Risks of conservative management in women with ovarian endometriomas undergoing IVF.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Classical surgical management of endometriotic ovarian cysts using the laparoscopic stripping technique has been recently questioned because of the surgical-related injury to the ovarian reserve. Accordingly, available guidelines suggest that endometriomas with a mean diameter below 4 cm should not be systematically removed before IVF procedures. However, conservative management may have some potential drawbacks and risks. The presence of the endometrioma may theoretically interfere with ovarian responsiveness to hyperstimulation and oocyte competence, the retrieval of the oocytes may be more difficult and risky, the disease may progress during the procedure, pregnancy outcome may be affected and there is the risk of missing occult malignancies with cancer development later in life. In the present review, we aimed at assessing whether these risks do exist and, if so, at estimating their clinical relevance.

METHODS
We searched PubMed for articles published in the English language between January 1990 and August 2014 that reported on endometriomas and assisted reproductive techniques. Special care was given to studies reporting data purporting to distinguish the effects of ovarian endometriomas per sé from those consequent to surgery for endometriosis or from endometriosis in general.

RESULTS
Based on the evidence reviewed in the present study, it can be concluded that conservative management may actually expose women to four of the following theoretical risks, i.e. infection of the endometriomas, follicular fluid contamination with the endometrioma content, higher risk of pregnancy complications and cancer development later in life. The first three conditions do not justify surgery because these events are uncommon and the number of women needed to be treated would be exceedingly high and would not justify the costs and risks of the intervention. Albeit also very rare, the possibility of developing ovarian cancer later in life is more troublesome because it is a life-threatening condition. However, this alarmism is supported by only one cohort study and this risk can be effectively prevented by postponing surgery until after the IVF programme is concluded or when women have definitely satisfied their reproductive wishes.

CONCLUSION
The available evidence on the risks of conservative management does not support systematic surgery before IVF in women with small ovarian endometriomas.

Somigliana|Edgardo|E| Benaglia|Laura|L| Paffoni|Alessio|A| Busnelli|Andrea|A| Vigano|Paola|P| Vercellini|Paolo|P|

conservative management
endometrioma
IVF
surgery
endometriosis


Multiplex PCRs for the specific identification of marsupial and deer species from faecal samples as a basis for non-invasive epidemiological studies of parasites.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The specific identification of animals through the analysis of faecal DNA is important in many areas of scientific endeavour, particularly in the field of parasitology.

METHODS
Here, we designed and assessed two multiplex PCR assays using genetic markers in a mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene region for the unequivocal identification and discrimination of animal species based on the specific amplification of DNA from faecal samples collected from water catchment areas in Victoria, Australia. One of these assays differentiates three marsupial species (eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby and common wombat) and the other distinguishes three deer species (fallow, red and sambar deer). We tested these two assays using a total of 669 faecal samples, collected as part of an ongoing programme to monitor parasites and microorganisms in these animals.

RESULTS
These two PCR assays are entirely specific for these animal species and achieve analytical sensitivities of 0.1-1.0 picogram (pg). We tested 669 faecal samples and found that some previous inferences of species based on faecal morphology were erroneous. We were able to molecularly authenticate all of the 669 samples.

CONCLUSIONS
We have established PCR assays that accurately distinguish the faecal samples of some of the prominent large mammalian herbivores found within a water catchment system in the state of Victoria, Australia. The multiplex assays for marsupials and deer produce amplicons that are easily differentiable based on their size on an agarose gel, and can be readily sequenced for definitive species authentication. Although established for marsupials and deer, the methodology used here can be applied to other host-parasite study systems to ensure data integrity.

Koehler|Anson V|AV|
Zhang|Yan|Y|
Wang|Tao|T|
Haydon|Shane R|SR|
Gasser|Robin B|RB|

D060885:Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

PCR
Marsupial
Deer
Faecal samples
Parasite
Host species-identification


Proteomic Analysis of Pachytene Spermatocytes of Sterile Hybrid Male Mice.

Abstract: Incompatibilities in interspecific hybrids, such as reduced hybrid fertility and lethality, are common features resulting from reproductive isolation that lead to speciation. Subspecies crosses of house mice produce offspring in which one sex is infertile or absent, yet the molecular mechanisms of hybrid sterility are poorly understood. In this study, we observed extensive asynapsis of chromosomes and disturbance of the sex body in pachytene spermatocytes of sterile F1 males (PWK/Ph female × C57BL/6J male). We report the high-confidence identification of 4005 proteins in the pachytene spermatocytes of fertile F1 males (PWK/Ph male × C57BL/6J female) and sterile F1 males (PWK/Ph female × C57BL/6J male), of which 215 were upregulated and 381 were downregulated. Bioinformatics analysis of the proteome led to the identification of 43 and 59 proteins known to be essential for male meiosis and spermatogenesis in mice, respectively. Characterization of the proteome of pachytene spermatocytes associated with hybrid male sterility provides an inventory of proteins that is useful for understanding meiosis and the mechanisms of hybrid male infertility.

Wang|Lu|L| Guo|Yueshuai|Y| Liu|Wenjing|W| Zhao|Weidong|W| Song|Gendi|G| Zhou|Tao|T| Huang|Hefeng|H| Guo|Xuejiang|X| Sun|Fei|F|

pachytene spermatocytes
meiosis
spermatogenesis
hybrid male sterility


Utility of chromogranin B compared with chromogranin A as a biomarker in Japanese patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.

Abstract:
Objective
Currently, serum chromogranin A is a well-established biomarker for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors; however, other pancreatic diseases, oral use of a proton pump inhibitor and renal impairment can affect chromogranin A. Meanwhile, chromogranin B, belonging to the same granin family as chromogranin A, is not fully examined in these conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the utility of chromogranin B as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor biomarker.

Methods
Serum chromogranin B levels were determined by radioimmunoassay and serum chromogranin A levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (n = 91) and other pancreatic conditions, and in healthy people (n = 104), to assess the relationships with clinical features.

Results
The diagnostic ability of chromogranin B was as good as chromogranin A. The area under the curve was 0.79 for chromogranin B (sensitivity/specificity: 72%/77%), and 0.78 for chromogranin A (sensitivity/specificity: 79%/64%). Chromogranin B was not affected by proton pump inhibitor use and age, which affected chromogranin A. The number of cases without liver metastases was larger in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor patients with positive chromogranin B and negative chromogranin A. Though chromogranin A significantly elevated cases with proton pump inhibitor treatment and had positive correlation with age, chromogranin B did not have the tendencies. However, both chromogranin B and chromogranin A elevated in the case with renal impairment. In addition, the logistic regression analysis showed that chromogranin B was superior to chromogranin A in differentiation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor from other pancreatic diseases.

Conclusions
Compared with chromogranin A, chromogranin B may be more useful during proton pump inhibitor treatment and can detect tumors without liver metastases. In addition, chromogranin B may be an excellent biomarker when differentiation of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor from other pancreatic diseases is required.

Miki|Masami|M|
Ito|Tetsuhide|T|
Hijioka|Masayuki|M|
Lee|Lingaku|L|
Yasunaga|Kohei|K|
Ueda|Keijiro|K|
Fujiyama|Takashi|T|
Tachibana|Yuichi|Y|
Kawabe|Ken|K|
Jensen|Robert T|RT|
Ogawa|Yoshihiro|Y|

chromogranin B
chromogranin A
pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
pancreatic diseases


Characteristic model of travelling wave ultrasonic motor.

Abstract: In general, the design and analysis of ultrasonic motor and motor's control strategy are based on mathematical model. The academic model is widely used in the analysis of traveling wave ultrasonic motor (TWUSM). But the dispersive characteristic of piezoelectric ceramics and other complicated process, such as the friction, make the model's precision not so accurate. On the other hand, identification modeling method, which is built based on the tested data, has obtained increasing application in the study of ultrasonic motor's control technology. Based on the identification model, many control strategies can be designed easily. But the identification model is an approximate model, so if a more accurate model of ultrasonic motor can be obtained, the analysis and design of motor control system will be more effective. Characteristic model is a kind of identification model which can accurately describe the characteristics of TWUSM. Based on the tested data, this paper proposes the modeling method of ultrasonic motor's characteristic model. The paper also makes a comparison of the effectiveness of different identification algorithms. Aiming at the speed control of ultrasonic motor, the influence of the parameter's initial values on the precision of model is discussed. The calculating results indicate the availability of this characteristic model.

Characteristic model
Travelling wave ultrasonic motor
Identification


Real time stability and viability prediction of the anticancer BCG after lyophilization.

Abstract: To test if trehalose could be a better cryoprotectant for BCG than the usually used lactose and predict viability of BCG during shelf-life, BCG was suspended into three stabilizer systems containing 15% w/v trehalose, trehalose-gelatin mixture (in ratio, 30:1 w/w) or lactose. Each formula was lyophilized and several quality parameters were tested before and after lyophilization including sterility, safety, viability, morphology and moisture content. Samples of lyophilized formulae were tested for their reconstitution time and others were charged to stability chambers at 5°C for the performance of real time study. Shelf-life of each formula was estimated and correlation between moisture content and loss in viability was established at each time interval of the real time stability study. Sterility, safety and morphology were retained after lyophilization. Just after lyophilization, minute diminish in viability was observed in the presence of each stabilizer (0.02-0.05%). There was no significant difference in reconstitution time of the three lyophilized formulae. Lactose BCG had the highest shelf-life among the used cryoprotectants during the real time stability studies. Also, moisture content was highly correlated to viability with correlation coefficient ranged between 0.97 and 0.99 and so, the former could be used for prediction of viability throughout the vaccine shelf-life.

Mohamed|Dalia|D|
Elsayed|Ibrahim|I|
Mohamed|Aly Fahmy|AF|
Yehia|Soad Ali|SA|

prediction
BCG
lyophilization
trehalose
moisture content


Parasite insight: assessing fitness costs, infection risks and foraging benefits relating to gastrointestinal nematodes in wild mammalian herbivores.

Abstract: Mammalian herbivores are typically infected by parasitic nematodes, which are acquired through direct, faecal-oral transmission. These parasites can cause significant production losses in domestic livestock, but much less is known about impacts on wild mammalian hosts. We review three elements of parasitism from the host's perspective: fitness costs of infection, risks of infection during foraging and benefits of nutritious pasture. The majority of wildlife studies have been observational, but experimental manipulation is increasing. Treatment with anthelmintics to manipulate parasite load has revealed varied impacts of parasites on fitness variables across host species, but has not produced consistent evidence for parasite-induced anorexia or impaired body condition. Some experimental studies of infection risk have manipulated faecal contamination and detected faecal avoidance by hosts. Only two field studies have explored the trade-off between infection risk and nutritional benefit generated by avoidance of contaminated patches. Overall, field studies of costs, risks and benefits of the host-parasite relationship are limited and few have examined more than one of these elements. Parasitism has much in common with predation, and future insights into anti-parasite responses by wild hosts could be gained from the conceptual and technical developments in research on anti-predator behaviour.This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Evolution of pathogen and parasite avoidance behaviours'.

Coulson|Graeme|G|0000-0001-9873-8203
Cripps|Jemma K|JK|
Garnick|Sarah|S|
Bristow|Verity|V|
Beveridge|Ian|I|

gastrointestinal nematodes
mammalian herbivores
faecal avoidance
anti-predator behaviour
anthelmintic treatment
parasite co-infection


Potential for synergy in soil inoculation for nature restoration by mixing inocula from different successional stages.

Abstract:
Background and aims
Soil inoculation is a powerful tool for the restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the origin of the donor material may differentially influence early- and late-successional plant species. Donor soil from late-succession stages may benefit target plant species due to a higher abundance of soil-borne mutualists. Arable soils, on the other hand, may suppress ruderals as they support more root herbivores that preferentially attack ruderal plant species, while mid-succession soils may be intermediate in their effects on ruderals and target species performance. We hypothesized that a mixture of arable and late-succession inocula may outperform pure late-successional inocula for restoration, by promoting late-successional target plants, while simultaneously reducing ruderal species' performance.

Methods
We conducted a glasshouse experiment and tested the growth of ruderal and target plant species on pure and mixed inocula. The inocula were derived from arable fields, mid-succession grasslands and late-succession heathlands and we created a replacement series testing different pairwise mixitures for each of these inocula types (ratios: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100 of inoculum A and B respectively).

Results
In general, we found that a higher proportion of heathland material led to a higher aboveground biomass of target plant species, while responses of ruderal species were variable. We found synergistic effects when specific inocula were mixed. In particular, a 50:50 mixture of heathland and arable soil in the inoculum led to a significant reduction in ruderal species biomass relative to the two respective pure inocula. The overall response was driven by Myosotis arvensis, since the other two ruderal species were not significantly affected.

Conclusions
Mixing inocula from different successional stages can lead to synergistic effects on restoration, but this highly depends on the specific combination of inocula, the mixing ratio and plant species. This suggest that specific inocula may need to be developed in order to rapidly restore different plant communities.

Wubs|E R Jasper|ERJ|0000-0002-2925-9222
Melchers|Pauline D|PD|
Bezemer|T Martijn|TM|

Soil inoculation
Mutualists
Antagonists
Community coalescence
Plant-soil interactions


Gill physiological and transcriptomic response of the threatened freshwater mussel Solenaia oleivora to salinity shift.

Abstract: Solenaia oleivora, a freshwater shellfish endemic to China, is becoming one of the most threatened freshwater mussels owing to water pollution, habitat fragmentation, and overfishing. Hence, exploring its response to different environmental factors is important for its conservation. In this work, we investigated the physiological and transcriptomic response of S. oleivora to increased salinity. We found that increased salinity caused the death of S. oleivora. High salinity caused shrinking and deformation of gill filaments, reduced gill cilia, and induced cell apoptosis in gills. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), as well as glutathione (GSH) content were increased at the beginning of salinity stress (3-12 h), while SOD and ACP activities decreased at 48 h. Transcriptome data revealed that high salinity stress (48 h) induced 766 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Among these DEGs, the majority of the stress response and ion transport-related genes were up-regulated, while most of the immune-related genes were down-regulated. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the antioxidant and immune functions of S. oleivora can be inhibited by high salinity, which may be one of the main reasons for its low survival rate under conditions of increasing salinity.

Zhang|Ting|T| Yao|Jingting|J| Xu|Dongpo|D| Ma|Xueyan|X| Jin|Wu|W| Lv|Guohua|G| Gu|Ruobo|R| Wen|Haibo|H| Zhou|Yanfeng|Y|

Transcriptome
Solenaia oleivora
Salinity
Immune
Oxidative stress


No clear benefit or drawback to the use of closed drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Closed drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been used routinely for many decades, but controversies have arisen in recent years. The purposes of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of closed drainage with nondrainage after primary TKA; and to assess the benefit and drawback of closed drainage.

METHODS
Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, CENTRAL, Embase and Web of Science) were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and risks of closed drainage after primary TKA. Two investigators independently reviewed studies for eligibility, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. A meta-analysis was then performed using Review Manager Software.

RESULTS
Twelve RCTs totalling 889 TKAs were identified. No significant differences in infection rate or blood loss were found between the closed drainage and nondrainage TKAs, and there was also no significant difference in haematoma formation, deep venous thrombosis, postoperative VAS score or range of motion between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be no clear benefit or drawback to the use of closed drainage after primary TKA. Improving the use of closed drainage might provide better outcomes.

Si|Hai-Bo|HB| Yang|Ti-Min|TM| Zeng|Yi|Y| Shen|Bin|B|

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Drainage
Total knee arthroplasty
Systematic review
Meta-analysis


Reactive Oxygen Species Shielding Hydrogel for the Delivery of Adherent and Nonadherent Therapeutic Cell Types<sup/>.

Abstract: Cell therapies suffer from poor survival post-transplant due to placement into hostile implant sites characterized by host immune response and innate production of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that cellular encapsulation within an injectable, antioxidant hydrogel would improve viability of cells exposed to high oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, we applied a dual thermo- and ROS-responsive hydrogel comprising the ABC triblock polymer poly[(propylene sulfide)-block-(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide)-block-(N-isopropylacrylamide)] (PPS135-b-PDMA152-b-PNIPAAM225, PDN). The PPS chemistry reacts irreversibly with ROS such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), imparting inherent antioxidant properties to the system. Here, PDN hydrogels were successfully integrated with type 1 collagen to form ROS-protective, composite hydrogels amenable to spreading and growth of adherent cell types such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). It was also shown that, using a control hydrogel substituting nonreactive polycaprolactone in place of PPS, the ROS-reactive PPS chemistry is directly responsible for PDN hydrogel cytoprotection of both MSCs and insulin-producing β-cell pseudo-islets against H2O2 toxicity. In sum, these results establish the potential of cytoprotective, thermogelling PDN biomaterials for injectable delivery of cell therapies.

Dollinger|Bryan R|BR|
Gupta|Mukesh K|MK|
Martin|John R|JR|
Duvall|Craig L|CL|

D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation

hydrogel antioxidant cell-delivery thermoresponsive


Nurse Anesthetists' Reflections on Caring for Patients With Previous Substance Dependence: Balancing Between Professionalism and Preconceptions.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The study aim was to describe nurse anesthetists' reflections on the provision of perioperative care to patients with previous substance dependence.

DESIGN
A qualitative approach with a descriptive design.

METHODS
Semistructured interviews based on clinical vignettes were conducted with 10 nurse anesthetists.

FINDINGS
The perioperative care provided to patients with previous substance dependence was perceived as balancing between professionalism and preconceptions for this specific patient group. The nurse anesthetists felt that anesthetizing this group of patients constituted a challenge with regard to knowledge, experience, and time. However, the nurses also had feelings of distrust and uncertainty because of lack of knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS
The nurse anesthetists strove to uphold the principle that patients who are/have been substance dependent have the same right to adequate treatment and care as all patients. If guidelines were developed for this patient group, care could be made safer and nurses' sense of uncertainty minimized.

Forsberg|Markus|M| Björn|Catrine|C| Engström|Maria|M| Nilsson|Annika|A|

nurse anesthetist
perioperative care
relapse
substance abuse


Gender Differences in the Pattern of Socio-Demographics Relevant to Metabolic Syndrome Among Kenyan Adults with Central Obesity at a Mission Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular-related morbidity and mortality. Although the risk factors for MetS are well documented, differences in gender-based demographics among Kenyan adults with central obesity are lacking.

AIM
Determine gender differences in the pattern of socio-demographics relevant to metabolic syndrome among Kenyan adults with central obesity at a mission hospital, Nairobi.

METHODS
A cross-sectional baseline survey involving adults (N = 404) with central obesity aged 18-64 years, as part of a community-based lifestyle intervention study. Respondents were systematically sampled using the International Diabetes Federation definition for MetS. Lifestyle characteristics, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical markers were measured and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS
High (87.2%) MetS prevalence associated with advanced age in males (p < 0.001) and females (p = 0.002) was observed. MetS was likely among divorced/separated/widowed (p = 0.021) and high income males (p = 0.002) and females (p = 0.017) with high income. Unemployed males (p = 0.008) and females with tertiary education (p = 0.019) were less likely to have MetS. Advanced age was likely to lead to high blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and triglycerides (p < 0.05). Males were more likely (p = 0.026) to have raised triglycerides, while females (p < 0.001) had low high density lipoproteins.

CONCLUSION
A high prevalence of MetS associated with social and gender differences among Kenyan adults with central obesity. These underscore the need to look beyond the behavioral and biological risks and focus on every nuance of gender differences in addressing MetS and CVDs.

Okube|Okubatsion Tekeste|OT|
Kimani|Samuel T|ST|
Mirie|Waithira|W|

Gender difference
Metabolic syndrome
Kenya
Anthropometric
Biomarkers
Socio-demographic factors


Therapeutic Irradiation: Consequences for Bone and Bone Marrow Adipose Tissue.

Abstract: Radiotherapy continues to be one of the most accepted medical treatments for cancer. Localized irradiation is the most common treatment for prostate, pancreatic, rectal, cervical and endometrial malignancies. Conventional localized fractions are total doses of 30-62Gy at 1.8-2Gy per fraction, with administration of ~60Gy often used for tumor ablation. However, even the lowest dose of localized irradiation exposure can result in adverse complications to adjacent organs, tissues, and vessels, which absorb a portion of the treatment. Skeletal complications are common amongst cancer patients undergoing these localized treatments. Irradiation exposure causes deterioration to the overall quantity and quality of bone by interfering with the trabecular architecture through increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast activity. Irradiation-induced bone damage parallels adipocyte infiltration of the bone marrow (BM) resulting in compositional alterations of the microenvironment that may further affect bone quality and disease state. There may also be direct effects of irradiation on the BM adipocyte/pre-adipocyte, although in vitro findings do not always agree and cellular response is dependent on irradiation dosage. Hematopoietic cells also become apoptotic upon irradiation, which causes a range of skeletal effects. Bone loss leaves patients at a greater risk for osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, and skeletal fractures that drastically reduce quality of life. Osteoanabolic agents stimulate bone formation and reduce fracture risk in patients with low bone density; thus, osteoanabolic or anti-resorptive agents may be useful co-treatments with irradiation. This review discusses these topics and proposes further research directions using novel or combination therapies to enhance bone health during irradiation.

irradiation
bone marrow adipose tissue
osteoblast
adipocyte
bone marrow microenvironment


1,3,4-Oxadiazole and Heteroaromatic-Fused 1,2,4-Triazole Synthesis using Diverted Umpolung Amide Synthesis.

Abstract: Umpolung Amide Synthesis (UmAS) has emerged as a superior alternative to conventional amide synthesis methods based on carbonyl electrophiles in a range of situations, particularly when epimerization-prone couplings are prescribed. In an unanticipated development during our most recent studies, it was discovered that diacyl hydrazide products from UmAS were not formed as intermediates when using an acyl hydrazide as the amine acceptor. This resulted in a new preparation of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from α-bromonitroalkane donors. We hypothesized that a key tetrahedral intermediate in UmAS was diverted toward a more direct pathway to the heterocycle product rather than through formation of the diacyl hydrazide, a typical oxadiazole progenitor. In studies reported here, diversion to 1,2,4-triazole products is described, a behavior hypothesized to also result from an analogous tetrahedral intermediate, but one formed from heteroaromatic hydrazine acceptors.

Tokumaru|Kazuyuki|K|
Bera|Kalisankar|K|
Johnston|Jeffrey N|JN|

diverted Umpolung Amide Synthesis
oxadiazole
hydrazine
pyrazine
pyridazine
pyrimidine
triazole
triazolopyridine


Tuberculous Otitis Media Leading to Sequentialib Bilateral Facial Nerve Paralysis.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculous otitis media (TOM) is an uncommon, insidious, and frequently misdiagnosed form of tuberculosis (TB). In particular, TOM is usually secondary to direct transmission from adjacent organs, while the primary form has been rarely reported. The main aim of treatment is to start the patient on an antitubercular regime and early surgical intervention to decompress the facial nerve if involved.

CASE REPORT
The case report of a twenty year-old male with bilateral tuberculous otitis media, who presented himself with fever followed by sequential bilateral facial nerve paralysis, bilateral profound hearing loss, and abdominal tuberculosis leading to intestinal perforation, is presented. To the best available knowledge and after researching literature, no such case depicting the extensive otological complications of tuberculosis has been reported till date.

CONCLUSION
Tuberculosis of the ear is a rare entity and in most cases the clinical features resemble that of chronic otitis media. The diagnosis is often delayed due to varied clinical presentations and this can lead to irreversible complications. Early diagnosis is essential for prompt administration of antitubercular therapy and to prevent complications.

Gupta|Nitin|N| Dass|Arjun|A| Goel|Neha|N| Tiwari|Sandeep|S|

Tuberculous otitis media
Bilateral facial nerve paralysis
Abdominal tuberculosis


Association of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Fatigue: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract: Fatigue is often described by patients as a lack of energy, mental or physical tiredness, diminished endurance, and prolonged recovery after physical activity. Etiologic mechanisms underlying fatigue are not well understood; however, fatigue is a hallmark symptom of mitochondrial disease, making mitochondrial dysfunction a putative biological mechanism for fatigue. Therefore, this review examined studies that investigated the association of markers of mitochondrial dysfunction with fatigue and proposes possible research directions to enhance understanding of the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in fatigue. A thorough search using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases returned 1,220 articles. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 25 articles meeting eligibility criteria were selected for full review. Dysfunctions in the mitochondrial structure, mitochondrial function (mitochondrial enzymes and oxidative/nitrosative stress), mitochondrial energy metabolism (ATP production and fatty acid metabolism), immune response, and genetics were investigated as potential contributors to fatigue. Carnitine was the most investigated mitochondrial function marker. Dysfunctional levels were reported in all the studies investigating carnitine; however, the specific type of carnitine that was dysfunctional varied. Genetic profiles were the second most studied mitochondrial parameter. Six common pathways were proposed: metabolism, energy production, protein transport, mitochondrial morphology, central nervous system dysfunction and post-viral infection. Coenzyme Q10 was the most commonly investigated mitochondrial enzyme. Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 were consistently associated with fatigue. Potential targets for further investigation were identified as well as gaps in the current literature.

Filler|Kristin|K|
Lyon|Debra|D|
Bennett|James|J|
McCain|Nancy|N|
Elswick|Ronald|R|
Lukkahatai|Nada|N|
Saligan|Leorey N|LN|


Urban-rural inequalities in suicide mortality: a comparison of urbanicity indicators.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Urban-rural disparities in suicide mortality have received considerable attention. Varying conceptualizations of urbanity may contribute to the conflicting findings. This ecological study on Germany assessed how and to what extent urban-rural suicide associations are affected by 14 different urban-rural indicators.

METHODS
Indicators were based on continuous or k-means classified population data, land-use data, planning typologies, or represented population-based accessibility indicators. Agreements between indicators were tested with correlation analyses. Spatial Bayesian Poisson regressions were estimated to examine urban-rural suicide associations while adjusting for risk and protective factors.

RESULTS
Urban-rural differences in suicide rates per 100,000 persons were found irrespective of the indicator. Strong and significant correlation was observed between different urban-rural indicators. Although the effect sign consistently referred to a reduced risk in urban areas, statistical significance was not universally confirmed by all regressions. Goodness-of-fit statistics suggested that the population potential score performs best, and that population density is the second best indicator of urbanicity. Numerical indicators are favored over classified ones. Regional planning typologies are not supported.

CONCLUSIONS
The strength of suicide urban-rural associations varies with respect to the applied indicator of urbanicity. Future studies that put urban-rural inequalities central are recommended to apply either unclassified population potentials or population density indicators, but sensitivity analyses are advised.

Helbich|M|M|0000-0003-0392-8915
Blüml|V|V|
de Jong|T|T|
Plener|P L|PL|
Kwan|M-P|MP|
Kapusta|N D|ND|

Suicide mortality
Germany
Indicator comparison
Spatial inequalities
Urban–rural differences


Idelalisib induces apoptosis in the lymphoid tissues and impairs lung function in mice.

Abstract: Idelalisib, an inhibitor of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p110δ subunit (PI3Kδ), is approved for treating lymphoid malignancy. The drug is associated with hematopoietic and pulmonary toxicities, which limit its clinical use. However, the toxicity mechanisms are not completely elucidated. In this study, mice were intraperitoneally injected with idelalisib (40 or 80 µg/g) or dimethyl sulfoxide for five days every week for up to four weeks to evaluate the changes in the thymus, spleen, and pulmonary functions. Idelalisib treatment induced thymic involution, decreased CD4+/CD8+ T-cell population, and increased CD4-/CD8- T-cell population. In the spleen, idelalisib dose dependently decreased the lymphocyte viability and cell count. Idelalisib-treated mice exhibited enhanced cleaved caspase-3 expression in the thymus, spleen, and lung tissues. Idelalisib augmented thoracic and airway resistance and decreased thoracic compliance. Thus, PI3Kδ has physiological roles in T-cell development and airway function. Monitoring drug toxicity is important for developing follow-up compounds that target PI3Kδ signalling.

George|Junu A|JA|
Alshebli|Zainab|Z|
Alneyadi|Asma|A|
Al Mukhaini|Noura|N|
Al-Salam|Suhail|S|
Sudhadevi|Manjusha|M|
Souid|Abdul-Kader|AK|
Alsuwaidi|Ahmed R|AR|

idelalisib
thymus
spleen
caspase-3
airway resistance
PI3K delta


'Jumping around': exploring young women's behaviour and knowledge in relation to sexual health in a remote Aboriginal Australian community.

Abstract: Sexual health indicators for young remote-living Aboriginal women are the worst of all of Australian women. This study aimed to describe and explore young women's behaviour and knowledge in relation to sexual health, as well as to provide health professionals with cross-cultural insights to assist with health practice. A descriptive ethnographic study was conducted, which included: extended ethnographic field work in one remote community over a six-year period; community observation and participation; field notes; semi-structured interviews; group reproductive ethno-physiology drawing and language sessions; focus-group sessions; training and employment of Aboriginal research assistants; and consultation and advice from a local reference group and a Cultural Mentor. Findings reveal that young women in this remote community have a very poor biomedical understanding of sexually transmitted infections and contraception. This is further compounded by not speaking English as a first language, low literacy levels and different beliefs in relation to body functions. In their sexual relationships, young women often report experiences involving multiple casual partners, marijuana use and violence. Together, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors underlying sexual health inequity among young Aboriginal women in Australia.

Ireland|Sarah|S|
Narjic|Concepta Wulili|CW|
Belton|Suzanne|S|
Saggers|Sherry|S|
McGrath|Ann|A|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D044468:Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Aboriginal women
Australia
rural communities
sexual and reproductive health
young people


Neonatal lumbar puncture: are clinical landmarks accurate?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The intercristal line (ICL), defined by the superior aspect of the iliac crest, is used to clinically identify the entry point for lumbar puncture (LP) in neonates. Accepted practice is to insert the needle at the L3/4 or L4/5 intervertebral space.

AIM
To investigate the vertebral level crossed by the ICL as determined by manual palpation and the ability of manual palpation to reliably identify a specified intervertebral space.

METHOD
A total of 30 term neonates were recruited. Paediatricians identified and marked the ICL and the intervertebral space above, with babies in left lateral position. The anatomical positions of both points and the end of the conus medullaris were confirmed using ultrasonography.

RESULTS
The ICL was marked from L2/3 to L5/S1. In 25 babies (83%), the ICL was identified at the desired vertebral level between L3/4 and L4/5. The intervertebral space above this line was marked between L1/2 to L4/5. The potential site for LP was identified higher than intended in 11 cases (36%). The end of the conus medullaris ranged from L1 to L3 terminating at L2 or lower in 11 cases (36%).

CONCLUSIONS
There are wide variations in the positions of the ICL and potential LP site. Using the ICL to guide LP does not appear to be accurate, raising the possibility of potential spinal cord damage.

Baxter|B|B| Evans|J|J| Morris|R|R| Ghafoor|U|U| Nana|M|M| Weldon|T|T| Tudor|G|G| Hildebrandt|T|T|

Anaesthetics
Clinical Procedures
Neonatology
Paediatric Practice


Vertebral infection in a male individual buried in the monastic cemetery (Cemetery 2) at Ghazali (ca. 670-1270 CE), northern Sudan.

Abstract:
PURPOSE/RESEARCH QUESTION
This article examines pronounced osteoblastic-osteolytic vertebral lesions in a middle adult male (Ghz-2-033), from the Christian Nubian monastic settlement of Ghazali (ca. 670-1270 CE), Sudan, to explore their potential etiology.

METHODS
Morphological assessments of sex and age were undertaken in conjunction with macroscopic and radiological methods of assessment for the skeletal lesions documented.

RESULTS
Macroscopic assessment of Ghz-2-033 identified mixed osteoblastic-osteolytic lesions in L2-L3 with minor foci in T12-L1, while radiological assessment identified no further lesions. This paleopathological analysis considers tuberculosis, brucellosis, pyogenic intervertebral disc infection, neoplastic conditions, and mycotic infections as potential etiologies.

CONCLUSIONS
Tuberculosis is the most probable etiology for the lesions observed. This assessment is based on the morphology of the lesions in conjunction with the known confined living quarters at Ghazali and the presence of tuberculosis vectors (i.e. cattle) in the region.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO KNOWLEDGE/ORIGINALITY/VALUE
This brief communication contributes original data documenting the presence of tubercular lesions in a monk buried at the Christian Nubian monastery of Ghazali. On a broader level this study contributes to regional and temporal paleopathological dialogues regarding interactions with pathogens in Christian Nubian monastic contexts.

LIMITATIONS FOR THIS STUDY
The potentiality of co-infection with other pathogens (e.g. brucellosis, Staphylococcus) with similar macromorphological traits in skeletal remains cannot be entirely discounted.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
The use of biomolecular analyses may help to clarify the potential presence of tuberculosis in individual Ghz-2-033.

Tuberculosis
Bayuda desert
Christian Nubia
Makuria
Spinal pathology
Wadi Abu Dom


Study on the Clinical, Imaging, and Pathological Characteristics of 18 Cases with Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
To summarize the characteristics of primary central nervous system vasculitis from clinical, imaging, and pathological aspects by retrospective study.

METHODS
From March 2015 to December 2017, the data of the inpatients of primary central nervous system vasculitis in first Hospital of Jilin University were collected, and their clinical manifestation, imaging, and pathological characteristics were analyzed by using a descriptive method.

RESULTS
There were 18 patients, 10 males (55.56%) and 8 females (44.44%) separately. The age ranges from 16 years old to 49 years old, with the median age of 32 years old. There were 8 cases (44.44%) of epileptic seizure, 6 cases (33.33%) of abnormal behavior and cognition, 10 cases (55.56%) with sensorimotor abnormalities, 4 cases (22.22%) with dizziness, 4 cases (22.22%) with headache, 2 cases (11.11%) with facial pain, 2 cases (11.11%) with blurred vision, and 2 cases (11.11%) with unstable walking. Eight patients (44.44%) were identified with cerebral spinal fluid abnormalities. There were 12 cases (66.67%) with bilateral lesions and 6 cases (33.33%) with unilateral lesions, including the frontal lobe (18 cases, 100%), the parietal lobe (10 cases, 55.56%), the temporal and occipital lobe (8 cases, 44.44%). There were 12 cases (66.67%) combined with subcortical white matter involvement, 6 cases (33.33%) combined with meningeal involvement, 2 cases (11.11%) complicated with basal ganglia involvement and 2 cases (11.11%) complicated with spinal cord involvement. Most of the lesions were with unclear border (16 cases, 88.89%), 2 cases (11.11%) were with clear border. Cortical atrophy was identified in 6 cases (33.33%). There were 12 cases (66.67%) with the enhancement of the lesions and meningeal. The 3D Vessel Wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI) showed uniform thickness in all patients (18/18) with contrast enhancement of the vessel wall of the vasculitis artery.

CONCLUSIONS
The clinical manifestation and imaging in primary central nervous system vasculitis are diverse. The 3D VW-MRI could achieve quantification assessment of vasculitis and provide more utility for primary angiitis of the central nervous system.

Wang|Lin-Jing|LJ| Kong|De-Zheng|DZ| Guo|Zhen-Ni|ZN| Zhang|Fu-Liang|FL| Zhou|Hong-Wei|HW| Yang|Yi|Y|

D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

D020293:Vasculitis, Central Nervous System


Dispositional mindfulness is associated with heart rate reactivity and recovery in response to a lab stressor.

Abstract: Heightened perceived stress is consistently associated with symptoms of psychopathology. Perceived stress can be reliably linked with physiological responses, such as increased heart rate. Even though dispositional mindfulness is associated with lower self-reported stress, no studies to date have examined whether dispositional mindfulness can predict physiological responses to and recovery from stress. We recruited 142 student participants and administered a measure of dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form/FFMQ-SF) and a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Specifically, during the TSST, we instructed participants that they were about to deliver a presentation to a panel of judges, then informed them they no longer need to deliver this presentation, all while measuring their heart rate. We found that total FFMQ-SF and non-reactivity subscale scores were positively and significantly correlated with heart rate reactivity to the lab stressor. Further, we found that the FFMQ-SF facet of non-judgment was negatively and significantly correlated with the time it took for participants' heart rates to return to and stabilize at baseline. The results of this study elucidate potential mechanisms of mindfulness in stress. Specifically, mindfulness may not necessarily make people less reactive to stressors, but may operate through top-down processes to enhance recovery and resilience during stress.

dispositional mindfulness
heart rate
stress
Trier Social Stress Test
non-judgment
resilience


Perceptual and Interoceptive Strength Norms for 270 French Words.

Abstract: Perceptual experience through the five modalities (i.e., vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) has demonstrated its key role in semantics. Researchers also highlighted the role of interoceptive information in the grounded representation of concepts. However, to this day, there is no available data across these modalities in the French language. Therefore, the aim of this study was to circumvent this caveat. Participants aged between 18 and 50 completed an online survey in which we recorded scores of perceptual strength (PS), interoceptive information, imageability, concreteness, conceptual familiarity, and age of acquisition of 270 words of the French language. We also analysed the relationships between perceptual modalities and psycholinguistic variables. Results showed that vast majority of concepts were visually-dominant. Correlation analyses revealed that the five PS variables were strongly correlated with imageability, concreteness, and conceptual familiarity and highlight that PS variables index one aspect of the semantic representations of a word. On the other hand, high interoceptive scores were highlighted only for the less imageable and less concrete words, emphasizing their importance for the grounding of abstract concepts. Future research could use these norms in the investigation of the role of perceptual experience in the representation of concepts and their impact on word processing.

Miceli|Aurélie|A|
Wauthia|Erika|E|
Lefebvre|Laurent|L|
Ris|Laurence|L|
Simoes Loureiro|Isabelle|I|

norms
semantic
perceptual strength
psycholinguistic variables
interoception conceptualization


A pipette-based calibration system for fast-scan cyclic voltammetry with fast response times.

Abstract: Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical technique that utilizes the oxidation and/or reduction of an analyte of interest to infer rapid changes in concentrations. In order to calibrate the resulting oxidative or reductive current, known concentrations of an analyte must be introduced under controlled settings. Here, I describe a simple and cost-effective method, using a Petri dish and pipettes, for the calibration of carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs) using FSCV.

calibration
fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV)
dopamine (DA)


Retinoic acid induced the differentiation of neural stem cells from embryonic spinal cord into functional neurons in vitro.

Abstract: Retinoic acid is an important molecular taking part in the development and homeostasis of nervous system. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are pluripotent cells that can differentiate into three main neural cells including neuron, astrocyte and oligodendrocyte. However, whether retinoic acid can induce NSCs derived from embryonic spinal cord differentiating into functional neurons and its efficiency are not clear. In this experiment, NSCs were isolated from embryonic 14 d spinal cord of rats. The growth and neuronal differentiation of NSCs induced by 500 nM RA was examined in vitro. It was indicated that compared with the control group, there were more differentiated cells with longer cytodendrites in the medium treated with RA at different time. And more, there were more neuronal marker positive cells in 500 nM RA group than the control group seven days after differentiation. At the same time, the expression of β-tublin III protein in RA group was higher than those in control group, which was contrary to the expression of astrocyte marker GFAP protein at seven days after differentiation. However the differentiated neurons, whether treated with RA or not both exhibited biological electrical reactivity after stimulated by glutamine. Therefore, these findings indicated that RA could promote growth of cellular dendrites and neuronal differentiation of NSCs, which also induce functional maturation of differentiated neurons finally.

Tan|Bo-Tao|BT| Wang|Li|L| Li|Sen|S| Long|Zai-Yun|ZY| Wu|Ya-Min|YM| Liu|Yuan|Y|

Retinoic acid
differentiation
neural stem cells
culture


Incidental finding of jejunal diverticula during laparotomy for suspected adhesive small bowel obstruction: A case report.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Jejunal diverticula are usually asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. While rare, their complications may be life-threatening. They should be considered as differential diagnoses in undiagnosed complaints of chronic abdominal pain, malabsorption, anemia, gastrointestinal bleed and intestinal obstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION
A 66-year lady, known hypertensive and hypothyroidism with history of hysterectomy presented with symptoms suggestive of small bowel obstruction. Intraoperatively adhesions between loops of the small intestine, multiple diverticula with two of them impending perforation were found. Resection of 10 cm of jejunum containing diverticula with end-to-end anastomosis was performed. She had uneventful recovery and on 2 months of follow-up she was doing well.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Although diverticula can be found anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, jejunal diverticula are rare. Most patients are asymptomatic, symptoms if present is non-specific that delay diagnosis causing patients to land up with complications. They are diagnosed incidentally on endoscopy or imaging rather than through clinical suspicion. Asymptomatic cases do not mandate treatment while symptomatic cases can be managed conservatively with surgery being reserved for those with complications.

CONCLUSION
Small bowel obstruction due to jejunal diverticula is a rare entity, a diagnosis of which can be confirmed only intra-operatively. So it must be borne as a differential in small bowel obstruction. Timely diagnosis and management will prevent life-threatening complications of it.

Luitel|Prajjwol|P|
Shrestha|Bibek Man|BM|
Adhikari|Shankar|S|
Kandel|Bishnu Prasad|BP|
Lakhey|Paleswan Joshi|PJ|

Complete adhesive small bowel obstruction


Utility of the Mayo-Portland adaptability inventory-4 for self-reported outcomes in a military sample with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the psychometric properties of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) obtained by self-report in a large sample of active duty military personnel with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

DESIGN
Consecutive cohort who completed the MPAI-4 as a part of a larger battery of clinical outcome measures at the time of intake to an outpatient brain injury clinic.

SETTING
Medical center.

PARTICIPANTS
Consecutively referred sample of active duty military personnel (N=404) who suffered predominantly mild (n=355), but also moderate (n=37) and severe (n=12), TBI.

INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
MPAI-4 RESULTS: Initial factor analysis suggested 2 salient dimensions. In subsequent analysis, the ratio of the first and second eigenvalues (6.84:1) and parallel analysis indicated sufficient unidimensionality in 26 retained items. Iterative Rasch analysis resulted in the rescaling of the measure and the removal of 5 additional items for poor fit. The items of the final 21-item Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-military were locally independent, demonstrated monotonically increasing responses, adequately fit the item response model, and permitted the identification of nearly 5 statistically distinct levels of disability in the study population. Slight mistargeting of the population resulted in the global outcome, as measured by the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-military, tending to be less reflective of very mild levels of disability.

CONCLUSIONS
These data collected in a relatively large sample of active duty service members with TBI provide insight into the ability of patients to self-report functional impairment and the distinct effects of military deployment on outcome, providing important guidance for the meaningful measurement of outcome in this population.

Kean|Jacob|J|
Malec|James F|JF|
Cooper|Douglas B|DB|
Bowles|Amy O|AO|

Outcome and process assessment (health care)


Students to Surgeons: Increasing Matriculation in Surgical Specialties.

Abstract: Introduction Our nation suffers from a shortage in surgeons. This deficiency must be addressed at the medical student level. Increasing faculty and resident interaction with junior students augments surgical interest. Our surgical interest group has recently redefined its role to address these concerns. Methods A multifocal approach has been implemented to increase interest in the surgical specialties. Each academic year, senior students recruit first and second year students to our group to establish early exposure. Members receive didactic presentations from surgical faculty, addressing various topics, on a biweekly basis. In addition, scrubbing, knot-tying, and suturing workshops address technical skills throughout the semester. Membership and match data were collated and analyzed. Results Over the past 5 years, the enrollment in the student interest group increased significantly from 112 to 150. Accordingly, we have observed a parallel increase in the number of students who have successfully matched into surgical residencies. A record number of students (37) from the class of 2013 matched into surgical specialties, representing an 85% increase over the last decade. After creating bylaws and electing societal officers, the group has been recognized by the school's Student Council and given financial support. At present, the group is fiscally solvent with support from the institution, surgery department, and faculty. Conclusion As the demand for surgeons increases so too does the need to increase student interest in surgery. Our school has been successful because of our surgical interest group, and we encourage other schools to adopt a similar approach.

Grover|Karan|K|
Agarwal|Prateek|P|
Agarwal|Nitin|N|
Tabakin|Marcia D|MD|
Swan|Kenneth G|KG|

medical student
surgical interest group
student interest group
surgery
BRSS
Benjamin Rush Surgical Society
medical education
surgical education
undergraduate


Copper environmental toxicology, recent advances, and future outlook: a review.

Abstract: Copper (Cu) is one of the micronutrients needed by living organisms. In plants, Cu plays key roles in chlorophyll formation, photosynthesis, respiratory electron transport chains, oxidative stress protection as well as protein, carbohydrate, and cell wall metabolism. Therefore, deficiency of Cu can alter various functions of plant metabolism. However, Cu-based agrochemicals have traditionally been used in agriculture and being excessively released into the environment by anthropogenic activities. Continuous and extensive release of Cu is an imperative issue with various documented cases of phytotoxicity by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage to carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and DNA. The mobility of Cu from soil to plant tissues has several concerns including its adverse effects on humans. In this review, we have described about importance and occurrence of Cu in environment, Cu homeostasis and toxicity in plants as well as remediation and progress in research so far done worldwide in the light of previous findings. Furthermore, present review provides a comprehensive ecological risk assessment on Cu in soils and thus provides insights for agricultural soil management and protection.

Rehman|Muzammal|M|
Liu|Lijun|L|
Wang|Qin|Q|
Saleem|Muhammad Hamzah|MH|
Bashir|Saqib|S|
Ullah|Sana|S|
Peng|Dingxiang|D|

Homeostasis
Remediation
: Copper
Environmental toxicity
Research advancements


Micro Optical Coherence Tomography for Coronary Imaging.

Abstract: Intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) that produces images with 10 μm resolution has emerged as a significant technology for evaluating coronary architectural morphology. Yet, many features that are relevant to coronary plaque pathogenesis can only be seen at the cellular level. This issue has motivated the development of a next-generation form of OCT imaging that offers higher resolution. One such technology that we review here is termed micro-OCT (μOCT) that enables the assessment of the cellular and subcellular morphology of human coronary atherosclerotic plaques. This chapter reviews recent advances and ongoing works regarding μOCT in the field of cardiology. This new technology has the potential to provide researchers and clinicians with a tool to better understand the natural history of coronary atherosclerosis, increase plaque progression prediction capabilities, and better assess the vessel healing process after revascularization therapy.

optical coherence tomography
micro-OCT
cholesterol crystals
endothelial cells
inflammatory cells
macrophage—cell
necrotic core
plaque erosion


Preventing Heat-Related Illness in the Workplace.

Abstract: Heat-related illness and death in the workplace can be prevented by health and safety professionals including occupational health nurses, who can facilitate program planning, measure objectives, and achieve goals for the well-being of all staff.

D018882:Heat Stress Disorders
D006801:Humans
D024802:Nurse's Role
D009784:Occupational Diseases
D016273:Occupational Exposure
D009785:Occupational Health Nursing
D014481:United States
D017132:Workplace

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)


Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with the severity of aortic stenosis in patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) leads to chronic glycation of proteins and tissue damage, particularly in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to evaluate whether increased accumulation of AGEs in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and concomitant type 2 diabetes (DM) is associated with AS severity.

METHODS
We prospectively enrolled 76 patients with severe AS (47.1% males; nonDM), aged 68 [66-72] years, and 50 age-matched DM patients with a median blood glucose level of 7.5 [5.9-9.1] mM and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 6.8 [6.3-7.8]%, scheduled for aortic valve replacement. Valvular expression of AGEs, AGEs receptor (RAGE), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction were evaluated ex vivo by immunostaining and calculated as the extent of positive immunoreactive areas/total sample area. Plasma levels of AGEs and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) were assessed by ELISAs.

RESULTS
Subjects with DM had increased valvular expression of both AGEs (6.6-fold higher, 15.53 [9.96-23.28]%) and RAGE (1.8-fold higher, 6.8 [4.9-8.45]%) compared to nonDM patients (2.05 [1.21-2.58]% and 2.4 [1.56-3.02]%, respectively; both p < 0.001). Plasma levels of AGEs (12-fold higher) and sRAGE (1.3-fold higher) were elevated in DM patients, compared to nonDM (both p < 0.0001). The percentage of valvular ROS-positive (2.28 [1.6-3.09] vs. 1.15 [0.94-1.4]%, p < 0.0001) but not IL-6-positive areas was higher within DM, compared to nonDM valves. In DM patients, the percentage of valvular AGEs- and RAGE-positive areas correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.77, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.30, p = 0.034). Similarly, plasma AGEs and sRAGE levels were associated with HbA1c in the DM group (r = 0.32, p = 0.024 and r = 0.33, p = 0.014, respectively). In all DM patients, we found an association between the amount of valvular AGEs and the disease severity measured as aortic valve area (AVA; r = 0.68, p < 0.0001). Additionally, in DM patients with HbA1c > 7% (n = 24, 48%) we found that valvular expression of AGEs correlated with mean transvalvular pressure gradient (PGmean; r = 0.45, p = 0.027). Plasma AGEs levels in the whole DM group correlated with AVA (r = - 0.32, p = 0.02), PGmean (r = 0.31, p = 0.023), and PGmax (r = 0.30, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that poorly-controlled diabetes leads to increased AGEs and RAGE valvular accumulation, which at least partially, might result in AS progression in DM patients.

Kopytek|Magdalena|M| Ząbczyk|Michał|M| Mazur|Piotr|P| Undas|Anetta|A| Natorska|Joanna|J|0000-0003-3176-8007

D017127:Glycation End Products, Advanced

D000067759:Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
Diabetes mellitus (DM)
Aortic stenosis (AS)
Inflammation
Oxidative stress


Stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in intractable cluster headache: expert consensus on patient selection and standards of care.

Abstract:
CONTEXT AND OVERVIEW
Chronic cluster headache (CCH) is a debilitating headache disorder with a significant impairment of the patients' lives. Within the past decade, various invasive neuromodulatory approaches have been proposed for the treatment of CCH refractory to standard preventive drug, but only very few randomized controlled studies exist in the field of neuromodulation for the treatment of drug-refractory headaches. Based on the prominent role of the cranial parasympathetic system in acute cluster headache attacks, high-frequency sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) stimulation has been shown to abort ongoing attacks in some patients in a first small study. As preventive effects of SPG-stimulation have been suggested and the rate of long-term side effects was moderate, SPG stimulation appears to be a promising new treatment strategy.

AIMS AND CONCLUSION
As SPG stimulation is effective in some patients and the first commercially available CE-marked SPG neurostimulator system has been introduced for cluster headache, patient selection and care should be standardized to ensure maximal efficacy and safety. As only limited data have been published on SPG stimulation, standards of care based on expert consensus are proposed to ensure homogeneous patient selection and treatment across international headache centres. Given that SPG stimulation is still a novel approach, all expert-based consensus on patient selection and standards of care should be re-reviewed when more long-term data are available.

Jürgens|Tim P|TP|
Schoenen|Jean|J|
Rostgaard|Jørgen|J|
Hillerup|Søren|S|
Láinez|Miguel J A|MJ|
Assaf|Alexandre T|AT|
May|Arne|A|
Jensen|Rigmor H|RH|

D003027:Cluster Headache
D032921:Consensus
D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy
D005726:Ganglia, Parasympathetic
D006801:Humans
D018579:Patient Selection
D059039:Standard of Care

stimulation
sphenopalatine ganglion
Cluster headache
patient selection
standards of care
neuromodulation


Whole Genome Analysis of Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors Reveals Tumor Heterogeneity and a High-Grade TP53-Specific Subgroup.

Abstract: Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) harbor a somatic FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation in ~95% of cases and are mainly surgically removed due to limited systemic treatment effect. In this study, potentially targetable genomic alterations in AGCTs were investigated by whole genome sequencing on 46 tumor samples and matched normal DNA. Copy number variant (CNV) analysis confirmed gain of chromosome 12 and 14, and loss of 22. Pathogenic TP53 mutations were identified in three patients with highest tumor mutational burden and mitotic activity, defining a high-grade AGCT subgroup. Within-patient tumor comparisons showed 29-80% unique somatic mutations per sample, suggesting tumor heterogeneity. A higher mutational burden was found in recurrent tumors, as compared to primary AGCTs. FOXL2-wildtype AGCTs harbored DICER1, TERT(C228T) and TP53 mutations and similar CNV profiles as FOXL2-mutant tumors. Our study confirms that absence of the FOXL2 c.402C>G mutation does not exclude AGCT diagnosis. The lack of overlapping variants in targetable cancer genes indicates the need for personalized treatment for AGCT patients.

Roze|Joline|J|0000-0003-0410-9532
Monroe|Glen|G|0000-0002-8653-2643
Kutzera|Joachim|J|
Groeneweg|Jolijn|J|0000-0002-8259-8434
Stelloo|Ellen|E|
Paijens|Sterre|S|
Nijman|Hans|H|
Meurs|Hannah van|HV|
Lonkhuijzen|Luc van|LV|
Piek|Jurgen|J|0000-0002-0487-0631
Lok|Christianne|C|
Jonges|Geertruida|G|
Witteveen|Petronella|P|
Verheijen|René|R|
Haaften|Gijs van|GV|
Zweemer|Ronald|R|

granulosa cell tumors
tumor heterogeneity
FOXL2
whole genome sequencing
ovarian cancer


Design, synthesis, and evaluation of DNA topoisomerase II-targeted nucleosides.

Abstract: We developed novel nucleoside-based topoisomerase II selective inhibitors and showed that small structural units, such as catechols, are essential for DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activity. Moreover, nucleoside analogues containing TBS and 1,3-dithian moieties had potent and selective DNA topoisomerase II inhibitory activities. In further experiments, compound 25b having a beta configuration of the thymine moiety showed relatively strong growth inhibitory activity against cancer cell lines, and was more potent against all cancer cell lines than compound 26b, which carries a thymine moiety in the alpha configuration.

Matsumoto|Hironobu|H| Yamashita|Mitsuaki|M| Tahara|Teruyuki|T| Hayakawa|Shinya|S| Wada|Shun-Ichi|SI| Tomioka|Kiyoshi|K| Iida|Akira|A|

D066241:Carbon-13 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor

D066244:Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

DNA topoisomerase
Nucleoside
Cancer
Antiproliferative activity


Par-4-dependent p53 up-regulation plays a critical role in thymoquinone-induced cellular senescence in human malignant glioma cells.

Abstract: Thymoquinone (TQ), the predominant bioactive constituent present in black cumin (Nigella sativa), exerts tumor suppressive activity against a wide variety of cancer cells. Cellular senescence, characterized by stable and long term loss of proliferative capacity, acts as a potent tumor suppressive mechanism. Here, we provide evidence for the first time that TQ suppresses growth of glioma cells by potentially inducing the expression of prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) tumor suppressor protein. In turn, TQ-induced Par-4 expression triggers cellular senescence, as evidenced by increasing cellular size, β-galactosidase staining, G1 phase arrest, and increased expression of senescence markers such as p53, p21, Rb, and decreased expression of lamin B1, cyclin E and cyclin depended kinase-2 (CDK-2). Further, overexpression of Par-4 significantly increases the expression of p53 and its downstream target p21, and increases β-galactosidase positive cells, while siRNA/shRNA mediated-knockdown of Par-4 reverses the TQ-induced effects. Altogether, we describe a novel mechanism of cross talk between Par-4 and p53, that plays a critical role in TQ-induced senescence in human malignant glioma cells.

Subburayan|Karthikeyan|K| Thayyullathil|Faisal|F| Pallichankandy|Siraj|S| Rahman|Anees|A| Galadari|Sehamuddin|S|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic


Multiple breath-hold proton spectroscopy of human liver at 3T: Relaxation times and concentrations of glycogen, choline, and lipids.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To evaluate the feasibility of an expiration multiple breath-hold 1 H-MRS technique to measure glycogen (Glycg), choline-containing compounds (CCC), and lipid relaxation times T1 , T2 , and their concentrations in normal human liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited. Experiments were performed at 3T. Multiple expiration breath-hold single-voxel point-resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) technique was used for localization. Water-suppressed spectra were used for the estimation of Glycg, CCC, lipid methylene (CH2 )n relaxation times and concentrations. Residual water lines were removed by the Hankel Lanczos singular value decomposition filter. After phase correction and frequency alignment, spectra were averaged and processed by LCModel. Summed signals of Glycg resonances H2H4', H3, and H5 between 3.6 and 4 ppm were used to estimate their apparent relaxation times and concentration. Glycg, CCC, and lipid content were estimated from relaxation corrected spectral intensity ratios to unsuppressed water line.

RESULTS
Relaxation times were measured for liver Glycg (T1 , 892 ± 126 msec; T2 , 13 ± 4 msec), CCC (T1 , 842 ± 75 msec; T2 , 50 ± 5 msec), lipid (CH2 )n (T1 , 402 ± 19 msec; T2 , 52 ± 3 msec), and water (T1 , 990 ± 89 msec; T2 , 30 ± 2 msec). Mean CCC and lipid concentrations of healthy liver were 7.8 ± 1.3 mM and 15.8 ± 23.6 mM, respectively. Glycg content was found lower in the morning (48 ± 21 mM) compared to the afternoon (145 ± 50 mM).

CONCLUSION
Multiple breath-hold 1 H-MRS together with dedicated postprocessing is a feasible technique for the quantification of liver Glycg, CCC, and lipid relaxation times and concentrations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:410-417.

liver
relaxation times
glycogen
choline
quantification
magnetic resonance spectroscopy


Does the Walch type B shoulder have a transverse force couple imbalance? A volumetric analysis of segmented rotator cuff muscles in osteoarthritic shoulders.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The etiology of the Walch type B shoulder remains unclear. We hypothesized that a scapulohumeral muscle imbalance, due to a disturbed transverse force couple (TFC) between the anterior and posterior rotator cuff muscles, may have a role in the pathogenesis of the type B morphology. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a TFC imbalance in the Walch type B shoulder using an imaging-based 3-dimensional (3D) volumetric and fatty infiltration assessment of segmented rotator cuff muscles.

METHODS
Computed tomography images of 33 Walch type A and 60 Walch type B shoulders with the complete scapula and humerus including the distal humeral epicondyles were evaluated. The 3D volumes of the entire subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus-teres minor (Infra-Tm) were manually segmented and analyzed. Additionally, anthropometric parameters including glenoid version, glenoid inclination, posterior humeral head subluxation, and humeral torsion were measured. The 3D muscle analysis was then compared with the anthropometric parameters using the Wilcoxon rank sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS
There were no significant differences (P > .200) in muscle volume ratios between the Infra-Tm and the subscapularis in Walch type A (0.93) and type B (0.96) shoulders. The fatty infiltration percentage ratio, however, was significantly greater in type B shoulders (0.94 vs. 0.75, P < .001). The Infra-Tm to subscapularis fatty infiltration percentage ratio was significantly larger in patients with >75% humeral head subluxation than in those with 60%-75% head subluxation (0.97 vs. 0.74, P < .001) and significantly larger in patients with >25° of retroversion than in those with <15° of retroversion (1.10 vs. 0.75, P = .004). The supraspinatus fatty infiltration percentage was significantly lower in Walch type B shoulders than type A shoulders (P = .004). Walch type A shoulders had mean humeral retrotorsion of 22° ± 10° whereas Walch type B shoulders had humeral retrotorsion of only 14° ± 9° relative to the epicondylar axis (P < .001).

CONCLUSION
The TFC is in balance in the Walch type B shoulder in terms of 3D volumetric rotator cuff muscle analysis; however, the posterior rotator cuff does demonstrate increased fatty infiltration. Posterior humeral head subluxation and glenoid retroversion, which are pathognomonic of the Walch type B shoulder, may lead to a disturbance in the length-tension relationship of the posterior rotator cuff, causing fatty infiltration.

Arenas-Miquelez|Antonio|A|
Liu|Victor K|VK|
Cavanagh|Joseph|J|
Graham|Petra L|PL|
Ferreira|Louis M|LM|
Bokor|Desmond J|DJ|
Athwal|George S|GS|
Raniga|Sumit|S|

transverse force couple
rotator cuff
fatty infiltration
humeral torsion
muscle volume
CT images
Shoulder osteoarthritis


General and erosive tooth wear of 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia: prevalence and association with dental caries.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of general tooth wear (GTW), i.e. tooth wear irrespective of etiology and erosive tooth wear (ETW), i.e. tooth wear predominantly due to erosion; and also to investigate the relationship between ETW and dental caries experience in 16-year-old adolescents in Kuantan, Malaysia.

METHODS
A multi-staged cluster sampling method was employed. A total of 598 16-year-old adolescents participated in this study. Participants' demographic profile was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out under standardized conditions by a single examiner. The level of GTW was recorded using the modified Smith and Knight's Tooth Wear Index (TWI) whilst ETW were recorded using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. This index was developed to record clinical findings and assist in the decision-making process for the management of erosive tooth wear. Dental caries was recorded using the D3MFT index whereby D3 denotes obvious dental decay into dentine detected visually.

RESULTS
The prevalence of GTW, ETW and dental caries, i.e. percentage of individuals found to have at least one lesion, was 99.8%, 45.0% and 27.8% respectively. Two thirds of affected teeth with GTW were observed to have a TWI score of 1 whereas almost all of the affected teeth with ETW had a BEWE score of 2. The mean D3MFT was 0.62 (95% CI 0.50, 0.73) with Decayed (D) teeth being the largest component, mean D3T was 0.36 (95% CI 0.30, 0.43). There was no significant association between socio-demographic factors and prevalence of ETW. Logistic regression analysis also showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of ETW and D3MFT (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Almost all adolescents examined had GTW but they were mainly early lesions. However, nearly half were found to have ETW of moderate severity (BEWE score 2). No significant relationship between the occurrence of erosive tooth wear and caries was observed in this population.

Ab Halim|Noorhazayti|N|
Esa|Rashidah|R|
Chew|Hooi Pin|HP|

Erosive tooth wear
Dental caries experience
BEWE


Techniques for the collection, transportation, and isolation of orchid endophytes from afar: a case study from Madagascar.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Tropical orchids need more study with respect to their mycorrhizal associations. For researchers in distant countries who aspire to study these orchids augmenting their conservation, the great distances involved, coupled with limited funds, pose formidable challenges. These challenges are sometimes exacerbated by political unrest, delays in securing permits, unexpected hardships, and the risk that the biological samples collected (e.g., roots harboring mycorrhizal fungi) will not survive long-distance transport.

RESULTS
We describe a protocol for the collection and transport of root samples from Madagascar orchids to labs in the United Kingdom (Kew) and the United States (Illinois) where Rhizoctonia-like fungi were subsequently isolated. Three separate trips were made spanning 4 years (2012-2015), with emphasis on the collection of roots from epiphytic, lithophytic, and terrestrial orchids inhabiting the Itremo Massif of the Central Highlands. Collectively, the trips to Madagascar resulted in the isolation of all major groups of Rhizoctonia-like fungi (Ceratobasidium, Tulasnella, Sebacina) from all three orchid growth forms (terrestrials, epiphytes and lithophytes). Sampling of terrestrial and epiphytes during the rainy season (January) yielded best results.

CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that peloton-forming fungi in root samples can retain viability up to 3 weeks after collection.

Zettler|Lawrence W|LW|
Rajaovelona|Landy|L|
Yokoya|Kazutomo|K|
Kendon|Jonathan P|JP|
Stice|Andrew L|AL|
Wood|Amanda E|AE|
Sarasan|Viswambharan|V|

Conservation Epiphytes Ceratobasidium Tulasnella Orchidaceae


Chronic alcohol increases CD8+ T-cell immunosenescence in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected rhesus macaques.

Abstract: Activated CD8+ T-cells correlate with viral load and may foretell antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure. HIV infection has been suggested to accelerate immunosenescence through chronic persistent inflammation. Alcohol-use disorders (AUD) are prevalent in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We tested the hypothesis that hazardous alcohol consumption accelerates immune activation and immunosenescence. Immune activation and immunosenescence were examined in CD8+ T lymphocytes (CD3+CD4-CD8+) isolated from intestinal biopsies, axillary lymph nodes, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of chronic binge alcohol (CBA)-consuming simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected male rhesus macaques with and without antiretroviral therapy (ART; CBA/ART+, CBA/ART-) and in PBMCs isolated from a cohort of PLWHA. Polychromatic flow cytometry was used to phenotype cells isolated from intestinal biopsies, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood from rhesus macaques and PLWHA. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) identified hazardous alcohol drinking in PLWHA. Viral load was determined by RT-qPCR and telomere length was measured using qPCR. PBMC CD8+ T-cell activation (CD38+HLA-DR+) and immunosenescence (CD28-) were increased over baseline levels (857% ± 334, p < 0.05; 398% ± 80, p < 0.05, respectively) only in CBA animals not receiving ART. Viral load correlated with CD8+ T-cell immunosenescence in macaque PBMCs (r(s) = 0.49, p = 0.02). Activated immunosenescent T-cell (CD8+CD38+CD28-) frequencies in PBMCs from PLWHA significantly correlated with AUDIT scores (r(s) = 0.75, p = 0.001), while no correlation was observed with CD4+ T-cell and AUDIT scores (r(s) = -0.24, p = 0.38). Activated immunosenescent T-cells had shorter telomeres than CD8+ T-cells (CD8+CD28+) from PLWHA. Our results suggest that CBA and AUD augment immune activation and immunosenescence in SIV-infected macaques and PLWHA.

Katz|Paige S|PS|
Siggins|Robert W|RW|
Porretta|Connie|C|
Armstrong|Megan L|ML|
Zea|Arnold H|AH|
Mercante|Donald E|DE|
Parsons|Christopher|C|
Veazey|Ronald S|RS|
Bagby|Gregory J|GJ|
Nelson|Steve|S|
Molina|Patricia E|PE|
Welsh|David A|DA|

D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants

D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

D016097:Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Alcohol
Immunosenescence
Immune activation
Anti-retroviral therapy
SIV


miR-485-5p alleviates Alzheimer's disease progression by targeting PACS1.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common dementia and a heterogeneous disease. Previous research has validated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators in the initiation and development of tremendous diseases including AD. MicroRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) was reported to be an important participant implicated in several neurological diseases, but its role in AD still needs to be further investigated. In this research, we explored the biological function of miR-485-5p in AD. RT-qPCR revealed that miR-485-5p expression was downregulated in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, miR-485-5p overexpression facilitated the learning and memory capabilities of APP/PS1 mice according to Morris water maze test, fear conditioning test, and immunofluorescent staining. Moreover, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometric analysis, and western blot analysis suggested that miR-485-5p overexpression promoted pericyte viability and prohibited pericyte apoptosis in APP/PS1 mice. Mechanistically, miR-485-5p directly targeted PACS1 in pericytes, as shown in a luciferase reporter assay. In rescue assays, PACS1 overexpression countervailed the effect of miR-485-5p overexpression on pericyte viability and apoptosis. In conclusion, miR-485-5p ameliorates AD progression by targeting PACS1.

He|Chuan|C| Su|Caixia|C| Zhang|Wentong|W| Wan|Qi|Q|


Curcumin induces autophagic cell death in Spodoptera frugiperda cells.

Abstract: The increasing interest in the role of autophagy (type II cell death) in the regulation of insect toxicology has propelled study of investigating autophagic cell death pathways. Turmeric, the rhizome of the herb Curcuma longa (Mañjaḷ in Tamil, India and Jiānghuáng in Chinese) have been traditionally used for the pest control either alone or combination with other botanical pesticides. However, the mechanisms by which Curcuma longa or curcumin exerts cytotoxicity in pests are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the potency of Curcuma longa (curcumin) as a natural pesticide employing Sf9 insect line. Autophagy induction effect of curcumin on Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells was investigated using various techniques including cell proliferation assay, morphology analysis with inverted phase contrast microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis. Autophagy was evaluated using the fluorescent dye monodansylcadaverine (MDC). Cell death measurement was examined using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) within the concentrations of 5-15μg/mL. Curcumin inhibited the growth of the Sf9 cells and induced autophagic cell death in a time and dose dependent manner. Staining the cells with MDC showed the presence of autophagic vacuoles while increased in a dose and time dependent manner. At the ultrastructural level transmission electron microscopy, cells revealed massive autophagy vacuole accumulation and absence of chromatin condensation. Protein expression levels of ATG8-I and ATG8-II, well-established markers of autophagy related protein were elevated in a time dependent manner after curcumin treatment. The present study proves that curcumin induces autophagic cell death in Sf9 insect cell line and this is the first report of cytotoxic effect of curcumin in insect cells and that will be utilized as natural pesticides in future.

Veeran|Sethuraman|S| Shu|Benshui|B| Cui|Gaofeng|G| Fu|Shengjiao|S| Zhong|Guohua|G|

Spodoptera frugiperda cultured cell line Sf9


Nitric Oxide Alleviates Salt Stress Inhibited Photosynthetic Performance by Interacting with Sulfur Assimilation in Mustard.

Abstract: The role of nitric oxide (NO) and sulfur (S) on stomatal responses and photosynthetic performance was studied in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in presence or absence of salt stress. The combined application of 100 μM NO (as sodium nitroprusside) and 200 mg S kg(-1) soil (S) more prominently influenced stomatal behavior, photosynthetic and growth performance both in the absence and presence of salt stress. The chloroplasts from salt-stressed plants had disorganized chloroplast thylakoids, but combined application of NO and S resulted in well-developed chloroplast thylakoids and properly stacked grana. The leaves from plants receiving NO plus S exhibited lower superoxide ion accumulation under salt stress than the plants receiving NO or S. These plants also exhibited increased activity of ATP-sulfurylase (ATPS), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) and optimized NO generation that helped in minimizing oxidative stress. The enhanced S-assimilation of these plants receiving NO plus S resulted in increased production of cysteine (Cys) and reduced glutathione (GSH). These findings indicated that NO influenced photosynthesis under salt stress by regulating oxidative stress and its effects on S-assimilation, an antioxidant system and NO generation. The results suggest that NO improves photosynthetic performance of plants grown under salt stress more effectively when plants received S.

Fatma|Mehar|M|
Masood|Asim|A|
Per|Tasir S|TS|
Khan|Nafees A|NA|

nitric oxide
salt stress
sulfur
photosynthesis
antioxidant


Monovalent Salt and pH-Induced Gelation of Oxidised Cellulose Nanofibrils and Starch Networks: Combining Rheology and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.

Abstract: Water quality parameters such as salt content and various pH environments can alter the stability of gels as well as their rheological properties. Here, we investigated the effect of various concentrations of NaCl and different pH environments on the rheological properties of TEMPO-oxidised cellulose nanofibril (OCNF) and starch-based hydrogels. Addition of NaCl caused an increased stiffness of the OCNF:starch (1:1 wt%) blend gels, where salt played an important role in reducing the repulsive OCNF fibrillar interactions. The rheological properties of these hydrogels were unchanged at pH 5.0 to 9.0. However, at lower pH (4.0), the stiffness and viscosity of the OCNF and OCNF:starch gels appeared to increase due to proton-induced fibrillar interactions. In contrast, at higher pH (11.5), syneresis was observed due to the formation of denser and aggregated gel networks. Interactions as well as aggregation behaviour of these hydrogels were explored via ζ-potential measurements. Furthermore, the nanostructure of the OCNF gels was probed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), where the SAXS patterns showed an increase of slope in the low-q region with increasing salt concentration arising from aggregation due to the screening of the surface charge of the fibrils.

salt
cellulose nanofibrils
starch
rheology
pH
SAXS


Improved field-portable system to measure Cs-137 in wildlife.

Abstract: We have developed an improved system to measure Cs-137 in wildlife at the Savannah River Site. This field-portable system consists of a shielded 5 cm by 10 cm by 40 cm NaI detector controlled by an Ametek Ortec Digibase. Measurement of an animal's radioactivity is made by placing the animal at a predefined location on the detector system for a one minute count-time. The counts, animal type, and animal weight are then used as inputs to an algorithm which calculates the amount of Cs-137 within the whole animal and within the edible meat portion of the animal. The results from these calculations are used to estimate the received dose from eating this animal and is included in the Savannah River Site's Hunter Dose Tracking System. This system has a detection limit of 0.60 pCi/g (22.20 Bq/kg) with a typical measurement uncertainty of less than 0.32 pCi/g (11.84 Bq/kg).

Whiteside|Tad S|TS|
Brand|Alexander D|AD|
Aucott|Timothy J|TJ|
DiPrete|David P|DP|

Cs-137
NaI detector
Bioaccumulation
Wildlife monitoring


Orally Administered Crocin Protects Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through the Metabolic Transformation of Crocetin by Gut Microbiota.

Abstract: Our pilot study suggested that orally administered crocin was hardly absorbed into circulatory system, but it was effective against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The pharmacologically active component and targeting site of crocin remain elusive. In this study, the cerebral-protective effect of crocin was evaluated on a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Our data showed that oral administration of crocin had better effectiveness in cerebral protection than an intravenous injection. Neither crocin nor its metabolite crocetin were determined in the brain of cerebral I/R rats, indicating a target site of periphery. Abundant crocetin was detected in plasma after oral administration instead of intravenous injection of crocin. Meanwhile, orally administered crocetin showed similar cerebral protection to that of crocin, but this exciting effect was not clearly observed by intravenous administration of crocetin, indicating the importance of crocetin in gut. Moreover, orally administered crocin showed less cerebral-protective effect in pseudo germ-free (pGF) MCAO rats. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that crocin could be deglycosylated to crocetin in gut content of normal rats, rather than that of pGF rats, indicating that gut microbiota facilitated the transformation of crocin into crocetin, which played a key role in the activation of the pharmacological effect. Metabolomic study revealed that microbial-host co-metabolic molecules were significantly perturbed after oral administration of crocin, indicating a regulation on intestinal ecosystem. It was further suggested that gut microbiota may be the potential target of the cerebral-protective effect of crocin.

Zhang|Yue|Y| Geng|Jianliang|J| Hong|Yu|Y| Jiao|Li|L| Li|Shuning|S| Sun|Runbin|R| Xie|Yuan|Y| Yan|Caixia|C| Aa|Jiye|J| Wang|Guangji|G|

crocin
gut microbiota
metabolomics
cerebral ischemia-reperfusion
drug metabolism
pharmacokinetics


Adherence profiles in kidney transplant patients: Causes and consequences.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Adherence is a dynamic phenomenon and a critical determinant of transplant patients outcome. The objective of this longitudinal study was to explore adherence in kidney transplant patients followed-up for up to three years after transplantation.

METHODS
Adherence was repeatedly estimated using the Morisky-Green-Levine 4-Item Medication Adherence Scale, in two successive cohorts of 345 (EPIGREN) and 367 (EPHEGREN) kidney transplant recipients. Mixed effect modeling with latent processes and latent classes was used to describe adherence time-profiles.

RESULTS
Two latent classes were identified. The adherent class represented 85% of the patients. Patients of the poorer-adherence class displayed a lower adherence at one month (p<10-3), which worsened over time. Good adherence was associated with age >50 years, fewer depression episodes (5% vs. 13%, p = 0.001) and a better mental health component of quality of life (MCS-SF36 47 ± 11 vs. 41 ± 13, p = 0.015). Survival without acute rejection episodes was longer in the adherent class (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS
The risk of poor adherence in renal transplant patients can be detected as early as one month post-transplantation, using appropriate and easy tools adapted to routine monitoring.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
An early focus on vulnerable patients should allow putting into place actions in order to reduce the risk of poor outcome related to poor adherence.

Villeneuve|Claire|C| Rousseau|Annick|A| Rerolle|Jean-Phillipe|JP| Couzi|Lionel|L| Kamar|Nassim|N| Essig|Marie|M| Etienne|Isabelle|I| Westeel|Pierre-Francois|PF| Büchler|Mathias|M| Esposito|Laure|L| Thierry|Antoine|A| Marquet|Pierre|P| Monchaud|Caroline|C|

D006801:Humans
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
D016030:Kidney Transplantation
D008137:Longitudinal Studies
D055118:Medication Adherence
D008875:Middle Aged
D011788:Quality of Life

Adherence
Kidney transplantation
Immunosuppressant


Computational Approaches of Quasi-Static Compression Loading of SS316L Lattice Structures Made by Selective Laser Melting.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing methods (AM) allow the production of complex-shaped lattice structures from a wide range of materials with enhanced mechanical properties, e.g., high strength to relative density ratio. These structures can be modified for various applications considering a transfer of a specific load or to absorb a precise amount of energy with the required deformation pattern. However, the structure design requires knowledge of the relationship between nonlinear material properties and lattice structure geometrical imperfections affected by manufacturing process parameters. A detailed analytical and numerical computational investigation must be done to better understand the behavior of lattice structures under mechanical loading. Different computational methods lead to different levels of result accuracy and reveal various deformational features. Therefore, this study focuses on a comparison of computational approaches using a quasi-static compression experiment of body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice structure manufactured of stainless steel 316L by selective laser melting technology. Models of geometry in numerical simulations are supplemented with geometrical imperfections that occur on the lattice structure's surface during the manufacturing process. They are related to the change of lattice struts cross-section size and actual shape. Results of the models supplemented with geometrical imperfections improved the accuracy of the calculations compared to the nominal geometry.

selective laser melting
stainless steel 316L
body centered cubic
finite element analysis
quasi-static compression test


Cortical axonal loss is associated with both gray matter demyelination and white matter tract pathology in progressive multiple sclerosis: Evidence from a combined MRI-histopathology study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Neuroaxonal degeneration is one of the hallmarks of clinical deterioration in progressive multiple sclerosis (PMS).

OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the association between neuroaxonal degeneration and both local cortical and connected white matter (WM) tract pathology in PMS.

METHODS
Post-mortem in situ 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cortical tissue blocks were collected from 16 PMS donors and 10 controls. Cortical neuroaxonal, myelin, and microglia densities were quantified histopathologically. From diffusion tensor MRI, fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD) were quantified in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and white matter lesions (WML) of WM tracts connected to dissected cortical regions. Between-group differences and within-group associations were investigated through linear mixed models.

RESULTS
The PMS donors displayed significant axonal loss in both demyelinated and normal-appearing (NA) cortices (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02) compared with controls. In PMS, cortical axonal density was associated with WML MD and AD (p = 0.003; p = 0.02, respectively), and NAWM MD and AD (p = 0.04; p = 0.049, respectively). NAWM AD and WML AD explained 12.6% and 22.6%, respectively, of axonal density variance in NA cortex. Additional axonal loss in demyelinated cortex was associated with cortical demyelination severity (p = 0.002), explaining 34.4% of axonal loss variance.

CONCLUSION
Reduced integrity of connected WM tracts and cortical demyelination both contribute to cortical axonal loss in PMS.

Kiljan|Svenja|S|
Preziosa|Paolo|P|
Jonkman|Laura E|LE|
van de Berg|Wilma Dj|WD|
Twisk|Jos|J|
Pouwels|Petra Jw|PJ|
Schenk|Geert J|GJ|
Rocca|Maria A|MA|
Filippi|Massimo|M|
Geurts|Jeroen Jg|JJ|
Steenwijk|Martijn D|MD|

D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging
D066128:Gray Matter
D006801:Humans
D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging
D009103:Multiple Sclerosis
D066127:White Matter

axonal loss
progressive
Multiple sclerosis
magnetic resonance imaging
histopathology
post mortem


GRP78 effectively protect hypoxia/reperfusion-induced myocardial apoptosis via promotion of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Abstract: Myocardial infarction is a major cause of death worldwide. Despite our understanding of the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction and the therapeutic options for treatment have improved substantially, acute myocardial infarction remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Recent findings revealed that GRP78 could protect myocardial cells against ischemia reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis, but the exact function and molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of GRP78 on hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Intriguingly, we first observed that GRP78 overexpression significantly protected myocytes from H/R-induced apoptosis. On mechanism, our work revealed that GRP78 protected myocardial cells from hypoxia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis via the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. We observed the enhanced expression of Nrf2/HO-1 in GRP78 overexpressed H9c2 cell, while GRP78 deficiency dramatically antagonized the expression of Nrf2/HO-1. Furthermore, we found that blocked the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling by the HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (Znpp) significantly retrieved H9c2 cells apoptosis that inhibited by GRP78 overexpression. Taken together, our findings revealed a new mechanism by which GRP78 alleviated H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis in H9c2 cells via the promotion of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Ji|Heyu|H| Xiao|Feng|F| Li|Suobei|S| Wei|Ruan|R| Yu|Fei|F|0000-0002-9036-2464 Xu|Junmei|J|

D000091342:Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP


The Trickle-Down Effect of Leaders' Pro-social Rule Breaking: Joint Moderating Role of Empowering Leadership and Courage.

Abstract: Based on social learning theory and humanistic cognitive behaviorism theory, this study examined the trickle-down effect of leader PSRB and its boundary conditions. We proposed a three-way interaction of leader PSRB, empowering leadership, and follower courage to predict follower PSRB. Data were collected from 174 leader-follower dyads. Multiple moderated regressions (MMR) revealed that leader PSRB was positively related to follower PSRB, and that the effect was stronger under conditions of high empowering leadership or high courage. A three-way interaction effect suggested that the positive relationship between leader PSRB and follower PSRB was strongest when both empowering leadership and courage were high. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Chen|Yushuai|Y| Wang|Lan|L| Liu|Xin|X| Chen|Hong|H| Hu|Yunyang|Y| Yang|Hongling|H|

pro-social rule breaking
empowering leadership
courage
social learning theory
humanistic cognitive behaviorism theory


Food depictions in picture books for preschool children: Frequency, centrality, and affect.

Abstract: The food content and messages depicted in popular children's picture books were examined using a set of 100 "Favorite Books for Preschoolers." Sixty-nine of these books depicted food and comprised the sample. Examined were: the types and frequencies of food depicted in the text and/or illustrations of the books; the centrality (central, background); and the affect (positive, neutral, or negative) of those depictions. Each food item was counted, categorized by type, and where possible, coded for centrality and affect. Fruit was the most frequently depicted food, followed by sweetened baked goods, dairy, and vegetables. However, centrality and affect differed for these foods. For example, sweet baked goods were high in both centrality and affect. In contrast vegetables were relatively high in centrality but most often neutral in affect. Ice cream, although not in many books, always was associated with positive outcomes. Results were compared to findings in the literature on food messages presented in children's television programs. The ratio of healthy foods to nutrient-poor foods was higher in the books. However, as in television, the books emphasized the desirability of sweetened foods. The results point to the need for detailed analyses of the types of presentations associated with different foods presented in books for children, as well as for continued investigations into food messages in the growing range of media available to young children.

Preschool
Food messages
Media
Young children
Children's books
Nutrition