Fast Model for Evaluation of the Thyroid Dosimetry During Chest Tumor Radiotherapy.

Abstract: Due to the reported high incidence of thyroid cancer induced by radiotherapy, dose assessment is significant to prevent thyroid late effects. Thyroid dosimetry can be evaluated either by entrance skin dose (ESD) measured with thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) arrays or by absorbed dose (AD) computed with treatment planning system. However, their correlation has hardly been reported in any publications. Moreover, the reported measurement procedures for thyroid ESD are usually inefficient. This study aims to provide a fast model for efficient acquisition of thyroid ESD and analyze the coherent relationship between ESD and AD. We conducted the study on the China radiation anthropomorphic phantom with intentionally delineated cancers, irradiated by a Varian 23EX linac. We have measured the ESD with TLD at 5 different points, while computed AD with the Oncentra Masterplan TPS. The ESD at the middle gorge of thyroid has exhibited significant linear correlation with those measured at other points. Furthermore, a regressive model has been proposed to predict thyroid AD from ESD. Consequently, it is recommended to only measure the ESD at the middle gorge of thyroid for an efficient dose assessment. The validity of the regressive model to predict thyroid AD from ESD has also been demonstrated.

chest tumor
radiotherapy
radiation protection
thyroid absorbed dose


Status of Resistant and Knockdown of West Nile Vector, Culex pipiens Complex to Different Pesticides in Iran.

Abstract:
Background
West Nile virus (WNV) can cause a fatal disease in humans and it is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Vector control using insecticides is a very important goal. Study of Culex pipiens resistance towards several insecticides in the city of Tehran, Iran was evaluated.

Methods
Adult females reared from field-caught larvae from southern part of Tehran and lab strain reared in the insectary of Tehran University of Medical Science were determined for resistant status by exposing to 4% DDT, 0.1% bendiocarb, 0.1% propoxur, 1% fenitrothion, 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.75% permethrin, 0.05% lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.5% etofenprox, 5% malathion and 0.15% cyfluthrin papers using the standard WHO susceptibility tests.

Results
Results clearly showed resistance development of Cx. pipiens against tested insecticides. Mortalities of Cx. pipiens were less than 90% with high resistance, low knock down rate and knock down time (50%) observed against insecticides. DDT and Malathion showed the most and least lethal time (LT50) values for the field strain. The results of the knockdown test showed that DDT and deltamethrin had the most and least knockdown times (50%) for the field strain, respectively, while DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin had the most and least knockdown times (50%) for the lab strain, respectively.

Conclusion
Resistance to mentioned insecticides in Cx. pipiens is widely distributed in southern part of Tehran. Regular implementation of susceptibility test in Cx. pipiens mosquitoes will help local public health authorities to develop new and better control strategies.

Rahimi|Sara|S|
Vatandoost|Hassan|H|
Abai|Mohammad Reza|MR|
Raeisi|Ahmad|A|
Hanafi-Bojd|Ahmad Ali|AA|

Resistance
West nile
Culex pipiens
Iran
Insecticide


Competence-based helping: Children's consideration of need when providing others with help.

Abstract: When and how other people's needs influence children's helping is poorly understood. Here we focused on whether children use information about other people's competence in their helping. In Study 1 (N = 128 4- to 8-year-old children), children could provide help to both an incompetent target and a competent target by pushing levers. Whereas older children helped incompetent targets more than competent targets, younger children (<5 years) helped both targets equally. Two further experiments (N = 20 and N = 28) revealed that 4-year-olds understood that the incompetent person needed more help and also understood how they could help. Thus, young children do not, like older children, give more help to those who need it the most. We discuss potential developmental changes toward competence-based helping.

Need
Competence
Fairness
Moral development
Prosocial behavior
Social cognition


From transplanting Schwann cells in experimental rat spinal cord injury to their transplantation into human injured spinal cord in clinical trials.

Abstract: Among the potential therapies designed to repair the injured spinal cord is cell transplantation, notably the use of autologous adult human Schwann cells (SCs). Here, we detail some of the critical research accomplished over the last four decades to establish a foundation that enables these cells to be tested in clinical trials. New culture systems allowed novel information to be gained about SCs, including discovering ways to stimulate their proliferation to acquire adequately large numbers for transplantation into the injured human spinal cord. Transplantation of rat SCs into rat models of spinal cord injury has demonstrated that SCs promote repair of injured spinal cord. Additional work required to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration for the first SC trial in the Miami Project is disclosed. This trial and a second one now underway are described.

Bunge|Mary B|MB|
Monje|Paula V|PV|
Khan|Aisha|A|
Wood|Patrick M|PM|

Spinal cord injury
Human Schwann cells
Schwann cell clinical trials
Schwann cell transplantation
Spinal cord repair


Role of 5-HT receptors in neuropathic pain: potential therapeutic implications.

Abstract: 5-HT plays a crucial role in the progress and adjustment of pain both centrally and peripherally. The therapeutic action of the 5-HT receptors` agonist and antagonist in neuropathic pain have been widely reported in many studies. However, the specific roles of 5-HT subtype receptors have not been reviewed comprehensively. Therefore, we summarized the recent findings on multiple subtypes of 5-HT receptors in both central and peripheral nervous system in neuropathic pain, particularly, 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 receptors. In addition, 5-HT4, 5-HT5 and 5-HT6 receptors were also reviewed. Most of studies focused on the function of 5-HT subtype receptors in spinal level compared to brain areas. Based on these evidences, the pain process can be facilitated or inhibited that depending on the specific subtypes and the distribution of 5-HT receptors. Therefore, this review may provide potential therapeutic implications in treatment of neuropathic pain.

Liu|Qian Qian|QQ|
Yao|Xiao Xiao|XX|
Gao|Shuo Hui|SH|
Li|Rui|R|
Li|Bing Jin|BJ|
Yang|Wei|W|
Cui|Ran Ji|RJ|

Neuropathic pain
Chronic constriction injury
Partial ligation of the sciatic nerve
Serotonin receptors
Spared nerve injury
Spinal nerve ligation


Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis Demonstrate Interlimb Asymmetry in Pedaling Power During Stationary Cycling.

Abstract: Cycling is commonly prescribed for physical rehabilitation of individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Despite the known therapeutic benefits, no research has examined interlimb symmetry of power output during cycling in these individuals. We investigated the effects of external workload and cadence on interlimb symmetry of crank power output in individuals with knee OA versus healthy controls. A total of 12 older participants with knee OA and 12 healthy sex- and age-matched controls were recruited. Participants performed 2-minute bouts of stationary cycling at 4 workload-cadence conditions (75 W at 60 rpm, 75 W at 90 rpm, 100 W at 60 rpm, and 100 W at 90 rpm). Power output contribution of each limb toward total crank power output was computed over 60 crank cycles from the effective component of pedal force, which was perpendicular to the crank arm. Across the workload-cadence conditions, the knee OA group generated significantly higher power output with the severely affected leg compared with the less affected leg (10% difference; P = .02). Healthy controls did not show interlimb asymmetry in power output (0.1% difference; P > .99). For both groups, interlimb asymmetry was unaffected by external workload and cadence. Our results indicate that individuals with knee OA demonstrate interlimb asymmetry in crank power output during stationary cycling.

Buddhadev|Harsh H|HH|
Crisafulli|Daniel L|DL|
Suprak|David N|DN|
San Juan|Jun G|JG|

rehabilitation
power output
cadence
ergometer


Vitamin D and its relationship with markers of bone metabolism in healthy Asian women.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In this study, we aimed to determine the normal ranges of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D(3) (25-OHD(3)), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and the markers of bone turnover, procollagen type 1 N propeptide (P1NP) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), in normal healthy women in Singapore, and to explore the relationship between vitamin D, PTH, and these markers of bone turnover in the women.

METHODS
One hundred and ninety-seven healthy women, aged 25 to 60, were selected from a hospital staff health screening program; 68% were Chinese, 18% Malay, and 14% Indian. P1NP, CTX, and 25-OHD(3) were measured using the Roche Cobas® electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum PTH was measured using the Siemens ADVIA Centaur® immunoassay.

RESULTS
Sixty-five percent had 25-OHD(3) concentrations <50 nmol/l. Vitamin D insufficiency (25-OHD(3) < 50 nmol/l) was more prevalent in Malays (89%) and Indians (82%) compared to Chinese (56%). There was no correlation between vitamin D and age. PTH positively correlated with age, and Malays and Indians had higher PTH concentrations than Chinese. There was an inverse correlation between PTH and 25-OHD(3), but no threshold of 25-OHD(3) concentrations at which PTH plateaued. The bone turnover markers P1NP and CTX inversely correlated with age but were not different between ethnic groups. CTX and P1NP exhibited good correlation, however, there was no significant correlation between 25-OHD(3) or PTH concentrations and the bone turnover markers P1NP and CTX.

CONCLUSIONS
Healthy women in Singapore have a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D insufficiency was more prevalent in Malays and Indians compared to Chinese.

Tan|Karen M L|KM|
Saw|Sharon|S|
Sethi|Sunil K|SK|

healthy Asian women
PTH
P1NP
CTX
25-OHD3
association


Value of Tracking Biopsy in Men Undergoing Active Surveillance of Prostate Cancer.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
We compared the upgrading rate obtained by resampling precise spots of prostate cancer (tracking biopsy) vs conventional systematic resampling during followup of men on active surveillance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
From 2009 to 2017 in 352 men prostate cancer was Gleason 3 + 3 in 268 and Gleason 3 + 4 in 84 at initial magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy. These men subsequently underwent a second fusion biopsy. At the first biopsy session all men underwent 12-core systematic biopsies and, when magnetic resonance imaging visible lesions were present, targeted biopsies. All cancerous sites were recorded electronically. During active surveillance at a second fusion biopsy session 6 to 18 months later tracking and systematic nontracking samples were obtained. The primary outcome measure was an increase in Gleason score (upgrading) at followup sampling, which was stratified by biopsy method.

RESULTS
Overall 91 of the 352 men (25.9%) experienced upgrading at the second biopsy during a median 11-month interval. The upgrade rate in the Gleason 3 + 3 and 3 + 4 groups was 26.9% and 22.6%, respectively. The mean number of cores taken at second biopsy was 12.2 ± 3.3 in men with upgrading and 12.4 ± 4.1 in those who remained stable (p not significant). Men with grade 0 to 4 magnetic resonance imaging targets were all upgraded at approximately the same rate of 20% to 30% (p not significant). However, 58.8% of the men with grade 5 magnetic resonance imaging targets were upgraded. Of the 91 upgrades 48 (53%) were detected only by tracking.

CONCLUSIONS
The tracking function of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy warrants further study. When specific sites are resampled in men undergoing active surveillance of prostate cancer, upgrading is detected more often than by nontracking biopsy.

Chang|Edward|E|
Jones|Tonye A|TA|
Natarajan|Shyam|S|
Sharma|Devi|D|
Simopoulos|Demetrios|D|
Margolis|Daniel J|DJ|
Huang|Jiaoti|J|
Dorey|Frederick J|FJ|
Marks|Leonard S|LS|

biopsy
magnetic resonance imaging
neoplasm grading
prostatic neoplasms
ultrasonography


The evaluation of serum N-terminal prohormone brain-type natriuretic peptide, troponin-I, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in children with congenital heart disease.

Abstract: Although advanced diagnostic and treatment methods are available, congenital heart disease (CHD) holds an important place among the causes of death within the first year of age. Therefore, several prognostic factors are needed for diagnosis and monitoring of these patients. In this study, which includes 66 CHD patients and 38 healthy control children, serum cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and N-terminal prohormone brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were analyzed for their prognostics values. The patient groups were categorized and then evaluated as cyanotic (n = 16), acyanotic (n = 50), symptomatic (n = 23), asymptomatic (n = 43), and isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD)-isolated atrial septal defect (ASD) groups. Cyanotic group was statistically compared with acyanotic group, symptomatic group with asymptomatic group, and VSD group with ASD group. Between the cyanotic, acyanotic, and control groups; between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups; and between the VSD and ASD groups, significant difference was not showed for age (p > 0.05). NT-proBNP was found to be significantly higher in the cyanotic group than acyanotic and control group, in the symptomatic group than asymptomatic group; and in the patient group than healthy control group (p < 0.05). Between the groups of VSD and ASD, significant difference was not showed (p > 0.05). The same comparison results for TnI and Hs-CRP were not significant (p > 0.05). TnI and Hs-CRP were only found significantly higher in the patient group than healthy control group (p < 0.05). Eventually, we think that NT-proBNP, Hs-CRP, and TnI might be used for clinical management and estimation of outcome of these disorders in the future and these also might be able to modify existing strategies, but much more studies are needed.

Congenital heart disease
cTnI
Hs-CRP
NT-proBNP


Mechanisms of pyruvate kinase M2 isoform inhibits cell motility in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Abstract:
AIM
To investigate biological mechanisms underlying pyruvate kinase M2 isoform (PKM2) regulation of cell migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

METHODS
HepG2 and Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines were stably transfected and cultured in DMEM (HyClone, Logan, UT, United States). To investigate the effects of PKM2 on cellular proliferation, hepatocellular carcinoma cells were subjected to the Cell Counting Kit-8 (Dojindo, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto, Japan). And investigate the effects of PKM2 on cell signal pathway related with migration and invasion, Western immunoblotting were used to find out the differential proteins. All the antibody used was purchaseed from Cell Signal Technology. In order to explore cell motility used Transwell invasion and wound healing assays. The transwell plate with 0.5 mg/mL collagen type I (BD Bioscience, San Jose, CA)-coated filters. The wound-healing assay was performed in 6-well plates. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, CA, United States) and then reverse transcription was conducted. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was performed with the ABI 7500 real-time PCR system (Applied Biosystems). We further use digital gene expression tag profiling and identification of differentially expressed genes.

RESULTS
The cells seeded in four 96-well plates were measured OD450 by conducted Cell Counting Kit-8. From this conduction we observed that both HepG2 and Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells with silenced PKM2 turn on a proliferate inhibition; however, cell migration and invasion were enhanced compared with the control upon stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF). Our results indicate that the knockdown of PKM2 decreased the expression of E-cadherin and enhanced the activity of the EGF/EGFR signaling pathway, furthermore up-regulate the subsequent signal molecular the PLCγ1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 expression in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh-7, which regulates cell motility. These variations we observed were due to the activation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway after PKM2 knockdown. We also found that the expression of TGFBRI was increased and the phosphorylation of Smad2 was enhanced. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PKM2 can regulate cell motility through the EGF/EGFR and TGFβ/TGFR signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

CONCLUSION
PKM2 play different roles in modulating the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, and this finding could help to guide the future targeted therapies.

Chen|Yan-Ling|YL| Song|Jun-Jiao|JJ| Chen|Xiao-Chun|XC| Xu|Wei|W| Zhi|Qiang|Q| Liu|Yun-Peng|YP| Xu|Hong-Zhi|HZ| Pan|Jin-Shui|JS| Ren|Jian-Lin|JL| Guleng|Bayasi|B|

D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

D000077293:Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I

D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta

Epidermal growth factor/EGFR signaling pathway

Transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway


Profiling the Oral Microbiome and Plasma Biochemistry of Obese Hyperglycemic Subjects in Qatar.

Abstract: The present study is designed to compare demographic characteristics, plasma biochemistry, and the oral microbiome in obese (N = 37) and lean control (N = 36) subjects enrolled at Qatar Biobank, Qatar. Plasma hormones, enzymes, and lipid profiles were analyzed at Hamad Medical Cooperation Diagnostic Laboratory. Saliva microbiome characterization was carried out by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform. Obese subjects had higher testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations compared to the control group. A negative association between BMI and testosterone (P < 0.001, r = -0.64) and SHBG (P < 0.001, r = -0.34) was observed. Irrespective of the study groups, the oral microbiome was predominantly occupied by Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Veillonella species. A generalized linear model revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2.25 ± 1.83 vs. 1.76 ± 0.58; corrected P-value = 0.04) was higher, and phylum Fusobacteria concentration (4.5 ± 3.0 vs. 6.2 ± 4.3; corrected P-value = 0.05) was low in the obese group compared with the control group. However, no differences in microbiome diversity were observed between the two groups as evaluated by alpha (Kruskal-Wallis P ≥ 0.78) and beta (PERMANOVA P = 0.37) diversity indexes. Certain bacterial phyla (Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) were positively associated (P = 0.05, r ≤ +0.5) with estradiol, fast food consumption, creatinine, breastfed during infancy, triglycerides, and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations. In conclusion, no differences in oral microbiome diversity were observed between the studied groups. However, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a recognized obesogenic microbiome trait, was higher in the obese subjects. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger cohort.

Sohail|Muhammad U|MU|
Elrayess|Mohamed A|MA|
Al Thani|A A|AA|
Al-Asmakh|M|M|
Yassine|Hadi M|HM|

oral microbiome
obesity
Qatar Biobank
lipid profile
testosterone
diabetes
pre-diabetes


Comparison between wide-angle OCT angiography and ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography for detecting non-perfusion areas and retinal neovascularization in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To compare the ability of wide-angle optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with that of ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) to detect non-perfusion areas (NPAs) or retinal neovascularization (NV) in eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS
Patients with DR underwent UWFFA using the Optos® panoramic 200Tx imaging system and wide-angle OCTA with 12 × 12 mm fields of five visual fixations using the PLEX Elite 9000®. We compared the abilities of UWFFA and OCTA to detect NPAs and NV.

RESULTS
Fifty-eight eyes of 33 patients (mean age, 60.0 years old; female/male, 16/17) with DR were evaluated. NPAs were detected in 47 out of 58 eyes using UWFFA and in 48 eyes using OCTA. NVs were detected in 25 out of the 58 eyes using UWFFA and in 26 eyes using OCTA. The sensitivity for detection of NPA using OCTA was 0.98, and the specificity was 0.82. The sensitivity for detection of NV was 1.0, and the specificity was 0.97.

CONCLUSION
The wide-angle OCTA seems to be clinically useful for the detection of NPAs or NV.

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy
D005260:Female
D005451:Fluorescein Angiography
D005654:Fundus Oculi
D006801:Humans
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D012372:ROC Curve
D015861:Retinal Neovascularization
D012171:Retinal Vessels
D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence

Fluorescein angiography
Non-perfusion area
Retinal neovascularization
Diabetic retinopathy
Ocular coherence tomography angiography


SCARF1: a multifaceted, yet largely understudied, scavenger receptor.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
As is a prerequisite of belonging to the scavenger receptor super family, SCARF1 (scavenger receptor class F, member 1) is known to play a key role in the binding and endocytosis of a wide range of endogenous and exogenous ligands.

FINDINGS
Unlike most scavenger receptors, SCARF1 is an essential protein, as SCARF1-deficient mice exhibit a severe resting phenotype in which they develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease, thus highlighting the importance of SCARF1-mediated clearance of apoptotic host cells in homeostasis. In addition, a number of other roles in homeostasis and disease pathology have also been suggested, including roles in both innate and adaptive immunity; however, the majority of these studies have utilised transfected cell lines engineered to ectopically express SCARF1 and very few have utilised in vivo or ex vivo approaches.

CONCLUSION
This review summarises our current knowledge on SCARF1 biology and reflects on future directions for research on this multifaceted, yet largely understudied, scavenger receptor.

SCARF1
Innate immunity
Leukocyte adhesion molecule
SREC-I


Treatment of shale gas produced water by magnetic CuFe2O4/TNTs hybrid heterogeneous catalyzed ozone: Efficiency and mechanisms.

Abstract: Magnetic spinel ferrite (CuFe2O4) has been applied to catalyze ozone for treating the practical shale gas produced water (PW) in our previous study. In this work, CuFe2O4/titanium nanotubes (TNTs) catalyst was successfully prepared by an impregnation-calcination method. Characterization results revealed that the crystal form of CuFe2O4 was bound to the surface of TNTs, the particle size is much smaller than the pure CuFe2O4 crystal particle, which could weaken the influence of the internal diffusion process on its catalytic efficiency. The experimental results showed that the removal ratio of CODCr in the CuFe2O4/TNTs/O3 system was approximately 14% higher than that of the CuFe2O4/O3 system. The dissolution of metal elements decreased to one-third that of the CuFe2O4/O3 system. The inhibition ratio of PW on the growth of E. coli K12 decreased 68% after the CuFe2O4/TNTs catalytic oxidation process. Experimental results of complete capture experiments illustrated that the yield of HO• of the CuFe2O4/TNTs/O3 system was 10-19% higher than that of the CuFe2O4/O3 system. The elemental valence analysis revealed that the transition of Cu(II)-Cu(III) and Fe(II)-Fe(III) coexisted in the catalytic system. Besides, the surface hydroxyl groups promoted the electron transfer process and enhanced the ozone adsorption affinity. The proposed catalytic mechanisms of the CuFe2O4/TNTs/O3 system were proposed via the above analysis.

Zhang|Jiaming|J| Liu|Pingxin|P| Ren|Yueming|Y| Du|Yunchen|Y| Geng|Chengbao|C| Ma|Jun|J| Zhao|Fangbo|F|

Ozone
CuFe(2)O(4)/titanium nanotubes
Heterogeneous catalysis
Hydroxyl radicals
Shale-gas produced water


The combined effects of neurostimulation and priming on creative thinking. A preliminary tDCS study on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: The role of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in influencing creative thinking has been investigated by many researchers who, while succeeding in proving an effective involvement of PFC, reported suggestive but sometimes conflicting results. In order to better understand the relationships between creative thinking and brain activation in a more specific area of the PFC, we explored the role of dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC). We devised an experimental protocol using transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS). The study was based on a 3 (kind of stimulation: anodal vs. cathodal vs. sham) × 2 (priming: divergent vs. convergent) design. Forty-five healthy adults were randomly assigned to one stimulation condition. Participants' creativity skills were assessed using the Product Improvement subtest from the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT). After 20 min of tDCS stimulation, participants were presented with visual images of common objects. Half of the participants were instructed to visualize themselves using the object in an unusual way (divergent priming), whereas the other half were asked to visualize themselves while using the object in a common way (convergent priming). Priming was aimed at inducing participants to adopt different attitudes toward the creative task. Afterwards, participants were asked to describe all of the possible uses of the objects that were presented. Participants' physiological activation was recorded using a biofeedback equipment. Results showed a significant effect of anodal stimulation that enhanced creative performance, but only after divergent priming. Participants showed lower skin temperature values after cathodal stimulation, a finding which is coherent with studies reporting that, when a task is not creative or creative thinking is not prompted, people show lower levels of arousal. Differences in individual levels of creativity as assessed by the Product Improvement test were not influential. The involvement of DLPFC in creativity has been supported, presumably in association to shift of attention modulated by priming.

Colombo|Barbara|B| Bartesaghi|Noemi|N| Simonelli|Luisa|L| Antonietti|Alessandro|A|

neurostimulation
creativity
tDCS
prefrontal cortex
biofeedback
skin temperature
attention
divergent thinking


Atomic force microscopy for imaging and nanomechanical characterisation of live nematode epicuticle: A comparative Caenorhabditis elegans and Turbatrix aceti study.

Abstract: Atomic force microscopy (AFM), a powerful tool in interdisciplinary biomedical research, has been applied here to investigate the surface of live nematodes epicuticle. We have used AFM in PeakForce Tapping non-resonant imaging and nanomechanical characterisation mode to investigate and compare the surface features of epicuticle of two free-living microscopic nematodes, Caenorhabditis elegans and Turbatrix aceti. We have successfully immobilised live anesthetized adult nematodes on glass supports using either layer-by-layer-deposited polyelectrolyte films or bioadhesive coatings, which allowed for imaging the living nematodes in native environment. We have obtained AFM images and corresponding nanomechanical maps of annular rings and furrows, demonstrating the differences in topography and structure between the species. Our results demonstrate that AFM in PeakForce Tapping mode can be used to image and characterise surfaces of relatively-large live immobilised multicellular organisms, which can be further applied to a number of invertebrates.

Akhatova|Farida|F| Fakhrullina|Gölnur|G| Khakimova|Elvira|E| Fakhrullin|Rawil|R|

Atomic force microscopy
Caenorhabditis elegans
Turbatrix aceti
PeakForce tapping
Cuticle
Layer-by-layer assembly


Incidence of prolonged QTc and severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study.

Abstract:
AIMS
To assess the independent role of severe hypoglycemia on 7-year cumulative incidence of prolonged QTc in a large cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS
People with type 1 diabetes recruited by the EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study who had normal QTc were examined at baseline and after 7 years with standardized methods (n = 1415; mean age ± SD 32.1 ± 9.6 years; diabetes duration 14.2 ± 8.8 years). Hypoglycemic episodes were assessed by a questionnaire. QTc was calculated according to Bazett's formula. In logistic regression analysis, we examined the role of severe hypoglycemia (none, 1-2, or 3 and more episodes/year) on the cumulative incidence of prolonged QTc, independently of age, sex, HbA1c, blood pressure, BMI, physical activity, distal symmetrical and autonomic neuropathy.

RESULTS
In total, 264/1415 (17%) patients had incident prolonged QTc. Compared to those with persistently normal QTc, a greater proportion of incident cases had 3 and more hypoglycemic episodes at baseline (16.3 vs 11.2%, p = 0.03) and after 7 years (15.2 vs 9.6%, p = 0.01). In logistic regression analysis, 3 or more episodes of severe hypoglycemia at baseline did not increase cumulative incidence of prolonged QTc (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.88-2.03). By contrast, severe hypoglycemia at the follow-up examination was associated with higher incidence of QTc prolongation (OR 1.68, 1.09-2.58), which reverted to not significant after adjustment for diabetic neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS
Severe hypoglycemia was not associated with incidence QTc prolongation in type 1 diabetic patients from the EURODIAB PCS.

Amione|Cristina|C|
Giunti|Sara|S|
Fornengo|Paolo|P|
Soedamah-Muthu|Sabita S|SS|
Chaturvedi|Nish|N|
Fuller|J H|JH|
Barutta|Federica|F|
Gruden|Gabriella|G|
Bruno|Graziella|G|


Discovery of (1R,6S)-5-[4-(1-cyclobutyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-3,4-diaza-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-4-en-2-one (R,S-4a): histamine H(3) receptor inverse agonist demonstrating potent cognitive enhancing and wake promoting activity.

Abstract: A series of fused cyclopropyl-4,5-dihydropyridazin-3-one (3,4-diaza-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-4-en-2-one) phenoxypiperidine analogs was designed and synthesized, leading to the identification of (1R,6S)-5-[4-(1-cyclobutyl-piperidin-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-3,4-diaza-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-4-en-2-one (R,S-4a) as a second-generation pyridazin-3-one H3R antagonist. Compound R,S-4a was a potent H3R functional antagonist in vivo in the rat dipsogenia model, demonstrated potent wake activity in the rat EEG/EMG model, and enhanced short-term memory in the rat social recognition memory model at doses as low as 0.03-0.3 mg/kg po.

Hudkins|Robert L|RL|
Josef|Kurt A|KA|
Becknell|Nadine C|NC|
Aimone|Lisa D|LD|
Lyons|Jacquelyn A|JA|
Mathiasen|Joanne R|JR|
Gruner|John A|JA|
Raddatz|Rita|R|

Histamine H(3) receptor
Cognition
Pyridazin-3-one
CEP-26401
H(3) inverse agonist
Sleep–wake


Prevalence of Salmonella in green anoles (Anolis Carolinensis), an invasive alien species in Naha and Tomigusuku Cities, Okinawa Main Island, Japan.

Abstract: Here, we investigated the prevalence of Salmonella enterica, with and without resistance to 17 common antimicrobial agents, in 706 green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) that were collected in Naha and Tomigusuku Cities, Okinawa Main Island, Japan, between 2009 and 2014. Salmonella strains, including S. enterica Weltevreden and Enteritidis serovars, were identified in the large intestinal content samples extracted from 15 (2.1%) of the analyzed green anoles. No antimicrobial resistance was detected. Thus, the present study demonstrates that although the prevalence of Salmonella and the risk of its transmission from the green anoles to humans or other animals on Okinawa Main Island are relatively low, the green anole population nevertheless represents a potential source of Salmonella infection that could affect human health in this region.

Sumiyama|Daisuke|D| Shimizu|Ayako|A| Kanazawa|Tomoko|T| Anzai|Hiroshi|H| Murata|Koichi|K|

green anole
invasive alien species
Okinawa Main Island
Salmonella  Enteritidis
Salmonella  Weltevreden


Fabrication of Soft-Oxometalates {Mo132} Clusters With Novel Azobenzene Surfactants: Size Control by Micelles and Light.

Abstract: Soft-oxometalates (SOMs) are colloid suspensions of superstructured assemblies of polyoxometalates (POMs) and are found to be very effective photo-catalysts in a number of chemical reactions. The stabilization of SOMs generally requires legends or stabilizers, e.g., polymers and surfactants. In this paper, a light responsive azobenzene surfactant, C10AZOC2N3, was developed and used to stable {Mo132} SOMs. Various techniques such as Dynamic light scattering, TEM, UV-Vis spectra and cyclic voltammetry were employed to characterize the experimental results. The outstanding structure-directing effect of surfactant self-assembly micelles in solution on inorganic counter-anions was demonstrated. Different amount of cyclohexane was solubilized into C10AZOC2N3 micelles to successfully control the size of {Mo132} SOMs cluster. Furthermore, the clusters exposed to UV light for a certain time can be served as a second trigger to control the size of SOMs due to the trans-cis conformation transition of surfactant molecules. The redox potentials of C10AZOC2N3-{Mo132} SOMs were investigated as the cluster size varied. Interestingly, the redox potential of {Mo132} was not affected by the cluster size, indicating that the presence of surfactant did not change the main function of {Mo132} as an electrochemical catalyst, but merely assisted in the size control of SOM aggregation.

Wang|Zhe|Z| Li|Xuefeng|X| Chen|Shengli|S| Dong|Jinfeng|J|

soft-oxometalates
azobenzene surfactants
light response
solubilization
redox potential


Repurposing Toremifene for Treatment of Oral Bacterial Infections.

Abstract: The spread of antibiotic resistance and the challenges associated with antiseptics such as chlorhexidine have necessitated a search for new antibacterial agents against oral bacterial pathogens. As a result of failing traditional approaches, drug repurposing has emerged as a novel paradigm to find new antibacterial agents. In this study, we examined the effects of the FDA-approved anticancer agent toremifene against the oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans We found that the drug was able to inhibit the growth of both pathogens, as well as prevent biofilm formation, at concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 25 μM. Moreover, toremifene was shown to eradicate preformed biofilms at concentrations ranging from 25 to 50 μM. In addition, we found that toremifene prevents P. gingivalis and S. mutans biofilm formation on titanium surfaces. A time-kill study indicated that toremifene is bactericidal against S. mutans Macromolecular synthesis assays revealed that treatment with toremifene does not cause preferential inhibition of DNA, RNA, or protein synthesis pathways, indicating membrane-damaging activity. Biophysical studies using fluorescent probes and fluorescence microscopy further confirmed the membrane-damaging mode of action. Taken together, our results suggest that the anticancer agent toremifene is a suitable candidate for further investigation for the development of new treatment strategies for oral bacterial infections.

Gerits|Evelien|E|
Defraine|Valerie|V|
Vandamme|Katleen|K|
De Cremer|Kaat|K|
De Brucker|Katrijn|K|
Thevissen|Karin|K|
Cammue|Bruno P A|BP|
Beullens|Serge|S|
Fauvart|Maarten|M|
Verstraeten|Natalie|N|
Michiels|Jan|J|

D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

toremifene
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Streptococcus mutans
biofilms
oral infections


Service vs education: situational and perceptional differences in surgery residency.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
This study determined whether situational or perceptional differences exist when trying to define what constitutes "service" and "education" in surgery residency in relation to the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) survey.

DESIGN
An institutional review board-approved, single institute, cross-sectional study was conducted through a survey. Participants were asked to rate common resident tasks. Participants were also asked general questions regarding "service" and "education."

SETTING
Wright State University surgery program, Dayton, OH.

PARTICIPANTS
The study included 69 participants, which included medical students (19), residents (26), nurses/advanced practitioners (14), and attending surgeons (10).

RESULTS
A significantly high number of attending surgeons reported that writing a history and physical examination is educational compared with residents and students. Similar results were found regarding talking with patients/families. Drawing blood and starting peripheral intravenous access were universally rated as service tasks. For laparoscopic cholecystectomy, when the resident had done one previously, it was universally thought educational. When the resident had done more, most attending surgeons thought the task educational, but residents and students thought it much less educational. When analyzing only residents, in talking with families, most interns rated this as service, whereas postgraduate years 2 and 3 reported it as more educational and postgraduate years 4 and 5 ranked it equally as service and educational. Similar results were seen in answering nursing phone calls and writing admission orders. Residents (88%) and attending surgeons (90%) agreed that service is part of residency training. Only 40% of residents, however, stated they know what the term "service" means in regard to the ACGME survey. Overall, 80% of attending surgeons and 44% of residents agree that "service" has not been well defined by the ACGME.

CONCLUSIONS
Situational and perceptional differences do exist regarding "service" and "education" in our program, and most participants are unclear about the terms. As the definitions are situational and change with the person queried, then should this be the ACGME standard to assess programs and issue citations?

Hendershot|Kimberly M|KM|
Woods|Randy|R|
Parikh|Priti P|PP|
Whitmill|Melissa|M|
Runkle|Mary|M|

service
education
ACGME requirements
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
service vs education dilemma
surgery residency requirements


Psychological predictors of retention in a low-threshold methadone maintenance treatment for opioid addicts: a 1-year follow-up study.

Abstract: This study investigated the role of psychological variables and judicial problems in treatment retention for a low-threshold methadone program in Montreal, Canada. Logistic regression analyses were computed to examine associations between psychological variables (psychological distress, self-esteem, stages of change), criminal justice involvement, and treatment retention for 106 highly-disorganized opioid users. Higher methadone dosage was associated with increased odds of treatment retention, whereas criminal charges and lower self-esteem decreased these odds. Psychological variables could be identified early in treatment and targeted to increase potential treatment retention. Financial support for this study was provided by the Fonds de Recherche en Santé du Québec.

Perreault|Michel|M|
Julien|Dominic|D|
White|Noe Djawn|ND|
Rabouin|Daniel|D|
Lauzon|Pierre|P|
Milton|Diana|D|

psychological predictors
methadone maintenance treatment
Opioid
treatment retention
stages of change


Bioluminescent aptamer-based sandwich-type assay of anti-myelin basic protein autoantibodies associated with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Bioluminescent solid-phase sandwich-type microassay was developed to detect multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated autoantibodies in human sera. The assay is based on two different 2'-F-Py RNA aptamers against the target autoantibodies as biospecific elements, and Ca2+-regulated photoprotein obelin as a reporter. The paper describes elaboration of the assay and its application to 91 serum samples from patients with clinically definite MS and 86 ones from individuals healthy in terms of MS. Based on the receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis, the chosen threshold value as clinical decision limit offers sensitivity of 63.7% and specificity of 94.2%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.87 shows a good difference between the groups under investigation. The likelihood ratio of 10.97 proves the diagnostic value of the assay and its potential as one of the laboratory MS-tests.

Krasitskaya|Vasilisa V|VV|
Chaukina|Valentina V|VV|
Abroskina|Maria V|MV|
Vorobyeva|Maria A|MA|
Ilminskaya|Aleksandra A|AA|
Kabilov|Marsel R|MR|
Prokopenko|Semyon V|SV|
Nevinsky|Georgy A|GA|
Venyaminova|Alya G|AG|
Frank|Ludmila A|LA|

Multiple sclerosis
RNA aptamers
Autoantibodies to myelin basic protein
Bioluminescent microassay


A two-step strategy to visually identify molecularly imprinted polymers for tagged proteins.

Abstract: A practical and relatively simple method to identify molecularly imprinted polymers capable of binding proteins via the molecular tagging (epitope-like) approach has been developed. In our two-step method, we first challenge a previously obtained anti-tag molecularly imprinted polymer with a small molecule including the said tag of choice (a biotin derivative as shown here or other) connected to a linker bound to a second biotin moiety. An avidin molecule partially decorated with fluorescent labels is then allowed to bind the available biotin derivative associated with the polymer matrix. At the end of this simple process, and after washing off all the low-affinity binding molecules from the polymer matrix, only suitable molecularly imprinted polymers binding avidin through its previously acquired small molecule tag (or epitope-like probe, in a general case) will remain fluorescent. For confirmation, we tested the selective performance of the anti-biotin molecularly imprinted polymer binding it to biotinylated alkaline phosphatase. Residual chemical activity of the enzyme on the molecularly imprinted polymer solid support was observed. In all cases, the corresponding nonimprinted polymer controls were inactive.

molecularly imprinted polymers
tag
protein
binding
biotin


Aromatic Embrace Motifs for Bulk Supramolecular Polymers.

Abstract: Frequently encountered in crystalline materials, aromatic embraces (AEs) are formed when arylated molecules interact through multiple concerted aromatic interactions. AEs are a robust motif that is suitable for the preparation of amorphous bulk supramolecular polymers (BSPs). Crystal engineering revealed that the polymorphic compound (PPh3 )(Cp)Fe(CO){CO(CH2 )5 CH3 } (Cp=cyclopentadienyl), known as FpC6 , assembled into various chain structures through several AE motifs. Upon melting, FpC6 always adopted the same AE motif, which extended into the corresponding embracing "ladder" chains. The resultant BSP displayed typical polymer behaviour, including the presence of a glass transition and viscoelasticity, which allowed the effect of thermal history on the polymerisation behaviour to be explored. The ladder chains formed by the AE remain assembled at temperatures of up to 130 °C and were able to effectively suppress crystallisation during cooling. The ability of the AE to form chains at high temperatures and suppress crystallisation is a new opportunity to advance the field of BSPs and supramolecular chemistry.

aromatic embraces
polymers
crystal engineering
supramolecular chemistry
self-assembly


Tau Ser208 phosphorylation promotes aggregation and reveals neuropathologic diversity in Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

Abstract: Tau protein abnormally aggregates in tauopathies, a diverse group of neurologic diseases that includes Alzheimer's disease (AD). In early stages of disease, tau becomes hyperphosphorylated and mislocalized, which can contribute to its aggregation and toxicity. We demonstrate that tau phosphorylation at Ser208 (pSer208) promotes microtubule dysfunction and tau aggregation in cultured cells. Comparative assessment of the epitopes recognized by antibodies AT8, CP13, and 7F2 demonstrates that CP13 and 7F2 are specific for tau phosphorylation at Ser202 and Thr205, respectively, independently of the phosphorylation state of adjacent phosphorylation sites. Supporting the involvement of pSer208 in tau pathology, a novel monoclonal antibody 3G12 specific for tau phosphorylation at Ser208 revealed strong reactivity of tau inclusions in the brains of PS19 and rTg4510 transgenic mouse models of tauopathy. 3G12 also labelled neurofibrillary tangles in brains of patients with AD but revealed differential staining compared to CP13 and 7F2 for other types of tau pathologies such as in neuropil threads and neuritic plaques in AD, tufted astrocytes in progressive supranuclear palsy and astrocytic plaques in corticobasal degeneration. These results support the hypothesis that tau phosphorylation at Ser208 strongly contributes to unique types of tau aggregation and may be a reliable marker for the presence of mature neurofibrillary tangles.

Xia|Yuxing|Y|
Prokop|Stefan|S|
Gorion|Kimberly-Marie M|KM|
Kim|Justin D|JD|
Sorrentino|Zachary A|ZA|
Bell|Brach M|BM|
Manaois|Alyssa N|AN|
Chakrabarty|Paramita|P|
Davies|Peter|P|
Giasson|Benoit I|BI|0000-0003-2992-4234

Microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT)


Implementation of Bio-Risk Management System in a National Clinical and Medical Referral Centre Laboratories.

Abstract: The increasing threats from biological agents have become a concern in laboratories, and emerging infectious diseases have demanded increased awareness and preparedness of laboratory facilities. Bio-risk assessment is needed to provide a framework for organisations to establish a comprehensive bio-risk management system. The assessment criteria should include both biosafety and biosecurity measures. Laboratories in Indonesia play a significant role in public health interventions in term of disease screening, diagnosis and medical decision making. The National Clinical and Medical Referral Centre Laboratories have the potential of daily exposures to dangerous biological materials. This study aims to identify the gap between bio-risk management system implementation and International Standard Organisation (ISO) 35001:2019 requirements. The 202 items in ISO 35001:2019 are categorized into seven main elements. The findings show that more than half of the elements on ISO 35001:2019 have been implemented in these centres. Good performance was identified at lab 4 and 5 which obtained the highest scores, particularly in the context of organisation, planning, operation and improvement elements. However, the widest gap was found in leadership, support and performance evaluation. One way to address this would be to create written rules and regulations at the laboratory top management level to require all laboratory facilities to comply to the bio-risk policies, rules, and regulations.

implementation
bio-risk
management
laboratory
ISO 35001:2019
gap analysis


Recent Perspectives in Hot Melt Extrusion-Based Polymeric Formulations for Drug Delivery: Applications and Innovations.

Abstract: Hot melt extrusion (HME), a technology which mixing the advantages of solid dispersion technology and mechanical preparation, is accepted in varied applications in pharmaceutical formulations. When combined with other techniques, such as nanotechnique, three-dimensional printing, and co-extrusion, HME becomes much more multifunctional in the application of drug delivery. While in most cases, polymers employed in HME are responsible for the final property of products. The process of HME together with the selection of materials employed in HME were described briefly. In addition, the applications of HME in drug delivery and its currently status in the pharmaceutical field were also included. Some commercial products produced by HME have met the approval of FDA, indicating the commercial viability of this technique. Although showing great potential in pharmaceutical manufacturing, HME is still challenged by high temperature, shear force, and high input energy. Development of equipment, modifying the parameters, and optimization of polymeric formulations are needed for a safe, effective, and multifunctional hot melt extrusion drug delivery system. Also, wider range of combinations between HME and other techniques may provide guideline for developing multiple applications in drug delivery.

D004339:Drug Compounding
D016503:Drug Delivery Systems
D006358:Hot Temperature
D036103:Nanotechnology
D011108:Polymers
D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional
D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical

hot melt extrusion
three-dimensional printing
drug delivery systems
amorphous solid dispersion
nanotechnology


Messages from the first International Conference on Clinical Metagenomics (ICCMg).

Abstract: Metagenomics is recently entering in the clinical microbiology and an increasing number of diagnostic laboratories are now proposing the sequencing & annotation of bacterial genomes and/or the analysis of clinical samples by direct or PCR-based metagenomics with short time to results. In this context, the first International Conference on Clinical Metagenomics (ICCMg) was held in Geneva in October 2016 and several key aspects have been discussed including: i) the need for improved resolution, ii) the importance of interpretation given the common occurrence of sequence contaminants, iii) the need for improved bioinformatic pipelines, iv) the bottleneck of DNA extraction, v) the importance of gold standards, vi) the need to further reduce time to results, vii) how to improve data sharing, viii) the applications of bacterial genomics and clinical metagenomics in better adapting therapeutics and ix) the impact of metagenomics and new sequencing technologies in discovering new microbes. Further efforts in term of reduced turnaround time, improved quality and lower costs are however warranted to fully translate metagenomics in clinical applications.

Metagenomics
Bio-informatics
Cancer
Intestinal microbiota
Next-generation sequencing


Challenges and Opportunities in Adolescent Gynecology Patients with Surgically-Treated Congenital and Acquired Anomalies: Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Surgery.

Abstract: The transition from adolescence to young adulthood in patients with reproductive health care needs such as disorders of sexual development and congenital anomalies is a complex process that occurs over several years. The transition process for these patients is still poorly understood. The patients with disorders of sexual development and reproductive issues have specific and unique issues regarding timing of disclosure of diagnosis, genital examinations, gonadectomy, vaginal treatments, surgical procedures, hormone replacement therapy, use of long-term medication, and potential cancer screening. The purpose of this review is to briefly describe complex genital malformations and their associated anomalies with long-term concerns and then provide an overview of what has been published at this time regarding the transition of care to provide some guidance for providers who care for those patients.

Hertweck|S Paige|SP|
Rothstein|David H|DH|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand

Adolescents
Transition of care
Disorders of sexual development
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
DSD
Gynecologic anomalies
Intersex
MRKH syndrome
Ovarian conditions
Uterovaginal agenesis


A community-based intervention in middle schools to improve HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening in Japan.

Abstract:
AIM
Japan has low rates of cervical cancer screening and Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. This research examines the effectiveness of a family medicine resident-led, intervention in increasing knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer in middle school-girls and increasing knowledge and intention to have cervical cancer screening in their mothers.

METHODS
We utilized a pre-test/post-test intervention design in three rural middle schools with 7(th) grade middle school-girls and their mothers. A school-based activity educated girls about HPV and cervical cancer. A home-based activity utilized a homework assignment for girls and their mothers. Pre/post intervention surveys were completed by the girls and their mothers. Major outcomes included changes in knowledge among girls and mothers and barriers to be screened for cervical cancer among mothers.

RESULTS
Sixty-five students and sixty-three mothers completed the study. Two out five mothers were not in compliance with current screening recommendations. Identified barriers included: embarrassment (79%), poor access (56%), fear of having cancer (52%), and cervical cancer screening being an unknown procedure (46%). Forty-four percent of mothers deemed their daughters to be at risk for cervical cancer. Trusted sources of information included: doctors (97%), newspapers/television (89%), government (79%), the Internet (78%), and friends (62%). Student knowledge scores (7-point scale) improved significantly from pre- to post-intervention (4.8 vs. 5.9, p < 0.001). Knowledge scores (14-point scale) among mothers also significantly improved (11.7 vs. 12.0, p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest a community-based intervention on a sensitive topic by family medicine residents can be implemented in middle schools, can improve school-girls' knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer, and can reach their mothers. Additional research could examine whether those intending to be screened receive screening and how to reach women who still resist screening.

Ito|Tomoko|T|
Takenoshita|Remi|R|
Narumoto|Keiichiro|K|
Plegue|Melissa|M|
Sen|Ananda|A|
Crabtree|Benjamin Franklin|BF|
Fetters|Michael Derwin|MD|

Intervention
Vaccination
Japan
Early detection of cancer
Papillomavirus vaccines


Relationships between metabolic syndrome and aspects of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities strongly associated with risks of cardiovascular diseases. However, a relationship between MetS and aneurysmal disease as compared with occlusive disease has not been confirmed. Therefore, correlations of MetS and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were evaluated.

METHODS
Between March 2011 and February 2020, 354 patients diagnosed with AAA were enrolled and divided into the MetS (n = 164) and the no-MetS (n = 190) groups. Individual components of MetS, characteristics of AAA, rupture rate, and survival rate were evaluated for both groups. Additionally, correlations between MetS and AAA were evaluated with focusing on effects of diabetes mellitus (DM).

RESULTS
The size of AAA was significantly larger in the MetS group compared with the no-MetS group (P < 0.05). The rupture rate was significantly higher in the MetS group compared with the no-MetS group (P < 0.05) and the survival rate was significantly higher in the no-MetS group (P < 0.05). In terms of DM, the size of AAA was significantly larger in the no-DM group compared with the DM group (P < 0.05). MetS was significantly more prevalent in the DM group compared with the no-DM group (P < 0.05). Finally, the rupture and survival rates were not statistically different between the DM and the no-DM groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Although larger prospective studies are necessary, we suggest that MetS proportionally aggravates the status of AAA and survival rate. Therefore, surveillance for MetS and individual components may help to restrict the expansion of AAA.

Lee|Jong Seok|JS|
Park|Sun Cheol|SC|
Kim|Sang Dong|SD|

Metabolic syndrome
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Diabetes mellitus


The inhibition of SGK1 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes renal tubular epithelial cell autophagy in diabetic nephropathy.

Abstract: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes that is the dominant cause of end-stage renal disease. However, the pathological mechanism of DN is yet to be elucidated. Serum and glucocorticoid induced kinase (SGK) 1, a ubiquitously expressed kinase, was employed in the current study to assess its effect on DN in vivo and in vitro. Male BALB/C mice and a human tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) were utilized for experimentation. Male BALB/C mice and a human tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) were utilized for experimentation. Pathological changes were measured via HE and staining and immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression of SGK 1. An SGK1 inhibitor, GSK650394, was applied to analyze the role of SGK1 in HK-2 cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Associated protein expressions were assessed via western blotting. In addition, migration was measured using a scratch wound healing assay. 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, was used to determine the variation of autophagy following SGK1 inhibition. The expression of autophagy proteins were analyzed. Furthermore, the expression of PI3K, AKT, mTOR and their levels of phosphorylation were measured. The results revealed that the ultrastructure of renal tissue suffered damage and that the expression of SGK1 was markedly increased. After SGK1 inhibition, HK-2 cell EMT was suppressed and cell migration was attenuated. Furthermore, the autophagy of HK-2 cells was promoted, an increased expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 II was detected, and a decreased expression of p62 was observed. Additionally, the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were markedly upregulated. The results indicated that blocking autophagy signaling via 3-MA muted SGK1-protected against HG-evoked cell injury. Our study demonstrated that SGK1 inhibition promoted autophagy and suppressed renal tubular epithelial cell EMT in DN, indicating that SGK1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target of DN.

Zhuang|Langen|L| Jin|Guoxi|G| Hu|Xiaolei|X| Yang|Qingqing|Q| Shi|Zhaoming|Z|

Autophagy
diabetic nephropathy
epithelial mesenchymal transition
serum-and glucocorticoid induced kinase


Soft normed rings.

Abstract: Molodtsov introduced the concept of soft sets, which can be seen as a new mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. In this paper, we initiate the study of soft normed rings by soft set theory. The notions of soft normed rings, soft normed ideals, soft complete normed rings are introduced and also several related properties and examples are given.

Soft normed rings
Normed rings
Soft sets
Soft normed ideal


A continuous electroreduction cell composed of palladium nanocatalyst immobilized on discarded cigarette filters as an active bed for Cr(VI) removal from groundwater.

Abstract: In this research, a unique continuous electrochemical cell was designed and applied for the disinfection of groundwater and simultaneous Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(III) precipitation. Discarded cigarette filters (DCFs) were utilized as an efficient bed for palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) immobilization located between porous anode and cathode made of graphite felt. The characterization of the bed was performed using FE-SEM, EDS, BET, and FT-IR analysis. The results confirmed the distribution of palladium nanoparticles on the surface of DCFs. The proposed design for electrochemical cell obviated the need to divide the anolyte and catholyte because the anode was located at the outlet of the cell, thereby avoiding the reaction between hydrogen radicals produced on the surface of PdNPs and oxygen and chlorine produced in the anode. The hydrogen gas produced in the cathode was converted to hydrogen radicals, acting as the most prominent species for the reduction. Hydroxide ions produced in the cathode increased the pH of the solution between electrodes, resulting in the precipitation of Cr (III) with an efficiency of 96%. Furthermore, free chlorine at the concentration of 1 mg L-1 was generated through chloride ion oxidation in the anode, which can be effective for disinfection. The effect of initial Cr (VI) concentration (C0), flow rate (Q), and current (I) was investigated, and the maximum removal efficiency (99.7%) was observed at the flow rate of 5 mL min-1 and current of 0.05 A, respectively. No interference ensued from the various coexisting ions in groundwater. The findings of this study suggested that the proposed electrochemical cell is capable of in-situ total chromium removal and free chlorine production in groundwater simultaneously.

D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Electroreduction
Palladium
Groundwater
Hydrogenation
Chromium hexavalent


Guiding diabetes screening and prevention: rationale, recommendations and remaining challenges.

Abstract: Advances made in diabetes management are not sufficient to reduce morbidity, mortality and cost without making prevention efforts at various levels imperative for substantial impact. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of lifestyle intervention and medications in preventing type 2 diabetes among diverse high-risk groups commonly identified with oral glucose tolerance testing. Efficacy, sustainability and safety data are most comprehensive for lifestyle and metformin, with other medications also demonstrating efficacy and potential in the pharmacoprevention of diabetes. Subsequent implementation studies have demonstrated feasibility of lifestyle intervention programs at health centers, communities, and at local and national government levels. Challenges remain in widespread translation and reaching and engaging at-risk individuals and populations.

diabetes
prevention
lifestyle
pharmacoprevention
diabetes prevention
diabetes prevention program
obesity


Knowledge of mental health legislation in Ghana: a case of the use of certificate of urgency in mental health care.

Abstract:
Introduction
Mental illness can affect anyone irrespective of race, gender or personal characteristics. The study sought to investigate health workers' Knowledge on Mental Health Legislation in Ghana focusing on the Certificate of Urgency.

Methods
A descriptive study design was employed for this study. The study population included medical doctors, physician assistants, and nurses/midwives. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 384 respondents for the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured questionnaires.

Results
Respondents who were psychiatrists were 9.56 times more knowledgeable in the use of Certificate of Urgency than those in other specialties like primary care, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery and internal medicine; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57-65.2]. Respondents who had used the Certificate of Urgency before had 4.7 times more knowledge as compared to those who had not used it at all; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.021-14.01].

Conclusion
Knowledge of Certificate of Urgency was generally low. Authorities of the various hospitals should organize regular in-service training to enlighten all healthcare workers on the legislation governing mental healthcare in Ghana.

Anokye|Reindolf|R|0000-0002-7669-7057
Acheampong|Enoch|E|
Gyamfi|Naomi|N|
Budu-Ainooson|Amy|A|
Kyei|Ernest Appiah|EA|

Knowledge
Mental health legislation
Certificate of urgency
Health workers


Healthy Lifestyle During Early Pregnancy and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract: Previous studies have found associations between individual healthy behaviors and reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, the association of composite healthy lifestyle during pregnancy with GDM has not been examined. Participants in the Omega Study (n = 3,005), a pregnancy cohort study conducted in Washington State (1996-2008), reported information on diet, physical activity, smoking, and stress during early pregnancy. Lifestyle components were dichotomized into healthy/unhealthy and then combined into a total lifestyle score (range, 0-4). Regression models were used to determine relative risk of GDM (n = 140 cases) in relation to healthy lifestyle. Twenty percent of participants had a healthy diet, 66% were physically active, 95% were nonsmokers, and 55% had low stress. Each 1-point increase in lifestyle score was associated with a 21% lower risk of GDM (95% confidence interval: 0.65, 0.96) after adjustment for age, race, and nulliparity. Adjustment for prepregnancy body mass index, prepregnancy physical activity, and prepregnancy smoking attenuated the associations slightly. Associations were similar in normal-weight and overweight/obese women. In this study, a composite measure of healthy lifestyle during early pregnancy was associated with substantially lower GDM risk. Public health messaging and interventions promoting multiple aspects of a healthy lifestyle during early pregnancy should be considered for GDM prevention.

Badon|Sylvia E|SE|
Enquobahrie|Daniel A|DA|
Wartko|Paige D|PD|
Miller|Raymond S|RS|
Qiu|Chunfang|C|
Gelaye|Bizu|B|
Sorensen|Tanya K|TK|
Williams|Michelle A|MA|

lifestyle
pregnancy
gestational diabetes
diabetes mellitus
diet
physical activity
smoking
life stress


Anatomic and non-anatomic anterior cruciate ligament posterolateral bundle augmentation affects graft function.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to compare knee laxity and graft function (tissue force) between anatomic and non-anatomic posterolateral (PL) bundle augmentation.

METHODS
Twelve (n = 12) fresh-frozen mature, unpaired porcine knees were tested using a robotic testing system. Four knee states were compared: (a) intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), (b) deficient PL and intermediate bundles, (c) anatomic PL augmentation, and (d) non-anatomic PL augmentation. Anterior tibial translation (ATT), internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER), and the in situ tissue force were measured under an 89.0-N anterior tibial load and 4.0-N m internal and external tibial torques.

RESULTS
Both anatomic and non-anatomic PL augmentation restored the ER, IR, and ATT of the intact knee at all knee flexion angles (n.s.). Both anatomic and non-anatomic PL augmentation restored the in situ tissue force of the ACL during ER and IR loading and ATT loading at all knee flexion angles except at 60° of knee flexion, where the non-anatomic PL augmentation did not restore the in situ tissue force of the ACL during external rotation loading and the anatomic PL augmentation did not restore the in situ tissue force of the ACL during IR loading. Furthermore, there were no differences in ATT, IR, ER, and in situ tissue force under anterior tibial loading, IR and ER loading between the two reconstruction groups.

CONCLUSION
There were no significant differences between anatomic and non-anatomic PL augmentation using the porcine knee model.

Yapici|Can|C|
Surer|Levent|L|
Keklikci|Kenan|K|
Shi|Dongliang|D|
Sabzevari|Soheil|S|
Linde|Monica A|MA|
Smolinski|Patrick|P|
Fu|Freddie H|FH|

D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Posterolateral bundle
Augmentation
Porcine
Anatomic ACL reconstruction
Rotational stability


A novel adjuvant-free H fusion system for the production of recombinant immunogens in Escherichia coli: Its application to a 12 kDa antigen from Cryptosporidium parvum.

Abstract: The production of recombinant antigens in Escherichia coli and specific polyclonal antibodies for diagnosis and therapy is still a challenge for world-wide researchers. Several different strategies have been explored to improve both antigen and antibody production, all of them depending on a successful expression and immunogenicity of the antigen. Gene fusion technology attempted to address these challenges: fusion partners have been applied to optimize recombinant antigen production in E. coli, and to increase protein immunogenicity. Taking a 12-kDa surface adhesion antigen from Cryptosporidium parvum (CP12) by example, the novel H fusion partner was presented in this work as an attractive option for the development of recombinant immunogens and its adjuvant-free immunization. The H tag (of only 1 kDa) efficiently triggered a CP12-specific immune response, and it also improved the immunization procedure without requiring co-administration of adjuvants. Moreover, polyclonal antibodies raised against the HCP12 fusion antigen detected native antigen structures displayed on the surface of C. parvum oocysts. The H tag proved to be an advanced strategy and promising technology for the diagnosis and therapy of C. parvum infections in animals and humans, allowing a rapid and simple recombinant production of the CP12 antigen.

Costa|Sofia J|SJ|
Silva|Pedro|P|
Almeida|André|A|
Conceição|Antónia|A|
Domingues|Lucília|L|
Castro|António|A|

D000595:Amino Acid Sequence
D000818:Animals
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan
D001483:Base Sequence
D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum
D016054:DNA, Protozoan
D004926:Escherichia coli
D050939:Gene Fusion
D051379:Mice
D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
D033661:Oocysts
D011994:Recombinant Proteins

immunogens
Cryptosporidium
antibody production
CP12
free-adjuvant immunization
novel fusion partner


Construction of magnetic-carbon-quantum-dots-probe-labeled apoferritin nanocages for bioimaging and targeted therapy.

Abstract: Carbon dots (CDs) are one of the most highlighted carbon-based materials for biological applications, such as optical imaging nanoprobes, which are used for labeling cells in cancer treatment mainly due to their biocompatibility and unique optical properties. In this study, gadolinium (Gd)-complex-containing CDs were obtained through a one-step microwave method to develop multimodal nanoprobes integrating the advantages of optical and magnetic imaging. The obtained Gd-CDs exhibited highly fluorescent properties with excellent water solubility and biological compatibility. Natural apoferritin (AFn) nanocages, an excellent drug delivery carrier, are hollow in structure, with their pH-dependent, unfolding-refolding process at pH 2.0 and 7.4. The chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) can be highly effective and encapsulated into AFn cavity. A widely used tumor-targeting molecule, folic acid (FA), functionalized the surface of AFn to obtain an active tumor targeting effect on MCF-7 cells and malignant tumors in mice models. In this study, an AFn nanocarrier encapsulating high concentration of DOX labeled with magnetic and fluorescent Gd-CDs probe was developed. Gd-CDs exhibited a unique green photoluminescence and almost no toxicity compared with free GdCl3. Furthermore, Gd-doped CDs significantly increased the circulation time and decreased the toxicity of Gd3+ in in vitro and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, which demonstrated that the AFn nanocages labeled with Gd-CD compounds could serve as an excellent T1 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. The self-assembling multifunctional Gd-CDs/AFn (DOX)/FA nanoparticles have a great potential for cancer theranostic applications.

Yao|Hanchun|H| Su|Li|L| Zeng|Man|M| Cao|Li|L| Zhao|Weiwei|W| Chen|Chengqun|C| Du|Bin|B| Zhou|Jie|J|

apoferritin nanocages
imaging
magnetic
Gd-CDs
fluorescence


Excitation-emission matrix scan analysis of raw fish oil from coastal New Jersey menhaden collected before and after Hurricane Sandy.

Abstract: The impact of Hurricane Sandy (October 29, 2012) on PAH exposure was investigated in adult Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) collected along the NJ coast. Collections were made in August, September and/or October of 2011, 2012 and 2013. PAHs were monitored in raw fish oil using excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy. Results showed that raw fish oils had relatively high levels of high molecular weight, PAH-like compounds (173 to 24,421ng/mL) compared to values reported for bile in other species. EEM profiles resembled that of crude oil and excluded matrix interference by some common biological molecules that also fluoresce. Concentrations and EEM profiles varied by collection; however, collection ship, month, year and fish size did not account for the data. Replicates showed that fish from the same catch had similar PAH exposure. Overall, Hurricane Sandy did not alter body burdens of PAHs in raw fish oil of menhaden.

Bentivegna|Carolyn S|CS|
DeFelice|Chelsea R|CR|
Murphy|Wyatt R|WR|

Raw fish oil
Menhaden
Hurricane Sandy
PAH
Excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy


Associations between neurochemical receptor genes, 2D:4D, impulsivity and relationship quality.

Abstract: The ratio between the second and fourth digits (2D:4D) has been widely used as a proxy for fetal exposure to androgens and has been linked to a number of sociosexual traits in humans. However, the role of genes in this equation remains unknown. Here (N = 474), we test, firstly, for associations between 2D:4D and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine neurochemical receptor genes (AR, OXTR, AVPR1A, OPRM1, DRD1/2, ANKK1, 5HTR1A/2A), and secondly, whether digit ratios mediate the relationship between genetic variation and sociosexuality. We demonstrate significant associations between AR, OPRM1 and AVPR1A and 2D:4D. Moreover, mediation analysis indicates that, in women, AR and OPRM1 variation drives digit ratios, which are related positively to impulsivity and, for OPRM1, negatively to romantic relationship quality. Although these findings are subject to multiple testing issues, this study provides preliminary evidence that in women genetic factors may affect both impulsivity and perceived relationship quality through influencing factors indexed by digit ratios.

digit ratio
sociosexual behaviour
testosterone
vasopressin
β-endorphin


What do we know about the effects of exposure to 'Low alcohol' and equivalent product labelling on the amounts of alcohol, food and tobacco people select and consume? A systematic review.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Explicit labelling of lower strength alcohol products could reduce alcohol consumption by attracting more people to buy and drink such products instead of higher strength ones. Alternatively, it may lead to more consumption due to a 'self-licensing' mechanism. Equivalent labelling of food or tobacco (for example "Low fat" or "Low tar") could influence consumption of those products by similar mechanisms. This systematic review examined the effects of 'Low alcohol' and equivalent labelling of alcohol, food and tobacco products on selection, consumption, and perceptions of products among adults.

METHODS
A systematic review was conducted based on Cochrane methods. Electronic and snowball searches identified 26 eligible studies. Evidence from 12 randomised controlled trials (all on food) was assessed for risk of bias, synthesised using random effects meta-analysis, and interpreted in conjunction with evidence from 14 non-randomised studies (one on alcohol, seven on food and six on tobacco). Outcomes assessed were: quantities of the product (i) selected or (ii) consumed (primary outcomes - behaviours), (iii) intentions to select or consume the product, (iv) beliefs associated with it consumption, (v) product appeal, and (vi) understanding of the label (secondary outcomes - cognitions).

RESULTS
Evidence for impacts on the primary outcomes (i.e. amounts selected or consumed) was overall of very low quality, showing mixed effects, likely to vary by specific label descriptors, products and population characteristics. Overall very low quality evidence suggested that exposure to 'Low alcohol' and equivalent labelling on alcohol, food and tobacco products can shift consumer perceptions of products, with the potential to 'self-licence' excess consumption.

CONCLUSIONS
Considerable uncertainty remains about the effects of labels denoting low alcohol, and equivalent labels, on alcohol, food and tobacco selection and consumption. Independent, high-quality studies are urgently needed to inform policies on labelling regulations.

Alcohol
Labelling
Systematic review
Meta-analysis
Alcohol policy
Public health


Prediction of cancer incidence and mortality in Korea, 2013.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To estimate the current cancer burden in Korea, cancer incidence and mortality rates were projected for the year 2013.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2010 were obtained from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, and cancer mortality data from 1993 to 2011 were obtained from Statistics Korea. Cancer incidence in 2013 was projected by fitting a linear regression model to observed age-specific cancer incidence rates against observed years, then multiplying the projected age-specific rates by the age-specific population. For cancer mortality, a similar procedure was used, except that a Joinpoint regression model was used to determine at which year the linear trend changed significantly.

RESULTS
In total, 247,732 new cancer cases and 74,179 cancer deaths are projected to occur in Korea in 2013. For all sites combined, the crude incidence rates are projected to be 489.8 and 492.2, and the age-standardized incidences to be 350.4 and 318.4 per 100,000 for males and females, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Cancer has become an important public health concern in Korea, and as the Korean population ages, the cancer burden will continue to increase.

Jung|Kyu-Won|KW|
Won|Young-Joo|YJ|
Kong|Hyun-Joo|HJ|
Oh|Chang-Mo|CM|
Seo|Hong Gwan|HG|
Lee|Jin-Soo|JS|

Incidence Mortality Korea 2013 Forecasting Neoplasms


A rare case of rib osteoblastoma: imaging features and review of literature.

Abstract: Osteoblastoma is a rare benign, but locally aggressive bone tumor with rare malignant transformation. It mostly affects the vertebral column and long bones. Radiographically, it is seen as an expansile, oval, sclerotic or lytic mass-like lesion with well-defined borders, although sometimes it may mimic a malignant tumor such as osteogenic sarcoma by its irregular borders. Herein, we report a case of osteoblastoma in a 22 year-old man with a long history of back and neck pain accompanied with neck stiffness. On the routine chest X-ray, the salient lesion appeared as an expansile, oval, sclerotic mass with well-defined borders and speckled calcification without any internal lucency and periosteal reaction, involving the posterolateral aspect of the first left thoracic rib, a rare anatomical site. Despite the unusual location, osteoblastoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a solitary rib lesion.

Taghipour Zahir|Shokouh|S|
Sefidrokh Sharahjin|Naser|N|
Kargar|Saeed|S|

Ribs
Osteoblastoma
Bone Neoplasms
Osteoma, Osteoid


Prediction of Infarct Growth and Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Vertebrobasilar Artery Occlusions.

Abstract: We aimed to identify predictors of infarct growth and neurological deterioration (ND) in vertebrobasilar occlusions (VBOs) with a focus on clinical-core mismatch. From 2010 to 2018, VBO patients were selected from a university hospital registry. In total, 138 VBO patients were included. In these patients, a posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (PC-ASPECTS) less than 6 was associated with futile outcome. Within patients with feasible cores, a decrease in PC-ASPECTS score of 2 or more on follow-up imaging was classified as infarct growth and could be predicted by a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) mental status subset of 1 or higher (odds ratio (OR): 3.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.19-9.38), p = 0.022). Among the 73 patients who did not undergo reperfusion therapy, 13 patients experienced ND (increase in discharge NIHSS score of 4 or more compared to the initial presentation). Incomplete occlusion (vs. complete occlusion, OR 6.17, 95% CI (1.11-34.25), p = 0.037), poorer collateral status (BATMAN score, OR: 1.91, 95% CI (1.17-3.48), p = 0.009), and larger infarct cores (PC-ASPECTS, OR: 1.96, 95% CI (1.11-3.48), p = 0.021) were predictive of ND. In patients with VBO, an initial PC-ASPECTS of 6 or more, but with a decrease in the mental status subset of 1 or more can predict infarct growth, and may be used as a criterion for clinical-core mismatch. ND in VBO patients presenting with milder symptoms can be predicted by incomplete occlusion, poor collaterals, and larger infarct cores.

Koh|Seungyon|S|0000-0002-5547-6378
Park|Ji Hyun|JH|
Park|Bumhee|B|
Choi|Mun Hee|MH|
Lee|Sung Eun|SE|
Lee|Jin Soo|JS|
Hong|Ji Man|JM|
Lee|Seong-Joon|SJ|

infarction
basilar artery
brain ischemia
embolism
intracranial atherosclerosis


How robust is the association between smoking and depression in adults? A meta-analysis using linear mixed-effects models.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Our objective was to use meta-analytic techniques to assess the strength of the overall relationship and role of potential moderators in the association between smoking and depression in adults.

METHODS
Two popular health and social science databases (PubMed and PsycINFO) were systematically searched to identify studies which examined the association between adult smoking behavior and major depressive disorder (MDD) or depressive symptoms. A total of 85 relevant studies were selected for inclusion. Studies were analyzed using a linear mixed effects modeling package ("lme4" for R) and the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program version 2.

RESULTS
Multiple nested linear mixed-effects models were compared. The best fitting models were those that included only random study effects and smoking status. In cross-sectional studies, current smokers were more likely to be depressed than never smokers (OR=1.50, CI=1.39-1.60), and current smokers were more likely to be depressed than former smokers (OR=1.76, CI=1.48-2.09). The few available prospective studies, that used the requisite statistical adjustments, also showed smokers at baseline had greater odds of incident depression at follow-up than never smokers (OR=1.62, CI=1.10-2.40).

CONCLUSIONS
In cross-sectional studies, smoking was associated with a nearly two-fold increased risk of depression relative to both never smokers and former smokers. In the smaller set of prospective studies, the odds of subsequent depression were also higher for current than never smokers. Attesting to its robustness, the relationship between smoking and depression was exhibited across several moderators. Findings could help health care providers to more effectively anticipate co-occurring health issues of their patients. Several methodological recommendations for future research are offered.

Luger|Tana M|TM|
Suls|Jerry|J|
Vander Weg|Mark W|MW|

Smoking Depression Meta-analysis Measurement


Mutational load may predict risk of progression in patients with Barrett's oesophagus and indefinite for dysplasia: a pilot study.

Abstract:
Background and aims
Mutational load (ML) has been shown to help risk-stratify those that may progress from non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus (BE) to dysplastic disease. Management of patients with BE and indefinite for dysplasia (BE-IND) is challenging and risk stratification tools are lacking. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the utility of ML for risk stratification in patients with BE-IND.

Methods
This is a single-centre, retrospective pilot study evaluating ML quantification in patients with BE-IND. Histology at follow-up endoscopy at least 1 year after the baseline endoscopy was used to determine if a patient progressed to low or high dysplasia. The ML levels were then compared among patients who progressed to dysplasia versus those who did not.

Results
Thirty-five patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified, and seven met the exclusion criteria. Twenty-eight patients were analysed, of whom eight progressed to low-grade dysplasia (6) and high-grade dysplasia (2). Seven of these eight patients had some level of genomic instability detected in their IND biopsy (ML ≥0.5). Ten of the 20 (50%) who did not progress had no ML level. At an ML cut-off above 1.5, the risk of progression to high-grade dysplasia was 33% vs 0% (p=0.005), with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85%.

Conclusion
These results indicate that ML may be able to risk-stratify progression to high-grade dysplasia in BE-IND. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

risk stratification
genomic instability
DNA
esophageal cancer


Testosterone suppresses the expression of regulatory enzymes of fatty acid synthesis and protects against hepatic steatosis in cholesterol-fed androgen deficient mice.

Abstract:
AIMS
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its precursor hepatic steatosis is common in obesity and type-2 diabetes and is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Men with type-2 diabetes and/or CVD have a high prevalence of testosterone deficiency. Testosterone replacement improves key cardiovascular risk factors. The effects of testosterone on hepatic steatosis are not fully understood.

MAIN METHODS
Testicular feminised (Tfm) mice, which have a non-functional androgen receptor (AR) and very low serum testosterone levels, were used to investigate testosterone effects on high-cholesterol diet-induced hepatic steatosis.

KEY FINDINGS
Hepatic lipid deposition was increased in Tfm mice and orchidectomised wild-type littermates versus intact wild-type littermate controls with normal androgen physiology. Lipid deposition was reduced in Tfm mice receiving testosterone treatment compared to placebo. Oestrogen receptor blockade significantly, but only partially, reduced the beneficial effects of testosterone treatment on hepatic lipid accumulation. Expression of key regulatory enzymes of fatty acid synthesis, acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACACA) and fatty acid synthase (FASN) were elevated in placebo-treated Tfm mice versus placebo-treated littermates and Tfm mice receiving testosterone treatment. Tfm mice on normal diet had increased lipid accumulation compared to littermates but significantly less than cholesterol-fed Tfm mice and demonstrated increased gene expression of hormone sensitive lipase, stearyl-CoA desaturase-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma but FASN and ACACA were not altered.

SIGNIFICANCE
An action of testosterone on hepatic lipid deposition which is independent of the classic AR is implicated. Testosterone may act in part via an effect on the key regulatory lipogenic enzymes to protect against hepatic steatosis.

Kelly|Daniel M|DM|
Nettleship|Joanne E|JE|
Akhtar|Samia|S|
Muraleedharan|Vakkat|V|
Sellers|Donna J|DJ|
Brooke|Jonathan C|JC|
McLaren|David S|DS|
Channer|Kevin S|KS|
Jones|T Hugh|TH|

Testosterone
Fatty liver
Androgen receptor
Lipid deposition
Lipogenesis


PH-sauvagine from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis: A novel CRF-like peptide with smooth muscle contraction activity.

Abstract: Amphibian skin, and particularly that of south/Central American phyllomedusine frogs, is supposed to be "a huge factory and store house of a variety of active peptides". The 40 amino acid amphibian CRF-like peptide, sauvagine, is a prototype member of a unique family of these Phyllomedusa skin peptides. In this study, we describe for the first time the structure of a mature novel peptide from the skin secretion of the South American orange-legged leaf frog, Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis, which belongs to the amphibian CRF/sauvagine family. Partial amino acid sequence from the N-terminal was obtained by automated Edman degradation with the following structure: pGlu-GPPISIDLNMELLRNMIEI-. The biosynthetic precursor of this novel sauvagine peptide, consisted of 85 amino acid residues and was deduced from cDNA library constructed from the same skin secretion. Compared with the standard sauvagine from the frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei, this novel peptide was found to exert similar contraction effects on isolated guinea-pig colon and rat urinary bladder smooth muscle preparations.

D000595:Amino Acid Sequence
D029845:Amphibian Proteins
D000818:Animals
D001001:Anura
D001483:Base Sequence
D003001:Cloning, Molecular
D003106:Colon
D015723:Gene Library
D006168:Guinea Pigs
D008297:Male
D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
D009119:Muscle Contraction
D009130:Muscle, Smooth
D036361:Peptide Hormones
D051381:Rats
D017208:Rats, Wistar
D012867:Skin
D001743:Urinary Bladder

Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis
Peptide
Smooth muscle
Sauvagine
CRF
cDNA


Abstract: Podocytes are highly specialized, epithelial, postmitotic cells, which maintain the renal filtration barrier. When adapting to considerable metabolic and mechanical stress, podocytes need to accurately maintain their proteome. Immortalized podocyte cell lines are a widely used model for studying podocyte biology in health and disease in vitro. In this study, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the cultured human podocyte proteome in both proliferative and differentiated conditions at a depth of >7000 proteins. Similar to mouse podocytes, human podocyte differentiation involved a shift in proteostasis: undifferentiated podocytes have high expression of proteasomal proteins, whereas differentiated podocytes have high expression of lysosomal proteins. Additional analyses with pulsed stable-isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture and protein degradation assays determined protein dynamics and half-lives. These studies unraveled a globally increased stability of proteins in differentiated podocytes. Mitochondrial, cytoskeletal, and membrane proteins were stabilized, particularly in differentiated podocytes. Importantly, protein half-lives strongly contributed to protein abundance in each state. These data suggest that regulation of protein turnover of particular cellular functions determines podocyte differentiation, a paradigm involving mitophagy and, potentially, of importance in conditions of increased podocyte stress and damage.-Schroeter, C. B., Koehler, S., Kann, M., Schermer, B., Benzing, T., Brinkkoetter, P. T., Rinschen, M. M. Protein half-life determines expression of proteostatic networks in podocyte differentiation.

Schroeter|Christina B|CB|
Koehler|Sybille|S|
Kann|Martin|M|
Schermer|Bernhard|B|
Benzing|Thomas|T|
Brinkkoetter|Paul T|PT|
Rinschen|Markus M|MM|

lysosome
protein turnover
actin cytoskeleton
autophagy
mass spectrometry


Tracking online topics over time: understanding dynamic hashtag communities.

Abstract:
Background
Hashtags are widely used for communication in online media. As a condensed version of information, they characterize topics and discussions. For their analysis, we apply methods from network science and propose novel tools for tracing their dynamics in time-dependent data. The observations are characterized by bursty behaviors in the increases and decreases of hashtag usage. These features can be reproduced with a novel model of dynamic rankings.

Hashtag communities in time
We build temporal and weighted co-occurrence networks from hashtags. On static snapshots, we infer the community structure using customized methods. On temporal networks, we solve the bipartite matching problem of detected communities at subsequent timesteps by taking into account higher-order memory. This results in a matching protocol that is robust toward temporal fluctuations and instabilities of the static community detection. The proposed methodology is broadly applicable and its outcomes reveal the temporal behavior of online topics.

Modeling topic-dynamics
We consider the size of the communities in time as a proxy for online popularity dynamics. We find that the distributions of gains and losses, as well as the interevent times are fat-tailed indicating occasional, but large and sudden changes in the usage of hashtags. Inspired by typical website designs, we propose a stochastic model that incorporates a ranking with respect to a time-dependent prestige score. This causes occasional cascades of rank shift events and reproduces the observations with good agreement. This offers an explanation for the observed dynamics, based on characteristic elements of online media.

Lorenz-Spreen|Philipp|P|
Wolf|Frederik|F|
Braun|Jonas|J|
Ghoshal|Gourab|G|
Djurdjevac Conrad|Nataša|N|
Hövel|Philipp|P|

Hashtags
Online media
Ranking
Aging model
Bursts
Memory matching
Random walk
Temporal community detection
Topic dynamics


Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is strongly associated with the presence of oxidative stress. Disturbances in lipid metabolism lead to hepatic lipid accumulation, which affects different reactive oxygen species (ROS) generators, including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and NADPH oxidase. Mitochondrial function adapts to NAFLD mainly through the downregulation of the electron transport chain (ETC) and the preserved or enhanced capacity of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, which stimulates ROS overproduction within different ETC components upstream of cytochrome c oxidase. However, non-ETC sources of ROS, in particular, fatty acid β-oxidation, appear to produce more ROS in hepatic metabolic diseases. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and NADPH oxidase alterations are also associated with NAFLD, but the degree of their contribution to oxidative stress in NAFLD remains unclear. Increased ROS generation induces changes in insulin sensitivity and in the expression and activity of key enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. Moreover, the interaction between redox signaling and innate immune signaling forms a complex network that regulates inflammatory responses. Based on the mechanistic view described above, this review summarizes the mechanisms that may account for the excessive production of ROS, the potential mechanistic roles of ROS that drive NAFLD progression, and therapeutic interventions that are related to oxidative stress.

Chen|Ze|Z| Tian|Ruifeng|R| She|Zhigang|Z| Cai|Jingjing|J| Li|Hongliang|H|

D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Oxidative stress
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Lipid metabolism
Endoplasmic reticulum stress
Innate immunity
Insulin resistance
Mitochondrial dysfunction


Age-dependent slowing of enteric axonal transport in insulin-resistant mice.

Abstract:
AIM
To investigate retrograde tracer transport by gastric enteric neurons in insulin resistant mice with low or high glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb).

METHODS
Under anesthesia, the retrograde tracer fluorogold was superficially injected into the fundus or antrum using a microsyringe in KK Cg-Ay/J mice prior to onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; 4 wk of age), at onset of T2DM (8 wk of age), and after 8, 16, or 24 wk of untreated T2DM and in age-matched KK/HIJ mice. Six days later, mice were sacrificed by CO₂ narcosis followed by pneumothorax. Stomachs were removed and fixed. Sections from fundus, corpus and antrum were excised and mounted on a glass slide. Tracer-labeled neurons were viewed using a microscope and manually counted. Data were expressed as the number of neurons in short and long descending and ascending pathways and in local fundus and antrum pathways, and the number of neurons in all regions labeled after injection of tracer into either the fundus or the antrum.

RESULTS
By 8 wk of age, body weights of KKAy mice (n = 12, 34 ± 1 g) were heavier than KK mice (n = 17, 29 ± 1 g; F (4, 120) = 4.414, P = 0.002] and glycosylated Hb was higher [KK: (n = 7), 4.97% ± 0.04%; KKAy: (n = 6), 6.57% ± 0.47%; F (1, 26) = 24.748, P < 0.001]. The number of tracer labeled enteric neurons was similar in KK and KKAy mice of all ages in the short descending pathway [F (1, 57) = 2.374, P = 0.129], long descending pathway [F (1, 57) = 0.922, P = 0.341], local fundus pathway [F (1, 53) = 2.464, P = 0.122], local antrum pathway [F (1, 57) = 0.728, P = 0.397], and short ascending pathway [F (1, 53) = 2.940, P = 0.092]. In the long ascending pathway, fewer tracer-labeled neurons were present in KKAy as compared to KK mice [KK: (n = 34), 302 ± 17; KKAy: (n = 29), 230 ± 15; F (1, 53) = 8.136, P = 0.006]. The number of tracer-labeled neurons was decreased in all mice by 16 wk as compared to 8 wk of age in the short descending pathway [8 wk: (n = 15), 305 ± 26; 16 wk: (n = 13), 210 ± 30; F (4, 57) = 9.336, P < 0.001], local antrum pathway [8 wk: (n = 15), 349 ± 20; 16 wk: (n = 13), 220 ± 33; F (4, 57) = 8.920, P < 0.001], short ascending pathway [8 wk: (n = 14), 392 ± 15; 16 wk: (n = 14), 257 ± 33; F (4, 53) = 17.188, P < 0.001], and long ascending pathway [8 wk: (n = 14), 379 ± 39; 16 wk: (n = 14), 235 ± 26; F (4, 53) = 24.936, P < 0.001. The number of tracer-labeled neurons decreased at 24 wk of age in the local fundus pathway [8 wk: (n = 14), 33 ± 11; 24 wk: (n = 12), 3 ± 2; F (4, 53) = 5.195, P = 0.001] and 32 wk of age in the long descending pathway [8 wk: (n = 15), 16 ± 3; 32 wk: (n = 12), 3 ± 2; F (4, 57) = 2.944, P = 0.028]. The number of tracer-labeled enteric neurons was correlated to final body weight for local fundus and ascending pathways [KK: (n = 34), r = -0.746, P < 0.001; KKAy: (n = 29), r = -0.842, P < 0.001] as well as local antrum and descending pathways [KK (n = 36), r = -0.660, P < 0.001; KKAy (n = 31), r = -0.622, P < 0.001). In contrast, glycosylated Hb was not significantly correlated to number of tracer-labeled neurons [KK (n = 17), r = -0.164, P = 0.528; KKAy (n = 16), r = -0.078, P = 0.774].

CONCLUSION
Since uncontrolled T2DM did not uniformly impair tracer transport in gastric neurons, long ascending neurons may be more susceptible to persistent hyperglycemia and low effective insulin.

Fluorogold
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
KKAy mice
Autonomic neuropathy
Retrograde transport