Management of the bone loss by metaphyseal sleeves in primary and revision knee arthroplasty: clinical experience and outcome after forty three cases.

Abstract:
AIM OF THE STUDY
Management of metaphyseal bone loss in complex primary and revision TKA is a challenge for surgeons. Out of various types of bony defects, large metaphyseal bone loss (AORI types IIB and III) requires special augments in the form of cones or sleeves. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of metaphyseal sleeves, in dealing with massive bone defects to provide stability for immediate weight bearing and also to check short to mid-term survivorship of metaphyseal sleeves in Asian population by assessing various parameters and complications.

METHODS
This is a retrospective study that includes 36 patients (43 knees), operated from 2011 to 2019. Patients with AORI type IIB (large metaphyseal bone defect) and AORI type III (metaphyseal defect with compromised collateral ligaments) were included. We included both the primary and revision knee arthroplasties in our study. Our interest in this study was to look for incidence of intra-operative iatrogenic fracture on the one hand, and post-operative complications in the form of peri-prosthetic joint infection and aseptic loosening on the other hand. Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to assess improvement in patient's clinical outcome. SPSS version 23 was used to process data.

RESULTS
The average age of patients in our study was 59.4 (SD 9.78) years. Male to female ratio was 21:15. The average follow-up was 5.42 (SD 2.24) years with the longest follow up of nine years. Metaphyseal sleeves were used in 12 primary TKA and 31 revision TKA. During surgery, iatrogenic fracture of tibial condyle was encountered in three patients (6.9%), all were managed without any intervention and union was achieved in all cases. There was not a single case with aseptic loosening as per radiological criteria in our study. Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) was encountered in a single case (2.3%). Pre-op Knee Society Score (KSS) was 36.21 (SD 7.43) where as it improved to 92.00 (SD 5.66), six months after surgery. Also the range of flexion was increased from 76.83o (SD 14.07o) to 122.91o (SD 4.84o).

CONCLUSION
In our study, metaphyseal sleeves showed excellent short to mid-term survivorship in AORI types IIB and III boneloss in Asian population. These results are comparable to various studies conducted on North American and European population. Metaphyseal sleeve is a reliable tool in the armamentarium of the arthroplasty surgeon. It is user friendly implant and provides immediate stability to allow full weight-bearing mobilization.

Gill|Usman Nazir|UN|
Ahmed|Nasir|N|
Noor|Syed Shahid|SS|
Memon|Iftikhar Ahmed|IA|
Memon|Zulfiqar Ali|ZA|

D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
D001842:Bone and Bones
D005260:Female
D006801:Humans
D007719:Knee Joint
D007720:Knee Prosthesis
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D011474:Prosthesis Design
D012086:Reoperation
D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D016896:Treatment Outcome

Metaphyseal sleeves
Revision TKA
AORI classification
Total knee arthroplasty


Vitamin D supplementation and systemic inflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Observational studies have suggested that vitamin D may reduce inflammation in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), but this has not been clearly confirmed in randomized controlled trials. To further explore the possible anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D in RRMS, we examined the effect of high-dose oral vitamin D3 on eleven markers of systemic inflammation in 68 RRMS patients enrolled in a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation (20,000 IU/week) (NCT00785473). Serum inflammation markers and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured at baseline and week 96, and no restrictions were set on additional standard immunomodulatory treatment for RRMS. The mean 25(OH)D level rose from 56 ± 29 to 123 ± 34 nmol/L among patients receiving vitamin D3 supplementation, whereas only a minor increase from 57 ± 22 to 63 ± 24 nmol/L was seen in the placebo group. However, no significant differences appeared between the vitamin D group and the placebo group for any of the inflammation markers. Patients on immunomodulatory therapy had significantly higher levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 16 than patients without immunomodulatory treatment, but there were no clear synergistic effects between immunomodulatory therapy and vitamin D3 supplementation on any of the inflammation markers. The rise in 25(OH)D levels after vitamin D3 supplementation was unaffected by immunomodulatory treatment. We conclude that in this study of RRMS patients, high-dose oral vitamin D3 supplementation prominently increased serum 25(OH)D levels without affecting markers of systemic inflammation, while a more anti-inflammatory phenotype was found among patients on immunomodulatory treatment.

Røsjø|Egil|E|
Steffensen|Linn H|LH|
Jørgensen|Lone|L|
Lindstrøm|Jonas C|JC|
Šaltytė Benth|Jūratė|J|
Michelsen|Annika E|AE|
Aukrust|Pål|P|
Ueland|Thor|T|
Kampman|Margitta T|MT|
Torkildsen|Øivind|Ø|
Holmøy|Trygve|T|

Vitamin D
Systemic inflammation
Multiple sclerosis


Predictors of certification in infection prevention and control among infection preventionists: APIC MegaSurvey findings.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The 2015 APIC MegaSurvey was completed by 4,078 members to assess infection prevention practices. This study's purpose was to examine MegaSurvey results to relate infection preventionist (IP) certification status with demographic characteristics, organizational structure, compensation benefits, and practice and competency factors.

METHODS
Descriptive statistics were used to examine population characteristics and certification status. Bivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate relationships between independent variables and certification status. Variables demonstrating statistical significance (P <.05) were included in multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS
Forty-seven percent of survey respondents had their CIC. IPs were less likely certified if their educational attainment was less than a bachelor's degree, they were aged 18-45 years, they worked in rural facilities, they had <16 years' experience in health care before becoming an IP, and the percentage of job dedicated to infection prevention was <75%. However, certification was associated with CIC benefit paid fully by employer, self-rating as proficient and expert-advanced, and surveillance and epidemiologic investigation competency obtained via professional development and training.

CONCLUSIONS
CIC attainment was associated with IP characteristics. Additional research should focus on identifying strategies to increase certification among noncertified IPs because CIC is a measure of proficiency that should be a goal for all IPs.

Kalp|Ericka L|EL|
Harris|Jeanette J|JJ|
Zawistowski|Grace|G|

APIC competency model for the infection preventionist


Green Tea Seed Oil Suppressed Aβ1⁻42-Induced Behavioral and Cognitive Deficit via the Aβ-Related Akt Pathway.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the availability of seeds, one of the byproducts of green tea, and evaluate the physiological activity of seed oil. The ameliorating effect of green tea seed oil (GTO) was evaluated on H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells and amyloid beta (Aβ)1-42-induced ICR mice. GTO showed improvement of cell viability and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in H₂O₂-induced PC12 cells by conducting the 2',3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) analysis. Also, administration of GTO (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) presented protective effects on behavioral and memory dysfunction by conducting Y-maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests in Aβ-induced ICR mice. GTO protected the antioxidant system by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing glutathione (GSH) contents. It significantly regulated the cholinergic system of acetylcholine (ACh) contents, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, and AChE expression. Also, mitochondrial function was improved through the reduced production of ROS and damage of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by regulating the Aβ-related c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/protein kinase B (Akt) and Akt/apoptosis pathways. This study suggested that GTO may have an ameliorating effect on cognitive dysfunction and neurotoxicity through various physiological activities.

Kim|Jong Min|JM|
Park|Seon Kyeong|SK|
Kang|Jin Yong|JY|
Park|Su Bin|SB|
Yoo|Seul Ki|SK|
Han|Hye Ju|HJ|
Cho|Kyoung Hwan|KH|
Kim|Jong Cheol|JC|
Heo|Ho Jin|HJ|

D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides
D000818:Animals
D000975:Antioxidants
D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction
D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide
D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR
D018696:Neuroprotective Agents
D018384:Oxidative Stress
D016716:PC12 Cells
D010446:Peptide Fragments
D010938:Plant Oils
D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
D051381:Rats
D012639:Seeds
D015398:Signal Transduction
D013662:Tea

green tea seed oil, amyloid β, neuroprotective effect, Aβ-related Akt pathway


The Effect of Long-term Dressing with Calcium Hydroxide on the Fracture Susceptibility of Teeth.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Calcium hydroxide has been widely used to treat immature teeth to achieve periodontal healing and to promote the formation of an apical barrier. However, retrospective clinical studies have shown a high incidence of cervical root fractures with long-term calcium hydroxide dressing. The alkalinity of calcium hydroxide has been suggested to weaken the root. In vitro studies using ovine teeth show conflicting results on fracture strength of dentine, although different commercial products may have influenced the results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 commercial products used in prior studies (Calasept Plus and UltraCal XS), as well as a new product (Calmix) that uses a nonaqueous vehicle that allows for a higher pH, on the fracture strength of dentine over time.

METHODS
A total of 330 lamb incisor teeth were collected and the canals prepared so that 3 commercial calcium hydroxide products as well as a positive control of pure calcium hydroxide slurry that filled the root canal from the open apex and a negative control of saline was tested. The teeth were loaded until fracture with a universal testing machine at time points 0, 3, 6, and 9 months and the force to fracture was calculated. The data were analyzed with Friedman analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney t tests.

RESULTS
No statistical differences were observed between the different calcium hydroxide products and the negative controls.

CONCLUSIONS
Thin and fragile roots could be the cause of fracture rather than the calcium hydroxide dressing.

Kahler|Sam L|SL|
Shetty|Sowmya|S|
Andreasen|Frances M|FM|
Kahler|Bill|B|

D000818:Animals
D001458:Bandages
D002122:Calcium Chloride
D002126:Calcium Hydroxide
D003804:Dentin
D004338:Drug Combinations
D011189:Potassium Chloride
D012756:Sheep
D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate
D012965:Sodium Chloride
D013997:Time Factors
D014082:Tooth Fractures

Calcium hydroxide
immature teeth
cervical root fractures
fracture strength
pH


Phosphorylation of serine palmitoyltransferase long chain-1 (SPTLC1) on tyrosine 164 inhibits its activity and promotes cell survival.

Abstract: In BCR-ABL-expressing cells, sphingolipid metabolism is altered. Because the first step of sphingolipid biosynthesis occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), our objective was to identify ABL targets in the ER. A phosphoproteomic analysis of canine pancreatic ER microsomes identified 49 high scoring phosphotyrosine-containing peptides. These were then categorized in silico and validated in vitro. We demonstrated that the ER-resident human protein serine palmitoyltransferase long chain-1 (SPTLC1), which is the first enzyme of sphingolipid biosynthesis, is phosphorylated at Tyr(164) by the tyrosine kinase ABL. Inhibition of BCR-ABL using either imatinib or shRNA-mediated silencing led to the activation of SPTLC1 and to increased apoptosis in both K562 and LAMA-84 cells. Finally, we demonstrated that mutation of Tyr(164) to Phe in SPTLC1 increased serine palmitoyltransferase activity. The Y164F mutation also promoted the remodeling of cellular sphingolipid content, thereby sensitizing K562 cells to apoptosis. Our observations provide a mechanistic explanation for imatinib-mediated cell death and a novel avenue for therapeutic strategies.

Taouji|Saïd|S| Higa|Arisa|A| Delom|Frédéric|F| Palcy|Sandrine|S| Mahon|François-Xavier|FX| Pasquet|Jean-Max|JM| Bossé|Roger|R| Ségui|Bruno|B| Chevet|Eric|E|

D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive

SPTLC1
Sphingolipid
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
Imatinib
Apoptosis
Protein Kinases
Protein Phosphorylation


Control of lipid droplet fusion and growth by CIDE family proteins.

Abstract: Cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector (CIDE) family proteins including Cidea, Cideb and Cidec/Fsp27 are expressed in many different tissues and are known as lipid droplet (LD)-and ER-associated proteins. Systematic analyses using genetically modified animal models have demonstrated that CIDE proteins play important roles in regulating various aspects of lipid homeostasis, including lipid storage, lipolysis and lipid secretion. Recent research in ours and other laboratories has revealed that CIDE proteins are crucial regulators of LD fusion and growth in the adipose tissue, liver, skin and mammary glands. CIDE-mediated LD fusion and growth is different from other membrane fusions in that it requires CIDE proteins to be enriched and clustered at the LD-LD contact sites (LDCS). The enriched CIDE proteins then allow the recruitment of other proteins to the LDCS and the formation of potential fusion pores. Neutral lipids in the smaller LDs of the contacted pair are transferred to the larger LDs, owing to the internal pressure difference, thus resulting in the fusion and growth of the LDs. This review summarizes the physiological roles of CIDE proteins in controlling lipid homeostasis, insulin sensitivity and the development of metabolic diseases including obesity, diabetes and fatty liver, with a particular focus on the role of CIDE proteins in controlling LD fusion and growth. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Recent Advances in Lipid Droplet Biology edited by Rosalind Coleman and Matthijs Hesselink.

Gao|Guangang|G| Chen|Feng-Jung|FJ| Zhou|Linkang|L| Su|Lu|L| Xu|Dijin|D| Xu|Li|L| Li|Peng|P|

D000818:Animals
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
D003920:Diabetes Mellitus
D005234:Fatty Liver
D006801:Humans
D007333:Insulin Resistance
D066292:Lipid Droplets
D050356:Lipid Metabolism
D008561:Membrane Fusion
D009765:Obesity

Lipid droplet
Lipid droplet fusion
CIDE proteins
Lipid homeostasis
Obesity


Clinical contribution of myositis-related antibodies detected by immunoblot to idiopathic inflammatory myositis: A one-year retrospective study.

Abstract: In this study, we aimed at evaluating the contribution of an extended myositis-related antibodies (Abs) determination by immunoblot to the diagnosis, classification, and prognosis of idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM). Medical records of all the patients (n = 237) with myositis-related Ab requests addressed to our department over a one-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified as IIM, auto-immune disease (AID) other than IIM, and other diagnosis, and examined for their Ab profiles as determined by immunoblot. Ab positivity was qualified semi-quantitatively as low or strong according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Among the 45 Ab-positive patients, 49% were diagnosed an IIM, 22% another AID, and 29% another diagnosis. The clinico-serological patterns of the myositis-related Ab+ patients fully recapitulated those described in the literature. Among non-IIM patients, anti-PM-Scl was the most frequently detected Ab (38%), followed by anti-Mi-2 (15%), and anti-OJ (12%). Importantly, strong Ab positivity was significantly more detected in IIM vs. non-IIM patients (82% vs. 35%; p = .002). This difference was further increased when comparing MSAs only (95% vs. 36%; p = .0004). Accordingly, strong Ab positivity associated with high specificity (96%) and positive likelihood ratio (pLR =12) for IIM. Our data suggest that while myositis-related Ab, including MSA, can be detected by immunoblot in non-IIM patients, strong positivity is nevertheless highly predictive of IIM. In conclusion, this work suggests that relevant clinical contribution to IIM is provided by the immunoblot determination of myositis-related Ab, more especially when considering strong positive detection of MSA.

Lecouffe-Desprets|Marie|M|
Hémont|Caroline|C|
Néel|Antoine|A|
Toquet|Claire|C|
Masseau|Agathe|A|
Hamidou|Mohamed|M|
Josien|Regis|R|
Martin|Jérôme C|JC|0000-0003-0068-8776

myositis-related antibodies
immunoblot
Idiopathic inflammatory myositis
muscle biopsy
myositis-associated antibodies
myositis-specific antibodies


Extensive pyomyositis of vastus muscles.

Abstract: We report a case study on a patient who presented with low back and thigh pain of one month duration. He was eventually diagnosed with left thigh pyomyositis. Tissue from thigh grew Staphylococcus aureus. With commencement of antibiotics and surgical drainage, patient made recovery despite prolonged hospital stay. The underlying mechanism of the extensive abscess accompanied by lack of systemic symptoms; is related to relative immunocompromised state of having underlying diabetes mellitus.

Ong|Chong Yau|CY|
Lim|Jin Lee|JL|
Galang|Lourdes Ducusin|LD|

Pyomyositis
thigh
staphylococcus aureus
abscess


Endocrine monitoring of the ovarian cycle in captive female Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis).

Abstract: The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis; Mammalia: Sirenia), a threatened aquatic mammal endemic to the Amazon basin, is the only sirenian that lives exclusively in fresh water. Information about the reproductive endocrinology of the Amazonian manatee is scarce; therefore, the aim of this study was to monitor salivary progesterone and estradiol patterns during the ovarian cycle in T. inunguis. Salivary samples were collected daily during a 12-week period of two consecutive years from two captive adult females. The salivary estradiol and progesterone were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results were analyzed in an iterative process of excluding values that were higher than the mean plus 2 standard deviations until the basal values were determined. The interval between two peaks of salivary estradiol followed by a rise of progesterone was considered as one complete cycle for the calculation of the cycle length. We observed only three complete cycles in all samples analyzed. The cycle length ranged from 42 to 48 days (mean of 44.67 days). We also observed two distinct salivary estradiol peaks during all cycles analyzed, with the first peak occurring before the rise in salivary progesterone and the second occurred followed by a return to basal progesterone levels. This is the first in-depth study of the ovarian cycle in Amazonian manatees. Our results demonstrate that salivary samples can be a useful tool in the endocrine monitoring of this species and suggest that T. inunguis shows a peculiar hormonal pattern during the ovarian cycle, a finding that may have physiological and ecological significance in the reproductive strategy of these animals.

Amaral|Rodrigo S|RS|
Rosas|Fernando C W|FC|
da Silva|Vera M F|VM|
Nichi|Marcilio|M|
Oliveira|Claudio A|CA|

Manatee Sirenian Reproduction Progesterone Estradiol Saliva


Human Mobility and the Global Spread of Infectious Diseases: A Focus on Air Travel.

Abstract: Greater human mobility, largely driven by air travel, is leading to an increase in the frequency and reach of infectious disease epidemics. Air travel can rapidly connect any two points on the planet, and this has the potential to cause swift and broad dissemination of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases that may pose a threat to global health security. Investments to strengthen surveillance, build robust early-warning systems, improve predictive models, and coordinate public health responses may help to prevent, detect, and respond to new infectious disease epidemics.

D064870:Air Travel
D003141:Communicable Diseases
D014943:Global Health
D006801:Humans
D008962:Models, Theoretical

air travel
surveillance
public health
arbovirus
flight
infection


Next-generation sequencing of Chinese stage IV lung cancer patients reveals an association between EGFR mutation status and survival outcome.

Abstract: Large-scale genomic characterization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has revealed several putative oncogenic driver mutations that may constitute druggable therapeutic targets. However, there are little data to suggest that such gene alterations have clinical relevance. Over 12 consecutive months, tumor biopsy samples from 80 patients with stage IV NSCLC were analyzed for mutations in selected exons of 508 cancer-related genes using next-generation sequencing. From 85 specimens referred for genomic characterization, 80 (94%) specimens were successfully genotyped, and all had identifiable somatic alterations. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and TP53 genes contained the highest frequency of observed mutations (65% and 40%, respectively) in the stage IV NSCLC cases. Notably, patients with EGFR mutations showed a significantly shorter survival time compared with patients expressing wild-type EGFR (p = 0.0053). Moreover, of the 32 patients harboring EGFR mutations, EGFR-L858R mutant patients showed a significantly shorter survival time compared with patients with other EGFR mutations (p = 0.036). In conclusion, tumors from stage IV NSCLC patients harbor characteristic gene alterations, of which EGFR L858R in particular appears to be a poor prognostic factor for overall survival.

Li|F|F| Du|X|X| Zhang|H|H| Ju|T|T| Chen|C|C| Qu|Q|Q| Zhang|X|X| Qi|L|L| Lizée|G|G|

next-generation sequencing
survival
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
gene mutation
prognosis


Paediatric ultrasonography of the liver, hepatobiliary tract and pancreas.

Abstract: In the field of paediatric radiology ultrasonography (US) is the most versatile imaging tool available. Children in general, by virtue of their body composition, are excellent candidates for US exams in whom abdominal anatomy and pathology can be visualised in great detail. The fact that during the US study a clinical history can be obtained strongly adds to the value of the US exam. This does require investment in time and expertise and ideally a paediatric radiologist performing the exam. In this review the role of ultrasonography (US) of the liver, biliary tract and pancreas in children is discussed.

Ultrasonography
Liver
Pancreas
Biliary tract


The use of parametric effect sizes in single study musculoskeletal physiotherapy research: A practical primer.

Abstract: Many researchers often do not report effect sizes at all, and, if they do report them, often do not report the correct measure for the design that has been used in the research. With the increased level of attention being given to the reporting of effect sizes and their corresponding confidence intervals, it is important that there is field-specific literature pertaining to the calculation and reporting of these measures. This paper acts as a practical primer for the calculation and reporting of effect size measures aimed at, but not limited to, the field of musculoskeletal physiotherapy research. This primer involves a discussion on which effect sizes are appropriate for within and between-subject single study research, illustrating, through examples based on musculoskeletal research data, how these measures are calculated, interpreted, and reported.

D006801:Humans
D009141:Musculoskeletal System
D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities
D012107:Research Design
D018401:Sample Size
D013223:Statistics as Topic

Effect sizes
Physiotherapy
Between-subject
Associations
Differences
Within subject


Generating Germ-Free Drosophila to Study Gut-Microbe Interactions: Protocol to Rear Drosophila Under Axenic Conditions.

Abstract: As several diseases have been linked to dysbiosis of the human intestinal microflora, manipulation of the microbiota has emerged as an exciting new strategy for potentially treating and preventing diseases. However, the human microbiota consists of a plethora of different species, and distinguishing the impact of a specific bacterial species on human health is challenging. In tackling this challenge, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, with its far simpler microbial composition, has emerged as a powerful model for unraveling host-microbe interactions. To study the interplay between the resident commensal microbiome and the host, flies can be made germ-free, or axenic. To elucidate the impact of specific bacteria, axenic flies can then be re-introduced to specific microbial species. In this unit, we provide a step-by-step protocol on how to rear Drosophila melanogaster under axenic conditions and confirm the axenity of flies. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

axenic
microbiota
Drosophila melanogaster
commensal
bacteria


Conversion of silica by-product into zeolites by thermo-sonochemical treatment.

Abstract: The fine powdered silica by-product of processing of aluminum fluoride (fertilizer plant, Lithuania) was used for zeolite synthesis as silica and aluminum source. The effect of sonication time and the time of hydrothermal synthesis on crystallinity of the synthesized zeolite were studied. This allowed the transformation of the by-product to the mixture of Na-P zeolite and Na-X zeolite. It was determined that ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal action effected the "diamond" shape formation of Na-P zeolite with clear crystal edges. Na-P zeolite had the morphology of pseudo-spherical forms constituted by small plates when hydrothermal treatment (without sonication) was use for the preparation of zeolites. Moreover, it was determined that ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method effected a reduction in the crystal size compared with the zeolites which were synthesized only by using hydrothermal synthesis. The total amount of zeolites as high as 88-93% was achieved after 24 h of hydrothermal treatment followed or unfollowed by sonication. By using longer duration (20 min) of ultrasound pretreatment it is possible to reduce the duration of hydrothermal synthesis: from 24 h to 12 h of hydrothermal treatment. In this case, similar results of total amount of zeolites were detected. In the present work, low-cost raw materials, such as silica by-product have been investigated for the production of zeolites.

Vaičiukynienė|Danutė|D| Jakevičius|Leonas|L| Kantautas|Aras|A| Vaitkevičius|Vitoldas|V| Vaičiukynas|Vilimantas|V| Dvořák|Karel|K|

Silica by-product
Thermo-sonochemical treatment
Na-P zeolite
Na-X zeolite


Anticipated learning outcomes for a biochemistry course-based undergraduate research experience aimed at predicting protein function from structure: Implications for assessment design.

Abstract: Several course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have been published in the literature. However, only limited attempts have been made to rigorously identify the discovery-type research abilities that students actually develop during such experiences. Instead, there has been a greater focus on technical or procedural-type knowledge or general CURE skills that are too comprehensive to effectively assess. Before the extent of discovery-type learning outcomes can be established in students (termed verified learning outcomes or VLOs), it is important to rigorously identify the anticipated learning outcomes (ALOs) and to then develop student assessments that target each ALO to reveal the nature of such student learning. In this article we present a matrix of 43 ALOs, or course-based undergraduate research abilities (CURAs), that instructors anticipate students will develop during a recently-developed biochemistry CURE focusing on the prediction of protein function from structure. The CURAs were identified using the process for identifying course-based undergraduate research abilities (PICURA) and classified into seven distinct themes that enabled the characterization of the CURE and a comparison to other published inventories of research competencies and CURE aspects. These themes and the CURE protocols aligning to the CURAs were used to form the ALO matrix that was, in turn, used to inform the design of an assessment that revealed evidence that a student had developed some of the targeted CURAs. Future research will focus on further assessment development that targets other identified CURAs. This approach has potential applications to other CUREs both in biochemistry and other science disciplines. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(5):478-492, 2018.

Course-based undergraduate research experience

assessment and the design of probes for student understanding and learning

integration of research into undergraduate teaching


Bicycle ownership and utilization in Tamale Metropolis; influencing factors and impacts to sustainable transport.

Abstract: The study seeks to identify bicycle ownership and ridership and gain insights into how demographics, perceptions and experiences of respondents influenced the status of cycling in Tamale Metropolis. Earlier studies have focused on examining the determinants of utility cycling among adults in the same metropolis, but this study assesses cycling from a broader perspective in terms of demographics, barriers, and promotional strategies. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 500 semi-structured questionnaires through mainly a face-to-face approach. Five trained survey assistants administered the questionnaires within demarcated zones in the metropolis and tracked participants by geographic information system. Binary logistic regression, chi-squared test and descriptive statistics were employed in the analysis of the data. Out of the 439 valid questionnaires, bicycle ownership and ridership were 56% and 78% respectively. Gender and occupation were significant in owning and riding bicycles, where p < 0.05. Males and the non-income earners (i.e., students, apprentices and unemployed) were more likely to ride and own bicycles. Cycling was prevalent among low-income individuals and in households where bicycles were available. The major motivation of bicycle riders was affordability. Age was statistically insignificant to owning or riding bicycles since every age group cycled as much. Despite the existing infrastructure provision for cycling and its associated benefits, there is a latent desire to shift from bicycles by 85% of the riders. A chi-square test conducted revealed that the desire to shift from bicycle use was independent of one's gender, age and occupation, but associated with bicycle ownership. Moreover, speed, fatigue endured in riding and inadequate infrastructure were mentioned as part of the factors that discourage cycling. This study, therefore, recommends government interventions such as a reduction in bicycle cost, and the introduction of electric bicycles to meet the respondents' transport needs of speed and travelling with less fatigue.

Timpabi|Akua Pokuaa|AP|
Osei|Kwame Kwakwa|KK|
Adams|Charles Anum|CA|

Bicycle ownership
Sustainable transport
Ridership
Cycling
Mode shift


Perceived Duration: The Interplay of Top-Down Attention and Task-Relevant Information.

Abstract: Perception of time is susceptible to distortions; among other factors, it has been suggested that the perceived duration of a stimulus is affected by the observer's expectations. It has been hypothesized that the duration of an oddball stimulus is overestimated because it is unexpected, whereas repeated stimuli have a shorter perceived duration because they are expected. However, recent findings suggest instead that fulfilled expectations about a stimulus elicit an increase in perceived duration, and that the oddball effect occurs because the oddball is a target stimulus, not because it is unexpected. Therefore, it has been suggested that top-down attention is sometimes sufficient to explain this effect, and sometimes only necessary, with an additional contribution from saliency. However, how the expectedness of a target stimulus and its salient features affect its perceived duration is still an open question. In the present study, participants' expectations about and the saliency of target stimuli were orthogonally manipulated with stimuli presented on a short (Experiment 1) or long (Experiment 2) temporal scale. Four repetitive standard stimuli preceded each target stimulus in a task in which participants judged whether the target was longer or shorter in duration than the standards. Engagement of top-down attention to target stimuli increased their perceived duration to the same extent irrespective of their expectedness. A small but significant additional contribution to this effect from the saliency of target stimuli was dependent on the temporal scale of stimulus presentation. In Experiment 1, saliency only significantly increased perceived duration in the case of expected target stimuli. In contrast, in Experiment 2, saliency exerted a significant effect on the overestimation elicited by unexpected target stimuli, but the contribution of this variable was eliminated in the case of expected target stimuli. These findings point to top-down attention as the primary cognitive mechanism underlying the perceptual extraction and processing of task-relevant information, which may be strongly correlated with perceived duration. Furthermore, the scalar properties of timing were observed, favoring the pacemaker-accumulator model of timing as the underlying timing mechanism.

perceived duration
top-down attention
task-relevant information
oddball effect
saliency
stimulus expectations


A QSAR Study of Matrix Metalloproteinases Type 2 (MMP-2) Inhibitors with Cinnamoyl Pyrrolidine Derivatives.

Abstract: A multivariate PLS-QSAR study with a data set of 31 cinnamoyl pyrrolidine derivatives described as type 2 matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2) inhibitors is presented in this paper. The variable selection was performed with the Ordered Predictors Selection (OPS) algorithm. The PLS model presented six descriptors and three Latent Variables (LV) that cumulated 71.845% of variance. Leave-N-out (LNO) cross validation and y-randomization tests showed that the model presented robustness and no chance correlation, respectively. The descriptors indicated that MMP-2 inhibition depends mainly on the electronic properties of the compounds. The model obtained can be useful as a support tool in the design of new MMP-2 inhibitors.

QSAR
Matrix metalloproteinases
OPS
Cancer
Gelatinases
MMP2


miR-148b-3p inhibits malignant biological behaviors of human glioma cells induced by high HOTAIR expression.

Abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that long non coding (lnc)RNA and microRNA (miRNA/miR) both regulate the expression of key genes in tumorigenesis and have considerable theranostic potential. Rapid advances in bioinformatics indicate that miRNA may potentially interact with lncRNA to modulate their regulatory roles. miR-148b-3p has been reported to have a vital role in regulating tumor progression. However, the expression pattern of miR-148b-3p in glioma remains largely unknown, and interactions between miR-148b-3p and lncRNA has yet to be identified. The aim of the present study was to insight into the regulatory role of miR-148b-3p in glioma. Using online software, the HOTAIR gene was identified as a possible lncRNA target of miR-148b-3p in the present study. siRNA was used to suppress the expression of HOTAIR and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of miR-148b-3p. The results confirmed that HOTAIR mRNA expression was inversely correlated with miR-148b-3p expression in A172 glioma cells. Furthermore, a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to detect the viability of cells, flow cytometry was performed to test cell cycle and a matrigel invasion assay was performed to test cell invasion. The results showed that HOTAIR promotes factors associated with malignancy, including cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and invasion, whereas miR-148b-3p suppresses malignancy. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-148b-3p modulates HOTAIR expression by directly targeting the HOTAIR gene sequence. In summary, the results indicated that miR-148b-3p inhibits malignant biological behaviors of glioma cells by directly targeting HOTAIR. The current data provide important evidence for understanding the key roles of the lncRNA miRNA functional network in glioma.

Wang|Guan|G| Li|Zhaohui|Z| Tian|Nan|N| Han|Liang|L| Fu|Yao|Y| Guo|Zhigang|Z| Tian|Yu|Y|

long non-coding RNA/microRNA interaction


Effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait and balance in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) improves gait velocity, cadence, and stride length in hemiplegic stroke patients, yet little is known about the effectiveness of RAS on standing balance.

OBJECTIVES
To examine and compare the effectiveness on standing balance and gait parameter of two different types of gait trainings, gait training with RAS versus gait training without RAS, was compared in two groups of hemiplegic stroke patients over a three-week period (RAS group, n = 8; control group = 8).

METHODS
Sixteen hemiplegic stroke patients were included in the study. Standing balance was measured by using Biosway®. Stride length, gait velocity, and cadence were calculated from the number of steps and required time for a 10 m-walk.

RESULTS
Pre- to post-test measures showed a significant improvement in RAS group for overall stability index (p = 0.043), mediolateral index (p = 0.006), anteroposterior index (p = 0.016), gait velocity (p = 0.012), stride length (p = 0.03) and cadence (p = 0.012) over the control group.

CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study showed that RAS was an effective therapeutic method to improve gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and standing balance in hemiplegic stroke patients.

Suh|Jee Hyun|JH|
Han|Soo Jeong|SJ|
Jeon|Seo Young|SY|
Kim|Ho Jeong|HJ|
Lee|Jeong Eun|JE|
Yoon|Tae Sik|TS|
Chong|Hyun Ju|HJ|

Rhythmic auditory stimulation
gait
balance
stroke
rehabilitation


The new final Clinical Skills examination in human medicine in Switzerland: Essential steps of exam development, implementation and evaluation, and central insights from the perspective of the national Working Group.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Since 2011, the new national final examination in human medicine has been implemented in Switzerland, with a structured clinical-practical part in the OSCE format. From the perspective of the national Working Group, the current article describes the essential steps in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Federal Licensing Examination Clinical Skills (FLE CS) as well as the applied quality assurance measures. Finally, central insights gained from the last years are presented.

METHODS
Based on the principles of action research, the FLE CS is in a constant state of further development. On the foundation of systematically documented experiences from previous years, in the Working Group, unresolved questions are discussed and resulting solution approaches are substantiated (planning), implemented in the examination (implementation) and subsequently evaluated (reflection). The presented results are the product of this iterative procedure.

RESULTS
The FLE CS is created by experts from all faculties and subject areas in a multistage process. The examination is administered in German and French on a decentralised basis and consists of twelve interdisciplinary stations per candidate. As important quality assurance measures, the national Review Board (content validation) and the meetings of the standardised patient trainers (standardisation) have proven worthwhile. The statistical analyses show good measurement reliability and support the construct validity of the examination. Among the central insights of the past years, it has been established that the consistent implementation of the principles of action research contributes to the successful further development of the examination.

CONCLUSION
The centrally coordinated, collaborative-iterative process, incorporating experts from all faculties, makes a fundamental contribution to the quality of the FLE CS. The processes and insights presented here can be useful for others planning a similar undertaking.

Berendonk|Christoph|C| Schirlo|Christian|C| Balestra|Gianmarco|G| Bonvin|Raphael|R| Feller|Sabine|S| Huber|Philippe|P| Jünger|Ernst|E| Monti|Matteo|M| Schnabel|Kai|K| Beyeler|Christine|C| Guttormsen|Sissel|S| Huwendiek|Sören|S|

D026683:Advisory Committees
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel
D002983:Clinical Competence
D003479:Curriculum
D004521:Educational Measurement
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic
D017144:Focus Groups
D006801:Humans
D008007:Licensure, Medical
D013557:Switzerland

national final examination
OSCE
licensing examination
action research
summative assessment


Risk of frontal sinus anterior table fractures after craniofacial trauma and the role of anatomic variations in frontal sinus size: A retrospective case-control study.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Purpose of this study was to evaluate a probable risk of frontal sinus size for traumatic depressed anterior table fractures in patients with similar forehead trauma.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective case-control study with a case group of consecutive treated patients with displaced frontal sinus anterior table fractures. The control group was randomly sampled from patients who presented with a blunt forehead trauma in our institution's emergency unit. In computed tomography data sets, all patients' frontal sinus size was categorized by Guerram's classification that is defined as aplasia, hypoplasia, medium-size and hyperplasia. Odds for prevalence of the sinus types as well as sinus total width and height were compared between both groups.

RESULTS
In total, 47 cases and 93 controls were identified. Hyperplasia in the case group had an odds ratio of 46:1 (p < 0.001) compared to the controls. Mean sinus width (73 mm vs. 46 mm; p < 0.001) and sinus height (30 mm vs. 15 mm; p < 0.001) were larger in the case group.

CONCLUSION
Depressed traumatic fractures of the anterior table are an injury with a high risk specific for enlarged frontal sinus sizes. Anatomy is the predictive factor for this mode of craniofacial trauma.

Buller|Johannes|J|
Kreppel|Matthias|M|
Maus|Volker|V|
Zirk|Matthias|M|
Zöller|Joachim E|JE|

D063405:Anatomic Variation
D005626:Frontal Sinus
D006801:Humans
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D012887:Skull Fractures

Frontal sinus
Anterior table
Anatomy
Maxillofacial fractures


A Beginning Guide for Dental Photography: A Simplified Introduction for Esthetic Dentistry.

Abstract: Photography is one of the most important skills dentists need to master in order to perform esthetic dentistry at a high level. Today, digital single-lens reflex cameras are commonplace. Young dentists have grown up with Internet, smartphones, and online platforms exposing them, and their patients, to cases that other dentists have shared, increasing the awareness and popularity of esthetic-focused treatment. This article provides readers with a simplified and attainable approach to begin the dental photography journey, as well as increase skill level, depending on practice style and desired investment.

Dental photography
Esthetic dentistry
Beginner’s guide


The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on metabolic profiles and parameters of mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Evaluating the impact of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation on hormonal indices, mental health, and biomarkers of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress among female patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS
The present double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial consisted of 55 PCOS women (aged 18-40 years old), who were randomized into groups receiving 100 mg/day of CoQ10 (28 cases) or placebo (27 cases) for 12 weeks.

RESULTS
The supplementation of CoQ10 decreased significantly the scores of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (p = .03) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (p = .01) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level (p = .005) when comparing with the placebo group. Moreover, CoQ10 group exhibited a significant drop in total testosterone (p = .004), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) (p < .001), hirsutism (p = .002) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = .001) levels in the serum, and a significant rise in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (p < .001) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p < .001) levels in the serum than the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS
12-week supplementation of CoQ10 to PCOS women showed beneficial impact on BDI, BAI, hs-CRP, total testosterone, DHEAS, hirsutism, SHBG, TAC and MDA levels.

Coenzyme Q10
metabolic profiles
mental health
polycystic ovary syndrome


Supplemental Selenium and Boron Mitigate Salt-Induced Oxidative Damages in Glycine max L.

Abstract: The present investigation was executed with an aim to evaluate the role of exogenous selenium (Se) and boron (B) in mitigating different levels of salt stress by enhancing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems in soybean. Plants were treated with 0, 150, 300 and 450 mM NaCl at 20 days after sowing (DAS). Foliar application of Se (50 µM Na2SeO4) and B (1 mM H3BO3) was accomplished individually and in combined (Se+B) at three-day intervals, at 16, 20, 24 and 28 DAS under non-saline and saline conditions. Salt stress adversely affected the growth parameters. In salt-treated plants, proline content and oxidative stress indicators such as malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content were increased with the increment of salt concentration but the relative water content decreased. Due to salt stress catalase (CAT), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glyoxalase I (Gly I) and glyoxalase II (Gly II) activity decreased. However, the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase (POD) increased under salt stress. On the contrary, supplementation of Se, B and Se+B enhanced the activities of APX, MDHAR, DHAR, GR, CAT, GPX, GST, POD, Gly I and Gly II which consequently diminished the H2O2 content and MDA content under salt stress, and also improved the growth parameters. The results reflected that exogenous Se, B and Se+B enhanced the enzymatic activity of the antioxidant defense system as well as the glyoxalase systems under different levels of salt stress, ultimately alleviated the salt-induced oxidative stress, among them Se+B was more effective than a single treatment.

reactive oxygen species
AsA-GSH pathway
abiotic stress
methylglyoxal
micronutrient
osmoregulation
trace elements


Synthesis, Electronic Structure, and Electrochemical Properties of the Cubic Mg2MnO4 Spinel with Porous-Spongy Structure.

Abstract: Mg2MnO4 nanoparticles with cubic spinel structure were synthesized by the sol-gel method using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a chelating agent. X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectrum (IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the crystalline phase and particle size of as-synthesized nanoparticles. The electronic structure of Mg2MnO4 spinel was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that pure cubic Mg2MnO4 spinel nanoparticles were obtained when the annealing temperature was 500-700 °C. The samples had a porous-spongy structure assembled by nanoparticles. XPS studies indicated that Mg2MnO4 nanoparticles were mixed spinel structures and the degree of cation inversion decreased with increasing annealing temperature. Furthermore, the performance of Mg2MnO4 as lithium anode material was studied. The results showed that Mg2MnO4 samples had good cycle stability except for the slight decay in the capacity at 50 cycles. The coulombic efficiency (ratio of discharge and charge capacity) in most cycles was near 100%. The sample annealed at 600 °C exhibited good electrochemical properties, the first discharge capacity was 771.5 mAh/g, and the capacity remained 340 mAh/g after 100 cycles. The effect of calcination temperature on the charge-discharge performance of the samples was studied and discussed.

Wang|Zhenyan|Z| Zhu|He|H| Ai|Li|L| Ding|Jimin|J| Zhu|Pengfei|P| Li|Ziqing|Z| Li|Bo|B| Jiang|Hechun|H| Yu|Fapeng|F|0000-0001-7094-5147 Duan|Xiulan|X| Jiang|Huaidong|H|

Mg2MnO4
cubic spinel
anode materials
Li-ion batteries
inversion degree


Copper removal from acid mine drainage-polluted water using glutaraldehyde-polyethyleneimine modified diatomaceous earth particles.

Abstract: Mine waters and tailings generated from mining and mineral processing activities often have detrimental impact on the local environment. One example is acid mine drainage, in which sulphides in the mining waste react with water and oxygen to produce an acidic environment that subsequently dissolves host rock minerals from the waste containing toxic metals and trace elements. Copper is one such metal of significance, as it is mined at large volumes in sulphide containing ores. It has strong biocidal activity that greatly affects ecosystems. We have previously reported that glutaraldehyde (GA)-crosslinked polyethyleneimine (PEI) has strong affinity and selectivity for copper and that diatomaceous earth (DE) particles can be modified with the material to form a copper-extraction resin. In this study, the copper uptake of GA-PEI-DE particles was investigated from synthetic and real acid mine drainage samples under different pHs and their copper removal performance was compared with that of selected commercial resins. The results revealed that copper could effectively and preferentially bind to the material at pH 4, and that the copper could be completely eluted by lowering of the pH. In addition, effective copper uptake and elution was demonstrated using real legacy acid mine drainage water from Mount Lyell in Tasmania.

Larsson|Mikael|M| Nosrati|Ataollah|A| Kaur|Simarpreet|S| Wagner|Jochen|J| Baus|Ulf|U| Nydén|Magnus|M|

Environmental science
Materials science
Metallurgical engineering


Transfusion-Associated Acute Lung Injury following Donor Granulocyte Transfusion in Two Pediatric Patients.

Abstract: Transfusion-associated acute lung injury (TRALI) is one of the complications seen due to transfusion. Hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltration in posteroanterior chest roentgenogram is seen in all cases during transfusion or within the first 6 hours; fever, hypotension, and pink frothy bleeding from endotracheal tube may also be seen. It can be seen following the administration of any blood product. The management strategies for TRALI include withholding the transfusion, positive pressure breathing support, and diuretics. There are few reported cases of TRALI occurring following donor granulocyte transfusion (DGT). In this article, we discuss two cases of TRALI following DGT transfusion.

Arslan|Didar|D|0000-0002-1730-0005
Yildizdas|Dincer|D|
Horoz|Ozden Ozgur|OO|
Aslan|Nagehan|N|
Leblebisatan|Goksel|G|

donor granulocyte transfusion
pediatric
TRALI


Mitochondrial Quality Control in the Heart: New Drug Targets for Cardiovascular Disease.

Abstract: Despite considerable efforts to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (CVD), it has become the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiac mitochondria are crucial cell organelles responsible for creating energy-rich ATP and mitochondrial dysfunction is the root cause for developing heart failure. Therefore, maintenance of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is an essential process for cardiovascular homeostasis and cardiac health. In this review, we describe the major mechanisms of MQC system, such as mitochondrial unfolded protein response and mitophagy. Moreover, we describe the results of MQC failure in cardiac mitochondria. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects of 2 drug candidates, urolithin A and spermidine, for restoring mitochondrial homeostasis to treat CVD.

Mitochondrial quality control
Heart
Urolithin A
Spermidine


Disease Affects Bdnf Expression in Synaptic and Extrasynaptic Regions of Skeletal Muscle of Three SBMA Mouse Models.

Abstract: Spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a slowly progressive, androgen-dependent neuromuscular disease in men that is characterized by both muscle and synaptic dysfunction. Because gene expression in muscle is heterogeneous, with synaptic myonuclei expressing genes that regulate synaptic function and extrasynaptic myonuclei expressing genes to regulate contractile function, we used quantitative PCR to compare gene expression in these two domains of muscle from three different mouse models of SBMA: the "97Q" model that ubiquitously expresses mutant human androgen receptor (AR), the 113Q knock-in (KI) model that expresses humanized mouse AR with an expanded glutamine tract, and the "myogenic" model that overexpresses wild-type rat AR only in skeletal muscle. We were particularly interested in neurotrophic factors because of their role in maintaining neuromuscular function via effects on both muscle and synaptic function, and their implicated role in SBMA. We confirmed previous reports of the enriched expression of select genes (e.g., the acetylcholine receptor) in the synaptic region of muscle, and are the first to report the synaptic enrichment of others (e.g., glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor). Interestingly, all three models displayed comparably dysregulated expression of most genes examined in both the synaptic and extrasynaptic domains of muscle, with only modest differences between regions and models. These findings of comprehensive gene dysregulation in muscle support the emerging view that skeletal muscle may be a prime therapeutic target for restoring function of both muscles and motoneurons in SBMA.

synaptic
extrasynaptic
muscle
SBMA
gene expression
neurotrophic factors


Hippocampal sharp waves and ripples: Effects of aging and modulation by NMDA receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels.

Abstract: Aging is accompanied by a complicated pattern of changes in the brain organization and often by alterations in specific memory functions. One of the brain activities with important role in the process of memory consolidation is thought to be the hippocampus activity of sharp waves and ripple oscillation (SWRs). Using field recordings from the CA1 area of hippocampal slices we compared SWRs as well as single pyramidal cell activity between adult (3-6-month old) and old (24-34-month old) Wistar rats. The slices from old rats displayed ripple oscillation with a significantly less number of ripples and lower frequency compared with those from adult animals. However, the hippocampus from old rats had significantly higher propensity to organized SWRs in long sequences. Furthermore, the bursts recorded from complex spike cells in slices from old compared with adult rats displayed higher number of spikes and longer mean inter-spike interval. Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors by 3-((R)-2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)-propyl-1-phosphonic acid (CPP) increased the amplitude of both sharp waves and ripples and increased the interval between events of SWRs in both age groups. On the contrary, CPP reduced the probability of occurrence of sequences of SWRs more strongly in slices from adult than old rats. Blockade of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels by nifedipine only enhanced the amplitude of sharp waves in slices from adult rats. CPP increased the postsynaptic excitability and the paired-pulse inhibition in slices from both adult and old rats similarly while nifedipine increased the postsynaptic excitability only in slices from adult rats. We propose that the tendency of the aged hippocampus to generate long sequences of SWR events might represent the consequence of homeostatic mechanisms that adaptively try to compensate the impairment in the ripple oscillation in order to maintain the behavioral outcome efficient in the old individuals. The age-dependent alterations in the firing mode of pyramidal cells might underlie to some extent the changes in ripples that occur in old animals.

D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists

sharp waves
aging
NMDA receptor
hippocampus
ripple oscillation
complex spike


Metabolomics: Bridging the Gap between Pharmaceutical Development and Population Health.

Abstract: Metabolomics has emerged as an essential tool for studying metabolic processes, stratification of patients, as well as illuminating the fundamental metabolic alterations in disease onset, progression, or response to therapeutic intervention. Metabolomics materialized within the pharmaceutical industry as a standalone assay in toxicology and disease pathology and eventually evolved towards aiding in drug discovery and pre-clinical studies via supporting pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterization of a drug or a candidate. Recent progress in the field is illustrated by coining of the new term-Pharmacometabolomics. Integration of data from metabolomics with large-scale omics along with clinical, molecular, environmental and behavioral analysis has demonstrated the enhanced utility of deconstructing the complexity of health, disease, and pharmaceutical intervention(s), which further highlight it as an essential component of systems medicine. This review presents the current state and trend of metabolomics applications in pharmaceutical development, and highlights the importance and potential of clinical metabolomics as an essential part of multi-omics protocols that are directed towards shaping precision medicine and population health.

metabolomics
pharmaceutical
patients
drug
biomarkers
mass spectrometry


Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage after Intravenous Thrombolysis: Predictive Factors and Validation of Prediction Models.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVE
Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous alteplase (IV-rtPA) has a known risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). We aim to identify factors with a significant association with the development of sICH post-IV-rtPA. We also aim to perform an external validation of sICH predicting scores in our patient population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who received IV-rtPA at our tertiary care hospital. We excluded patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. We analyzed various factors recorded at presentation such as presenting mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood glucose, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, verify Aspirin, verify Plavix, age, sex, platelet count, international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, hemoglobin A1c, low-density lipoprotein, onset to treatment time, weight, sex, and early infarct signs on computed tomography (CT) head and compared them between sICH and non-sICH groups. For validation of sICH scores, we used documented variables to calculate the following scores for each patient: stroke prognostication using age and NIH stroke scale-100 (SPAN-100), DRAGON, CUCCHIARA, hemorrhage after thrombolysis (HAT), SEDAN, totaled health risks in vascular events, and safe implementation of thrombolysis in stroke-symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

RESULTS
sICH rate in our cohort of 89 patients was 5.62% according to the European-Australasian Cooperative Acute Stroke Study-II (ECASS-II) criteria and 7.86% according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) criteria. In the multivariate regression analysis, MAP (95% CI, .001-.01; P .002), blood glucose greater than or equal to 185 mg/dL (95% CI, .12-.45; P .001) and presence of early infarct signs (95% CI, .06-.25; P .002) had a significant association with the development of sICH with the ECASS-II definition of sICH post-IV-rtPA, whereas, only MAP (95% CI, 1.01-1.18; P .025) and verify Aspirin less than 500 (95% CI, .01-.80; P .032) had a significant association with the development of sICH with the NINDS definition of sICH post-IV-rtPA. Our study found that HAT (95% CI, .58-.96; P .044) and DRAGON (95% CI, .61-.96; P .012) scores had the highest area under the curve (AUC) with respect to ECASS-II and NINDS criteria of sICH, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
We found that presenting MAP, presence of early infarct signs on CT Head and blood glucose greater than or equal to 185 mg/dL upon a patient's presentation have a significant association with sICH post-IV-rtPA when the ECASS-II definition was used, while presenting MAP and verify Aspirin less than 500 upon a patient's presentation have a significant association with sICH post-IV-rtPA when the NINDS definition was used. Our study found that HAT and DRAGON scores had the highest AUC, and they were the most valid in predicting the development of sICH in our independent cohort. Patients with these risk factors should receive more intensive neurological monitoring.

D000328:Adult
D000368:Aged
D000369:Aged, 80 and over
D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage
D003661:Decision Support Techniques
D005260:Female
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents
D006304:Health Status
D006801:Humans
D007262:Infusions, Intravenous
D008297:Male
D008875:Middle Aged
D011237:Predictive Value of Tests
D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018570:Risk Assessment
D012307:Risk Factors
D020521:Stroke
D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy
D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator
D016896:Treatment Outcome
D055815:Young Adult


Egg and egg-sourced cholesterol consumption in relation to mortality: Findings from population-based nationwide cohort.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Evidence linking egg and dietary cholesterol consumption with human health and longevity is highly debated. Data from non-Western populations are sparse. We aim to prospectively assess the egg and cholesterol consumption in relation to mortality in a nationwide Chinese cohort.

METHODS
We followed 18,914 adults aged ≥20 y from China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) between 1991 and 2015. In each survey year, 3-day 24-hr dietary records were used to collect dietary data. Cumulative averages of egg and cholesterol intakes were calculated. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS
Overall 1,429 deaths were reported after a median follow-up of 15 years. Egg consumption was significantly associated with lower total mortality (P-trend<0.001). Multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) were 0.69 (0.59-0.81) for 1-3 eggs/wk, 0.68 (0.59-0.79) for 3-7 eggs/wk, 0.78 (0.66-0.93) for 1-2 eggs/d, and 0.64 (0.52-0.78) for ≥2 eggs/d compared with ≤1 egg/wk. Although total dietary cholesterol was not related to mortality, intake of cholesterol from eggs was inversely associated with total mortality (P-trend = 0.001) while intake of cholesterol from non-egg sources was positively related to total mortality (P-trend = 0.01). Substituting 50 g/d egg for equivalent amounts of dairy products, nuts/legumes, or red meat was associated with 9%, 7%, or 8% lower total mortality, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Egg consumption is associated with lower total mortality among the Chinese population. Consuming cholesterol from non-egg sources may be detrimental to longevity. Habitual consumption of eggs should continue to be recommended in the Chinese dietary guidelines while excess intake of cholesterol from non-egg sources may be discouraged.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY
This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04104308).

Zhuang|Pan|P| Jiao|Jingjing|J| Wu|Fei|F| Mao|Lei|L| Zhang|Yu|Y|

Eggs
Mortality
Dietary cholesterol
China Health and Nutrition Survey


Recipient C7 rs9292795 genotype and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation in a Han Chinese population.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Complement component(C7) gene has been shown to influence the prognosis in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The association between C7 and HCC recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), however, is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the donor and recipient C7 gene polymorphisms are related to HCC recurrence after OLT in the Han Chinese population.

METHODS
A total of 73 consecutive patients with HCC who had undergone OLT, both donors and recipients, were involved in this research. A single nucleotide polymorphism of C7, rs9292795, was genotyped using Sequenom MassARRAY in the cohort. The expression of C7 and the association between C7 gene polymorphisms and HCC recurrence following OLT were analyzed by bioinformatics and statistical analysis, respectively.

RESULTS
As shown in database, the expression of C7 was higher in HCC tissues than that in normal tissues, and represented a worse prognosis. We also found that recipient C7 rs9292795 polymorphism, rather than the donor, was significantly associated with HCC recurrence after OLT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that TNM stage (P = 0.001), Milan criteria (P = 0.000) and recipient rs9292795 genotype (TT vs AA/AT, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence. Furthermore, the recipient carrying AA/AT showed higher recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than that carrying TT (P < 0.05). In Cox proportional hazards model, TNM stage, recipient rs9292795 genotype, and Milan criteria were identified as independent factors for RFS and OS (P < 0.05) as well as pre-OLT serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) level was associated with OS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Recipient C7 rs9292795 gene polymorphism is related to the recurrence of HCC after OLT, which may be a helpful prognostic marker for HCC patients who receive OLT.

Jiang|Zhongyi|Z| Jiang|Qianwei|Q| Fang|Xu|X| Wang|Pusen|P| Que|Weitao|W| Li|Hao|H| Yu|Yang|Y| Liu|Xueni|X| Wang|Chunguang|C| Zhong|Lin|L|

Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Orthotopic liver transplantation
Prognosis
C7 polymorphism


Standardised arthropod (Arthropoda) inventory across natural and anthropogenic impacted habitats in the Azores archipelago.

Abstract:
Background
In this paper, we present an extensive checklist of selected arthropods and their distribution in five Islands of the Azores (Santa Maria. São Miguel, Terceira, Flores and Pico). Habitat surveys included five herbaceous and four arboreal habitat types, scaling up from native to anthropogenic managed habitats. We aimed to contribute to the ongoing effort to document the terrestrial biodiversity of the world, in particular the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, as islands harbour a significant portion of unique terrestrial biodiversity. Selection of Arthropoda groups for the current checklist was based on their known richness and abundance (Arachnida, Collembola, Hemiptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera), in almost all terrestrial ecosystems, as well as their importance in current Integrated Pest Management and alternative Biocontrol protocols at large (i.e. hymenopteran parasitoids and beneficial Coleoptera). In addition, we include the list of Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Psocoptera and Thysanoptera species. These assembled groups represent part of the monitoring programme EDEN Azores (2008-2014), where all Arthropod fauna, at all strata, within nine representative habitats of the abovementioned five Islands of the Azores was recorded.

New information
In this study, a total of 116,523 specimens, belonging to 483 species and subspecies of selected groups of arthropods, are reported by order, family and, when possible, genus and species. Hymenopteran, mostly parasitoids, accounted for the most represented taxa across all the monitoring and sampling phase of EDEN Azores (193 species and mophospecies), followed by Coleoptera (95 species); Collembola (89 species); and Araneae (72 species).A total of 37 non-native species are reported for the first time in the Azores. Coleoptera: Asaphidion flavipes (Linnaeus, 1761) (Carabidae); Tachyporus dispar (Paykull, 1789) (Staphylinidae). Hemiptera: Acrosternum heegeri Fieber, 1861 (Pentatomidae). Collembola: Entomobrya regularis Stach, 1963 (Entomobryidae); Lepidocyrtus lusitanicus piezoensis (Simón-Benito, 2007) (Entomobryidae); Jordanathrix articulata (Ellis, 1974) (Sminthuridae); Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus (Ryder, 1879) (Katiannidae); Himalanura sp. (Entomobryidae); Protophorura sp. (Onychiuridae). Hymenoptera, parasitoids: Aphidius colemani Viereck, 1912 (Braconidae); Aphidius ervi Haliday, 1834 (Braconidae); Aphidius matricariae Viereck, 1912 (Braconidae); Aphidius rhopalosiphi Stefani-Perez, 1902 (Braconidae); Aphidius rosae (Haliday, 1834) (Braconidae); Aphidius urticae Haliday, 1834 (Braconidae); Centistidea ectoedemiae Rohwer, 1914 (Braconidae); Meteorus unicolor (Wesmael, 1835) (Braconidae); Meteorus collaris (Spin.) Hal. - Ruschka, Fulmek, 1915 (Braconidae); Orthostigma cratospilum (Thomson, 1895) (Braconidae); Orthostigma latriventris Ratzeburg, 1844 (Braconidae); two other species of Orthostigma sp.; Pseudopezomachus bituberculatus (Marshall, 1905) (Braconidae); Tanycarpa punctata (van Achterberg, 1976) (Braconidae); Gonatopus clavipes (Thunberg, 1827) (Dryinidae). New genera not previously recorded for the Azores include: Pycnetron sp. (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae); four species of Aspilota sp. (Braconidae: Alysiinae); four species of Chorebus sp. (Braconidae: Aphidiinae: Alysiinae); Microgaster sp. (Braconidae: Microgastrinae); Homolobus sp. (Braconidae: Homolobinae); Lodbrokia sp. (Braconidae: Alysiinae).These 37 taxa were found in several Islands and five are new species for Flores Island, 10 species are new for Pico Island, 12 species are new for Terceira Island, 19 species are new for S. Miguel Island and five species are new for S. Maria Island.Additional species records for the Islands included: Flores (5 Collembola, 9 Araneae; 2 Hemiptera; 8 Coleoptera, 8 Hymenoptera), Pico (4 Collembola; 7 Araneae; 4 Hemiptera; 11 Coleoptera; 9 Hymenoptera), Terceira (4 Collembola; 1 Araneae; 3 Hymenoptera), S. Miguel (1 Araneae; 2 Coleoptera; 3 Hymenoptera), S. Maria (5 Collembola; 3 Araneae; 2 Hemiptera; 2 Hymenoptera).

Arthropoda
Azores
Island
Santa Maria
São Miguel
Terceira
Flores
Pico
habitat types
anthropogenic impact gradient


Laminar screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine: A report on three cases.

Abstract: Although laminar screw fixation is often used at the C2 and C7 levels, only few previous case reports have presented the use of laminar screws at the C3-C6 levels. Here, we report a novel fixation method involving the use of practical laminar screws in the subaxial spine. We used laminar screws in the subaxial cervical spine in two cases to prevent vertebral artery injury and in one case to minimize exposure of the lamina. This laminar screw technique was successful in all three cases with adequate spinal rigidity, which was achieved without complications. The use of laminar screws in the subaxial cervical spine is a useful option for posterior fusion of the cervical spine.

Laminar screw
Subaxial cervical spine
Instrumentation


Characterization of a new chytrid species parasitic on the dinoflagellate, Peridinium gatunense.

Abstract: Only a few chytrid fungi have been reported as parasites of dinoflagellates. Among these reports, chytrids are periodically observed growing on the dinoflagellate, Peridinium gatunense, in Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), Israel. Because of the distinctive roles of parasitic chytrid fungi in decreasing phytoplankton populations and in transforming inedible algae into chytrid biomass which zooplankton grazers can eat, characterizing dinoflagellate parasites contributes to our understanding of the sustainability of this important water resource. An undescribed chytrid parasite of P. gatunense from Lake Kinneret has recently been brought into pure culture (KLL_TL-060613), facilitating exploration of its infection process. To evaluate the ability of this chytrid to affect host populations, we determined the effect of: (1) temperature and light (or dark) on prevalence of infection and (2) host growth phase and parasite:host ratio on percentage of infection. The greatest amplification in host infection occurred in cultures grown in the dark at 25 C. The percentage of host cells infected increased as the availability of host cells compared to parasite cells increased. These results demonstrate that environmental factors influence the chytrid's potential to affect Peridinium gatunense populations. Because this chytrid had not been described taxonomically, we characterized its thallus morphology, development, zoospore ultrastructure and phylogenetic relationships. Zoospore ultrastructure was compatible with the Group II type zoospore characteristic of the family Chytridiaceae in the Chytridiales. Consistent with this observation, phylogenetic analyses of nuc 28S rDNA D1-D3 domains (28S) placed the chytrid in a clade among described taxa in the Chytridiaceae. Because thallus morphology was distinct from these other taxa, as well as other described parasites of dinoflagellates, this chytrid is described as a new genus and species, Dinochytrium kinnereticum.

Leshem|Tamar|T|
Letcher|Peter M|PM|
Powell|Martha J|MJ|
Sukenik|Assaf|A|

Lake Kinneret
infectivity
zoospore ultrastructure
phylogenetics
Chytridiaceae
Chytridiales
taxonomy


Partial purification and characterization of a novel histidine decarboxylase from Enterobacter aerogenes DL-1.

Abstract: Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) from Enterobacter aerogenes DL-1 was purified in a three-step procedure involving ammonium sulfate precipitation, Sephadex G-100, and DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography. The partially purified enzyme showed a single protein band of 52.4 kD on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The optimum pH for HDC activity was 6.5, and the enzyme was stable between pH 4 and 8. Enterobacter aerogenes HDC had optimal activity at 40°C and retained most of its activity between 4 and 50°C. HDC activity was reduced in the presence of numerous tested compounds. Particularly with SDS, it significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited enzyme activity. Conversely, Ca(2+) and Mn(2+) showed prominent activation effects (p < 0.01) with activity increasing to 117.20% and 123.42%, respectively. The Lineweaver-Burk plot showed that K m and V max values of the enzyme for L-histidine were 0.21 mM and 71.39 µmol/min, respectively. In comparison with most HDCs from other microorganisms and animals, HDC from E. aerogenes DL-1 displayed higher affinity and greater reaction velocity toward L-histidine.

Zou|Yu|Y| Hu|Wenzhong|W| Jiang|Aili|A| Tian|Mixia|M|

D000595:Amino Acid Sequence
D000818:Animals
D002848:Chromatography, DEAE-Cellulose
D021902:Enterobacter aerogenes
D004789:Enzyme Activation
D004795:Enzyme Stability
D005590:Fractional Precipitation
D006640:Histidine Decarboxylase
D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
D010473:Perciformes
D013045:Species Specificity

purification
characterization
histidine decarboxylase
Enterobacter aerogenes


Evolution of non-kin cooperation: social assortment by cooperative phenotype in guppies.

Abstract: Cooperation among non-kin constitutes a conundrum for evolutionary biology. Theory suggests that non-kin cooperation can evolve if individuals differ consistently in their cooperative phenotypes and assort socially by these, such that cooperative individuals interact predominantly with one another. However, our knowledge of the role of cooperative phenotypes in the social structuring of real-world animal populations is minimal. In this study, we investigated cooperative phenotypes and their link to social structure in wild Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata). We first investigated whether wild guppies are repeatable in their individual levels of cooperativeness (i.e. have cooperative phenotypes) and found evidence for this in seven out of eight populations, a result which was mostly driven by females. We then examined the social network structure of one of these populations where the expected fitness impact of cooperative contexts is relatively high, and found assortment by cooperativeness, but not by genetic relatedness. By contrast, and in accordance with our expectations, we did not find assortment by cooperativeness in a population where the expected fitness impact of cooperative contexts is lower. Our results provide empirical support for current theory and suggest that assortment by cooperativeness is important for the evolution and persistence of non-kin cooperation in real-world populations.

cooperation
assortment
guppy
social structure
social networks
predator inspection


Diffusion MR imaging acquisition and analytics for microstructural delineation in preclinical models of TBI.

Abstract: Significant progress has been made toward improving both the acquisition of clinical diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) data and its analysis in the uninjured brain, through various techniques including a large number of model-based solutions that have been proposed to fit for multiple tissue compartments, and multiple fibers per voxel. While some of these techniques have been applied to clinical traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, the majority of these technological enhancements have yet to be fully implemented in the preclinical arena of TBI animal model-based research. In this review, we describe the requirement for preclinical, MRI-based efforts to provide systematic confirmation of the applicability of some of these models as indicators of tissue pathology within the injured brain. We review how current DWI techniques are currently being used in animal TBI models, and describe how both acquisition and analytic techniques could be extended to leverage the progress made in clinical work. Finally, we highlight remaining gaps in the preclinical pipeline from data acquisition to final analysis that currently have no real, preclinical-based correlate.

microstructure
diffusion-weighted imaging
traumatic brain injury
pathology
structural connectivity


Current status of newborn hearing screening in low-income families in the southeastern region of Korea.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze the current status and problems of hearing screening tests for newborns in low-income families in the southeastern Korea.

METHODS
This study analyzed data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's project on the early detection of hearing loss in newborns in low-income families in the southeastern Korea (2011-2015).

RESULTS
The referral rate was 1.33, 1.69, and 1.27% in Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan, respectively. The confirmatory test rate was 36.09, 23.38, and 52.94% in Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan, respectively. The incidence of hearing loss (adjusted) was 0.41, 0.62, and 0.41% in Daegu, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan, respectively. After confirming hearing loss, newborns with hearing handicaps were mostly lost to follow-up, and rehabilitation methods, such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, were not used. The screening tests were performed within 1 month of birth, and the confirmatory tests were generally performed within 3 months of birth. However, more than 3 months passed before the confirmatory tests were performed in infants with risk factors for hearing loss in Gyeongbuk and Ulsan.

CONCLUSIONS
Hearing screening tests were conducted in newborns from low-income families in southeastern Korea who received a coupon for free testing, but the newborns that were referred after the screening tests were not promptly linked to the hospitals where confirmatory tests were performed. Furthermore, hearing rehabilitation was not consistently performed after hearing loss was confirmed. To successful early hearing loss detection and intervention, a systematic tracking system of hearing loss children is needed.

D034381:Hearing Loss
D006320:Hearing Tests
D006801:Humans
D015994:Incidence
D007231:Infant, Newborn
D015997:Neonatal Screening
D011203:Poverty
D056910:Republic of Korea
D012307:Risk Factors

Newborn
Hearing loss
Aural rehabilitation
Hearing tests


Limits on lability: Boundaries of reconsolidation and the relationship to metaplasticity.

Abstract: Reconsolidation, a process by which long-term memories are rendered malleable following retrieval, has been shown to occur across many different species and types of memory. However, there are conditions under which memories do not reconsolidate, and the reasons for this are poorly understood. One emerging theory is that these boundary conditions are mediated by a form of metaplasticity: cellular changes through which experience can affect future synaptic plasticity. We review evidence that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) might contribute to this phenomenon, and hypothesize that resistance to memory destabilization may be mediated by the ratio of GluN2A/GluN2B subunits that make up these receptors. Qualities such as memory strength and the age of the memory may increase the GluN2A/GluN2B ratio, reducing the ability of reactivation cues to induce destabilization, thereby preventing reconsolidation. Other examples of experience-dependent learning and evolutionary perspectives of reconsolidation are also discussed.

Zhang|J Jane|JJ|
Haubrich|Josué|J|
Bernabo|Matteo|M|
Finnie|Peter S B|PSB|
Nader|Karim|K|

Reconsolidation
Metaplasticity
Memory destabilization
GluN2B subunits
NMDA receptor
Reconsolidation boundaries


Phenotypic features of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) are predisposed to vascular calcification (VC), but the combined effect of factors associated with VC was sparsely investigated. We applied the relaxed linear separability (RLS) feature selection model to identify features that concomitantly associate with VC in CKD5 patients.

METHODS
Epigastric arteries collected during surgery from living donor kidney transplant recipients were examined to score the histological extent of medial VC. Sixty-two phenotypic features in 152 patients were entered into RLS model to differentiate between no-minimal VC (n = 93; score 0-1) and moderate-extensive VC (n = 59; score 2-3). The subset of features associated with VC was selected on the basis of cross-validation procedure. The strength of association of the selected features with VC was expressed by the absolute value of 'RLS factor'.

RESULTS
Among 62 features, a subset of 17 features provided optimal prediction of VC with 89% of patients correctly classified into their groups. The 17 features included traditional risk factors (diabetes, age, cholesterol, BMI and male sex) and markers of bone metabolism, endothelial function, metabolites, serum antibodies and mitochondrial-derived peptide. Positive RLS factors range from 1.26 to 4.05 indicating features associated with increased risk of VC, and negative RLS factors range from -0.95 to -1.83 indicating features associated with reduced risk of VC.

CONCLUSION
The RLS model identified 17 features including novel biomarkers and traditional risk factors that together concomitantly associated with medial VC. These results may inform further investigations of factors promoting VC in CKD5 patients.

Dai|L|L|0000-0001-9036-3857
Debowska|M|M|
Lukaszuk|T|T|
Bobrowski|L|L|
Barany|P|P|
Söderberg|M|M|
Thiagarajan|D|D|
Frostegård|J|J|0000-0002-3569-3367
Wennberg|L|L|
Lindholm|B|B|
Qureshi|A R|AR|0000-0003-0536-5327
Waniewski|J|J|
Stenvinkel|P|P|0000-0002-8785-4820

relaxed linear separability (RLS) method


Structural Brain Changes in Patients With COPD.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Patients with COPD suffer from chronic dyspnea, which is commonly perceived as highly aversive and threatening. Moreover, COPD is often accompanied by disease-specific fears and avoidance of physical activity. However, little is known about structural brain changes in patients with COPD and respective relations with disease duration and disease-specific fears.

METHODS
This study investigated structural brain changes in patients with COPD and their relation with disease duration, fear of dyspnea, and fear of physical activity. We used voxel-based morphometric analysis of MRI images to measure differences in generalized cortical degeneration and regional gray matter between 30 patients with moderate to severe COPD and 30 matched healthy control subjects. Disease-specific fears were assessed by the COPD anxiety questionnaire.

RESULTS
Patients with COPD showed no generalized cortical degeneration, but decreased gray matter in posterior cingulate cortex (whole-brain analysis) as well as in anterior and midcingulate cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala (regions-of-interest analyses). Patients' reductions in gray matter in anterior cingulate cortex were negatively correlated with disease duration, fear of dyspnea, and fear of physical activity. Mediation analysis revealed that the relation between disease duration and reduced gray matter of the anterior cingulate was mediated by fear of physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with COPD demonstrated gray matter decreases in brain areas relevant for the processing of dyspnea, fear, and antinociception. These structural brain changes were partly related to longer disease duration and greater disease-specific fears, which might contribute to a less favorable course of the disease.

Esser|Roland W|RW|
Stoeckel|M Cornelia|MC|
Kirsten|Anne|A|
Watz|Henrik|H|
Taube|Karin|K|
Lehmann|Kirsten|K|
Petersen|Sibylle|S|
Magnussen|Helgo|H|
von Leupoldt|Andreas|A|

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive


Study protocol: optimized complementary feeding study (OTIS): a randomized controlled trial of the impact of a protein-reduced complementary diet based on Nordic foods.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
What we eat as infants and children carries long-term consequences. Apart from breastfeeding, the composition of the complementary diet, i.e. the foods given to the infant during the transition from breast milk/infant formula to regular family foods affects the child's future health. A high intake of protein, a low intake of fruits, vegetables and fish and an unfavorable distribution between polyunsaturated and saturated fats are considered to be associate with health risks, e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia later in life.

METHODS
In a randomized, controlled study from 6 to 18 months of age we will compare the currently recommended, Swedish complementary diet to one based on Nordic foods, i.e. an increased intake of fruits, berries, vegetables, tubers, whole-grain and game, and a lower intake of sweets, dairy, meat and poultry, with lower protein content (30% decrease), a higher intake of vegetable fats and fish and a systematic introduction of fruits and greens. The main outcomes are body composition (fat and fat-free mass measured with deuterium), metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (associated with the amount of body fat) in blood and urine, gut microbiota (thought to be the link between early diet, metabolism and diseases such as obesity and insulin resistance) and blood pressure. We will also measure the participants' energy and nutrient intake, eating behavior and temperament through validated questionnaires, acceptance of new and unfamiliar foods through video-taped test meals and assessment of cognitive development, which we believe can be influenced through an increased intake of fish and milk fats, notably milk fat globule membranes (MFGM).

DISCUSSION
If the results are what we expect, i.e. improved body composition and a less obesogenic, diabetogenic and inflammatory metabolism and gut microbiota composition, a more sustainable nutrient intake for future health and an increased acceptance of healthy foods, they will have a profound impact on the dietary recommendations to infants in Sweden and elsewhere, their eating habits later in life and subsequently their long-term health.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
NCT02634749 . Registration date 18 December 2015.

D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena

Obesity
Body composition
Microbiota
Insulin resistance
Child development
Child nutrition physiology
Feeding behavior
Food preference
Growth
Hypertension
Infant food


Structural Insights into the Recognition of N2 -Aryl- and C8-Aryl DNA Lesions by the Repair Protein XPA/Rad14.

Abstract: Aromatic amines are strongly carcinogenic. They are activated in the liver to give reactive nitrenium ions that react with nucleobases within the DNA duplex. The reaction occurs predominantly at the C8 position of the dG base, thereby giving C8-acetyl-aryl- or C8-aryl-dG adducts in an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. Alternatively, reaction with the exocyclic 2-NH2 group is observed. Although the C8 adducts retain base-pairing properties, base pairing is strongly compromised in the case of the N2 adducts. Here we show crystal structures of two DNA lesions, N2 -acetylnaphthyl-dG and C8-fluorenyl-dG, within a DNA duplex recognized by the repair protein Rad14. The structures confirm that two molecules of the repair protein recognize the lesion and induce a 72 or 78° kink at the site of the damage. Importantly, the same overall kinked structure is induced by binding of the repair proteins, although the structurally different lesions result in distinct stacking interactions of the lesions within the duplex. The results suggest that the repair protein XPA/Rad14 is a sensor that recognizes flexibility. The protein converts the information that structurally different lesions are present in the duplex into a unifying sharply kinked recognition motif.

D051760:Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group A Protein

XPA
Rad14
DNA damage
bulky adducts
nucleosides
nucleotide excision repair


Increased miR-21-3p in Injured Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells after Traumatic Brain Injury Aggravates Blood-Brain Barrier Damage by Promoting Cellular Apoptosis and Inflammation through Targeting MAT2B.

Abstract: Our recent articles have reported that increased miR-21-5p in brain after traumatic brain injury (TBI) could improve the neurological outcome through alleviating blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. miR-21-3p is another mature miRNA derived from pre-miR-21 after Dicer Procession other than miR-21-5p. Its roles in various diseases, such as tumors and myocardial disease, aroused great interest for research in recent years. To further explore the function and underlying mechanism of miR-21, especially miR-21-3p, in regulating the pathological development of BBB damage after TBI, we designed this research and focused on studying the impact of miR-21-3p on apoptosis and inflammation in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), the major cellular component of BBB. We performed controlled cortical impact on mouse brain and employed the oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD)-treated bEnd.3 cells injury model. We found that the miR-21-3p level in BMVECs from injured cerebral cortex of controlled cortical impact (CCI) mice and bEnd.3 cells with OGD treatment were both increased after injury. For in vitro experiments, downregulation on the miR-21-3p level by transfecting miR-21-3p antagomir in cultured cells alleviated OGD-induced BBB damage, characterized by decreased BBB leakage and increased expression of tight junction proteins. Besides, miR-21-3p antagomir could suppress cell death by anti-apoptosis and control inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of NF-κB signaling. Using luciferase reporter assay and a MAT2B-silenced shRNA vector, we further proved that miR-21-3p exerted the above functions through targeting MAT2B. In addition, in vivo experiments also confirmed that intracerebroventricular infusion of miR-21-3p antagomir could alleviate BBB leakage after TBI. It reduced Evans Blue extravasation and promoted the expression of tight junction proteins, thus contributed to improve the neurological outcome of CCI mice. Taken together, increased miR-21-3p in BMVECs after TBI was bad for restoration of injured BBB. Downregulation on the miR-21-3p level in injured brain could be a promising therapeutic strategy for BBB damage after TBI.

Ge|Xintong|X| Li|Wenzhu|W| Huang|Shan|S| Yin|Zhenyu|Z| Yang|Mengchen|M| Han|Zhenying|Z| Han|Zhaoli|Z| Chen|Fanglian|F| Wang|Haichen|H| Lei|Ping|P| Zhang|Jianning|J|

traumatic brain injury
apoptosis
inflammation
miRNA
blood–brain barrier


Recognizing Isolated Ulnar Fractures as Potential Markers for Intimate Partner Violence.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
This study aimed to assess the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in women with isolated ulnar fractures and compare the injury characteristics in victims of IPV with those who sustained the same fractures due to other causes.

METHODS
Electronic health records from three level I trauma centers were queried to identify a cohort of women, aged 18 to 50, sustaining isolated ulnar fractures from 2005 to 2019. Radiographs were reviewed for fracture location, comminution, and displacement. Demographic data, number of visits to the emergency department, and documentation of IPV were also collected. Patients were stratified into four groups based on clinical chart review: confirmed IPV, possible IPV, not suspected for IPV, and not IPV. Historical imaging analysis for IPV prediction was also performed.

RESULTS
There were 62 patients, with a mean age of 31 years (IPV: 12 confirmed, 8 possible, 8 suspected not IPV, 34 confirmed not IPV). Comparative analysis with and without suspected cases demonstrated IPV to be associated with nondisplaced fractures (95% versus 43%; P < .001 and 91% versus 44%; P = .012). Confirmed cases were also associated with homelessness (46% versus 0%; P < .001), and the number of documented emergency department visits (median 7.0; interquartile range 2.0-12.8 versus 1.0; interquartile range 1.0-2.0; P < .001). Formal documentation of IPV evaluation was completed in only 14 of 62 (22.5%) patients. Historical imaging analysis predicted IPV in 8 of 12 (75%) confirmed IPV cases.

CONCLUSION
Up to one-third of adult women sustaining isolated ulnar fractures may be the victims of IPV. Lack of displacement on radiographs, frequent emergency department visits, and homelessness would favor IPV etiology.

Khurana|Bharti|B|
Sing|David|D|
Gujrathi|Rahul|R|
Keraliya|Abhishek|A|
Bay|Camden P|CP|
Chen|Irene|I|
Seltzer|Steven E|SE|
Boland|Giles W|GW|
Harris|Mitchel B|MB|
Dyer|George S M|GSM|
Tornetta|Paul|P|

fracture
intimate partner violence
Domestic Violence


The role of microparticles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that cell injury in lung tissues is closely connected to disease progression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Microparticles (MPs) are shed membrane vesicles that are released from platelets, leukocytes, red blood cells, and endothelial cells when these cells are activated or undergo apoptosis under inflammatory conditions. Based on increasing evidence that endothelial injury in the pulmonary capillary vasculature leads to lung destruction, and because cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death among individuals with COPD, endothelial MPs (EMPs) are now receiving attention as potential biomarkers for COPD. There are eight types of EMPs which are defined by the presence of different endothelial markers on the cell membrane: vascular endothelial-cadherin; platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule; melanoma cell adhesion molecule; E-selectin; CD51; CD105; von Willebrand factor; and CD143 EMPs. Vascular endothelial-cadherin, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and E-selectin EMPs are increased in patients with stable COPD and are further increased in patients with exacerbated COPD compared to non-COPD patients. In addition, the levels of these three EMPs in patients with stable COPD are significantly correlated with lung destruction and airflow limitation. These results indicate that endothelial injury is closely connected to the pathophysiology of COPD. Interestingly, the variations in the levels of the eight EMP subtypes were not identical with changes in patient condition. Although the clinical significance of the differences in these eight EMP subtypes remains unclear, evaluating the expression pattern of endothelial antigens on circulating MPs might predict the presence and degree of endothelial injury in COPD patients. In addition, circulating MPs are proposed to have several physiological functions in vivo, such as intercellular crosstalk; the increase in EMPs in COPD seems to play a role in the pathophysiology of this disease.

COPD
apoptosis
EMPs
exacerbation
endothelial activation


Risk factors and electrocardiogram characteristics for mortality in critical inpatients with COVID-19.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide.

HYPOTHESIS
The possible risk factors that lead to death in critical inpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not yet fully understood.

METHODS
In this single-center, retrospective study, we enrolled 113 critical patients with COVID-19 from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between February 1, 2020 and March 15, 2020. Patients who survived or died were compared.

RESULTS
A total of 113 critical patients with COVID-19 were recruited; 50 (44.3%) died, and 63 (55.7%) recovered. The proportion of patients with ventricular arrhythmia was higher in the death group than in the recovery group (P = .021) and was higher among patients with myocardial damage than patients without myocardial damage (P = .013). Multivariate analysis confirmed independent predictors of mortality from COVID-19: age > 70 years (HR 1.84, 95% CI 1.03-3.28), initial neutrophil count over 6.5 × 109 /L (HR 3.43, 95% CI 1.84-6.40), C-reactive protein greater than 100 mg/L (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.04-3.59), and lactate dehydrogenase over 300 U/L (HR 2.90, 95% CI 1.26-6.67). Immunoglobulin treatment (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21-0.73) can reduce the risk of death. Sinus tachycardia (HR 2.94, 95% CI 1.16-7.46) and ventricular arrhythmia (HR 2.79, 95% CI 1.11-7.04) were independent ECG risk factors for mortality from COVID-19.

CONCLUSIONS
Old age (>70 years), neutrophilia, C-reactive protein greater than 100 mg/L and lactate dehydrogenase over 300 U/L are high-risk factors for mortality in critical patients with COVID-19. Sinus tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmia are independent ECG risk factors for mortality from COVID-19.

risk factors
mortality
COVID-19
arrhythmia
critical type