcohol-related RSB intervention, or control. Follow-up assessments were made at 3 and 6 months post-intervention.

Results
In comparison to controls, drinks per week were reduced at 3 months in the Alcohol Only, Combined, and Integrated intervention groups. Frequency and quantity of drinking before sex were reduced at 3- and 6-month follow-up for the Sex Only, Combined, and Integrated intervention groups. The Alcohol Only intervention showed significant results on frequency of drinking before sex at 3 months, and on quantity of drinking before sex at 6 months. The Combined intervention had reduced outcomes on alcohol-related consequences and on alcohol-related sexual consequences at both follow-ups. Alcohol Only and Integrated interventions showed effects on both outcomes regarding consequences at 6 months, and the Sex Only group showed effects on sexual consequences at 6 months.

Conclusions
It is concluded that PNF interventions offer considerable positive effects, and could be used to reduce alcohol-related RSB in Swedish university students.

AFDPS, Actual Frequency of Drinking Prior Sex

AQDPS, Actual Quantity of Drinking Prior Sex

ARNEG, Alcohol-related Negative Consequences

ARSEX, Alcohol-related Sexual Consequences


Examination of information release on return volatility: A market and sectoral analysis.

Abstract: This paper examines the role of information release in explaining the return volatility of the Australian equity market. The study applies proxies of greater accuracy to examine the effect of public and private information on return volatility. Analyst price targets (PTR) and Morningstar stock star ratings (MSR) were used as private information proxies while Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) announcements were used as the public information proxy. Daily data was collected for ASX 200 listed firms for the period 2013 to 2017. Analysis was conducted at both the aggregate market level and the sectoral level. Findings suggest that PTR have the largest effect on return volatility at both levels, with varied effects within each sector. This indicates that investors rely heavily on this information when undertaking investment decisions. In contrast, MSR had a negligible effect, likely due to the lower degree of informational content. Public information had a minor effect on return volatility at both the aggregate market and sectoral levels. These mixed results show that information flow varies depending on the information type (i.e. public or private) with each sector interpreting the same type of information differently. The research findings provide a valuable guide to investors regarding the appropriate information to generate excess returns as well as to hedge against future losses.

Prasad|Mason|M|
Bakry|Walid|W|
Varua|Maria Estela|ME|

Analyst price targets
Pricing
Morningstar stock star ratings
APGARCH
ASX announcements
E-GARCH
Econometrics
Economics
Finance
Financial economics
Financial market
GJR-GARCH
Sectoral return volatility


Radioactive Iodine Therapy and Glucose Tolerance.

Abstract: Radioactive iodine therapy is commonly used as an adjuvant therapy in follicular and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and in the treatment of Graves' disease (GD). The basis of this therapy is the accumulation of radioactive iodine by the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in the thyroid gland. Expression of NIS by extrathyroidal tissues such as islets of pancreas has been reported. Radioactive iodine uptake by pancreatic beta-cells can potentially damage these cells. In this study, we discuss the possible associations between radioactive iodine and glucose intolerance. Overall, radioactive iodine uptake by the pancreas may damage beta-cells and predispose patients to glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes, particularly in patients exposed to radioactive iodine therapy following total thyroidectomy. Further studies are needed to clarify and confirm this association.

Samadi|Roghaieh|R| Shafiei|Babak|B| Azizi|Fereidoun|F| Ghasemi|Asghar|A|

Radioactive
Iodine
Glucose Tolerance
Sodium-Iodide Symporter
Pancreas


The Progression of COVID-19 and the Government Response in China.

Abstract: The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Infectious Disease-2019) was first reported at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China. On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency for the novel coronavirus. On 11 March 2020, the WHO officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Due to the differences in population distribution, economic structure, degree of damage and other factors, the affected countries have introduced policies tailored to local conditions as a response to the pandemic, leading to different economic and social impacts. Considering the highly heterogeneous spreading of COVID-19 across regions, this paper takes a specific country (China) as a case study of the spread of the disease and national intervention models for the COVID-19 pandemic. The research period of this article is from 17 December to 26 April 2020, because this time period basically covered the important time nodes of the epidemic in China from animal-to-human transmission, limited human-to-human transmission, epidemic to gradual control. This study is useful for comparing the effectiveness of different interventions at various stages of epidemic development within the same country and can also promote the comparison of the epidemic response interventions of different countries. Based on the conclusions of the model simulation, this article evaluates the dual impact of the epidemic on people's wellbeing and the economy.

COVID-19
China
epidemic response
impact assessment


Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of "Shirishavaleha"-An Ayurvedic compound formulation in albino rats.

Abstract: The immunomodulatory activity of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth), i.e., Twak (Bark) and Sara (Heartwood) as main ingredients was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in established experimental models. The study used Wistar rats of either sex weighing 200 ± 40 g, while the test drug was administered orally at a dose of 1.8 g/kg. Hemagglutination titer and body weight were recorded to assess effects on humoral immunity; immunological paw edema was assessed for cell-mediated immunity. Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood shows significant enhancement in antibody formation, attenuation of body weight changes, and suppression of immunological paw edema, while Shirishavaleha prepared from bark shows weak immunomodulatory activity. The study therefore concludes that Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood has significant immunomodulatory activity.

Yadav|Shyamlal Singh|SS|
Galib|||
Prajapati|P K|PK|
Ashok|B K|BK|
Ravishankar|B|B|

immunomodulatory activity
Albizia lebbeck
hemagglutination titer
avaleha


Continuous Monitoring and Statistical Modelling of Heart Rate Variability.

Abstract: The paper presents a sensor network system implemented to continuously monitor and detect cardiovascular diseases experienced in patients at high-risk. The device is designed to capture and transmit the ECG signals and pulse to the patientÂťs mobile phone. Later interpretation of the single-lead ECG signals will result into a HRV analysis and heart-rate detection that is compared with the pulse oximeter results for validation. The fastest alert will be issued to doctors, relatives and hospitals, using the proposed data processing algorithm implemented in the patient's mobile phone. The continuous usage of this monitoring system provides an effective, efficient and fast health care service to patients at risk, even if the doctors or relatives are not near the patients.

sensor
alert
electrocardiogram
emergency
wavelet transform


The Ethics of Belief, Cognition, and Climate Change Pseudoskepticism: Implications for Public Discourse.

Abstract: The relationship between knowledge, belief, and ethics is an inaugural theme in philosophy; more recently, under the title "ethics of belief" philosophers have worked to develop the appropriate methodology for studying the nexus of epistemology, ethics, and psychology. The title "ethics of belief" comes from a 19th-century paper written by British philosopher and mathematician W.K. Clifford. Clifford argues that we are morally responsible for our beliefs because (a) each belief that we form creates the cognitive circumstances for related beliefs to follow, and (b) we inevitably influence each other through those beliefs. This study argues that recent cognitive research supports Cliffordian insights regarding patterns of belief formation and social influence. From the confirmation offered by such research, it follows that informational accuracy holds serious ethical significance in public discourse. Although scientific and epistemological matters are not always thought to be linked to normative morality, this study builds on Clifford's initial insights to show their linkage is fundamental to inquiry itself. In turn, Clifford's ethical and epistemic outline can inform a framework grounded in "public reason" under which seemingly opposed science communication strategies (e.g., "information deficit" and "cultural cognition" models) are philosophically united. With public discourse on climate change as the key example, empirically informed and grounded strategies for science communication in the public sphere are considered.

Ethics of belief
Climate change
Public reason
Information deficit
Cultural cognition
Anthropogenic global warming
Mere-exposure effect
Science denial
Scientific consensus


Metabolic mapping of deep brain structures and associations with symptomatology in autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract: Structural neuroimaging studies in autism report atypical volume in deep brain structures which are related to symptomatology. Little is known about metabolic changes in these regions, and how they vary with age and sex, and/or relate to clinical behaviors. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy we measured N-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine, myoinositol and glutamate in the caudate, putamen, and thalamus of 20 children with autism and 16 typically developing controls (7-18 years). Relative to controls, individuals with autism had elevated glutamate/creatine in the putamen. In addition, both groups showed age-related increases in glutamate in this region. Boys, relative to girls had increased choline/creatine in the thalamus. Lastly, there were correlations between glutamate, choline, and myoinositol in all three regions, and behavioral scores in the ASD group. These findings suggest changes in deep gray matter neurochemistry, which are sensitive to diagnosis, age and sex, and are associated with behavioral differences.

Doyle-Thomas|Krissy A R|KA|
Card|Dallas|D|
Soorya|Latha V|LV|
Wang|A Ting|AT|
Fan|Jin|J|
Anagnostou|Evdokia|E|

Autism spectrum disorders
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Putamen
Deep gray matter
Caudate nucleus
Thalamus and social cognition


LAMP3 expression correlated with poor clinical outcome in human ovarian cancer.

Abstract: Lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 belongs to the lysosome-associated membrane glycoprotein family, which is associated with lymph node, metastasis, poor overall survival, and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Epithelial ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly global female gynecologic malignant tumors. Its clinical outcome is poor and most epithelial ovarian cancer patients tend to relapse because of drug resistance. However, lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 expression in epithelial ovarian cancer and its relationship between clinicopathologic factors remain poorly understood. To clarify the prognostic implications of lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 in epithelial ovarian cancer, we analyzed both messenger RNA and protein levels of lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 in ovarian carcinomas. Polymerase chain reaction results showed higher expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 messenger RNA in epithelial ovarian cancer than in noncancerous tissues. Immunohistochemical results showed that high lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 cytoplasmic expression was significantly related to tumor grade ( p = 0.038), lymph node metastasis ( p = 0.049), metastasis ( p < 0.001), level of CA125 ( p = 0.030), and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) ( p < 0.001). High lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 nuclear expression was significantly associated with tumor grade ( p = 0.046), tumor single or double (representative whether the tumor involving one or both ovaries) ( p = 0.016), metastasis ( p < 0.001), and FIGO stage ( p < 0.001). Survival analysis indicated that high lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 cytoplasmic expression (hazard ratio: 4.632, 95% confidence interval: 2.421-8.864; p < 0.001), patients' age (hazard ratio: 1.729, 95% confidence interval: 1.027-2.911; p = 0.039), and FIGO stage (hazard ratio: 2.049, 95% confidence interval: 1.113-3.774; p = 0.021) were significantly correlated with poor survival outcome of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Wang|Di|D| Cao|Xuemin|X| Zhang|Yuquan|Y| Liu|Yuanlin|Y| Yao|Chan|C| Ge|Wenliang|W| Xu|Yunzhao|Y|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Lysosome-associated membrane protein 3
epithelial ovarian cancer
gynecologic
malignancy
prognosis


Clostridium difficile infection in the elderly: an update on management.

Abstract: The burden of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is profound and growing. CDI now represents a common cause of health care-associated diarrhea, and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. CDI disproportionally affects the elderly, possibly explained by the following risk factors: age-related impairment of the immune system, increasing antibiotic utilization, and frequent health care exposure. In the USA, recent epidemiological studies estimate that two out of every three health care-associated CDIs occur in patients 65 years or older. Additionally, the elderly are at higher risk for recurrent CDI. Existing therapeutic options include metronidazole, oral vancomycin, and fidaxomicin. Choice of agent depends on disease severity, history of recurrence, and, increasingly, the drug cost. Bezlotoxumab, a recently approved monoclonal antibody targeting C. difficile toxin B, offers an exciting advancement into immunologic therapies. Similarly, fecal microbiota transplantation is gaining popularity as an effective option mainly for recurrent CDI. The challenge of decreasing CDI burden in the elderly involves adopting preventative strategies, optimizing initial treatment, and decreasing the risk of recurrence. Expanded strategies are certainly needed to improve outcomes in this high-risk population. This review considers available data from prospective and retrospective studies as well as case reports to illustrate the merits and gaps in care related to the management of CDI in the elderly.

Clostridium difficile
elderly
risk factors
recurrence
bezlotoxumab
fecal microbiota transplant
treatment
aging


Hippocampus is more susceptible to hypoxic injury: has the Rosetta Stone of regional variation in neurovascular coupling been deciphered?

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD) are associated with cerebral hypoperfusion or reductions in baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF). The neurovascular coupling (NVC) response or functional hyperemia regulates brain perfusion via a retrograde (capillary-to-arteriole) pathway by increasing regional CBF in response to local neuron activation. The hippocampus plays a significant role in spatial and non-spatial memory. Functional MRI (fMRI) has not established a solid positive correlation between hippocampal blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal and local neuronal activity. The inconsistency of NVC in the hippocampus compared to the neocortex is possibly due to anatomical and methodological difficulties to accurately detect hippocampal blood flow. A recent study reported that NVC and oxygenation are reduced in the hippocampus compared to the cortex using a novel invasive surgical approach by creating a cranial window with and without removing the neocortex. Results from these studies suggest that the hippocampus is more susceptible to hypoxic injury in pathological conditions when NVC is impaired, such as AD/ADRD, stroke, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Rosetta Stone of regional variation in the NVC and its significance in AD/ADRD has not been fully deciphered based on these results without addressing remaining concerns; however, we are one step closer, indeed.

Hippocampus
Neurovascular coupling
Cerebral blood flow
Alzheimer’s disease


Fracture in the Elderly Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation (FEMuR): study protocol for a phase II randomised feasibility study of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation package following hip fracture [ISRCTN22464643].

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Proximal femoral fracture is a common, major health problem in old age resulting in loss of functional independence and a high-cost burden on society, with estimated health and social care costs of £2.3 billion per year in the UK. Rehabilitation has the potential to maximise functional recovery and maintain independent living, but evidence of effectiveness is lacking. Usual rehabilitation care is delivered by a multi-disciplinary team in the hospital and in the community. An 'enhanced rehabilitation' intervention has been developed consisting of a workbook, goal-setting diary and extra therapy sessions, designed to improve self-efficacy and increase the amount and quality of the practice of physical exercise and activities of daily living.

METHODS/DESIGN
This paper describes the design of a phase II study comprising an anonymous cohort of all proximal femoral fracture patients admitted to the three acute hospitals in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board over a 6-month period with a randomised feasibility study comparing the enhanced rehabilitation intervention with usual care. These will assess the feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial and concurrent economic evaluation in terms of recruitment, retention, outcome measure completion, compliance with the intervention and fidelity of delivery, health service use data, willingness to be randomised and effect size for a future sample size calculation. Focus groups will provide qualitative data to contribute to the assessment of the acceptability of the intervention amongst patients, carers and rehabilitation professionals and the feasibility of delivering the planned intervention. The primary outcome measure is function assessed by the Barthel Index. Secondary outcomes measure the ability to perform activities of daily living, anxiety and depression, potential mediators of outcomes such as hip pain, self-efficacy and fear of falling, health utility, health service use, objectively assessed physical function and adverse events. Participants' preference for rehabilitation services will be assessed in a discrete choice experiment.

DISCUSSION
Phase II studies are an opportunity to not only assess the feasibility of trial methods but also to compare different methods of outcome measurement and novel methods of obtaining health service use data from routinely collected patient information.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN22464643, UKCRN16677.

Williams|Nefyn H|NH|
Hawkes|Claire|C|
Din|Nafees Ud|NU|
Roberts|Jessica L|JL|
Charles|Joanna M|JM|
Morrison|Val L|VL|
Hoare|Zoe|Z|
Edwards|Rhiannon T|RT|
Andrew|Glynne|G|
Alexander|Swapna|S|
Lemmey|Andrew B|AB|
Woods|Bob|B|
Sackley|Catherine|C|
Logan|Pip|P|
Hunnisett|David|D|
Mawdesley|Kevin|K|
Wilkinson|Clare|C|

Rehabilitation
Feasibility
Proximal femoral fracture
Self-efficacy
Cohort
Randomised controlled trial
Economic evaluation
Focus group
Acceptability
Discrete choice experiment


Pixel-based absorption correction for dual-tracer fluorescence imaging of receptor binding potential.

Abstract: Ratiometric approaches to quantifying molecular concentrations have been used for decades in microscopy, but have rarely been exploited in vivo until recently. One dual-tracer approach can utilize an untargeted reference tracer to account for non-specific uptake of a receptor-targeted tracer, and ultimately estimate receptor binding potential quantitatively. However, interpretation of the relative dynamic distribution kinetics is confounded by differences in local tissue absorption at the wavelengths used for each tracer. This study simulated the influence of absorption on fluorescence emission intensity and depth sensitivity at typical near-infrared fluorophore wavelength bands near 700 and 800 nm in mouse skin in order to correct for these tissue optical differences in signal detection. Changes in blood volume [1-3%] and hemoglobin oxygen saturation [0-100%] were demonstrated to introduce substantial distortions to receptor binding estimates (error > 30%), whereas sampled depth was relatively insensitive to wavelength (error < 6%). In response, a pixel-by-pixel normalization of tracer inputs immediately post-injection was found to account for spatial heterogeneities in local absorption properties. Application of the pixel-based normalization method to an in vivo imaging study demonstrated significant improvement, as compared with a reference tissue normalization approach.

Kanick|Stephen C|SC|
Tichauer|Kenneth M|KM|
Gunn|Jason|J|
Samkoe|Kimberley S|KS|
Pogue|Brian W|BW|

(170.3880) Medical and biological imaging

(170.4580) Optical diagnostics for medicine


Using CellML with OpenCMISS to Simulate Multi-Scale Physiology.

Abstract: OpenCMISS is an open-source modeling environment aimed, in particular, at the solution of bioengineering problems. OpenCMISS consists of two main parts: a computational library (OpenCMISS-Iron) and a field manipulation and visualization library (OpenCMISS-Zinc). OpenCMISS is designed for the solution of coupled multi-scale, multi-physics problems in a general-purpose parallel environment. CellML is an XML format designed to encode biophysically based systems of ordinary differential equations and both linear and non-linear algebraic equations. A primary design goal of CellML is to allow mathematical models to be encoded in a modular and reusable format to aid reproducibility and interoperability of modeling studies. In OpenCMISS, we make use of CellML models to enable users to configure various aspects of their multi-scale physiological models. This avoids the need for users to be familiar with the OpenCMISS internal code in order to perform customized computational experiments. Examples of this are: cellular electrophysiology models embedded in tissue electrical propagation models; material constitutive relationships for mechanical growth and deformation simulations; time-varying boundary conditions for various problem domains; and fluid constitutive relationships and lumped-parameter models. In this paper, we provide implementation details describing how CellML models are integrated into multi-scale physiological models in OpenCMISS. The external interface OpenCMISS presents to users is also described, including specific examples exemplifying the extensibility and usability these tools provide the physiological modeling and simulation community. We conclude with some thoughts on future extension of OpenCMISS to make use of other community developed information standards, such as FieldML, SED-ML, and BioSignalML. Plans for the integration of accelerator code (graphical processing unit and field programmable gate array) generated from CellML models is also discussed.

Nickerson|David P|DP|
Ladd|David|D|
Hussan|Jagir R|JR|
Safaei|Soroush|S|
Suresh|Vinod|V|
Hunter|Peter J|PJ|
Bradley|Christopher P|CP|

CellML
OpenCMISS
multi-scale physiological model
physiome project
virtual physiological human