Effect of a Pedometer-Based, 24-Week Walking Intervention on Depression and Acculturative Stress among Migrant Women Workers.

Abstract: Little research has examined exercise-based interventions meant to alleviate depressive symptoms among Korean-Chinese migrant women workers living in Korea. Thus, this study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program on reducing depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels in this population. This quasi-experimental sequential walking program was conducted with 132 Korean-Chinese women over a period of 24 weeks. Participants were divided into either a standard treatment group (n = 69) or enhanced treatment group (n = 63). All participants were instructed to walk using a pedometer. The enhanced treatment group also received mobile text messages designed to encourage walking adherence and improve acculturation. Participants were asked to complete two structured questionnaires, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Acculturative Stress Scale, to evaluate the intervention programs. At the end of the program, both groups exhibited decreased depression scores, but the decrease in the enhanced treatment group was more significant both at weeks 12 and 24. Acculturative stress was also found to have decreased at weeks 12 and 24. Our findings show the walking program reduced the depressive symptoms and acculturative stress levels among the Korean-Chinese women in this study. Further studies will be needed to analyze the relationship between walking step count and mental health considering exercise intensity.

Kim|Youlim|Y| Lee|Young-Me|YM| Cho|Mikyeong|M| Lee|Hyeonkyeong|H|

cognitive-behavioral therapy
health behavior
health promotion
physical activity
physical intervention


Assessment of the concordance between individual-level and area-level measures of socio-economic deprivation in a cancer patient cohort in England and Wales.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Most research on health inequalities uses aggregated deprivation scores assigned to the small area where the patient lives; however, the concordance between aggregate area-level deprivation measures and personal deprivation experienced by individuals living in the area is poorly understood. Our objective was to examine the agreement between individual and ecological deprivation. We tested the concordance between metrics of income, occupation and education at individual and area levels, and assessed the reliability of area-based deprivation measures to predict individual deprivation circumstances.

SETTING
England and Wales.

PARTICIPANTS
A cancer patient cohort of 9547 individuals extracted from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study.

OUTCOMES
We quantified the concordance between measures of income, occupation and education at individual and area level. In addition, we used ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) to assess the reliability of area-based deprivation measures to predict individual deprivation circumstances.

RESULTS
We found low concordance between individual-level and area-level indicators of deprivation (Cramer's V statistics range between 0.07 and 0.20). The most commonly used indicator in health inequalities research, area-based income deprivation, was a poor predictor of individual income status (AUC between 0.56 and 0.59), whereas education and occupation were slightly better predictors (AUC between 0.62 and 0.65). The results were consistent across sexes and across six major cancer types.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that ecological deprivation measures capture only part of the relationship between deprivation and health outcomes, especially with respect to income measurement. This has important implications for our understanding of the relationship between deprivation and health, and, as a consequence, healthcare policy. The results have a wide-reaching impact for the way in which we measure and monitor inequalities, and in turn, fund and organise current UK healthcare policy aimed at reducing them.


Diagnostic accuracy of biparametric vs multiparametric MRI in clinically significant prostate cancer: Comparison between readers with different experience.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
MRI plays a crucial role to identify men with a high likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer who require immediate biopsy. The added value of DCE MRI in combination with T2-weighted imaging and DWI is controversial (risks related to gadolinium administration, duration of MR exam, financial burden, effects on diagnostic performance). A comparison of a biparametric and a standard multiparametric MR imaging protocol, taking into account the different experience of the readers, may help to choose the best MR approach regarding diagnostic performance.

PURPOSE
To determine the added value of dynamic contrasted-enhanced imaging (DCE) over T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer, and to evaluate how it affects the diagnostic performance of three readers with different grade of experience in prostate imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Eighty-five patients underwent prostate MR examination at 1.5 T MR scanner performed because of elevated prostate-specific antigen level and/or suspicion of prostate cancer at digital rectal examination. Two MR images sets (Set 1 = biparametric, Set 2 = multiparametric) were retrospectively and independently scored by three radiologists with 7, 3 and 1 years of experience in prostate MR imaging respectively, according to PI-RADS v2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated by dichotomizing reader scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed and areas under the curve (AUCs) were calculated for each reader and image set. A comparison of ROC curves was performed to test the difference between the areas under the ROC curves among the three readers.

RESULTS
There was no significant difference regarding the detection of clinically significant tumor among the three readers between the two image sets. The AUC for the bi-parametric and multi-parametric MR imaging protocol was respectively 0.68-0.72 (Reader 1), 0.72-0.70 (Reader 2) and 0.60-0.54 (Reader 3). ROC curve comparison revealed no statistically significant differences for each protocol among the most experienced (Reader 1) and the other readers (Readers 2-3).

CONCLUSION
The diagnostic accuracy of a bi-parametric MR imaging protocol consisting of T2-weighted imaging and DWI is comparable with that of a standard multi-parametric imaging protocol for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. The experience of the reader does not significantly modify the diagnostic performance of both MR protocols.

Di Campli|Eleonora|E|
Delli Pizzi|Andrea|A|
Seccia|Barbara|B|
Cianci|Roberta|R|
d'Annibale|Martina|M|
Colasante|Antonella|A|
Cinalli|Sebastiano|S|
Castellan|Pietro|P|
Navarra|Riccardo|R|
Iantorno|Romina|R|
Gabrielli|Daniela|D|
Buffone|Angelica|A|
Caulo|Massimo|M|
Basilico|Raffaella|R|

D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Prostate Imaging Reporting Data System version 2


The contribution of lot-to-lot variation to the measurement uncertainty of an LC-MS-based multi-mycotoxin assay.

Abstract: Multi-mycotoxin determination by LC-MS is commonly based on external solvent-based or matrix-matched calibration and, if necessary, the correction for the method bias. In everyday practice, the method bias (expressed as apparent recovery RA), which may be caused by losses during the recovery process and/or signal/suppression enhancement, is evaluated by replicate analysis of a single spiked lot of a matrix. However, RA may vary for different lots of the same matrix, i.e., lot-to-lot variation, which can result in a higher relative expanded measurement uncertainty (U r ). We applied a straightforward procedure for the calculation of U r from the within-laboratory reproducibility, which is also called intermediate precision, and the uncertainty of RA (ur,RA). To estimate the contribution of the lot-to-lot variation to U r , the measurement results of one replicate of seven different lots of figs and maize and seven replicates of a single lot of these matrices, respectively, were used to calculate U r . The lot-to-lot variation was contributing to ur,RA and thus to U r for the majority of the 66 evaluated analytes in both figs and maize. The major contributions of the lot-to-lot variation to ur,RA were differences in analyte recovery in figs and relative matrix effects in maize. U r was estimated from long-term participation in proficiency test schemes with 58%. Provided proper validation, a fit-for-purpose U r of 50% was proposed for measurement results obtained by an LC-MS-based multi-mycotoxin assay, independent of the concentration of the analytes.

Stadler|David|D| Sulyok|Michael|M| Schuhmacher|Rainer|R| Berthiller|Franz|F| Krska|Rudolf|R|

D021241:Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

Recovery
Relative matrix effect
Proficiency test
Fit for purpose
Matrix mismatch
Uncertainty budget


Synthesis and biological evaluation of selected 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel CDK9/CyclinT and Haspin inhibitors.

Abstract: Protein kinases, including CDK9/CyclinT and Haspin, are regarded as potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Findings from a previous study suggested 7-azaindole as a privileged scaffold for producing inhibitors of CDK9/CyclinT and Haspin. Inspired by these findings, the current study synthesised and evaluated thirteen (13) C6-substituted 7-azaindole and twenty (20) C4-substituted structurally related 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives against a panel of protein kinases, including CDK9/CyclinT and Haspin. Eleven of the 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives exhibited activity toward CDK9/CyclinT, while 4 of compounds had activity against Haspin. The best CDK9/CyclinT (IC50 of 0.38 μM) and Haspin (IC50 of 0.11 μM) activities were achieved by compounds 7d and 7f, respectively. Hence, these compounds may be valuable starting points for development of new anti-cancer drugs.

Pieterse|Lianie|L|
Beteck|Richard M|RM|
Baratte|Blandine|B|
Jesumoroti|Omobolanle J|OJ|
Robert|Thomas|T|
Ruchaud|Sandrine|S|
Bach|Stéphane|S|
Legoabe|Lesetja J|LJ|

D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins


Treatment Algorithm for Infants Diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy through Newborn Screening.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by the degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscular atrophy. SMA is caused by deletions or mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1). In humans, a nearly identical copy gene, SMN2, is present. Because SMN2 has been shown to decrease disease severity in a dose-dependent manner, SMN2 copy number is predictive of disease severity.

OBJECTIVE
To develop a treatment algorithm for SMA-positive infants identified through newborn screening based upon SMN2 copy number.

METHODS
A working group comprised of 15 SMA experts participated in a modified Delphi process, moderated by a neutral third-party expert, to develop treatment guidelines.

RESULTS
The overarching recommendation is that all infants with two or three copies of SMN2 should receive immediate treatment (n = 13). For those infants in which immediate treatment is not recommended, guidelines were developed that outline the timing and appropriate screens and tests to be used to determine the timing of treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS
The identification SMA affected infants via newborn screening presents an unprecedented opportunity for achievement of maximal therapeutic benefit through the administration of treatment pre-symptomatically. The recommendations provided here are intended to help formulate treatment guidelines for infants who test positive during the newborn screening process.

Glascock|Jacqueline|J|
Sampson|Jacinda|J|
Haidet-Phillips|Amanda|A|
Connolly|Anne|A|
Darras|Basil|B|
Day|John|J|
Finkel|Richard|R|
Howell|R Rodney|RR|
Klinger|Katherine|K|
Kuntz|Nancy|N|
Prior|Thomas|T|
Shieh|Perry B|PB|
Crawford|Thomas O|TO|
Kerr|Douglas|D|
Jarecki|Jill|J|

D014897:Spinal Muscular Atrophies of Childhood

D055533:Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein

D055540:Survival of Motor Neuron 2 Protein

algorithm
spinal muscular atrophy
Newborn screening
SMN1
drug treatment
survival motor neuron (SMN)


Anti-inflammatory mechanism of lonchocarpine in LPS- or poly(I:C)-induced neuroinflammation.

Abstract: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the progression of various neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of lonchocarpine, a natural compound isolated from Abrus precatorius, under in vitro and in vivo neuroinflammatory conditions induced by challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). Lonchocarpine suppressed the expression of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines in LPS or poly(I:C)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. These anti-inflammatory effects were verified in brains of mice with systemic inflammation induced by administration of LPS or poly(I:C). Lonchocarpine reduced the number of Iba-1-positive activated microglia, and suppressed the mRNA expression of various proinflammatory markers in the cortex of LPS- or poly(I:C)-injected mice. Molecular mechanistic experiments showed that lonchocarpine inhibited NF-κB activity by reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα in LPS- or poly(I:C)-stimulated BV2 cells. Analysis of further upstream signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated microglia showed that lonchocarpine inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB kinase and TGFβ-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). Moreover, lonchocarpine suppressed the interaction of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and intereleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4). These data suggest that toll-like receptor 4 downstream signals such as MyD88/IRAK4-TAK1-NF-κB are at least partly involved in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of lonchocarpine in LPS-stimulated microglia. Its strong anti-inflammatory effects may make lonchocarpine an effective preventative drug for neuroinflammatory disorders that are associated with systemic inflammation.

Jeong|Yeon-Hui|YH|
Park|Jin-Sun|JS|
Kim|Dong-Hyun|DH|
Kang|Jihee Lee|JL|
Kim|Hee-Sun|HS|

Lonchocarpine
Neuroinflammation
Lipopolysaccharide
Poly(I:C)
Microglia
Molecular mechanism


Hierarchical ZIF-8 toward Immobilizing Burkholderia cepacia Lipase for Application in Biodiesel Preparation.

Abstract: A hierarchical mesoporous zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) was processed based on cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a morphological regulating agent and amino acid (l-histidine) as assisting template agent. Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL) was successfully immobilized by ZIF-8 as the carrier via an adsorption method (BCL-ZIF-8). The immobilized lipase (BCL) showed utmost activity recovery up to 1279%, a 12-fold boost in its free counterpart. BCL-ZIF-8 was used as a biocatalyst in the transesterification reaction for the production of biodiesel with 93.4% yield. There was no significant lowering of conversion yield relative to original activity for BCL-ZIF-8 when continuously reused for eight cycles. This work provides a new outlook for biotechnological importance by immobilizing lipase on the hybrid catalyst (ZIF-8) and opens the door for its uses in the industrial field.

Adnan|Miaad|M|0000-0002-9119-9419 Li|Kai|K| Wang|Jianhua|J| Xu|Li|L| Yan|Yunjun|Y|

hierarchical ZIF-8
Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL)
adsorption method
biodiesel production
hexahedral ZIF-8
surfactant


The Impact of Economic Recession on the Incidence and Treatment of Cancer.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The impact of economic recessions on the incidence and treatment of cancer is unknown. We test the hypothesis that cancer incidence and treatment rates decrease during a recession, and that this relationship is more pronounced in cancers that present with mild, more easily ignored symptoms.

METHODS AND MATERIALS
Data on incidence and treatment for all cancers, and breast and pancreatic cancers specifically, from 1973-2008, were collected using Surveillance Epidemiology and End RESULTS (SEER). The data was adjusted for race, income, and education. Unemployment rate was used as the measure of economic recession. Data was log-transformed, and multivariate linear mixed regression was used.

RESULTS
Adjusting for socioeconomic factors, the data revealed a significant inverse correlation between unemployment and rates of cancer incidence and treatment. Every 1% increase in unemployment was associated with a 2.2% (95% CI: 1.6-2.8%, p<0.001) reduction in cancer incidence, a 2.0% (1.2-2.8%, p=0.0157) decrease in surgery, and a 9.1% (8.2-10.0% p<0.001) decrease in radiation therapy (RT). Breast cancer incidence and treatment had a dramatic inverse relationship - 7.2% (6.3-8.1%), 6.7% (5.7-7.6%), and 19.0% (18.1-19.8%), respectively (p<0.001 for all). The decrease in incidence was only significant for in situ and localized tumors, but not in regional or distant breast cancer. Compared to breast cancer, pancreatic cancer had a weaker relationship between unemployment and incidence: 2.6% (1.8-3.3%, p=0.0005), surgery: 2.4% (2.0-2.7%, p<0.001), and RT: 1.9% (1.5-2.2% p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
Increasing unemployment rates are associated with a decrease in the incidence and treatment of all cancers. This effect is exaggerated in breast cancer, where symptoms can more easily be ignored and where there are widely used screening tests relative to pancreatic cancer.

Ennis|Kevin Y|KY|
Chen|Ming-Hui|MH|
Smith|Glenna C|GC|
D'Amico|Anthony V|AV|
Zhang|Yuanye|Y|
Quinn|S Aidan|SA|
Ryemon|Shannon N|SN|
Goltz|Daniel|D|
Harrison|Louis B|LB|
Ennis|Ronald D|RD|


CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables the development of the filamentous ascomycete fungus Penicillium subrubescens as a new industrial enzyme producer.

Abstract: Penicillium subrubescens is an ascomycete fungus with an enriched content of specific carbohydrate-active enzyme families involved in plant biomass degradation, which makes this strain a promising industrial cell factory for enzyme production. The development of tools that allow genetic manipulation is crucial for further strain improvement and the functional characterization of its genes. In this context, the CRISPR/Cas9 system represents an excellent option for genome editing due to its high efficiency and versatility. To establish CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in P. subrubescens, first a method for protoplast generation and transformation was developed, using hygromycin as selection marker. Then the CRISPR/Cas9 system was established in P. subrubescens by successfully deleting the ku70 gene, which is involved in the non-homologous end joining DNA repair mechanism. Phenotypic characterization of the mutants showed that ku70 mutation did not affect P. subrubescens growth at optimal temperature and Δku70 strains showed similar protein production pattern to the wild type.

Salazar-Cerezo|Sonia|S|
Kun|Roland S|RS|
de Vries|Ronald P|RP|
Garrigues|Sandra|S|

CRISPR/Cas9
Cell factory
Genome editing
ku70
Filamentous fungi
Fungal transformation


RhIII -Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation of α-Methoxy β-Ketoesters through DKR in Water: Toward a Greener Procedure.

Abstract: The asymmetric reduction of α-methoxy β-ketoesters through transfer hydrogenation with a new rhodium(III) complex was developed. The reaction was efficient in 2-MeTHF with formic acid/triethylamine or in water with sodium formate. The corresponding syn α-methoxy β-hydroxyesters were obtained with high diastereoselectivities and excellent levels of enantioselectivity through a dynamic kinetic resolution process.

water
reduction
asymmetric catalysis
hydrogen transfer
rhodium


Ultra-fast LC-MS/MS in therapeutic drug monitoring: Quantification of clozapine and norclozapine in human plasma.

Abstract: A novel approach to high-throughput, targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis has been developed. A single chromatographic system can be used for the analysis of a range of 20 drugs and metabolites with a total analysis time of 36 s (one 96-well plate of prepared samples per hour). To demonstrate the applicability of this approach to quantitative analysis, a method has been validated for the therapeutic drug monitoring of clozapine and norclozapine following automated extraction from human plasma. Chromatographic retention times were 11.4 and 12.4 s for norclozapine and clozapine, respectively (for both analytes the chromatographic peak width was less than 1 s). Comparison with a conventional LC-MS/MS method (5 min analysis time) showed excellent agreement. This new approach offers analysis times more akin to flow-injection analysis, but is likely to be more widely applicable because of chromatographic resolution from residual matrix components and isobaric interferences.

LC-MS/MS
clozapine
high-throughput
mass spectrometry
TDM
liquid chromatography


Current and Future Application of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement.

Abstract: Mitral valve anatomy is complex, and one size does not fit all. More recently, percutaneous mitral valve interventions have revolutionized the management of primary and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). However, edge-to-edge leaflet repair is not suitable for a large proportion of individuals including those with a failing bioprosthetic mitral valve/annuloplasty ring, and patients with significant mitral annular calcification resulting in mixed mitral valve disease/mitral stenosis. For this high risk cohort, transcatheter mitral valve replacement seems to be an attractive alternative.

Nagaraja|Vinayak|V|
Kapadia|Samir R|SR|
Krishnaswamy|Amar|A|

D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement
Mitral regurgitation
Mitral annular calcification


Effects of two different ventilation strategies on respiratory mechanics during robotic-gynecological surgery.

Abstract: It is unknown which is the best ventilatory approach in patients scheduled for gynecological robotic surgery in Deep Trendelenburg position in terms of respiratory mechanics. 40 patients were enrolled: 20 patients received a standard ventilation and 20 patients received a protective ventilation. Gas exchanges, respiratory mechanics and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of respiratory mechanics. In both groups, there was a significant reduction of static compliance between Baseline and Extubation Time (p < 0.01), and a significant increase of pulmonary pressure at the same times (p < 0.01). In both groups, a significant reduction of pH (p < 0.01) and a significant increase of PaCO2 (p < 0.01) were observed between Baseline and Extubation Time. At the Extubation time, PaCO2 was significantly higher during protective ventilation compared to standard ventilation. In this particular surgical setting, a protective ventilation strategy did not improve the respiratory mechanics compared to the standard ventilation strategy and was ineffective on post-operative gas exchanges.

Spinazzola|Giorgia|G|
Ferrone|Giuliano|G|
Cipriani|Flora|F|
Caputo|Cosimo Tommaso|CT|
Rossi|Marco|M|
Conti|Giorgio|G|

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D005260:Female
D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
D006801:Humans
D007430:Intraoperative Care
D008875:Middle Aged
D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care
D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration
D011897:Random Allocation
D012121:Respiration, Artificial
D015656:Respiratory Mechanics
D065287:Robotic Surgical Procedures

Respiratory mechanics
Protective ventilation
Airway pressure
Gynecological surgery
Pneumoperitoneum
Recruitment maneuvers


Surgical outcome of foot drop caused by common peroneal nerve injuries; is the glass half full or half empty?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Foot drop is a gait abnormality with various etiologies. The Common Peroneal Nerve (CPN) is one of the most frequently injured peripheral nerves. CPN deficit leads to foot drop. Most CPN injuries recover spontaneously; nonetheless, some require nerve surgery. The present study set out to assess the surgical outcomes of foot drop following CPN injuries.

METHOD
Surgical outcomes were reviewed in 36 subjects with foot drop caused by CPN injuries, undergoing surgical nerve exploration. The CPN injuries were confirmed by physical examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and electrodiagnostic findings.

RESULTS
Subsequent to surgery, a significant improvement was seen in the motor recovery of the subjects. Interestingly, no significant difference in the recovery was found between neurolysis and nerve repair (direct repair and nerve grafting). There was no significant association between the age and the functional recovery. Gender was not associated with the functional recovery. No significant difference was seen in the recovery between thigh-level and knee-level CPN divisions.

CONCLUSIONS
The findings from the present study suggest that nerve surgery can yield beneficial results in the recovery of foot drop following CPN injuries. In addition, the surgical outcome of neurolysis in the treatment of CPN injuries can be similar to that of the nerve repair (direct repair or nerve grafting). This may show the value of nerve repair, which was comparable to neurolysis in the treatment of CPN injuries.

Foot drop
Common peroneal nerve
Nerve injury
CPN
Peripheral nerve
Neurolysis
Nerve repair
Neurosurgery


Motor Deficits in the Ipsilesional Arm of Severely Paretic Stroke Survivors Correlate With Functional Independence in Left, but Not Right Hemisphere Damage.

Abstract: Chronic stroke survivors with severe contralesional arm paresis face numerous challenges to performing activities of daily living, which largely rely on the use of the less-affected ipsilesional arm. While use of the ipsilesional arm is often encouraged as a compensatory strategy in rehabilitation, substantial evidence indicates that motor control deficits in this arm can be functionally limiting, suggesting a role for remediation of this arm. Previous research has indicated that the nature of ipsilesional motor control deficits vary with hemisphere of damage and with the severity of contralesional paresis. Thus, in order to design rehabilitation that accounts for these deficits in promoting function, it is critical to understand the relative contributions of both ipsilesional and contralesional arm motor deficits to functional independence in stroke survivors with severe contralesional paresis. We now examine motor deficits in each arm of severely paretic chronic stroke survivors with unilateral damage (10 left-, 10 right-hemisphere damaged individuals) to determine whether hemisphere-dependent deficits are correlated with functional independence. Clinical evaluation of contralesional, paretic arm impairment was conducted with the upper extremity portion of the Fugl-Meyer assessment (UEFM). Ipsilesional arm motor performance was evaluated using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), grip strength, and ipsilesional high-resolution kinematic analysis during a visually targeted reaching task. Functional independence was measured with the Barthel Index. Functional independence was better correlated with ipsilesional than contralesional arm motor performance in the left hemisphere damage group [JTHFT: [r (10) = -0.73, p = 0.017]; grip strength: [r (10) = 0.64, p = 0.047]], and by contralesional arm impairment in the right hemisphere damage group [UEFM: [r (10) = 0.66, p = 0.040]]. Ipsilesional arm kinematics were correlated with functional independence in the left hemisphere damage group only. Examination of hemisphere-dependent motor correlates of functional independence showed that ipsilesional arm deficits were important in determining functional outcomes in individuals with left hemisphere damage only, suggesting that functional independence in right hemisphere damaged participants was affected by other factors.

Jayasinghe|Shanie A L|SAL|
Good|David|D|
Wagstaff|David A|DA|
Winstein|Carolee|C|
Sainburg|Robert L|RL|

motor deficits
upper extremity
kinematics
functional outcome
CVA


Are Lethal Alleles Too Abundant in Humans?

Abstract: Across species, many individuals carry one or more recessive lethal alleles, posing an evolutionary conundrum for their persistence. Using a population genomic approach, Amorim et al. studied the abundance of lethal disease-causing mutations in humans and found that, while appearing more common than expected, most may nonetheless persist at frequencies predicted by mutation-selection balance.

Ballinger|Mallory A|MA|
Noor|Mohamed A F|MAF|

lethal alleles
humans
autosomal recessive disease
mutation–selection balance


The association between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional survey among community middle-aged and elderly residents in southern China.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Multimorbidity is common among the middle-aged and elderly residents. And it is associated to the reduction of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), including physical and psychological dimensions. However, there are few studies that have paid attention to the HRQoL of residents with multimorbidity in China. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationships between different multimorbidity patterns and HRQoL among middle-aged and elderly adults in China.

METHODS
Based on a cross-sectional survey, the information regarding 18,137 adults, who were at least 45 years of age, was collected through interviews. Self-perceived HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D-3 L instrument, and the EQ-5D-3 L index score was calculated using the Chinese EQ-5D-3 L value set. The Tobit regression was used to explore the impacts of multimorbidity groups on HRQoL.

RESULTS
Of 18,137 respondents, more than a fifth (3773,20.8%) of people had multimorbidity. Mean (SD) of EQ-5D index and VAS values were 0.95(0.14) and 76.02(13.66), respectively. Significant correlations were found between a lower HRQoL and increasing numbers of chronic conditions (P < 0.001). Most of chronic diseases co-occurred frequently, and the association between hypertension and diabetes mellitus was the strongest (adjusted OR = 3.82). The most prevalent disease is hypertension (5052,27.9%), and the most prevalent chronic diseases pair is hypertension and diabetes mellitus (841,4.6%). Among those chronic diseases with high prevalence, the effects on HRQoL ranged from chronic pain to hypertension (adjust b = - 0.036 to - 0.008). In the common multimorbidity patterns, co-occurrence of chronic pain and bone disease (adjust b = - 0.039) had the greatest impact on HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS
The HRQoL of middle-aged and elderly adults declines by multimorbidity. More attention should be paid to the HRQoL of residents with multimorbidity in China. The effect of different multimorbidity patterns on HRQoL is not simply added by two diseases, but changes by the different combination. Identifying different multimorbidity patterns of residents can provide more targeted measures to improve the HRQoL.

Multimorbidity
Health-related quality of life
Middle-aged
Elderly
EQ-5D


Identifying Factors Predicting Response to Endoscopic Management of Chronic Pancreatitis Secondary to Pancreas Divisum.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Appropriately selecting patients with chronic pancreatitis associated with pancreas divisum (PD) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based therapy versus surgery remains difficult. The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict success or failure of ERCP for treatment of chronic pancreatitis in PD.

METHODS
Patients undergoing ERCP for a diagnosis of PD and pancreatitis between 2008 and 2016 were identified and grouped according to whether they required one or two ERCPs or three or more ERCPs. Groups were compared along demographic, diagnostic, laboratory, ERCP-related, and outcome variables.

RESULTS
Patients requiring 1-2 ERCPs were less likely to have back pain on initial presentation (4 vs. 24%, p = 0.02) and less likely to have a dilated bile duct on imaging prior to their first ERCP (8 vs. 30%, p = 0.04) than those requiring 3+ ERCPs. Patients requiring 1-2 ERCPs were also less likely to eventually require operative intervention for treatment of their chronic pancreatitis than those requiring 3+ ERCPs (24 vs. 44%, p = 0.047). On multivariable analysis, a dilated bile duct (odds ratio (OR) = 6.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-36.0, p = 0.048) was independently associated with requiring 3+ ERCPs. Back pain (OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 0.73-54.2, p = 0.09) trended toward but did not reach statistical significance for being independently associated with requiring 3+ ERCPs.

CONCLUSIONS
The success of endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis in patients with PD is dependent on proper patient selection. Patients with a dilated bile duct and back pain upon presentation may not respond well to endoscopic treatment alone and are more likely to eventually require operative intervention. Consideration should be given to early operative intervention in these patients.

Tierney|Joshua|J|0000-0001-8821-7404
Bhutiani|N|N|
Brown|A N|AN|
Richey|J S|JS|
Bahr|M H|MH|
Vitale|G C|GC|


Provider beliefs on the Barriers and Facilitators to Prescription Monitoring Programs and Mandated Use.

Abstract: Background: Underutilization of Prescription monitoring programs (PMP), especially in states where participation is voluntary could limit their impact against opioid epidemic. Objectives: To (1) examine PMP use among Iowa healthcare providers (HCPs); (2) identify factors prompting and impeding PMP use, and (3) assess beliefs toward mandating PMP use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of Iowa HCPs was conducted using a 12-item questionnaire. Survey domains include demographics, current PMP utilization, conditions and barriers associated with PMP use, and perspectives on use mandates. Analyses were based on descriptive statistics, proportional odds and poisson regression models. Results: There were 704 usable responses. Almost all respondents were registered with the PMP with dentists having the lowest rate (p < .001). Nurse practitioners consulted the PMP for the largest proportion of prescriptions, while pharmacists and dentists used significantly less (p < .001). Lack of time was the most common reported barrier impeding PMP use. Red flag behaviors and unfamiliarity with patient were the most common conditions prompting PMP review. HCPs estimated their use of the PMP would significantly increase if integrated into their electronic health records (p < .001). Almost half of HCPs held the opinion that PMP use should never be mandated, although inter-provider variation was present with nurse practitioners most amenable to mandates. Discussion: HCPs displayed variation in PMP use. EMR integration appears to be a strategy for increasing PMP use. There was resistance to mandating PMP use for all controlled substances prescribed and dispensed, with some interest in mandates for new patients only or new controlled substance prescriptions only.

Reist|Jeff|J|
Frazier|Joseph|J|
Rottingham|Alecia|A|
Welsh|Mackenzie|M|
Viyyuri|Brahmendra Reddy|BR|
Witry|Matthew|M|0000-0001-8381-7224

D000073958:Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

barriers
prescription monitoring program
Opioids
integration
electronic medical record


Communicative functions of directional verbal probabilities: Speaker's choice, listener's inference, and reference points.

Abstract: Verbal probabilities have directional communicative functions, and most can be categorized as positive (e.g., "it is likely") or negative (e.g., "it is doubtful"). We examined the communicative functions of verbal probabilities based on the reference point hypothesis According to this hypothesis, listeners are sensitive to and can infer a speaker's reference points based on the speaker's selected directionality. In four experiments (two of which examined speakers' choice of directionality and two of which examined listeners' inferences about a speaker's reference point), we found that listeners could make inferences about speakers' reference points based on the stated directionality of verbal probability. Thus, the directionality of verbal probabilities serves the communicative function of conveying information about a speaker's reference point.

Verbal probabilities
Reference point hypothesis
Directionality
Information leakage
Probability communication


Developing science gateways for drug discovery in a grid environment.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Methods for in silico screening of large databases of molecules increasingly complement and replace experimental techniques to discover novel compounds to combat diseases. As these techniques become more complex and computationally costly we are faced with an increasing problem to provide the research community of life sciences with a convenient tool for high-throughput virtual screening on distributed computing resources.

RESULTS
To this end, we recently integrated the biophysics-based drug-screening program FlexScreen into a service, applicable for large-scale parallel screening and reusable in the context of scientific workflows.

CONCLUSIONS
Our implementation is based on Pipeline Pilot and Simple Object Access Protocol and provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface to construct complex workflows, which can be executed on distributed computing resources, thus accelerating the throughput by several orders of magnitude.

Pérez-Sánchez|Horacio|H| Rezaei|Vahid|V| Mezhuyev|Vitaliy|V| Man|Duhu|D| Peña-García|Jorge|J| den-Haan|Helena|H| Gesing|Sandra|S|

Science gateways
Drug discovery
Virtual screening
FlexScreen
High performance computing


Computed tomography guided percutaneous injection of a mixture of lipiodol and methylene blue in rabbit lungs: evaluation of localization ability for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Abstract: Preoperative localization is necessary prior to video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the detection of small or deeply located lung nodules. We compared the localization ability of a mixture of lipiodol and methylene blue (MLM) (0.6 mL, 1:5) to methylene blue (0.5 mL) in rabbit lungs. CT-guided percutaneous injections were performed in 21 subjects with MLM and methylene blue. We measured the extent of staining on freshly excised lung and evaluated the subjective localization ability with 4 point scales at 6 and 24 hr after injections. For MLM, radio-opacity was evaluated on the fluoroscopy. We considered score 2 (acceptable) or 3 (excellent) as appropriate for localization. The staining extent of MLM was significantly smaller than methylene blue (0.6 vs 1.0 cm, P<0.001). MLM showed superior staining ability over methylene blue (2.8 vs 2.2, P=0.010). Excellent staining was achieved in 17 subjects (81%) with MLM and 8 (38%) with methylene blue (P=0.011). An acceptable or excellent radio-opacity of MLM was found in 13 subjects (62%). An appropriate localization rate of MLM was 100% with the use of the directly visible ability and radio-opacity of MLM. MLM provides a superior pulmonary localization ability over methylene blue.

Jin|Kwang Nam|KN|
Lee|Kyung Won|KW|
Kim|Tae Jung|TJ|
Song|Yong Sub|YS|
Kim|Dong Il|DI|

Methylene Blue
Lung
Ethiodized Oil
Radiology, Interventional
Tomography, X-Ray Computed


A yeast model for the mechanism of the Epstein-Barr virus immune evasion identifies a new therapeutic target to interfere with the virus stealthiness.

Abstract: The oncogenic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) evades the immune system but has an Achilles heel: its genome maintenance protein EBNA1. Indeed, EBNA1 is essential for viral genome replication and maintenance but also highly antigenic. Hence, EBV evolved a system in which the glycine-alanine repeat (GAr) of EBNA1 limits the translation of its own mRNA at a minimal level to ensure its essential function thereby, at the same time, minimizing immune recognition. Defining intervention points where to interfere with EBNA1 immune evasion is an important step to trigger an immune response against EBV-carrying cancers. Thanks to a yeast-based assay that recapitulates all the aspects of EBNA1 self-limitation of expression, a recent study by Lista et al. [Nature Communications (2017) 7, 435-444] has uncovered the role of the host cell nucleolin (NCL) in this process via a direct interaction of this protein with G-quadruplexes (G4) formed in GAr-encoding sequence of EBNA1 mRNA. In addition, the G4 ligand PhenDC3 prevents NCL binding on EBNA1 mRNA and reverses GAr-mediated repression of translation and antigen presentation. This shows that the NCL-EBNA1 mRNA interaction is a relevant therapeutic target to unveil EBV-carrying cancers to the immune system and that the yeast model can be successfully used for uncovering drugs and host factors that interfere with EBV stealthiness.

Lista|María José|MJ|
Martins|Rodrigo Prado|RP|
Angrand|Gaelle|G|
Quillévéré|Alicia|A|
Daskalogianni|Chrysoula|C|
Voisset|Cécile|C|
Teulade-Fichou|Marie-Paule|MP|
Fåhraeus|Robin|R|
Blondel|Marc|M|

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
nucleolin (NCL
EBV immune evasion
EBV-related cancers
yeast model for EBV stealthiness


Cystathionine- γ-lyase promotes process of breast cancer in association with STAT3 signaling pathway.

Abstract: Here we provide evidences to link cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) to the development of breast cancer. CSE expression is up-regulated in both breast cancers and breast cancer cell lines and results in proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. CSE Function in breast cancer depends on the STAT3 signaling pathway, a regulator of critical cell functions including cell growth in a wide variety of human cancer cells via activating the expression of relative genes. STAT3 positively relates to CSE expression. It activates the CSE promoter via a direct binding to the promoter. Moreover, CSE could reversely regulate STAT3 expression and consequently enhance the effect of STAT3 on CSE. Taken together, these data demonstrate for the first time the roles of CSE in breast cancer leading to breast cancer development in association with STAT3 signaling pathway.

You|Jing|J| Shi|Xiaoyan|X| Liang|Huimin|H| Ye|Juan|J| Wang|Lupeng|L| Han|Huanxiao|H| Fang|Hongyu|H| Kang|Wenyi|W| Wang|Tianxiao|T|

breast cancer
cystathionine-γ-lyase
growth
H2S
transcription factor STAT3


Supplemental Trichomonas vaginalis testing is required to maintain control following a transition from Pap smear to HPV DNA testing for cervical screening: a mathematical modelling study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Using mathematical modelling, we have previously shown that the prevalence of infection with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) is likely to increase in the general population in Australia with the transition from Pap smear-based cervical screening to human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Here we use the existing model to estimate the level of supplemental testing required to maintain TV control.

METHODS
A compartmental mathematical model describing the transmission of TV in the general heterosexual population in Australia was used to evaluate the impact of a range of screening scenarios on TV prevalence over time following the transition to HPV DNA testing for cervical screening. Scenarios considered were the inclusion of a TV test with the HPV test and the addition of TV testing to routine chlamydia testing conducted in primary care.

RESULTS
Our modelling suggests that with sufficient coverage, inclusion of TV testing with routine chlamydia screening in general practice, TV prevalence can be reduced over time, but at the current reported coverage will gradually increase following the transition to HPV testing. Inclusion of TV testing with HPV testing in the cervical screening programme is preferable to no supplemental testing but is considerably less effective in controlling TV.

CONCLUSIONS
These findings support the inclusion of TV testing with routine chlamydia testing of young people.

Trichomonas vaginalis
pap smear
HPV DNA tests
cervical screening
mathematical model
chlamydia
sexually transmitted infections


New Black Fungus Gnats (Diptera, Sciaridae) of North America. Part V. Genera Pseudolycoriella Menzel Mohrig and Phytosciara Frey.

Abstract: In the Nearctic region the genus Pseudolycoriella currently includes 13 species. The following seven species are new to science: Psl. basisetosa sp. n., Psl. brevialata sp. n., Psl. chlorothoracica sp. n., Psl. flavipila sp. n., Psl. longisetosa sp. n., Psl. nocturna sp. n. and Psl. subjucunda sp. n. All species are keyed, figured and distribution data is given. Ostroverkhovana Komarova, 2002 is regarded as a junior synonym of Pseudolycoriella Menzel Mohrig, 1998. Phytosciara (Prosc.) plusiochaeta (Hippa Vilkamaa, 1991) is reported from North America for the first time.

Diptera, Ostroverkhovana, Dolichosciara, Prosciara, new species, new synonyms, identification key, Nearctic region, Neotropical region, Palaearctic region, Canada, USA


Mycophenolic Acid Trough Concentration and Dose Are Associated with Hematologic Abnormalities but Not Rejection in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Little is known regarding the safe fixed dose of mycophenolic acid (MPA) for preventing biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). We investigated the correlation of MPA trough concentration (MPA C₀) and dose with renal transplant outcomes and adverse events.

METHODS
This study included 79 consecutive KTRs who received MPA with tacrolimus (TAC) and corticosteroids. The MPA C₀ of all the enrolled KTRs was measured, which was determined monthly by using particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay for 12 months, and clinical data were collected at each time point. The clinical endpoints included BPAR, any cytopenia, and BK or cytomegalovirus infections.

RESULTS
No differences in MPA C₀ and dose were observed between KTRs with or without BPAR or viral infections under statistically comparable TAC concentrations. MPA C₀ was significantly higher in patients with leukopenia (P = 0.021) and anemia (P = 0.002) compared with those without cytopenia. The MPA dose was significantly higher in patients with thrombocytopenia (P = 0.002) compared with those without thrombocytopenia. MPA C₀ ≥ 3.5 μg/mL was an independent risk factor for leukopenia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-11.64; P = 0.019) and anemia (AOR, 5.90; 95% CI, 1.27-27.51; P = 0.024). An MPA dose greater than the mean value of 1,188.8 mg/day was an independent risk factor for thrombocytopenia (AOR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.15-12.78; P = 0.029). However, an MPA dose less than the mean value of 1,137.3 mg/day did not increase the risk of BPAR.

CONCLUSION
Either a higher MPA C₀ or dose is associated with an increased risk of cytopenia, but neither a lower MPA C₀ nor dose is associated with BPAR within the first year of transplantation. Hence, a reduced MPA dose with TAC and corticosteroids might be safe in terms of reducing hematologic abnormalities without causing rejection.

Mycophenolic Acid
Dose
Kidney Transplantation
Drug Monitoring
Graft Rejection


ARSENIC: A Review on Exposure Pathways, Accumulation, Mobility and Transmission into the Human Food Chain.

Abstract: This review deals with exposure pathways of arsenic (As), as well as its transfer and uptake processes from its source to the human body. It is proven fact that uptake of inorganic As for a long period can lead to chronic As poisoning and a variety of adverse health effects such as skin, lung and bladder cancer, in addition to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and gastrointestinal symptoms. As exposure occurs primarily from consumption of potable water containing high amounts of inorganic As and also from consumption of crops cultivated in As contaminated agricultural fields-either naturally or anthropogenically through contaminated air or pesticides-or irrigated with As containing water. In this review, light is shed on the transfer mechanism of As through the food chain and the parameters that enhance mobility of As in the environment. Amounts of As accumulation in plants and the transfer mechanisms are also quite different. These differences in As accumulation, such as in leaves, stems, fruits and roots, are discussed in detail. Moreover, presence of As in some vegetables consumed is given by investigating recent research articles that deal with As concentrations, especially in edible parts. Some comparative data are also presented, concerning the level of concentration of As in rice during washing, cooking and processing stages.

Arslan|Beste|B|
Djamgoz|Mustafa B A|MBA|
Akün|Ertan|E|

Arsenic
Mobility
Transmission
Food chain
Uptake
Health
Cancer
Diabetes
Contamination
Plant
Stem
Fruit
Rice
Absorption
Adsorption
Co-morbidities
Desorption
Irrigation water
Leafy
Microbial activity
Processed food
Reductive dissolution
Smelter
Toxicity
Tuberous

P P P P P P P P P P P P P U U U U R U U R U U U U


The Journal of Orthodontics: A cross-sectional survey of British Orthodontic Society members.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
To survey the opinion of British Orthodontic Society members on the Journal of Orthodontics.

DESIGN
Data collection involved an anonymous cross-sectional online SurveyMonkey™ questionnaire.

METHODS
An email invitation to complete the survey was sent to the 1842 members of the British Orthodontic Society on 9 June 2020 with a follow-up reminder on 15 July 2020. The invitation contained a brief description and online link to the questionnaire, which was active between 9 June and 9 August 2020. The 15-item questionnaire covered frequency of reading, preferred format, likes and dislikes, and what changes might improve the Journal. Data were analysed for the membership as a whole using simple descriptive statistics.

RESULTS
In total, 310 individuals completed the questionnaire, representing a response rate of 17% with 74.2% (n = 230) reporting reading at least one article per issue. The most popular way of reading the Journal (77.4%, n = 240) was through the distributed print copy. Overall, 63.6% (n=197) rated the Journal as excellent and 35.2% (n = 109) as satisfactory, with only 1.3% (n = 4) responding that it was poor. The scientific and clinical articles were the most popular aspect of the Journal and 90.3% (n = 280) of respondents felt the Journal content was relevant to their current clinical practice. Respondents were also given the opportunity to make additional free-text comments; and themes that emerged included a wish for more clinical content, more online interaction with authors through webinars and continued professional development.

CONCLUSION
The Journal of Orthodontics is perceived as being relevant to current clinical practice by members of the British Orthodontic Society and has high-level satisfaction. There is a desire for more online interaction with the membership as part of its role within the society. However, the overall response rate was low and therefore a high risk of potential bias associated with this survey.

journal
survey
British Orthodontic Society


Cervical cancer screening uptake and correlates among HIV-infected women: a cross-sectional survey in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Despite the increasing number of interventions aiming to integrate cervical cancer screening into HIV clinics in sub-Saharan Africa, Women living with HIV (WLHIV) still have a high risk of developing cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among WLHIV in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

DESIGN
Cross-sectional survey conducted from May to August 2017.

SETTINGS
Outpatient setting in the four highest volume urban HIV clinics of government's or non-governmental organisation's sector in Côte d'Ivoire.

PARTICIPANTS
All WLHIV, aged 25-55 years, followed since at least 1 year, selected through a systematic sampling procedure.

INTERVENTION
A standardised questionnaire administered to each participant by trained healthcare workers.

OUTCOME
Cervical cancer screening uptake.

RESULTS
A total of 1991 WLHIV were included in the study, aged in median 42 years (IQR 37-47), and a median CD4 count (last known) of 563 (378-773) cells/mm3. Among the participants, 1913 (96.1%) had ever heard about cervical cancer, 1444 (72.5%) had been offered cervical cancer screening, mainly in the HIV clinic for 1284 (88.9%), and 1188 reported a personal history of cervical cancer screening for an overall coverage of 59.7% (95% CI 57.6 to 62.0). In multivariable analysis, university level (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.1; 95% CI 1.4 to 3.1, p<0.001), being informed on cervical cancer at the HIV clinic (aOR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0, p=0.017), receiving information self-perceived as 'clear and understood' on cervical cancer (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2, p<0.001), identifying HIV as a risk factor for cervical cancer (aOR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8, p=0.002) and being proposed cervical cancer screening in the HIV clinic (aOR 10.1; 95% CI 7.6 to 13.5, p<0.001), were associated with cervical cancer screening uptake.

CONCLUSION
Initiatives to support cervical cancer screening in HIV care programmes resulted in effective access to more than half of the WLHIV in Abidjan. Efforts are still needed to provide universal access to cervical cancer screening, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged WLHIV.

Tchounga|Boris|B|0000-0002-8747-9610
Boni|Simon Pierre|SP|
Koffi|Jean Jacques|JJ|
Horo|Apollinaire G|AG|
Tanon|Aristophane|A|
Messou|Eugène|E|
Koulé|Serge-Olivier|SO|
Adoubi|Innocent|I|
Ekouevi|Didier K|DK|
Jaquet|Antoine|A|

D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active

D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care

cervical cancer
screening uptake
HIV
ART


Hemorrhagic complications after decompressive craniectomy.

Abstract:
Background
Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is the preferred surgical management option for lowering refractory intracranial pressure in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI). A number of randomized controlled trials have demonstrated decreased mortality but increased morbidity following DC for TBI patients. Here, we reviewed the frequency of postoperative hemorrhagic complications following DC correlating with poor outcomes.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who presented with TBI and underwent DC during the years 2015-2017. The frequency and characteristics of hemorrhagic complications were correlated with the patients' outcomes.

Results
There were 74 patients with TBI included in the study who underwent DC. Of these, 31 patients developed expansion of existing hemorrhagic lesions, 13 had new contusions, three developed new extradural hemorrhages, two developed new subdural hematomas, and one patient developed an intraventricular hemorrhage. Those who developed expansion of existing hemorrhagic lesions following DC had longer ICU stays and poorer outcomes (Glasgow outcome scale).

Conclusion
After 74 DC performed in TBI patients, 67% developed new hemorrhagic lesions or expansion of previously existing hemorrhages. This finding negatively impacted clinical outcomes, including mortality.

Khan|Inamullah|I|
Quddusi|Ayesha|A|
Waqas|Muhammad|M|
Rai|Hamid Hussain|HH|
Bakhshi|Saqib Kamran|SK|
Shamim|Muhammad Shahzad|MS|
Jooma|Rashid|R|

Decompressive craniectomy
Traumatic brain injury
Glasgow coma scale
Revised trauma score


Scaling and Accommodation of Jaw Adductor Muscles in Canidae.

Abstract: The masticatory apparatus amongst closely related carnivoran species raises intriguing questions about the interplay between allometry, function, and phylogeny in defining interspecific variations of cranial morphology. Here we describe the gross structure of the jaw adductor muscles of several species of canid, and then examine how the muscles are scaled across the range of body sizes, phylogenies, and trophic groups. We also consider how the muscles are accommodated on the skull, and how this is influenced by differences of endocranial size. Data were collected for a suite of morphological metrics, including body mass, endocranial volume, and muscle masses and we used geometric morphometric shape analysis to reveal associated form changes. We find that all jaw adductor muscles scale isometrically against body mass, regardless of phylogeny or trophic group, but that endocranial volume scales with negative allometry against body mass. These findings suggest that head shape is partly influenced by the need to house isometrically scaling muscles on a neurocranium scaling with negative allometry. Principal component analysis suggests that skull shape changes, such as the relatively wide zygomatic arches and large sagittal crests seen in species with higher body masses, allow the skull to accommodate a relative enlargement of the jaw adductors compared with the endocranium. Anat Rec, 299:951-966, 2016. © 2016 The Authors The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Penrose|Fay|F|
Kemp|Graham J|GJ|
Jeffery|Nathan|N|

scaling
accommodation
jaw adductor
muscle
canid
hypercarnivorous


Humulus japonicus extract exhibits antioxidative and anti-aging effects via modulation of the AMPK-SIRT1 pathway.

Abstract: The perennial herb, Humulus japonicus, has been previously described as possessing potential antituberculosis and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the anti-aging activity of ethanol extracts from the leaves of H. japonicus (HJE) was evaluated in yeast and human fibroblast cells. In addition, the antioxidant activity of HJE was analyzed using free radical scavenging assays. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the hypothesized HJE-associated extension of lifespan was investigated, and the results indicated that HJE was able to extend the lifespan of yeast cells. Further experiments demonstrated that HJE upregulated the longevity-associated proteins, sirtuin 1 and AMP-activated protein kinase, and effectively inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the antioxidative potential of the active constituents of HJE, including luteolin, luteolin 7-glycoside, quercetin and quercitrin, was evaluated and the results demonstrated that these flavonoids were able to scavenge ROS in cell-free and intracellular systems. In summary, the results revealed that HJE possessed the potential for antioxidative activity; however, further in vivo investigations are required with the aim of developing safe, high-efficacy anti-aging agents.

Sung|Bokyung|B|
Chung|Ji Won|JW|
Bae|Ha Ram|HR|
Choi|Jae Sue|JS|
Kim|Cheol Min|CM|
Kim|Nam Deuk|ND|

Humulus japonicus
lifespan
reactive oxygen species
flavonoid
aging


Neisseria meningitidis carriage in Swedish teenagers associated with the serogroup W outbreak at the World Scout Jamboree, Japan 2015.

Abstract: The aims of the study were to estimate the carrier state of Neisseria meningitidis in Swedish teenagers and its association with an outbreak at the World Scout Jamboree in 2015 as well as to compare sensitivity of throat versus nasopharyngeal swab for optimal detection of carriage. In total, 1 705 samples (cultures n = 32, throat swabs n = 715, nasopharyngeal swabs n = 958) from 1 020 Jamboree participants were collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Neisseria meningitidis for culture and molecular analysis. The overall positivity for N. meningitidis was 8% (83/1 020), whereas 2% (n = 22) belonged to a known sero/genogroup while the majority (n = 61) were non-groupable. Throat sample is clearly the sampling method of choice, in 56 individuals where both throat and nasopharynx samples were taken, N. meningitidis was detected in both throat and nasopharynx in eight individuals, in 46 individuals N. meningitidis was only detected in the throat and in two individuals only in the nasopharynx. Carriage studies are important to provide knowledge of the current epidemiology and association between carrier isolates and disease-causing isolates in a given population. Therefore, planning for a carriage study in Sweden is in progress.

Jacobsson|Susanne|S|
Stenmark|Bianca|B|
Hedberg|Sara Thulin|ST|
Mölling|Paula|P|
Fredlund|Hans|H|

Neisseria meningitidis
carriage
serogroup W
World Scout Jamboree


Clinical significance of reversed R wave progression in right precordial leads.

Abstract: Objective: Poor R wave progression in right precordial leads is a relatively common electrocardiogram (ECG) finding that indicates possible prior anterior myocardial infarction (MI); however, it is observed frequently in apparently normal individuals. In contrast, reversed R wave progression (RRWP) may be more specific to cardiac disorders; however, the significance of RRWP in daily clinical practice is unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the significance of RRWP in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: We analyzed consecutive ECGs obtained from 12,139 patients aged ≥20 years at Mito Kyodo General Hospital in Ibaraki between November 2009 and August 2012. Our setting is a secondary emergency hospital in the community, and the study participants were inpatients or patients who visited the general or emergency outpatient departments. RRWP was defined as RV2 < RV1, RV3 < RV2, or RV4 < RV3. Regarding ECGs considered to show RRWP, we confirmed the presence or absence of an abnormal Q wave and whether ultrasound cardiography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, coronary angiography, and/or left ventriculography were performed to obtain detailed information. Results: RRWP was identified in 34 patients (0.3%). Among these patients, 29 (85%) had undergone cardiac evaluation. The final diagnosis was previous anterior MI in 12 patients (41%) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) without MI in 5 patients (17%). All 17 patients with IHD had left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis. The other patients were diagnosed with dilated (two patients, 7%) and hypertrophic (one patient, 3%) cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy (one patient, 3%), or pulmonary embolism (one patient, 3%). Only seven patients (24%) were normal. Conclusions: RRWP is rare in daily clinical practice; however, it is a highly indicative marker for cardiac disease, particularly IHD with LAD artery stenosis.

Isono|Hiroki|H| Watanabe|Shigeyuki|S| Sumiya|Chieko|C| Toyama|Masahiro|M| Ojima|Eiji|E| Maruta|Shunsuke|S| Oishi|Yuta|Y| Honda|Junya|J| Kuroda|Yasuhisa|Y|

poor R wave progression
electrocardiogram
myocardial infarction
ischemic heart disease


Healthy Immigrants? Exploring Depressive Symptoms Among Caribbean and Mexican Immigrants.

Abstract: Are there disparities in depressive symptoms among immigrant groups from different countries? With data from the New Immigrant Survey (2003), which includes immigrants from Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica, this paper examines the odds of depressive symptoms using a series of logistic regression analyses. It draws on segmented assimilation and the cumulative inequality theories to understand and explicate the extent to which immigrants' demographic characteristics, pre-immigration experiences, and acculturation in the USA might have an impact on immigrants' mental health outcomes. Being from Haiti; Dominican Republic; Cuba; and a woman, with unfavorable childhood health, and migrated at an early age were statistically significant predictors of depressive symptoms. Compared to Mexican immigrants, Cuban and Dominican immigrants reported higher odds of depressive symptoms, controlling for gender, age, education, and pre-immigration experiences. By contrast, Haitian and Jamaican immigrants reported lower odds of depressive symptoms. Female immigrants had higher odds of reporting depressive symptoms compared to their male counterparts. Relative to immigrants with good childhood health, those with unfavorable childhood health had higher odds of reporting worse health outcomes. In the logistic regression models, immigrants who migrated at older age reported lower odds of depressive symptoms. By shedding light on the health status of understudied Caribbean immigrant groups in comparison with Mexican immigrants, this study challenges the healthy migrant effect and serves as a starting point to guide policies that aim at decreasing health disparities among different immigrant groups.

Immigration
Depressive symptoms
Mexicans
Caribbean immigrants
Race/ethnicity


Surgical correction of whistle deformity using cross-muscle flap in secondary cleft lip.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The whistle deformity is one of the common sequelae of secondary cleft lip deformities. Santos reported using a crossed-denuded flap for primary cleft lip repair to prevent a vermilion notching. The authors modified this technique to correct the whistle deformity, calling their version the cross-muscle flap.

METHODS
From May 2005 to January 2011, 14 secondary unilateral cleft lip patients were treated. All suffered from a whistle deformity, which is characterized by the deficiency of the central tubercle, notching in the upper lip, and bulging on the lateral segment. The mean age of the patients was 13.8 years and the mean follow-up period was 21.8 weeks. After elevation from the lateral vermilion and medial tubercle, two muscle flaps were crossed and turned over. The authors measured the three vertical heights and compared the two height ratios before and after surgery for evaluation of the postoperative results.

RESULTS
None of the patients had any notable complications and the whistle deformity was corrected in all cases. The vertical height ratios at the midline on the upper lip and the affected Cupid's bow point were increased (P<0.05). The motion of the upper lip was acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS
A cross muscle flap is simple and it leaves a minimal scar on the lip. We were able to reconstruct the whistle deformity in secondary unilateral cleft lip patients with a single state procedure using a cross-muscle flap.

Choi|Woo Young|WY|
Yang|Jeong Yeol|JY|
Kim|Gyu Bo|GB|
Han|Yun Ju|YJ|


A survey of practice of rapid sequence induction for caesarean section in England.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In view of newer techniques of preoxygenation and laryngoscopy and recent obstetric guidelines concerning the management of difficult intubation, we aimed to evaluate the current practice of rapid sequence induction for caesarean section in England.

METHODS
In 2017, 316 questionnaire surveys were posted to all 158 hospitals with caesarean section capabilities in England. At each hospital, one questionnaire was to be completed by the obstetric anaesthetic consultant lead and one by an anaesthetic trainee. Differences in responses between consultants and trainees, regardless of their place of work, were compared for all data using the chi-square and the Fisher's exact tests.

RESULTS
One-hundred-and-eighty complete questionnaires were returned, with an overall response rate of 57%, 98 (54%) from obstetric anaesthetic consultant leads and 82 (45.6%) from trainees). Both head up (57%) and ramped (56%) were the preferred positions for preoxygenation. Less than half of respondents (43%) preoxygenated until the surgeon was scrubbed. Cricoid pressure was used by almost all respondents (98%). Thiopentone (67%) was the most commonly chosen anaesthetic induction agent and most respondents (82%) supported a change to the use of propofol. Suxamethonium (92%) was the neuromuscular blocker of choice but more than half the respondents (52%) supported a change to rocuronium. In the event of a failed intubation, the rescue supraglottic airway device of choice was the i-gel® (65%).

CONCLUSIONS
Our survey demonstrated the significant variation in the practice of rapid sequence induction for caesarean section in obstetrics in the United Kingdom.

Desai|N|N| Wicker|J|J| Sajayan|A|A| Mendonca|C|C|

Preoxygenation
Obstetrics
Positioning
General anaesthesia
Induction anaesthetics
Neuromuscular blocking drugs
Opioids


Exploring how material cues drive sensorimotor prediction across different levels of autistic-like traits.

Abstract: Recent research proposes that sensorimotor difficulties, such as those experienced by many autistic people, may arise from atypicalities in prediction. Accordingly, we examined the relationship between non-clinical autistic-like traits and sensorimotor prediction in the material-weight illusion, where prior expectations derived from material cues typically bias one's perception and action. Specifically, prediction-related tendencies in perception of weight, gaze patterns, and lifting actions were probed using a combination of self-report, eye-tracking, motion-capture, and force-based measures. No prediction-related associations between autistic-like traits and sensorimotor control emerged for any of these variables. Follow-up analyses, however, revealed that greater autistic-like traits were correlated with reduced adaptation of gaze with changes in environmental uncertainty. These findings challenge proposals of gross predictive atypicalities in autistic people, but suggest that the dynamic integration of prior information and environmental statistics may be related to autistic-like traits. Further research into this relationship is warranted in autistic populations, to assist the development of future movement-based coaching methods.

Autism
Grip force
Movement
Object lifting
Weight illusion


Anonymous Dutch sperm donors releasing their identity.

Abstract: This study examined the motivations of anonymous Dutch sperm donors to release their identity. It aimed to increase knowledge and encourage donors to become identifiable through a more informed decision, allowing more donor-conceived persons to contact their donors. Since 2010, anonymous sperm donors in the Netherlands can register in the Fiom KID-DNA Database developed by Fiom and Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ). An online survey was sent to donors who registered in the database (May 2015-August 2017). A total of 179 male respondents participated in this study. The motives of most donors to register in the database were child-oriented: donors believe that their offspring are entitled to their physical and social details and/or they want to give their offspring the chance to contact them. Other motives are donor-oriented, such as the curiosity about the number of offspring, their well-being and the desire to establish contact. This research showed that, to encourage anonymous donors to release their identity, one should focus on providing information about the existence of DNA databases. As well as increasing the donor's awareness of problems donor-conceived persons can experience by the lack of knowledge about their descent, answering questions and concerns from donors, and exploring the curiosity about their offspring.

B M Maas|A Janneke|AJ|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3383-1700

motivation
anonymous donors
DNA registers
Sperm donation
donor insemination
open-identity donors


Environmentally relevant concentrations of mercury exposure alter thyroid hormone levels and gene expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis of zebrafish larvae.

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that can cause severe damage to fish. Studies have demonstrated that Hg has a specific affinity for the endocrine system, but little is known about the effects of Hg on thyroid endocrine system in fish. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of 1, 4, and 16 μg/L Hg2+ (added as HgCl2) from 2 h post-fertilization (hpf) to 168 hpf. Thyroid hormone (TH) levels and mRNA expression levels of genes involved in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis were determined. The results showed that exposure to 16 μg/L Hg2+ increased the whole-body thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels. The transcription levels of corticotrophin releasing hormone (crh) and thyroid stimulating hormone (tshβ) were up-regulated by Hg2+ exposure. Analysis of the mRNA levels of genes related to thyroid development (hhex, nkx2.1, and pax8) and THs synthesis (nis and tg) revealed that exposure to higher Hg2+ concentrations markedly up-regulated hhex, nkx2.1, nis, and tg expression, while had no significant effect on the transcripts of pax8. For the transcription of two types of deiodinases (deio1 and deio2), deio1 showed no significant changes in all the treatments, whereas deio2 was significantly up-regulated in the 16 μg/L Hg2+ group. In addition, Hg2+ exposure up-regulated thyroid hormone receptor β (trβ) mRNA level, while the transcription of trα was not changed. Overall, our study indicated that environmentally relevant concentrations of Hg2+ exposure could alter TH levels and the transcription of related HPT-axis genes, disturbing the normal processes of TH metabolism.

D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

Mercury exposure
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid endocrine system
Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis


Inflammatory Syndrome as the Initial Manifestation of Retroperitoneal Tuberculosis in a Pregnant Woman.

Abstract:
A 20-year-old asylum seeker presented with vomiting and left thigh pain, with a biological inflammatory syndrome. Pregnancy was diagnosed. Investigations revealed a pseudo-cystic, 20-cm-long retroperitoneal abscess, biopsy of which confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Evolution after cyst drainage and under conventional anti-tuberculosis treatment was favourable. An abdominal location of tuberculosis is rare and its diagnosis is difficult especially in countries with a low incidence of the disease. Unexplained abdominal manifestations and/or persistent biological inflammatory syndrome, especially in high-risk groups, should raise the suspicion of tuberculosis.

LEARNING POINTS
Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is a challenging diagnosis especially in low-incidence countries where the disease is rarely suspected.In low-incidence countries, abdominal TB should be suspected in cases of unexplained abdominal manifestations and/or persistent inflammatory syndrome, especially in high-risk groups.The diagnosis of abdominal TB is based on a range of anamnestic and clinical symptoms and signs, imaging, culture, and invasive procedures for histology.

inflammatory syndrome
pregnancy
Abdominal tuberculosis


Environmental selection is a main driver of divergence in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Romania and Bulgaria.

Abstract: Both neutral and adaptive evolutionary processes can cause population divergence, but their relative contributions remain unclear. We investigated the roles of these processes in population divergence in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) from Romania and Bulgaria, regions characterized by high landscape heterogeneity compared to Western Europe. We asked whether morphological divergence, complemented with genetic data in this human commensal species, was best explained by environmental variation, geographic distance, or landscape resistance-the effort it takes for an individual to disperse from one location to the other-caused by either natural or anthropogenic barriers. Using generalized dissimilarity modeling, a matrix regression technique that fits biotic beta diversity to both environmental predictors and geographic distance, we found that a small set of climate and vegetation variables explained up to ~30% of the observed divergence, whereas geographic and resistance distances played much lesser roles. Our results are consistent with signals of selection on morphological traits and of isolation by adaptation in genetic markers, suggesting that selection by natural environmental conditions shapes population divergence in house sparrows. Our study thus contributes to a growing body of evidence that adaptive evolution may be a major driver of diversification.

Geue|Julia C|JC|
Vágási|Csongor I|CI|
Schweizer|Mona|M|
Pap|Péter L|PL|
Thomassen|Henri A|HA|

Passer domesticus
evolutionary process
isolation by adaptation
Eastern Europe
isolation by distance
landscape genetics


YouTube Videos Demonstrating the Nasopharyngeal Swab Technique for SARS-CoV-2 Specimen Collection: Content Analysis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Real-time polymerase chain reaction using nasopharyngeal swabs is currently the most widely used diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 detection. However, false negatives and the sensitivity of this mode of testing have posed challenges in the accurate estimation of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether technical and, therefore, correctable errors were being made with regard to nasopharyngeal swab procedures.

METHODS
We searched a web-based video database (YouTube) for videos demonstrating SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab tests, posted from January 1 to May 15, 2020. Videos were rated by 3 blinded rhinologists for accuracy of swab angle and depth. The overall score for swab angle and swab depth for each nasopharyngeal swab demonstration video was determined based on the majority score with agreement between at least 2 of the 3 reviewers. We then comparatively evaluated video data collected from YouTube videos demonstrating the correct nasopharyngeal swab technique with data from videos demonstrating an incorrect nasopharyngeal swab technique. Multiple linear regression analysis with statistical significance set at P=.05 was performed to determine video data variables associated with the correct nasopharyngeal swab technique.

RESULTS
In all, 126 videos met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 52.3% (66/126) of all videos demonstrated the correct swab angle, and 46% (58/126) of the videos demonstrated an appropriate swab depth. Moreover, 45.2% (57/126) of the videos demonstrated both correct nasopharyngeal swab angle and appropriate depth, whereas 46.8% (59/126) of the videos demonstrated both incorrect nasopharyngeal swab angle and inappropriate depth. Videos with correct nasopharyngeal swab technique were associated with the swab operators identifying themselves as a medical professional or as an Ear, Nose, Throat-related medical professional. We also found an association between correct nasopharyngeal swab techniques and recency of video publication date (relative to May 15, 2020).

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that over half of the videos documenting the nasopharyngeal swab test showed an incorrect technique, which could elevate false-negative test rates. Therefore, greater attention needs to be provided toward educating frontline health care workers who routinely perform nasopharyngeal swab procedures.

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

YouTube
video
nasopharyngeal swab
SARS-coV-2
content analysis
diagnostic
testing
error
COVID-19
PCR
coronavirus
digital epidemiology
infodemiology
viral testing


Systemic Chemotherapeutic Agents as Adjunctive Periodontal Therapy: A Narrative Review and Suggested Clinical Recommendations.

Abstract: Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition of the periodontium that leads to destruction of the supporting structures of the tooth, including loss of attachment and alveolar bone. A clinician's first line of treatment for periodontitis is traditionally mechanical periodontal therapy, including oral hygiene instructions together with scaling and root planing. How- ever, it has been shown that mechanical therapy may not always be effective in halting disease. Adjunctive chemotherapeutics, such as systemic antibiotics or host-modulating agents, may improve the treatment outcome of periodontitis. Using relevant terms such as “adjunctive antibiotics” and “systemic chemotherapeutics” in a manual search of the PubMed database, the authors have prepared a narrative review of the chemotherapeutics currently used in the field. Results of the search and review show that adjunctive antibiotics may be useful in cases of aggressive periodontitis, refractory periodontitis, and in some patients who are immunocompromised, such as heavy smokers or poorly controlled diabetics. Host-modulating agents are generally recommended only as the last resort and are limited to the use of submicrobial dose doxycycline. Microbial testing may be indicated, particularly in aggressive periodontitis cases or refractory cases. Using these results, a decision tree is provided for clinicians to determine when adjunctive chemotherapeutics may be indicated.

Sheridan|Rachel A|RA|
Wang|Hom-Lay|HL|
Eber|Robert|R|
Oh|Tae-Ju|TJ|

chemotherapeutic
periodontitis
antibiotics
host-modulation
anti-bacterial agents


Novel understanding of self-reactive T cells.

Abstract: In a recent issue of Immunity, Mark Davis and colleagues describe that thymic selection does not eliminate but prunes self-reactive T cell clones. Self-reactive T cells are a natural part of the T-cell repertoire and may be important in the fight against pathogens in addition to being important immune regulators.

self-reactive T cells
thymic selection
Anti-Tregs
CD8
IDO
PD-L1


Increased Expression of UMAMIT Amino Acid Transporters Results in Activation of Salicylic Acid Dependent Stress Response.

Abstract: In addition to their role in the biosynthesis of important molecules such as proteins and specialized metabolites, amino acids are known to function as signaling molecules through various pathways to report nitrogen status and trigger appropriate metabolic and cellular responses. Moreover, changes in amino acid levels through altered amino acid transporter activities trigger plant immune responses. Specifically, loss of function of major amino acid transporter, over-expression of cationic amino acid transporter, or over-expression of the positive regulators of membrane amino acid export all lead to dwarfed phenotypes and upregulated salicylic acid (SA)-induced stress marker genes. However, whether increasing amino acid exporter protein levels lead to similar stress phenotypes has not been investigated so far. Recently, a family of transporters, namely USUALLY MULTIPLE ACIDS MOVE IN AND OUT TRANSPORTERS (UMAMITs), were identified as amino acid exporters. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of increased amino acid export on plant development, growth, and reproduction to further examine the link between amino acid transport and stress responses. The results presented here show strong evidence that an increased expression of UMAMIT transporters induces stress phenotypes and pathogen resistance, likely due to the establishment of a constitutive stress response via a SA-dependent pathway.

Besnard|Julien|J|
Sonawala|Unnati|U|
Maharjan|Bal|B|
Collakova|Eva|E|
Finlayson|Scott A|SA|
Pilot|Guillaume|G|
McDowell|John|J|
Okumoto|Sakiko|S|

amino acid transport
salicylic acid
stress response
amino acid metabolism
membrane transport


Bronchioalveolar stem cells in lung repair, regeneration and disease.

Abstract: Bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) are a lung resident stem cell population located at bronchioalveolar duct junctions that contribute to the maintenance of bronchiolar club cells and alveolar epithelial cells of the distal lung. Their transformed counterparts are considered to be likely progenitors of lung adenocarcinomas, which has been a major area of research in relation to BASCs. A critical limitation in addressing the function of BASCs in vivo has been the lack of a unique BASC marker, which has prevented specific targeting of BASCs in animal models of respiratory conditions. Recently, there have been several studies describing genetically modified mice that allow in vivo quantification, tracing, and functional analysis of BASCs to address this long-standing issue. These cutting-edge experimental tools will likely have significant implications for future experimental studies involving BASCs and the elucidation of their role in various lung diseases. To date, this has been largely explored in models of lung injury including naphthalene-induced airway injury, bleomycin-induced alveolar injury, hyperoxia-induced models of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and influenza virus infection. These novel experimental mouse tools will facilitate the assessment of the impact of BASC loss on additional respiratory conditions including infection-induced severe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as respiratory bacterial infections, both in early life and adulthood. These future studies may shed light on the potential broad applicability of targeting BASCs for a diverse range of respiratory conditions during lung development and in promoting effective regeneration and repair of the lung in respiratory diseases. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

bronchioalveolar stem cell
lung repair
bronchioalveolar duct junction
club cell
lung disease
bronchopulmonary dysplasia
lung development
COPD
alveolar stem cell
lineage tracing
lung regeneration
lung stem cell


Calcium intake, polymorphisms of the calcium-sensing receptor, and recurrent/aggressive prostate cancer.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To assess whether calcium intake and common genetic variants of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) are associated with either aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) or disease recurrence after prostatectomy.

METHODS
Calcium intake at diagnosis was assessed, and 65 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CASR were genotyped in 886 prostatectomy patients. We investigated the association between calcium intake and CASR variants with both PCa recurrence and aggressiveness (defined as Gleason score ≥4 + 3, stage ≥pT3, or nodal-positive disease).

RESULTS
A total of 285 men had aggressive disease and 91 experienced recurrence. A U-shaped relationship between calcium intake and both disease recurrence and aggressiveness was observed. Compared to the middle quintile, the HR for disease recurrence was 3.07 (95% CI 1.41-6.69) for the lowest quintile and 3.21 (95% CI 1.47-7.00) and 2.97 (95% CI 1.37-6.45) for the two upper quintiles, respectively. Compared to the middle quintile, the OR for aggressive disease was 1.80 (95% CI 1.11-2.91) for the lowest quintile and 1.75 (95% CI 1.08-2.85) for the highest quintile of calcium intake. The main effects of CASR variants were not associated with PCa recurrence or aggressiveness. In the subgroup of patients with moderate calcium intake, 31 SNPs in four distinct blocks of high linkage disequilibrium were associated with PCa recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS
We observed a protective effect of moderate calcium intake for PCa aggressiveness and recurrence. While CASR variants were not associated with these outcomes in the entire cohort, they may be associated with disease recurrence in men with moderate calcium intakes.

Binder|Moritz|M|
Shui|Irene M|IM|
Wilson|Kathryn M|KM|
Penney|Kathryn L|KL|
|||
Mucci|Lorelei A|LA|
Kibel|Adam S|AS|

Calcium intake
Calcium-sensing receptor
Prostate cancer
Single-nucleotide polymorphism
Clinical outcomes


Cell responses to metallic nanostructure arrays with complex geometries.

Abstract: Metallic nanopillar/nanowires are emerging as promising platforms for biological applications, as they allow for the direct characterization and regulation of cell function. Herein we study the response of cells to a versatile nanopillar platform. Nanopillar arrays of various shape, size, and spacing and different nanopillar-substrate interfacial strengths were fabricated and interfaced with fibroblasts and several unique cell-nanopillar interactions were observed using high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Nanopillar penetration, engulfment, tilting, lift off and membrane thinning, were observed by manipulating nanopillar material, size, shape and spacing. These unique cell responses to various nanostructures can be employed for a wide range of applications including the design of highly sensitive nano-electrodes for single-cell probing.

Jahed|Zeinab|Z|
Molladavoodi|Sara|S|
Seo|Brandon B|BB|
Gorbet|Maud|M|
Tsui|Ting Y|TY|
Mofrad|Mohammad R K|MR|

Nanopillar
Cell adhesion
Mechanotransduction
Nanotopography sensing


Protocol for a cost-utility analysis of neurostimulation and intensive camp-based therapy for children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis based on a multicentre clinical trial.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Perinatal stroke leads to cerebral palsy (CP) and lifelong disability for thousands of Canadian children. Hemiparesis, referring to impaired functionality in one side of the body, is a common complication of perinatal stroke. Standard long-term care for hemiparetic CP focuses on rehabilitation therapies. Early research suggests that patients with hemiparesis may benefit from adjunctive neuromodulation treatments such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS uses electric current to stimulate targeted areas of the brain non-invasively, potentially enhancing the effects of motor learning therapies. This protocol describes an economic evaluation to be conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the incremental cost of tDCS added to a camp-based therapy compared with camp-based therapy alone per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in children with hemiparetic CP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS
The Stimulation for Perinatal Stroke Optimising Recovery Trajectories (SPORT) trial is a multicentre RCT evaluating tDCS added to a 2-week camp-based therapy for children aged 6-18 years with perinatal ischaemic stroke and disabling hemiparetic CP affecting the upper limb. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 1 week, 2 months and 6 months following intervention. Cost and quality of life data are collected at baseline and 6 months and results will be used to conduct a cost-utility analysis (CUA). The evaluation will be conducted from the perspectives of the public healthcare system and society. The CUA will be conducted over a 6-month time horizon.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
Ethical approval for the SPORT trial and the associated economic evaluation has been given by the research ethics boards at each of the study sites. The findings of the economic evaluation will be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal and submitted for presentation at conference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT03216837; Post-results.

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

developmental neurology & neurodisability


One-step synthesis of functional pNR/rGO composite as a building block for enhanced ascorbic acid biosensing.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for ascorbic acid (AA) was prepared via an one-step electrochemical approach by reducing graphene oxide (rGO) and co-polymerizing neutral red (NR) and rGO to form a pNR/rGO hybrid film on the glassy carbon electrode (pNR/rGO-GCE). Structures and properties of the obtained pNR/rGO film were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and UV-vis techniques. A significant decrease of charge-transfer resistance (Rct) from over 20,000 Ω for pNR-GCE to 130 Ω for pNR/rGO-GCE was validated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurement. Particularly, electrochemical data revealed that pNR/rGO film could effectively enhance the electron transfer between AA and electrode, and thus reduce the overpotential of AA oxidation. Two linear regression areas with 0.05-0.75 mM and 0.9-24.9 mM, detection limit with 1.4 μM, and stability over 2 weeks were obtained. The coexisting distractions such as dopamine, uric acid and glucose were detected and eliminated. Moreover, the pNR/rGO-GCE gave the same determination results as that obtained with HPLC when measuring real samples, including vitamin C beverage and human serum.

Liu|Ling|L| Zhai|Junfeng|J| Zhu|Chengzhou|C| Han|Lei|L| Ren|Wen|W| Dong|Shaojun|S|

D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Ascorbic acid
Electrochemical sensor
Reduced graphene oxide
Neutral red


Throat culture positivity rate and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of beta-hemolytic streptococci in children on secondary prophylaxis for rheumatic heart disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Among children diagnosed to have chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease (RHD) in Ethiopia, many have been observed to develop recurrence of rheumatic fever (RF) despite secondary prophylaxis. This study determined the throat culture positivity rate and drug susceptibility pattern of beta hemolytic streptococci (BHS) isolated from children attending a specialized cardiac clinic in Ethiopia.

METHODS
Throat swabs were collected from 233 children receiving benzathine penicillin injection as secondary prophylaxis for RHD and cultured. The bacterial isolates were characterized using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Drug susceptibility was tested with the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titers were determined using ASO latex reagents.

RESULTS
The throat culture positivity rate for BHS was 24 % (56/233). Among the BHS bacterial strains isolated, four were characterized as S. pyogenes and another four as S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (Lancefield group A, C and G). All BHS were susceptible to penicillin except one isolate of S. agalactiae. Among 233 children enrolled, 46(19.7 %) showed increased ASO titer. Children who received antibiotic prophylaxis within 2-weeks of last injection had significantly lower BHS throat culture positivity rate than those injected every 4-weeks (p = 0.02). Children who missed at least one prophylaxis within the last 6 months had a higher BHS culture positivity rate than those who did not miss any (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of groups A, C and G streptococci in the throat of children under secondary prophylaxis for RHD and increased ASO titer suggests failure of the regimen. This calls for further investigation into the causes of inadequate prophylaxis (including bioavailability of drugs used, optimal duration and patient compliance) and intervention.

Zegeye|Nigus|N| Asrat|Daniel|D| Woldeamanuel|Yimtubezinash|Y| Habte|Abebe|A| Gedlu|Etsegenet|E| Tønjum|Tone|T| Aseffa|Abraham|A|

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis


Laparoscopic pancreatic resection-a review.

Abstract: Contrary to many other gastrointestinal operations, minimal access approaches in pancreatic surgery have gained ground slowly. Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy has gained wide acceptance. It is associated with reduced blood loss and shorter duration of stay (DOS) while oncologic results and morbidity are similar to open surgery. In recent years the number of laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomies has also increased. While oncological outcome seems comparable to the open approach, operative times are longer while DOS and blood loss are reduced. One added advantage of the laparoscopic approach to pancreatic cancer seems to be that adjuvant treatment can start earlier. Minimal access total pancreatectomy, only reported in small numbers (mostly robot assisted), has also been shown to be feasible and safe. Enucleation (EN) of small pancreatic lesions is the most common tissue sparing resection. Although no reconstruction is necessary, the risk of pancreatic fistula is high, related to excision margins equal or smaller than 2 mm to the main pancreatic duct. Compared to the open approach, laparoscopic EN has shown comparable results in terms of morbidity, pancreatic function and fistula rate, with shorter operation times and faster recovery. Experience in robot assisted pancreatic surgery is increasing. However reports are still small in numbers, lacking randomization and mostly limited to dedicated centers. The learning curve for minimal access pancreatic surgery is steep. Low patient volume leads to longer DOS, higher costs and negatively impacts outcome.

Justin|Viktor|V| Fingerhut|Abe|A| Khatkov|Igor|I| Uranues|Selman|S|

Minimal access surgery (MAS)
laparoscopy
pancreas
pancreatic resection


Clinical Obesity Services in Public Hospitals in Australia: a position statement based on expert consensus.

Abstract: We aimed to describe the current state of specialist obesity services for adults with clinically severe obesity in public hospitals in Australia, and to analyse the gap in resources based on expert consensus. We conducted two surveys to collect information about current and required specialist obesity services and resources using open-ended questionnaires. Organizational level data were sought from clinician expert representatives of specialist obesity services across Australia in 2017. Fifteen of 16 representatives of current services in New South Wales (n = 8), Queensland (n = 1), Victoria (n = 2), South Australia (n = 3), and the Australian Capital Territory (n = 1) provided data. The composition of services varied substantially between hospitals, and patient access to services and effective treatments were limited by strict entry criteria (e.g. body mass index 40 kg/m2 or higher with specific complication/s), prolonged wait times, geographical location (major cities only) and out-of-pocket costs. Of these services, 47% had a multidisciplinary team (MDT), 53% had an exercise physiologist/physiotherapist, 53% had a bariatric surgeon and 33% had pharmacotherapy resources. Key gaps included staffing components of the MDT (psychologist, exercise physiologist/physiotherapist) and access to publicly funded weight loss pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. There was consensus on the need for significant improvements in staff, physical infrastructure, access to services, education/training in obesity medicine and targeted research funding. Based on the small number of existing, often under-resourced specialist obesity services that are located only in a few major cities, the vast majority of Australians with clinically severe obesity cannot access the specialist evidence based treatments needed.

D000328:Adult
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel
D001315:Australia
D050110:Bariatric Surgery
D015992:Body Mass Index
D000068959:Body Weight Maintenance
D002947:Cities
D032921:Consensus
D015444:Exercise
D006282:Health Personnel
D006295:Health Resources
D006296:Health Services
D006297:Health Services Accessibility
D006779:Hospitals, Public
D006801:Humans
D009767:Obesity, Morbid
D010348:Patient Care Team
D059825:Physical Therapists
D013038:Specialization
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015431:Weight Loss
D061217:Weight Reduction Programs

Obesity
weight loss
hospital Outpatient Clinics
specialist weight management