Physiological and Metabolic Requirements, and User-Perceived Exertion of Immersive Virtual Reality Exergaming Incorporating an Adaptive Cable Resistance System: An Exploratory Study.

Abstract: To measure metabolic and physiological demand, subjective fatigue, and enjoyment during a signature 30-minute immersive virtual reality (IVR) adaptive cable resistance exergaming session.  Fourteen healthy college-aged individuals (seven females) were initially acquainted with the IVR equipment and gameplay dynamics. Participants then underwent a 30-minute IVR exergaming session performing six different cable resistance exercises. A portable metabolic gas exchange analyzer concurrently assessed energy expenditure (EE) through indirect calorimetry while a chest-worn monitor captured heart rate (HR). Participants subsequently completed questionnaires, including the Borg scale for rating of perceived exertion (RPE), Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ).  The mean EE, mean metabolic equivalent, and average total calories expended during the 30-minute session were 14.7 (standard deviation [SD] 2.8) kcal/minute, 12.9 (SD 0.5), and 440 (SD 84) kcals respectively. The mean HR was 176 (SD 3.1) beats per minute (bpm) with a mean max HR of 188 SD (SD 2.9) bpm. The combined training volume among all participants was 16,102 kg (SD 4137). Participants classified the IVR training session to be "somewhat hard-to-hard" with a RPE score of 14 (SD 1) while indicating the session to be "enjoyable" with a PACES score of 4.31 (SD 0.36). The participants did not report any cybersickness symptoms, demonstrating an average total SSQ score of 24.04 (SD 24.13).  IVR exergaming incorporating cable resistance training elicits high EE and physiological demand with high enjoyment scores while attenuating perceived fatigue. The potential for IVR to elicit these acute training effects over long-term training periods warrants further investigation into its contribution to fitness and health.

Immersive virtual reality
Exergaming
Resistance training
Adaptive resistance
Gamification


Brassica oleracea MATE encodes a citrate transporter and enhances aluminum tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Abstract: The secretion of organic acid anions from roots is an important mechanism for plant aluminum (Al) tolerance. Here we report cloning and characterizing BoMATE (KF031944), a multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family gene from cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The expression of BoMATE was more abundant in roots than in shoots, and it was highly induced by Al treatment. The (14)C-citrate efflux experiments in oocytes demonstrated that BoMATE is a citrate transporter. Electrophysiological analysis and SIET analysis of Xenopus oocytes expressing BoMATE indicated BoMATE is activated by Al. Transient expression of BoMATE in onion epidermal cells demonstrated that it localized to the plasma membrane. Compared with the wild-type Arabidopsis, the transgenic lines constitutively overexpressing BoMATE enhanced Al tolerance and increased citrate secretion. In addition, Arabidopsis transgenic lines had a lower K(+) efflux and higher H(+) efflux, in the presence of Al, than control wild type in the distal elongation zone (DEZ). This is the first direct evidence that MATE protein is involved in the K(+) and H(+) flux in response to Al treatment. Taken together, our results show that BoMATE is an Al-induced citrate transporter and enhances aluminum tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Wu|Xinxin|X| Li|Ren|R| Shi|Jin|J| Wang|Jinfang|J| Sun|Qianqian|Q| Zhang|Haijun|H| Xing|Yanxia|Y| Qi|Yan|Y| Zhang|Na|N| Guo|Yang-Dong|YD|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

citrate
aluminum tolerance
BoMATE
cabbage
H+ flux
K+ flux


Histidine Utilization Is a Critical Determinant of Acinetobacter Pathogenesis.

Abstract: Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial pathogen capable of causing a range of diseases, including respiratory and urinary tract infections and bacteremia. Treatment options are limited due to the increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, underscoring the importance of identifying new targets for antimicrobial development. During infection, A. baumannii must acquire nutrients for replication and survival. These nutrients include carbon- and nitrogen-rich molecules that are needed for bacterial growth. One possible nutrient source within the host is amino acids, which can be utilized for protein synthesis or energy generation. Of these, the amino acid histidine is among the most energetically expensive for bacteria to synthesize; therefore, scavenging histidine from the environment is likely advantageous. We previously identified the A. baumannii histidine utilization (Hut) system as being linked to nutrient zinc homeostasis, but whether the Hut system is important for histidine-dependent energy generation or vertebrate colonization is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the Hut system is conserved among pathogenic Acinetobacter and regulated by the transcriptional repressor HutC. In addition, the Hut system is required for energy generation using histidine as a carbon and nitrogen source. Histidine was also detected extracellularly in the murine lung, demonstrating that it is bioavailable during infection. Finally, the ammonia-releasing enzyme HutH is required for acquiring nitrogen from histidine in vitro, and strains inactivated for hutH are severely attenuated in a murine model of pneumonia. These results suggest that bioavailable histidine in the lung promotes Acinetobacter pathogenesis and that histidine serves as a crucial nitrogen source during infection.

Lonergan|Zachery R|ZR|
Palmer|Lauren D|LD|
Skaar|Eric P|EP|

D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins

histidine Acinetobacter infection pneumonia


Design and Synthesis of Triazole-Linked xylo-Nucleoside Dimers.

Abstract: Three triazole-linked nonionic xylo-nucleoside dimers T(L)-t-T(xL), T(L)-t-A(BzxL) and T(L)-t-C(BzxL) have been synthesized for the first time by Cu(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC) of 1-(3'-azido-3'-deoxy-2'-O,4'-C-methylene-β-D-ribo-furanosyl)thymine with different alkynes, i.e., 1-(5'-deoxy-5'-C-ethynyl-2'-O,4'-C-methylene-β-D-xylofuranosyl)thymine, 9-(5'-deoxy-5'-C-ethynyl-2'-O,4'-C-methylene-β-D-xylo-furanosyl)-N6-benzoyladenine and 1-(5'-deoxy-5'-C-ethynyl-2'-O,4'-C-methylene-β-D-xylofuranosyl)-N4-benzoylcytosine in 90%-92% yields. Among the two Cu(I) reagents, CuSO4.5H2O-sodium ascorbate in THF:(t)BuOH:H2O (1:1:1) and CuBr.SMe2 in THF used for cycloaddition (click) reaction, the former one was found to be better yielding than the latter one.

Srivastava|Smriti|S|
Singh|Sunil K|SK|
Sharma|Vivek K|VK|
Mangla|Priyanka|P|
Olsen|Carl E|CE|
Prasad|Ashok K|AK|


Neurologic syndromes of the head and neck.

Abstract: Although patients with Bell palsy and trigeminal neuralgia occasionally present to primary care physicians, most of the syndromes in this article are somewhat rare in primary care practice. It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of these syndromes so that appropriate management is carried out. Patients may experience sensory and/or motor symptoms of the head and neck due to disorders of the cranial and cervical nerves. The syndromes and symptoms discussed in this article include ear pain, sinus pain, herpes zoster (HZ) oticus (Ramsay Hunt), HZ ophthalmicus, facial nerve paralysis in adults and children, superior laryngeal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, nervus intermedius (geniculate) neuralgia, and Raeder paratrigeminal syndrome.

Trigeminal neuralgia
Herpes zoster
Facial nerve paralysis


Kinetic modeling of plasmid bioproduction in Escherichia coli DH5α cultures over different carbon-source compositions.

Abstract: The need for the development of economic high plasmid production in Escherichia coli cultures is emerging, as a result of the latest advances in DNA vaccination and gene therapy. In order to contribute to achieve that, a model describing the kinetics involved in the bioproduction of plasmid by recombinant E. coli DH5α is presented, as an attempt to understand the complex and non-linear metabolic relationships and the plasmid production occurring in dynamic batch culture environments, run under different media compositions of glucose and glycerol, that result in distinct maximum biomass growths (between 8.2 and 12.8 g DCW/L) and specific plasmid productions (between 1.1 and 7.4 mg/g DCW). The model based on mass balance equations for biomass, glucose, glycerol, acetate and plasmid accurately described different culture behaviors, using either glucose or glycerol as carbon source, or mixtures of both. From the 17 parameters obtained after model simplification, the following 10 parameters were found to be independent of the carbon source composition: the substrate affinity constants, the inhibitory constants of biomass growth on glycerol by glucose, of biomass growth on acetate by glycerol and the global biomass growth by acetate, and the yields of biomass on acetate, acetate on glucose and glycerol, and plasmid on glucose. The parameters that depend on the culture composition, and that might explain the differences found between cultures, were: maximum specific growth rates on glucose, glycerol and acetate; biomass yield on glucose and glycerol; and plasmid yield on glycerol and acetate. Moreover, a crucial role of acetate in the plasmid production was revealed by the model, with most of plasmid production being associated to the acetate consumption. The model provides meaningful insight on the E. coli dynamic cell behavior concerning the plasmid bioproduction, which might lead to important guidelines for culture optimization and process scale-up and control.

Lopes|Marta B|MB|
Martins|Gabriel|G|
Calado|Cecília R C|CR|

Kinetic model
Plasmid
Escherichia coli
Acetate
Fermentation
Multiple substrate


The Role of Ceria in a Hybrid Catalyst toward Alkaline Water Oxidation.

Abstract: Ceria-based catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have received keen interest in recent years owing to their potential excellent cost performance. However, despite a flurry of research activities, the mechanism on how ceria activates those hybrid catalysts is still puzzling. Herein, by controllably modifying the oxidation state of Ce in ceria, it was revealed that creating Ce3+ species, which are redox-coupled to Ce4+ under OER conditions, could enhance the conductivity and optimize the OH* binding, leading to greatly improved OER activity of the catalysts. More importantly, the ceria-based hybrid catalysts also exhibited excellent long-term stability even when operating at a high current density of 50 mA cm-2 in the strong alkaline electrolyte of 6 m KOH for more than 50 h. This work unveils the underlying role of ceria in improving the activity/stability of ceria-based catalysts and opens the way to design and fabricate ceria-based electrocatalysts for water splitting.

hybrid catalysts
ceria-based
oxygen evolution reaction
stability
activation mechanism


Hyperechogenic renal parenchyma in potential live related kidney donors: Does it justify exclusion?

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To assess the predictive importance of ultrasonic grade 1 hyperechogenicity in potential live related kidney donors in the absence of urinary abnormalities and with perfect renal function.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
The study included 34 potential living related kidney donors with this abnormality; their mean (SD, range) age was 32.7 (8.45, 23-48) years. Ten matched healthy donors with normal ultrasonographic appearance of the kidneys were studied as controls. All cases were thoroughly investigated, including measuring glomerular filtration rate by isotopic scintigraphy. The renal reserve was estimated by dopamine and amino-acid infusion in all subjects (study and control groups). A percutaneous renal biopsy was taken from 17 subjects in the abnormal echogenicity group and open renal biopsy was taken from eight of the control subjects.

RESULTS
The renal reserve was comparable in both groups. Abnormal histopathological changes were found in seven subjects (41%) of the abnormal echogenicity group, i.e. partial glomerulosclerosis in one, mesangial thickening in two, interstitial fibrosis in one, focal tubular atrophy in one, immunoglobulin (Ig M) immune deposits in three and IgA in one. Only one subject in the control group showed mild mesangial thickening.

CONCLUSION
Grade 1 echogenicity might be a sign of unrecognized kidney disease. Renal biopsy is mandatory when such related donors are the only available ones. Abnormal histopathology contraindicates donation.

Fouda|Mohamed A|MA|
Shokeir|Ahmed A|AA|
Wafa|Ehab W|EW|
Refaie|Ayman F|AF|
El Diasty|Tarek|T|
Abdelrahim|Mona|M|
Sobh|Mohamed A|MA|
Ghoneim|Mohamed A|MA|

Abnormality
IF, immunofluorescence
LM, light microscopy
Live-kidney donors
US, ultrasonography
Ultrasonography


Scalable Fabrication of Ti3C2T MXene/RGO/Carbon Hybrid Aerogel for Organics Absorption and Energy Conversion.

Abstract: High aspect ratio two-dimensional Ti3C2T MXene flakes with extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties are ideal candidates for assembling elastic and conductive aerogels. However, the scalable fabrication of large MXene-based aerogels remains a challenge because the traditional preparation method relies on supercritical drying techniques such as freeze drying, resulting in poor scalability and high cost. Herein, the use of porous melamine foam as a robust template for MXene/reduced graphene oxide aerogel circumvents the volume shrinkage during its natural drying process. Through this approach, we were able to produce large size (up to 600 cm3) MXene-based aerogel with controllable shape. In addition, the aerogels possess an interconnected cellular structure and display resilience up to 70% of compressive strain. Some key features also include high solvent absorption capacity (∼50-90 g g-1), good photothermal conversion ability (an average evaporation rate of 1.48 kg m-2 h-1 for steam generation), and an excellent electrothermal conversion rate (1.8 kg m-2 h-1 at 1 V). More importantly, this passive drying process provides a scalable, convenient, and cost-effective approach to produce high-performance MXene-based aerogels, demonstrating the feasibility of commercial production of MXene-based aerogels toward practical applications.

melamine foam
natural drying
MXene aerogel
large-scale manufacturing
multifunctional aerogel


Lamp2 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing Snail expression in HCC.

Abstract: Lysosomal associated membrane protein 2 (Lamp2) influences a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. However, little is known about the role of Lamp2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. This study found that Lamp2 expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues than in adjacent nontumor tissues (ANTs), and its expression level correlated with HCC metastasis. Low Lamp2 expression was significantly correlated with the AFP serum level (> 20 ng/Ml, P = 0.024), capsular formation (absent, P = 0.024), and microvascular invasion (present, P < 0.001), and low expression of Lamp2 indicated a poor prognosis in HCC. LowLamp2 expression was an independent and significant risk factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS; P < 0.001) and overall survival (OS; P < 0.001) in HCC. In this study, we demonstrated that Lamp2 overexpression inhibited cell motility and invasiveness in vitro and inhibited lung metastasis in vivo. In addition, Lamp2 could reverse the EMT program. Lamp2 silencing by siRNA in HCC cell lines enhanced the expression of mesenchymal markers and decreased the expression of epithelial markers. Consistent with these findings, Lamp2 overexpression had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that Lamp2 could suppress Snail expression, upregulate E-cadherin, and inhibit HCC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).Together, these findings suggest that Lamp2 attenuates EMT by suppressing Snail expression in HCC.

Zheng|Hao|H| Yang|Yuan|Y| Ye|Chen|C| Li|Peng-Peng|PP| Wang|Zhen-Guang|ZG| Xing|Hao|H| Ren|Hao|H| Zhou|Wei-Ping|WP|

Lamp2
hepatocellular carcinoma
metastasis
EMT


Human papillomavirus and ovarian cancer (review of literature and meta-analysis).

Abstract: Many factors are involved in carcinogenesis of the ovary, such human genetic and physiological characteristics as lifestyle, existing diseases of the reproductive system, and, as suggested, the human papillomavirus (HPV). It is well known that the human papillomavirus virus of high carcinogenic risk (HCR) plays a crucial role in the onset and development of cervical cancer, as well as cases of HPV positive breast cancer and endometrial cancer. The data on the presence of HPV in ovarian cancer are ambiguous: the researchers claim that there is no complete effect of the virus on the development of this type of cancer, and the detection of HPV in 60-80% of tumors. In this regard, there is a need to systematize the currently available research results on this controversial issue and conduct a meta-analysis of the association of HPV infection with the risk of ovarian cancer.

Ibragimova|M K|MK|
Kokorina|E V|EV|
Tsyganov|M M|MM|
Churuksaeva|O N|ON|
Litviakov|N V|NV|

Human papillomavirus
Ovarian cancer
Meta-analysis
Prognosis


Predictors of quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Abstract:
AIM
To understand quality of life (QOL) and the effects of sociodemographics, disease severity, physical symptoms (dyspnea and fatigue), and depression on QOL of heart failure (HF) patients in Taiwan.

METHODS
Adult HF patients with history of cerebral vascular accident, myocardial infarction within the previous 6 months, major diseases, concurrent cancers, and coexisting terminal diseases, cognitive impairments, or residence in institutions, were excluded in this study. Quality of life, physical symptoms, and depression were measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire, and Brief Symptom Inventory depression subscale, respectively. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the correlations of demographics, disease severity, physical symptoms, and depression with QOL in HF patients.

RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-three HF patients (64.2 ± 12.7 years, 78.2% male, 36.1% NYHA III/IV) were recruited in the study. In the final regression model, age, duration of HF, physical symptoms, and depression had a significant impact on global QOL, ultimately accounting for 37.6% of the variance of QOL.

CONCLUSION
Age, duration of HF, physical symptoms, and depression are important predictors of QOL in HF patients. Interventions targeting physical symptoms and depression are expected to improve QOL of HF patients.

quality of life
heart failure
physical symptoms
depression


Relationships Between a Range of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Subjective Sleep Quality in Chronic Insomnia Patients: A Clinical Study.

Abstract:
Purpose
To examine whether associations exist between chronic insomnia disorder (CID) and overlooked inflammatory factors (Serum amyloid protein A [SAA]), tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], and regulated on activation and normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted [RANTES]).

Patients and Methods
A total of 65 CID patients and 39 sex- and age-matched good sleeper (GS) controls participated in this study. They completed a baseline survey to collect data on demographics, and were elevated sleep and mood by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and 14-item Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA-14), respectively. The blood samples were collected and tested the serum levels of SAA, TNF-α, GM-CSF and RANTES.

Results
The CID group had higher serum levels of SAA, TNF-α, and GM-CSF and a lower level of RANTES than the GS group. In the Spearman correlation analysis, SAA and GM-CSF positively correlated with the PSQI and AIS scores. After controlling for sex, HAMD-17 score, and HAMA-14 score, the partial correlation analysis showed that GM-CSF was positively correlated with PSQI score. Further stepwise linear regression analyses showed that GM-CSF was positively associated with the PSQI and AIS scores, while RANTES was negatively associated with them, and SAA was positively associated with just the AIS score.

Conclusion
The serum levels of inflammatory mediators (SAA, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) were significantly elevated and the level of RANTES was significantly decreased in CID patients and, to some extent, the changes are related to the severity of insomnia. These findings may help us to improve interventions to prevent the biological consequences of CID by inhibiting inflammation, thereby promoting health.


Abstract:
COVID-19 outbreak has caused a pandemonium in modern world. As the virus has spread its tentacles across nations, territories, and continents, the civilized society has been compelled to face an unprecedented situation, never experienced before during peacetime. We are being introduced to an ever-growing new terminologies: "social distancing," "lockdown," "stay safe," "key workers," "self-quarantine," "work-from-home," and so on. Many countries across the globe have closed their borders, airlines have been grounded, movement of public transports has come to a grinding halt, and personal vehicular movements have been restricted or barred. In the past couple of months, we have witnessed mayhem in an unprecedented scale: social, economic, food security, education, business, travel, and freedom of movements are all casualties of this pandemic. Our experience about this virus and its epidemiology is limited, and mostly the treatment for symptomatic patients is supportive. However, it has been observed that COVID-19 not only attacks the respiratory system; rather it may involve other systems also from the beginning of infection or subsequent to respiratory infection. In this article, we attempt to describe the systemic involvement of COVID-19 based on the currently available experiences. This description is up to date as of now, but as more experiences are pouring from different corners of the world, almost every day, newer knowledge and information will crop up by the time this article is published.

How to cite this article
Munjal M, Das S, Chatterjee N, Setra AE, Govil D. Systemic Involvement of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): A Review of Literature. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(7):565-569.

Munjal|Manish|M|
Das|Samaresh|S|
Chatterjee|Nilay|N|
Setra|Adarsh Eshappa|AE|
Govil|Deepak|D|

Bilateral predominant ground-glass opacities


Adrenal "nonadenoma" - clinical characteristics and risk of malignancy.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
There is an increasing number of adrenal tumours discovered incidentally during imaging examinations performed for many different indications. Based on imaging results, it is possible to differentiate benign from malignant adrenal masses, although there is still a number of equivocal imaging findings. Our study presents 77 cases of adrenal tumours in which imaging was inconclusive and the final diagnosis was stated only after surgery and histopathological examination.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
Retrospective data analysis: 77 cases of indeterminate adrenal tumours with a presumptive diagnosis of "nonadenoma" in patients operated within a 16-year period (2004-2019). None of the patients had a history of malignancy, and all tumours were hormonally inactive. On contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), the native density of all tumours was higher than 10 Hounsfield Units (HU), and the absolute percentage washout (APW) and relative percentage washout (RPW) were lower than 60% and 40%, respectively.

RESULTS
The most common findings were adrenal adenoma (25.9%), macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (16.9%), ganglioneuroma (15.6%), and haemorrhage with posthaemorrhagic changes (13%). In total, there were 12 various histopathological diagnoses in this group. There were only 2 (2.6%) malignant (adrenal cancer and leiomyosarcoma) and 3 (3.9%) potentially malignant (pheochromocytoma) lesions in this group.

CONCLUSIONS
It is often impossible to make a correct diagnosis in a clinical setting until it is histologically verified. "Nonadenoma" adrenal tumours constitute a heterogeneous group including very rare pathologies. The risk of malignancy in indeterminate adrenal tumours is relatively low.

Samsel|Radosław|R|0000-0001-5925-3115 Papierska|Lucyna|L| Nowak|Karolina|K| Kolasińska-Ćwikla|Agnieszka|A| Łebek-Szatańska|Agnieszka|A| Leszczyńska|Dorota|D| Jakubowicz|Kamil|K| Komorowska|Ewa|E| Rabijewski|Michal|M| Roszkowska-Purska|Katarzyna|K| Cichocki|Andrzej|A|

adrenal nonadenoma
adrenal surgery
indeterminate adrenal mass
risk of adrenal malignancy


Data on the identification of isoprene and Styrene triblock copolymers with difunctional t-BuLi initiator.

Abstract: The data article refers to the paper "Synthesis of High-Vinyl Isoprene and Styrene Triblock Copolymers via Anionic Polymerization with Difunctional t-BuLi Initiator" [1]. Data presented here include the number average molecular weight (M  ), the weight average molecular weight (M  ), and polydispersity index (PDI) (M  /M  ) of the triblock copolymers poly(styrene)-b-poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene) (PS-b-PI-b-PS, SIS) and poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(isoprene) (PI-b-PS-b-PI, ISI). M  of SIS and ISI were in the range of 208,000 to 274,000 (g/mol) and PDI of SIS and ISI are located at 1.18 to 1.2, respectively. The triblock copolymers were further identified with 2D HSQC NMR spectrum. Different vinyl content (1,2- and 3,4-addition units) of polyisoprene domains were characterized in the data.

Isoprene
Styrene
Triblock copolymer
2D HSQC NMR
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)


Different management practices are associated with mesophilic and thermophilic spore levels in bulk tank raw milk.

Abstract: Bacterial endospores (also referred to as spores) present in raw milk are capable of surviving pasteurization and other adverse conditions encountered during dairy powder production. Therefore, requiring low spore levels in raw ingredients (e.g., raw milk) may be necessary for producing dairy powders with low spore counts. To identify potential associations between management practices and spore levels in raw milk, we sampled bulk tank raw milk from 33 farms throughout New York State every other month for 1yr. Following spore pasteurization (80°C for 12min), samples were incubated at 3 different temperatures to enumerate psychrotolerant (6°C for 10 d), mesophilic (32°C for 48h), and thermophilic (55°C for 48h) spores. An additional enrichment procedure was used to detect spores present at low levels (<10 spores/mL). Overall, psychrotolerant, mesophilic, and thermophilic spores were detected (at levels ≥10 spores/mL) in 1, 74, and 58% of bulk tank raw milk samples, respectively. Although thermophilic spore levels could not be quantified (due to bacterial swarming), mesophilic spore levels ranged from below detection (<10 spores/mL) to 680 spores/mL. Data collected through surveys were used to identify management practices associated with either mesophilic or thermophilic spore levels. We found that different management practices are associated with mesophilic and thermophilic spore levels. Low mesophilic spore levels in bulk tank raw milk samples were associated with (1) large herd size, (2) use of sawdust or sand bedding, and (3) not fore stripping during the premilking routine. Management practices that were associated with lower odds of having a thermophilic spore level ≥10 spores/mL are (1) large herd size, (2) spray-based application of the postmilking disinfectant, (3) dry massaging the udder during the premilking routine, and (4) the use of straw bedding. Collectively, these results suggest that different management practices may influence mesophilic and thermophilic spore levels in raw milk.

Miller|R A|RA|
Kent|D J|DJ|
Boor|K J|KJ|
Martin|N H|NH|
Wiedmann|M|M|


Development and validation of a cell-based assay system to assess human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase multimerization.

Abstract: Multimerization of HIV-1 integrase (IN) subunits is required for the concerted integration of HIV-1 proviral DNA into the host genome. Thus, the disruption of IN multimerization represents a new avenue for intervening HIV-1 infection. Here, we generated a cell-based assay system to assess IN multimerization using a newly constructed bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC-IN) system. BiFC-IN proteins were efficient in emitting fluorescence, and amino acid (AA) substitutions associated with IN multimerization attenuated fluorescence, suggesting that the BiFC-IN system may be useful for evaluating the profile of IN multimerization. A recently reported non-catalytic site IN inhibitor (NCINI), which allosterically induces IN over-multimerization/aggregation, significantly increased fluorescence in the BiFC-IN system. An IN's substitution, A128T, associated with viral resistance to NCINIs, decreased the NCINI-induced increase of fluorescence, suggesting that A128T reduces the potential for IN over-multimerization. Moreover, E11K and F181T substitutions known to inhibit IN tetramerization also reduced the NCINI-induced fluorescence increase, suggesting that NCINI-induced IN over-multimerization was more likely to occur from tetramer subunits than from dimer subunits. The present study demonstrates that our cell-based BiFC-IN system may be useful in elucidating the profile of IN multimerization, and also help evaluate and identify novel compounds that disrupt IN multimerization in living cells.

Nakamura|Tomofumi|T|
Campbell|Joseph R|JR|
Moore|Amber R|AR|
Otsu|Sachiko|S|
Aikawa|Haruo|H|
Tamamura|Hirokazu|H|
Mitsuya|Hiroaki|H|

D000818:Animals
D019556:COS Cells
D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops
D003584:Cytological Techniques
D019427:HIV Integrase
D019428:HIV Integrase Inhibitors
D015497:HIV-1
D061848:Optical Imaging
D055503:Protein Multimerization

HIV-1
NCINIs
BiFC
HIV-1 integrase multimerization


Development of QuEChERS-DLLME method for determination of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in grains by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Monitoring neonicotinoid residues in grains is of significant interest for the proper assessment of pesticide exposure to human. The quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method combined with dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction (QuEChERS-DLLME) was developed for extracting, purifying, and concentrating seven common neonicotinoid pesticides from the grains (rice, millet, and maize). Water and acetonitrile were used in tandem as extractants in QuEChERS, while water, acetonitrile, and trichloromethane in DLLME acted as the external phase, dispersant, and extractant, respectively. Comprehensive consideration of the single factor test and response surface method to optimize parameters including type and volume of extractants and dispersant. The evaluation showed that the QuEChERS-DLLME method held excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99). The limits of quantitation ranged from 0.003 to 0.08 µg kg-1 for the seven insecticides. The recoveries were in the range of 62-118%, and good reproducibility was obtained with a relative standard deviation below 15%.

Ma|Lingfei|L| Wang|Yanfei|Y| Li|Haipu|H| Peng|Fangyuan|F| Qiu|Bo|B| Yang|Zhaoguang|Z|

D000097:Acetonitriles
D002853:Chromatography, Liquid
D002523:Edible Grain
D005506:Food Contamination
D007306:Insecticides
D057230:Limit of Detection
D059627:Liquid Phase Microextraction
D000073943:Neonicotinoids
D012275:Oryza
D010573:Pesticide Residues
D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D053719:Tandem Mass Spectrometry
D003313:Zea mays

QuEChERS-DLLME
Neonicotinoids
Grains
Central composite design
Plackett-Burman


A case of different gene mutations in primary and metastatic lesions after EGFR-TKI treatment of lung cancer.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
It remains controversial whether patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma should stop using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) after progression during treatment.

CASE REPORT
We report a 35-year-old man with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the left upper lobe and an exon 19 deletion (Ex19Del) mutation found by large-panel next-generation sequencing. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery 12 months after oral administration of icotinib 125 mg tid, and the left upper lobe and surrounding lymph nodes were removed. Postoperative pathology supported a diagnosis of left upper lobe adenocarcinoma and subcarinal (1/2), main pulmonary artery window (1/2), and left hilar (1/2) lymph node metastases. The EGFR mutations in the residual lesions had disappeared, and Ex19Del mutations were still visible in the mediastinal lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION
Spatial heterogeneity of the resistance mechanism may explain why patients who continue to receive EGFR-TKIs in combination with local therapies (e.g., radiotherapy) for progressing lesions may benefit even after progression during EGFR-TKI therapy. The loss of the EGFR mutation allele as a putative resistance mechanism requires additional preclinical and clinical confirmation.

EGFR-TKI
Lung adenocarcinoma
spatial heterogeneity
acquired resistance
genetic mutation


Designing and Testing an End-of-Life Discussion Intervention for African American Patients With Heart Failure and Their Families.

Abstract: There is an escalating prevalence of heart failure (HF) with high mortality. Compared with other races, African Americans face a higher incidence of HF at earlier age of onset, with more rapid progression, and with increased family care burden and greater care costs and disparity in health care services at the end of life (EOL). Concomitant out-of-pocket HF costs and care demands indicate the need for early discussion of palliative and EOL care needs. We therefore developed and pilot tested a culturally sensitive intervention specific to the needs of African American HF patients and their families at the EOL. Our pilot study findings encompass patient and caregiver perspectives and align with the state of EOL science. The ultimate long-term goal of this intervention strategy is to translate into practice the preferred, culturally sensitive, and most cost-efficient EOL care recommendations for HF patients and families.

Piamjariyakul|Ubolrat|U|
Smith|Carol E|CE|
Werkowitch|Marilyn|M|
Thompson|Noreen|N|
Fox|Maria|M|
Williamson|Karin Porter|KP|
Olson|Lori|L|

palliative and end-of-life care discussion


Structural, mechanical and myogenic properties of small mesenteric arteries from ApoE KO mice: characterization and effects of virgin olive oil diets.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
We analyzed the structural, mechanical, myogenic and functional properties of resistance arteries of ApoE KO compared to wild type (WT) mice. We also determined the influence of saturated fat in comparison to virgin olive oil-enriched diets in vascular wall abnormalities.

METHODS
Male ApoE KO (ApoE) and WT mice (8-weeks-old) were assigned to the groups: standard chow diet (SD), high fat diet (HFD), virgin olive oil (VOO) and high polyphenol-VOO-enriched diet (Oleaster(®)) (OT) (15% w/w). After 20 weeks, structural, mechanical and myogenic properties of isolated small mesenteric arteries (SMA) were analyzed by pressure myography. For functional studies, vasodilatation to acetylcholine was assessed. Arterial superoxide anion production was measured by ethidium fluorescence.

RESULTS
Hypertrophic remodeling and distensibility in ApoE KO SMA was lower compared to WT mice, suggesting an alteration in the autoregulation mechanisms aimed to compensate disease progression. However, ApoE deficiency resulted in a lower impairment in myogenic tone in response to intraluminal pressure, in addition to an improved endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing vasodilatation. Also, we evidenced the beneficial effects of VOO in contrast to a saturated fat-enriched diet on SMA wall disorders. Only the endothelial function improvement induced by olive oil was dependent on polyphenols content.

CONCLUSION
Resistance arteries structure, mechanic, myogenic and functional responses from ApoE KO mice significantly differ from WT mice, evidencing the influence of the type of diet on these disorders. These results are particularly useful to determine the contribution of resistance arteries during the atherosclerotic process and to provide novel insights into the Mediterranean dietary pattern to reduce the burden of atherosclerotic disease.

Ogalla|Elena|E|
Claro|Carmen|C|
Alvarez de Sotomayor|María|M|
Herrera|Maria Dolores|MD|
Rodriguez-Rodriguez|Rosalia|R|

Small mesenteric artery
Virgin olive oil
Arterial wall properties
Atherosclerosis


Coronary and peripheral stenting in aorto-ostial protruding stents: The balloon assisted access to protruding stent technique.

Abstract: Treatment of aorto-ostial in-stent restenosis lesions represents a challenge for interventional cardiologists. Excessive protrusion of the stent into the aorta may lead to multiple technical problems, such as difficult catheter reengagement of the vessel ostium or inability to re-wire through the stent lumen in repeat interventions. We describe a balloon assisted access to protruding stent technique in cases where conventional coaxial engagement of an aorto-ostial protruding stent with the guide catheter or passage of the guide wire through the true lumen is not feasible. This technique is applicable both in coronary and peripheral arteries.

Helmy|Tarek A|TA|
Sanchez|Carlos E|CE|
Bailey|Steven R|SR|

coronary artery disease
percutaneous coronary intervention
peripheral intervention
stent restenosis


Human Papillomavirus Induced Cervical and Oropharyngeal Cancers: From Mechanisms to Potential Immuno-therapeutic Strategies.

Abstract: The human papillomavirus (HPV) associated infections are the hallmark of cervical and neck cancer. Almost all the cases of cervical cancer (CC) and 70% of oropharyngeal cancer (OC) are, more or less, caused by the persistent infection of HPV. CC is the fourth most common cancer globally, and is commenced by the persistent infection with human papillomaviruses (HPVs), predominantly HPV types; 16 and 18. In the light of the above facts, there is an immediate requirement to develop novel preventive and innovative therapeutic strategies that may help in lower occurrences of HPV mediated cancers. Currently, only radiation and chemical-based therapies are the treatment for HPV mediated neck cancer (NC) and CC. Recent advances in the field of immunotherapy are underway, which are expected to unravel the optimal treatment strategies for the growing HPV mediated cancers. In this review, we decipher the mechanism of pathogenesis with current immunotherapeutic advances in regressing the NC and CC, with an emphasis on immune-therapeutic strategies being tested in clinical trials and predominantly focus on defining the efficacy and limitations. Taken together, these immunological advances have enhanced the effectiveness of immunotherapy and promises better treatment results in coming future.

Saeed|Mohd|M|
Faisal|Syed Mohd|SM|
Akhtar|Firoz|F|
Ahmad|Saheem|S|
Alreshidi|Mousa M|MM|
Kausar|Mohd Adnan|MA|
Kazmi|Shadab|S|
Saeed|Amir|A|
Adnan|Mohd|M|
Ashraf|Ghulam Md|GM|

neck cancer
Cervical cancer
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs)
immunotherapy
cytokines
oropharyngeal cancer.


Comparative analysis of glyoxalase pathway genes in Erianthus arundinaceus and commercial sugarcane hybrid under salinity and drought conditions.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Glyoxalase pathway is a reactive carbonyl species (RCS) scavenging mechanism involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MG), which is a reactive α-ketoaldehyde. In plants under abiotic stress, the cellular toxicity is reduced through glyoxalase pathway genes, i.e. Glyoxalase I (Gly I), Glyoxalase II (Gly II) and Glyoxalase III (Gly III). Salinity and water deficit stresses produce higher amounts of endogenous MG resulting in severe tissue damage. Thus, characterizing glyoxalase pathway genes that govern the MG metabolism should provide new insights on abiotic stress tolerance in Erianthus arundinaceus, a wild relative of sugarcane and commercial sugarcane hybrid (Co 86032).

RESULTS
In this study, three glyoxalase genes (Glyoxalase I, II and III) from E. arundinaceus (a wild relative of sugarcane) and commercial sugarcane hybrid (Co 86032) were characterized. Comparative gene expression profiles (qRT-PCR) of Glyoxalase I, II and III under salinity and water deficit stress conditions revealed differential transcript expression with higher levels of Glyoxalase III in both the stress conditions. Significantly, E. arundinaceus had a higher expression level of glyoxalase genes compared to commercial sugarcane hybrid. On the other hand, gas exchange parameters like stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were declined to very low levels under both salt and drought induced stresses in commercial sugarcane hybrid when compared to E. arundinaceus. E. arundinaceus maintained better net photosynthetic rate compared to commercial sugarcane hybrid. The phylogenetic analysis of glyoxalase proteins showed its close evolutionary relationship with Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays. Glyoxalase I and II were predicted to possess 9 and 7 isoforms respectively whereas, Glyoxalase III couldn't be identified as it comes under uncharacterized protein identified in recent past. Chromosomal mapping is also carried out for glyoxalase pathway genes and its isoforms. Docking studies revealed the binding affinities of glyoxalase proteins in both E. arundinaceus and commercial sugarcane hybrid with their substrate molecules.

CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes the role of Glyoxalase pathway genes in stress defensive mechanism which route to benefit in progressive plant adaptations and serves as potential candidates for development of salt and drought tolerant crops.

Manoj|Vadakkancherry Mohanan|VM|
Anunanthini|Pushpanathan|P|
Swathik|Peter Clarancia|PC|
Dharshini|Selvarajan|S|
Ashwin Narayan|Jayanarayanan|J|
Manickavasagam|Markandan|M|
Sathishkumar|Ramalingam|R|
Suresha|Giriyapura Shivalingamurthy|GS|
Hemaprabha|Govind|G|
Ram|Bakshi|B|
Appunu|Chinnaswamy|C|

Glyoxalase Sugarcane Salinity Drought Methylglyoxal


Nanoparticles Containing a Combination of a Drug and an Antibody for the Treatment of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases.

Abstract: In women with human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, the improved control of systemic disease with new therapies has unmasked brain metastases that historically would have remained clinically silent. The efficacy of therapeutic agents against brain metastases is limited by their inability to permeate the blood-brain and blood-tumor barriers (BBB and BTB) in therapeutic amounts. Here, we investigate the potential of mucic acid-based, targeted nanoparticles designed to transcytose the BBB/BTB to deliver a small molecule drug, camptothecin (CPT), and therapeutic antibody, Herceptin, to brain metastases in mice. Treatment with BBB-targeted combination CPT/Herceptin nanoparticles significantly inhibits tumor growth compared to free CPT/Herceptin and BBB-targeted nanoparticles carrying CPT alone. Though not as efficacious, BBB-targeted nanoparticles carrying only Herceptin also elicit considerable antitumor activity. These results demonstrate the potential of the targeted nanoparticle system for the delivery of an antibody alone or in combination with other drugs across the BBB/BTB to improve the therapeutic outcome.

D023041:Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

camptothecin
Herceptin
blood−brain barrier
polymeric nanoparticle
systemic delivery


Anammox biofilm in activated sludge swine wastewater treatment plants.

Abstract: We investigated anammox with a focus on biofilm in 10 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that use activated sludge treatment of swine wastewater. In three plants, we found red biofilms in aeration tanks or final sedimentation tanks. The biofilm had higher anammox 16S rRNA gene copy numbers (up to 1.35 × 1012 copies/g-VSS) and higher anammox activity (up to 295 μmoL/g-ignition loss/h) than suspended solids in the same tank. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that Planctomycetes accounted for up to 17.7% of total reads in the biofilm. Most of them were related to Candidatus Brocadia or Ca. Jettenia. The highest copy number and the highest proportion of Planctomycetes were comparable to those of enriched anammox sludge. Thus, swine WWTPs that use activated sludge treatment can fortuitously acquire anammox biofilm. Thus, concentrated anammox can be detected by focusing on red biofilm.

Suto|Ryu|R| Ishimoto|Chikako|C| Chikyu|Mikio|M| Aihara|Yoshito|Y| Matsumoto|Toshimi|T| Uenishi|Hirohide|H| Yasuda|Tomoko|T| Fukumoto|Yasuyuki|Y| Waki|Miyoko|M|

Anammox
Biofilm
Activated sludge
Swine wastewater


Photoprotection awareness and practices among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its association with disease activity and severity.

Abstract: Objective The objective of this paper is to determine photoprotection awareness, knowledge, practices, and its relationship with disease activity and damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods A cross-sectional study was performed. Data were acquired from in-person interviews and medical records. Results A total of 199 (89.6%) females and 23 (10.4%) males were recruited. Median age was 39.00 (interquartile range (IQR) 18) years, disease duration 12.12 (IQR 8) years, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III 119 (53.6%) and IV 81 (36.5%). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2 K) was 2.95 (IQR 4) while Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC-ACR DI) was 1.20 (IQR 2). The majority 205 (92.3%) were aware of sun exposure effects on SLE. Photoprotection methods were shade seeking 209 (94.1%), sun avoidance 212 (95.5%), long pants 168 (75.7%), long sleeves 155 (69.8%), sunscreen 116 (52.3%), sunglasses 114 (51.4%) and head cover 103 (46.4%). Significantly higher photoprotection practice scores (PPS) were observed in females, Malays, and individuals with higher education level and internet accessibility. PPS were not significantly correlated with SLICC-ACR DI and SLEDAI-2 K. Independent predictors for good photoprotection practice (GPP) were ethnicity (OR = 3.66, 95% CI 1.78-7.53), awareness (OR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.09-13.08) and cutaneous involvement (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.11-5.28). Photoprotection methods and GPP were not predictors for disease activity or damage. Conclusion Photoprotection awareness and knowledge was good. Shade seeking and sun avoidance were the common photoprotection methods practised. The use of sunscreen requires improvement. Photoprotection awareness and cutaneous manifestation were predictors for GPP. Neither photoprotection methods nor GPP were associated with disease activity or damage.

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Photoprotection
systemic lupus erythematosus
cutaneous lupus erythematosus
photosensitivity


Seizure characteristics, treatment, and outcome in autoimmune synaptic encephalitis: A long-term study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to report seizure characteristics, long-term outcome, and potential factors associated with persistent seizures in patients with autoimmune synaptic encephalitis (ASE).

METHOD
Clinical data and courses of 52 patients with ASE who presented with seizures at the Department of Neurology of the First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2015 to August 2017 were reviewed. Seizure outcomes were assessed with a median follow-up duration of 30 months (8-40 months).

RESULTS
Most patients (71.2%) presented with seizure at initial consultation; focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (50.0%) were the most common type. The temporal lobe (73.5%) was the prominent region of seizure origin, which was incident with hippocampal lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 62.1% of the patients. Status epilepticus, subclinical seizures, and nonepileptic events were observed in 28.9%, 36.8%, and 28.9% of the patients, respectively. Twenty-seven out of the 43 followed-up patients (62.8%) exhibited seizure remission after initial immunotherapy. Others (37.2%) developed persistent seizures to different extents. Six out of 9 patients experienced additional seizure freedom because of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs); however, the seizures of the other three patients, with serious conditions, showed poor response. Patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibodies had a lower risk of developing persistent seizures than those with anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) or anti-γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type B receptor (GABABR) antibodies (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
A complex of clinical and subclinical seizures, and nonepileptic events characterize ASE. Patients with anti-LGI1 or anti-GABABR antibodies have a higher risk of developing persistent seizures; AEDs are suitable for achieving additional seizure freedom, but not for patients with serious conditions. A few patients present with super-refractory epilepsy despite multiple treatments.

Zhang|Wuqiong|W| Wang|Xue|X| Shao|Na|N| Ma|Rui|R| Meng|Hongmei|H|

D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins

Treatment
Outcome
Autoimmune synaptic encephalitis
Epilepsy


Maternal MUAC and fetal outcome in an Indian tertiary care hospital: A prospective observational study.

Abstract: Studies to date demonstrated the relatedness of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement of pregnant women to their anthropometry/weight. Hence, the objective was to determine whether maternal MUAC at different gestational age predicted birthweight, and if so, to identify which cut-offs provided the best prediction of low birthweight (LBW) in pregnant women cohort. A total of 928 pregnant women, free of any obstetrical and medical complications known to affect fetal growth, were followed from 20 to 24 weeks' gestation till delivery. Weight, height, and MUAC were determined for the pregnant women, and gestational age along with newborns anthropometry was collected. The mean birthweight was 2.6 ± 0.460 kg. Maternal age, height, weight, MUAC (three time points), gestational age at delivery, and post-natal weight showed positive correlation with birthweight, crown heel length, and head circumference of the neonates. The cut-off limit with the best sensitivity-specificity (54.0 and 59.8, respectively) for MUAC was 23 cm, whereas maternal weight of 55 kg had sensitivity and specificity of 62.5 and 59.9 for predicting LBW. Maternal weight of 55 kg and MUAC value of 23 cm had almost similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting LBW. MUAC (≤23 cm) can be considered as a potential indicator of LBW where weighing of pregnant women is not feasible or when presentation for antenatal care is late, especially where pre-pregnancy weights are not available.

MUAC
Fetal outcome
Low birthweight
Birth Weight
Gestational weight gain
Pregnancy


Pharmacists' knowledge and interest in developing counseling skills relating to oral contraceptives.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Possessing correct therapeutic information on oral contraceptives is an important prerequisite for the provision of sound advice to women who are using these products.

OBJECTIVES
This study examines Egyptian pharmacists' knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic aspects of oral contraceptives as well as interest in developing skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptive pills.

SETTING
Community pharmacies throughout Alexandria, Egypt.

METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was self-administered by a random sample of community pharmacists in Alexandria, Egypt. Five multiple choice questions likely to arise when counseling women on oral contraceptives were constructed. Questions covered compatibility with breastfeeding, precautions, health risks and managing missed pills of oral contraceptives. Using ordered logistic regression, a model was estimated to predict pharmacists' interest in developing skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptives.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Pharmacists' aggregate scores for knowledge questions and pharmacists' interest in developing skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptive pills.

RESULTS
Of the 181 approached pharmacists, 92 % participated. Twenty one pharmacists (13 %) did not know the correct answer to any question, 122 (73 %) answered one-two correctly, 23 (14 %) answered three-four correctly. No pharmacist answered all five questions correctly. For pharmacists' interest in developing skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptives, the percentage values for answers were: not interested at all (10.2 %), slightly interested (27.0 %), somewhat interested (23.4 %), interested (30.0 %) and extremely interested (9.6 %). Pharmacists' interest in developing skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptives was significantly associated with the number of women who requested advice from the pharmacists on oral contraceptives (OR 1.54, CI 1.24-1.91). In terms of the learning method of preference, percentage values for answers were: attending a workshop (4 %), online course (18 %), publications distributed to pharmacy (44 %), other methods (1 %) and more than one method (23 %). Ten percent were not interested in developing their skills on oral contraceptives.

CONCLUSION
This study identifies considerable gaps among community pharmacists' knowledge of oral contraceptives. It also shows variation in willingness and choice of learning strategies among pharmacists to develop their skills in providing counseling on oral contraceptives.

Pharmacist
Oral contraceptives
Contraception
Pharmacy
Egypt
Continuing education
Family planning


Peristomal pagetoid spread of urothelial carcinoma of the ureter.

Abstract: Patients with ostomy including urinary stoma often develop peristomal complications, especially skin damage. The patient in this case was a 69-year old female with a history of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and left ureter who underwent transurethral resection of a bladder tumor, nephroureterectomy and cystectomy combined with ureterocutaneostomy. Later, she had recurrence of urothelial carcinoma in the remaining ureter that spread to the peristomal epidermis, with a skin appearance resembling Paget's disease. We report this case based on its clinical significance since we believe it is the first description of this condition in the literature.

Ito|Fumio|F| Kihara|Ken|K| Shiomi|Koh|K| Ishizaki|Sumiko|S| Tanaka|Masaru|M| Aiba|Motohiko|M| Fujibayashi|Mariko|M| Nakazawa|Hayakazu|H|

urothelial carcinoma
peristomal complication
secondary Paget’s disease


Carbonyl-Based π-Conjugated Materials: From Synthesis to Applications in Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Abstract: The constant growth in the global energy demand together with the increasing awareness of clean and sustainable development has strongly pushed scientists to search for metal-free, low-cost, environmentally friendly functional energy-storage systems (ESSs). Among the reported organic electrode materials, carbonyl-based π-conjugated compounds show excellent rate capabilities and cycling stabilities and are powerful candidates for the next generation of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Benefiting from the molecular structure versatility and design feasibility, the electrochemical properties of organic and polymeric materials can be easily tuned. This Review summarizes recent efforts in the search for carbonyl-based π-conjugated electrode materials in LIBs with a focus on the synthetic strategies developed to improve their electrochemical performance. The use of these materials in flexible, all-organic LIBs is highlighted as a unique direction towards widespread applications of LIBs.

π-conjugated materials
electrode materials
carbonyl compounds
electrochemistry
organic lithium-ion batteries


On the Use of a Rotatable ECT Sensor to Investigate Dense Phase Flow: A Feasibility Study.

Abstract: This paper presents the feasibility study of dynamic flow measurements using the concept of a rotatable electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) sensor. The experiment considered horizontal flow in a pneumatic conveying flow loop in the case of dense phase flow. Slugs and settled layers were imaged and a comparison was made between no rotation or rotation of the sensor for two image reconstruction schemas: linear back projection (LBP) and non-linear iterative back projection. Data were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively by estimating the solids concentration level for different hue levels.

sensor
electrical capacitance tomography
pneumatic conveying
image reconstruction


Clinical Application of Findings From Longitudinal Studies of Younger-Onset Dementia: Rapid Review and Recommendations.

Abstract: Younger-onset dementia (YOD) presents with heterogeneous symptoms, has a variety of etiologies, and can be difficult to diagnose. The authors conducted a rapid review of longitudinal YOD cohorts and their related substudies to evaluate current literature that may inform the clinical information provided to patients about the progression and duration of illness and to highlight areas for future research. Searches were conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for articles published between January 1966 and June 2018. Four longitudinal YOD cohort studies and their related substudies were identified. Alzheimer's disease (AD) was reported as the most frequently occurring YOD. The age at onset reported for two cohorts ranged from 53.8 to 60.2 years, depending on the dementia type. Three cohorts yielded substudies that focused on other aspects of YOD, including caregiver outcomes, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and psychotropic drug use. There were conflicting data regarding whether AD or frontotemporal dementia had the greatest rate of cognitive decline. The authors identified a restricted amount of clinical information that may be useful for patients and their families. Limitations included relatively short follow-up periods and types of dementia included. There was also a lack of information on longitudinal changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms and their relationship to biomarkers. These aspects are important considerations for future research, because they may yield information relevant to early diagnosis and disease progression, with improved clinical care for patients with YOD and their families. Streamlining data collection may also improve the ability to generalize results.

Loi|Samantha M|SM|
Goh|Anita M Y|AMY|
Walterfang|Mark|M|
Velakoulis|Dennis|D|

Longitudinal
Younger-Onset Dementia
Caregivers
Early-Onset Dementia


A replication and extension of the antisymmetry effect in pigeons.

Abstract: Pigeons trained on successive AB symbolic matching show emergent BA antisymmetry if they are also trained on successive AA oddity and BB identity (Urcuioli, 2008, Experiment 4). In other words, when tested on BA probe trials following training, they respond more to the comparisons on the reverse of the nonreinforced AB baseline trials than on the reverse of the reinforced AB baseline trials (the opposite of an associative symmetry pattern). The present experiment replicated this finding. In addition, it showed that antisymmetry also emerged after baseline training on successive AB symbolic matching, AA identity, and BB oddity, consistent with the prediction from Urcuioli's (2008) theory of pigeons' stimulus-class formation. Together, these results provide further empirical support for that theory including the proposition that the functional stimuli in pigeons' successive matching consist of the nominal stimuli plus their ordinal positions within a trial.

D000704:Analysis of Variance
D000818:Animals
D001245:Association Learning
D010856:Columbidae
D003214:Conditioning, Classical
D004193:Discrimination Learning
D010364:Pattern Recognition, Visual
D011582:Psychological Theory
D011897:Random Allocation
D021641:Recognition, Psychology
D014163:Transfer, Psychology

antisymmetry
pigeons
successive matching
emergent relations
key peck
stimulus classes


Differences in surgical outcomes for patients with craniosynostosis in the US: impact of socioeconomic variables and race.

Abstract: OBJECT Craniosynostosis is often treated with neurosurgical intervention. The aim of this study was to report and analyze the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of patients with craniosynostosis and to present current national trends. METHODS Using the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009, the authors identified patients with craniosynostosis using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes and their associated procedure codes. Clinical features, demographics, inpatient procedures, outcomes, and charges were collected and analyzed. RESULTS Of the 3415 patients identified, 65.8% were White, 21.4% were Hispanic, and 3.2% were Black. More than 96% were treated at urban teaching hospitals and 54.2% in southern or western regions. White patients were younger (mean 6.1 months) as compared with Blacks (mean 10.9 months) and Hispanics (mean 9.1 months; p < 0.0001) at the time of surgery. A higher fraction of Whites had private insurance (70.3%) compared with nonwhites (34.0%-41.6%; p < 0.001). Approximately 12.2% were nonelective admissions, more so among Blacks (16.9%). Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was 3.5 days with no significant differences among races. Following surgical treatment, 12.1% of patients developed complications, most commonly pulmonary/respiratory (4.8%), wound infection (4.4%), and hydrocephalus (1.4%). The mean overall hospital charges were significantly lower for Whites than nonwhites ($34,527 vs $44,890-$48,543, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this national study suggest a higher prevalence of craniosynostosis in Hispanics. The higher predisposition among males was less evident in Hispanics and Blacks. There was a significant percentage of nonelective admissions, more commonly among Blacks. Additionally, Hispanics and Blacks were more likely to receive surgery at an older age, past the current recommendation of the optimum age for surgical intervention. These findings are likely associated with a lack of early detection. Although mean LOS and rate of complications did not significantly differ among different races, nonwhites had, on average, higher hospital charges of $10,000-$14,000. This discrepancy may be due to differences in type of insurance, craniosynostosis type, rates of comorbidities, and delay in treatment. Although there are several limitations to this analysis, the study reports on relevant disparities regarding a costly neurosurgical intervention, and ways to diminish these disparities should be further explored.

Shweikeh|Faris|F|
Foulad|David|D|
Nuño|Miriam|M|
Drazin|Doniel|D|
Adamo|Matthew A|MA|

ICD-9-CM = International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification


Risk factor profile of calcific aortic stenosis.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Calcific aortic stenosis and coronary artery disease share common risk factors. In some of the previous studies statins have been used to retard the progression of aortic stenosis, but the results were inconsistent.

METHODS
One hundred and ten patients of CAS above the age of 40 years have undergone clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic evaluation. Coronary angiograms were done in 66% of them.

RESULTS
Male to female ratio was 2:1. Patients of CAS with CAD showed higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and family history of CAD. Prevalence of obesity and bicuspid aortic valve by echocardiogram was high in those without CAD.

CONCLUSIONS
On comparison of prevalence of risk factor in those with and without associated CAD, there was higher prevalence of diabetes (65% vs 30%), hypertension (52% vs 43%), dyslipidemia (69% vs 52%), smoking (24% vs 18%) and family history of CAD (34% vs 16%) in those with associated CAD. The incidence of obesity was higher in those without CAD (20% vs 30%). The difference observed in diabetes alone was found to be statistically significant.

Sathyamurthy|I|I|
Alex|Shaji|S|
Kirubakaran|K|K|
Sengottuvelu|G|G|
Srinivasan|K N|KN|

Coronary artery disease
Atherosclerosis
Degenerative aortic stenosis


The Effect of the New Lupeol Derivatives on Human Skin Cells as Potential Agents in the Treatment of Wound Healing.

Abstract: Skin barrier damage can be the result of various external factors including heat, radiation, chemicals and many others. Any interruption of the skin barrier integrity causes the exposure of the organism to harmful environmental factors. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics characterized by high bioavailability and effectiveness in skin damage recovery. Birch bark is known as a clinically proven, traditional medicinal remedy to accelerate wound healing. Lupeol, one of the main birch bark ingredients, shows a wide range of biological activity beneficial to the skin. The purpose of the research was to determine the influence of new lupeol derivatives on keratinocyte and fibroblast migration and proliferation, as well as to investigate various mechanisms of their antioxidant activity. The chemical modification of lupeol structure was intended to obtain more effective therapeutics characterized by higher bioavailability, permeability and safety of use. The novel triterpenes presented in this study were evaluated as the potential active ingredients preventing skin tissue degradation. Lupeol esters influence skin cells' motility and proliferation. Importantly, they are able to reduce reactive oxygen species and act indirectly by protecting the skin protein structure from being oxidized by free radicals.

skin damage recovery
keratinocytes
fibroblasts
migration
proliferation
lupeol esters
antioxidant mechanisms
novel molecules
scratch assay
toxicity


The effect of soot on ammonium nitrate species and NO2 selective catalytic reduction over Cu-zeolite catalyst-coated particulate filter.

Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-coated particulate filter was evaluated by means of dynamic tests performed using NH3, NO2, O2 and H2O. The reactions were examined both prior to and after soot removal in order to study the effect of soot on ammonium nitrate formation and decomposition, ammonia storage and NO2 SCR. A slightly larger ammonia storage capacity was observed when soot was present in the sample, which indicated that small amounts of ammonia can adsorb on the soot. Feeding of NO2 and NH3 in the presence of O2 and H2O at low temperature (150, 175 and 200°C) leads to a large formation of ammonium nitrate species and during the subsequent temperature ramp using H2O and argon, a production of nitrous oxides was observed. The N2O formation is often related to ammonium nitrate decomposition, and our results showed that the N2O formation was clearly decreased by the presence of soot. We therefore propose that in the presence of soot, there are fewer ammonium nitrate species on the surface due to the interactions with the soot. Indeed, we do observe CO2 production during the reaction conditions also at 150°C, which shows that there is a reaction with these species and soot. In addition, the conversion of NOx due to NO2 SCR was significantly enhanced in the presence of soot; we attribute this to the smaller amount of ammonium nitrate species present in the experiments where soot is available since it is well known that ammonium nitrate formation is a major problem at low temperature due to the blocking of the catalytic sites. Further, a scanning electron microscopy analysis of the soot particles shows that they are about 30-40 nm and are therefore too large to enter the pores of the zeolites. There are likely CuxOy or other copper species available on the outside of the zeolite crystallites, which could have been enhanced due to the hydrothermal treatment at 850°C of the SCR-coated filter prior to the soot loading. We therefore propose that soot is interacting with the ammonium nitrate species on the CuxOy or other copper species on the surface of the zeolite particles, which reduces the ammonium nitrate blocking of the catalyst and thereby results in higher NO2 SCR activity.

Mihai|Oana|O| Tamm|Stefanie|S| Stenfeldt|Marie|M| Olsson|Louise|L|

selective catalytic reduction-coated particulate filter


Modeling Controlled Photodegradation in Optically Thick Hydrogels.

Abstract: There is a growing interest in developing dynamically responsive hydrogels whose material properties are modulated by environmental cues, including with light. These photoresponsive hydrogels afford spatiotemporal control of material properties through an array of photoaddition and photodegradation reactions. For photoresponsive hydrogels to be utilized most effectively in a broad range of applications, the photoreaction behavior should be well understood, enabling the design of dynamic materials with uniform or anisostropic material properties. Here, a general statistical-kinetic model has been developed to describe controlled photodegradation in hydrogel polymer networks containing photolabile crosslinks. The heterogeneous reaction rates that necessarily accompany photochemical reactions were described by solving a system of partial differential equations that quantify the photoreaction kinetics in the material. The kinetics were coupled with statistical descriptions of network structure in chain polymerized hydrogels to model material property changes and mass loss that occur during the photodegradation process. Finally, the physical relevance of the model was demonstrated by comparing model predictions with experimental data of mass loss and material property changes in photodegradable, PEG-based hydrogels.

Tibbitt|Mark W|MW|
Kloxin|April M|AM|
Anseth|Kristi S|KS|

modeling
photodegradation
hydrogels
degradable materials
photoresponsive materials


Deprivation of direct adult contact during development affects social representation in a songbird.

Abstract: Social cognition involves a wide array of skills that are built largely through interactions with conspecifics and therefore depend upon early social experience. Motivation for social stimuli is a key feature of social behavior and an operant conditioning task showed that isolated wild-caught adult starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are highly motivated to access pictures of other starlings. Here, we show that hand-raised adult starlings maintained in groups of peers throughout development but without any contact with adult models were not or only poorly motivated to access pictures of conspecifics. Moreover, they did not prefer pictures of starlings to pictures of landscapes, unlike birds wild-caught as adults. These results raise questions about the role of social experience during development, particularly with adult models, in the development of social motivation and of social representation in general.

social representation
social cognition
operant conditioning
social motivation
adult influences
social deprivation


Rational Engineering of a Flavoprotein Oxidase for Improved Direct Oxidation of Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids.

Abstract: The oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl or carboxyl compounds represents a convenient strategy for the selective introduction of electrophilic carbon centres into carbohydrate-based starting materials. The O₂-dependent oxidation of prim-alcohols by flavin-containing alcohol oxidases often yields mixtures of aldehyde and carboxylic acid, which is due to "over-oxidation" of the aldehyde hydrate intermediate. In order to directly convert alcohols into carboxylic acids, rational engineering of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural oxidase was performed. In an attempt to improve the binding of the aldehyde hydrate in the active site to boost aldehyde-oxidase activity, two active-site residues were exchanged for hydrogen-bond-donating and -accepting amino acids. Enhanced over-oxidation was demonstrated and Michaelis-Menten kinetics were performed to corroborate these findings.

flavoprotein oxidase
alcohol oxidation
aldehyde oxidation
biocatalysis
protein design


Low Bone Mineral Density in Early Pubertal Transgender/Gender Diverse Youth: Findings From the Trans Youth Care Study.

Abstract:
Context
Transgender youth may initiate GnRH agonists (GnRHa) to suppress puberty, a critical period for bone-mass accrual. Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported in late-pubertal transgender girls before gender-affirming therapy, but little is known about BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Objective
To describe BMD in early-pubertal transgender youth.

Design
Cross-sectional analysis of the prospective, observational, longitudinal Trans Youth Care Study cohort.

Setting
Four multidisciplinary academic pediatric gender centers in the United States.

Participants
Early-pubertal transgender youth initiating GnRHa.

Main Outcome Measures
Areal and volumetric BMD Z-scores.

Results
Designated males at birth (DMAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with male reference standards, and designated females at birth (DFAB) had below-average BMD Z-scores when compared with female reference standards except at hip sites. At least 1 BMD Z-score was < -2 in 30% of DMAB and 13% of DFAB. Youth with low BMD scored lower on the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children than youth with normal BMD, 2.32 ± 0.71 vs. 2.76 ± 0.61 (P = 0.01). There were no significant deficiencies in vitamin D, but dietary calcium intake was suboptimal in all youth.

Conclusions
In early-pubertal transgender youth, BMD was lower than reference standards for sex designated at birth. This lower BMD may be explained, in part, by suboptimal calcium intake and decreased physical activity-potential targets for intervention. Our results suggest a potential need for assessment of BMD in prepubertal gender-diverse youth and continued monitoring of BMD throughout the pubertal period of gender-affirming therapy.

bone mineral density
transgender youth
DXA
bone QCT
gender-affirming medical treatment
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists


Human well-being versus ecological footprint in MENA countries: A trade-off?

Abstract: How to improve environmental quality and achieve human development remains major sustainability issues, particularly in the MENA region (the Middle East and North Africa). Most of the empirical literature fails to consider human well-being and environmental quality together although these concepts are fundamentally similar in their concern for distributive justice. This inquiry uses panel data for 13 MENA countries over the period 1990-2016 to examine the association between human development and ecological footprint and test whether trade-off nexus holds between these two sustainability-based indicators. To increase the policy relevance of this inquiry, the MENA region is divided into two sub-groups of countries: seven oil exporting countries and six non-oil exporting countries. The highlights pointed out the presence of a strong trade-off between the ecological footprint and human well-being captured by human development index for the whole sample and across the two subsamples. The crucial role played by economic institutions may help the MENA countries to mitigate the trade-offs to achieve simultaneously both targets of human well-being and environmental protection. Our empirical insights have important implications for achieving human development sustainability through the pursuit of the individual SDG targets.

D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources

Human well-being
Ecological footprint
MENA countries
Trade-off
Human development index
Sustainable development goals


Evaluation of Temporal Virological Responses to Interferon-α-2b plus Ribavirin among Genotype 3a Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to examine the impact of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) on sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3a individuals.

METHODS
The patients were given antiviral therapy with IFN-α-2b, 3 million units 3 times a week and 800-1,200 mg of ribavirin daily adjusted to the patient's body weight (<60 kg 800 mg day-1, and >60 kg 1,200 day-1). The patients received this combination therapy for 24 weeks. The patients were evaluated for their viral load at week 4, 12, and 24 using RT-PCR.

RESULTS
Out of 1,471 patients, 43.3% showed a negative viral load in week 4, demonstrating RVR, whereas 56.6% maintained a high viral load. These were further separated based on viral reduction in their plasma: either negative for HCV-RNA at week 12 (n = 575), manifesting EVR, or showing a 2-log reduction in HCV viral load classified as partial EVR (PEVR; n = 259). The PEVR response was less (29.7%) compared with RVR (85.9%) and EVR (69.0%), although nonresponders were found in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS
Individuals incompliant with their treatment who have a higher RVR significantly influence their SVR towards a better remission that can be treated within a short duration with standard treatment.

Raza|Abida|A| Ovais|Muhammad|M| Aziz|Hafsa|H| Anwar|Asim|A| Irfan|Javaid|J| Ahmad|Irshad|I| Mukhtar|Muhammad|M|

Interferon-α-2b
Ribavirin
Sustained virological response
Antiviral therapy
Viral load
Hepatitis C virus


Optimizing clinical approaches to COVID-19 patients in primary care.

Abstract: There is insufficient evidence from medical studies for clinical approaches to patients with COVID-19 in primary care. Patients often urge the therapeutic use and preventive administration of various medicines, often controlled by studies insufficiently or completely unverified. The aim of the project, commissioned by the Committee of the Society of General Practice of the Czech Medical Association JEP, was to compensate for this deficiency by interdisciplinary consensus and thus provide general practitioners (GPs) with a basic support in accessing patients with COVID-19. Representatives of GPs identified the most common questionable diagnostic or therapeutic approaches and formulated 17 theses, taking into account their own experience, existing Czech and foreign professional recommendations. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, modified for the needs of pandemic situation, was chosen to seek consensus. Representatives of 7 medical specialties accepted the participation in the 20-member panel. The panel evaluated in 2 rounds, with the comments and opinions of others available to all panelists before the second round. The outcome of the evaluation was agreement on 10 theses addressing the administration of vitamin D, inhaled corticosteroids in patients with COPD and bronchial asthma, acetylsalicylic acid, indications for D-dimer levels examination, preventive administration of LMWH, importance of pulse oximetry, indication for emergency services, indication for antibiotics and rules for distant contact. The panel disagreed on 6 theses recommending the administration of ivermectin, isoprinosine, colchicine and corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 in primary care. One thesis, taking into account the use of D-dimers in primary care was evaluated as uncertain. The most discussed theses, on which there was also no agreement, were outpatient administration of corticosteroids and the importance of elevation of D-dimers levels or their dynamic increase in a symptomatic patient with COVID-19 as an indication for referral to hospital. The results of the consensus identified topics that need to be further discussed and on which it is appropriate to focus further research.

Seifert|Bohumil|B| Balík|Martin|M| Bártů|Václava|V| Bezdíčková|Ludmila|L| Černý|Vladimír|V| Čierná-Peterová|Ivana|I| Čupka|Jozef|J| Dlouhý|Pavel|P| Halata|David|D| Karen|Igor|I| Kessler|Petr|P| Koblížek|Vladimír|V| Král|Norbert|N| Kvasnička|Tomáš|T| Kvasnička|Jan|J| Mucha|Cyril|C| Penka|Miroslav|M| Svačina|Štěpán|Š| Šeblová|Jana|J| Špaček|Martin|M| Trojánek|Milan|M|

COVID-19
general practitioner
recommendations
allocation
ethics
law
scarce resources
triage


Structural Redundancy in Supracellular Actomyosin Networks Enables Robust Tissue Folding.

Abstract: Tissue morphogenesis is strikingly robust. Yet, how tissues are sculpted under challenging conditions is unknown. Here, we combined network analysis, experimental perturbations, and computational modeling to determine how network connectivity between hundreds of contractile cells on the ventral side of the Drosophila embryo ensures robust tissue folding. We identified two network properties that mechanically promote robustness. First, redundant supracellular cytoskeletal network paths ensure global connectivity, even with network degradation. By forming many more connections than are required, morphogenesis is not disrupted by local network damage, analogous to the way redundancy guarantees the large-scale function of vasculature and transportation networks. Second, directional stiffening of edges oriented orthogonal to the folding axis promotes furrow formation at lower contractility levels. Structural redundancy and directional network stiffening ensure robust tissue folding with proper orientation.

Yevick|Hannah G|HG|
Miller|Pearson W|PW|
Dunkel|Jörn|J|
Martin|Adam C|AC|

redundancy
network
robustness
Drosophila
collective
epithelia
gastrulation
myosin
ventral furrow


The gender context of pain.

Abstract: Pain is a major source of global suffering, with women bearing the greatest burden. Alongside biology, psychological and social factors, including gender, help explain these differences. However, there has been no direct attempt to develop a unified social psychological model of men and women's pain. By drawing on approaches to both gender and pain, a gender context model of pain is presented. It proposes that pain is partly influenced by the gender context in which it occurs, which operates at both individual and interpersonal levels. The model is used to structure an appraisal of the existing evidence around gender and pain, and explore whether the model helps explain why such variation occurs. It is argued that despite evidence for an association between gender and pain, there are empirical gaps that need to be addressed. Implications and directions for future investigations into sex, gender and pain are considered.

gender
Pain
sex
femininity
masculinity
social context


Low-velocity, civilian firearm extremity injuries-review and update for radiologists.

Abstract: Firearm injuries are a preventable epidemic in the USA. Extremities are commonly affected in gunshot injuries. Such injuries may be complex with concomitant osseous, soft tissue, and neurovascular components. The maximum wounding potential of a projectile is determined by its kinetic energy and the proportion of the kinetic energy that is transmitted to the target. Accurate assessment of ballistic injuries is dependent on utilizing the principles of wound ballistics, accurate bullet count, and ballistic trajectory analysis. The goals of this article are to review wound ballistics and the imaging evaluation of extremity civilian firearm injuries in the adult population, with emphasis on ballistic trajectory analysis, specific ballistic fracture patterns, and diffuse, secondary soft tissue ballistic injuries.

Kani|Kimia Khalatbari|KK|
Porrino|Jack A|JA|
Chew|Felix S|FS|

Firearm injuries
Gunshot injuries
Ballistics
Wound ballistics
Ballistic fracture
Plumbism
Retained bullet


Self-views in social anxiety disorder: The impact of CBT versus MBSR.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) versus Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) versus Waitlist (WL) on self-views in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). One hundred eight unmedicated patients with SAD were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of CBGT, MBSR, or WL, and completed a self-referential encoding task (SRET) that assessed self-endorsement of positive and negative self-views pre- and post-treatment. At baseline, 40 healthy controls (HCs) also completed the SRET. At baseline, patients with SAD endorsed greater negative and lesser positive self-views than HCs. Compared to baseline, patients in both CBGT and MBSR decreased negative self-views and increased positive self-views. Improvement in self-views, specifically increases in positive (but not decreases in negative) self-views, predicted CBGT- and MBSR-related decreases in social anxiety symptoms. Enhancement of positive self-views may be a shared therapeutic process for both CBGT and MBSR for SAD.

Thurston|Matthew D|MD|
Goldin|Philippe|P|
Heimberg|Richard|R|
Gross|James J|JJ|

D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D006801:Humans
D064866:Mindfulness
D008960:Models, Psychological
D000072861:Phobia, Social
D011615:Psychotherapy, Group
D012649:Self Concept
D013315:Stress, Psychological
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Self-view
Social anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Meditation
Mindfulness


The Impact of Socio-Economic Determinants on the Vaccination Rates with Rotavirus and Human Papiloma Virus Vaccine.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Socio-economic inequalities may have an impact on the uptake of selfpaid vaccines. The aim of the study was to identify the effect of some socio economic determinants on vaccination rates with self-paid human papilloma virus (HPV) and rotavirus (RV) vaccines.

METHODS
Vaccination coverage data, available in electronic database cepljenje.net (administered by the National Institute of Public Health), were collected at administrative unit level. The socio-economic determinants (the average gross pay in euros, the unemployment rate, the educational and households structure, the population density, the number of inhabitants, the number of children aged from 0 to 4, the number of women aged from 15 to 30) were extracted from Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia web page. The strength of the correlation between socioeconomic variables and self-paid HPV and RV vaccination rates was determined.

RESULTS
Rotavirus vaccination rates show a slight negative correlation with the number of residents per administrative unit (ρ=-0.29, p=0.04), and no correlation with other socio-economic variables. Likewise, no correlation has been found between HPV vaccination rates and the selected socio-economic variables.

CONCLUSION
Ecological study did not reveal any correlations between socio economic variables and vaccination rates with RV and HPV self-paid vaccines on administrative unit level.

socio-economic determinants
vaccination rates
rotavirus
human papilloma virus


A nonsynonymous mutation in PLCG2 reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia, and increases the likelihood of longevity.

Abstract: The genetic variant rs72824905-G (minor allele) in the PLCG2 gene was previously associated with a reduced Alzheimer's disease risk (AD). The role of PLCG2 in immune system signaling suggests it may also protect against other neurodegenerative diseases and possibly associates with longevity. We studied the effect of the rs72824905-G on seven neurodegenerative diseases and longevity, using 53,627 patients, 3,516 long-lived individuals and 149,290 study-matched controls. We replicated the association of rs72824905-G with reduced AD risk and we found an association with reduced risk of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We did not find evidence for an effect on Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) risks, despite adequate sample sizes. Conversely, the rs72824905-G allele was associated with increased likelihood of longevity. By-proxy analyses in the UK Biobank supported the associations with both dementia and longevity. Concluding, rs72824905-G has a protective effect against multiple neurodegenerative diseases indicating shared aspects of disease etiology. Our findings merit studying the PLCγ2 pathway as drug-target.

van der Lee|Sven J|SJ|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1606-8643

D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease

PLCG2
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Frontotemporal dementia
Longevity
Neurodegenerative disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer’s disease
Parkinson’s disease
Phospholipase C Gamma 2
Progressive supranuclear palsy


Evaluating the Impact of Information System Quality on Continuance Intention Toward Cloud Financial Information System.

Abstract: Cloud financial accounting informatization is a product of the combination of accounting work and information technology, a current demand for financial information management in the new era, and a necessary means for enterprises to enhance their core competitiveness. Therefore, this study is based on DeLone and McLean's information system success model, and through theoretical interpretation and derivation, we integrate satisfaction and trust in relationship quality to measure the impact of users' intention to continue using the cloud financial accounting system. A sample of 289 faculty and finance staff with experience in using cloud financial accounting systems was used to test the hypotheses using Partial Least Squares (PLS). The results of the study showed that (1) user participation had a significant positive impact on satisfaction with the system quality, information quality, and service quality of the cloud financial accounting system; (2) the system quality and service quality of the cloud financial accounting system had a significant positive effect on user trust; and (3) the quality of the cloud financial accounting system had a mediating effect on intention to continue using the system through satisfaction and trust. Since there is a lack of research on the antecedents and outcomes of user linkage to cloud financial accounting systems in the literature, especially the empirical results on the mediation relationship from the perspective of relationship quality. Therefore, this study can fill above mentioned research gap and provide specific recommendations for sustainable management practice.

system quality
cloud financial information system
relationship quality
partial least squares
information quality
service quality


Trachea Engineering Using a Centrifugation Method and Mouse-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Abstract: The outcomes of tracheal transplantation for the treatment of airway stenosis are unsatisfactory. We investigated the feasibility of regeneration of the trachea using a rat decellularized tracheal scaffold and mouse-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for in vivo transplantation. The rat trachea was first decellularized using a detergent/enzymatic treatment method. We successfully established a centrifugation method that can transplant cells onto the luminal surface of the decellularized rat tracheal scaffold circumferentially. Two types of mouse iPS cells were differentiated into definitive endoderm cells and transplanted onto the luminal surface of the decellularized tracheal matrix scaffold using this centrifugation method. For in vivo study, normal rat tracheas, no-cell rat tracheal scaffolds, or rat tracheal scaffolds recellularized with rat tracheal epithelial cells (EGV-4T) were orthotopically transplanted on F344 rats, and rat tracheal scaffolds recellularized with mouse iPS cells were transplanted on F344/NJc1-rnu/rnu rats. Rats transplanted with no-cell scaffolds or scaffolds recellularized with EGV-4T survived for 1 month, although airway stenosis was observed. One of the F344/NJc1-rnu/rnu rats transplanted with rat trachea regenerated using mouse iPS cells survived over 5 weeks. Histological analysis indicated the cause of death was airway stenosis due to colonic cellular proliferation of undifferentiated iPS cells. Re-epithelialization with numerous ciliated epithelial cells was observed in one of the rats transplanted with trachea bioengineered using iPS cells. In this study, we present a simple and efficient tracheal tissue engineering model using a centrifugation method in a small-animal model. Tissue-engineered trachea using decellularized tracheal scaffolds and iPS cells is potentially applicable for tracheal transplantation.

Zhou|Qiliang|Q| Ye|Xulu|X| Ran|Qingsong|Q| Kitahara|Akihiko|A| Matsumoto|Yoshifumi|Y| Moriyama|Masato|M| Ajioka|Yoichi|Y| Saijo|Yasuo|Y|

trachea engineering
centrifugation method
decellularized tracheal scaffold
mouse iPS cells


Heterozygous Mutation of Vegfr3 Reduces Renal Lymphatics without Renal Dysfunction.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Lymphatic abnormalities are observed in several types of kidney disease, but the relationship between the renal lymphatic system and renal function is unclear. The discovery of lymphatic-specific proteins, advances in microscopy, and available genetic mouse models provide the tools to help elucidate the role of renal lymphatics in physiology and disease.

METHODS
We utilized a mouse model containing a missense mutation in Vegfr3 (dubbed Chy) that abrogates its kinase ability. Vegfr3 mice were examined for developmental abnormalities and kidney-specific outcomes. Control and Vegfr3 mice were subjected to cisplatin-mediated injury. We characterized renal lymphatics using tissue-clearing, light-sheet microscopy, and computational analyses.

RESULTS
In the kidney, VEGFR3 is expressed not only in lymphatic vessels but also, in various blood capillaries. Vegfr3 mice had severely reduced renal lymphatics with 100% penetrance, but we found no abnormalities in BP, serum creatinine, BUN, albuminuria, and histology. There was no difference in the degree of renal injury after low-dose cisplatin (5 mg/kg), although Vegfr3 mice developed perivascular inflammation. Cisplatin-treated controls had no difference in total cortical lymphatic volume and length but showed increased lymphatic density due to decreased cortical volume.

CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that VEGFR3 is required for development of renal lymphatics. Our studies reveal that reduced lymphatic density does not impair renal function at baseline and induces only modest histologic changes after mild injury. We introduce a novel quantification method to evaluate renal lymphatics in 3D and demonstrate that accurate measurement of lymphatic density in CKD requires assessment of changes to cortical volume.

Vegfr3
lymphatics
kidney
light-sheet microscopy
kidney development
lymphangiogenesis


Modified bladder outlet obstruction index for powerful efficacy prediction of transurethral resection of prostate with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The correlation between modified bladder outlet obstruction index (MBOOI) and surgical efficacy still remains unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical value of the MBOOI and its use in predicting surgical efficacy in men receiving transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

METHODS
A total of 403 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) were included in this study. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) index, transrectal ultrasonography, and pressure flow study were conducted for all patients. The bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI) (PdetQmax-2Qmax) and MBOOI (Pves-2Qmax) were calculated. All patients underwent TURP, and surgical efficacy was accessed by the improvements in IPSS, QoL, and Qmax 6 months after surgery. The association between surgical efficacy and baseline factors was statistically analyzed.

RESULTS
A comparison of effective and ineffective groups based on the overall efficacy showed that significant differences were observed in PSA, Pves, PdetQmax, Pabd, BOOI, MBOOI, TZV, TZI, IPSS-t, IPSS-v, IPSS-s, Qmax, and PVR at baseline (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis suggested that MBOOI was the only baseline parameter correlated with the improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and the overall efficacy. Additionally, the ROC analysis further verified that MBOOI was more optimal than BOOI, TZV and TZI in predicting the surgical efficacy.

CONCLUSION
Although both MBOOI and BOOI can predict the clinical symptoms and surgical efficacy of BPH patients to a certain extent, however, compared to BOOI, MBOOI may be a more useful factor that can be used to predict the surgical efficacy of TURP. Trial registration retrospectively registered.

Liu|Hongming|H| Tian|Ye|Y| Luo|Guangheng|G| Su|Zhiyong|Z| Ban|Yong|Y| Wang|Zhen|Z| Sun|Zhaolin|Z|


Prepulse Inhibition of Auditory Cortical Responses in the Caudolateral Superior Temporal Gyrus in Macaca mulatta.

Abstract: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) refers to a decreased response to a startling stimulus when another weaker stimulus precedes it. Most PPI studies have focused on the physiological startle reflex and fewer have reported the PPI of cortical responses. We recorded local field potentials (LFPs) in four monkeys and investigated whether the PPI of auditory cortical responses (alpha, beta, and gamma oscillations and evoked potentials) can be demonstrated in the caudolateral belt of the superior temporal gyrus (STGcb). We also investigated whether the presence of a conspecific, which draws attention away from the auditory stimuli, affects the PPI of auditory cortical responses. The PPI paradigm consisted of Pulse-only and Prepulse + Pulse trials that were presented randomly while the monkey was alone (ALONE) and while another monkey was present in the same room (ACCOMP). The LFPs to the Pulse were significantly suppressed by the Prepulse thus, demonstrating PPI of cortical responses in the STGcb. The PPI-related inhibition of the N1 amplitude of the evoked responses and cortical oscillations to the Pulse were not affected by the presence of a conspecific. In contrast, gamma oscillations and the amplitude of the N1 response to Pulse-only were suppressed in the ACCOMP condition compared to the ALONE condition. These findings demonstrate PPI in the monkey STGcb and suggest that the PPI of auditory cortical responses in the monkey STGcb is a pre-attentive inhibitory process that is independent of attentional modulation.

Chen|Zuyue|Z| Parkkonen|Lauri|L| Wei|Jingkuan|J| Dong|Jin-Run|JR| Ma|Yuanye|Y| Carlson|Synnöve|S|

D000818:Animals
D001303:Auditory Cortex
D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory
D008253:Macaca mulatta
D008297:Male
D065808:Prepulse Inhibition
D013702:Temporal Lobe

Prepulse inhibition
Superior temporal gyrus
Local field potential