Association of XPO1 Overexpression with NF-κB and Ki67 in Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Exportin 1(XPO1), a nuclear exporter protein, has been gaining recognition in cancer progression and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the overexpression of XPO1 with NF-κB, Ki67 and clinicopathological characteristics in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples and to explore the anti-proliferative effect of KPT-330, as XPO1 inhibitor, in colorectal cancer cell line.

METHODS
Forty CRC tissue samples were analyzed by immunostaining for the expressions of XPO1, NF-κB and Ki67 and then the anti-proliferative effect of the KPT-330 was also evaluated in HT29 colorectal cancer cell line.

RESULTS
XPO1 overexpression was observed in 52.5% of CRC and significantly apparent with strong intensity in tumor cells compared to the normal adjacent epithelium (P<0.001). Regarding to the histopathological characteristics, the XPO1 overexpression significantly associated with advanced tumor stages (P=0.049) and has great tendency towards moderate/poorly differentiated tumors. Although the XPO1 overexpression was strongly associated with high Ki67 expression (P=0.001), only Ki67 expression showed significant association with tumor size (P=0.012). No significant association was detected between the XPO1 overexpression and NF-κB, while the NF-κB positive expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and Ki67 expression at P=0.027 and P= 0.007, respectively. The in vitro experiments showed a great impact of KPT-330, as XPO1 inhibitor, to inhibit cancer growth in dose and time dependent manner and significantly diminished the colony formation (P<0.001) of HT29 cells- associated with the expression of Ki67 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION
XPO1 overexpression and NF-κB expression may serve as potential biomarker associated with CRC pathogenesis and proliferation, while the KPT-330 is effectively inhibited-colon cancer growth in vitro. Further studies considering the prognostication role of XPO1 overexpression in CRC are required.<br />.

Aladhraei|Mohammed|M|
Kassem Al-Thobhani|Abdulla|A|
Poungvarin|Naravat|N|
Suwannalert|Prasit|P|

D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear


Growth disorders among 6-year-old Iranian children.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sociodemographic factors are important determinants of weight disorders. National representative studies provide a view on this health problem at national and regional levels.

OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to assess the distribution of growth disorders in terms of body mass index (BMI) and height in 6-year-old Iranian children using geographical information system (GIS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In this cross-sectional nationwide survey, all Iranian children entering public and private elementary schools were examined in a mandatory national screening program in 2009. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, and short stature. Then, ArcGIS software was used to draw the figures.

RESULTS
The study population consisted of 955388 children (48.5% girls and 76.5% urban). Overall, 20% of children were underweight, and 14.3% had high BMI, consisted of 10.9% overweight and 3.4% obese. The corresponding figure for short stature was 6.6%; however, these growth disorders were not equally distributed across various provinces.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirmed unequal distribution of BMI and height of 6-year-old children in Iran generally and in most of its provinces particularly. The differences among provinces cannot be fully explained by the socioeconomic pattern. These findings necessitate a comprehensive national policy with provincial evidence-based programs.

Kelishadi|Roya|R|
Amiri|Masoud|M|
Motlagh|Mohammad Esmaeil|ME|
Taslimi|Mahnaz|M|
Ardalan|Gelayol|G|
Rouzbahani|Reza|R|
Poursafa|Parinaz|P|

Body Mass Index
Child
Socioeconomic Factors


Fates Aligned: Origins and Mechanisms of Ventricular Conduction System and Ventricular Wall Development.

Abstract: The cardiac conduction system is a network of distinct cell types necessary for the coordinated contraction of the cardiac chambers. The distal portion, known as the ventricular conduction system, allows for the rapid transmission of impulses from the atrio-ventricular node to the ventricular myocardium and plays a central role in cardiac function as well as disease when perturbed. Notably, its patterning during embryogenesis is intimately linked to that of ventricular wall formation, including trabeculation and compaction. Here, we review our current understanding of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the development and maturation of these interdependent processes.

D000075224:Cardiac Conduction System Disease

Conduction system
Arrhythmia
Myocardial development


Anticoagulation Therapy in Traumatic Brain Injury.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Optimal anticoagulation therapy (AT) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a challenging task and proper management is strongly correlated with clinical outcomes. Only limited data are available on AT after TBI and practical decision making is based on the opinion of experts. This review sought to critically assess different therapeutic options using AT and antiplatelet agents in the perioperative period after TBI.

METHODS
A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to summarize relevant data on AT in patients with TBI.

RESULTS
Patients with preinjury AT with TBI require emergent neurosurgical treatment and they are also at high risk of developing thromboembolic complications or hematoma expansion. New oral anticoagulants offer a lower incidence of intracranial hemorrhage compared with warfarin. The rate of intracranial hemorrhage during new oral anticoagulants or heparin therapy is significantly lower than that with vitamin K antagonists.

Anticoagulants
Traumatic brain injury
Antiplatelet agents
Hemorrhage


Functional status in older women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Functional status plays an important role in the comprehensive characterization of older adults. Functional limitations are associated with an increased risk of adverse treatment outcomes, but there are limited data on the prevalence of functional limitations in older women with pelvic floor disorders.

OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of functional limitations based on health status in older women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

STUDY DESIGN
This pooled, cross-sectional study utilized data from the linked Health and Retirement Study and Medicare files from 1992 through 2008. The analysis included 890 women age ≥65 years with POP. We assessed self-reported functional status, categorized in strength, upper and lower body mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL) domains. Functional limitations were evaluated and stratified by respondents self-reported general health status. Descriptive statistics were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, and logistic regression was used to measure differences in the odds of functional limitation by increasing age.

RESULTS
The prevalence of functional limitations was 76.2% in strength, 44.9% in upper and 65.8% in lower body mobility, 4.5% in ADL, and 13.6% in IADL. Limitations were more prevalent in women with poor or fair health status than in women with good health status, including 91.5% vs 69.9% in strength, 72.9% vs 33.5% in upper and 88.0% vs 56.8% in lower body mobility, 11.6% vs 0.9% in ADL, and 30.6% vs 6.7% in IADL; all P < .01. The odds of all functional limitations also increased significantly with advancing age.

CONCLUSION
Functional limitations, especially in strength and body mobility domains, are highly prevalent in older women with POP, particularly in those with poor or fair self-reported health status. Future research is necessary to evaluate if functional status affects clinical outcomes in pelvic reconstructive and gynecologic surgery and whether it should be routinely assessed in clinical decision-making when treating older women with POP.

Sanses|Tatiana V D|TV|
Schiltz|Nicholas K|NK|
Couri|Bruna M|BM|
Mahajan|Sangeeta T|ST|
Richter|Holly E|HE|
Warner|David F|DF|
Guralnik|Jack|J|
Koroukian|Siran M|SM|

D000203:Activities of Daily Living
D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D000375:Aging
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D005260:Female
D006304:Health Status
D006306:Health Surveys
D006801:Humans
D006278:Medicare
D008875:Middle Aged
D051346:Mobility Limitation
D053580:Muscle Strength
D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse
D014481:United States
D034941:Upper Extremity

functional status
pelvic organ prolapse
limitations
strength
mobility
activities of daily living


Prussian Blue Analogue-derived co/fe bimetallic nanoparticles immobilized on S/N-doped carbon sheet as a magnetic heterogeneous catalyst for activating peroxymonosulfate in water.

Abstract: While Co is the most effective metal for activating PMS, extensive efforts are made to develop Co/Fe species (CF) (e.g., CoFe2O4) for imparting magnetic properties and facilitating recovery of catalysts. When carbon substrates are doped with heteroatoms (e.g., S and N) and CF is embedded within the heteroatom-doped carbon matrix, synergies can occur to boost catalytic activities. This study proposes an alternative CF-bearing carbonaceous composite, a cobalt-containing Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) (Co3[Fe(CN)6]2) is employed as a precursor for preparing CF species embedded in N-doped carbon matrix and immobilized on S/N-co-doped carbon (SNC). Specifically, PBA in-situ grows on SNC by a heat treatment of trithiocyanuric acid to form PBA@SNC, which is then carbonized into CF species@SNC (CF@SNC). By adopting Amaranth degradation as a model reaction, CF@SNC shows a higher catalytic activity (kapp = 0.230 min-1) than CF (kapp = 0.152 min-1) and SNC (kapp = 0.016 min-1) for activating PMS. In comparison with Co3O4, CF@SNC exhibits a higher catalytic activity for PMS activation. CF@SNC renders a relatively low Ea value (53 kJ/mol) for Amaranth degradation in comparison to other reported catalysts. These comparisons demonstrate the advantageous features of CF@SNC as a magnetic and efficient catalyst for PMS activation.

Li|Mei-Hsuan|MH|
Lin|Kun-Yi Andrew|KA|
Yang|Ming-Tong|MT|
Thanh|Bui Xuan|BX|
Tsang|Daniel C W|DCW|

Advanced oxidation
Cobalt-iron catalysts
Metal-carbon composites
Sulfate radicals
Sulfur-nitrogen doping


Computer-aided diagnosis in the era of deep learning.

Abstract: Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has been a major field of research for the past few decades. CAD uses machine learning methods to analyze imaging and/or nonimaging patient data and makes assessment of the patient's condition, which can then be used to assist clinicians in their decision-making process. The recent success of the deep learning technology in machine learning spurs new research and development efforts to improve CAD performance and to develop CAD for many other complex clinical tasks. In this paper, we discuss the potential and challenges in developing CAD tools using deep learning technology or artificial intelligence (AI) in general, the pitfalls and lessons learned from CAD in screening mammography and considerations needed for future implementation of CAD or AI in clinical use. It is hoped that the past experiences and the deep learning technology will lead to successful advancement and lasting growth in this new era of CAD, thereby enabling CAD to deliver intelligent aids to improve health care.

Chan|Heang-Ping|HP|
Hadjiiski|Lubomir M|LM|
Samala|Ravi K|RK|

D000077321:Deep Learning
D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted
D006801:Humans

computer-aided diagnosis
deep learning
artificial intelligence


Carotid artery disease in post-stroke survivors and effects of enriched environment on stroke pathology in a mouse model of carotid artery stenosis.

Abstract:
AIMS
Carotid artery disease (CAD) is an important risk factor for stroke. We first evaluated CAD and stroke pathology in elderly post-stroke survivors. To simulate CAD, we assessed long-term consequences of bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) in mice and exposed them to environmental enrichment (EE).

METHODS
Histopathological methods were used to determine degrees of CAD (% area stenosis), brain infarct types, sizes and distribution in post-stroke survivors and BCAS mice. Adult male C57BL/6J mice after BCAS or sham surgery were randomly assigned to standard housing (Std) or limited (3 h) or full-time (Full) exposure to EE per day for 12 weeks.

RESULTS
High frequencies of moderate carotid artery stenosis (51-75%) were evident in post-stroke survivors whereas those with severe CAD (>75% stenosis) exhibited greater numbers of cortical rather than subcortical infarcts and, were at higher risk of developing dementia. BCAS in mice reduced cerebral blood flow by 52% (P < 0.01) and thickened carotid artery walls, regardless of EE duration. Remarkably, the total and cortical infarcts declined by >50% in BCAS mice exposed to EE compared with BCAS-Std (P < 0.01). Frontal lobe and cortical strokes were associated with worsening working memory tested in a radial maze paradigm. Proteomic analysis revealed EE, both BCAS-3 h and BCAS-Full attenuated coagulation cascade factors including fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, markers of blood-brain barrier damage.

CONCLUSION
Small cortical and subcortical infarcts were evident in both post-stroke survivors with CAD and BCAS mice. Experimental evidence suggested that moderate exposure to EE is sufficient to reduce subsequent stroke lesions.

Hase|Y|Y|
Polvikoski|T M|TM|
Ihara|M|M|
Hase|M|M|
Zafar|R|R|
Stevenson|W|W|
Allan|L M|LM|
Ennaceur|A|A|
Horsburgh|K|K|
Gallart-Palau|X|X|
Sze|S K|SK|
Kalaria|R N|RN|0000-0001-7907-4923

carotid artery disease
stroke
environmental enrichment
cerebrovascular pathology
post-stroke dementia
vascular brain injury


Prevalence and Predictors of Breastfeeding After Childhood Abuse.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To describe the prevalence and predictors of breastfeeding intent and outcomes in women with histories of childhood maltreatment trauma (CMT), including those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

DESIGN
Secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study of the effects of PTSD on perinatal outcomes.

SETTING
Prenatal clinics in three health systems in the Midwestern United States.

PARTICIPANTS
Women older than 18 years expecting their first infants, comprising three groups: women who experienced CMT but did not have PTSD (CMT-resilient), women with a history of CMT and PTSD (CMT-PTSD), and women with no history of CMT (CMT-nonexposed).

METHODS
Secondary analysis of an existing data set in which first-time mothers were well-characterized on trauma history, PTSD, depression, feeding plans, feeding outcomes, and several other factors relevant to odds of breastfeeding success.

RESULTS
Intent to breastfeed was similar among the three groups. Women in the CMT-resilient group were twice as likely to breastfeed exclusively at 6 weeks (60.5%) as women in the CMT-PTSD group (31.1%). Compared with women in the CMT-nonexposed group, women in the CMT-resilient group were more likely to exclusively breastfeed. Four factors were associated with increased likelihood of any breastfeeding at 6 weeks: prenatal intent to breastfeed, childbirth education, partnered, and a history of CMT. Four factors were associated with decreased odds of breastfeeding: African American race, PTSD, major depression, and low level of education (high school or less).

CONCLUSION
Posttraumatic stress disorder is more important than childhood maltreatment trauma history in determining likelihood of breastfeeding success. Further research on the promotion of breastfeeding among PTSD-affected women who have experienced CMT is indicated.

Eagen-Torkko|Meghan|M|
Low|Lisa Kane|LK|
Zielinski|Ruth|R|
Seng|Julia S|JS|

breastfeeding
childhood abuse
childhood maltreatment trauma
CMT
posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSD


Cardiomyocyte-specific Txnip C247S mutation improves left ventricular functional reserve in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Abstract: Underlying molecular mechanisms for the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy remain to be determined. Long-term exposure to hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress, which leads to cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Previous studies established the importance of thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) in cellular redox homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Txnip is a highly glucose-responsive molecule that interacts with the catalytic center of reduced thioredoxin and inhibits the antioxidant function of thioredoxin. Here, we show that the molecular interaction between Txnip and thioredoxin plays a pivotal role in the regulation of redox balance in the diabetic myocardium. High glucose increased Txnip expression, decreased thioredoxin activities, and caused oxidative stress in cells. The Txnip-thioredoxin complex was detected in cells with overexpressing wild-type Txnip but not Txnip cysteine 247 to serine (C247S) mutant that disrupts the intermolecular disulfide bridge. Then, diabetes was induced in cardiomyocyte-specific Txnip C247S knock-in mice and their littermate control animals by injections of streptozotocin (STZ). Prolonged hyperglycemia upregulated myocardial Txnip expression in both genotypes. The absence of Txnip's inhibition of thioredoxin in Txnip C247S mutant hearts promoted mitochondrial antioxidative capacities in cardiomyocytes, thereby protecting the heart from oxidative damage by diabetes. Stress hemodynamic analysis uncovered that Txnip C247S knock-in hearts have a greater left ventricular contractile reserve than wild-type hearts under STZ-induced diabetic conditions. These results provide novel evidence that Txnip serves as a regulator of hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte toxicities through direct inhibition of thioredoxin and identify the single cysteine residue in Txnip as a therapeutic target for diabetic injuries.NEW & NORTEWORTHY Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) has been of great interest as a molecular mechanism to mediate diabetic organ damage. Here, we provide novel evidence that a single mutation of Txnip confers a defense mechanism against myocardial oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The results demonstrate the importance of Txnip as a cysteine-containing redox protein that regulates antioxidant thioredoxin via disulfide bond-switching mechanism and identify the cysteine in Txnip as a therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Mukai|Nobuhiro|N|
Nakayama|Yoshinobu|Y|
Abdali|Syed Amir|SA|
Yoshioka|Jun|J|0000-0002-7176-3414

metabolism
thioredoxin
reactive oxygen species


Comprehensive molecular analyses of a TNF family-based signature with regard to prognosis, immune features, and biomarkers for immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) family members play important roles in mounting anti-tumour immune responses, and clinical trials targeting these molecules are ongoing. However, the expression patterns and clinical significance of TNF members in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remain unrevealed. This study aimed to explore the gene expression profiles of TNF family members in LUAD and constructed a TNF family-based prognosis signature.

METHODS
In total, 1300 LUAD cases from seven different cohorts were collected. Samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used as the training set, and the RNA data from five Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and qPCR data from 102 samples were used for validation. The immune profiles and potential immunotherapy response prediction value of the signature were also explored.

FINDINGS
After univariate Cox proportional hazards regression and stepwise multivariable Cox analysis, a TNF family-based signature was constructed in the TCGA dataset that significantly stratified cases into high- and low-risk groups in terms of OS. This signature remained an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analyses. Moreover, the clinical significance of the signature was well validated in different clinical subgroups and independent validation cohorts. Further analysis revealed that signature high-risk patients were characterized by distinctive immune cell proportions and immune-suppressive states. Additionally, signature scores were positively related to multiple immunotherapy biomarkers.

INTERPRETATION
This was the first TNF family-based model for predicting outcomes and immune landscapes for patients with LUAD. The capability of this signature for predicting immunotherapy response needs further validation.

Zhang|Chaoqi|C| Zhang|Guochao|G| Sun|Nan|N| Zhang|Zhen|Z| Zhang|Zhihui|Z| Luo|Yuejun|Y| Che|Yun|Y| Xue|Qi|Q| He|Jie|J|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

TNF
Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint
Lung cancer
TMB


Modification of PSf/SPSf Blended Porous Support for Improving the Reverse Osmosis Performance of Aromatic Polyamide Thin Film Composite Membranes.

Abstract: In this study, modification of polysulfone (PSf)/sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) blended porous ultrafiltration (UF) support membranes was proposed to improve the reverse osmosis (RO) performance of aromatic polyamide thin film composite (TFC) membranes. The synergistic effects of solvent, polymer concentration, and SPSf doping content in the casting solution were investigated systematically on the properties of both porous supports and RO membranes. SEM and AFM were combined to characterize the physical properties of the membranes, including surface pore natures (porosity, mean pore radius), surface morphology, and section structure. A contact angle meter was used to analyze the membrane surface hydrophilicity. Permeate experiments were carried out to evaluate the separation performances of the membranes. The results showed that the PSf/SPSf blended porous support modified with 6 wt % SPSf in the presence of DMF and 14 wt % PSf had higher porosity, bigger pore diameter, and a rougher and more hydrophilic surface, which was more beneficial for fabrication of a polyamide TFC membrane with favorable reverse osmosis performance. This modified PSf/SPSf support endowed the RO membrane with a more hydrophilic surface, higher water flux (about 1.2 times), as well as a slight increase in salt rejection than the nascent PSf support. In a word, this work provides a new facile method to improve the separation performance of polyamide TFC RO membranes via the modification of conventional PSf porous support with SPSf.

Liu|Li-Fen|LF|0000-0002-9736-1157 Gu|Xing-Ling|XL| Xie|Xin|X| Li|Rui-Han|RH| Yu|Chun-Yang|CY| Song|Xiao-Xiao|XX| Gao|Cong-Jie|CJ|

blending porous support
reverse osmosis performance
pore nature
polyamide TFC membrane
doping content of SPSf
sulfonated polysulfone


Putative candidate genes responsible for leaf rolling in rye (Secale cereale L.).

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Rolling of leaves (RL) is a phenomenon commonly found in grasses. Morphology of the leaf is an important agronomic trait in field crops especially in rice; therefore, majority of the rice breeders are interested in RL. There are only few studies with respect to RL of wheat and barley; however, the information regarding the genetic base of RL with respect to the shape of leaf in rye is lacking. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the localization of loci controlling RL on high density consensus genetic map of rye.

RESULTS
Genotypic analysis led to the identification of 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for RL, grouped into 28 intervals, which confirms the multigenic base of the trait stated for wheat and rice. Four stable QTLs were located on chromosomes 3R, 5R, and 7R. Co-localization of QTL for RL and for different morphological, biochemical and physiological traits may suggests pleiotropic effects of some QTLs. QTLs for RL were associated with QTLs for such morphological traits as: grain number and weight, spike number per plant, compactness of spike, and plant height. Two QTLs for RL were found to coincide with QTLs for drought tolerance (4R, 7R), two with QTLs for heading earliness (2R, 7R), one with α-amylase activity QTL (7R) and three for pre-harvest sprouting QTL (1R, 4R, 7R). The set of molecular markers strongly linked to RL was selected, and the putative candidate genes controlling the process of RL were identified. Twelve QTLs are considered as linked to candidate genes on the base of DArT sequences alignment, which is a new information for rye.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results expand the knowledge about the network of QTLs for different morphological, biochemical and physiological traits and can be a starting point to studies on particular genes controlling RL and other important agronomic traits (yield, earliness, pre-harvest sprouting, reaction to water deficit) and to appoint markers useful in marker assisted selection (MAS). A better knowledge of the rye genome and genes could both facilitate rye improvement itself and increase the efficiency of utilizing rye genes in wheat breeding.

Myśków|Beata|B|0000-0001-5062-9841 Góralska|Magdalena|M| Lenarczyk|Natalia|N| Czyczyło-Mysza|Ilona|I| Stojałowski|Stefan|S|

D018745:Genome, Plant
D063246:Organogenesis, Plant
D018515:Plant Leaves
D010940:Plant Proteins
D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci
D012434:Secale

FEI1 (LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase)

Transcription factor bHLH (basic helix-loop-helix protein)


Determination of IL1 R2, ANTXR2, CARD9, and SNAPC4 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Iranian patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, while both genetic and environmental factors have been demonstrated to be etiologically involved. Recent genome-wide association and replication studies have suggested that anthrax toxin receptor 2 (ANTXR2), interleukin-1 receptor 2 (IL1R2), caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 9 (CARD9), and small nuclear RNA-activating complex polypeptide 4 (SNAPC4) seem to be associated with AS pathogenesis. This case-control study was performed on 349 unrelated AS patients and 469 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, to investigate whether these non-MHC genes (IL1R2 rs2310173, ANTXR2 rs4333130, CARD9 rs4077515, and SNAPC4 rs3812571) influence the AS risk in Iranian population. ANTXR2 rs4333130 allele C (p = 0.0328; OR 0.744, 95% CI 0.598-0.927) and genotype CC (p = 0.0108; OR 0.273, 95% CI 0.123-0.605) were found to be significantly protective against AS. No other associations were found between AS and studied genes. The association between ANTXR2 rs4333130 and AS was independent of HLA-B27 status. Moreover, we found clinical disease severity scores (BASDAI and BASFI) and pain score were higher in ANTXR2 rs4333130 CT genotype. However, we observed that CARD9 allele C (p = 0.012) and genotype CC (p = 0.012) were significant protective factors against AS only in HLA-B27-negative patients, and IL1R2 rs2310173 genotype GT was mildly protective against AS only in HLA-B27-negative status. These findings support the role of non-MHC pathogenic pathways in susceptibility to AS and warrants more comprehensive studies focusing on these non-MHC pathways for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Momenzadeh|Parisa|P|
Mahmoudi|Mahdi|M|
Beigy|Maani|M|
Garshasbi|Masoud|M|
Vodjdanian|Mahdi|M|
Farazmand|Ali|A|
Jamshidi|Ahmad Reza|AR|

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease

D053574:Receptors, Interleukin-1 Type II


Impact of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on functional outcomes in patients with acute stroke: a retrospective case-matched study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To date, the efficacy of the virtual reality (VR) application for acute stroke compared with conventional therapy (CT) remains unclear. This retrospective study aims to assess the impact of adjuvant VR technology on multidimensional therapy for patients with acute-stage stroke.

METHODS
100 acute ischemic stroke patients with onset within 7 days who underwent combined adjuvant VR-based rehabilitation program and CT (intervention group-VR + CT) were compared to an equal number of cross-matched patients who received CT alone. While the intervention group received 40-min CT plus 20-min VR program (seven times for 1 week), the comparison group received time-matched CT alone. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), medical cost-effectiveness, and shortening of hospital stay were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS
Posttreatment, the VR + CT group revealed significantly improved NIHSS and mRS (P < 0.001), whereas only the mRS improvement was remarkable in the CT group. In between-group comparisons, the intervention group had better improvements of symptom severity (NIHSS percentage improvement from the baseline; 20.18% vs. 4.59%, P < 0.005), functional outcomes (mRS improvement from the baseline; - 0.58 vs. - 0.23, P < 0.001), and reduced medical cost (Taiwan dollar; 49474 vs. 66306, P < 0.005). Furthermore, the VR + CT group reached markedly higher proportion of functional independence in activities of daily living (mRS, 0-2) at discharge compared with the CT group (68% vs. 60%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the combination of VR-based rehabilitation and traditional therapy could be more effective for neurorehabilitation than CT alone in the early improvement of symptom severity, functional outcomes, and lower medical expenditure in acute stroke patients.

Ho|Tsung-Han|TH| Yang|Fu-Chi|FC| Lin|Ruei-Ching|RC| Chien|Wu-Chien|WC| Chung|Chi-Hsiang|CH| Chiang|Shang-Lin|SL| Chou|Chung-Hsing|CH| Tsai|Chia-Kuang|CK| Tsai|Chia-Lin|CL| Lin|Yu-Kai|YK| Lee|Jiunn-Tay|JT|

D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy


HealthLinks randomized controlled trial: Design and baseline results.

Abstract: Small employers, especially those in low-wage industries, frequently lack the capacity and resources to implement evidence-based health promotion interventions without support and assistance. The purpose of this paper is to (a) describe the intervention design and study protocol of the HealthLinks Trial and (b) report baseline findings. This study is a three-arm randomized controlled trial testing the impact of the HealthLinks intervention on worksites' adoption and implementation of evidence-based interventions. Group 1 will receive HealthLinks, Group 2 will receive HealthLinks plus wellness committees, and Group 3 will be a delayed control group. Seventy-eight employers are participating in the study; and 3302 employees across the worksites participated in the baseline data collection. Employers and employees will participate in follow-up surveys at one and two years after baseline to measure implementation (one year) and maintenance (two years) of HealthLinks interventions. Study outcomes will determine whether HealthLinks is an effective approach to increasing evidence-based health promotion in small, low-wage worksites and whether wellness committees are a capacity-building tool that increases HealthLinks' effectiveness.

Hannon|Peggy A|PA|
Hammerback|Kristen|K|
Allen|Claire L|CL|
Parrish|Amanda T|AT|
Chan|K Gary|KG|
Kohn|Marlana J|MJ|
Teague|Sara|S|
Beresford|Shirley A A|SA|
Helfrich|Christian D|CD|
Harris|Jeffrey R|JR|

Randomized controlled trial
Evidence-based interventions
Workplace health promotion


Phosphorus removal and recovery from water with macroporous bead adsorbent constituted of alginate-Zr4+ and PNIPAM-interpenetrated networks.

Abstract: Currently, there is a growing trend in employing natural biomaterials (e.g., alginate) to prepare a novel bead adsorbent for phosphorus (P) elimination. However, the utilization of alginate beads to remove and recover P from effluents possesses limitations associated with its physical characteristics such as a dense gel layer, poor mechanical strength and low stability. To overcome the limitations and improve the adsorption performances, we synthesized a novel alginate-derived bead constituted of PNIPAM network interpenetrated in alginate-Zr4+ network (PNIPAM/SA-Zr) decorated with polyethylene glycol as a pore-forming agent, and then investigated its ability to remove and recover P from effluents. The morphology, functional groups, surface area, and mechanical strength of the beads were evaluated by SEM, FTIR, BET, and swelling analysis. The adsorption of P was investigated by varying various factors. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. Particularly, the P-loaded beads exhibited a faster desorption rate under thermal stimulus, and remained good desorption efficiency and reusability within five consecutive cycles. Zeta-potential and XPS results revealed that the adsorption mechanisms were related to electrostatic interactions, ligand exchange, and the formation of inner-sphere complexes. The beads possessed favorable fixed-bed column operation performances for P removal and recovery from real wastewater.

Luo|Huayong|H|
Zeng|Xueyang|X|
Liao|Peng|P|
Rong|Hongwei|H|
Zhang|Tian C|TC|
Jason Zhang|Z|Z|
Meng|Xiangchao|X|


Identification of a novel, non-tetrahydroquinoline variant of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor torcetrapib, with improved aqueous solubility.

Abstract: 1. Elaborate studies of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) polymorphisms and genetic deficiency in humans suggest direct links between CETP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels and coronary heart diseases. The hypothesis that CETP inhibition by small molecule inhibitors raises HDL-c has been validated clinically with structurally-diverse CETP inhibitors such as torcetrapib, anacetrapib, dalcetrapib and evacetrapib. 2. Despite promising phase 2 results with respect to HDL-c elevation, torcetrapib was discontinued in phase 3 trials due to increased mortality rates in the cardiovascular outcomes study. Emerging evidence for the adverse effects hints at off-target chemotype-specific cardiovascular toxicity, possibly related to the pressor effects of torcetrapib, since structurally diverse CETP inhibitors such as anacetrapib, evacetrapib and dalcetrapib are not associated with blood pressure increases in humans. Nonclinical follow-up studies showed that torcetrapib induces aldosterone biosynthesis and secretion in vivo and in vitro, an effect which is not observed with other CETP inhibitors in clinical development. 3. As part of ongoing efforts to identify novel CETP inhibitors devoid of pressor effects, strategies were implemented towards the design of compounds, which lack the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) scaffold present in torcetrapib. In this article, we disclose results of structure-activity relationship studies for a series of novel non-THQ CETP inhibitors, which resulted in the identification of a novel isonipecotic acid derivative 10 (also referred to as PF-04445597) with vastly improved oral pharmacokinetic properties mainly as a result of improved aqueous solubility. This feature is attractive in that, it bypasses significant investments needed to develop compatible solubilizing formulation(s) for oral drug delivery of highly lipophilic and poorly soluble compounds; attributes, which are usually associated with small molecule CETP inhibitors. PF-04445597 was also devoid of aldosterone secretion in human H295R adrenal carcinoma cells.

Kalgutkar|Amit S|AS|
Frederick|Kosea S|KS|
Hatch|Heather L|HL|
Ambler|Catherine M|CM|
Perry|David A|DA|
Garigipati|Ravi S|RS|
Chang|George C|GC|
Lefker|Bruce A|BA|
Clark|Ronald W|RW|
Morehouse|Lee A|LA|
Francone|Omar|O|
Hu|Xiao|X|

D053480:Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins

D065692:Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors

CETP
inhibitor
human
pharmacokinetics
CYP
formulation
oral bioavailability


Occurrence and risk assessment of persistent organic pollutants in a branch of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou, China.

Abstract: The Grand Canal is one of the most important waterways and sources of drinking water in China. The security of this water environment has a strong influence on national economic development and public health. However, data on the pollution status and potential risks due to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in this area is insufficient. In this study, we selected a branch of the Grand Canal in Hangzhou as the study subject from which 16 surface water samples were collected in the summer of 2016. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (including 4 hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and 6 dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs)), 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and 35 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the water samples were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Non-carcinogenic risk, carcinogenic risk, and cytotoxicity experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential health risks due to these POPs. Additionally, the toxicological data for the Danio rerio aquatic organism from the US EPA were employed for comparison with the residue from POPs in this area. The results showed that the total concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, PCBs, and PAHs were 29.937, 60.2, 8.30, and 1670.2 ng/L, respectively. Some pollutants (including acenaphthene and acenaphthylene, hepta-PCBs and tetra-PCBs, octa-PCBs and hexa-PCBs, β-HCH and α-HCH, and δ-HCH and γ-HCH) showed a correlation, which indicated they might have a similar origin. There were no non-carcinogenic risks or ecological risks for adults, children, and aquatic organisms, but a relatively low carcinogenic risk for adults presented at certain sites. The data provided here will be helpful in fully understanding the pollution status of the surface water in this branch of the Grand Canal and the potential risks from this water. Graphical abstract .

Persistent organic pollutants
Cytotoxicity
Ecological risks
Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks


Imaging of cosmetic plastic procedures and implants in the body and their potential complications.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, as well as implants, are increasingly being performed. These implants are often encountered on routine imaging examinations, and radiologists are often asked to evaluate for complications or evidence of failure. Pectoral augmentation, gluteal augmentation, body lift and abdominoplasty, and penile and testicular prostheses are reviewed in this article.

CONCLUSION
The typical appearance of common cosmetic implants and cosmetic techniques used in the human body is presented, along with the imaging spectrum of their potential complications.

Yahyavi-Firouz-Abadi|Noushin|N|
Menias|Christine O|CO|
Bhalla|Sanjeev|S|
Siegel|Cary|C|
Gayer|Gabriela|G|
Katz|Douglas S|DS|

D003287:Contrast Media
D003357:Cosmetic Techniques
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging
D006801:Humans
D011183:Postoperative Complications
D019736:Prostheses and Implants

pectoral
augmentation
gluteal
body lift
abdominoplasty
penile
testicular


Movement Patterns and Their Associations With Pain, Function, and Hip Morphology in Individuals With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to synthesize studies of movement patterns and their association with hip pain, function/activity, and morphology in individuals with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

METHODS
PubMed, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched using predefined terms. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full texts. Studies were included if they enrolled individuals with FAIS, reported kinematic or kinetic data during movement tasks, and tested the data's associations with hip pain, function/activity, or morphology. Exclusion criteria were studies that did not evaluate associations between movement patters and pain, function/activity, or hip morphology. Additionally, studies with hip conditions other than FAIS, case reports, conference proceedings, review articles, and non-English studies were excluded. Descriptive consolidation and qualitative synthesis were performed for the included studies.

RESULTS
Of the 1155 potential studies, 5 studies met all eligibility criteria. Movement patterns were evaluated during walking (n = 4) and squatting (n = 1). Studies reported multiple associations between variables of interest. Statistically significant associations were identified between movement patterns and hip pain (n = 2), function/activity (n = 2), or morphology (n = 3). Significant associations included increased hip flexion moment impulse during walking was associated with worse pain, increased hip flexion moment during walking was associated with worse hip function, decreased hip external rotation during gait and hip internal rotation during squat were associated with larger cam deformity, and increased hip flexion moment impulse during walking was also associated with more severe acetabular cartilage abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS
Very little current evidence has evaluated the associations between altered movement patterns and hip pain, function/activity, or morphology in individuals with FAIS, and only low-intensity tasks have been tested. These studies found some preliminary associations between altered hip biomechanics and higher hip pain, worse hip function, and specific measures of hip morphology in individuals with FAIS.

IMPACT
This review is a first step in gaining a better understanding of movement patterns and their associations with hip pain, function/activity, and morphology, which could ultimately assist with the development of movement retraining interventions and potentially improve rehabilitation outcomes for those with FAIS.

Movement Patterns
Pain
Function
Morphology
FAIS
Arthroscopy


Real-time monitoring and prediction of water quality parameters and algae concentrations using microbial potentiometric sensor signals and machine learning tools.

Abstract: The overarching hypothesis of this study was that temporal microbial potentiometric sensor (MPS) signal patterns could be used to predict changes in commonly monitored water quality parameters by using artificial intelligence/machine learning tools. To test this hypothesis, the study first examines a proof of concept by correlating between MPS's signals and high algae concentrations in an algal cultivation pond. Then, the study expanded upon these findings and examined if multiple water quality parameters could be predicted in real surface waters, like irrigation canals. Signals generated between the MPS sensors and other water quality sensors maintained by an Arizona utility company, including algae and chlorophyll, were collected in real time at time intervals of 30 min over a period of 9 months. Data from the MPS system and data collected by the utility company were used to train the ML/AI algorithms and compare the predicted with actual water quality parameters and algae concentrations. Based on the composite signal obtained from the MPS, the ML/AI was used to predict the canal surface water's turbidity, conductivity, chlorophyll, and blue-green algae (BGA), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH, and predicted values were compared to the measured values. Initial testing in the algal cultivation pond revealed a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.87) between mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) and the MPSs' composite signals. The Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) between the predicted values and measured values were <6.5%, except for the DO, which was 10.45%. The results demonstrate the usefulness of MPSs to predict key surface water quality parameters through a single composite signal, when the ML/AI tools are used conjunctively to disaggregate these signal components. The maintenance-free MPS offers a novel and cost-effective approach to monitor numerous water quality parameters at once with relatively high accuracy.

Saboe|Daniel|D|
Ghasemi|Hamidreza|H|
Gao|Ming Ming|MM|
Samardzic|Mirjana|M|
Hristovski|Kiril D|KD|
Boscovic|Dragan|D|
Burge|Scott R|SR|
Burge|Russell G|RG|
Hoffman|David A|DA|

D001130:Arizona
D001185:Artificial Intelligence
D004784:Environmental Monitoring
D000069550:Machine Learning
D060753:Water Quality

Monitoring
Water quality
Algae
Microbial potentiometric sensor
Machine learning
Artificial intelligence


Incidence and risk factors for suicide death in male patients with genital-system cancer in the United States.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
A diagnosis of cancer is associated with increased risks of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Genital-system cancer comprises nearly a third of all cancers in males. We used the SEER database to identify the incidence of and risk factors for suicide death in male patients with genital-system cancer in the United States.

METHOD
Patients were selected from the SEER database, and X-tile software was used to find the best cutoffs for stratifying age. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for suicide death. Only variables that were statistically significant in the univariate logistic regression models were analyzed in multivariate logistic regression models.

RESULT
This study found that age (18-66 vs ≥ 76 years: OR = 3.300, P < 0.001; 67-75 vs ≥ 76 years: OR = 1.832, P < 0.001), being unmarried (OR = 1.332, P = 0.010), being divorced, separated, or widowed (OR = 1.338, P = 0.002), caucasian (OR = 2.074, P = 0.003) and not receiving surgery or having an unknown surgery status (OR = 1.405, P < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of suicide death. A particularly important finding was that a time of <1 year after the diagnosis was related to an increased risk of suicide death (<1 vs ≥ 10 years: OR = 1.761, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION
We found that a number of factors significantly increased the risk of suicide. Importantly, a time of <1 year after the diagnosis was related to an increased risk of suicide death, which indicates the importance of identifying and treating people at risk of suicide as early as possible. These can help clinicians to understand suicidal patients and provide them with appropriate support.

Yang|Jin|J| He|Gonghao|G| Chen|Siying|S| Pan|Zhenyu|Z| Zhang|Jun|J| Li|Yuanjie|Y| Lyu|Jun|J|

D000293:Adolescent
D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D002423:Cause of Death
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D005834:Genital Neoplasms, Male
D006801:Humans
D015994:Incidence
D008297:Male
D017533:Marital Status
D008875:Middle Aged
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018570:Risk Assessment
D012307:Risk Factors
D018426:SEER Program
D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D014481:United States
D055815:Young Adult

Incidence
Risk factors
Suicide
Genital-system cancer
SEER


Preparation, structural analysis and antioxidant activities of phosphorylated (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phosphorylation on the antioxidant activity of (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan from yeast cell wall. Alkali-insoluble (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan was extracted from yeast cell wall by an acid-base method. It was found that the purity of the sample was greatly improved after the precipitation was treated with alkali at 90 ℃ and then by acetic acid, which was about 96.5%. Phosphorylated (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan was prepared. Infrared (IR) spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (NMR) confirmed the successful introduction of phosphate into glucan. The substitution degree of phosphate was 0.18. The phosphorylated (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan could significantly increase SOD and CAT contents in serum, liver and brain of mice, and reduce MDA level in serum, liver and brain to a certain extent in vivo. This lays a solid foundation for the research and development of phosphorylated (1 → 3)-β-d-glucan antioxidant.

Mei|Xinya|X| Tang|Qilin|Q| Huang|Gangliang|G| Long|Rong|R| Huang|Hualiang|H|

Preparation
Antioxidant activities
Yeast cell wall
Phosphorylated (1→3)-β-d-glucan
Structural characterization


Serum hepcidin and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) levels in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Hepcidin plays a regulatory role in systemic iron homeostasis. GDF-15 has been found to be expressed from matured erythroblasts and very high levels of GDF-15 suppresses hepcidin secretion. In this study, we evaluated hepcidin and GDF-15 levels in polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET).

METHODS
The study included 29 patients and 21 healthy controls. The patient group included 13 patients with ET and 16 patients with PV. Serum hepcidin and GDF-15 levels were measured at the time of diagnosis, before the initiation of any therapy.

RESULTS
Hepcidin levels did not differ significantly in patients with chronic myeloproliferative disease (CMPD) and healthy controls. However, GDF-15 levels were significantly increased in patients with CMPD (P = 0.038). No difference could be found between patients with PV and ET in terms of hepcidin and GDF-15 levels. Patients with JAK2-V617F mutation had increased GDF-15 levels when compared with patients without this mutation (P: 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS
The levels of GDF-15 were higher in CMPD, which are characterized by increased erythropoiesis, and this effect was more pronounced particularly in individuals with JAK2-V617F mutation. Hepcidin levels were not suppressed despite the increased erythroid activity and GDF-15 levels may be protective against the clinical complications of the disease such as thrombosis. This study revealed that, hepcidin levels were not suppressed despite increased erythroid activity and high GDF-15 levels in CMPD. We hypothesized that, this may be an attempt to prevent further amplification of erythropoietic activity by reducing iron utilization.

Tarkun|Pinar|P|
Mehtap|Ozgur|O|
Atesoğlu|Elif B|EB|
Geduk|Ayfer|A|
Musul|Mahmut M|MM|
Hacihanefioglu|Abdullah|A|

D055436:Growth Differentiation Factor 15

hepcidin
growth differentiation factor-15
polycythemia vera
essential thrombocythemia


Improvement in early urinary continence recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy based on postoperative pelvic anatomic features: a retrospective review.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
We investigated the impact of postoperative membranous urethral length and other anatomic characteristics of the pelvic floor shape as measured by magnetic resonance imaging on the improvement in continence following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed data from 73 patients who underwent postoperative prostate magnetic resonance imaging following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics; pre-, peri-, and post-operative parameters; and pelvic anatomic features on magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed. Patients who used no urinary incontinence pads or pads for protection were considered to have achieved complete continence.

RESULTS
Urinary continence was restored in 27.4, 53.4, 68.5, and 84.9% of patients at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, respectively. When patients were divided into early and late continence groups based on urinary continence at 3 months after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, no significantly different clinical characteristics or surgical outcomes were found. However, the mean membranous urethral length (18.5 mm for the early continence group vs. 16.9 mm for the late continence group), levator muscle width (7.1 vs. 6.5 mm, respectively), and bladder neck width on the trigone side (7.2 mm vs. 5.4 mm, respectively) were significantly different between groups (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that membranous urethral length (odds ratio, 1.227; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-1.489; p = 0.038) and bladder neck width (odds ratio, 1.585; 95% confidence interval, 1.050-2.393; p = 0.028) were associated with the period of early urinary continence.

CONCLUSIONS
Postoperative membranous urethral length and bladder neck width were significantly associated with early urinary continence recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. It is highly recommended that surgeons focus on preserving the membranous urethral length and increasing the bladder neck width on the trigone side during surgery to achieve optimal continence outcomes after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy
Magnetic resonance imaging
Urinary incontinence
Pelvic anatomy


A rare case report of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor involving both the small bowel and large bowel.

Abstract: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) contains properties and histologic markers of both neural crest cells and mesenchymal cells. It is a rare diagnosis, with an incidence of 1:100,000/year or 4%-10% of soft-tissue sarcomas. There are very few cases reported and studied. Therefore, establishing a proper diagnosis and treatment of MPNST provides a challenge. We present this unique and rare case of metastatic MPNST of the small and large bowel with bone, pulmonary, liver, and splenic metastases. The patient subsequently developed hemorrhagic brain metastases and died 6 months after THE initial diagnosis.

Khan|Nazia|N| Hashmi|Irma|I| Atallah|Liana|L| Shaaban|Hamid|H| Guron|Gunwant|G| Fedida|Andre|A|

D000368:Aged
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
D001859:Bone Neoplasms
D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
D004317:Doxorubicin
D006801:Humans
D007414:Intestinal Neoplasms
D007420:Intestine, Large
D007421:Intestine, Small
D008297:Male
D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis
D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary
D018317:Nerve Sheath Neoplasms
D018319:Neurofibrosarcoma
D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
metastatic
small and large bowel


Sleep scoring made easy-Semi-automated sleep analysis software and manual rescoring tools for basic sleep research in mice.

Abstract: Studying sleep behavior in animal models demands clear separation of vigilance states. Pure manual scoring is time-consuming and commercial scoring software is costly. We present a LabVIEW-based, semi-automated scoring routine using recorded EEG and EMG signals. This scoring routine is •designed to reliably assign the vigilance/sleep states wakefulness (WAKE), non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) to defined EEG/EMG episodes.•straightforward to use even for beginners in the field of sleep research.•freely available upon request. Chronic recordings from mice were used to design and evaluate the scoring routine consisting of an artifact-removal, a scoring- and a rescoring routine. The scoring routine processes EMG and different EEG frequency bands. Amplitude-based thresholds for EEG and EMG parameters trigger a decision tree assigning each EEG episode to a defined vigilance/sleep state automatically. Using the rescoring routine individual episodes or particular state transitions can be re-evaluated manually. High agreements between auto-scored and manual sleep scoring could be shown for experienced scorers and for beginners quickly and reliably. With small modifications to the software, it can be easily adapted for sleep analysis in other animal models.

Kreuzer|M|M|
Polta|S|S|
Gapp|J|J|
Schuler|C|C|
Kochs|E F|EF|
Fenzl|T|T|

Sleep scoring
Vigilance states
EEG
EMG
Semi-automated sleep scoring


Data on water, sanitation, and hygiene in six select metro cities of India.

Abstract: The purpose of this data article is to describe the data and provide the methodological notes on the construction of availability, accessibility, and overall Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) performance index using a set of thirteen indicators for six metro cities in India. It also presents the details on survey design and the nature of data collected on WASH indicators in India Human Development Survey for 2004-05 (IHDS-I) and 2011-12 (IHDS-II). The principal component analysis (PCA) procedure was used in the construction of the WASH indices. The IHDS is the only survey that provides comprehensive data on WASH indicators for six metro cities in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, & Bangalore). The IHDS has been jointly conducted by researchers from the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi and the University of Maryland, the United States of America (USA). The database is hosted in the public repository at the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) and the reference number for IHDS-I and IHDS-II are ICPSR 22626 and ICPSR 36151 respectively. The data are publicly available through ICPSR. Interpretation of the present data can be found in the research article titled "Availability, accessibility, and inequalities of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Indian metro cities" (Saroj et al., 2019) [9].

Saroj|Shashi Kala|SK|
Goli|Srinivas|S|
Rana|Md Juel|MJ|
Choudhary|Bikramaditya K|BK|

Metro cities
India
WASH
India human development survey


Harlequin Ichthyosis: Prenatal Diagnosis of a Rare Yet Severe Genetic Dermatosis.

Abstract: Harlequin Ichthyosis (HI) is an extremely rare genetic skin disorder. It is the most severe type of ichthyosis. It is characterized by thickened, dry, rough and armor like plates of skin with deep cracks in between. Alternative names for HI include- keratosis diffusafetalis, ichthyosis congenital, icthyosis fetalis, harlequin fetus and icthyosis congenital gravior. It is an autosomal recessive disorder with the majority of affected individuals being homozygous for mutation in the ABCA 12 gene. This condition presents with a wide range of severity and symptoms. Affected neonates usually do not survive beyond first few days of life. We are presenting prenatal diagnosis of a case of this rare condition.

Rathore|Swati|S|
David|Liji Sarah|LS|
Beck|Manisha Madhai|MM|
Bindra|Mandeep Singh|MS|
Arunachal|Gautham|G|


Associations of Heart Rate Measures during Physical Education with Academic Performance and Executive Function in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract: The current evidence for a relation between children's heart rate measures and their academic performance and executive functioning is infancy. Despite several studies observing dose-response effects of physical activity on academic performance and executive function in children, further research using objective measures of the relative intensity of physical activity (e.g., heart rate) is warranted. The present study aimed to inspect associations between heart rate response and various academic performance indicators and executive function domains. A total of 130 schoolchildren between the ages of 9 and 13 years (M = 10.69, SD 0.96 years old; 56.9% boys) participated in a cross-sectional study. Children's heart rate data were collected through participation in physical education classes using the polar TeamTM hardware and software. One week before heart rate measures, academic performance was obtained from the school records in maths, Spanish language, Catalan language, physical education, and Grade point average. Executive function was measured by two domains, cognitive flexibility with the Trail Making Test and inhibition with the Stroop test. Associations between children's heart rate data and academic performance and executive function were analyzed using regression models. Academic performance was found to be positively related to four heart rate measures (β range, 0.191 to 0.275; all p < 0.040). Additionally, the hard heart rate intensity level was positively related to two academic indicators (β range, 0.183 to 0.192; all p < 0.044). Three heart rate measures were associated with two cognitive flexibility subdomains (β range, -0.248 to 0.195; all p < 0.043), and three heart rate measures were related to one inhibition subdomain (β range, 0.198 to 0.278; all p < 0.028). The results showed slight associations of heart rate responses during physical education lessons with academic performance but did not clearly indicate associations with executive function. Future experimental studies testing associations between different bouts of intensity levels are needed to disentangle the relationship with brain function during childhood.

Muntaner-Mas|Adrià|A| Vidal-Conti|Josep|J|0000-0003-4782-2178 Salmon|Jo|J| Palou-Sampol|Pere|P|

physical activity
cognitive flexibility
inhibition
brain function
academic achievement
school-aged


Identifying key landscape pattern indices influencing the ecological security of inland river basin: The middle and lower reaches of Shule River Basin as an example.

Abstract: Landscape pattern evolution leads to changes of landscape spatial structure, which are intuitively reflected in the changes of ecosystem structure and composition and finally affect ecological security. In this paper, we assessed the spatiotemporal variation of the ecological security and landscape pattern of the middle and lower reaches of Shule River Basin in 1987-2015. Further, we analyzed the correlation between the ecological security and landscape pattern of the study region and correlation coefficients were calculated. On this basis, the key landscape pattern indices influencing the ecological security of the study region were identified. This may provide useful information for ecological regulation and design. The results show that: (1) From 1987 to 2015, the ecological security in the middle and lower reaches of the Shule River Basin was of medium or low level, showing periodic "U" shaped fluctuations, and the fluctuation period was gradually shortened. In addition, there was an overall spatial pattern of "high ecological security in the west, middle and south and low ecological security in the east". (2) The landscape pattern showed clear stage characteristics. The complexity of landscape pattern increased from 1987 to 1996 and decreased after 1996. (3) Landscape size, shape, quantity, type and spatial configuration had important impacts on ecological security and showed significant temporal variation. In a period when the influence of human activities was weak, ecological security was mainly related to landscape area indices. With increase in human activities, landscape shape, fragmentation and connectivity changed greatly, which led to changes in the structure and composition of ecosystem, thus finally affecting ecological security.

Ma|Libang|L| Bo|Jie|J| Li|Xiaoyang|X| Fang|Fang|F| Cheng|Wenjuan|W|

The middle and lower reaches of Shule River basin


Treatment outcomes and associated factors in tuberculosis patients at Jimma University Medical Center: A 5-year retrospective study.

Abstract:
Background
Monitoring the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) treatment and investigating factors associated with unsuccessful outcome are essential, as unsuccessful treatment fuels resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcome and associated factors with an unsuccessful outcome at Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC), Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A 5-year retrospective analytical study, including all types of TB cases who sought care at JUMC between September 1, 2012, and August 31, 2017, was conducted. Treatment outcomes and TB types were categorized according to the National TB Control guideline. Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the association between treatment outcome and potential variables.

Results
Overall data from 1249 patients' records were included in the study. The proportion of male patients was higher (815, 65.3%) than that of females. The mean age (± standard deviation, range) of the cases was 26 (±11. 6, 1-71) years. Of the total, 292 (23.3%) were smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB), 489 (39.2%) smear-negative PTB, and 468 (37.5%) extra-PTB (EPTB) cases. Available treatment outcomes indicate that 253 (20.2%) were cured, 850 (68.0%) completed therapy, 58 (4.8%) died, 83 (6.6%) defaulted, and 5 (0.4%) failed the therapy. About 76 (5.6%) cases were transferred out and 44 (3.2%) cases were lost to follow-up. In total, 146 (11.7%) patients had an unsuccessful outcome. Unsuccessful treatment outcome was associated with smear-negative PTB (odds ratio [OR] =2.0, 95% confidence intervals [CI] =1.1, 3.7), EPTB (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.2, 3.4), and unknown human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status (OR = 7.9, 95% CI = 2.5, 25.0).

Conclusion
The treatment success rate of overall TB patients is lower than end TB Strategy target of ≥90% success rate. Smear-negative PTB, EPTB cases, and those with unknown HIV status tend to have unsuccessful outcome.

treatment outcomes
tuberculosis
Jimma University Medical Center
treatment success rate
tuberculosis trends


Dragons' Den: promoting healthcare research and innovation.

Abstract: The changing health and social care landscape, and, in particular, the financial challenges affecting the NHS, can present difficulties for staff looking for funding to support innovation and new ways of working. One method of competitive tendering that is becoming more accepted as a way of allocating funds, encouraging staff engagement and developing innovation for research is a format based the BBC television series, Dragons' Den. This article describes how Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust, London, has developed a 'Dragons' Den initiative' of annual competitive research funding allocation to ensure that some of the most dynamic practice in the trust is captured.

D006302:Health Services Research
D009936:Organizational Innovation
D013222:State Medicine
D006113:United Kingdom

Innovation
funding
Dragons’ Den
finances


Loss of heterozygosity at the human leukocyte antigen locus in thymic epithelial tumors.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
To study the relationship between loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus and the pathogenicity and clinicopathological features of thymic epithelial tumors (TET).

METHODS
Tumor and adjacent normal tissues were isolated from 36 TET patients. Five microsatellite loci (D6S1666, D6S265, D6S273, DS6276, and D6S291) within the HLA locus were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. DNA sequencing was used to measure the frequency of microsatellite LOH.

RESULTS
LOH was identified in at least one locus in 83.6% of TET patients. LOH frequency at D6S1666, D6S265, D6S273, D6S276, and D6S291 was 44.4%, 16.7%, 30.5%, 38.9%, and 36.1% respectively. There was no significant association between LOH frequency in TET with tumor severity, or in the presence or absence of myasthenia gravis.

CONCLUSIONS
D6S1666, D6S265, D6S273, DS6S276, and D6S29 are sensitive loci for studying microsatellite LOH in TET. LOH within the HLA complex is implicated in the occurrence and development of TET, with the HLA-DQA1 gene likely involved. However, an understanding of the relationship between LOH and the clinicopathological features of TET requires a larger sample size than that of the present study.

Chen|Yuan|Y| Wang|Guojin|G| Zhang|Peng|P| Liu|Yimei|Y| Yao|Yuanyuan|Y| Wang|Hai|H| Wang|Yuanguo|Y|

loss of heterozygosity (LOH)
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
thymic epithelial tumor (TET)
microsatellite


Smoking cessation and receipt of cessation advice from health professionals among older smokers in Taiwan.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To examine the prevalence and correlates of smoking cessation and receiving professional cessation advice among older smokers in Taiwan.

METHODS
Cross-sectional data from the 2008-2010 and 2012 Taiwan Adult Smoking Behavior Survey was used to form a sample of 4081 recent active smokers aged 50+, comprising current smokers and former smokers who quit smoking within the past 12months. We examined three outcome variables: quit attempt in the past 12months, successful cessation for at least 3months, and receipt of health professional cessation advice. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant correlates.

RESULTS
During the study period, the annual quit attempt rate was 41.4%, annual successful cessation rate was 4.7%, and prevalence of receiving cession advice among smokers who visited health professionals within the past 12months was 72.3%. After controlling for other covariates, quit attempts were significantly higher in 2009 and positively associated with higher education, poorer health status, smoke-free homes, and receipt of cessation advice. Successful cessation was significantly higher in 2009, positively associated with older age, higher income, and smoke-free homes, and negatively associated with receiving cessation advice. Receipt of cessation advice was significantly lower in 2010 and 2012, positively associated with male gender, older age, and poorer health status, and negatively associated with higher education.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that targeting lower educated and lower income subgroups, adopting effective strategies to increase voluntary smoke-free home rules, and improving professional cessation advice will have great potential to further reduce smoking prevalence in older smokers.


Enhanced nitric oxide signaling amplifies vasorelaxation of human colon cancer feed arteries.

Abstract: Inadequate perfusion of solid cancer tissue results in low local nutrient and oxygen levels and accumulation of acidic waste products. Previous investigations have focused primarily on tumor blood vessel architecture, and we lack information concerning functional differences between arteries that deliver blood to solid cancer tissue versus normal tissue. Here, we use isometric myography to study resistance-sized arteries from human primary colon adenocarcinomas and matched normal colon tissue. Vasocontraction of colon cancer feed arteries in response to endothelin-1 and thromboxane stimulation is attenuated compared with normal colon arteries despite similar wall dimensions and comparable contractions to arginine vasopressin and K+-induced depolarization. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation and endothelial NO synthase expression are increased in colon cancer feed arteries compared with normal colon arteries, whereas vasorelaxation to exogenous NO donors is unaffected. In congruence, the differences in vasorelaxant and vasocontractile function between colon cancer feed arteries and normal colon arteries decrease after NO synthase inhibition. Rhythmic oscillations in vascular tone, known as vasomotion, are of lower amplitude but similar frequency in colon cancer feed arteries compared with normal colon arteries. In conclusion, higher NO synthase expression and elevated NO signaling amplify vasorelaxation and attenuate vasocontraction of human colon cancer feed arteries. We propose that enhanced endothelial function augments tumor perfusion and represents a potential therapeutic target. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local vascular resistance influences tumor perfusion. Arteries supplying human colonic adenocarcinomas show enhanced vasorelaxation and reduced vasocontraction mainly due to elevated nitric oxide-mediated signaling. Rhythmic oscillations in tone, known as vasomotion, are attenuated in colon cancer feed arteries.

Voss|Ninna C S|NCS|
Kold-Petersen|Henrik|H|
Boedtkjer|Ebbe|E|0000-0002-5078-9279

tumor
vasocontraction
vasomotion
endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation
resistance arteries


Phenotype-genotype correlations in 17 new patients with an Xp11.23p11.22 microduplication and review of the literature.

Abstract: Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) has proven its utility in uncovering cryptic rearrangements in patients with X-linked intellectual disability. In 2009, Giorda et al. identified inherited and de novo recurrent Xp11.23p11.22 microduplications in two males and six females from a wide cohort of patients presenting with syndromic intellectual disability. To date, 14 females and 5 males with an overlapping microduplication have been reported in the literature. To further characterize this emerging syndrome, we collected clinical and microarray data from 17 new patients, 10 females, and 7 males. The Xp11.23p11.2 microduplications detected by array CGH ranged in size from 331 Kb to 8.9 Mb. Five patients harbored 4.5 Mb recurrent duplications mediated by non-allelic homologous recombination between segmental duplications and 12 harbored atypical duplications. The chromosomal rearrangement occurred de novo in eight patients and was inherited in six affected males from three families. Patients shared several common major characteristics including moderate to severe intellectual disability, early onset of puberty, language impairment, and age related epileptic syndromes such as West syndrome and focal epilepsy with activation during sleep evolving in some patients to continuous spikes-and-waves during slow sleep. Atypical microduplications allowed us to identify minimal critical regions that might be responsible for specific clinical findings of the syndrome and to suggest possible candidate genes: FTSJ1 and SHROOM4 for intellectual disability along with PQBP1 and SLC35A2 for epilepsy. Xp11.23p11.22 microduplication is a recently-recognized syndrome associated with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and early onset of puberty in females. In this study, we propose several genes that could contribute to the phenotype.

Nizon|Mathilde|M|
Andrieux|Joris|J|
Rooryck|Caroline|C|
de Blois|Marie-Christine|MC|
Bourel-Ponchel|Emilie|E|
Bourgois|Béatrice|B|
Boute|Odile|O|
David|Albert|A|
Delobel|Bruno|B|
Duban-Bedu|Bénédicte|B|
Giuliano|Fabienne|F|
Goldenberg|Alice|A|
Grotto|Sarah|S|
Héron|Delphine|D|
Karmous-Benailly|Houda|H|
Keren|Boris|B|
Lacombe|Didier|D|
Lapierre|Jean-Michel|JM|
Le Caignec|Cédric|C|
Le Galloudec|Eric|E|
Le Merrer|Martine|M|
Le Moing|Anne-Gaëlle|AG|
Mathieu-Dramard|Michèle|M|
Nusbaum|Sylvie|S|
Pichon|Olivier|O|
Pinson|Lucile|L|
Raoul|Odile|O|
Rio|Marlène|M|
Romana|Serge|S|
Roubertie|Agnès|A|
Colleaux|Laurence|L|
Turleau|Catherine|C|
Vekemans|Michel|M|
Nabbout|Rima|R|
Malan|Valérie|V|


Identification and validation of prognosis-related DLX5 methylation as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms.

Abstract: The deregulated DLX gene family members DLX1/2/3/4/5/6 (DLXs) caused by DNA methylation has been demonstrated in various cancers with therapeutic target value. However, the potential role of DLXs methylation in myeloid neoplasms such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains to be elucidated. Clinical significance of DLXs methylation/expression was analyzed in patient with AML and MDS. The functional roles of DLXs were determined in vitro. In the identification stage, we found that lower DLX5 expression was correlated with prognosis in AML among all DLXs analyzed by The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets. In the validation stage, we revealed that reduced DLX5 expression was frequently occurred, and was also correlated with promoter hypermethylation in AML evaluated by targeted bisulfite sequencing. Epigenetic studies also showed that DLX5 promoter DNA methylation was associated with its expression. By quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we also validated that DLX5 hypermethylation was frequent event in both AML and MDS, and also correlated with MDS transformation to leukemia. Moreover, DLX5 hypermethylation was associated with lower rate of complete remission and shorter time of leukemia-free/overall survival, and was also confirmed by Logistic/Cox regression analysis. Functional studies revealed the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of DLX5 in MDS-derived AML cell-line SKM-1. Finally, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that DLX5 functioned in leukemogenesis may be through the association with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that DLX5 methylation, negatively correlated DLX5 expression, was a potential prognostic and predictive indicator in patients with AML and MDS, which could also act as an epigenetic driver in myeloid neoplasms.


Metabolic profiling approach to determine phenolic compounds of virgin olive oil by direct injection and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A LC-MS method involving direct injection of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) - after a simple dilution - for determining its phenolic compounds has been developed. Optimization of the most appropriate solvent for sample dilution, selection of the optimum oil/solvent ratio, and establishment of column cleaning strategy and maximum number of injections were some of the most relevant steps. Then, the analytical parameters of the method were evaluated, establishing LOD (from 3.3 to 31.6µg/L) and LOQ, precision (RSD values for inter-day repeatability were found between 3.49 and 6.12%), and trueness (within the range 89.9-102.3% for 1.0mg/L) and checking possible matrix effect (which was no significant). Three kinds of calibration were used: external standard, standard addition and calibration in a phenols-free matrix, which was subsequently applied to quantify the phenolic compounds in 16 EVOOs (from 6 cultivars). A total of 21 compounds were determined without the need of using any extraction protocol.

Olmo-García|Lucía|L|
Bajoub|Aadil|A|
Monasterio|Romina Paula|RP|
Fernández-Gutiérrez|Alberto|A|
Carrasco-Pancorbo|Alegría|A|

D002853:Chromatography, Liquid
D013058:Mass Spectrometry
D055432:Metabolomics
D000069463:Olive Oil
D010636:Phenols
D010938:Plant Oils

Phenolic compounds
Direct injection
Extra-virgin olive oil
Matrix effect
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry


Engineered versus hybrid cellular vesicles as efficient drug delivery systems: a comparative study with brain targeted vesicles.

Abstract: Herein we elaborated on methods to load cellular vesicles (CVs) and to incorporate cholesterol (Chol) and PEG lipids in their membrane, for enhancing the potential of such engineered CVs (e-CVs) as drug carriers. Hybrids formed by fusion between PEGylated liposomes (PEG-LIP) and CVs were evaluated as alternatives to e-CV, for the first time. Freeze-thawing cycles (FT) and incubation protocols were tested, and vesicle fusion was monitored by FRET dilution. B16F10, hCMEC/D3, and LLC cells were used for e-CV or hybrid development, and FITC-dextran as a model hydrophilic drug. Results show that dehydration rehydration vesicle (DRV) method is optimal for highest CV loading and integrity, while optimal protocols for Chol/PEG enrichment were identified. FT was found to be more efficient than incubation for hybrid formation. Interestingly, despite their high Chol content, CVs had very low integrity that was not increased by enrichment with Chol, but only after PEG coating; e-CVs demonstrated higher integrity than hybrids. Vesicle uptake by hCMEC cells is in the order: LIP < e-CVs < Hybrids ≤ CVs (verified by confocal microscopy); the higher PEG content of e-CVs is possibly the reason for their reduced cell uptake. While CV and hybrid uptake are highly caveolin-dependent, e-CVs mostly follow clathrin-dependent pathways. In vivo and ex vivo results show that brain accumulation of hybrids is only slightly higher that of CVs, indicating that the surface PEG content of hybrids is not sufficient to prevent uptake by macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system. Taking together with the fact that subjection of CVs to FT cycles reduced their cellular uptake, it is concluded that PEGylated e-CVs are better than hybrids as brain-targeted drug carriers.

Engineering
Hybrid
Cellular vesicles
Drug delivery
Liposome
FRET
Uptake
In vivo
Biodistribution
Exosomes
Mimetics


Interval Cancer Rate and Diagnostic Performance of Fecal Immunochemical Test According to Family History of Colorectal Cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The potential role of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We assessed interval cancer rate (ICR) after the FIT and FIT diagnostic performance according to family history of CRC.

METHODS
Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Program Database, we collected data on subjects who underwent the FIT between 2009 and 2011. The interval cancer rate (ICR) was defined as the number of subjects diagnosed with CRC within 1 year after the FIT per 1000 subjects with negative FIT results.

RESULTS
Of 5,643,438 subjects, 224,178 (3.97%) had a family history of CRC. FIT positivity rate (6.4% vs. 5.9%; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.13) and ICR (1.4 vs. 1.1; aRR 1.43 (95% CI 1.27-1.60)) were higher in these subjects than in those with no such history. These results were the same regardless of whether subjects had undergone colonoscopy within the last 5 years before the FIT. However, the diagnostic performance of the FIT for CRC, as measured using the area under the operating characteristic curve, was similar between subjects without a family history and those with one (85.5% and 84.6%, respectively; p = 0.259).

CONCLUSION
the FIT was 1.4 times more likely to miss CRC in subjects with a family history than in those without (aRR 1.43 for ICR), although its diagnostic performance was similar between the two groups. Our results suggest that for individuals with a family history of CRC, colonoscopy should be preferred over FIT for both screening and surveillance.

Jung|Yoon Suk|YS|
Lee|Jinhee|J|
Lee|Hye Ah|HA|
Moon|Chang Mo|CM|

fecal immunochemical test
family history of colorectal cancer
colorectal cancer


Risk of mental illness after the diagnosis of occupational injury or disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
As studies on mental disorders in victims of occupational injury or disease are limited, this study aims to evaluate the risk of, and factors associated with, the development of mental illness in patients with occupational injury or disease using insurance claims data from Taiwan.

METHODS
This retrospective cohort study analyzed insurance records in Taiwan to identify 18,285 adults who experienced occupational injury or disease in 2002-2013 and 18,285 adults without occupational injury or disease who were matched by propensity score. The risks of mental disorders during a follow-up period of up to 2 years were estimated and compared between the two cohorts.

RESULTS
After controlling for other variables, the odds of mental illness in patients with occupational injury or disease was significantly higher compared to patients without occupational injury or disease. Additional factors associated with higher odds of mental disorders included female gender, age ≥ 30 years (vs. 20-29 years), Charlson comorbidity index ≥ 1, occupation category of labor union member, soldier, insured by social security, religious group member (vs. private or government employee), lower premium-based monthly salary (≤ 576 US$), treatment at a district hospital or clinic (vs. medical center), treatment at a publically-owned or consortium-owned hospital (vs. private hospital), and central or southeast geographic location (vs. Taipei). The main types of mental illness were anxiety disorder (2.79%) and other psychoses (3.29%).

CONCLUSION
The risk of mental illness slightly increased during the 2-year period after the diagnosis of occupational injury or disease.

Mental illness
Occupational injury
Occupational disease
Risk factor


Physical activity and nutrition education at the school environment aimed at preventing childhood obesity: evidence from systematic reviews.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To organize the main findings and list the most frequent recommendations from systematic reviews of interventions developed at the school environment aimed at reducing overweight in children and adolescents.

DATA SOURCE
Searches for systematic reviews available until December 31, 2014 were conducted in five electronic databases: Cochrane, PubMed, SciELO, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science. Manual search for cross-references were also performed.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS
Of the initial 2139 references, 33 systematic reviews adequately met the inclusion criteria and were included in the descriptive summary. In this set, interventions with periods of time greater than six months in duration (nine reviews), and parental involvement in the content and/or planned actions (six reviews) were identified as the most frequent and effective recommendations. Additionally, it was observed that boys respond more effectively to structural interventions, whereas girls respond to behavioral interventions. None of the included reviews was able to make inferences about the theoretical basis used in interventions as, apparently, those in charge of the interventions disregarded this component in their preparation.

CONCLUSIONS
Although the summary identified evidence with important applications in terms of public health, there are still gaps to be filled in this field of knowledge, such as the effectiveness of different theoretical models, the identification of the best strategies in relation to gender and age of participants and, finally, the identification of moderating variables to maximize the benefits provided by the interventions.

Guerra|Paulo Henrique|PH|
da Silveira|Jonas Augusto Cardoso|JA|
Salvador|Emanuel Péricles|EP|

Physical activity
Nutrition education
School
Review
Overweight
Children
Atividade física
Crianças
Educação nutricional
Escola
Revisão
Sobrepeso


Implementation of a central-line bundle: a qualitative study of three clinical units.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Evidence for the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) bundle effectiveness remains mixed, possibly reflecting implementation challenges and persistent ambiguities in how CLABSIs are counted and bundle adherence measured. In the context of a tertiary pediatric hospital that had reduced CLABSI by 30% as part of an international safety program, we aimed to examine unit-based socio-cultural factors influencing bundle practices and measurement, and how they come to be recognized and attended to by safety leaders over time in an organization-wide bundle implementation effort.

METHODS
We used an interpretivist qualitative research approach, based on 74 interviews, approximately 50 h of observations, and documents. Data collection focused on hospital executives and safety leadership, and three clinical units: a medical specialty unit, an intensive care unit, and a surgical unit. We used thematic analysis and constant comparison methods for data analysis.

RESULTS
Participants had variable beliefs about the central-line bundle as a quality improvement priority based on their professional roles and experiences and unit setting, which influenced their responses. Nursing leaders were particularly concerned about CLABSI being one of an overwhelming number of QI targets for which they were responsible. Bundle implementation strategies were initially reliant on unit-based nurse education. Over time there was recognition of the need for centralized education and reinforcement tactics. However, these interventions achieved limited impact given the influence of competing unit workflow demands and professional roles, interactions, and routines, which were variably targeted in the safety program. The auditing process, initially a responsibility of units, was performed in different ways based on individuals' approaches to the process. Given concerns about auditing reliability, a centralized approach was implemented, which continued to have its own variability.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings report on a contextualized, dynamic implementation approach that required movement between centralized and unit-based approaches and from a focus on standardization to some recognition of a role for customization. However, some factors related to bundle compliance and measurement remain unaddressed, including harder to change socio-cultural factors likely important to sustainability of the CLABSI reductions and fostering further improvements across a broader safety agenda.


Comparative analysis of moderate and severe tympanic membrane retractions in children and adults.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Owing to the limited literature demonstrating the correlation between the degree of severity of retractions and the degree of hearing loss in children and adults, the study aimed to compare the differences in the location, the severity, and the air-bone gap (ABG) of tympanic membrane (TM) retractions in children and adults.

METHODS
Cross-sectional study, in a tertiary hospital. Consecutive patients with moderate or severe TM retractions (661 ears) between August 2000 and January 2019 were evaluated. The average age (mean ± standard deviation) was 11.7 ± 3.3 years among pediatric patients (42.4%) and 46.4 ± 5 years among adults (57.6%). Video-otoscopy and pure tone audiometry were performed in all patients. The main outcome measures were the locations of retractions, their prevalence, and their severity; ABG thresholds measured at the 4-frequency pure-tone average (PTA).

RESULTS
The prevalence of pars flaccida (PF) retractions was higher in adults, while that of pars tensa (PT) was higher in children (p = 0.00). The degree of severity was similar between children and adults for isolated PF and PT retractions (p = 0.37 and p = 0.10, respectively). Effusion was similar in children (27.8%) and adults (33.3%). The median decibel hearing level (dB HL) (minimum-maximum) of the ABG PTA was 13.75 dB (0-57.5 dB HL) in children and 13.75 dB (0-58.7 dB) in adults (p = 0.48). There was no difference in the size of the ABG PTA between children and adults (p = 0.71), and in ABG size for isolated PF retractions (p = 0.14), PT retractions (p = 0.35), and association of PF and PT retractions (p = 0.56).

CONCLUSION
PT retractions were more prevalent in children and PF retractions in adults. There was no difference between the two groups based on the severity of the retraction. The size of the air-bone gaps was similar in children and adults.

Canali|Inesângela|I|
Schmidt Rosito|Letícia Petersen|LP|
Longo|Vittoria Dreher|VD|
Victor de Andrade Águas|João|J|
Selaimen da Costa|Sady|S|

Tympanic membrane retraction
Air-bone gap
Pars flaccida
Pars tensa
Audiometric pattern
Comparation in children and adults


Prevalence and impact of lower urinary tract symptoms: Results of the epic survey in Egypt.

Abstract:
AIMS
To estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including overactive bladder (OAB), and urinary incontinence (UI), in Egypt and the impact on patients' quality of life.

METHODS
A population-based, cross-sectional survey (EPIC) was conducted with a random sample of adults aged ≥18 years. Prevalence estimates were based on 2002 International Continence Society definitions.

RESULTS
A total of 3600 adult men and women participated in the survey; 86% of them experienced ≥1 LUTS: storage symptoms were more frequently reported (75%) than voiding (52%) or postmicturition (42%) symptoms. The most prevalent storage symptom was nocturia (defined as ≥1 time per night) in 70% of the population. UI was reported by 21% (mixed UI [MUI]: 9%; stress UI [SUI]: 4%; urgency UI [UUI]: 5%; other UI: 3%), and 30% met criteria for OAB. Despite the high prevalence of LUTS, few individuals with UUI, MUI, SUI, or OAB took prescription medicine (12%) or consulted a healthcare professional about their symptoms (23%).

CONCLUSION
High prevalence rates of LUTS and OAB were found in adult men and women in Egypt, although low healthcare utilization and low prescription medication use for symptoms were observed.

Mourad|Sherif|S| Shokeir|Ahmed|A| Ayoub|Nadim|N| Ibrahim|Mohey|M| Reynolds|Nikolai|N| Donde|Shaantanu|S| Hassan|Tarek|T|0000-0001-9427-363X

lower urinary tract symptoms
Egypt
overactive bladder
urinary incontinence
epidemiologic survey


Hormonal contraception and risk of breast cancer: a critical look.

Abstract: Today health professionals are not only required to know medicine, but scientific reading, interpretation, and communication of new data. The new information about contraception and hormonal therapies must be analyzed by gynecologists to determine whether or not the new data are applicable to their patients and if it has an impact on their health. Recently a new study of hormonal contraceptives and the risk of breast cancer was published. In this study, the investigators found an elevation of the relative risk of breast cancers on the users versus the nonusers of hormonal contraception. After analyzing the publication and other data available, it is our opinion that it is a very low increase of the risk and its impact should be evaluated case by case, not forgetting to take into account the numerous beneficial effects that hormonal contraception have.

Hormonal contraception
breast cancer
breast cancer risk


Microdose induction of buprenorphine-naloxone in a patient using high dose methadone: A case report.

Abstract:
Background
Buprenorphine is a partial mu-opioid receptor agonist approved for the treatment of opioid dependence. The risk of withdrawal symptoms and wait time required to safely initiate buprenorphine provides challenges to both patients and providers. Microdose induction is proposed as a possible solution to ease the transition to buprenorphine; however, little data has been published to date on patients stabilized on methadone doses greater than 100 mg.

Case Report
A 29-year-old patient stabilized on methadone 105 mg was successfully transitioned to sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone using a 7-day microdose protocol on an inpatient psychiatric service. During the transition, the patient reported only minimal symptoms.

Conclusion
This report adds to the growing literature supporting the use of a microdose induction to initiate buprenorphine-naloxone. Additionally, this approach may be significant for patients stabilized on high doses of methadone who may not be able to tolerate a traditional buprenorphine induction.

microdose
methadone
buprenorphine
OUD
SUD
opioid use disorder
substance use disorder


Nrf2 in adipocytes.

Abstract: White adipocytes play a key role in maintaining whole body energy homeostasis by forming white adipose tissue (WAT). The impairment of WAT formation or WAT dysfunction is clearly associated with severe metabolic disorders. Mature adipocytes are derived from differentiated preadipocytes and are pivotal in energy storage and metabolism. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a member of a family of CNC-bZIP proteins which exert their transcriptional control on genes harboring antioxidant response elements (ARE) in partnership with small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma proteins. The activation of Nrf2-ARE coordinated by specific repressor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) regulates networks of genes controlling diverse homeostatic processes involving adaptive antioxidant response and detoxification among many other adaptive responses. Interestingly, accumulating evidence indicates that Nrf2 may act as a transcription factor in regulating the formation and function of adipose tissues, including adipogenesis, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. In this mini-review, an overview on the distinct roles of Nrf2 in adipocytes is provided. While highlighting the regulatory role of Nrf2 in adipogenesis, recent key findings on Nrf2 in insulin signal transduction and energy metabolism of adipocytes are also summarized.

Wang|Zhendi|Z| Zuo|Zhuo|Z| Li|Lu|L| Ren|Suping|S| Gao|Tianchang|T| Fu|Jingqi|J| Hou|Yongyong|Y| Chen|Yanyan|Y| Pi|Jingbo|J|

Nrf2
Adipocytes
Adipogenesis
Insulin signaling


Saccharomyces cerevisiae - Insects Association: Impacts, Biogeography, and Extent.

Abstract: Over the last few years, an increasing number of studies have reported the existence of an association between the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and insects. The discovery of this relationship has called into question the hypothesis that S. cerevisiae is unable to survive in nature and that the presence of S. cerevisiae strains in natural specimens is the result of contamination from human-related environments. S. cerevisiae cells benefit from this association as they find in the insect intestine a shelter, but also a place where they can reproduce themselves through mating, the latter being an event otherwise rarely observed in natural environments. On the other hand, insects also take advantage in hosting S. cerevisiae as they rely on yeasts as nutriment to properly develop, to localize suitable food, and to enhance their immune system. Despite the relevance of this relationship on both yeast and insect ecology, we are still far from completely appreciating its extent and effects. It has been shown that other yeasts are able to colonize only one or a few insect species. Is it the same for S. cerevisiae cells or is this yeast able to associate with any insect? Similarly, is this association geographically or topographically limited in areas characterized by specific physical features? With this review, we recapitulate the nature of the S. cerevisiae-insect association, disclose its extent in terms of geographical distribution and species involved, and present YeastFinder, a cured online database providing a collection of information on this topic.

Meriggi|Niccolo'|N|
Di Paola|Monica|M|
Cavalieri|Duccio|D|
Stefanini|Irene|I|

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
insect
biogeography
Saccharomyces cerevisiae evolution
Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast ecology
yeast-insect association


CYPlebrity: Machine learning models for the prediction of inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract: The vast majority of approved drugs are metabolized by the five major cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4. Inhibition of CYP isozymes can cause drug-drug interactions with severe pharmacological and toxicological consequences. Computational methods for the fast and reliable prediction of the inhibition of CYP isozymes by small molecules are therefore of high interest and relevance to pharmaceutical companies and a host of other industries, including the cosmetics and agrochemical industries. Today, a large number of machine learning models for predicting the inhibition of the major CYP isozymes by small molecules are available. With this work we aim to go beyond the coverage of existing models, by combining data from several major public and proprietary sources. More specifically, we used up to 18815 compounds with measured bioactivities to train random forest classification models for the individual CYP isozymes. A major advantage of the new data collection over existing ones is the better representation of the minority class, the CYP inhibitors. With the new data collection we achieved inhibitor-to-non-inhibitor ratios in the order of 1:1 (CYP1A2) to 1:3 (CYP2D6). We show that our models reach competitive performance on external data, with Matthews correlation coefficients (MCCs) ranging from 0.62 (CYP2C19) to 0.70 (CYP2D6), and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) between 0.89 (CYP2C19) and 0.92 (CYPs 2D6 and 3A4). Importantly, the models show a high level of robustness, reflected in a good predictivity also for compounds that are structurally dissimilar to the compounds represented in the training data. The best models presented in this work are freely accessible for academic research via a web service.

Plonka|Wojciech|W| Stork|Conrad|C| Šícho|Martin|M| Kirchmair|Johannes|J|

Machine learning
Cytochrome P450 inhibition
Drug metabolism
Metabolism prediction