"Turn Around and Forget": Assessment of the Cognitive Inhibitory Effect of Working Memory Information Using the List-Before-Last Paradigm.

Abstract: This study mainly discusses whether the cognitive inhibitory effect of working memory information is affected by the nature of the signified information and the number of retrieval cues in the inhibitory information. Experiment 1 of our study examined the effect of concreteness on the information retrieval phase under different cognitive inhibition scenarios that were distinguished by the nature of the signified information and the number of retrieval cues in the inhibitory information. Experiment 2 of our study examined the effect of the number of retrieval cues in the inhibitory information on the cognitive inhibitory effect under different cognitive inhibition scenarios. The results of both experiments showed that information displaying more concrete characteristics exerted a greater the cognitive inhibitory effect during the working memory task, and a greater cognitive inhibitory effect was produced when all of inhibition retrieval information clues are provided than when none of the clues are provided in the working memory task. Based on these results, the concreteness effect on cognitive inhibition exists, and when all retrieval clues for inhibitory information are provided, the cognitive inhibitory effect might be greater.

cognitive inhibitory effect
working memory
list-before-last paradigm
the nature of the signified information
the number of retrieval cues


Biocompatibility of two model elastin-like recombinamer-based hydrogels formed through physical or chemical cross-linking for various applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Biocompatibility studies, especially innate immunity induction, in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity, and fibrosis, are often lacking for many novel biomaterials including recombinant protein-based ones, such as elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs), and has not been extensively explored in the scientific literature, in contrast to traditional biomaterials. Herein, we present the results from a set of experiments designed to elucidate the preliminary biocompatibility of 2 types of ELRs that are able to form extracellular matrix-like hydrogels through either physical or chemical cross-linking both of which are intended for different applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Initially, we present in vitro cytocompatibility results obtained upon culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells on ELR substrates, showing optimal proliferation up to 9 days. Regarding in vivo cytocompatibility, luciferase-expressing hMSCs were viable for at least 4 weeks in terms of bioluminescence emission when embedded in ELR hydrogels and injected subcutaneously into immunosuppressed mice. Furthermore, both types of ELR-based hydrogels were injected subcutaneously in immunocompetent mice and serum TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, confirming the lack of inflammatory response, as also observed upon macroscopic and histological evaluation. All these findings suggest that both types of ELRs possess broad biocompatibility, thus making them very promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine-related applications.

D061307:Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

biocompatibility
tissue engineering
regenerative medicine
elastin-like recombinamers
cytocompatibility
catalyst-free click gels
silk-elastin multiblock corecombinamers


Essentiality Is a Strong Determinant of Protein Rates of Evolution during Mutation Accumulation Experiments in Escherichia coli.

Abstract: The Neutral Theory of Molecular Evolution is considered the most powerful theory to understand the evolutionary behavior of proteins. One of the main predictions of this theory is that essential proteins should evolve slower than dispensable ones owing to increased selective constraints. Comparison of genomes of different species, however, has revealed only small differences between the rates of evolution of essential and nonessential proteins. In some analyses, these differences vanish once confounding factors are controlled for, whereas in other cases essentiality seems to have an independent, albeit small, effect. It has been argued that comparing relatively distant genomes may entail a number of limitations. For instance, many of the genes that are dispensable in controlled lab conditions may be essential in some of the conditions faced in nature. Moreover, essentiality can change during evolution, and rates of protein evolution are simultaneously shaped by a variety of factors, whose individual effects are difficult to isolate. Here, we conducted two parallel mutation accumulation experiments in Escherichia coli, during 5,500-5,750 generations, and compared the genomes at different points of the experiments. Our approach (a short-term experiment, under highly controlled conditions) enabled us to overcome many of the limitations of previous studies. We observed that essential proteins evolved substantially slower than nonessential ones during our experiments. Strikingly, rates of protein evolution were only moderately affected by expression level and protein length.

Alvarez-Ponce|David|D|
Sabater-Muñoz|Beatriz|B|
Toft|Christina|C|
Ruiz-González|Mario X|MX|
Fares|Mario A|MA|

D015964:Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial

essentiality
rates of evolution
neutral theory
dN/dS
experimental evolution


Concise Review: Bioprinting of Stem Cells for Transplantable Tissue Fabrication.

Abstract: Bioprinting is a quickly progressing technology, which holds the potential to generate replacement tissues and organs. Stem cells offer several advantages over differentiated cells for use as starting materials, including the potential for autologous tissue and differentiation into multiple cell lines. The three most commonly used stem cells are embryonic, induced pluripotent, and adult stem cells. Cells are combined with various natural and synthetic materials to form bioinks, which are used to fabricate scaffold-based or scaffold-free constructs. Computer aided design technology is combined with various bioprinting modalities including droplet-, extrusion-, or laser-based bioprinting to create tissue constructs. Each bioink and modality has its own advantages and disadvantages. Various materials and techniques are combined to maximize the benefits. Researchers have been successful in bioprinting cartilage, bone, cardiac, nervous, liver, and vascular tissues. However, a major limitation to clinical translation is building large-scale vascularized constructs. Many challenges must be overcome before this technology is used routinely in a clinical setting. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:1940-1948.

Bioprinting
Stem cells
Transplantation
Artificial organs
Tissue engineering


Forced Egg Laying Method to Establish F1 Progeny from Field Populations and Laboratory Strains of Anopheles Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand.

Abstract: Successful monitoring of physiological resistance of malaria vectors requires about 150 female mosquitoes for a single set of tests. In some situations, the sampling effort is insufficient due to the low number of field-caught mosquitoes. To address this challenge, we demonstrate the feasibility of using the forced oviposition method for producing F1 from field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes. A total of 430 and 598 gravid Anopheles females from four laboratory strains and five field populations, respectively, were tested. After blood feeding, gravid mosquitoes were individually introduced into transparent plastic vials, containing moistened cotton balls topped with a 4 cm2 piece of filter paper. The number of eggs, hatching larvae, pupation, and adult emergence were recorded daily. The mean number of eggs per female mosquito ranged from 39.3 for Anopheles cracens to 93.6 for Anopheles dirus in the laboratory strains, and from 36.3 for Anopheles harrisoni to 147.6 for Anopheles barbirostris s.l. in the field populations. A relatively high egg hatching rate was found in An. dirus (95.85%), Anopheles minimus (78.22%), and An. cracens (75.59%). Similarly, a relatively high pupation rate was found for almost all test species ranging from 66% for An. minimus to 98.7% for Anopheles maculatus, and lowest for An. harrisoni (43.9%). Highly successful adult emergence rate was observed among 85-100% of pupae that emerged in all tested mosquito populations. The in-tube forced oviposition method is a promising method for the production of sufficient F1 progeny for molecular identification, vector competence, insecticide resistance, and bioassay studies.

force
egg laying
F1 progeny
Anopheles mosquito
oviposition


Clinical and gated SPECT MPI parameters associated with super-response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
We sought to evaluate the behavior of cardiac mechanical synchrony as measured by phase SD (PSD) derived from gated MPI SPECT (gSPECT) in patients with super-response after CRT and to evaluate the clinical and imaging characteristics associated with super-response.

METHODS
158 subjects were evaluated with gSPECT before and 6 months after CRT. Patients with an improvement of LVEF > 15% and NYHA class I/II or reduction in LV end-systolic volume > 30% and NYHA class I/II were labeled as super-responders (SR).

RESULTS
34 patients were classified as super-responders (22%) and had lower PSD (32° ± 17°) at 6 months after CRT compared to responders (45° ± 24°) and non-responders 46° ± 28° (P = .02 for both comparisons). Regression analysis identified predictors independently associated with super-response to CRT: absence of previous history of CAD (odds ratio 18.7; P = .002), absence of diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 13; P = .03), and history of hypertension (odds ratio .2; P = .01).

CONCLUSION
LV dyssynchrony after CRT implantation, but not at baseline, was significantly better among super-responders compared to non-super-responders. The absence of diabetes, absence of CAD, and history of hypertension were independently associated with super-response after CRT.

Mesquita|Claudio T|CT|
Peix|Amalia|A|
de Amorim Fernandes|Fernando|F|
Giubbini|Raffaele|R|
Karthikeyan|Ganesan|G|
Massardo|Teresa|T|
Patel|Chetan|C|
Pabon|Luz M|LM|
Jimenez-Heffernan|Amelia|A|
Alexanderson|Erick|E|
Butt|Sadaf|S|
Kumar|Alka|A|
Marin|Victor|V|
Morozova|Olga|O|
Paez|Diana|D|
Garcia|Ernest V|EV|

gated SPECT
SPECT
MPI
dyssynchrony
Heart failure
cardiomyopathy


The international St-aging system as a prognostic marker in general senior population: Findings from the EPIDOS cohort study.

Abstract: The International Staging System (ISS) -calculated from serum albumin and beta-2 microglobulin (β2m)- is an established prognostic marker in multiple myeloma (MM), which has also been suggested to account for survival among general senior population. Our objective was to examine long-term survival of older women free of MM according to baseline ISS. The study included 230 community-dwelling healthy older women without known MM from the EPIDOS cohort (mean ± SD, 80.4 ± 3.4 years). Serum albumin and β2m were measured at baseline, and used to calculate the ISS a posteriori. Abnormal ISS was defined as ISS = 2 or ISS = 3, although ISS = 1 was considered normal. The vital status was sought after a mean follow-up of 17.6 ± 0.2 years (range, 16.8-18.3). Age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, use corticosteroids, number of drugs daily taken, smoking, physical activity, fall history, bone mineral density, and creatinine clearance were used as potential confounders. All participants died during the 17-year follow-up. Compared to women with normal ISS, those with abnormal ISS (n = 24) had shorter survival time (4.9 ± 4.3 versus 8.7 ± 5.2 years, P = .001) and died earlier (85.6 ± 4.8 versus 89.1 ± 5.6 years old, P = .003). Survival time after blood test correlated with both serum albumin (r = 0.16, P = .015) and β2m (r = -0.27, P < .001). Cox regression revealed that abnormal ISS was associated with mortality (adjusted HR = 3.03, P < .001). Kaplan-Meier distributions showed that participants with abnormal ISS died earlier than those with normal ISS (log-rank P < .001). In conclusion, community-dwelling older women with abnormal ISS had shorter survival time than the others, suggesting that ISS could be considered as a universal prognostic "aging system" rather than a specific MM "staging system".

Pouzoullic|Marie|M| Schott|Anne-Marie|AM| Sánchez-Rodríguez|Dolores|D| Bataille|Regis|R| Annweiler|Cedric|C| |||

Multiple myeloma international staging system


Prevalence and predictors of probable depression in prostate cancer survivors.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The early diagnosis and treatment of depression are cancer care priorities. These priorities are critical for prostate cancer survivors because men rarely seek mental health care. However, little is known about the epidemiology of depression in this patient population. The goal of this study was to describe the prevalence and predictors of probable depression in prostate cancer survivors.

METHODS
The data were from a population-based cohort of North Carolinian prostate cancer survivors who were enrolled from 2004 to 2007 in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (n = 1031) and were prospectively followed annually from 2008 to 2011 in the Health Care Access and Prostate Cancer Treatment in North Carolina study (n = 805). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate an indicator of probable depression (Short Form 12 mental composite score ≤48.9; measured at enrollment and during the annual follow-up) as a function of individual-level characteristics within the longitudinal data set.

RESULTS
The prevalence of probable depression fell from 38% in the year of the cancer diagnosis to 20% 6 to 7 years later. Risk factors for probable depression throughout the study were African American race, unemployment, low annual income, younger age, recency of cancer diagnosis, past depression, comorbidities, treatment decisional regret, and nonadherence to exercise recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS
Depression is a major challenge for prostate cancer survivors, particularly in the first 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an association between treatment decisional regret and probable depression.

Erim|Daniel O|DO|0000-0002-6604-7640
Bensen|Jeannette T|JT|
Mohler|James L|JL|
Fontham|Elizabeth T H|ETH|
Song|Lixin|L|
Farnan|Laura|L|
Delacroix|Scott E|SE|
Peters|Edward S|ES|0000-0003-4928-6532
Erim|Theodora N|TN|
Chen|Ronald C|RC|
Gaynes|Bradley N|BN|

D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

predictors
depression
prostate cancer
risk factors
health disparity


CH3 NH3 PbBr3 -CH3 NH3 PbI3 Perovskite-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells with Exceeding 2.2 V Open Circuit Voltage.

Abstract: Perovskite-perovskite tandem solar cells with open-circuit voltages of over 2.2 V are reported. These cost-effective, solution-processible perovskite hybrid tandem solar cells with high open-circuit voltages are fabricated by the simple lamination of a front planar MAPbBr3 perovskite cell and a back MAPbI3 planar perovskite solar cell.

tandem solar cells
perovskite cells
bromide based materials
hybrid solar cells
lead triiodide


The emergency physician's assessment of suicide risk in intentional self-poisoning using the modified SAD PERSONS scale versus standard psychiatric evaluation in a general hospital in South India: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
The reliable identification, by emergency physicians, of those with intentional self-poisoning at risk of repeating attempts is crucial, particularly in countries with a shortfall of mental health professionals.

METHODS
This cross-sectional study of intentional self-poisoning in India compared an emergency physician's assessment for the need for psychiatric referral, using the modified SAD PERSONS Scale (MSPS) as an interview guide, with a standard psychiatric interview.

RESULTS
In 67 consecutive adults with intentional self-poisoning, MSPS cut-off scores of 5 or more best approximated psychiatric assessments for the need for psychiatric referral (positive likelihood ratio 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-10.2; negative likelihood ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8).

CONCLUSIONS
MSPS-guided emergency physicians' assessments after self-poisoning showed modest concordance with psychiatric assessments of suicide-risk. Concordance with psychiatric assessments may improve if risk factors prevalent in different settings are identified and incorporated in the MSPS.

Chandramouleeswaran|Susmita|S|
Edwin|Natasha Catherine|NC|
Victor|Peter John|PJ|
Tharyan|Prathap|P|

self-poisoning
Suicide risk-assessment
diagnostic odds ratio
sensitivity
specificity


Modeling the effects of standardized ileal digestible isoleucine to lysine ratio on growth performance of nursery pigs.

Abstract: Two experiments evaluated the effects of increasing standardized ileal digestible (SID) Ile:Lys ratio on growth performance of nursery pigs. In both experiments, dietary treatments consisted of 40, 44, 48, 52, 54, 58, or 63% SID Ile:Lys ratio. Diets were formulated using analyzed ingredient AA values and NRC (2012) SID coefficients. A combination of field peas and spray dried blood cells were used to ensure a low enough Ile diet concentration while minimizing the excess of Leu. The experiments consisted of 8 pens per dietary treatment with 5 pigs per pen for a total of 280 nursery pigs per experiment (Exp. 1: PIC 327 × 1,050, initially 6.7 ± 1.0 kg BW; Exp. 2: DNA 600 × 241, initially 6.0 ± 0.97 kg BW). Data were analyzed using mixed models with heterogeneous variance, where appropriate. The dose response was further characterized using quadratic polynomial (QP), broken-line linear (BLL), or broken-line quadratic (BLQ) functional forms. For Exp. 1, diets were initiated 6-d post-weaning and fed for 12-d followed by a common diet from d 12 to 28. From d 0 to 12, increasing dietary SID Ile:Lys ratio increased ADG (linear, P < 0.005) and ADFI (quadratic, P < 0.017) but G:F decreased (quadratic, P < 0.043). For ADG, the QP, BLL, and BLQ models resulted in maximum ADG at 64.7, 52.0, and 52.0 SID Ile:Lys ratios, respectively. For ADFI, the BLL breakpoint occurred at 50.6 and the QP predicted maximum ADFI at 56.2 SID Ile:Lys ratio. In Exp. 2, diets were initiated 6-d post-weaning for 7 pens and 3-d post-weaning for one heavier block and fed for 18-d followed by a common diet from d 18 to 32. From d 0 to 18, ADG and ADFI increased (quadratic, P < 0.016) with no evidence for difference in G:F as SID Ile:Lys ratio increased. For ADG, the QP and BLL had similar fit with breakpoints or maximums occurring at 58.3 and 51.8% SID Ile:Lys ratio, respectively. For ADFI, the BLQ breakpoint occurred at 52.0 SID Ile:Lys and the QP maximum ADFI at 57.2% SID Ile:Lys ratio. In conclusion, broken-line models reported maxima of 52.0% Ile:Lys ratio while quadratic models were as high as 64% of Lys to maximize ADG and ADFI of 6- to 11-kg nursery pigs. However, for the QP models 99% of the maximum response was achieved with a dose comparable to that from the broken line models. Therefore, these results are similar to the NRC (2012) requirement estimate of 51.1 Ile:Lys ratio.

Clark|A B|AB|
Tokach|M D|MD|
DeRouchey|J M|JM|
Dritz|S S|SS|
Goodband|R D|RD|
Woodworth|J C|JC|
Touchette|K J|KJ|
Bello|N M|NM|

isoleucine
growth
nursery
pig
amino acids


Emulsion droplet crystallinity attenuates early in vitro digestive lipolysis and beta-carotene bioaccessibility.

Abstract: The impacts of lipid crystallinity on in vitro digestive lipolysis and bioaccessibility of encapsulated (0.1 wt%) beta-carotene (BC) were investigated for a 15 wt% cocoa butter emulsion prepared as crystalline (i.e. solid emulsions, SE & SE-BC) or undercooled (liquid emulsions, LE & LE-BC) droplets at 25 °C. Particle size distributions (D4,3 ∼0.7 μm), morphology (spherical), polymorphism (beta-V), thermal behavior (peak melting ∼30 °C), zeta potential (∼-44 mV) and BC degradation under accelerated lighting conditions were similarly extensive. Following exposure to simulated gastric conditions, duodenal hydrolysis and BC bioaccessibility were lower for SE-BC up to 2 h (P < 0.05). Ultimately, samples with both solid and liquid droplets were hydrolyzed extensively and BC bioaccessibility did not differ (P > 0.05). Therefore, for compositionally equivalent emulsions, lipid droplet solid state delayed digestive lipolysis and bioactive solubilization. These results help to clarify the role of lipid physical state on dietary lipid digestion and bioactive release.

Hart|Samantha M|SM|
Lin|Xinjie Lois|XL|
Thilakarathna|Surangi H|SH|
Wright|Amanda J|AJ|

Emulsion
In vitro digestion
Bioaccessibility
Lipids
Physical properties


The deep lymphatic anatomy of the hand.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The deep lymphatic anatomy of the hand still remains the least described in medical literature.

METHODS
Eight hands were harvested from four nonembalmed human cadavers amputated above the wrist. A small amount of 6% hydrogen peroxide was employed to detect the lymphatic vessels around the superficial and deep palmar vascular arches, in webs from the index to little fingers, the thenar and hypothenar areas. A 30-gauge needle was inserted into the vessels and injected with a barium sulphate compound. Each specimen was dissected, photographed and radiographed to demonstrate deep lymphatic distribution of the hand.

RESULTS
Five groups of deep collecting lymph vessels were found in the hand: superficial palmar arch lymph vessel (SPALV); deep palmar arch lymph vessel (DPALV); thenar lymph vessel (TLV); hypothenar lymph vessel (HTLV); deep finger web lymph vessel (DFWLV). Each group of vessels drained in different directions first, then all turned and ran towards the wrist in different layers.

CONCLUSION
The deep lymphatic drainage of the hand has been presented. The results will provide an anatomical basis for clinical management, educational reference and scientific research.

Ma|Chuan-Xiang|CX| Pan|Wei-Ren|WR| Liu|Zhi-An|ZA| Zeng|Fan-Qiang|FQ| Qiu|Zhi-Qiang|ZQ|

Hand
Superficial palmar arch
Deep palmar arch
Finger web
Deep lymphatic vessels


Toxic effects of oxytetracycline and copper, separately or combined, on soil microbial biomasses.

Abstract: The production of commercial livestock and poultry often involves using with antibiotics and feed additives, such as oxytetracycline (OTC) and copper (Cu). These are often excreted into the soil by animal feces; hence, combined pollutants may contaminate the soil. To evaluate single and combined toxic effects of OTC and Cu on the soil ecology, changes in quantities of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes in the soil were studied over a 28-d incubation period by a plate count method, microbes numbers counted on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Abundances of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene expression by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in soil samples also were tested by real-time polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCRs) on day 21. The results revealed that the numbers of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and amoA genes copies of AOA and AOB were reduced seriously by exposure to Cu (1.60 mmol/kg). Similarly, the combined pollution treatments (mole ratios of OTC: Cu was 1:2, 1:8, and 1:32) also had inhibitory effect on bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes numbers and amoA gene copies of AOA and AOB; the inhibitory rate was on obvious growth trend with the increasing mole ratios. Effects from single OTC pollution were found on bacteria (days 7 and 14), fungi (days 7, 14, 21, and 28), and AOA-amoA gene copies (day 21), with promotion at a low concentration (0.05 mmol/kg) and suppression at higher concentrations (0.2 and 0.8 mmol/kg). Also, numbers of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes decreased with longer culture times. Combining OTC and Cu led to a higher inhibition of soil microbes than when either chemical was used alone. However, there was no significant relationship between single and combined toxic chemicals because of their complicated interactions, either antagonistic or synergistic. The results also indicated the sensitivity of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes on toxic chemicals existed difference and that the AOA were more tolerant than the AOB to these chemicals.

Wang|Lanjun|L| Wang|Jinhua|J| Zhu|Lusheng|L| Wang|Jun|J|

D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Oxytetracycline
Copper
Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
Ammonia-oxidizing archaea
RT-PCR
Soil microbes


Can Medialization of Acetabular Rim Be a Prognostic Factor in Treatment of Developmental Dysplasia of Hip?

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To investigate if acetabular rim medialization (ARM) can be used as a new parameter in determining the treatment choice and duration in Graf type III and IV hips.

METHODS
Among the 12,300 infants who underwent hip ultrasound (US) according to Graf's method between 2015 and 2019, 26 infants (9 had bilateral pathology hence 35 hips) with type III and IV hips, whose follow-up data could be obtained were included in the study. Age of the infants at the initial diagnosis, ARM measurement, the duration of harness treatment, and the treatment results were noted. To determine the extent of ARM, distance between a line that is drawn tangential to the iliac wing and acetabular rim was measured.

RESULTS
In cases with poor prognosis, ARM measurement was 6 to 8.5 mm on the right hip and 4 to 9 mm on the left hip. Bilaterality or unilaterality, left or right pathology, and gender did not have a significant effect on the prognosis (P >.05). Age at the initial diagnosis and ARM had significant effects on treatment success (P = .04, P = .00, respectively). In predicting the prognosis, ARM was found to be more successful than age (AUC = 0.95 versus AUC = 0.68). When these two variables were evaluated together, the success in predicting the prognosis significantly increased (AUC = 0.98).

CONCLUSIONS
ARM measurement may have an important role in determining the treatment method and duration in Graf type III and IV hips. It can be used as a prognostic factor alone or in combination with treatment initiation time. When the two factors are combined, prognostic value significantly increases.

hip ultrasound
Graf's classification
developmental dysplasia of the hip
dysplasia metrics


Comparison of clinical characteristics and management of asthma by types of health care in South Korea.

Abstract:
Background
Data on the clinical characteristics of asthma patients including utilization of medical facilities, disease management, and healthcare costs by types of health care are insufficient.

Methods
We evaluated data on 729,343 asthma patients from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database of Korea between July 2013 and June 2014.

Results
Most asthma patients were treated via primary care (81.7%), followed by tertiary (17.8%) and secondary (0.5%) care. Patients requiring secondary or tertiary care exhibited more comorbidities and exacerbations than those treated via primary care, and utilized more medical facilities (associated with higher medical costs). The prescription rate of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) was relatively high for those receiving all types of health care, ranging from 62% to 78%. However, the prescription rate of inhalants containing corticosteroids was significantly lower in patients treated via primary care than those receiving secondary or tertiary care (P<0.001). In addition, pulmonary function testing (PFT) was performed less often in patients treated via primary care than in those receiving secondary or tertiary care (P<0.001).

Conclusions
Most patients with asthma were treated via primary care; however, those receiving secondary or tertiary care exhibited substantial utilization of medical facilities with high costs. Diagnostic measures and the prescription of inhalants containing corticosteroids in primary care require urgent attention.

Cho|Eun Yeong|EY|
Oh|Ki Jong|KJ|
Rhee|Chin Kook|CK|
Yoo|Kwang Ha|KH|
Kim|Bo Yeon|BY|
Bae|Hye Won|HW|
Lee|Byung-Jae|BJ|
Choi|Dong-Chull|DC|
Lee|Hyun|H|
Park|Hye Yun|HY|


Isolation and characterization of a Neisseria sp. from the captive wild goose (Anser anser).

Abstract: The present study investigated 15 dead cases of captive wild goslings (Anser anser), which were bred in a small poultry farm in Shandong Province, China. The examined cases presented diverse clinical signs accompanied with neurological manifestations and fatal outcomes. Bacterial culture identified the gram-negative Neisseria sp. from the brain homogenate of most examined cases (10/15, 66.7%). The isolated bacteria were identified based on morphologic characteristics, biochemical tests and 16S rDNA typing. Results proved that 1 identical bacterial strain (BNO09-3) was isolated from the positive cases. The phylogeny based on the 16S rDNA gene sequences indicated that this isolate has a close relationship with various strains of genus Neisseria sp. isolated from liver and feces of duck. This is the first report of Neisseria sp. causing fatality in captive wild geese in China.

Wang|Chengmin|C| Luo|Jing|J| Wang|Haijing|H| Amer|Said|S| Ding|Hua|H| Dong|Ying|Y| He|Hongxuan|H|

Neisseria sp.
Anser anser
China
16S rDNA


Multifactorial effects of aging on the orienting of visual attention.

Abstract: Differential sensitivity of brain areas to the effects of healthy aging may lead to multifactorial influences on the orienting of spatial attention. We examined how aging affects two key aspects of orienting: the benefits of orienting to valid spatial cues vs. the costs of re-orienting following invalid cues, and the impact on orienting of prior cue validity, in the context of different degrees of cue predictivity and types of cue manifestation. We analyzed accuracy and response time data from the performance of 103 older adults and 135 younger adults in three versions of the Attention Networks Test. Participants engaged in target discrimination following either locational cues that were generally non-predictive, locational cues that were generally predictive, or symbolic cues that were generally predictive. We found that healthy older adults did not exhibit greater re-orienting response time costs than younger adults across all cueing types, nor did they differ in the orienting benefits provided by predictive locational cues. However, older adults derived greater benefit from valid cues in a generally non-predictive cueing context, and lesser benefit from valid cues in a symbolic predictive cueing context. Additionally, aging had no impact on the effects of prior trial validity on subsequent trial validity benefits. A comprehensive appreciation of the effects of aging on attention may be informed by these distinctions.

Zivony|Alon|A|
Erel|Hadas|H|
Levy|Daniel A|DA|

Orienting Attention Spatial Endogenous Exogenous


Pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karun & Hyde), the giant oyster mushroom inhibits NO production in LPS/H2O2 stimulated RAW 264.7 cells via STAT 3 and COX-2 pathways.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Pleurotus giganteus (Berk. Karunarathna and K.D. Hyde), has been used as a culinary mushroom and is known to have medicinal properties but its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent to mitigate inflammation triggered diseases is untapped. In this study, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective effect of ethanol extract of P. giganteus (EPG) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and combination of LPS and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced inflammation on RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated.

METHOD
The effect of EPG on nitric oxide (NO) production as an indicator of inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages was estimated based on Griess reaction that measures nitrite level. The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NF-kB activating protein (NKAP), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein (STAT 3) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) genes were assessed using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) approach.

RESULTS
EPG (10 μg/ml) showed the highest reduction in the LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and significantly suppressed (p < 0.05) the expression iNOS, STAT 3 and COX-2. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in combination of LPS and H2O2- induced iNOS production when compared to the LPS-induced iNOS production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and this concurred with the NO production which was attenuated by EPG at 10 μg/ml. A significant (p < 0.05) down regulation was observed in the combination of LPS and H2O2-induced iNOS and GPx expression by EPG.

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of EPG is mediated via the suppression of the STAT 3 and COX-2 pathways and can serve as potential endogenous antioxidant stimulant.

Baskaran|Asweni|A|
Chua|Kek Heng|KH|
Sabaratnam|Vikineswary|V|
Ravishankar Ram|Mani|M|
Kuppusamy|Umah Rani|UR|

Pleurotus giganteus
Mushroom
NO production
STAT 3
COX-2
Lipopolysaccharide
Macrophage
anti-inflammation


Pain Perception Due to Dental Injection by Smartject: Split Mouth Design Study.

Abstract:
Statement of the Problem
Dental injection is one of the most fearful procedures in dental setting, especially for children. Many researchers have attempted to find a painless method. As computer controlled local anesthesia delivery system devices (CCLADs) allow the speed rate and pressure of injection solution to be controlled, they may cause less pain during injection in comparison to the conventional method.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare pain perception in dental injection by Smartject with conventional technique.

Materials and Method
The present study was a randomized single-blind crossover clinical trial. The participants consisted of 50 healthy volunteer dental students. They received a topical anesthetic agent plus injection in maxillary premolar buccal mucosa via conventional technique on one side (control) and a topical anesthetics agent plus injection in maxillary premolar buccal mucosa by Smartject on the other side (experimental). The first injection method was chosen based on block randomization table. A blind person recorded the subjects' pain perception of injection based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) in the two groups. Repeated measure test, independent Student t-test and Student paired t- test were used. Statistical significance was defined at p< 0.05.

Results
There was statistically significant difference in VAS score between Smartject and the conventional technique. The mean of VAS scores for Smartject and the conventional technique were 14.5±7.4 and 24±12.1, respectively.

Conclusion
It is suggested, needle penetration is not the main reason of pain during injection. Inconsistent fluid pressure created by injected anesthetic solution on nerve fibers is more impressive in pain development. Hence, Smartject as a CCLAD can be considered as an appropriate device for dental injection.

Pain Perception
Injections
Visual Analogue Scale
Anesthesia, Local


Measured sedentary time and physical activity during the school day of European 10- to 12-year-old children: the ENERGY project.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to describe the time devoted to sedentary and physical activities at school in five European countries and to examine differences according to country, sex, ethnicity, parental education and weight status.

DESIGN
cross-European cross-sectional survey.

METHODS
Primary schoolchildren (n=1025) aged 10-12 years in Belgium, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Switzerland wore accelerometers for at least six consecutive days. Only weekdays were used for this study to calculate the percentages of school-time spent in sedentary activities and moderate to vigorous intensity activity. Trained research assistants measured height and weight. Sex and date of birth were self-reported by the child and parental education and ethnicity were parent-reported.

RESULTS
European schoolchildren spent on average 65% of their time at school in sedentary activities and 5% on moderate to vigorous intensity activities, with small differences between countries. Girls spent a significant larger amount of school-time in sedentary activities (67%) than boys (63%; p<0.0001), and spent less time in moderate to vigorous intensity activities (4% versus 5%; p<0.001). Overweight children spent significantly less time in moderate to vigorous intensity activities (4%) than normal weight children (5%,p < 0.01) [corrected]. Parental education or ethnicity were not associated with time spent in sedentary or physical activities.

CONCLUSIONS
European schoolchildren spend a small amount of their school-time in moderate to vigorous intensity activities and a large amount in sedentary activities, with small but significant differences across countries. Future interventions should target more physical activities and less sedentary time at school particularly in girls.

van Stralen|Maartje M|MM|
Yıldırım|Mine|M|
Wulp|Anouk|A|
te Velde|Saskia J|SJ|
Verloigne|Maïté|M|
Doessegger|Alain|A|
Androutsos|Odysseas|O|
Kovács|Éva|É|
Brug|Johannes|J|
Chinapaw|Mai J M|MJ|

Sedentary Adolescent Behaviour Correlates Europe Exercise


Fatal Angiostrongylus dujardini infection in callitrichid monkeys and suricates in an Italian zoological garden.

Abstract: This paper reports four fatal cases of metastrongylid nematode Angiostrongylus dujardini infection observed in a Saguinus oedipus and a Callimico goeldii monkey and in two suricates (Suricata suricatta). All animals were kept in captivity in a zoo of central Italy. The two monkeys died with no premonitory signs, while the two-month-old suricates showed malaise, anorexia and tachypnea for a few days prior to death. Cardiomegaly and/or granulomatous pneumonia were the major anatomo-pathological findings. Inflammatory lesions were observed in the liver, heart and kidney of the suricates at histology. A. dujardini diagnosis was confirmed through both morphological identification of adult worms recovered at necropsy and molecular characterization of larvae in tissue samples. Callitrichidae and suricates are active predators and maintain their hunting behaviour in captivity and it is then likely that they were exposed to infection by preying on parasitized gastropods, intermediate hosts of A. dujardini, entering zoo enclosures from the surrounding environment. This is the first report of A. dujardini in Italy and in S. suricatta.

Eleni|Claudia|C|
Di Cesare|Angela|A|
Cavicchio|Paolo|P|
Tonnicchia|Maria Cristina|MC|
Meoli|Roberta|R|
di Regalbono|Antonio Frangipane|AF|
Paoletti|Barbara|B|
Pietrobelli|Mario|M|
De Liberato|Claudio|C|

Angiostrongylus dujardini
Suricata suricatta
Zoo
Italy
Callitrichidae
Parasites


Characterization of a rarely reported STAT5B/RARA gene fusion in a young adult with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia with resistance to ATRA therapy.

Abstract: The detection of PML/RARA or variant RARA rearrangements is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). While most cases of APL harboring the PML/RARA fusion respond to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), some variant RARA rearrangements are ATRA insensitive. Herein, we report a 27-year-old male with newly diagnosed, rapidly progressive APL and a rarely described STAT5B/RARA fusion with known resistance to ATRA therapy. While the PML/RARA dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe study was negative, the RARA break-apart probe study revealed an atypical RARA rearrangement in 95% of nuclei. A next generation sequencing assay, mate-pair sequencing, was subsequently performed to further characterize the RARA rearrangement and identified the RARA gene fusion partner STAT5B.

Peterson|Jess F|JF|
He|Rui R|RR|
Nayer|Hassan|H|
Cuevo|Raymund S|RS|
Smadbeck|James B|JB|
Vasmatzis|George|G|
Greipp|Patricia T|PT|
Ketterling|Rhett P|RP|
Hoppman|Nicole L|NL|
Baughn|Linda B|LB|

D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence

STAT5B
RARA
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
Mate-pair sequencing (MPseq)
Next generation sequencing (NGS)


Factors predicting poor survival after lung-sparing radical pleurectomy of IMIG stage III malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The role of radical pleurectomy (RP) in the management of IMIG stage III in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) remains controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the feasibility and outcome as well as to determine factors predicting poor survival.

METHODS
Patients having IMIG stage III MPM were identified within a prospective multimodality treatment study (RP followed by chemoradiation) between 2002 and 2010 at a single institution. Kaplan-Meier analyses, log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were used to estimate survival and to determine predictors of survival.

RESULTS
A total of 78 patients (66.3 ± 2.5 years, 65 males) underwent RP followed by chemoradiation. A total of 42 (54%) had IMIG stage III. Mortality and morbidity were 4.8 and 31%, respectively. Median survival and 5-year survival were 21 months and 28%, respectively, for stage III patients. Progression-free survival was 11 months. The sites of failure were predominantly locoregional (20/42, 47.6%). Pathological detection of tumour spread at the resected thoracoscopy incisions (median survival 12 vs 35 months, P < 0.001), incomplete resections (median survival 13 vs 35 months, P = 0.01) and male gender (median survival 18 vs 68 months, P < 0.039) were associated with inferior survival in the univariate analyses. Histology, lymph node metastases, laterality and age had no significant impact on survival. The tumour spread at the resected previous incisions remained the only significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.3; P = 0.027) in the multivariate analysis. Patients having tumour spread had survival comparable to that of patients at stage IV in the complete patient cohort (median survival 12 vs 8 months; P = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS
Lung-sparing RP for IMIG stage III MPM is feasible and offers promising long-term survival. The tumour spread at the resected previous incisions is associated with more incomplete resections and was a negative prognosticator for long-term survival. The tumour spread at the resected previous incisions or chest tube sites should be considered as T4 or stage IV according to the IMIG staging system.

Bölükbas|Servet|S| Eberlein|Michael|M| Kudelin|Natalie|N| Demes|Melanie|M| Stallmann|Sonja|S| Fisseler-Eckhoff|Annette|A| Schirren|Joachim|J|

Pleurectomy
IMIG
Staging
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
Surgery


Is 3D MPRAGE better than the combination DIR/PSIR for cortical lesion detection at 3T MRI?

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Based on the application of newer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition sequences, the detection of cortical lesions (CL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) has significantly improved. Double inversion recovery (DIR) at 3T has increased the detection sensitivity and classification specificity when combined with phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR). Previous findings with 3D magnetization prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequences, showed improved classification specificity of purely intracortical (IC) and mixed (MX) lesions, compared to the classification based on DIR/PSIR. Direct comparison between the detection of CL by 3D MPRAGE and by DIR/PSIR at 3T has not been evaluated.

METHODS
Eleven subjects were imaged on a 3T magnet. DIR/PSIR and 3D MPRAGE images were reviewed independently. Each image set was reviewed twice; only lesions detected on both sessions were scored. Review time per scan was ~5min for DIR/PSIR and ~15min for 3D MPRAGE.

RESULTS
We identified 141 CL (62 IC+79 MX) based on DIR/PSIR images vs. 93 (38 IC+55 MX) based on MPRAGE from all eleven patients. MPRAGE under-detected the number of CL in seven cases and over-detected the number of CL in three, only one case had the same number of CL on both sets of images.

CONCLUSIONS
Combination DIR/PSIR at 3T is superior to 3D MPRAGE for detection of cortical gray matter lesions in MS. The contrast-to-noise ratio of CL appears to be inferior on the MPRAGE images relative to DIR/PSIR.

Nelson|Flavia|F| Poonawalla|Aziz|A| Datta|Sushmita|S| Wolinsky|Jerry|J| Narayana|Ponnada|P|

MPRAGE
DIR
Cortical lesions
MRI
Multiple Sclerosis
Gray matter


Comparison of postoperative complications and quality of life between patients undergoing continent versus non-continent urinary diversion after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Pelvic exenteration and its reconstructive techniques have been associated with high postoperative morbidity and a negative impact on patient quality of life. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative complications and quality of life in patients undergoing continent compared with non-continent urinary diversion after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS
We designed a multicenter study of patients from 10 centers who underwent an anterior or total pelvic exenteration with urinary reconstruction for histologically confirmed persistent or recurrent gynecologic malignancy after previous treatment with radiotherapy. From January 2005 to September 2008, we included patients retrospectively, and from September 2008 to May 2009, patients were included prospectively which allowed collection of quality of life data. Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were analyzed. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Quality of life was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ-C30 (V.3.0) and EORTC-QLQ-OV28 quality of life questionnaires. We compared patients who underwent a continent urinary diversion with those who underwent a non-continent reconstruction.

RESULTS
We included 148 patients, 92 retrospectively and 56 prospectively. Among them, 77.4% had recurrent disease and 22.6% persistent disease after the primary treatment. In 70 patients, a urinary continent diversion was performed, and 78 patients underwent a non-continent diversion. Median age of the continent and incontinent groups was 53.5 (range 33-78) years and 57 (26-79) years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the continent and non-continent groups in median length of hospitalization (28.5 vs 26 days, P=0.19), postoperative grade III-IV complications (42.9% vs 42.3%, P=0.95), complications needing surgical (27.9% vs 34.6%, P=0.39) or radiological (14.7% vs 12.8%, P=0.74) intervention, and complication type (digestive (23.2% vs 16.7%, P=0.32) and urinary (15.9% vs 16.7%, P=0.91)). There were no significant differences between the groups in global health, global quality of life, and body image perception scores 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSION
Continent and incontinent urinary reconstructions are equivalent in terms of postoperative complications and quality of life scores.

Angeles|Martina Aida|MA|
Mallet|Estelle|E|
Rouanet|Philippe|P|
Cabarrou|Bastien|B|
Méeus|Pierre|P|
Lambaudie|Eric|E|
Foucher|Fabrice|F|
Narducci|Fabrice|F|
Loaec|Cécile|C|
Gouy|Sebastien|S|
Guyon|Frederic|F|
Marchal|Frédéric|F|
Gladieff|Laurence|L|
Martínez-Gómez|Carlos|C|
Migliorelli|Federico|F|
Martinez|Alejandra|A|
Ferron|Gwenael|G|

global health
body image
incontinent urinary reconstruction
anterior pelvic exenteration
continent urinary reconstruction
gynecologic cancer


Multifaceted emotion regulation, stress and affect in mothers of young children.

Abstract: We tested a novel multi-component emotion self-regulation construct that captured physiological (vagal tone), cognitive (reappraisal) and temperament (effortful control) aspects of emotion regulation (ER) as a moderator of the link between more stressors and greater negative/less positive affectivity (NA and PA). A socio-economically diverse sample of 151 women with young children completed questionnaires and a laboratory visit (including cognitive and parent-child interaction tasks and vagal tone measurement). Women with more stressors had more NA and less PA. Furthermore, for NA only, having more stressors was substantially associated with NA but only among women with the lowest ER. This pattern was evident for the composite as well as individual indicators of ER. Results were not attributable to individual differences in executive function. Findings are discussed in light of the diathesis-stress model of stress and coping.

Deater-Deckard|Kirby|K|
Li|Mengjiao|M|
Bell|Martha Ann|MA|

Emotion regulation
Stress
Affect
Executive function


Interplay between Light and Plant Hormones in the Control of Arabidopsis Seedling Chlorophyll Biosynthesis.

Abstract: Chlorophyll biosynthesis is one of the most important cellular processes and is essential for plant photosynthesis. After germination under the soil, dark-grown seedlings are etiolated and accumulate the chlorophyll precursor protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) in cotyledons. Upon exposure to light, Pchlide is rapidly converted to chlorophyll to initiate photoautotrophic growth. In this light-regulated de-etiolation process, multiple endogenous phytohormones are also involved. Although the co-regulation of seedling greening by light and hormones has long been observed, recent studies greatly advanced our understanding of their interplay by identifying the key components connecting these pathways. The integrators, such as PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs, ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5, ETHYLENE INSENSTIVE 3 and DELLA proteins, are key transcription regulators in light or hormone signaling pathways. This review focuses on these integrators and illustrates the regulatory networks of light and hormone interactions in chlorophyll biosynthesis.

plant hormones
chlorophyll biosynthesis
de-etiolation
DELLAs
EIN3/EIL1
HY5
PIFs
light signaling


Electrophysiological Evidence of Event-Related Potential Changes Induced by 12 h Abstinence in Young Smokers Based on the Flanker Study.

Abstract: The cognitive control processes may be disrupted by abstinence in smokers, which may be helpful in the development and maintenance of addictive behavior. The purpose of this study was to measure the performance of cognitive task after 12 h of smoking abstinence by using event-related potentials (ERPs), including the error-related negativity (ERN) and the error positivity (Pe). In Eriksen flanker task, electroencephalography (EEG) signals of 24 smokers were recorded in two conditions: satiety and 12 h abstinence. In the behavioral data, both conditions exhibited more errors and more time on the incongruent trials than congruence. Meantime, the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) score was increased during abstinence. Smokers showed reduced ERN and Pe after 12 h of abstinence, compared with satiety condition. The results indicate that the diminished error processing in young smokers after 12 h of abstinence. It may be related to increased withdrawal symptoms. In conclusion, the disrupted neurophysiological indexes in the general behavior monitoring system may be caused by abstinence. The results of this study may provide us with new ideas about the effects of short-term abstinence on brain cognitive neuroscience and be helpful for the solution of relapse.

Cui|Yongting|Y| Dong|Fang|F| Li|Xiaojian|X| Xie|Dongdong|D| Cheng|Yongxin|Y| Tian|Shiyu|S| Xue|Ting|T| Li|Yangding|Y| Zhang|Ming|M| Ren|Yan|Y| Yuan|Kai|K| Yu|Dahua|D|

abstinence
event-related potential (ERP)
error processing
adolescent smokers
performance monitoring


SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF FREE-RANGING SOUTHERN HAIRY-NOSED WOMBATS (LASIORHINUS LATIFRONS).

Abstract: Listed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the southern hairy-nosed wombat (SHNW, Lasiorhinus latifrons) faces threats such as drought, habitat degradation and loss, disease, and persecution because of competition with agriculture. To assist with evaluation of wombat health, this study reports serum biochemical reference intervals (RIs) for wild-caught SHNW from South Australia established from 126 apparently healthy SHNW using a Beckman Coulter AU480® Automated Chemistry Analyzer using RefVal Advisor. Partitioning of RIs for male and female wombats and for the two methods of sampling was performed as appropriate, and additional significant differences (P < 0.05) in biochemical profiles were identified across age class and season examined. A number of differences were observed between male and female wombats, most notably higher creatinine, urea, and sodium in females. Subadult and juvenile wombats had significantly lower total protein, globulin, and ALT activity, and significantly higher ALP activity than adults. Wombats sampled in winter and spring had significantly higher total protein, albumin, potassium, bicarbonate, and enzyme activities (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GLDH, lipase), and significantly lower glucose and creatinine when compared to individuals sampled in summer and autumn. Differences in CK activity and anion gap observed between the two methods of sampling likely reflect delay and handling of animals between capture and blood collection. The serum biochemical RIs documented here are considered representative of a population of healthy SHNW, providing a tool for health assessment and monitoring of SHNW health in South Australia and elsewhere.

Woolford|Lucy|L|
Caraguel|Charles G B|CGB|
Taggart|David A|DA|
Lethbridge|Mark|M|
Strauss|Jessica|J|
Andrews|Lindell|L|
Sycamnias|Mark|M|
Boardman|Wayne S J|WSJ|

Biochemistry
southern hairy-nosed wombat
Lasiorhinus latifrons
reference interval
wildlife medicine


Endocrine Treatment-Related Symptoms and Patient Outcomes in Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract:
Purpose
An association between endocrine treatment-related symptoms and breast cancer recurrence has been suggested previously; however, conflicting results have been reported. We performed a meta-analysis of published studies to clarify this relationship.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane database for studies investigating the association between endocrine treatment-related symptoms and patient survival. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted with recurrence rate as the primary outcome.

Results
Out of 7,713 retrieved articles, six studies were included. In patients who received endocrine treatment, the presence of any endocrine treatment-related symptom was found to be associated with a lower recurrence rate in comparison to an absence of any symptoms (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.87). This relationship persisted in patients presenting with only vasomotor or only musculoskeletal symptoms (HR, 0.74, 95% CI, 0.63-0.87; HR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.55-0.86, respectively). At both time-points of symptom evaluation (3 months and 12 months), patients with endocrine treatment-related symptoms had a lower recurrence rate (HR, 0.74, 95% CI, 0.66-0.84; HR, 0.79, 95% CI, 0.69-0.90, respectively). This association was also significant in pooled studies including patients with and without baseline symptoms (HR, 0.73, 95% CI, 0.54-0.99; HR, 0.76, 95% CI, 0.69-0.85, respectively).

Conclusion
Endocrine treatment-related symptoms are significantly predictive of lower recurrence rate in breast cancer patients, regardless of the type of symptoms, time-point of evaluation, or inclusion of baseline symptoms. These symptoms could be biomarkers for the prediction of long-term responses to endocrine treatment in patients with breast cancer.

Yoo|Tae-Kyung|TK| Jang|Myoung-Jin|MJ| Lee|Eunshin|E| Moon|Hyeong-Gon|HG| Noh|Dong-Young|DY| Han|Wonshik|W|

Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions


Temporal and spatial dynamics of competitive parapatry in chewing lice.

Abstract: We synthesize observations from 1979 to 2016 of a contact zone involving two subspecies of pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae connectens and T. b. opulentus) and their respective chewing lice (Geomydoecus aurei and G. centralis) along the Río Grande Valley in New Mexico, U.S.A., to test predictions about the dynamics of the zone. Historically, the natural flood cycle of the Rio Grande prevented contact between the two subspecies of pocket gophers. Flood control measures completed in the 1930s permitted contact, thus establishing the hybrid zone between the pocket gophers and the contact zone between their lice (without hybridization). Since that time, the pocket gopher hybrid zone has stabilized, whereas the northern chewing louse species has replaced the southern louse species at a consistent rate of ~150 m/year. The 0.2-0.8 width of the replacement zone has remained constant, reflecting the constant rate of chewing louse species turnover on a single gopher and within a local pocket gopher population. In contrast, the full width of the replacement zone (northernmost G. centralis to southernmost G. aurei) has increased annually. By employing a variety of metrics of the species replacement zone, we are better able to understand the dynamics of interactions between and among the chewing lice and their pocket gopher hosts. This research provides an opportunity to observe active species replacement and resulting distributional shifts in a parasitic organism in its natural setting.

chewing lice
contact zones
pocket gophers
hybrid zones
species replacement
dispersal distance


A Training Strategy for Learning Pattern Recognition Control for Myoelectric Prostheses.

Abstract: Pattern recognition-based control of myoelectric prostheses offers amputees a natural, intuitive way of controlling the increasing functionality of modern myoelectric prostheses. While this approach to prosthesis control is certainly attractive, it is a significant departure from existing control methods. The transition from the more traditional methods of direct or proportional control to pattern recognition-based control presents a training challenge that will be unique to each amputee. In this paper we describe specific ways that a transradial amputee, prosthetist, and occupational therapist team can overcome these challenges by developing consistent and distinguishable muscle patterns. A central part of this process is the employment of a computer-based pattern recognition training system with which an amputee can learn and improve pattern recognition skills throughout the process of prosthesis fitting and testing. We describe in detail the manner in which four transradial amputees trained to improve their pattern recognition-based control of a virtual prosthesis by focusing on building consistent, distinguishable muscle patterns. We also describe a three-phase framework for instruction and training: 1) initial demonstration and conceptual instruction, 2) in-clinic testing and initial training, and 3) at-home training.

Powell|Michael A|MA|
Thakor|Nitish V|NV|

pattern recognition
motor learning
myoelectric prosthesis


Checkpoint Inhibition in Hodgkin Lymphoma - a Review.

Abstract: Physiological immune checkpoint pathways are important to regulate self-tolerance, limit immune reactions, and moderate autoimmunity. Various cancers are commonly exploiting these mechanisms to evade the host immune system by restraining a durable, efficient anti-tumor immune response. Immune checkpoints include, but are not limited to, the programmed death 1 (PD1) and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA4) axis, which are both druggable by monoclonal antibodies referred to as checkpoint inhibitors (CIs). To date, the anti-PD1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab are approved for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) due to high response rates with a favorable yet distinct safety profile, and other agents are under investigation. This review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical data including the toxicity and efficacy of different CIs in cHL. It also provides future perspectives based on ongoing clinical trials, potentially synergistic combinatory approaches, and their fit in the therapeutic landscape in cHL.

D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor

Checkpoint inhibition
Hodgkin lymphoma
Clinical trials
Immunotherapy


Effect of Dalbavancin on Staphylococcal Biofilms When Administered Alone or in Combination With Biofilm-Detaching Compounds.

Abstract: Microorganisms grown in biofilms are more resistant to antimicrobial treatment and immune system attacks compared to their planktonic forms. In fact, infections caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis are a large threat for public health, including patients with medical devices. The aim of the current manuscript was to test the effect of dalbavancin, a recently developed lipoglycopeptide antibiotic, alone or in combination with compounds contributing to bacterial cell disaggregation, on staphylococcal biofilm formation and elimination. We used real-time impedance measurements in microtiter plates to study biofilm growth dynamics of S. aureus and S. epidermidis strains, in the absence or presence of dalbavancin, linezolid, vancomycin, cloxacillin, and rifampicin. Further experiments were undertaken to check whether biofilm-detaching compounds such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ficin could enhance dalbavancin efficiency. Real-time dose-response experiments showed that dalbavancin is a highly effective antimicrobial, preventing staphylococcal biofilm formation at low concentrations. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations were up to 22 higher compared to standard E-test values. Dalbavancin was the only antimicrobial that could halt new biofilm formation on established biofilms compared to the other four antibiotics. The addition of NAC decreased dalbavancin efficacy while the combination of dalbavancin with ficin was more efficient than antibiotic alone in preventing growth once the biofilm was established. Results were confirmed by classical biofilm quantification methods such as crystal violet (CV) staining and viable colony counting. Thus, our data support the use of dalbavancin as a promising antimicrobial to treat biofilm-related infections. Our data also highlight that synergistic and antagonistic effects between antibiotics and biofilm-detaching compounds should be carefully tested in order to achieve an efficient treatment that could prevent both biofilm formation and disruption.

Žiemytė|Miglë|M|
Rodríguez-Díaz|Juan C|JC|
Ventero|María P|MP|
Mira|Alex|A|
Ferrer|María D|MD|

dalbavancin biofilm Staphylococcus N-acetylcysteine ficin E-test xCELLigence


Minodronic acid suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-induced bone remodeling biomarkers: a retrospective pilot study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Estrogen deprivation therapy for myoma/adenomyosis decreases bone mineral density and can only be applied in the short term, as temporizing measures in the premenopausal woman.

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of bisphosphonate minodronic acid on markers of bone turnover over a 6-month period in women receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).

METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 19 premenopausal patients with myoma/adenomyosis, who received GnRHa (leuprolide acetate, 1.88 mg/month or buserelin acetate, 900 µg/day) for 6 months from January 2014 to December 2014. Eight patients concomitantly received minodronic acid 50 mg every month during GnRHa therapy, and 11 treated with GnRHa alone. To compare these data in a case-controlled study, we analyzed an age-matched group of seven (premature or natural) menopausal women treated with minodronic acid. The primary outcome was percent changes in bone turnover markers in urine at 6 months.

RESULTS
In menopausal women group, minodronic acid (50 mg once-monthly) for 6 months decreased urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and cross-linked N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTX). Women receiving a GnRHa had a significant increase in urinary DPD and TNX at 6 months while minodronic acid during GnRHa therapy improved urinary levels of DPD and NTX to near baseline.

CONCLUSION
Minodronic acid treatment appears to be promising in women with secondary bone loss receiving GnRHa treatment.

Imai|Atsushi|A| Matsunami|Kazutoshi|K| Ichigo|Satoshi|S| Takagi|Hiroshi|H|

minodronic acid
Bisphosphonate
bone turnover markers
GnRHa-induced bone loss


Night-time feeding of Bmal1-/- mice restores SCFA rhythms and their effect on ghrelin.

Abstract: The known crosstalk between short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and the circadian clock is tightly intertwined with feeding time. We aimed to investigate the role of the core clock gene Bmal1 and feeding time in the diurnal rhythms in plasma and caecal SCFA levels and in their effect on the release of the hunger hormone ghrelin in the stomach and colon. WT, Bmal1-/- (ad libitum fed) and night-time-restricted-fed (RF)-Bmal1-/- littermates were killed at zeitgeber time (ZT) 4 and 16. SCFA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography. To investigate the effect of SCFAs on ghrelin release, stomach and colonic full-thickness strips were incubated with Krebs or a SCFA mix mimicking plasma or caecal concentrations, after which octanoyl ghrelin release was measured by RIA. Diurnal rhythms in caecal and plasma SCFAs oscillated in phase but rhythmic changes were abolished in Bmal1-/- mice. RF of Bmal1-/- mice restored fluctuations in caecal SCFAs. Plasma SCFA concentrations failed to affect gastric ghrelin release. The effect of caecal SCFA concentrations on colonic ghrelin release was rhythmic (inhibition at ZT 4, no effect at ZT 16). In Bmal1-/- mice, the inhibitory effect of SCFAs at ZT 4 was abolished. RF Bmal1-/- mice restored the inhibitory effect and increased colonic Clock expression. To conclude, diurnal fluctuations in caecal SCFAs and the effect of SCFAs on colonic ghrelin release are regulated by feeding time, independent of the core clock gene Bmal1. However, local entrainment of other clock genes might contribute to the observed effects.

Segers|Anneleen|A| Desmet|Louis|L| Sun|Shu|S| Verbeke|Kristin|K| Tack|Jan|J| Depoortere|Inge|I|

ghrelin
short-chain fatty acids
circadian clock
night-time restricted feeding


Effect of potassium on carbon adsorption on the Co(0001) surface.

Abstract: The effect of potassium on carbon adsorption and deposition on the Co(0001) surface was studied on the basis of theoretical calculations. Thermodynamically, the surface Cn species is expected, and C2 dimer may be a critical elementary unit. With the increase of carbon coverage, a fraction of the carbon atoms may diffuse into the subsurface. But kinetically, the formation of Cn species is more favorable, and there is no driving force for carbon to migrate into the subsurface. As the surface carbon concentration increases, the adsorbed carbon atoms turn into carbon chains and then into graphene sheets parallel to the surface. Potassium promoter has little effect on the most stable adsorption configurations of carbon atoms but increases the adsorption energy of carbon species, which can be explained by the decreasing of the surface work function resulting from the electron effect of potassium promoter. The potassium promotes carbon deposition and carbonization of the cobalt surface to a certain extent. These results could support some useful information for the carbon deposition and cobalt carbide formation.

Carbon adsorption
Potassium promoter
Cobalt surface
DFT


Analysis of Road Traffic Crashes-Related Maxillofacial Injuries Severity and Concomitant Injuries in 201 Patients Seen at the UCH, Ibadan.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of road traffic crashes (RTC)-related maxillofacial injuries, the concomitant injuries occurring with them, and to assess the relationship between the severity of maxillofacial and concomitant injuries. This was a prospective study involving 201 victims of RTC seen at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with maxillofacial injuries during the study period. Demographic data of the patients, the types of maxillofacial injuries, and concomitant injuries sustained were recorded. Severity of maxillofacial injury was determined using the maxillofacial injury severity scale (MFISS), while the severity of concomitant injuries was based on the ISS. Correlations between types and severity of maxillofacial injury and types and severity of concomitant injury were conducted to determine the predictability of concomitant injuries based on maxillofacial injury severity. Data were processed using SPSS Statistical software (SPSS, version 20.0 for windows, IBM SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Maxillofacial injuries constituted 25.4% of RTC-related admission by the Accident and Emergency Department. A total of 151 (75.1%) patients who presented with concomitant injuries participated in the study. Eighty-one (53.6%) sustained injuries to more than one body region. Head injury was the commonest (99, 65.6%) concomitant injury, followed by orthopedic injury (69, 45.7%). Increasing severity of maxillofacial injury showed a positive correlation with increasing ISS. Also, positive correlation was noted with increasing severity of maxillofacial injury and presence of polytrauma (p = 0.01), traumatic brain injury (p = 0.034), and eye injuries (p = 0.034). There was a high prevalence of maxillofacial injuries in victims of RTC. There was a high incidence of concomitant injuries noted with these maxillofacial injuries. Significantly, this study showed a direct relationship between the severity of maxillofacial injury and head, ocular and polytrauma. This study further emphasizes the need for thorough examination of patients presenting with RTC-related maxillofacial injuries.

Aladelusi|Timothy|T| Akinmoladun|Victor|V| Olusanya|Adeola|A| Akadiri|Oladimeji|O| Fasola|Abiodun|A|

severity
concomitant injuries
road traffic crashes


Enclomiphene citrate: A treatment that maintains fertility in men with secondary hypogonadism.

Abstract: Hypogonadism is an important issue among the male population. Treatments such as exogenous testosterone have become very popular. One of the adverse effects of testosterone is its suppression of fertility. This has lead to the use of alternative therapies such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) that aim to correct hypogonadism without reducing fertility. Areas covered: The SERM, clomiphene citrate, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ovarian dysfunction, has been shown to have beneficial effects on male hypogonadism. Clomiphene citrate exists as a mixture of both the cis-isomer (zuclomiphene) and the trans-isomer (enclomiphene). The literature has suggested that most of the beneficial effects of clomiphene are due to the trans-isomer enclomiphene. Zuclomiphene contributes little to the intended outcomes. The purpose of this drug profile is to examine the available literature on the trans-isomer enclomiphene. Expert opinion: Enclomiphene has been shown to increase testosterone levels while stimulating FSH and LH production. Initial studies demonstrated that enclomiphene maintains the androgenic benefit of clomiphene citrate without the undesirable effects attributable to zuclomiphene. This article reviews the difficulties associated with the FDA approval of a new molecular entity related to the treatment of hypogonadism.

D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

enclomiphene
secondary hypogonadism
selective estrogen receptor modulator
Serum testosterone
spermatogenesis
topical testosterone


Pericardial Effusion.

Abstract: The normal pericardial sac contains up to 50 mL of fluid, which consists of a plasma ultrafiltrate. Anything greater constitutes a pathologic effusion. The curvilinear pressure-volume relationship of the pericardial sac dictates hemodynamic consequences of a pericardial effusion and is responsible for rapidly accumulating fluid that causes cardiac tamponade. A variety of diseases and complications cause pericardial effusion. The most common are idiopathic pericarditis, cancer, connective tissue disorders, and hemorrhage. Management of pericardial effusion is dictated by whether tamponade is present or threatened. If it is, urgent/emergent pericardiocentesis is indicated. If not, a systematic approach to diagnosis and management should be undertaken.

Pericardial effusion
Cardiac tamponade
Pericarditis
Pericardiocentesis
Echocardiography


Visceral larvae as a predictive index of the overall level of fish batch infection in European anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus): A rapid procedure for Food Business Operators to assess marketability.

Abstract: The European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), one of the most important pelagic fish resources in the Mediterranean Sea, is frequently infected by anisakid larvae. Food Business Operators (FBOs) should use appropriate sampling plans and analytical methods to avoid commercialization of massively infected batches and reduce the risk of transmission of viable zoonotic larvae. In this study, performed at FishLab (Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Pisa) during 2016, an official sampling plan was associated with a digestion protocol for the inspection of anchovies. Considering that anisakid larvae are usually located in the fish visceral cavity and in the adjacent muscles (VM), this part was analyzed. In particular, we assessed the reliability of the digestion of a subsample of 150g (±30g) of VM, randomly collected from 29 specimens, in estimating the marketability of the anchovies' batch. Fifty-seven samples of 29 anchovies were collected. Each anchovy was sectioned to separate VM. All the subsamples were digested, and visible larvae counted. A high correlation between the number of larvae in VM regions and in the total batch was observed, indicating a very significant contribution of the VM region on total number of parasites. The Mean Abundance (MA) was used to assess the batch marketability according to a threshold calculated on the basis of the maximum number of nematodes tolerated per sample. Considering that the MA can be calculated only when the number of examined specimens is known, the number of visible Larvae per gram of tissue (LpG) was calculated on 150g (±30g) of VM subsamples. A LpG marketability threshold was calculated dividing the maximum number of tolerated nematodes by the average weight of a sample of 29 anchovies calculated considering data available in literature. To evaluate the diagnostic performance of the LpG threshold, the marketability of 57 batches assessed on the basis of the MA threshold was assumed as the gold standard. The proposed LpG showed very high Specificity and Sensitivity. These findings suggest that the analysis of VM is representative of the overall infestation of the batch, both when considering the absolute number of parasites and the LpG, and may represent a valid alternative to the whole anchovy digestion. In particular, the use of an automated digestive method, coupled with the aforesaid sampling plan, could allow the procedure to be used by FBOs in operational conditions.

Guardone|L|L| Nucera|D|D| Pergola|V|V| Costanzo|F|F| Costa|E|E| Tinacci|L|L| Guidi|A|A| Armani|A|A|

Marketability
Larvae per gram
Digestion procedure
Self-monitoring plan
Visible nematode larvae


Models for midwifery care: A mapping review.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
According to WHO, midwives are found competent to provide evidencebased and normalcy-facilitating maternity care. Models for midwifery care exist, but seem to be lacking explicit epistemological status, mainly focusing on the practical and organizational level of care delivery. To make the values and attitudes of care visible, it is important to implement care models with explicit epistemological status. The aim of this paper is to identify and gain an overview of publications of theoretical models for midwifery care.

METHODS
A mapping review was conducted with systematic searches in nine databases for studies describing a theoretical model or theory for midwifery care that either did or was intended to impact clinical practice. Eligibility criteria were refined during the selection process.

RESULTS
Six models from six papers originating from different parts of the world were included in the study. The included models were developed using different methodologies and had different philosophical underpinnings and complexity gradients. Some characteristics were common, the most distinctive being the emphasis of the midwife-woman relationship, secondly the focus on woman-centeredness, and thirdly the salutogenic focus in care.

CONCLUSIONS
Overall, scarcity exists regarding theoretical models for midwifery care with explicit epistemological status. Further research is needed in order to develop generic theoretical models with an epistemological status to serve as a knowledge base for midwifery healthcare.

Eri|Tine S|TS|
Berg|Marie|M|
Dahl|Bente|B|
Gottfreðsdóttir|Helga|H|
Sommerseth|Eva|E|
Prinds|Christina|C|

midwifery
maternity care
woman-centeredness
models for care
philosophy
salutogenesis


Long non‑coding RNA ZSCAN16‑AS1 promotes the malignant properties of hepatocellular carcinoma by decoying microRNA‑451a and consequently increasing ATF2 expression.

Abstract: The importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the oncogenicity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been widely studied. However, the detailed functions of ZSCAN16 antisense RNA 1 (ZSCAN16‑AS1) have seldom been explored in HCC until the present study. In the present study, experiments were performed to clarify whether ZSCAN16‑AS1 is implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of HCC and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms. ZSCAN16‑AS1 expression was analyzed using reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR. The effects of ZSCAN16‑AS1 on the biological behavior of HCC cells were demonstrated by functional experiments. The direct binding capacity of ZSCAN16‑AS1 with microRNA‑451a (miR‑451a) was indicated by the luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The high expression of ZSCAN16‑AS1 was confirmed in HCC by The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the cohort of the present study. Survival data revealed that patients with a high ZSCAN16‑AS1 level had worse prognosis compared with those with a low ZSCAN16‑AS1 level. Following ZSCAN16‑AS1 knockdown, HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion were curbed, whereas cell apoptosis was promoted in vitro. The absence of ZSCAN16‑AS1 restricted tumor growth of HCC cells in vivo. Mechanistically, ZSCAN16‑AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA by decoying miR‑451a in HCC cells. Furthermore, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), a direct target of miR‑451a, was under the regulation of ZSCAN16‑AS1, which was exerted by sequestering miR‑451a. In addition, miR‑451a knockdown or ATF2 resumption reversed the proliferation suppression, apoptosis promotion and migration and invasion inhibition triggered by ZSCAN16‑AS1 silencing. In conclusion, ZSCAN16‑AS1, a pro‑oncogenic lncRNA, aggravated the malignancy of HCC by controlling the miR‑451a/ATF2 axis. An understanding of the competing endogenous RNA network of ZSCAN16‑AS1/miR‑451a/ATF2 in HCC might be instrumental in the development of attractive targets for molecular therapy.

Lv|Chaohua|C| Wan|Qingsong|Q| Shen|Chengxiang|C| Wu|Hongsheng|H| Zhou|Bin|B| Wang|Weiwei|W|

hepatocellular carcinoma
long noncoding RNA
competing endogenous RNA
microRNA


Factors resulting in postoperative dysphagia following esophagectomy: a narrative review.

Abstract: Esophagectomy is a technically involved surgery and can have significant postoperative morbidity. Although the mortality rate following esophagectomy has decreased in recent years, this surgical procedure has a relatively high complication rate compared to other surgeries to resect cancer. One of the most common complaints after esophagectomy is dysphagia. Dysphagia after esophagectomy can significantly affect quality of life. Dysphagia is a complication following esophagectomy that can lead to respiratory deterioration and death. The most common sites of postoperative dysphagia are the gastroesophageal anastomosis, gastric conduit, pylorus and the hiatus. Without appropriate treatment of dysphagia, malnutrition and dehydration can develop. These factors can lead to significant impacts to the overall health of a patient and increase mortality. A detailed literature review provided data to support diagnostic modalities and management strategies to treat postoperative dysphagia at these common areas. A systematic, evidence-based approach to diagnosis and treatment of postoperative dysphagia allows for prompt intervention and a decrease in morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for dysphagia vary, depending on the etiology. Based on the location and mechanism of dysphagia, options include stenting, dilation and surgical revision. Early treatment of dysphagia after esophagectomy can lessen the morbidity from this complication and improve quality of life.

Benz|Cecilia|C| Martella|Jessica|J| Hamwi|Basel|B| Okereke|Ikenna|I|


Risk of gastric cancer following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To investigate whether percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is associated with increased risk of gastric cancer.

METHODS
We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective study in Taiwan. Inpatient data from 1997 to 2010 were collected from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with age less than 20 years; those with histories of PEG before 2000; those with histories of cancers; and those diagnosed with gastric cancer before or within 6 months of the first PEG procedure were excluded. Finally, 3505 patients who underwent PEG were included (PEG cohort), along with 7010 randomly-selected individuals, matched by age, sex, and year of index date, as the control cohort.

RESULTS
After adjusting for age, sex, peptic ulcer, gastritis, hypertension, diabetes and coronary artery disease, risk of gastric cancer was significantly higher in the PEG cohort (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.31; 95% confidence interval, 4.12-6.00; p = 0.011). Patients with 2 or more PEG procedures were significantly associated with increasingly developing gastric cancer risk (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.91-3.85; p < 0.001). The possible hypothesis may be due to chronic inflammation caused by chemical and physical conditions of the tube.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with PEG might be associated with a greater risk of subsequent gastric cancer in Taiwan. Physicians should be aware of the link when assessing patients with PEG.

Tsao|Chih-Cheng|CC| Lee|Shih-Yu|SY| Chang|Wei-Kuo|WK| Lin|Kuen-Tze|KT| Hsu|Sheng-Der|SD| Tsai|Chen-Liang|CL| Lin|Chun-Shu|CS|

Gastric cancer
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Epidemiology
NHIRD


Molecular epidemiology of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an unsegregated bronchiectasis cohort sharing hospital facilities with a cystic fibrosis cohort.

Abstract: While Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) cross-infection is well documented among patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), the equivalent risk among patients with non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB) is unclear, particularly those managed alongside patients with CF. We performed analysis of PA within a single centre that manages an unsegregated NCFB cohort alongside a segregated CF cohort. We found no evidence of cross-infection between the two cohorts or within the segregated CF cohort. However, within the unsegregated NCFB cohort, evidence of cross-infection was found between three (of 46) patients. While we do not presently advocate any change in the management of our NCFB cohort, longitudinal surveillance is clearly warranted.

bronchiectasis
cystic Fibrosis
bacterial infection
infection control
respiratory infection


Resuming elective surgery in the time of COVID-19: a safe and comprehensive strategy.

Abstract: The 2019 novel corona virus and the disease it causes (COVID-19) is a public health crisis that has profoundly modified the way medical and surgical care is delivered. Countries around the globe had a variable initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic from imposing massive lock downs and quarantine to surrendering to herd immunity. However, healthcare bodies worldwide recognized early on that a triumph against COVID-19 could only be achieved by maintaining the infrastructure of healthcare systems and their capacity to accommodate a potentially overwhelming increase in critical patient care needs. Therefore, they reacted by restricting medical care to emergency cases and postponing elective surgical procedures in all disciplines. The priority was made for treatment of COVID-19 patients and emergency cases. Nevertheless, the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. In the absence of vaccines or effective drug treatments, its timeline remains uncertain and it cannot be forecast how long healthcare systems will need to cope with it in managing inpatient and outpatient services. Accordingly, extreme measures and restriction may become a recipe for a disaster in the context of the potential adverse health implications imposed by delaying timely medical and surgical care. Therefore, restrictive measures should be substituted with a comprehensive surgical and medical care strategy. One that provides a safe balance between the prevention of COVID-19 and the delivery of essential surgical care. This article provides an overview on how to safely deliver essential surgical care in the time of COIVD-19.


Portable low-power thermal cycler with dual thin-film Pt heaters for a polymeric PCR chip.

Abstract: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been widely used for major definite diagnostic tool, but very limited its place used only indoor such as hospital or diagnosis lab. For the rapid on-site detection of pathogen in an outdoor environment, a low-power cordless polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermal cycler is crucial module. At this point of view, we proposed a low-power PCR thermal cycler that could be operated in an outdoor anywhere. The disposable PCR chip was made of a polymeric (PI/PET) film to reduce the thermal mass. A dual arrangement of the Pt heaters, which were positioned on the top and bottom of the PCR chip, improved the temperature uniformity. The temperature sensor, which was made of the same material as the heater, utilized the temperature dependence of the Pt resistor to ensure simple fabrication of the temperature sensor. Cooling the PCR chip using dual blower fans enabled thermal cycling to operate with a lower power than that of a Peltier element with a high power consumption. The PCR components were electrically connected to a control module that could be operated with a Li-ion battery (12 V), and the PCR conditions (temperature, time, cycle, etc.) were inputted on a touch screen. For 30 PCR cycles, the accumulated power consumption of heating and cooling was 7.3 Wh, which is easily available from a compact battery. Escherichia coli genomic DNA (510 bp) was amplified using the proposed PCR thermal cycler and the disposable PCR chip. A similar DNA amplification capability was confirmed using the proposed portable and low-power thermal cycler compared with a conventional thermal cycler.

Jeong|Sangdo|S| Lim|Juhun|J| Kim|Mi-Young|MY| Yeom|JiHye|J| Cho|Hyunmin|H| Lee|Hyunjung|H| Shin|Yong-Beom|YB| Lee|Jong-Hyun|JH|

D011211:Electric Power Supplies
D004867:Equipment Design
D004926:Escherichia coli
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates
D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction
D011108:Polymers
D013696:Temperature

Low-power
Thermal cycler
Pt heater
PCR chip
Dual arrangement
Battery-powered
Pt RTD


Influence of recombination on acquisition and reversion of immune escape and compensatory mutations in HIV-1.

Abstract: Following transmission, HIV-1 adapts in the new host by acquiring mutations that allow it to escape from the host immune response at multiple epitopes. It also reverts mutations associated with epitopes targeted in the transmitting host but not in the new host. Moreover, escape mutations are often associated with additional compensatory mutations that partially recover fitness costs. It is unclear whether recombination expedites this process of multi-locus adaptation. To elucidate the role of recombination, we constructed a detailed population dynamics model that integrates viral dynamics, host immune response at multiple epitopes through cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and viral evolution driven by mutation, recombination, and selection. Using this model, we compute the expected waiting time until the emergence of the strain that has gained escape and compensatory mutations against the new host's immune response, and reverted these mutations at epitopes no longer targeted. We find that depending on the underlying fitness landscape, shaped by both costs and benefits of mutations, adaptation proceeds via distinct dominant pathways with different effects of recombination, in particular distinguishing escape and reversion. When adaptation at a single epitope is involved, recombination can substantially accelerate immune escape but minimally affects reversion. When multiple epitopes are involved, recombination can accelerate or inhibit adaptation depending on the fitness landscape. Specifically, recombination tends to delay adaptation when a purely uphill fitness landscape is accessible at each epitope, and accelerate it when a fitness valley is associated with each epitope. Our study points to the importance of recombination in shaping the adaptation of HIV-1 following its transmission to new hosts, a process central to T cell-based vaccine strategies.

Nagaraja|Pradeep|P|
Alexander|Helen K|HK|
Bonhoeffer|Sebastian|S|
Dixit|Narendra M|NM|

Immune escape
Multi-locus adaptation
Cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Waiting time
Fitness landscape


Incomplete splicing of neutrophil-specific genes affects neutrophil development in a zebrafish model of poikiloderma with neutropenia.

Abstract: Poikiloderma with neutropenia (PN) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by poikiloderma, facial dysmorphism, pachyonychia, short stature and neutropenia. The molecular testing of PN patients has identified mutations in the C16orf57 gene, which encodes a protein referred to as USB1 (U Six Biogenesis 1). In this study, we developed a zebrafish model of PN by the microinjection of morpholino antisense oligos to suppress usb1 gene function. Severe morphological defects, including a bent tail, thin yolk extension and reduced body length, were predominant in the Usb1-suppressed embryos (morphants). We also observed significantly decreased number of neutrophils in the morphants by Sudan Black staining. Interestingly, the splicing of genes involved in neutrophil differentiation and development, such as mpx, ncf1, ela3l and npsn, was aberrant in the morphants. However, the splicing of haematopoietic precursors and erythroid-specific genes was unaltered. Importantly, the neutrophil defects were almost completely rescued by co-injection of ela3l mRNA, the most markedly affected gene in the morphants. Our study demonstrated a possible role of USB1 in modulating the tissue-specific gene splicing that eventually leads to the impaired development of neutrophils. This zebrafish model could serve as a valuable tool to investigate the causative role of USB1 in PN pathogenesis.

CRISPR, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats

MPN1, mutated in poikiloderma with neutropenia

semi-quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction


Assessment of increased risk of arrhythmia in advanced age pregnancies.

Abstract:
Background and Objective
Cardiovascular deaths usually occur in older pregnancies and arrhythmia is the third most common cause. Our study aimed to determine whether the risk of arrhythmia increases in pregnancy with advanced age.

Methods
In total, 280 pregnant women, of whom 98 were of advanced age and 182 were under 35 years of age were included in the study. The risk of arrhythmia was evaluated by calculating the electrocardiographic P-wave duration, QT interval, T peak-to-end interval, and the Tp-e/QT ratio.

Results
Although there were no differences in the Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio between the groups, the maximum QTc, minimum QTc, and QTc dispersion values were significantly higher in advanced-age pregnancies compared to the control group. In addition, the P dispersion was greater in advanced-age pregnancies. In correlation analysis, the increased dispersion of QTc and P were positively correlated with maternal age. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that QTc dispersion was independently associated with maternal age.

Conclusion
Repolarization parameters increase in advanced-age pregnancies even though they remain in the normal range, which should lead to an investigation of whether this is a pathological condition.

Arrhythmia
Advanced age
Pregnancy
Electrocardiogram
Ventricular repolarization


In situ controlled rapid growth of novel high activity TiB2/(TiB2-TiN) hierarchical/heterostructured nanocomposites.

Abstract: In this work, a reaction coupling self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (RC-SHS) method was developed for the in situ controlled synthesis of novel, high activity TiB2/(TiB2-TiN) hierarchical/heterostructured nanocomposites using TiO2, Mg, B2O3, KBH4 and NH4NO3 as raw materials. The as-synthesized samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), transition electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). The obtained TiB2/TiN hierarchical/heterostructured nanocomposites demonstrated an average particle size of 100-500 nm, and every particle surface was covered by many multibranched, tapered nanorods with diameters in the range of 10-40 nm and lengths of 50-200 nm. In addition, the tapered nanorod presents a rough surface with abundant exposed atoms. The internal and external components of the nanorods were TiB2 and TiN, respectively. Additionally, a thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyzer (TG-DSC) comparison analysis indicated that the as-synthesized samples presented better chemical activity than that of commercial TiB2 powders. Finally, the possible chemical reactions as well as the proposed growth mechanism of the TiB2/(TiB2-TiN) hierarchical/heterostructured nanocomposites were further discussed.

Wang|Jilin|J| Liao|Hejie|H| Ji|Yuchun|Y| Long|Fei|F| Gu|Yunle|Y| Zou|Zhengguang|Z| Wang|Weimin|W| Fu|Zhengyi|Z|


Pedobacter kyonggii sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from forest soil.

Abstract: Strain K-4-11-1T, a psychrotolerant, light salmon-coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, was isolated from forest soil of Kyonggi University, Suwon, South Korea. It was able to grow at 0-32 °C, at pH 5.0-10.0 and with 0-1.5 % (w/v) NaCl. This strain was taxonomically characterized by a polyphasic approach. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain K-4-11-1T belongs to the genus Pedobacter and is closely related to Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans THG-45T (98.75 % sequence similarity), Pedobacter borealis G-1T (98.48 %), Pedobacter terrae DS-57T (98.20 %), Pedobacter agri PB92T (97.92 %) and Pedobacter suwonensis 15-52T (97.84 %). The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and unidentified glycolipids. The predominant fatty acids of strain K-4-11-1T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C17 : 0 and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl). The genomic DNA G+C content of this novel strain was 38.3 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain K-4-11-1T and P. ginsenosidimutans KACC 14530T, P. borealis KACC 14287T, P. terrae KACC 13766T, P. agri KACC 13768T and P. suwonensis KACC 11317T were 40.0, 36.3, 37.0, 32.3 and 29.7 %, respectively. The morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses clearly distinguished this novel strain from its closest phylogenetic neighbours. Thus, strain K-4-11-1T represents a novel species of the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter kyonggii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K-4-11-1T (=KEMB 9005-574T=KACC 19174T=JCM 31916T).

Chaudhary|Dhiraj Kumar|DK|
Lee|Sang Don|SD|
Kim|Jaisoo|J|

Pedobacter kyonggii sp. nov.
psychrotolerant
forest soil
Bacteroidetes
Sphingobacteriaceae


The Potential Source of B. licheniformis Contamination During Whey Protein Concentrate 80 Manufacture.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the possible source of predominant Bacillus licheniformis contamination in a whey protein concentrate (WPC) 80 manufacturing plant. Traditionally, microbial contaminants of WPC were believed to grow on the membrane surfaces of the ultrafiltration plant as this represents the largest surface area in the plant. Changes from hot to cold ultrafiltration have reduced the growth potential for bacteria on the membrane surfaces. Our recent studies of WPCs have shown the predominant microflora B. licheniformis would not grow in the membrane plant because of the low temperature (10 °C) and must be growing elsewhere. Contamination of dairy products is mostly due to bacteria being released from biofilm in the processing plant rather from the farm itself. Three different reconstituted WPC media at 1%, 5%, and 20% were used for biofilm growth and our results showed that B. licheniformis formed the best biofilm at 1% (low solids). Further investigations were done using 3 different media; tryptic soy broth, 1% reconstituted WPC80, and 1% reconstituted WPC80 enriched with lactose and minerals to examine biofilm growth of B. licheniformis on stainless steel. Thirty-three B. licheniformis isolates varied in their ability to form biofilm on stainless steel with stronger biofilm in the presence of minerals. The source of biofilms of thermo-resistant bacteria such as B. licheniformis is believed to be before the ultrafiltration zone represented by the 1% WPC with lactose and minerals where the whey protein concentration is about 0.6%.

Md Zain|Siti Norbaizura|SN|
Bennett|Rod|R|
Flint|Steve|S|