Evidence for the Confluence of Cigarette Smoking, Other Substance Use, and Psychosocial and Mental Health in a Sample of Urban Sexual Minority Young Adults: The P18 Cohort Study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women (TW) are more likely to smoke cigarettes than heterosexual and cisgender peers, which may exacerbate existing disparities in mental and psychosocial health and substance use.

PURPOSE
As few existing studies have examined the confluence of these factors, we sought to examine tobacco use in a diverse sample of SMM and TW and describe its relationship with other substance use and health.

METHODS
Data were drawn from a study of syndemic conditions among SMM and TW, which included measures assessing tobacco use, substance use, and mental, psychosocial, and general health.

RESULTS
A majority of the racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample (n = 665) reported ever smoking a cigarette, and more than half of them were current smokers. Current smoking was associated with more frequent recent substance use and poorer mental, psychosocial, and general health. In multivariable analyses, current smoking was predicted by more frequent substance use and more severe anxiety, when adjusting for demographic, substance use, and health factors.

CONCLUSIONS
A syndemic approach to health conditions such as substance use, mental health, and psychosocial burden dictates a framework of interrelation and mutual exacerbation. In doing so, we found that current cigarette use was associated with more frequent alcohol and marijuana use and more severe anxiety, suggesting a confluence of cigarette smoking, other substance use, and mental health burden. We recommend a holistic approach to treating tobacco use in sexual and gender minority populations that addresses both substance use and the myriad psychosocial burdens that sexual and gender minority communities experience.

LoSchiavo|Caleb|C|
Acuna|Nicholas|N|
Halkitis|Perry N|PN|

D000428:Alcohol Drinking
D000073865:Cigarette Smoking
D015331:Cohort Studies
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D008385:Marijuana Smoking
D008603:Mental Health
D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities
D012907:Smoking
D000076603:Syndemic
D014481:United States
D055815:Young Adult

Substance use
Mental health
Tobacco use
Syndemics
LGBT health disparities


Renal transplantation: relationship between hospital/surgeon volume and postoperative severe sepsis/graft-failure. a nationwide population-based study.

Abstract:
UNLABELLED
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS: We explored the relationship between hospital/surgeon volume and postoperative severe sepsis/graft-failure (including death).

METHODS
The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database claims data for all patients with end-stage renal disease patients who underwent kidney transplantation between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2007, were reviewed. Surgeons and hospitals were categorized into two groups based on their patient volume. The two primary outcomes were severe sepsis and graft failure (including death). The logistical regressions were done to compute the Odds ratios (OR) of outcomes after adjusting for possible confounding factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the cumulative survival rates of graft failure after kidney transplantation during follow-up (1999-2008).

RESULTS
The risk of developing severe sepsis in a hospital in which surgeons do little renal transplantation was significant (odds ratio [OR]; p = 0.0115): 1.65 times (95% CI: 1.12-2.42) higher than for a hospital in which surgeons do many. The same trend was true for hospitals with a low volume of renal transplantations (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.62-3.52; p < 0.0001). The likelihood of a graft failure (including death) within one year for the low-volume surgeon group was 3.1 times higher than for the high-volume surgeon group (p < 0.0001); the trend was similar for hospital volume. Female patients had a lower risk than did male patients, and patients ≥ 55 years old and those with a higher Charlson comorbidity index score, had a higher risk of severe sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the risk of severe sepsis and graft failure (including death) is higher for patients treated in hospitals and by surgeons with a low volume of renal transplantations. Therefore, the health authorities should consider exporting best practices through educational outreach and regulation and then providing transparent information for public best interest.

Weng|Shih-Feng|SF| Chu|Chin-Chen|CC| Chien|Chih-Chiang|CC| Wang|Jhi-Joung|JJ| Chen|Yi-Chen|YC| Chiou|Shang-Jyh|SJ|

renal transplantation
sepsis
population-based
graft failure
volume-outcome relationship.


Body composition in sport: a comparison of a novel ultrasound imaging technique to measure subcutaneous fat tissue compared with skinfold measurement.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Extremely low weight and rapid changes in weight and body composition have become major concerns in many sports, but sufficiently accurate field methods for body composition assessment in athletes are missing. This study aimed to explore the use of ultrasound methods for assessment of body fat content in athletes.

METHODS
19 female athletes (stature: 1.67(± 0.06) m, weight: 59.6(± 7.6) kg; age: 19.5(± 3.3) years) were investigated by three observers using a novel ultrasound method for thickness measurement of uncompressed subcutaneous adipose tissue and of embedded structures. Two observers also measured skinfold thickness at eight International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthrometry (ISAK) sites; mean skinfold values were compared to mean subcutaneous adipose tissue thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Interobserver reliability of imaging and evaluation obtained by this ultrasound technique: intraclass correlation coefficient ICC=0.968 (95% CI 0.957 to 0.977); evaluation of given images: ICC=0.997 (0.993 to 0.999).

RESULTS
Skinfold compared to ultrasound thickness showed that compressibility of subcutaneous adipose tissue depends largely on the site and the person: regression slopes ranged from 0.61 (biceps) to 1.59 (thigh) and CIs were large. Limits of agreement ranged from 2.6 to 8.6 mm. Regression lines did not intercept the skinfold axis at zero because of the skin thickness being included in the skinfold. The four ISAK trunk sites caused ultrasound imaging problems in 13 of 152 sites (8 ISAK sites, 19 athletes).

CONCLUSIONS
The ultrasound method allows measurement of uncompressed subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness with an accuracy of 0.1-0.5 mm, depending on the probe frequency. Compressibility of the skinfold depends on the anatomical site, and skin thickness varies by a factor of two. This inevitably limits the skinfold methods for body fat estimation. Ultrasound accuracy for subcutaneous adipose tissue measurement is limited by the plasticity of fat and furrowed tissue borders. Comparative US measurements show that skinfold measurements do not allow accurate assessment of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness.

Müller|Wolfram|W|
Horn|Martin|M|
Fürhapter-Rieger|Alfred|A|
Kainz|Philipp|P|
Kröpfl|Julia M|JM|
Maughan|Ronald J|RJ|
Ahammer|Helmut|H|

Assessing validity and reliability of test of physiological parameters


Proximal ligation after the side-to-end anastomosis recovery technique for lymphaticovenous anastomosis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis is an important surgical treatment for lymphedema, with lymphaticovenous side-to-end anastomosis (LVSEA) and lymphaticovenous end-to-end anastomosis being the most frequently performed procedures. However, LVSEA can cause lymphatic flow obstruction because of regurgitation and tension in the anastomosis. In this study, we introduce a novel and simple procedure to overcome this problem.

METHODS
Thirty-five female patients with lower extremity lymphedema who underwent lymphaticovenous anastomosis at our hospital were included in this study. Eighty-five LVSEA procedures were performed, of which 12 resulted in insufficient venous blood flow. For these 12 anastomoses, the proximal lymphatic vessel underwent clipping after the anastomotic procedure and the venous inflow was monitored. Subsequently, the proximal ligation after side-to-end anastomosis recovery (PLASTER) technique, which involves ligating the proximal side of the lymphatic vessel, was applied. A postoperative evaluation was performed using indocyanine green 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS
Despite the clipping procedure, three of the 12 anastomoses still showed poor venous inflow. Therefore, it was not possible to apply the PLASTER technique in those cases. Among the nine remaining anastomoses in which the PLASTER technique was applied, three (33%) were patent.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that achieving patent anastomosis is challenging when postoperative venous inflow is poor. We achieved good results by performing proximal ligation after LVSEA. Thus, the PLASTER technique is a particularly useful recovery technique when LVSEA does not result in good run-off.

Suzuki|Yushi|Y| Sakuma|Hisashi|H| Ihara|Jun|J| Shimizu|Yusuke|Y|

Lymphatic vessels
Edema
Lymphatic diseases
Microsurgery


Outbreak of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Associated with Consumption of Raw Oysters in Canada, 2015.

Abstract: There has been a steady increase in illness incidence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp). The majority of illnesses are associated with consumption of raw oysters. In the summer of 2015, Canada experienced the largest outbreak associated with the consumption of raw oysters harvested from British Columbia (BC) coastal waters. Case investigation of laboratory-confirmed cases was conducted to collect information on exposures and to assist traceback. Investigations at processors and oyster sampling were conducted. Eighty-two laboratory-confirmed cases of Vp infection were reported between January 1 and October 26, 2015. The majority of the cases were reported in BC, associated with consumption of raw BC oysters in restaurants. Sea surface temperatures were above the historical levels in 2015. This outbreak identified the need to improve surveillance and response to increases in human cases of Vp. This is of particular importance due to the potential for increasing water temperatures and the likelihood of additional outbreaks of Vibrio.

Taylor|Marsha|M|
Cheng|Joyce|J|
Sharma|Davendra|D|
Bitzikos|Olga|O|
Gustafson|Reka|R|
Fyfe|Murray|M|
Greve|Richard|R|
Murti|Michelle|M|
Stone|Jason|J|
Honish|Lance|L|
Mah|Victor|V|
Punja|Nisha|N|
Hexemer|April|A|
McIntyre|Lorraine|L|
Henry|Bonnie|B|
Kendall|Perry|P|
Atkinson|Robin|R|
Buenaventura|Enrico|E|
Martinez-Perez|Amalia|A|
Galanis|Eleni|E|
Team|The Outbreak Invesitigation|TOI|

outbreak
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
oyster
climate
shellfish


MIF -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism modulates coronary artery disease risk: evidence from a systematic meta-analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains one of the major causes of death in humans. Genetic testing may allow early detection and prevention of this disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) -173G/C (rs755622) polymorphism and susceptibility to CAD based on a meta-analysis.

METHODS
We searched several databases to identify observational case-control studies investigating the association between the MIF -173G > C (rs755622) polymorphism and CAD risk published before July 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using the STATA software.

RESULTS
Six studies, comprising a total of 1172 CAD cases and 1564 controls evaluated for MIF polymorphisms, were included. The occurrence of CAD was found to be associated with the C allele of the MIF rs755622 SNP in the total population (C/G, OR = 1.489, 95% CI = 1.223-1.813). Further, MIF -173G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with CAD under the allelic model in the Asian (C/G, OR = 1.775, 95% CI = 1.365-2.309) and Caucasian (C/G, OR = 1.288, 95% CI 1.003-1.654) subgroups. The data showed that the risk of CAD was higher in the population carrying the C allele.

CONCLUSIONS
We found evidence of associations between MIF -173C/G and CAD susceptibility in the Asian and Caucasian populations.

Li|De-Yang|DY| Zhang|Jin-Yu|JY| Chen|Qing-Jie|QJ| Liu|Fen|F| Zhao|Qian|Q| Gao|Xiao-Ming|XM| Li|Xiao-Mei|XM| Yang|Yi-Ning|YN|0000-0002-8332-8508

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease

Polymorphism
Coronary artery disease
Meta-analysis
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor


Biodiversity of brewery yeast strains and their fermentative activities.

Abstract: We investigated the genetic, biochemical, fermentative and physiological characteristics of brewery yeast strains and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis to evaluate their similarity. We used five different ale and lager yeast strains, originating from different European breweries and deposited at the National Collection of Yeast Cultures (UK). Ale and lager strains exhibited different genomic properties, but their assimilation profiles and pyruvate decarboxylase activities corresponded to their species classifications. The activity of another enzyme, succinate dehydrogenase, varied between different brewing strains. Our results confirmed that ATP and glycogen content, and the activity of the key metabolic enzymes succinate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase, may be good general indicators of cell viability. However, the genetic properties, physiology and fermentation capacity of different brewery yeasts are unique to individual strains.

yeasts
genetics
assimilation
ATP
glycogen
enzymatic activity


Neuroprotective effect of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation in endothelin-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (LITUS) is a promising neuroprotective treatment for ischemic stroke. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be highly sensitive in the detection of ischemic brain injury. Relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) values can be used to evaluate the effect of LITUS on ischemic stroke.

PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to determine the neuroprotective effect of LITUS at different time points using endothelin-1-induced middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats as a model of ischemic stroke.

METHODS
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) was injected into the cerebral parenchyma near the middle cerebral artery, which induced focal, reversible, low-flow ischemia in rats. After occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 30 min, 120 min, and 240 min, LITUS stimulation was used respectively. DWI was performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h after ischemia using a 3 T scanner. The rADC values were calculated, and functional outcomes assessed using neurobehavioral scores after ischemia. Nissl staining and estimation of Na+-K+-ATPase activity were used to assess the neuropathology after completing the last Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination.

RESULTS
Endothelin-1-induced occlusion of the middle cerebral artery resulted in significant dysfunction and neuronal damage in rats. Rats that received LITUS exhibited reduced damage of the affected brain tissue after cerebral ischemia. The greatest protective effect was found when LITUS stimulation occurred 30 min after cerebral ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS
Imaging, behavioral, and histological results suggested that LITUS stimulation after an ischemic stroke produced significant neuroprotective effects.

Wu|Shuo|S| Zheng|Tao|T| Du|Juan|J| Yuan|Yi|Y| Shi|Qinglei|Q| Wang|Zhanqiu|Z| Liu|Defeng|D| Liu|Jian|J| Wang|Xiaohan|X| Liu|Lanxiang|L|

D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery

Readout-segmented echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging


Comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological data demonstrate that the worldwide prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is increasing. These patients have an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and have constant limitations in airflow. Comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) under spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA).

METHODS
We prospectively evaluated COPD patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia (Group 1, n = 30) or spinal anesthesia (Group 2, n = 30) in our clinic between January 2016 and January 2018. Patients with COPD were further divided into groups according to their preoperative stages (Stage 1-4). Intraoperative vital findings, postoperative pain, complications, and length of hospitalization were compared between the general (GA) and spinal anesthesia (SA) groups.

RESULTS
The mean age of the patients in the GA group was 61.0 ± 6.7 years and was 61.0 ± 7.7 years in the SA group. In the GA and SA groups, the mean ASA score was 2.8 ± 0.6 and 2.9 ± 0.6, respectively, the mean operation duration was 31.7 ± 5.1 and 30.6 ± 5.1 min, respectively, and the length of hospitalization was 3.2 ± 1.7 and 1.5 ± 0.5 days, respectively. The partial carbon dioxide rates (PaCO2) at the postoperative 5th and 20th minutes were lower in the SA group than in the GA group. Further, the requirement for postoperative analgesia was lower in the SA group, and the length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the SA group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation duration.

CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a rather safe procedure for COPD patients under general and spinal anesthesia. However, spinal anesthesia is preferred over general anesthesia as it has better postoperative analgesia and causes no impairment of pulmonary functions.

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Laparoscopic
Cholecystectomy
Spinal anesthesia
COPD
Regional anesthesia


A magnetic resonance imaging study of adhesio interthalamica in clinical subtypes of schizophrenia.

Abstract:
CONTEXT
Previous studies have suggested subtle anatomical brain differences between patients with schizophrenia and healthy control subjects. However, the results are inconsistent and there is no study investigating the various subtypes of this mental disorder separately.

AIM
This study was conducted to compare the rate of absence of adhesio interthalamica (AI), a midline brain structure, between 3 subtypes of schizophrenia (paranoid, undifferentiated, and residual) and healthy control group, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 29 schizophrenia patients (21 men, 8 women) of three subtypes (paranoid, undifferentiated, and residual) were compared with 29 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All subjects underwent 3-D brain MRI of full coronal series, 1.5-mm slices without interslice gaps. If the grey matter band connecting the thalami could not be identified on two or more coronal adjacent slices, the AI was considered as absent. The results were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS
The incidence rate of AI absence in patients with heterogenous subtypes of schizophrenia was was similar to control group, even when patients and controls of each gender were compared separately (P>0.05). In residual subtype, patients showed a significant priority in AI absence in comparison with the control group (P=0.041), which was not seen in paranoid and undifferentiated subtypes (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION
Residual subtype of schizophrenia is associated with higher rate of AI absence in this study. Subsequent studies are required to determine if the absence of AI is a cause of residual schizophrenia or an effect.

Haghir|Hossein|H|
Mokhber|Naghmeh|N|
Azarpazhooh|Mahmoud-Reza|MR|
Haghighi|Mehri Baghban|MB|
Radmard|Mahla|M|

magnetic resonance imaging
Adhesio interthalamica
schizophrenia


Quantitative analysis of BKV-specific CD4+ T cells before and after kidney transplantation.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
BK virus (BKV) is the main infectious cause of renal allograft dysfunction. Although recent studies showed an inverse correlation between BKV-specific T-cell responses and viral load after transplantation, the importance of pre-transplant response in the process of virus reactivation has only been studied once. In this study, we aimed to determine whether pre-transplant CD4+ T-cell response can be used for prediction of BKV reactivation and BKV nephropathy (BKVN), by a method that can practically be used in routine patient monitoring.

METHODS
BKV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses of 31 kidney recipients (all from live donors) were measured by an IFN-γ-enzyme-linked-immunospot (ELISPOT) method using mixture of peptides, at day 0 and +1, +3, and +6 months posttransplant. Additionally, seven other reactivation patients as another group were also analyzed. BKV viral loads in plasma were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Responses of 10 healthy people were also included as controls in the analysis.

RESULTS
All but one patient and all of the controls had detectable CD4+ T-cell responses. Reactivation occurred in 8 out of 31 patients. There was no significant association between pretransplant BKV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses and BKV reactivation and between BKV DNA levels and CD4+ T-cell responses. In the additional group consisting of reactivation patients, four patients who had BKVN showed negative correlation between BKV-DNA levels and BKV-specific CD4+ T-cell responses (p<0.05). One patient who developed BKVN, however, was not able to mount a similar CD4+ T-cell response to viral reactivation despite immunosuppressive reduction.

CONCLUSION
Even though our cohort is small, our results may suggest that pre-transplant measurement of BKV specific CD4+ T-cell response may not be necessary, and that post-transplant monitoring, particularly during reactivation, may be more helpful in the management of the infection.

Mutlu|Esvet|E|
Köksoy|Sadi|S|
Mutlu|Derya|D|
Yılmaz|Vural T|VT|
Koçak|Hüseyin|H|
Dinçkan|Ayhan|A|
Süleymanlar|Gültekin|G|
Gültekin|Meral|M|

BKV
ELISPOT
Mixture of overlapping peptide pool
Renal transplantation


Zebrafish let-7b acts downstream of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α to assist in hypoxia-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation.

Abstract:
AIMS
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcriptional regulator of cellular responses to hypoxic stress. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in hypoxia-mediated cellular responses. Previous studies have identified some let-7 family members as hypoxia-regulated miRNAs (HRMs). In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether zebrafish let-7b/7f contribute cellular hypoxic response in a Hif-1α-dependent manner.

MAIN METHODS
Stable suppression of zebrafish hif-1α was achieved by microinjection of an optimized short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector. Next-generation sequencing was conducted to characterize miRNA and mRNA expression profiles. MiRNA promoter analysis and target detection was performed by dual-luciferase assay. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to determine the expression of let-7b/7f, Hif-1α and Foxh1. Proliferation of ZF4 cells was examined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry assay.

KEY FINDINGS
Correlation between 7 miRNAs and 76 putative targets was identified based on integrated analysis of miRNA-mRNA profiles. Let-7b and let-7f were further considered as potential HRMs, with let-7b further validated as Hif-1α up-regulated. In addition, Forkhead-box H1 (Foxh1) was confirmed as a bona fide downstream target of let-7b. Furthermore, overexpression of both let-7b and let-7f repressed cell proliferation through blocking cell cycle progression of the G1-S transition.

SIGNIFICANCE
Our findings for the first time suggest zebrafish let-7b acts downstream of Hif-1α to assist in hypoxia-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation at least in part through the downregulation of foxh1. We also identified 4 novel potential HIF-1α-regulated miRNAs in zebrafish.

Huang|Chun-Xiao|CX| Chen|Nan|N| Wu|Xin-Jie|XJ| He|Yan|Y| Huang|Cui-Hong|CH| Liu|Hong|H| Wang|Wei-Min|WM| Wang|Huan-Ling|HL|

D051795:Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit


Determination of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in edible oils and fats by online liquid chromatography-gas chromatography-flame ionization detection - Evaluation of automated removal strategies for biogenic olefins.

Abstract: The determination of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) in foodstuffs gained in importance over the last years as carcinogenicity cannot be excluded for certain MOAH. The existence of olefins in foodstuffs, such as edible oils and fats, can be problematic for the determination of MOAH by LC-GC-FID. Removal of these interfering substances by HPLC based on polarity differences is not possible. During gas chromatographic separation heavily overloaded peaks are observed rendering the detection of small mineral oil contaminations almost impossible. Therefore, removal of these olefins is necessary before subjection of the sample to LC-GC-FID. Epoxidation of olefins to increase their polarity proved to be a valuable tool in the past. Precision and trueness of the results as shown in a collaborative trial, however, are relying on exact reaction conditions. Additionally, it is known that certain MOAH are oxidized during epoxidation and therefore get lost. In the scope of this work, hydroboration, bromohydrin reaction, and epoxidation were examined for their potential for derivatization of unsaturated hydrocarbons with increased robustness and higher recovery of MOAH. Epoxidation by meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) delivered the best removal of olefins. Factors influencing this reaction were enlightened. Adaption of the reaction conditions and time-controlled automation increased the recovery of polycyclic MOAH. Good precision (RSDr <1.5%) and recovery (95-102%) for MOAH were also observed for sunflower and olive oils spiked with a lubricating mineral oil (at 24.5mg/kg of MOAH). The trueness of the method was verified by analyzing collaborative trial samples.

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Misinterpretation of olefins as mineral oil


Sport injuries in enduro riders: a review of literature.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
enduro is an off road motorcycling event. It is a fast, exciting adventure sport with increasing numbers of participants and competitions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
we performed search of PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, and Embase databases using the following keywords 'Enduro injuries', 'off-road motorcycle injuries' and 'Enduro sport'. We identified four studies which described the physiological characteristic of enduro riders and the injury pattern sustained by these athletes.

RESULTS
hands, wrists and forearms are the predominant areas of overuse in enduro riders. The extremities are the most injured parts in enduro. However, 98% of these injuries are mild to moderate with abbreviated injury scale grades 1 and 2.

CONCLUSION
there is paucity of published data on enduro injuries. In depth understanding of the physiological aspect of enduro riders with close monitoring of injuries is needed to promote safety measures in enduro and to reduce risk factors of injury which in turn can help to make enduro a safe alternative to the other dangerous motorcycling sports.

Khanna|Anil|A|
Bagouri|Elmunzar O|EO|
Gougoulias|Nikolaos|N|
Maffulli|Nicola|N|


Operative Outcomes of Concomitant Minimally Invasive Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Surgery.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of concomitant tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) negatively impacted operative outcomes of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS).

METHODS
Patients undergoing MIMVS via a port-access right minithoracotomy between 2002 and 2014 at a single institution were reviewed. Patients were primarily stratified by those undergoing isolated MIMVS versus MIMVS+TVS. Propensity-matched cohorts were generated. Operative outcomes were compared between the propensity-matched cohorts and included operative mortality, complications, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS
A total of 1,158 patients underwent MIMVS via port-access right minithoracotomy. The majority of cases were elective (93%; n = 1,071) and 148 (13%) underwent concomitant MIMVS + TVS. Patients undergoing MIMVS + TVS were at higher risk at baseline. After propensity-matching, there were 119 isolated MIMVS and 119 MIMVS + TVS patients that were well matched with respect to all baseline variables. Cardiopulmonary bypass (148 ± 54 minutes versus 175 ± 54 minutes, P < 0.001) and aortic occlusion times (105 ± 36 minutes versus 128 ± 40 minutes, P < 0.001) were longer in the MIMVS + TVS group. Operative mortality was comparable (3% isolated MIMVS versus 4% for MIMVS + TVS; P = 0.73). Permanent pacemakers were required less frequently in the isolated MIMVS group (1% versus 6%; P = 0.03). All other complication rates were similar. Median length of hospital stay (7 versus 8 days; P = 0.13) and discharge-to-home rates (89% versus 94%; P = 0.15) were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS
Despite longer operative times, minimally invasive TVS performed concomitantly with MIMVS has similar operative outcomes with the exception of a higher pacemaker rate when compared with isolated MIMVS.

Kilic|Arman|A|
Szeto|Wilson Y|WY|
Atluri|Pavan|P|
Acker|Michael A|MA|
Clark Hargrove|W|W|

D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures

outcomes
tricuspid valve
mitral valve
minimally invasive surgery
stroke


Pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a high number of cardiovascular events and ultra-processed foods consumption in patients in secondary care.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of dietary inflammatory index (DII®) with the occurrence of cardiovascular events, cardiometabolic risk factors and with the consumption of processed, ultra-processed, unprocessed or minimally processed foods and culinary ingredients.

DESIGN
This was a cross-sectional study that analysed the baseline data from 2359 cardiac patients. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, clinical and food consumption were collected. Energy-adjusted food intake data were used to calculate DII, and the foods were classified according to the NOVA classification. Furthermore, the patients were grouped according to the number (1, 2 or ≥ 3) of manifested cardiovascular events. The data were analysed using linear and multinomial logistic regression.

SETTINGS
Multicentre study from Brazil.

PARTICIPANTS
Patients with established cardiovascular events from the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutritional Program Trial evaluated at baseline.

RESULTS
Most of the patients were male (58·8 %), older adults (64·2 %) and were overweight (68·8 %). Patients in the third tertile of DII (DII > 0·91) had were more likely to have 2 (OR 1·27, 95 % CI: 1·01-1·61) and ≥ 3 (OR 1·39, 95 % CI: 1·07-1·79) cardiovascular events, with poor cardiometabolic profile. They also were more likely to consume a higher percentage of processed, ultra-processed and culinary ingredients foods consumption compared with the patients in the first DII tertile (DII ≤ 0·91).

CONCLUSION
A more pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a greater chance of having 2 and ≥ 3 cardiovascular events and cardiometabolic risk factors and were more likely to consume processed, ultra-processed and culinary ingredients compared to those with a more anti-inflammatory diet.

Secondary care
Dietary inflammatory index
NOVA classification
Nutrition
CVD


Quality of life in older adults with ADHD: links to ADHD symptom levels and executive functioning deficits.

Abstract: Purpose and aim: The overall aim of the present study was to examine quality of life in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients age ≥60 years. First, we compared older adults with ADHD to both healthy controls of the same age and younger adults with ADHD. Second, we examined executive functioning as a possible underlying factor for quality of life among older adults with ADHD. Methods: The study included 158 participants in three groups: (1) older adults (60-75 years of age) with ADHD (n = 42), (2) healthy controls of the same age (n = 58), and (3) younger adults (age 18-45 years of age) with ADHD (n = 56). The patients with ADHD were clinically-referred. Quality of life was examined through self-ratings and executive functioning was examined using both self-ratings and tests. Results: Older adults with ADHD differed significantly from controls the same age on all aspects of quality of life, with large effect sizes. However, they showed similar levels of quality of life compared to younger adults with ADHD. The exception was psychological health, for which older adults displayed better quality of life compared to younger adults with ADHD. Executive deficits measured through self-ratings, especially working memory, were related to quality of life, sometimes also beyond the influence of ADHD symptom levels. Conclusions: Older adults with ADHD show serious impairments in quality of life, that are comparable to the levels found for younger adults. Impairments may increase further as these individuals grow older and clinics need to meet the needs of this increasingly larger group of patients.

D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

older adults and executive function deficits


Achieving high gating performance for ion mobility spectrometry by manipulating ion swarm spatiotemporal behaviors in the vicinity of ion shutter.

Abstract: Ion shutter is one of the key components of the drift-tube types of ion mobility spectrometer, which affects both the resolving power and sensitivity of an ion mobility spectrometer. In this work, a spatiotemporal model was built to understand the behaviors of the ion swarms around the ion shutter. For simplicity, a Tyndall-Powell gate (TPG) was chosen as the gating disturbance to the field on the two sides of ion shutter could be separated. It can be inferred from the spatiotemporal model that the ion swarm could be diluted in front of the TPG when the gate closing voltage (GCV) was superposed on the grid facing the ionization region, while it could be compressed behind the TPG when the GCV was superposed on the other grid. These inferences conformed to the narrower and higher ion peaks obtained at GCV superposed on the latter grid and were further verified by the ion distribution profiles obtained at a wide gate opening pulse width. Finally, the product of the resolving power and the gating efficiency was proposed to evaluate the gating performance of an ion shutter. At GCV superposed on the grid facing the drift region, the best gating performance of 42 was obtained with peak height of 1.63 nA and resolving power of 57.2, and was almost twice as high as the optimal gating performance at GCV superposed on the other grid.

Chen|Hong|H| Chen|Chuang|C| Li|Mei|M| Wang|Weiguo|W| Jiang|Dandan|D| Li|Haiyang|H|

Gating performance
Ion mobility spectrometry
Spatiotemporal model
Ion swarm transport


Intraoperative electron radiation therapy as an important treatment modality in retroperitoneal sarcoma.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Local recurrence (LR) rates in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) are high, ranging from 40% to 80%, with no definitive studies describing the best way to administer radiation. Intraoperative electron beam radiation therapy (IOERT) provides a theoretical advantage for access to the tumor bed with reduced toxicity to surrounding structures. The goal of this study was to evaluate the role of IOERT in high-risk patients.

METHODS
An institutional review board approved, single institution sarcoma database was queried to identify patients who received IOERT for treatment of RPS from 2/2001 to 1/2009. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression, and Fisher Exact tests.

RESULTS
Eighteen patients (median age 51 y, 25-76 y) underwent tumor resection with IOERT (median dose 1250 cGy) for primary (n = 13) and recurrent (n = 5) RPS. Seventeen patients received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Eight high-grade and 10 low-grade tumors were identified. Median tumor size was 15 cm. Four patients died and two in the perioperative period. Median follow-up of survivors was 3.6 y. Five patients (31%) developed an LR in the irradiated field. Three patients with primary disease (25%) and two (50%) with recurrent disease developed an LR (P = 0.5). Four patients with high-grade tumors (57%) and one with a low-grade tumor (11%) developed an LR (P = 0.1). The 2- and 5-y OS rates were 100% and 72%. Two- and 5-y LR rates were 13% and 36%.

CONCLUSIONS
Using a multidisciplinary approach, we have achieved low LR rates in our high-risk patient population indicating that IOERT may play an important role in managing these patients.

Sweeting|Raeshell S|RS|
Deal|Allison M|AM|
Llaguna|Omar H|OH|
Bednarski|Brian K|BK|
Meyers|Michael O|MO|
Yeh|Jen Jen|JJ|
Calvo|Benjamin F|BF|
Tepper|Joel E|JE|
Kim|Hong Jin|HJ|

Retroperitoneal sarcoma
Sarcoma
Intraoperative radiation


Evaluation of volumetric dimensional changes in posterior extraction sites with and without ARP using a novel imaging device.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Alveolar ridge volume loss may be minimized when postextraction sockets are filled by bone substitutes.

PURPOSE
The aim of the study was to measure the effect of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in maintaining the external contour of the ridge after fresh socket grafting with or without particulate anorganic bovine bone mineral (BBM) and resorbable barrier covering.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
In the present controlled study, patients subjected to single-tooth extraction were allocated to 2 groups: postextraction sockets grafted with bovine bone mineral (bbm), and naturally healing sockets (nat). Before and at 5 months following tooth extraction, plaster cast contours of the sockets were acquired by means of an optical scanner; the 2 contours of each patient underwent voxelization and fusion using a matrix elaborator. Outcome variables at 5 months (volumetric, surface, and linear changes) were measured in digital fused plaster casts with a dental scan software analyzing a volume of interest ranging from residual papilla to 10 mm toward the apical point. Intra- and inter-group pair-wise variables' comparisons were conducted. Level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS
Twenty-four sites were enrolled: 12 ARP and 12 naturally healed. Five-month percentage of volume loss of the bbm-group (21.7% ± 7.4%) was significantly lower (Ps < .0003) than that of the naturally healing group (38.8% ± 7.9%). When tooth position was investigated, volume loss in percentage registered a significantly better (P values ≤ .0485) behavior in molars (ΔV% = -19.1% ± 6.5% and ΔV% = -35.6% ± 7.6%, respectively, for bbm and nat) than that in premolars (ΔV% = -26.9% ± 7.2% and ΔV% = -45.1% ± 4.2%, respectively, for bbm and nat), in both the preserved and naturally healing groups.

CONCLUSION
The dimensional loss in postextraction sockets grafted with anorganic bovine bone substitute and covered by a resorbable collagen barrier was lower than that of the naturally healing sites. However, ridge preservation was able to maintain almost 80% of the pristine bone.

Sbordone|Carolina|C| Toti|Paolo|P| Martuscelli|Ranieri|R| Guidetti|Franco|F| Porzio|Massimo|M| Sbordone|Ludovico|L|

alveolar ridge preservation
socket grafting
optical scanner
alveolar ridge dimensional changes
socket augmentation
xenograft


Automated pressure map segmentation for quantifying phalangeal kinetics during cylindrical gripping.

Abstract: Inverse dynamics models used to investigate musculoskeletal disorders associated with handle gripping require accurate phalangeal kinetics. Cylindrical handles wrapped with pressure film grids have been used in studies of gripping kinetics. We present a method fusing six degree-of-freedom hand kinematics and a kinematic calibration of a cylinder-wrapped pressure film. Phalanges are modeled as conic frusta and projected onto the pressure grid, automatically segmenting the pressure map into regions of interest (ROIs). To demonstrate the method, segmented pressure maps are presented from two subjects with substantially different hand length and body mass, gripping cylinders 50 and 70 mm in diameter. For each ROI, surface-normal force vectors were summed to create a reaction force vector and center of pressure location. Phalangeal force magnitudes for a data sample were similar to that reported in previous studies. To evaluate our method, a surrogate was designed for each handle such that when modeled as a phalanx it would generate a ROI around the cells under its supports; the classification F-score was above 0.95 for both handles. Both the human subject results and the surrogate evaluation suggest that the approach can be used to automatically segment the pressure map for quantifying phalangeal kinetics of the fingers during cylindrical gripping.

Sinsel|Erik W|EW|
Gloekler|Daniel S|DS|
Wimer|Bryan M|BM|
Warren|Christopher M|CM|
Wu|John Z|JZ|
Buczek|Frank L|FL|

Grip
Cylindrical handle
Pressure film
Hand
Pressure distribution


iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics reveals myoferlin as a novel prognostic predictor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract:
UNLABELLED
Histological differentiation is a major pathological parameter associated with poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) and the molecular signature underlying PAC differentiation may involve key proteins potentially affecting the malignant characters of PAC. We aimed to identify the proteins which could be implicated in PAC prognosis. We used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to compare protein expression in PAC tissues with different degrees of histological differentiation. A total of 1623 proteins were repeatedly identified by performing the iTRAQ-based experiments twice. Of these, 15 proteins were differentially expressed according to our defined criteria. Myoferlin (MYOF) was selected to validate the proteomic results by western blotting. Immunohistochemistry in a further 154 PAC cases revealed that myoferlin significantly correlated with the degree of histological differentiation (P=0.004), and univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that MYOF is an independent prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio, 1.540; 95% confidence interval, 1.061-2.234; P=0.023) of patients with PAC after curative surgery. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of MYOF alleviated malignant phenotypes of both primary and metastatic PAC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Thus, ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomics revealed the prognostic value of MYOF in PAC.

BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Our results provide the possibility of novel strategies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma management.

Wang|Wan-Sheng|WS| Liu|Xiao-Hui|XH| Liu|Ling-Xiao|LX| Lou|Wen-Hui|WH| Jin|Da-Yong|DY| Yang|Peng-Yuan|PY| Wang|Xiao-Lin|XL|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Proteomics
Myoferlin
Prognosis
iTRAQ
Pancreatic neoplasms


Risk of Unplanned Hospital Encounters in Patients Treated With Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract:
CONTEXT
Radiotherapy is highly effective for treating squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck but is often associated with significant toxicities and severe morbidity. Unplanned emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations are common during treatment and come with a substantial financial and health burden as well as the potential for impaired long-term outcomes due to treatment disruption.

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to identify patient, disease, and treatment characteristics that were associated with ED encounters and admissions.

METHODS
A cohort of 462 patients with cancer of the head and neck treated with radiotherapy at UT Southwestern between 2010 and 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. The risks of ED visits, admissions, multiple admissions, and extended admissions were determined. Risk factors for an unplanned hospital encounter were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS
Overall, 36% of patients had an unplanned hospital encounter during the treatment window. Patients with advanced disease, those with high comorbidity score, and those treated with concurrent chemotherapy were more likely to have unplanned admissions/ED visits. Social factors such as marital status, smoking status, and registration in the public hospital system were also strongly associated with admissions and multiple encounters.

CONCLUSION
The high rate of admissions and ED visits emphasizes the importance of anticipating and managing toxicities during treatment. Social factors have a strong association with unplanned encounters and may present opportunities for targeted interventions to reduce admissions for patients at highest risk.

Moore|Zachary R|ZR|
Pham|Nhat-Long|NL|
Shah|Jennifer Lobo|JL|
Nedzi|Lucien|L|
Sumer|Baran D|BD|
Day|Andrew T|AT|
Khan|Saad A|SA|
Sher|David J|DJ|

D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Hospitalizations
chemoradiation
complications
head and neck cancer
radiation therapy


Apicobasal polarity of brain endothelial cells.

Abstract: Normal brain homeostasis depends on the integrity of the blood-brain barrier that controls the access of nutrients, humoral factors, and immune cells to the CNS. The blood-brain barrier is composed mainly of brain endothelial cells. Forming the interface between two compartments, they are highly polarized. Apical/luminal and basolateral/abluminal membranes differ in their lipid and (glyco-)protein composition, allowing brain endothelial cells to secrete or transport soluble factors in a polarized manner and to maintain blood flow. Here, we summarize the basic concepts of apicobasal cell polarity in brain endothelial cells. To address potential molecular mechanisms underlying apicobasal polarity in brain endothelial cells, we draw on investigations in epithelial cells and discuss how polarity may go awry in neurological diseases.

Crumbs
Par complex
Polarized secretion
cerebral cavernous malformations
scribble


Beneficial role of ZnO photocatalyst supported with porous activated carbon for the mineralization of alizarin cyanin green dye in aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present investigation depicts the development of a simple and low cost method for the removal of color from textile dyeing and printing wastewater using ZnO as photocatalyst supported with porous activated carbon (AC). Photocatalytic degradation studies were carried out for water soluble toxic alizarin cyanin green (ACG) dye in aqueous suspension along with activated carbon (AC) as co-adsorbent. Different parameters like concentration of ACG dye, irradiation time, catalyst concentration and pH have also been studied. The pseudo first order kinetic equation was found to be applicable in the present dye-catalyst systems. It was observed that photocatalytic degradation by ZnO along with AC was a more effective and faster mode of removing ACG from aqueous solutions than the ZnO alone.

ZnO
Activated carbon
Alizarin cyanin green dye
Photocatalytic degradation
Synergistic effect


Assessment of commonly used methods to determine myelin-reactivity of T cells in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Many studies have analyzed myelin-reactivity of T cells in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, with conflicting results. In this study we compare methods to determine myelin reactivity of T cells and aim to delineate the cause of inconsistency in the literature. Challenging T cells with myelin antigens we found a significant increase in antigen-reactivity of T cells from patients with MS using an ELISpot-assay, in contrast to a CFSE-dilution assay. Comparing the two assays showed that the myelin-reactive T cells detected in the ELISpot-assay originated primarily from effector memory T cells in contrast to the myelin-reactive T cells of the CFSE-assay representing a population of both naïve, central memory and effector memory T cells. This diversity in T cell populations activated in the two assays likely contribute to the discrepancy found in the literature and encourages thorough considerations when choosing an assay to determine antigen-specificity of T cells in future studies.

von Essen|Marina Rode|MR|
Ammitzbøll|Cecilie|C|
Börnsen|Lars|L|
Sellebjerg|Finn|F|

Multiple sclerosis
Myelin-reactive T cells
Assessing current methods


Methomyl induced effect on fortilin and S100A1 in serum and cardiac tissue: Potential biomarkers of toxicity.

Abstract: Methomyl toxicity has been reported as a cause of several accidental and suicidal fatalities. The study is evaluating the effect of lethal methomyl toxicity on fortilin and S100A1 in serum and cardiac tissues. Adult 96 female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into a control (euthanized by cervical dislocation) and a study group (overdosed with methomyl). The levels of fortilin and S100A1 in serum were measured antemortem (to establish the basal levels in serum) and postmortem (to evaluate changes after methomyl exposure) using enzyme-linked immunoassay. S100A1 was immunostained in sections from cardiac tissues. Both proteins in the control were not significantly different (p > 0.05) compared with the antemortem levels. On the contrast, both biomarkers levels in the intoxicated group were remarkably higher (p < 0.001) than the control and the antemortem levels. Ventricular tissues from the intoxicated rats presented depleted S100A1 immunostain in cardiomyocytes localized mainly in the epicardium with deeply stained adjacent cardiac fibroblasts. The cardiomyocytes were damaged with a prominent loss of striations compared to normal cardiac tissues from the control. The present outcomes explain to a certain degree the potential toxic effect of methomyl poisoning on the cardiac tissue. Both proteins could be added to the currently available battery of markers for assessing methomyl toxicity.

D000090324:Tumor Protein, Translationally-Controlled 1

methomyl
fortilin
biomarkers
Acute toxicity
S100 proteins
apoptosis
immunohistochemistry


Exploring food shopping behaviours through a study of Ottawa social media.

Abstract: This study explored the important attributes of the local food retail environments that residents from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, used in recommending where to purchase fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables, in the Ottawa area. Drawing upon an approach originating in marketing and consumer research, qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze 79 discussions from three social media platforms that occurred between 2015 and 2018. We identified three patterns of conversations about food shopping, characterized by participants describing important factors of their local retail food environments that shaped their recommendations for different retail food establishments: 1) Pleasant represented discussions where having a pleasurable food shopping experience was the main discussion point. 2) Thrifty discussions were marked primarily by economical management and discussed food shopping in pragmatic terms. 3) Compromise represented a group where discussions described needing to find a middle ground between affordability and quality. While not without limitations, our study was the first exploration of whether social media data could be useful for qualitatively evaluating local retail food environments. Our findings add to the conclusions of other researchers that social media data does not compromise on the breadth of views captured and can parallel findings from traditional methods. These findings have implications for nutrition researchers and practitioners who we encourage to consider social media discussion data in their work.

Lynch|Meghan|M|
Knezevic|Irena|I|
Mah|Catherine L|CL|

Food shopping
Social media
Retail food environment
Qualitative research


The influence of long-term cadmium exposure on phonotaxis in male Pelophylax nigromaculata.

Abstract: Cadmium (Cd) is a common industrial and agricultural heavy metal found in the natural environment that disrupts the endocrine systems of vertebrates. Amphibians are particularly vulnerable to endocrine disruptors because of their aquatic habitats and permeable skin. Endocrine disruptors are known to negatively affect amphibian acoustic behavior, but whether and how the ubiquitous pollutant Cd impacts this crucial amphibian signaling system remains unknown. Male black-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculata) show phonotactic responses to female receptive calls by emitting advertisement calls and moving towards females during the mating season, essential for reproductive success. To study whether long-term (60 d) exposure to low Cd concentrations (10(-8), 10(-7) and 10(-6) M) affects male phonotaxis, we recorded male responses to female calls following Cd exposure during the breeding season. We found that Cd adversely affected advertisement call characteristics (call latency, call duration and call rate), the proportion of individuals that responded and the time to first movement of the male. These results indicate that long-term exposure to Cd at environmentally relevant concentrations alters phonotaxis in male P. nigromaculata.

Cadmium
Phonotaxis
Pelophylax nigromaculata
Calling behavior


Nuclear ribosomal DNA - ITS region based molecular marker to distinguish Gmelina arborea Roxb. Ex Sm. from its substitutes and adulterants.

Abstract: Roots of Gmelina arborea (Gambhari) is a medicinally important raw drug traded in India. However, Gmelinaasiatica and Mallotus nudiflorus are also found in the raw drug markets as Gambhari. The current study aims to identify molecular markers based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA - ITS1 region to distinguish the authentic species from substitute/adulterants. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) was amplified to identify species-specific markers using universal primers. Based on the sequence of the ITS region, specific primers were designed for G. arborea, G. asiatica and M. nudiflorus which efficiently amplified 142 bp, 93 bp and 150 bp of the ITS1 region of the respective species. The notable feature of this molecular method is that it is technically accurate, practically convenient and suitable for analyzing large numbers of samples. This study demonstrates that the ITS1 region can be used for reliable authentication of medicinal plants and detection of adulterants and substitutes of Gambhari.

Manokar|Jaganathan|J|
Balasubramani|Subramani Paranthaman|SP|
Venkatasubramanian|Padma|P|

Gmelina arborea
Gambhari
Mallotus nudiflorus
DNA marker
Gmelina asiatica
Internal transcribed spacer (ITS)


To transduce a zebra finch: interrogating behavioral mechanisms in a model system for speech.

Abstract: The ability to alter neuronal gene expression, either to affect levels of endogenous molecules or to express exogenous ones, is a powerful tool for linking brain and behavior. Scientists continue to finesse genetic manipulation in mice. Yet mice do not exhibit every behavior of interest. For example, Mus musculus do not readily imitate sounds, a trait known as vocal learning and a feature of speech. In contrast, thousands of bird species exhibit this ability. The circuits and underlying molecular mechanisms appear similar between disparate avian orders and are shared with humans. An advantage of studying vocal learning birds is that the neurons dedicated to this trait are nested within the surrounding brain regions, providing anatomical targets for relating brain and behavior. In songbirds, these nuclei are known as the song control system. Molecular function can be interrogated in non-traditional model organisms by exploiting the ability of viruses to insert genetic material into neurons to drive expression of experimenter-defined genes. To date, the use of viruses in the song control system is limited. Here, we review prior successes and test additional viruses for their capacity to transduce basal ganglia song control neurons. These findings provide a roadmap for troubleshooting the use of viruses in animal champions of fascinating behaviors-nowhere better featured than at the 12th International Congress!

Birdsong
Medium spiny neuron
Pallidum
Striatum
Virus


Peptide Nucleic Acid Clamping and Direct Sequencing in the Detection of Oncogenic Alterations in Lung Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Molecular testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) aids in identifying oncogenic alterations. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of detection of oncogenic alterations and responsiveness to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) according to EGFR mutation status as determined by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) clamping or direct sequencing (DS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register. Data from included studies were pooled to yield summary sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio, and receiver operating characteristic curves. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity between selected studies.

RESULTS
We identified 10 studies comprising 924 patients. Oncogenic alterations were detected in 340 of 924 cases (36.8%) with PNA clamping and in 250 of 924 (27.1%) with DS. The pooled sensitivities of PNA clamping and DS were 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90-0.95] and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64-0.73), respectively. According to meta-regression analysis, none of the covariates were found to be significant sources of heterogeneity. With respect to treatment responses to EGFR-TKIs, there was no significant difference therein between EGFR mutations detected by PNA clamping and DS (53.4% vs. 50.8%; risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI 0.83-1.19; p=0.874).

CONCLUSION
We demonstrated that PNA clamping has a higher sensitivity than DS for detecting oncogenic alterations in NSCLC. Our findings suggest that PNA clamping is a more useful method for clinical practice.

peptide nucleic acids
epidermal growth factor
Genetic testing
lung neoplasms


Factors Affecting Adolescents' Willingness to Communicate Symptoms During Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review from the Children's Oncology Group.

Abstract: The purpose of this systematic review is to (1) synthesize evidence facilitators and barriers affecting adolescent willingness to communicate symptoms to health care providers (HCPs) and (2) create practice recommendations. The PICOT (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) question guiding the review was, among adolescents with cancer, what factors affect their willingness to communicate symptoms to HCPs? Three databases, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO, were searched using keywords from the PICOT question. Inclusion criteria included original research studies with samples of at least 51% adolescents aged 10-18 years who were receiving or had received cancer treatment. Studies were included that evaluated outcomes related to willingness to communicate in general as well as communication of specific treatment symptoms. Exclusion criteria included systematic reviews and publications emphasizing cancer screening, cancer prevention, survivorship, or decision making. A total of 11 studies were included in the systematic review. Two of the studies focused on symptom communication; the remaining nine studies focused on general communication or the overlap between general and symptom communication. Barriers to symptom and/or general communication included negative expectations, health-related uncertainty, ambiguousness with assessments, unfamiliarity, restriction of information, perceived negative provider characteristics/behaviors, adolescent circumstance, worry about others' perceptions, and provider approach. Facilitators to symptom and/or general communication included open communication, perceived favorable provider characteristics/behaviors, seasoned adolescent, and patient-provider rapport. Five practice recommendations were developed from the evidence that supports general and symptom communication between adolescents who are receiving or have completed cancer treatment and their HCPs.

McLaughlin|Colleen A|CA|
Gordon|Kristi|K|
Hoag|Jennifer|J|
Ranney|Lori|L|
Terwilliger|Nancy B|NB|
Ureda|Tonya|T|
Rodgers|Cheryl|C|

adolescents
cancer
facilitators
barriers
symptom communication


Role of androgens in energy metabolism affecting on body composition, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and longevity: lessons from a meta-analysis and rodent studies.

Abstract: Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by testicular Leydig cells in males. Blood testosterone concentrations increase at three time-periods in male life-fetal, neonatal (which can be separated into newborn and infant periods), and pubertal stages. After peaking in the early 20s, the blood bioactive testosterone level declines by 1-2% each year. It is increasingly apparent that a low testosterone level impairs general physical and mental health in men. Here, this review summarizes recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies in males (including cross-sectional, longitudinal, and androgen deprivation studies, and randomized controlled testosterone replacement trials) in relation to testosterone and obesity,  body composition, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and longevity. Furthermore, underlying mechanisms are discussed using data from rodent studies involving castration or androgen receptor knockout. This review provides an update understanding of the role of testosterone in energy metabolism. Abbreviations AR: androgen receptor; CV: cardiovascular; FDA: US Food and Drug Administration; HFD: high-fat diet; KO: knockout; MetS: metabolic syndrome; RCT: randomized controlled trial; SHBG: sex hormone binding globulin; SRMA: systematic review and meta-analysis; TRT: testosterone replacement therapy; T2DM:type 2 diabetes mellitus.

androgen
cardiovascular disease
Testosterone
systematic review and meta-analysis
metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes


Beyond pros and cons - developing a patient decision aid to cultivate dialog to build relationships: insights from a qualitative study and decision aid development.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
An individualized approach using shared decision-making (SDM) and goal setting is a person-centred strategy that may facilitate prioritization of treatment options. SDM has not been adopted extensively in clinical practice. An interprofessional approach to SDM with tools to facilitate patient participation may overcome barriers to SDM use. The aim was to explore decision-making experiences of health professionals and people with diabetes (PwD), then develop an intervention to facilitate interprofessional shared decision-making (IP-SDM) and goal-setting.

METHODS
This was a multi-phased study. 1) Feasibility: Using a descriptive qualitative study, individual interviews with primary care physicians, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and PwD were conducted. The interviews explored their experiences with SDM and priority-setting, including facilitators and barriers, relevance of a decision aid for priority-setting, and integration of SDM and a decision aid into practice. 2) Development: An evidence-based SDM toolkit was developed, consisting of an online decision aid, MyDiabetesPlan, and implementation tools. MyDiabetesPlan was reviewed by content experts for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Usability assessment was done with 3) heuristic evaluation and 4) user testing, followed by 5) refinement.

RESULTS
Seven PwD and 10 clinicians participated in the interviews. From interviews with PwD, we identified that: (1) approaches to decision-making were diverse and dynamic; (2) a trusting relationship with the clinician and dialog were critical precursors to SDM; and, (3) goal-setting was a dynamic process. From clinicians, we found: (1) complementary (holistic and disease specific) approaches to the complex patient were used; (2) patient-provider agendas for goal-setting were often conflicting; (3) a flexible approach to decision-making was needed; and, (4) conflict could be resolved through SDM. Following usability assessment, we redesigned MyDiabetesPlan to consist of data collection and recommendation stages. Findings were used to finalize a multi-component toolkit and implementation strategy, consisting of MyDiabetesPlan, instructional card and videos, and orientation meetings with participating patients and clinicians.

CONCLUSIONS
A decision aid can provide information, facilitate clinician-patient dialog and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. Implementation of the decision aid can fit into a model of team care that respects and exemplifies professional identity, and can facilitate intra-team communication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02379078. Date of Registration: 11 February 2015.

Yu|Catherine H|CH|0000-0002-2355-1046
Ke|Calvin|C|
Jovicic|Aleksandra|A|
Hall|Susan|S|
Straus|Sharon E|SE|
|||

D003657:Decision Making
D003661:Decision Support Techniques
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007407:Interviews as Topic
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D010358:Patient Participation
D010817:Physician-Patient Relations
D058007:Physicians, Primary Care
D036301:Qualitative Research
D014584:User-Computer Interface

Patient decision aid
Shared decision-making
Priority-setting
Diabetes mellitus
Interprofessional care
Medical informatics
Patient education
Qualitative methods
Toolkit development
User-centred design


Body image distortion in fifth and sixth grade students may lead to stress, depression, and undesirable dieting behavior.

Abstract: The widespread pursuit of a thin physique may have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of preadolescents. The influence of body image distortions on the lifestyles, dieting behaviors, and psychological factors was investigated in 631 fifth and sixth grade children in Kyeonggi-do, Korea. Children were classified into three weight groups (underweight, normal, and overweight) and three perception groups (underestimation, normal, and overestimation). Necessary information was obtained by questionnaire, and each subject's weight status was determined by the Röhrer index calculated from the annual measurement records, which were obtained from the school. According to their current weights, 57.4% of children were normal and 32.2% were overweight or obese, 16.6% of the children overestimated their body weight, and 55.2% had an undistorted body image. Overweight children had desirable lifestyles and dietary habits and presented reasonable weight control behaviors. Compared to those without distortion, the overestimated group had greater interest in weight control (P = 0.003) and dissatisfaction with their body weights (P = 0.011), presented unhealthy reasons to lose weight (P = 0.026), and had higher scores for "feeling sad when comparing own body with others" (P = 0.000) and for "easily getting annoyed and tired" (P = 0.037), even though they had similar obesity indices. More subjects from the overestimation group (P = 0.006) chose drama/movies as their favorite TV programs, suggesting a possible role for the media in body image distortion. These findings suggest that body image distortion can lead preadolescents to develop stress about obesity and unhealthy dieting practices, despite similar obesity indices to those without distorted body images. These results emphasize the importance of having an undistorted body image.

Cho|Jin Hee|JH|
Han|Sung Nim|SN|
Kim|Jung Hee|JH|
Lee|Hong Mie|HM|

body image
depression
Preadolescents
dietary habit
obesity stress


Fate of Listeria monocytogenes in the Presence of Resident Cheese Microbiota on Common Packaging Materials.

Abstract: Literature data regarding the survival of microorganisms on materials used for food package purposes are scarce. The aim of the current study is to assess the survival of Listeria monocytogenes on different packaging materials for dairy products during extended storage at different temperatures. Three packaging materials (5 × 5 cm) were contaminated with a cocktail of five strains of Listeria monocytogenes suspended in a cheese homogenate, including the cheese's native microbial population. Contaminated samples were incubated at 37°, 12°, and 4°C and periodically analyzed up to 56 days. The evolution of the total viable count and pathogen population was evaluated. At 37°C, the results showed that Listeria monocytogenes was no longer detected on polyethylene-coated nylon (B) by day 4 and on polyethylene-coated parchment (A) and greaseproof paper (C) by day 7. Interestingly, the initial cell population (ranging between 2.5 and 2.7 log CFU/cm2) of Listeria monocytogenes increased to 3 log CFU/cm2 within 4 days of storage at 12°C on A and C. During storage, the number remained fairly constant at 12°C and 4°C on two materials (A-C) and decreased slowly on the third one (B). This study shows that survival of Listeria monocytogenes on packaging materials for dairy products will be higher when stored at 4 or 12°C compared to 37°C. The survival of Listeria monocytogenes on the packaging materials raises concerns of cross-contamination during food handling and preparation at catering and retail premises and within the home, highlighting the importance of treating the packaging materials as a potential source of cross-contamination. These initial findings may aid in quantifying risks associated with contamination of food packaging materials.

Di Ciccio|Pierluigi|P|
Rubiola|Selene|S|
Grassi|Maria Ausilia|MA|
Civera|Tiziana|T|
Abbate|Francesco|F|
Chiesa|Francesco|F|

Listeria monocytogenes
packaging materials
dairy products
cross-contamination
food handling
cold storage


Natural killer cells efficiently target multiple myeloma clonogenic tumor cells.

Abstract: The multiple myeloma (MM) landscape has changed in the last few years, but most patients eventually relapse because current treatment modalities do not target clonogenic stem cells, which are drug-resistant and can self-renew. We hypothesized that side population (SP) cells represent myeloma clonogenic stem cells and, searching for new treatment strategies, analyzed the anti-myeloma activity of natural killer (NK) cells against clonogenic cells. Activated and expanded NK cells (NKAE) products were obtained by co-culturing NK cells from MM patients with K562-mb15-41BBL cell line and characterized by flow cytometry. Functional experiments against MM cells were performed by Eu-TDA release assays and methylcellulose clonogenic assays. Side population was detected by Dye Cycle Violet labeling and then characterized by flow cytometry and RNA-Seq. Self-renewal capacity was tested by clonogenic assays. Sorting of both kind of cells was performed for time-lapse microscopy experiments. SP cells exhibited self-renewal potential and overexpressed genes involved in stem cell metabolism. NK cells from MM patients exhibited dysregulation and had lower anti-tumor potential against clonogenic cells than healthy donors' NK cells. Patients' NK cells were activated and expanded. These cells recovered cytotoxic activity and could specifically destroy clonogenic myeloma cells. They also had a highly cytotoxic phenotype expressing NKG2D receptor. Blocking NKG2D receptor decreased NK cell activity against clonogenic myeloma cells, and activated NK cells were able to destroy SP cells, which expressed NKG2D ligands. SP cells could represent the stem cell compartment in MM. This is the first report describing NK cell activity against myeloma clonogenic cells.

D045744:Cell Line, Tumor
D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
D006801:Humans
D007694:Killer Cells, Natural
D009101:Multiple Myeloma
D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured

Stem cell
Side population
Clonogenic cell
NK cells
Cell therapy


Anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Ankylosing spondylitis is the prototype of spondyloarthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease involving mainly the axial skeleton. The treatment strategy was, until now, restricted to NSAIDs and anti-TNF agents. Targeting Interleukin 17 is an emerging option with a currently available biologic agent, secukinumab.

AREAS COVERED
This paper reviews the available data published on secukinumab (and other anti-IL-17 agents) in ankylosing spondylitis, evaluating the effect on clinical outcomes as well as radiological progression and extra articular manifestations and safety.

EXPERT OPINION
Secukinumab represents the first anti-IL-17A agent available for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, with evidence of efficacy upon signs and symptoms of the disease, even after anti-TNF failure, and acceptable safety profile.

Ankylosing spondylitis
spondyloarthritis
Interleukin 17
secukinumab
ixekizumab


Effect of prone positioning on oxygenation and static respiratory system compliance in COVID-19 ARDS vs. non-COVID ARDS.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Prone positioning is recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving mechanical ventilation. While the debate continues as to whether COVID-19 ARDS is clinically different from non-COVID ARDS, there is little data on whether the physiological effects of prone positioning differ between the two conditions. We aimed to compare the physiological effect of prone positioning between patients with COVID-19 ARDS and those with non-COVID ARDS.

METHODS
We retrospectively compared 23 patients with COVID-19 ARDS and 145 patients with non-COVID ARDS treated using prone positioning while on mechanical ventilation. Changes in PaO2/FiO2 ratio and static respiratory system compliance (Crs) after the first session of prone positioning were compared between the two groups: first, using all patients with non-COVID ARDS, and second, using subgroups of patients with non-COVID ARDS matched 1:1 with patients with COVID-19 ARDS for baseline PaO2/FiO2 ratio and static Crs. We also evaluated whether the response to the first prone positioning session was associated with the clinical outcome.

RESULTS
When compared with the entire group of patients with non-COVID ARDS, patients with COVID-19 ARDS showed more pronounced improvement in PaO2/FiO2 ratio [adjusted difference 39.3 (95% CI 5.2-73.5) mmHg] and static Crs [adjusted difference 3.4 (95% CI 1.1-5.6) mL/cmH2O]. However, these between-group differences were not significant when the matched samples (either PaO2/FiO2-matched or compliance-matched) were analyzed. Patients who successfully discontinued mechanical ventilation showed more remarkable improvement in PaO2/FiO2 ratio [median 112 (IQR 85-144) vs. 35 (IQR 6-52) mmHg, P = 0.003] and static compliance [median 5.7 (IQR 3.3-7.7) vs. - 1.0 (IQR - 3.7-3.0) mL/cmH2O, P = 0.006] after prone positioning compared with patients who did not. The association between oxygenation and Crs responses to prone positioning and clinical outcome was also evident in the adjusted competing risk regression.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with COVID-19 ARDS, prone positioning was as effective in improving respiratory physiology as in patients with non-COVID ARDS. Thus, it should be actively considered as a therapeutic option. The physiological response to the first session of prone positioning was predictive of the clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19 ARDS.

Prone position
Oxygenation
Respiratory system compliance
COVID-19
Acute respiratory distress syndrome


Anti-inflammatory effects of Sanguisorbae Radix water extract on the suppression of mast cell degranulation and STAT-1/Jak-2 activation in BMMCs and HaCaT keratinocytes.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sanguisorbae Radix (SR) is a well-known herbal medicine used to treat inflammatory disease and skin burns in Asia. In addition, it is used to treat many types of allergic skin diseases, including urticaria, eczema, and allergic dermatitis. SR has been reported to exhibit anti-wrinkle, anti-oxidant, and anti-contact dermatitis bioactivities.

METHODS
In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of SR water extract (WSR) using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and BALB/c mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Viability assays were used to evaluate non-cytotoxic concentrations of WSR in both BMMCs and HaCaT cells. To investigate the effect of WSR treatment on the degranulation of IgE/Ag-activated BMMCs, we measured the release of β-hexosaminidase (β-HEX). We determined the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines including thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC; CCL17), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES; CCL5), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC; CCL22), and interleukin 8 (IL-8; CXCL8) in stimulated human keratinocytes. The ability of WSR to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory marker proteins was evaluated by Western blotting in HaCaT cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/interferon (IFN)-γ.

RESULT
WSR inhibited IgE/Ag-activated mast cell degranulation in BMMCs. Treatment with various concentrations of WSR decreased β-HEX release in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 27.5 μg/mL. In keratinocytes, WSR suppressed TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced chemokine production and pro-inflammatory molecules via a blockade STAT-1, Jak-2, p38, and JNK activation.

CONCLUSIONS
This results demonstrate that WSR inhibits degranulation of IgE/Ag-activated mast cells and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK in HaCaT cells.

Sanguisorbae Radix
Mast cells
Degranulation
Keratinocytes
Chemokines


Preliminary study of real-time three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To investigate the clinical value of real-time three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (3D-CEUS) in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and drainage lymphatics in breast cancer patients.

METHOD
The prospective study was performed in women with pathology-confirmed T1/2 breast cancer between June 2016 and December 2017 who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy and 3D-CEUS. The number, size, location, enhancement pattern of SLNs, and the lymphatic drainage patterns were reviewed. The routes, location of SLNs, and lymph channels (LCs) on the surface were marked. All patients underwent blue dye-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) finally.

RESULTS
According to the postoperative pathology findings and the blue dye staining of the lymphatic drainage routes, there are six patterns of lymphatic drainage routes and the coincidence rate of the 3D-CEUS was 97.4%; the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, the LN detection rate, and the correct diagnosis rate of the 3D-CEUS were 75%, 93.0%, 81.8%, 89.9%, 95.3%, and 87.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION
3D-CEUS is a new feasible and useful approach to detect the SLNs and LCs. 3D-CEUS can accurately localize the LCs and SLNs and estimate the presence of metastatic lymph nodes.

KEY POINTS
• The three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound can detect the sentinel lymph nodes. • The three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound can show the stereo direction of sentinel lymph nodes and lymph drainage routes. • The three-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound can accurately localize the LCs and SLNs and estimate the presence of metastatic lymph nodes.

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D001943:Breast Neoplasms
D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast
D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular
D003287:Contrast Media
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional
D008198:Lymph Nodes
D042601:Lymphatic Vessels
D008875:Middle Aged
D011446:Prospective Studies
D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000071036:Sentinel Lymph Node
D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
D014463:Ultrasonography

Sentinel lymph node
Breast cancer
Contrast media
Ultrasonography


A framework for exploring non-response patterns over time in health surveys.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Most health surveys have experienced a decline in response rates. A structured approach to evaluate whether a decreasing - and potentially more selective - response over time biased estimated trends in health behaviours is lacking. We developed a framework to explore the role of differential non-response over time. This framework was applied to a repeated cross-sectional survey in which the response rate gradually declined.

METHODS
We used data from a survey conducted biannually between 1995 and 2017 in the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Information on the sociodemographic determinants of age, sex, and ethnicity was available for respondents and non-respondents. The main outcome measures of prevalence of sport participation and watching TV were only available for respondents. The framework consisted of four steps: 1) investigating the sociodemographic determinants of responding to the survey and the difference in response over time between sociodemographic groups; 2) estimating variation in health behaviour over time; 3) comparing weighted and unweighted prevalence estimates of health behaviour over time; and 4) comparing associations between sociodemographic determinants and health behaviour over time.

RESULTS
The overall response rate per survey declined from 47% in 1995 to 15% in 2017. The probability of responding was higher among older people, females, and those with a Western background. The response rate declined in all subgroups, and a faster decline was observed among younger persons and those with a non-Western ethnicity as compared to older persons and those with a Western ethnicity. Variation in health behaviours remained constant. Prevalence estimates and associations did not follow the changes in response over time. On the contrary, the difference in probability of participating in sport gradually decreased between males and females, while no differential change in the response rate was observed.

CONCLUSIONS
Providing insights on non-response patterns over time is essential to understand whether declines in response rates may have influenced estimated trends in health behaviours. The framework outlined in this study can be used for this purpose. In our example, in spite of a major decline in response rate, there was no evidence that the risk of non-response bias increased over time.

Health surveys
Response
Non-response bias
Epidemiological methods
Surveys and questionnaires


Dexamethasone Increases Cisplatin-Loaded Nanocarrier Delivery and Efficacy in Metastatic Breast Cancer by Normalizing the Tumor Microenvironment.

Abstract: Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory properties used to treat many diseases, including cancer, in which it helps manage various side effects of chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapies. Here, we investigate the tumor microenvironment (TME)-normalizing effects of dexamethasone in metastatic murine breast cancer (BC). Dexamethasone normalizes vessels and the extracellular matrix, thereby reducing interstitial fluid pressure, tissue stiffness, and solid stress. In turn, the penetration of 13 and 32 nm dextrans, which represent nanocarriers (NCs), is increased. A mechanistic model of fluid and macromolecule transport in tumors predicts that dexamethasone increases NC penetration by increasing interstitial hydraulic conductivity without significantly reducing the effective pore diameter of the vessel wall. Also, dexamethasone increases the tumor accumulation and efficacy of ∼30 nm polymeric micelles containing cisplatin (CDDP/m) against murine models of primary BC and spontaneous BC lung metastasis, which also feature a TME with abnormal mechanical properties. These results suggest that pretreatment with dexamethasone before NC administration could increase efficacy against primary tumors and metastases.

D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

normalization
tumor microenvironment
penetration
polymeric micelle
metastasis


Trends in integrative medicine and health consults: differences between cancer survivors and patients without cancer.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The objectives were to compare patients with and without cancer who sought an integrative health (IH) consult and reasons for seeking a consult.

DESIGN
Descriptive cross-sectional study that employed a secondary analysis of an integrative health database supplemented by a retrospective medical record review.

SETTING/LOCATION
Integrative Medicine and Health program in a Southwestern United States academic medical center.

SUBJECTS
Eight hundred thirty-nine adults over the age of 18 seeking IH consultation.

RESULTS
The number of complementary therapies reported prior to consult were not significantly different between groups. The most reported complementary therapies used by cancer survivors were multivitamins, exercise, and turmeric. Patients without cancer reported significantly higher pain levels than cancer survivors. Cancer survivors reported significantly higher energy, sleep levels, overall health, spiritual wellbeing, and significantly better relationships compared to patients without cancer. Cancer survivors reported fatigue and cancer as the top reasons for IH consult.

CONCLUSION
Participants without cancer reported higher levels of pain and lower levels of energy, sleep, overall health, spiritual wellbeing, and relationships compared to cancer survivors. However, cancer survivors still reported levels of unmanaged symptoms. Complementary therapy use prior to IMH consult was similar between groups; however, IMH providers recommended more treatments for patients without cancer. Our results highlight that more evidence is needed to guide IMH recommendations, especially for cancer survivors who may still be in treatment. Additionally, our results support evidence-based recommendations that all cancer survivors should be assessed for complementary therapy use and provided counseling by qualified providers on their advantages and limitations.

D000073116:Cancer Survivors
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D055048:Integrative Medicine
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D012017:Referral and Consultation
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires

Cancer
Integrative health
Symptoms
Complementary and alternative medicine
Physician referrals


Nosocomial Coronavirus Disease Outbreak Containment, Hanoi, Vietnam, March-April 2020.

Abstract: We report on the public health response generated by an outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that occurred during March 2020 at Bach Mai Hospital (BMH) in Hanoi, northern Vietnam's largest hospital complex. On March 18, a total of 3 distinct clusters of COVID-19 cases were identified at BMH. Diagnosis of the initial 3 COVID-19 cases led to contact tracing, symptom screening, and testing of 495 persons and limited quarantine of affected institutes or departments. When 27 staff members in the catering company tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the entire BMH staff (7,664 persons) was put under quarantine. Contact tracing in the community resulted in an additional 52,239 persons being quarantined. After 3 weeks, the hospital outbreak was contained; no further spread occurred in the hospital. Rapid screening of cases, extensive testing, prompt quarantine, contact tracing, and social distancing contributed to prevent community transmission in Hanoi and northern Vietnam.

Duy|Cuong|C|
Nong|Vuong Minh|VM|
Van Ngo|An|A|
Doan|Tra Thu|TT|
Nguyen|Tuan Quang|TQ|
Truong|Phuong Thai|PT|
Olson|Linus|L|
Larsson|Mattias|M|

severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2


Gamma Visual Stimulation Induces a Neuroimmune Signaling Profile Distinct from Acute Neuroinflammation.

Abstract: Many neurodegenerative and neurological diseases are rooted in dysfunction of the neuroimmune system; therefore, manipulating this system has strong therapeutic potential. Prior work has shown that exposing mice to flickering lights at 40 Hz drives gamma frequency (∼40 Hz) neural activity and recruits microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain, revealing a novel method to manipulate the neuroimmune system. However, the biochemical signaling mechanisms between 40 Hz neural activity and immune recruitment remain unknown. Here, we exposed wild-type male mice to 5-60 min of 40 Hz or control flicker and assessed cytokine and phosphoprotein networks known to play a role in immune function. We found that 40 Hz flicker leads to increases in the expression of cytokines which promote microglial phagocytic states, such as IL-6 and IL-4, and increased expression of microglial chemokines, such as macrophage-colony-stimulating factor and monokine induced by interferon-γ. Interestingly, cytokine effects differed as a function of stimulation frequency, revealing a range of neuroimmune effects of stimulation. To identify possible mechanisms underlying cytokine expression, we quantified the effect of the flicker on intracellular signaling pathways known to regulate cytokine levels. We found that a 40 Hz flicker upregulates phospho-signaling within the nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. While cytokine expression increased after 1 h of 40 Hz flicker stimulation, protein phosphorylation in the NF-κB pathway was upregulated within minutes. Importantly, the cytokine expression profile induced by 40 Hz flicker was different from cytokine changes in response to acute neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides. These results are the first, to our knowledge, to show how visual stimulation rapidly induces critical neuroimmune signaling in healthy animals.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Prior work has shown that exposing mice to lights flickering at 40 Hz induces neural spiking activity at 40 Hz (within the gamma frequency) and recruits microglia, the primary immune cells of the brain. However, the immediate effect of 40 Hz flicker on neuroimmune biochemical signaling was unknown. We found that 40 Hz flicker leads to significant increases in the expression of cytokines, key immune signals known to recruit microglia. Furthermore, we found that 40 Hz flicker rapidly changes the phosphorylation of proteins in the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, both known to regulate cytokine expression. Our findings are the first to delineate a specific rapid immune signaling response following 40 Hz visual stimulation, highlighting both the unique nature and therapeutic potential of this treatment.

Garza|Kristie M|KM|
Zhang|Lu|L|
Borron|Ben|B|
Wood|Levi B|LB|
Singer|Annabelle C|AC|

neuroimmune signaling
neuroinflammation
cytokines
phosphoproteins
NF-κB
gamma oscillations


Apolipoprotein E4 causes early olfactory network abnormalities and short-term olfactory memory impairments.

Abstract: While apolipoprotein (Apo) E4 is linked to increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), there is growing evidence that it plays a role in functional brain irregularities that are independent of AD pathology. However, ApoE4-driven functional differences within olfactory processing regions have yet to be examined. Utilizing knock-in mice humanized to ApoE4 versus the more common ApoE3, we examined a simple olfactory perceptual memory that relies on the transfer of information from the olfactory bulb (OB) to the piriform cortex (PCX), the primary cortical region involved in higher order olfaction. In addition, we have recorded in vivo resting and odor-evoked local field potentials (LPF) from both brain regions and measured corresponding odor response magnitudes in anesthetized young (6-month-old) and middle-aged (12-month-old) ApoE mice. Young ApoE4 compared to ApoE3 mice exhibited a behavioral olfactory deficit coinciding with hyperactive odor-evoked response magnitudes within the OB that were not observed in older ApoE4 mice. Meanwhile, middle-aged ApoE4 compared to ApoE3 mice exhibited heightened response magnitudes in the PCX without a corresponding olfactory deficit, suggesting a shift with aging in ApoE4-driven effects from OB to PCX. Interestingly, the increased ApoE4-specific response in the PCX at middle-age was primarily due to a dampening of baseline spontaneous activity rather than an increase in evoked response power. Our findings indicate that early ApoE4-driven olfactory memory impairments and OB network abnormalities may be a precursor to later network dysfunction in the PCX, a region that not only is targeted early in AD, but may be selectively vulnerable to ApoE4 genotype.

Peng|Katherine Y|KY|
Mathews|Paul M|PM|
Levy|Efrat|E|
Wilson|Donald A|DA|

D000375:Aging
D000818:Animals
D053318:Apolipoprotein E3
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4
D001611:Beta Rhythm
D005260:Female
D055879:Gene Knock-In Techniques
D006801:Humans
D008297:Male
D008569:Memory Disorders
D008570:Memory, Short-Term
D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL
D008822:Mice, Transgenic
D009043:Motor Activity
D009830:Olfactory Bulb
D009833:Olfactory Pathways
D055696:Olfactory Perception
D066195:Piriform Cortex

olfactory bulb
piriform cortex
olfaction
local field potential
apolipoprotein E
memory deficits


Evaluation of an alternative ruxolitinib dosing regimen in patients with myelofibrosis: an open-label phase 2 study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Ruxolitinib improves splenomegaly and symptoms in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk myelofibrosis; however, nearly half develop grade 3/4 anemia and/or thrombocytopenia, necessitating dose reductions and/or transfusions. We report findings from an open-label phase 2 study exploring a dose-escalation strategy aimed at preserving clinical benefit while reducing hematological adverse events early in ruxolitinib treatment.

METHODS
Patients with myelofibrosis received ruxolitinib 10 mg twice daily (BID), with incremental increases of 5 mg BID at weeks 12 and 18 for lack of efficacy (maximum, 20 mg BID). Symptom severity was measured using the Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MFSAF TSS).

RESULTS
Forty-five patients were enrolled, 68.9% of whom had a Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System score of 1 to 2 (i.e., intermediate-1 disease risk). Median percentage change in spleen volume from baseline to week 24 was - 17.3% (≥ 10% reduction achieved by 26 patients [57.8%]), with a clear dose response. Median percentage change in MFSAF TSS from baseline at week 24 was - 45.6%, also with a dose response. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were anemia (26.7%), fatigue (22.2%), and arthralgias (20.0%). Grade 3/4 anemia (20.0%) and dose decreases due to anemia (11.1%) or thrombocytopenia (6.7%) were infrequent.

CONCLUSIONS
A dose-escalation approach may mitigate worsening anemia during early ruxolitinib therapy in some patients with myelofibrosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01445769 . Registered September 23, 2011.

Talpaz|Moshe|M|
Erickson-Viitanen|Susan|S|
Hou|Kevin|K|
Hamburg|Solomon|S|
Baer|Maria R|MR|

Ruxolitinib
Myelofibrosis
Anemia
Thrombocytopenia
Transfusion
Janus kinase


Needle dislodgement in hemodialysis patients: Progress in prevention and early intervention.

Abstract: Needle dislodgement during hemodialysis is a potentially lethal accident that, although rare, has yet to be completely eliminated in clinical dialysis. Fatal hemorrhaging can occur with the loss of proper needle positioning due to the continuously running pump of the dialysis machine. Cooperative efforts by medical professionals, scientists, and related industries have been made to remove all such risks. In this review, we highlight the recommended practices summarized by professional associations and recent progress regarding the research and development of auxiliary equipment for dialysis nursing aimed at preventing and/or providing early intervention for needle dislodgement.

needle dislodgement
progress
prevention
early intervention
practice recommendation
risk factors


A Review of Redox Electrolytes for Supercapacitors.

Abstract: Supercapacitors (SCs) have attracted widespread attention due to their short charging/discharging time, long cycle life, and good temperature characteristics. Electrolytes have been considered as a key factor affecting the performance of SCs. They largely determine the energy density based on their decomposition voltage and the power density from their ionic conductivity. In recent years, redox electrolytes obtained a growing interest due to an additional redox activity from electrolytes, which offers an increased charge storage capacity in SCs. This article summarizes the latest progress in the research of redox electrolytes, and focuses on their properties, mechanisms, and applications based on different solvent types available. It also proposes potential solutions for how to effectively increase the energy density of the SCs while maintaining their high power and long life.

Zhang|Le|L| Yang|Shuhua|S| Chang|Jie|J| Zhao|Degang|D| Wang|Jieqiang|J| Yang|Chao|C| Cao|Bingqiang|B|

redox electrolyte
supercapacitor
energy density
power density
ionic conductivity


Primary Baerveldt Shunt Implantation: Outcomes and Complications.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
This study is a retrospective case series to evaluate the outcomes and complications of Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery (BGI) in patients without prior cataract or incisional glaucoma surgery.

METHODS
Patients who underwent 350-mm2 BGI through the Glaucoma Service of the University of Illinois at Chicago between 2010 and 2015 were included in this study. Outcome measures included age, sex, ethnicity, operated eye, preoperative diagnosis, preoperative, and sequential postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medications, and postoperative complication and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed using the two-sided Student t test for continuous variables.

RESULTS
Thirty-seven patients were studied. IOP was consistently and statistically significantly lower at 3 months (17.4 ± 6.4, p = 3 × 10-7), 6 months (13.9 ± 5.1, p = 2 × 10-11), 1 year (12.2 ± 4.0, p = 9 × 10-10), and 2 years (14.6 ± 3.3, p = 0.0004) postoperatively compared to IOP at baseline (27.5 ± 8.1). Fewer glaucoma medications were used at 3 months (2.8 ± 1.3, p = 0.04), 6 months (2.6 ± 1.2, p = 0.02), 1 year (2.7 ± 1.7, p = 0.04), and 2 years (2.0 ± 1.2, p = 0.03) postoperatively compared to baseline (3.4 ± 1.1). A total of six cases (16%) had failure. A total of five patients (15%) had postoperative complications. Mean Snellen visual acuity was not statistically different at 6 months (0.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.88) or 1 year (0.4 ± 0.4, p = 0.57) postoperatively from baseline (0.5 ± 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS
Primary BGI is effective at reducing IOP and the medication burden in patients suffering glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Further randomized prospective studies are needed to compare various procedures in the primary surgical management of patients with uncontrolled glaucoma.

FUNDING
This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness.

Namavari|Abed|A|
Hyde|Robert A|RA|
Wang|Daniel|D|
Vajaranant|Thasarat S|TS|
Aref|Ahmad A|AA|

Complications
Baerveldt glaucoma implant
Glaucoma
Glaucoma surgery
Glaucoma therapy
Tube shunt