Modification of Barley Plant Productivity Through Regulation of Cytokinin Content by Reverse-Genetics Approaches.

Abstract: Barley is one of the most important cereals, which is used for breweries, animal and human feeds. Genetic manipulation of plant hormone cytokinins may influence several physiological processes, besides others stress tolerance, root formation and crop yield. In planta, endogenous cytokinin status is finely regulated by the enzyme cytokinin dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.12; CKX), that irreversible degrades the side chain of adenine-derived isoprenoid cytokinins. Increasing grain yield by mean of manipulation of endogenous cytokinin content was assayed by the silencing of the HvCKX1 gene. Moreover, to elucidate the putative role of HvCKX1 gene on grain production, knocked-out Hvckx1 mutant plants were generated using the RNA-guided Cas9 system. Homozygote transgenic plants with silenced HvCKX1 gene and azygous knock-out Hvckx1 mutants have been selected and analyzed. Both reduced expression of HvCKX1 gene and CKX activity were measured in different stages of barley grain development. Phenotyping of the transgenic lines revealed reduced root growth, however, plants produced more tillers and grains than azygous wild-type controls and the total yield was increased up to 15 per cent. Although plant productivity was increased, total grain biomass was decreased to 80% of WT grains. RNA-seq analysis of knock-down transgenic lines revealed that several important macronutrient transporters were downregulated in the stage of massive starch accumulation. It suggests that local accumulation of cytokinins negatively affected nutrients flow resulting in reduced grain biomass. Obtained results confirmed the key role of HvCKX1 for regulation of cytokinin content in barley.

Holubová|Katarína|K| Hensel|Goetz|G| Vojta|Petr|P| Tarkowski|Petr|P| Bergougnoux|Véronique|V| Galuszka|Petr|P|

barley cytokinin yield silencing CRISPR-Cas9


Hypertrophy of Lumbopelvic Muscles in Inactive Women: A 36-Week Pilates Study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The use of Pilates in various fields of sport sciences and rehabilitation is increasing; however, little is known about the muscle adaptations induced by this training method.

HYPOTHESIS
A standardized Pilates training program for beginners (9 months; 2 sessions of 55 minutes per week) will increase the muscle volume and reduce potential side-to-side asymmetries of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles (gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus).

STUDY DESIGN
Controlled laboratory study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 3.

METHOD
A total of 12 inactive, healthy women (35.7 ± 5.4 years) without previous experience in Pilates were randomly selected to participate in a supervised Pilates program (36 weeks, twice weekly). Muscle volume (cm3) was determined using magnetic resonance imaging at the beginning and end of the intervention program. Side-to-side asymmetry was calculated as [(left - right volume) × 100/right volume].

RESULTS
Small, nonsignificant (P > 0.05) differences in the volume of the quadratus lumborum, iliopsoas, piriformis, and gluteus muscles were observed between pre- and post-Pilates program timepoints. Before and after Pilates, side-to-side asymmetry was less than 6% and nonsignificant in all muscles analyzed.

CONCLUSION
Modern Pilates performed twice weekly for 9 months did not elicit substantial changes in the volume and degree of asymmetry of the selected lumbopelvic muscles in inactive women.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The benefits of Pilates in rehabilitation or training are likely elicited by neuromuscular rather than morphological adaptations. Pilates has no significant impact on muscle volume and does not alter side-to-side ratios in muscle volume (degree of asymmetry) of the lumbopelvic muscles.

Dorado|Cecilia|C|
López-Gordillo|Ana|A|
Serrano-Sánchez|José A|JA|
Calbet|José A L|JAL|
Sanchis-Moysi|Joaquín|J|

hypertrophy
muscle
magnetic resonance imaging
Pilates-based exercises


Urine as a high-quality source of host genomic DNA from wild populations.

Abstract: The ability to generate genomic data from wild animal populations has the potential to give unprecedented insight into the population history and dynamics of species in their natural habitats. However, for many species, it is impossible legally, ethically or logistically to obtain tissue samples of quality sufficient for genomic analyses. In this study we evaluate the success of multiple sources of genetic material (faeces, urine, dentin and dental calculus) and several capture methods (shotgun, whole-genome, exome) in generating genome-scale data in wild eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) from Gombe National Park, Tanzania. We found that urine harbours significantly more host DNA than other sources, leading to broader and deeper coverage across the genome. Urine also exhibited a lower rate of allelic dropout. We found exome sequencing to be far more successful than both shotgun sequencing and whole-genome capture at generating usable data from low-quality samples such as faeces and dental calculus. These results highlight urine as a promising and untapped source of DNA that can be noninvasively collected from wild populations of many species.

endangered populations
genomic methods
population genetics-empirical
primates


Histologic analysis of resorbable blasting media surface implants retrieved from humans: a report of two cases.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of osseointegration of resorbable blasting media (RBM) surface implants retrieved from humans. Three implants in the mandibular molar region that were surface-treated with RBM were retrieved from two patients. The implants were used to manufacture specimens in order to measure the bone-implant contact (BIC) ratio. The BIC ratios of the three implants were found to be an average of 69.0%±9.1%. In conclusion, that RBM surface implants are integrated into the host environment with histological significance and the BIC ratio of the RBM surface-treated implant was not significantly different from that of other surface-treated implants.


The Endo-β-1,4-Glucanase of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Is Required for Optimum Endophytic Colonization of Plants.

Abstract: The eglS gene in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens encodes an endo-β-1,4-glucanase that belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 5. In this study, a disruption mutant of gene eglS was constructed to examine its role in bacterial adaptation in plants. The mutant TB2k, eglS gene inactivated bacterial strain, was remarkably impaired in extracellular cellulase activity. When inoculated on Brassica campestris, the TB2k population was reduced by more than 60% compared with the wild-type strain in the root, stem, and leaf tissues. Overexpression of eglS in the wild-type strain increased the bacteria population in the plant tissues. Further studies revealed that the transcription level of eglS was correlated with bacterial population. These data demonstrate that endo-β-1,4-glucanase of B. amyloliquefaciens is required for its optimal endophytic colonization.

Fan|Xiaojing|X| Yang|Ruixian|R| Qiu|Sixin|S| Cai|Xueqing|X| Zou|Huasong|H| Hu|Fangping|F|

endo-β-1,4-glucanase
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
endophytic
colonization


Benefits of a Self-Management Program for the Couple Living With Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study.

Abstract: The goal of this pilot study was to explore health benefits for couples participating together in an existing community-based self-management workshop for Parkinson's disease (PD). A quasi-experimental two-wave design explored the effects of the Strive to Thrive program in comparison to a wait-list control condition. Preliminary data (n = 39 couples) showed that spouses in the intervention group had greater engagement in mental relaxation techniques at 7 weeks than those in the control condition (large effect size). Small effects were observed for increases in aerobic activity and mental relaxation for the adult with PD, increases in strength-based activities and self-efficacy for spouses, declines in depressive symptoms for spouses, and decreases in protective buffering for both adults with PD and spouses. The program showed potential for existing community-based programs to benefit couples living with chronic illness.

Lyons|Karen S|KS|0000-0001-9349-6057
Zajack|Alex|A|
Greer|Melissa|M|
Chaimov|Holly|H|
Dieckmann|Nathan F|NF|
Carter|Julie H|JH|

Parkinson’s
caregiving
dyadic coping
dyadic illness management
dyads
health behaviors


Study of resilience and environmental adversity in midlife health (STREAM).

Abstract:
PURPOSE
The Jerusalem study of resilience and environmental adversity in midlife health (STREAM) was established to examine the prevalence of common mental and physical health issues in mid-adulthood in the inner city of Jerusalem, and to examine their association with lifespan psychosocial factors of vulnerability and resilience.

METHOD
Participants were 811 randomly selected individuals from 7000 individuals who were born and grew up in inner-Jerusalem. Participants were 34-44 years old during first wave of STREAM assessment. Initial telephone surveys took place in 2007-2008 and participants were followed-up for a second survey 1 year later. Upon funding, a new wave is planned for 2017-2018. Survey topics comprised common health problems (e.g., type 2 diabetes/migraine), health markers (e.g., BMI), and psychiatric vulnerabilities (e.g., anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depressive symptoms, psychosis). Other measures included socioeconomic status, creativity, life style behavior (e.g., smoking, exercise), social contact and adaptation to change. Survey data were retrospectively merged with data of national registry sources that included adverse psychosocial factors, psychiatric and social measures assessed across all developmental stages through midlife. This includes data available on birth factors, school achievement and adjustment, cognitive and behavioral functioning during young adulthood, psychiatric hospitalizations, immigration and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS
Results on health outcomes of the first STREAM wave indicate that prevalence rates of health problems are comparable to recent World Mental Health Surveys.

CONCLUSIONS
Apart from measures on adverse psychosocial factors, STREAM provides a cohort to examine resilience to developing health problems and having a poor health and functional outcome.

Velthorst|Eva|E|
Reichenberg|Abraham|A|
Rabinowitz|Jonathan|J|
Levine|Stephen Z|SZ|

Resilience
Adversity
Mid-adulthood
Common (mental) health problems


Local and regional chromatin silencing in Candida glabrata: consequences for adhesion and the response to stress.

Abstract: Candida glabrata is a fungal pathogen frequently found as a commensal in humans. To colonize and disseminate successfully in the mammalian host, C. glabrata must detect signals within the host and reprogram gene expression to respond appropriately to hostile environmental conditions. One of the layers of regulation of expression of many virulence-related genes (adhesin-encoding genes, genes involved in response to oxidative stress and xenobiotics) is achieved through epigenetic mechanisms. Local and regional silencing is mediated by the activity of two NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylases, Hst1 and Sir2, respectively, repressing many virulence genes. Hst1 and Sir2 interact with different repressor complexes to achieve regional or local silencing. Sir2 can associate with Sir4, which is then recruited to the telomere by Rap1 and yKu. Deacetylation of the histone tails creates high affinity binding sites for new molecules of the Sir complex, thereby spreading the silent domain over >20 kb. Many of the adhesin-encoding EPA genes are subject to this regulation. Hst1 in turn associates with the Sum1-Rfm1 complex. Sum1 is a DNA-binding protein, which recognizes specific sites at individual promoters, recruiting Hst1 to specific genes involved in the response to oxidative stress and xenobiotics, which results in their repression.

De Las Peñas|Alejandro|A|
Juárez-Cepeda|Jacqueline|J|
López-Fuentes|Eunice|E|
Briones-Martín-Del-Campo|Marcela|M|
Gutiérrez-Escobedo|Guadalupe|G|
Castaño|Irene|I|

D015966:Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal


A method to estimate the mean lifetime survival increase of statin therapy.

Abstract:
AIM
To propose a method for estimating the lifetime advantage of statins.

METHODS
Kaplan-Meier survival curves from published 4S and LIPID studies with 5.8- and 6.1-year follow-up were digitized. Gompertz distributions were fit up to the end of the trials, and then extrapolated out to the end of the patients' predicted lifetimes for each study.

RESULTS
The method results in a 9.9 (95% CI: 8.7-11.9) and 2.8 (95% CI: 2.3-3.3) years' increases for the statin groups for 4S and LIPID studies, respectively.

CONCLUSION
Previous analysis of the same data was limited by the trials' relatively short run time. As such, we propose a method for correctly estimating the true effect of statin therapy in terms of total lifetime extension.

Chang|Shu-Ching|SC|
Wang|Mansen|M|
Beckerman|James G|JG|
Sanz|Mark|M|
Gluckman|Tyler J|TJ|
Grunkemeier|Gary L|GL|

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Gompertz distribution
statin usage
survival analysis


Molecular and neural mechanisms regulating sexual motivation of virgin female Drosophila.

Abstract: During courtship, multiple information sources are integrated in the brain to reach a final decision, i.e., whether or not to mate. The brain functions for this complex behavior can be investigated by genetically manipulating genes and neurons, and performing anatomical, physiological, and behavioral analyses. Drosophila is a powerful model experimental system for such studies, which need to be integrated from molecular and cellular levels to the behavioral level, and has enabled pioneering research to be conducted. In male flies, which exhibit a variety of characteristic sexual behaviors, we have accumulated knowledge of many genes and neural circuits that control sexual behaviors. On the other hand, despite the importance of the mechanisms of mating decision-making in females from an evolutionary perspective (such as sexual selection), research on the mechanisms that control sexual behavior in females has progressed somewhat slower. In this review, we focus on the pre-mating behavior of female Drosophila melanogaster, and introduce previous key findings on the neuronal and molecular mechanisms that integrate sensory information and selective expression of behaviors toward the courting male.

Drosophila
Decision-making
Behavioral switching
Sensory integration
Sexual receptivity


Improving Bridging from Informatics Practice to Theory.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
In 1962, Methods of Information in Medicine ( MIM ) began to publish papers on the methodology and scientific fundamentals of organizing, representing, and analyzing data, information, and knowledge in biomedicine and health care. Considered a companion journal, Applied Clinical Informatics ( ACI ) was launched in 2009 with a mission to establish a platform that allows sharing of knowledge between clinical medicine and health IT specialists as well as to bridge gaps between visionary design and successful and pragmatic deployment of clinical information systems. Both journals are official journals of the International Medical Informatics Association.

OBJECTIVES
As a follow-up to prior work, we set out to explore congruencies and interdependencies in publications of ACI and MIM. The objectives were to describe the major topics discussed in articles published in ACI in 2014 and to determine if there was evidence that theory in 2014 MIM publications was informed by practice described in ACI publications in any year. We also set out to describe lessons learned in the context of bridging informatics practice and theory and offer opinions on how ACI editorial policies could evolve to foster and improve such bridging.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective observational study and reviewed all articles published in ACI during the calendar year 2014 (Volume 5) for their main theme, conclusions, and key words. We then reviewed the citations of all MIM papers from 2014 to determine if there were references to ACI articles from any year. Lessons learned in the context of bridging informatics practice and theory and opinions on ACI editorial policies were developed by consensus among the two authors.

RESULTS
A total of 70 articles were published in ACI in 2014. Clinical decision support, clinical documentation, usability, Meaningful Use, health information exchange, patient portals, and clinical research informatics emerged as major themes. Only one MIM article from 2014 cited an ACI article. There are several lessons learned including the possibility that there may not be direct links between MIM theory and ACI practice articles. ACI editorial policies will continue to evolve to reflect the breadth and depth of the practice of clinical informatics and articles received for publication. Efforts to encourage bridging of informatics practice and theory may be considered by the ACI editors.

CONCLUSIONS
The lack of direct links from informatics theory-based papers published in MIM in 2014 to papers published in ACI continues as was described for papers published during 2012 to 2013 in the two companion journals. Thus, there is little evidence that theory in MIM has been informed by practice in ACI.

D000043:Abstracting and Indexing
D015706:Bibliometrics
D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication
D008490:Medical Informatics
D010506:Periodicals as Topic

informatics practice
Clinical informatics
biomedical informatics
informatics theory


The Role of Urban Environment, Social and Health Determinants in the Tracking of Leisure-Time Physical Activity Throughout Adolescence.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Adolescence may be a period particularly relevant for acquisition of lifelong habits of physical activity (PA). We investigated the tracking of leisure-time PA from 13 to 17 years old and the influence of urban environment and other determinants.

METHODS
As part of the EPITeen cohort (Portugal), we evaluated 969 adolescents living in the city of Porto. Participants were assembled in public and private schools at 13 years and reevaluated at 17 years. Leisure-time PA was evaluated by self-reported questionnaires. The shortest routes from residence to urban green spaces and open sports spaces were calculated using the street network within a Geographical Information System. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS
Among sedentary girls at 13 years, 33.1% were still sedentary at 17 years, 39.8% changed to low, 22.3% to moderate, and only 4.6% changed to vigorous PA. In boys, the respective values were 32.3%, 17.3%, 36.2%, and 14.2%. High PA levels were maintained by 19.5% of the girls and by 41.1% of the boys. After adjustment for parental education and body image at 13 years, practice of sports at 13 years was strongly associated with stable high PA at 17 years: in girls OR = 3.96 (2.21, 7.12); in boys OR = 6.81 (3.30, 14.07). Distance to urban green spaces or to open sports spaces was not associated to changes in leisure-time PA.

CONCLUSION
Practice of sports in early adolescence may be important to promote maintenance of high PA. Urban environment in the vicinity of residence did not affect changes in the practice of leisure-time PA.

Magalhães|Alexandre Pedro Tavares da Fonseca|APTDF|

Pina|Maria de Fátima Rodrigues Pereira de|MFRP|

Ramos|Elisabete da Conceição Pereira|EDCP|

Leisure-time physical activity
Adolescence
Urban green space
Open sports space
Cohort study


The Clinical Outcomes of Locally Advanced Cervical Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Receiving Curative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: A Population-Based Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Abstract: This study investigated the clinical outcome of locally advanced cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who received curative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and their differences from thoracic ESCC patients. Among 411 enrolled ESCC patients, including 63 with cervical and 348 with thoracic ESCC, 63 thoracic patients were propensity score-matched to the 63 cervical patients. For cervical ESCC, T4b and high tumor grade were independent prognostic factors of a worse overall survival (OS) in univariate and multivariate analyses. The response rates to curative CCRT between cervical and the matched thoracic ESCC groups were similar but cervical ESCC had a better OS than that of the matched thoracic group (21.4 versus 10.1 months, p = 0.012). Better OS was mentioned to be in the patients with complete response (CR), whether in the cervical or matched thoracic ESCC group. For patients without CR, patients who underwent esophagectomy had superior OS than those without operation in the matched thoracic ESCC group (11.6 versus 11.9 months, p = 0.73). Only three patients received operation in the cervical ESCC group, thus the survival difference was not significant. Curative CCRT may be a reasonable treatment for cervical ESCC in clinical practice, and the role of surgery should be considered as salvage therapy if residual disease is evident.

Chen|Yen-Hao|YH| Lu|Hung-I|HI| Lo|Chien-Ming|CM| Wang|Yu-Ming|YM| Chou|Shang-Yu|SY| Hsiao|Chang-Chun|CC|0000-0002-7275-4675 Li|Shau-Hsuan|SH|

squamous cell carcinoma
concurrent chemoradiotherapy
esophageal cancer
propensity score matching


The relation between gaze aversion and cortisol reactivity in middle childhood.

Abstract: The present study sought to investigate the relation between ethological observations of children's gaze aversion during a psychosocial stress task and their cortisol reactivity to the task, and how this relation might be moderated by how stressful the children perceived the stress task to be. Videos of 140 children (74 girls; Mage=10.60years) performing a psychosocial stress task in front of a jury were coded for displays of the children's gaze aversion from the jury, and saliva samples were taken to determine their cortisol reactivity. A questionnaire assessed the children's level of perceived stress. Results showed higher cortisol reactivity in children who perceived the task as more stressful. Furthermore, a quadratic relation between gaze aversion and cortisol was found which depended on the level of perceived stress: for children with low levels of perceived stress, cortisol reactivity was lowest with intermediate levels of gaze aversion, whereas for children with high levels of perceived stress cortisol reactivity was highest at intermediate levels of gaze aversion. The results suggest a modest association between subjective and physiological stress responses in 9- to 11-year-olds, and indicate that gaze aversion may play only a minor role as a behavioural coping strategy at this age.

de Veld|Danielle M J|DM|
Riksen-Walraven|J Marianne|JM|
de Weerth|Carolina|C|

Gaze aversion
Cortisol reactivity
Middle childhood
Children
Perceived stress
Coping


Effect of parental depressive symptoms on offspring's brain structure and function: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies.

Abstract: Perinatal Depression (PND) is a severe mental disorder that appears during pregnancy or in the post-partum. Although PND has been associated with behavioral problems in the offspring, its effects on brain development are unclear. With this review we aimed at summarizing the existing literature on the effects of perinatal depressive symptoms on children's brains. A search on PubMed and Embase of structural, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) studies exploring the effect of PND on offspring's brain was conducted. We selected twenty-six studies, ten structural MRI, five DTI, six fMRI and five with combined techniques. Overall, the studies showed: a) gray matter alterations in amygdala and fronto-temporal lobes; b) microstructural alterations in amygdala, frontal lobe, cingulum, longitudinal fasciculus and fornix; and c) functional alterations between limbic and mesocortical networks. The small sample size and the heterogeneity in populations and methodologies limit this review. In conclusion, PND seems to influence structure and function of offspring, that may contribute to the risk of behavioral disturbances later in life.

Cattarinussi|Giulia|G|
Aarabi|Mohammad Hadi|MH|
Sanjari Moghaddam|Hossein|H|
Homayoun|Maryam|M|
Ashrafi|Mahnaz|M|
Soltanian-Zadeh|Hamid|H|
Sambataro|Fabio|F|

Offspring
DTI
Structural MRI
fMRI
Maternal depression
Postpartum depression


The distinct roles of exosomes in tumor-stroma crosstalk within gastric tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: Gastric cancer (GC) development is a complex process displaying polytropic cell and molecular landscape within gastric tumor microenvironment (TME). Stromal cells in TME, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and various immune cells, support tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence, functioning as the soil for gastric tumorigenesis. Importantly, exosomes secreted by either stromal cells or tumor cells during tumor-stroma crosstalk perform as crucial transporter of agents including RNAs and proteins for cell-cell communication in GC pathogenesis. Therefore, given the distinct roles of exosomes secreted by various cell types in GC TME, increasing evidence has indicated that exosomes present as new biomarkers for GC diagnosis and prognosis and shed light on novel approaches for GC treatment.

Zhang|Hanyu|H|
Yang|Min|M|
Wu|Xu|X|
Li|Qianxiu|Q|
Li|Xin|X|
Zhao|Yueshui|Y|
Du|Fukuan|F|
Chen|Yu|Y|
Wu|Zhigui|Z|
Xiao|Zhangang|Z|
Shen|Jing|J|
Wen|Qinglian|Q|
Hu|Wei|W|
Cho|Chi Hin|CH|
Chen|Meijuan|M|
Zhou|Yejiang|Y|
Li|Mingxing|M|

Exosome
Tumor-stroma crosstalk
Tumor microenvironment
Gastric cancer
Biomarker


Effects of processing sorghum and millets on their phenolic phytochemicals and the implications of this to the health-enhancing properties of sorghum and millet food and beverage products.

Abstract: Sorghum and millet grains are generally rich in phytochemicals, particularly various types of phenolics. However, the types and amounts vary greatly between and within species. The food-processing operations applied to these grains, i.e. dehulling and decortication, malting, fermentation and thermal processing, dramatically affect the quantity of phenolics present, most generally reducing them. Thus the levels of phytochemicals in sorghum and millet foods and beverages are usually considerably lower than in the grains. Notwithstanding this, there is considerable evidence that sorghum and millet foods and beverages have important functional and health-promoting effects, specifically antidiabetic, cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention, due to the actions of these phytochemicals. Also their lactic acid bacteria-fermented products may have probiotic effects related to their unique microflora. However, direct proof of these health-enhancing effects is lacking as most studies have been carried out on the grains or grain extracts and not the food and beverage products themselves, and also most research work has been in vitro or ex vivo and not in vivo. To provide the required evidence, better designed studies are needed. The sorghum and millet products should be fully characterised, especially their phytochemical composition. Most importantly, well-controlled human clinical studies and intervention trials are required.

sorghum
millets
phenolics
phytochemicals
health-promoting
functional foods


Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals resistance-related genes and pathways in Musa acuminata banana 'Guijiao 9' in response to Fusarium wilt.

Abstract: Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is one of the most devastating diseases in bananas resulting in significant loss of Cavendish bananas production worldwide. Here we show the agronomic traits and the resistance of 'Guijiao 9' in the field trials from 2012 to 2017. And then we dissect and compare the transcriptome response from these two cultivars (cv. 'Guijiao 9' and cv. Williams) in an attempt to understand the molecular basis that contribute to the enhanced Foc tropical race 4 (Foc-TR4) resistance. 'Guijiao 9' is a Cavendish cultivar with strong resistance to Foc-TR4, which was reflected in a lower disease severity and incidence in glasshouse and field trails, when compared to the susceptible cultivar Williams. Gene expression profiles of 'Guijiao 9' and Williams were captured by performing RNA-Seq analysis on 16 biological samples collected over a six day period post inoculation with Foc-TR4. Transcriptional reprogramming in response to Foc-TR4 was detected in both genotypes but the response was more drastic in 'Guijiao 9' than in Williams. Specific genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction and defense signaling including MAPK, calcium, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways were analyzed and compared between 'Guijiao 9' and Williams. Genes associated with defense-related metabolites synthesis such as NB-LRR proteins, calmodulin-binding protein and phenylpropanoids biosynthesis genes were significantly up-regulated in 'Guijiao 9' resistant to Foc-TR4 infection. Taken together, this study highlights the important roles of plant hormone regulation and defense gene activation in mediating resistance in 'Guijiao 9'.

Sun|Jiaman|J| Zhang|Jinzhong|J| Fang|Hui|H| Peng|Liyun|L| Wei|Shaolong|S| Li|Chaosheng|C| Zheng|Sijun|S| Lu|Jiang|J|

D018506:Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) race 4


Omission of axillary staging in elderly patients with early stage breast cancer impacts regional control but not survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Management of early breast cancer in the elderly population is challenging due to different breast cancer biology and limited tolerance to aggressive treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the omission of axillary staging impacts breast cancer outcomes in elderly patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases were searched in August 2014 using the following inclusion criteria: RESULTS: Two RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included. A meta-analysis of the included RCTs of 692 patients found that axillary staging reduced the risk of axillary recurrence compared to no axillary staging (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.95, I2=0%, p=0.04). There were no differences observed in in-breast recurrence or distant recurrence (RR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.64, I2=62%, p=0.65, RR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.82, I2=0%, p=0.48, respectively). There were no differences observed in overall or breast-cancer specific mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.24, I2=0%, p=0.92, RR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.57, I2=0%, p=0.75, respectively).

DISCUSSION
Omission of axillary staging in elderly patients with clinically negative axillae results in increased regional recurrence but does not appear to impact survival.

Liang|Shuyin|S|
Hallet|Julie|J|
Simpson|Jory S|JS|
Tricco|Andrea C|AC|
Scheer|Adena S|AS|

Axillary staging
Elderly
Breast cancer
Systematic review
Meta-analysis


From Maxwell's equations to the theory of current-source density analysis.

Abstract: Despite the widespread use of current-source density (CSD) analysis of extracellular potential recordings in the brain, the physical mechanisms responsible for the generation of the signal are still debated. While the extracellular potential is thought to be exclusively generated by the transmembrane currents, recent studies suggest that extracellular diffusive, advective and displacement currents-traditionally neglected-may also contribute considerably toward extracellular potential recordings. Here, we first justify the application of the electro-quasistatic approximation of Maxwell's equations to describe the electromagnetic field of physiological origin. Subsequently, we perform spatial averaging of currents in neural tissue to arrive at the notion of the CSD and derive an equation relating it to the extracellular potential. We show that, in general, the extracellular potential is determined by the CSD of membrane currents as well as the gradients of the putative extracellular diffusion current. The diffusion current can contribute significantly to the extracellular potential at frequencies less than a few Hertz; in which case it must be subtracted to obtain correct CSD estimates. We also show that the advective and displacement currents in the extracellular space are negligible for physiological frequencies while, within cellular membrane, displacement current contributes toward the CSD as a capacitive current. Taken together, these findings elucidate the relationship between electric currents and the extracellular potential in brain tissue and form the necessary foundation for the analysis of extracellular recordings.

extracellular recordings
current transfer
electrical conductivity
electrical stimulation
field potentials


Pattern of care and impact of prognostic factors on the outcome of head and neck extramedullary plasmacytoma: a systematic review and individual patient data analysis of 315 cases.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Head and neck extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare localized plasma cell neoplasm. We intended to perform this review of the published literature to assess the demographic profile, pattern of care and survival outcomes.

METHODS
Two authors independently searched PubMed, Google search and Cochrane library for eligible studies from 1950 till July 1, 2016, published in English language.

RESULTS
Median age of the cohort was 57 years (range 11-85). Site-wise distributions were paranasal sinuses 22.3% (70), nasal cavity 17.5% (55), nasopharynx 10.8% (34). Median size of SEMP was 3 cm (range 0.3-12 cm). Treatment distribution was radiotherapy (RT) in 52% (164), surgery (S) 19% (60), chemotherapy (C) 5% (16), S + RT 23.49% (74),CRT 1.9% (6), S + C 0.6% (2), S + RT + C 0.95% (3).Radiation was used as a modality in 78.4%(247), surgery in 44.1%(139), chemotherapy in 4.8%(15). Median radiation dose used was 45 Gy with range 20-61 Gy. Median overall survival (OS) was 40 months (range 0.5-298). Median local progression-free survival was 36 months (range 0-298). Median myeloma relapse-free survival was 36 months (range 0.5-298). Five- and 10-year OS was 78.33 and 68.61%. Five-year cause-specific survival (CSS) and 10-year CSS was 90.15 and 83.31%. Five-year LPFS was 94.78%, and 10-year LPFS was 88.43%. Five-year myeloma progression-free survival was 84.46%, and 10-year myeloma PFS was 80.44%. The factors associated with risk of local relapse were site of disease (sinonasal), secretory EMP, type of treatment received (surgery + RT > RT alone > surgery on univariate analysis). Risk factors for myeloma relapse were coexisting diseases, site of disease (sinonasal), bony erosion, size of lesion > 5 cm and type of treatment received on univariate analysis.

CONCLUSION
Our study shows that combined modality S + RT is superior compared to uni-modality in preventing local recurrence. Radiation dose of 45 Gy is optimal. Nodal irradiation has no impact on local recurrence.

Head and neck
Plasmacytoma
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Myeloma


Transrectal ultrasonography and blood lactate measurement: a combined diagnostic approach for severe uterine torsion in dairy cattle.

Abstract: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the utility of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and blood lactate concentration (bLac) measurement to diagnose cows with severe uterine torsion. We investigated the association of TRUS and bLac measurement with macroscopic findings on laparotomy for severe uterine torsion in nine cows. We found that an increased ultrasonographic cross-sectional thickness (15-25 mm) and multiple hypoechogenic areas corresponded to macroscopic vascular compromise in the uterus on laparotomy. In addition, bLac was elevated (≥5.0 mmol/l) in cows showing uterine necrosis on laparotomy. A combined diagnostic approach with TRUS and bLac measurement enables assessment of the uterine vascular status and has utility for selecting the treatment option (including laparotomy) and predicting the outcomes.

Murakami|Takashi|T| Sato|Yohei|Y| Sato|Akane|A| Mukai|Shuhei|S| Kobayashi|Masanori|M| Yamada|Yutaka|Y| Kawakami|Eiichi|E|

ultrasonography
lactate
uterine torsion
dairy cattle
diagnosis


Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis with Long Cord Sign.

Abstract: Isolated cortical vein thrombosis (ICVT) is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1% of strokes. A 46-year-old woman presented with progressive left side weakness. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with T2(*)-gradient echo (T2(*)-GE) sequence showed long cord sign at the right frontal cortex. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin, followed by oral warfarin for 6 months. The 3-month follow-up MR imaging showed recanalization of the previously thrombosed cortical vein. She was completely recovered without neurological deficits after 6 months. This provides that MR imaging with T2(*)-GE sequence can help to diagnosis the ICVT and outcomes of the ICVT are generally favorable.

Ban|Seung Pil|SP|
Chung|Young Seob|YS|
Park|Sung Bae|SB|
Son|Young-Je|YJ|

Cortical vein thrombosis
Cord sign
Hemorrhagic infarction


Thalamo-Cortical White Matter Underlies Motor Memory Consolidation via Modulation of Sleep Spindles in Young and Older Adults.

Abstract: Ample evidence suggests that consolidation of the memory trace associated with a newly acquired motor sequence is supported by thalamo-cortical spindle activity during subsequent sleep, as well as functional changes in a distributed cortico-striatal network. To date, however, no studies have investigated whether the structural white matter connections between these regions affect motor sequence memory consolidation in relation with sleep spindles. Here, we used diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) tractography to reconstruct the major fascicles of the cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical loop in both young and older participants who were trained on an explicit finger sequence learning task before and after a daytime nap. Thereby, this allowed us to examine whether post-learning sleep spindles measured using polysomnographic recordings interact with consolidation processes and this specific neural network. Our findings provide evidence corroborating the critical role of NREM2 thalamo-cortical sleep spindles in motor sequence memory consolidation, and show that the post-learning changes in these neurophysiological events relate specifically to white matter characteristics in thalamo-cortical fascicles. Moreover, we demonstrate that microstructure along this fascicle relates indirectly to offline gains in performance through an increase of spindle density over motor-related cortical areas. These results suggest that the integrity of thalamo-cortical projections, via their impact on sleep spindle generation, may represent one of the critical mechanisms modulating the expression of sleep-dependent offline gains following motor sequence learning in healthy adults.

Vien|Catherine|C| Boré|Arnaud|A| Boutin|Arnaud|A| Pinsard|Basile|B| Carrier|Julie|J| Doyon|Julien|J| Fogel|Stuart|S|

D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging

white matter
consolidation
sleep
tractography
aging
motor learning


Erratum: The Use of a Humanized NSG-β2m-/- Model for Investigation of Immune and Anti-tumor Effects Mediated by the Bifunctional Immunotherapeutic Bintrafusp Alfa.

Abstract: [This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00549.].

bintrafusp alfa
NSG-β2m−/−
TGF-β
humanized mouse
immunotherapy


Subthalamic 6-OHDA-induced lesion attenuates levodopa-induced dyskinesias in the rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The subthalamic nucleus (STN) receives direct dopaminergic innervation from the substantia nigra pars compacta that degenerates in Parkinson's disease. The present study aimed to investigate the role of dopaminergic denervation of STN in the origin of levodopa-induced dyskinesias. Rats were distributed in four groups which were concomitantly lesioned with 6-OHDA or vehicle (sham) in the STN and in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) as follows: a) MFB-sham plus STN-sham, b) MFB-sham plus STN-lesion, c) MFB-lesion plus STN-sham, and d) MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion. Four weeks after lesions, animals were treated with levodopa (6mg/kg with 15mg/kg benserazide i.p.) twice daily for 22 consecutive days. Abnormal involuntary movements were measured. In situ hybridization was performed measuring the expression of striatal preproenkephalin, preprodynorphin, STN cytochrome oxidase (CO) and nigral GAD67 mRNAs. STN 6-OHDA denervation did not induce dyskinesias in levodopa-treated MFB-sham animals but attenuated axial (p<0.05), limb (p<0.05) and orolingual (p<0.01) dyskinesias in rats with a concomitant lesion of the nigrostriatal pathway. The attenuation of dyskinesias was associated with a decrease in the ipsilateral STN CO mRNA levels (p<0.05). No significant differences between MFB-lesion plus STN-sham and MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion groups in the extent of STN dopaminergic denervation were observed. Moreover, intrasubthalamic microinfusion of dopamine in the MFB-lesion plus STN-lesion group triggered orolingual (p<0.01), but not axial or limb, dyskinesias. These results suggest that dopaminergic STN innervation influences the expression of levodopa-induced dyskinesias but also the existence of non dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms. STN noradrenergic depletion induced by 6-OHDA in the STN needs to be taken in account as a possible mechanism explaining the attenuation of dyskinesias in the combined lesion group.

Marin|C|C|
Bonastre|M|M|
Mengod|G|G|
Cortés|R|R|
Rodríguez-Oroz|M C|MC|
Obeso|J A|JA|

Dyskinesia
Parkinson's disease
Subthalamic nucleus
Preproenkephalin
Preprodynorphin
Cytochrome oxidase
6-Hydroxydopamine
Basal ganglia


Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease in a Chemotherapy-Based Minor-Mismatch Mouse Model Features Corneal (Lymph-) Angiogenesis.

Abstract: Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a fast progressing, autoimmunological disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, leading to severe inflammation of the eye and destruction of the lacrimal functional unit with consecutive sight-threatening consequences. The therapeutic "window of opportunity" is narrow, and current treatment options are limited and often insufficient. To achieve new insights into the pathogenesis and to develop new therapeutic approaches, clinically relevant models of oGVHD are desirable. In this study, the ocular phenotype was described in a murine, chemotherapy-based, minor-mismatch GVHD model mimicking early-onset chronic oGVHD, with corneal epitheliopathy, inflammation of the lacrimal glands, and blepharitis. Additionally, corneal lymphangiogenesis was observed as part of oGVHD pathogenesis for the first time, thus opening up the investigation of lymphangiogenesis as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic tool.

Gehlsen|Uta|U|
Stary|Daniela|D|
Maass|Martina|M|
Riesner|Katarina|K|0000-0001-5745-8184
Musial|Gwen|G|
Stern|Michael E|ME|
Penack|Olaf|O|
Steven|Philipp|P|0000-0001-6892-3619

D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

oGVHD
blepharitis
lymphangiogenesis
chemotherapy
ocular graft-versus-host-disease
pre-clinical model


The State of School Infrastructure in the Assembly Constituencies of Rural India: Analysis of 11 Census Indicators from Pre-Primary to Higher Education.

Abstract: In India, assembly constituencies (ACs), represented by elected officials, are the primary geopolitical units for state-level policy development. However, data on social indicators are traditionally reported and analyzed at the district level, and are rarely available for ACs. Here, we combine village-level data from the 2011 Indian Census and AC shapefiles to systematically derive AC-level estimates for the first time. We apply this methodology to describe the distribution of 11 education infrastructures-ranging from pre-primary school to senior secondary school-across rural villages in 3773 ACs. We found high variability in access to higher education infrastructures and low variability in access to lower education variables. For 40.3% (25th percentile) to 79.7% (75th percentile) of villages in an AC, the nearest government senior secondary school was >5 km away, whereas the nearest government primary school was >5 km away in just 0% (25th percentile) to 1.9% (75th percentile) of villages in an AC. The states of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Bihar showed the greatest within-state variation in access to education infrastructures. We present a novel analysis of access to education infrastructure to inform AC-level policy, and demonstrate how geospatial and Census data can be leveraged to derive AC-level estimates for any population health and development indicators collected in the Census at the village level.

Swaminathan|Akshay|A|
Narayanan|Menaka|M|
Blossom|Jeff|J|
Venkataramanan|R|R|
Saunik|Sujata|S|
Kim|Rockli|R|0000-0002-9864-3957
Subramanian|S V|SV|0000-0003-2365-4165

assembly constituencies
India
census
geopolitical units
education infrastructures
GIS
social determinants of health


The anti-transglutaminase auto-antibodies in children's saliva with a suspect coeliac disease: clinical study.

Abstract:
UNLABELLED
The coeliac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by an ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Like some other systemic diseases (Crohn's disease, Sjögren's syndrome) the celiac disease is able to alter the oral ecosystem and the composition of the saliva.

AIM
The aim of this retrospective study has been to examine the incidence of coeliac disease (CD) in paediatric population and to search the presence of anti-transglutaminase auto-antibodies (anti-tTG) in saliva, comparing and quantifying the concentration regard to the serum values of the anti-tTG auto-antibodies, before and after six months from the beginning of the free gluten diet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
105 children (G0), aged between 5 and 13 years, belonging to the Paediatric Gastroenterology-Endoscopy Unit of PTV Hospital, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", have been examined for a diagnosis of suspected CD.

RESULTS
Of a total of 105 pediatric patients (G0), only the 16.2% (G1) has showed to be positive. About the evaluation of the anti-tTG auto-antibodies in the serum, obtained from the second blood sample (T1), we can observe that 10 (G2) out of 17 children (G1) show positivity and for this reason they have been subjected to a sampling of intestinal villi to confirm the diagnosis of CD; in addition the 6.7% has been resulted positive at the first sampling of serum (T0), but negative to the second one (T1). The incidence of the CD has been resulted to be equal to 9.5%. About the evaluation of anti-tTG in the G1, we can observe that 58.8% of children are "definitely positive" to the salivary anti-tTG, while 11.8% appear to be weakly positive. About the correspondence of serum and salivary anti-tTG in Group G1, we can observe, that children positive to the anti-tTG in the serum have also the anti-tTG in the salivary fluid (sensibility 100%, specificity 71.4%). The results show that the anti-tTG salivary are present in children with CD, even though they have continued to follow the gluten free diet for 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS
The presence of anti-tTG in the saliva may be considered, an additional and useful diagnostic dental marker for an initial, reproducible, non invasive, inexpensive and highly sensitive screening of CD having a predictive and precocious value compared to anti-tTG contained in the serum, as it has been already demonstrated.

saliva
coeliac disease
paediatric patient


Glial and neuronal expression of the Inward Rectifying Potassium Channel Kir7.1 in the adult mouse brain.

Abstract: Inward Rectifying Potassium channels (Kir) are a large family of ion channels that play key roles in ion homeostasis and neuronal excitability. The most recently described Kir subtype is Kir7.1, which is known as a K+ transporting subtype. Earlier studies localised Kir7.1 to subpopulations of neurones in the brain. However, the pattern of Kir7.1 expression across the brain has not previously been examined. Here, we have determined neuronal and glial expression of Kir7.1 in the adult mouse brain, using immunohistochemistry and transgenic mouse lines expressing reporters specific for astrocytes [glial fibrillary acidic protein-enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFAP-EGFP], myelinating oligodendrocytes (PLP-DsRed), oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC, Pdgfra-creERT 2 /Rosa26-YFP double-transgenic mice) and all oligodendrocyte lineage cells (SOX10-EGFP). The results demonstrate significant neuronal Kir7.1 immunostaining in the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and pons, as well as the striatum and hypothalamus. In addition, astrocytes are shown to be immunopositive for Kir7.1 throughout grey and white matter, with dense immunostaining on cell somata, primary processes and perivascular end-feet. Immunostaining for Kir7.1 was observed in oligodendrocytes, myelin and OPCs throughout the brain, although immunostaining was heterogeneous. Neuronal and glial expression of Kir7.1 is confirmed using neurone-glial cortical cultures and optic nerve glial cultures. Notably, Kir7.1 have been shown to regulate the excitability of thalamic neurones and our results indicate this may be a widespread function of Kir7.1 in neurones throughout the brain. Moreover, based on the function of Kir7.1 in multiple transporting epithelia, Kir7.1 are likely to play an equivalent role in the primary glial function of K+ homeostasis. Our results indicate Kir7.1 are far more pervasive in the brain than previously recognised and have potential importance in regulating neuronal and glial function.

Papanikolaou|Maria|M|
Lewis|Anthony|A|
Butt|Arthur M|AM|0000-0001-7579-0746

D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying

neurones Kir7.1 immunohistochemistry astrocytes oligodendrocytes


Emerging role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Abstract: Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) was clinically exploited for decades, as most modern diuretics were obtained considering as lead molecule acetazolamide, the prototypical CA inhibitor (CAI). The discovery and characterization of multiple human CA (hCA) isoforms, 15 of which being known today, led to new applications of their inhibitors. They include widely clinically used antiglaucoma, antiepileptic and antiobesity agents, antitumor drugs in clinical development, as well as drugs for the management of acute mountain sickness and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Emerging roles of several CA isoforms in areas not generally connected to these enzymes were recently documented, such as in neuropathic pain, cerebral ischemia, rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease. Proof-of-concept studies thus emerged by using isoform-selective inhibitors, which may lead to new clinical applications in such areas. Relevant preclinical models are available for these pathologies due to the availability of isoform-selective CAIs for all human isoforms, belonging to novel classes of compounds, such as coumarins, sulfocoumarins, dithiocarbamates, benzoxaboroles, apart the classical sulfonamide inhibitors. The inhibition of CAs from pathogenic bacteria, fungi, protozoans or nematodes started recently to be considered for obtaining anti-infectives with a new mechanism of action.

D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
D002257:Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases
D006801:Humans
D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D013449:Sulfonamides

carbonic anhydrase
inhibitor
neuropathic pain
sulfonamide
anti-infectives
hypoxic tumors


Volatile Chemical Product Enhancements to Criteria Pollutants in the United States.

Abstract: Volatile chemical products (VCPs) are a significant source of reactive organic carbon emissions in the United States with a substantial fraction (>20% by mass) serving as secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursors. Here, we incorporate a new nationwide VCP inventory into the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model with VCP-specific updates to better model air quality impacts. Model results indicate that VCPs mostly enhance anthropogenic SOA in densely populated areas with population-weighted annual average SOA increasing 15-30% in Southern California and New York City due to VCP emissions (contribution of 0.2-0.5 μg m-3). Annually, VCP emissions enhance total population-weighted PM2.5 by ∼5% in California, ∼3% in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and 1-2% in most other states. While the maximum daily 8 h ozone enhancements from VCP emissions are more modest, their influence can cause a several ppb increase on select days in major cities. Printing Inks, Cleaning Products, and Paints and Coatings product use categories contribute ∼75% to the modeled VCP-derived SOA and Cleaning Products, Paints and Coatings, and Personal Care Products contribute ∼81% to the modeled VCP-derived ozone. Overall, VCPs enhance multiple criteria pollutants throughout the United States with the largest impacts in urban cores.

volatile chemical products
reactive organic carbon
secondary organic aerosol
air quality impacts
PM2.5
ozone


Heat shock protein 70-1A is a novel angiogenic regulator.

Abstract: Heat shock protein 70-1A (HSP70-1A) is a stress-inducible protein that provides an essential intracellular molecular chaperone function; however, the mechanism of HSP70-1A in angiogenesis has not been clarified. Herein, HSP70-1A gene silencing implicated this protein in angiogenesis. Additionally, recombinant human HSP70-1A (rhHSP70-1A) was able to stimulate human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation in vitro and microvessel formation in vivo similarly to recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF). Furthermore, rhHSP70-1A was tightly bound to the surface of HUVECs and participated in extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-dependent angiogenesis. Together, these results implicate HSP70-1A as a novel angiogenic regulator.

Kim|Taek-Keun|TK|
Na|Hee Jun|HJ|
Lee|Woo Ran|WR|
Jeoung|Mee Hyun|MH|
Lee|Sukmook|S|

D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic


miR-429 is involved in regulation of NF-κBactivity by targeting IKKβ and suppresses oncogenic activity in cervical cancer cells.

Abstract: Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to tumorigenesis in cancers. In this study, we found that miR-429 was downregulated in cervical cancer (CC) tissues and suppressed cell viability and proliferation while promoting apoptosis in CC cells. IKKβ was a novel target gene of miR-429 and ectopic expression of IKKβ abrogated the phenotypes induced by miR-429. When IKKβ was downregulated by miR-429, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway activation, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-β (IFN-β) production were decreased in CC cells. These findings indicate that miR-429 is involved in regulation of the NF-κB pathway by targeting IKKβ and functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical carcinogenesis.

Fan|Jing-Yi|JY| Fan|Ya-Jie|YJ| Wang|Xiang-Ling|XL| Xie|Hong|H| Gao|Hui-Jie|HJ| Zhang|Yi|Y| Liu|Min|M| Tang|Hua|H|

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic


Cardiolipin activates antigen-presenting cells via TLR2-PI3K-PKN1-AKT/p38-NF-kB signaling to prime antigen-specific naïve T cells in mice.

Abstract: Mitochondrial defects and antimitochondrial cardiolipin (CL) antibodies are frequently detected in autoimmune disease patients. CL from dysregulated mitochondria activates various pattern recognition receptors, such as NLRP3. However, the mechanism by which mitochondrial CL activates APCs as a damage-associated molecular pattern to prime antigen-specific naïve T cells, which is crucial for T-cell-dependent anticardiolipin IgG antibody production in autoimmune diseases is unelucidated. Here, we show that CL increases the expression of costimulatory molecules in CD11c+ APCs both in vitro and in vivo. CL activates CD11c+ APCs via TLR2-PI3K-PKN1-AKT/p38MAPK-NF-κB signaling. CD11c+ APCs that have been activated by CL are sufficient to prime H-Y peptide-specific naïve CD4+ T cells and OVA-specific naïve CD8+ T cells. TLR2 is necessary for anti-CL IgG antibody responses in vivo. Intraperitoneal injection of CL does not activate CD11c+ APCs in CD14 KO mice to the same extent as in wild-type mice. CL binds to CD14 (Kd = 7 × 10-7 M). CD14, but not MD2, plays a role in NF-kB activation by CL, suggesting that CD14+ macrophages contribute to recognizing CL. In summary, CL activates signaling pathways in CD11c+ APCs through a mechanism similar to gram (+) bacteria and plays a crucial role in priming antigen-specific naïve T cells.

Cho|Jung-Ah|JA| Kim|Tae-Joo|TJ|0000-0002-3266-9716 Moon|Hye-Jung|HJ| Kim|Young-Joo|YJ| Yoon|Hye-Kyung|HK| Seong|Seung-Yong|SY|0000-0002-3671-1029

D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Cardiolipin
CD11c+ APCs
CD14+ macrophage
Antiphospholipid syndrome
PRRs


Dramatic psychiatric and behavioral symptoms following a subthalamic lesion.

Abstract: Neuropsychiatric symptoms have been well documented after subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS), but those following a subthalamic lesion have been rarely reported. Herein, we present a 43-year-old woman with sudden-onset dramatic psychiatric and behavioral symptoms with hemiballism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence during the acute phase demonstrated extensive hyperintensity in the left STN and adjacent regions. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed no abnormal areas of enhancement. Magnetic resonance venography (MRV) was normal. Routine blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests were not remarkable. Autoimmune antibodies showed no significant results. A gradual recovery of both psychiatric and behavioral symptoms and hemiballism was observed with steroid and symptomatic treatment. Our case is unique in dramatic neuropsychiatric symptoms following a subthalamic lesion. We would like to point out that severe neuropsychiatric symptoms can occur in the patients with subthalamic lesions, and can be a troubling feature in their management.

Choi|Byung Sun|BS|
Shen|Guangxun|G|
Nan|Guangxian|G|
Kim|Jong-Min|JM|
Jung|Ki-Young|KY|
Jeon|Beomseok|B|

Subthalamic lesion
Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Limbic circuitry


Current concepts in the management of recurrent anterior gleno-humeral joint instability with bone loss.

Abstract: The management of recurrent anterior gleno-humeral joint instability is challenging in the presence of bone loss. It is often seen in young athletic patients and dislocations related to epileptic seizures and may involve glenoid bone deficiency, humeral bone deficiency or combined bipolar lesions. It is critical to accurately identify and assess the amount and position of bone loss in order to select the most appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of recurrent instability after surgery. The current literature suggests that coracoid and iliac crest bone block transfers are reliable for treating glenoid defects. The treatment of humeral defects is more controversial, however, although good early results have been reported after arthroscopic Remplissage for small defects. Larger humeral defects may require complex reconstruction or partial resurfacing. There is currently very limited evidence to support treatment strategies when dealing with bipolar lesions. The aim of this review is to summarise the current evidence regarding the best imaging modalities and treatment strategies in managing this complex problem relating particularly to contact athletes and dislocations related to epileptic seizures.

Bone loss
Remplissage
Hill-Sachs lesion
Latarjet
Shoulder dislocation


Thermoregulation and the ultradian basic rest-activity cycle.

Abstract: Daily life involves interactions with the external environment. In rats these apparently spontaneous interactions, often associated with the search for food, alternate with periods of rest in both the dark and light periods of the 24-hour day. Kleitman, in whose laboratory rapid eye movement sleep was discovered, referred to the temporal pattern as "the basic rest-activity cycle." The active periods of the basic rest-activity cycle occur approximately every 1-2 hours in an irregular stochastic pattern that has been described (perhaps unhelpfully) as ultradian rhythmicity. Both the spontaneous interactions and those evoked by salient, potentially threatening environmental events are accompanied by increases in brown adipose tissue (BAT) temperature of approximately 1°C. The heat produced in BAT contributes to associated increases in the temperature of the brain (approximately 0.8°C) and the body (approximately 0.6°C). These temperature changes require extension of the conventional "homeostasis" framework of temperature regulation. They may function to facilitate the cognitive processing that underlies the vital decision making necessary for safe and effective interaction with the external environment.

D000204:Activity Cycles
D002001:Adipose Tissue, Brown
D001831:Body Temperature
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation
D006801:Humans
D012146:Rest

brown adipose tissue
BAT
homeostasis
basic rest–activity cycle
brain temperature
brown adipose tissue thermogenesis
eating
emotional hyperthermia
hippocampal theta rhythm
stochastic timing
stress-induced hyperthermia
thermogenesis


Characterization of NDM-7 Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates in the Arabian Peninsula.

Abstract:
AIM
The purpose of this study was to characterize the New Delhi metallo-beta lactamase (NDM)-7-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated in the Arabian Peninsula.

METHODS
Enterobacteriaceae identified to carry blaNDM-7 in a collection of 157 NDM-producing isolates from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were investigated for their antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility, and resistance gene content. The virulence profile, phylogenetic and sequence types of the isolates were also determined. The plasmids carrying the blaNDM-7 were transferred, and their complete nucleotide sequence was determined.

RESULTS
Four NDM-7-producing Escherichia coli isolated in Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE, respectively, were identified. They were clonally unrelated, carried a few virulence determinants only, and belonged to clonal complexes CC10 and CC23, or ST448. They were all multi-drug resistant but remained susceptible to fosfomycin, tigecycline, and colistin. In all isolates, blaNDM-7 was located on IncX3 type plasmids of a variable size, not harboring any further resistance genes. The plasmids exhibited a high degree of similarity to each other and to pKpN01-NDM7 from Canada, with various size deletions and insertions.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings show that IncX3 type plasmids play an important role in the spread of the currently rare NDM-7 variant in the Arabian Peninsula. This association of blaNDM-7 with the IncX3-type plasmid is particularly worrisome, as this type of plasmid was proved to spread other carbapenemases in various species of Enterobacteriaceae worldwide at a high efficiency.

Pál|Tibor|T|
Ghazawi|Akela|A|
Darwish|Dania|D|
Villa|Laura|L|
Carattoli|Alessandra|A|
Hashmey|Rayhan|R|
Aldeesi|Zulfa|Z|
Jamal|Wafaa|W|
Rotimi|Vincent|V|
Al-Jardani|Amina|A|
Al-Abri|Seif S|SS|
Sonnevend|Ágnes|Á|

D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

NDM-7
Escherichia coli
multi-drug resistance
carbapenemase
Middle East


Aversive Training of Honey Bees in an Automated Y-Maze.

Abstract: Honeybees have remarkable learning abilities given their small brains, and have thus been established as a powerful model organism for the study of learning and memory. Most of our current knowledge is based on appetitive paradigms, in which a previously neutral stimulus (e.g., a visual, olfactory, or tactile stimulus) is paired with a reward. Here, we present a novel apparatus, the yAPIS, for aversive training of walking honey bees. This system consists in three arms of equal length and at 120° from each other. Within each arm, colored lights (λ = 375, 465 or 520 nm) or odors (here limonene or linalool) can be delivered to provide conditioned stimuli (CS). A metal grid placed on the floor and roof delivers the punishment in the form of mild electric shocks (unconditioned stimulus, US). Our training protocol followed a fully classical procedure, in which the bee was exposed sequentially to a CS paired with shocks (CS+) and to another CS not punished (CS-). Learning performance was measured during a second phase, which took advantage of the Y-shape of the apparatus and of real-time tracking to present the bee with a choice situation, e.g., between the CS+ and the CS-. Bees reliably chose the CS- over the CS+ after only a few training trials with either colors or odors, and retained this memory for at least a day, except for the shorter wavelength (λ = 375 nm) that produced mixed results. This behavior was largely the result of the bees avoiding the CS+, as no evidence was found for attraction to the CS-. Interestingly, trained bees initially placed in the CS+ spontaneously escaped to a CS- arm if given the opportunity, even though they could never do so during the training. Finally, honey bees trained with compound stimuli (color + odor) later avoided either components of the CS+. Thus, the yAPIS is a fast, versatile and high-throughput way to train honey bees in aversive paradigms. It also opens the door for controlled laboratory experiments investigating bimodal integration and learning, a field that remains in its infancy.

honey bees
automation
Y-maze
bimodal
aversive learning


Irish GP attitudes towards sickness certification and the 'fit note'.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sickness certification poses significant challenges to most general practitioners (GPs). As an alternative form of certification, in 2010, the UK implemented the 'fit note', which focuses on returning to work after illness. It has been well received in the UK but little is known of non-UK GP attitudes towards the fit note.

AIMS
To evaluate the challenges Irish GPs experience with the current sickness certification system and their attitudes towards the fit note.

METHODS
A questionnaire assessing attitudes, practices and preferences regarding the fit note was developed, piloted and posted to a representative sample of Irish GPs selected by systematic sampling. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the results.

RESULTS
Of 305 GPs surveyed, 64% (196) completed the survey. Ninety per cent (177) of responders reported a lack of available rehabilitation services for patients on sick leave and 66% (124) reported adverse effects of sickness certification on therapeutic relationships with patients. Those who indicated a preference for introducing the fit note (53%; 104) were significantly more likely to endorse both an excessive focus on disability [odds ratio (OR) = 3.16] and lack of GP training (OR = 2.04) in the sickness certification process.

CONCLUSIONS
Difficulties associated with sickness certification are apparent at GP-patient, GP-employer and GP-health service levels. Addressing these will require intervention at each of these levels and may be facilitated by challenging the assumption that illness equates to disability.

King|R|R| Murphy|R|R| Wyse|A|A| Roche|E|E|

Fit note
fitness to work
general practice
occupational health
sick certification.


Survival of vaginal microorganisms in three commercially available transport systems.

Abstract: Transport systems are used to collect and maintain the viability of microorganisms. Two Amies media based transport systems, BD CultureSwab™ MaxV(+) Amies Medium without Charcoal (MaxV(+)) and Fisherfinest® with Amies gel Transport Medium without charcoal (Fisherfinest®) were compared to a Cary-Blair media based transport system, Starswab® Anaerobic Transport System (Starswab®), for their capacity to maintain the viability of 17 clinical microorganisms commonly isolated from the vagina (Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, L. iners, group B streptococci, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Atopobium vaginae, Peptoniphilus harei, Mycoplasma hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Dialister microaerophilus, Mobiluncus curtisii, Prevotella amnii, P. timonensis, P. bivia, and Porphyromonas uenonis). Single swabs containing mixtures of up to five different species were inoculated in triplicate and held at 4 °C and room temperature for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h (h). At each time point, swabs were eluted into a sterile salt solution, serially diluted, inoculated onto selected media, and incubated. Each colony type was quantified and identified. A change in sample stability was reported as a ≥1 log increase or decrease in microorganism density from baseline. Overall, the viability of fastidious anaerobes was maintained better at 4 °C than room temperature. At 4 °C all three transport systems maintained the viability and prevented replication of C. albicans, E. faecalis, GBS, and E. coli. Microorganisms having a ≥1 log decrease in less than 24 h at 4 °C included A. vaginae, G. vaginalis, and P. uenonis in Starswab®, L. iners, A. vaginae, and P. amnii in MaxV(+), and A. vaginae, G. vaginalis, P. bivia, and P. amnii in Fisherfinest®. At 48 h at 4 °C, a ≥1 log decrease in concentration density was observed for P. harei and P. amnii in Starswab®, G. vaginalis, P. bivia and P. uenonis in MaxV(+), and L. iners, P. harei, P. timonensis, and P. uenonis in Fisherfinest®. Overall, at 4 °C the viability and stability of vaginal microorganisms was maintained better in the Cary-Blair based transport system (Starswab®) than in the two Amies based transport systems.

DeMarco|Allison L|AL|
Rabe|Lorna K|LK|
Austin|Michele N|MN|
Stoner|Kevin A|KA|
Avolia|Hilary A|HA|
Meyn|Leslie A|LA|
Hillier|Sharon L|SL|

Transport systems
Fastidious anaerobes
Vaginal microbiota


Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer in Mice: Basic Protocol and Its Modification for Correcting X Chromosome Inactivation Status.

Abstract: Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) enables the production of animals from single cell nuclei. Unlike normally fertilized embryos, SCNT-derived embryos ectopically express the Xist gene from the maternal allele, because of the lack of Xist-repressing imprints in the somatic donor genome. This has severely compromised the development of SCNT-derived embryos, at least in mice. Here, we describe the basic protocol of mouse SCNT as well as a Xist knockdown SCNT procedure, which remarkably increases the efficiency of cloning mice.

Xist
Development
Oocyte
Preimplantation embryo


Effects of prolonged night-time light exposure and traffic noise on the behavior and body temperature rhythmicity of the wild desert rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to demonstrate for the first time in Tarabul's gerbils (Gerbillus tarabuli), the effects of simultaneous exposure to two major environmental stressors - light and noise pollutions - on the body temperature rhythm and anxious behavior. Seven groups, each consisting of 6 adult male gerbils, were subjected to a standard LD cycle (12 L:12D) with lights on at 08:00 h and off at 20:00 h, constant conditions (total darkness, DD), prolonged nighttime exposure to light (PEL: 18 L:6D) with lights on at 08:00 h and off at 02:00 h, mimicking prolonged exposure to light pollution in peri-urban areas, exposure to auditory stress (TNS) of 80 dB, and conditions combining PEL&TNS. The body temperature circadian rhythm was recorded, and behavioral tests were performed at the end of experimental phases. The results revealed the existence, for the first time in Gerbilus tarabuli, of an endogenous circadian rhythm of body temperature with a period of 23.8 ± 0.04 h. Prolonged exposure to light at night (PEL) induced a significant phase delay (02 h 09 min ± 0.16 h) of the rhythm, with an acrophase (peak time) occurring at 04:42 ± 0.13 h instead of 02:33 ± 0.21 h. Exposure to TNS for 4 hours per night induced a significant increase of the amplitude of the rhythm and a decrease of the rhythm regularity (robustness of 73.26% in TNS vs. 82.32 in control condition). While combining TNS and PEL significantly delayed the phase of the Tb rhythm by 3 h 10 min (acrophase at 06:39 ± 0.37 h instead of 02:33 ± 0.21 h), increased the amplitude, and significantly reduced the stability of the rhythm (robustness of 67.25% in PEL&TNS vs. 82.32 in control condition). PEL&TNS and TNS environments induce an important stress in gerbils highlighted by a significant decrease of the number of line crossings and time spent in the center area of the open field test. Furthermore, elevated plus maze test revealed gerbils of the PEL&TNS and TNS conditions significantly visited the lowest number of open arms and spent a shorter amount of time in it. In addition, these conditions were responsible for less activity (total number of entries in arms) than in the control and PEL conditions. These results indicate clearly that in the desert area, peri-urban light and noise pollutions disturb the circadian rhythm components and alter the behavior of Tarabul's gerbils inducing an anxious state.

Issad|Salem Mamoun|SM|
Benhafri|Nadir|N|
El Allali|Khalid|K|
Farsi|Hicham|H|
Ouali-Hassenaoui|Saliha|S|
Dekar-Madoui|Aicha|A|

traffic noise
behavior
body temperature rhythm
stress
Anxiety
circadian rhythmicity
night light


Exercise alleviates cardiac remodelling in diabetic cardiomyopathy via the miR-486a-5p-Mst1 pathway.

Abstract:
Objectives
Physical exercise has emerged as an effective therapy to mitigate cardiac remodelling in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The results of our previous studies revealed mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) is a key regulator of the progression of DCM. However, the precise molecular mechanism of physical exercise-induced cardiac protection and its association with Mst1 inhibition remain unclear.

Materials and Methods
Wildtype and Mst1 transgenic mice were challenged with streptozotocin (STZ) to induce experimental diabetes and were divided into sedentary and exercise groups. The DCM phenotype was evaluated by echocardiography, Masson's trichrome staining, TUNEL and immunoblotting analyses. The exercise-regulated miRNAs targeting Mst1 were predicted by bioinformatic analysis and later confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. In addition, cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes were subjected to simulate diabetes to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Results
Compared to the sedentary diabetic control, physical exercise inhibited Mst1 and alleviated cardiac remodelling in mice with DCM, as evidenced by decreases in the left ventricular end-systolic internal dimension (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic internal dimension (LVEDD), increases in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), attenuation of collagen deposition, and the suppression of apoptosis. Bioinformatic analysis and apoptosis assessments revealed exercise exerted protective effects against DCM through miR-486a-5p release. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-486a-5p directly suppressed the expression of Mst1, thereby inhibiting the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes subjected to high glucose treatment.

Conclusion
Physical exercise inhibits cardiac remodelling in DCM, and the mechanism is associated with miR-486a-5p release-induced Mst1 inhibition.

Sun|Dong|D| Wang|Haichang|H| Su|Yanhui|Y| Lin|Jie|J| Zhang|Mingming|M| Man|Wanrong|W| Song|Xinglong|X| Zhang|Liang|L| Guo|Baolin|B| Hao|Kaikai|K| Sun|Dongdong|D|

Exercise
Diabetic cardiomyopathy
Apoptosis
miR-486a-5p
Mst1 (STK4)


Influence of Chitosan, Salicylic Acid and Jasmonic Acid on Phenylpropanoid Accumulation in Germinated Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench).

Abstract: The present study investigated the effects of jasmonic acid (JA), chitosan, and salicylic acid (SA) on the accumulation of phenolic compounds in germinated buckwheat. A total of six phenolics were detected in the buckwheat treated with different concentrations of SA (50, 100, and 150 mg/L), JA (50, 100, and 150 μM), and chitosan (0.01, 0.1, and 0.5%) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The treatment with 0.1% chitosan resulted in an accumulation of the highest levels of phenolic compounds as compared with the control and the 0.01 and 0.5% chitosan treatments. The treatment with 150 μM JA enhanced the levels of phenolics in buckwheat sprouts as compared with those observed in the control and the 50 and 100 μM JA-treated sprouts. However, the SA treatment did not affect the production of phenolic compounds. After optimizing the treatment concentrations of elicitors (chitosan and JA), a time-course analysis of the phenolic compounds detected in the germinated buckwheat treated with 0.1% chitosan and 150 μM JA was performed. Buckwheat treated with 0.1% chitosan for 72 h showed higher levels of phenolic compounds than all control samples. Similarly, the germinated buckwheat treated with JA for 48 and 72 h produced higher amounts of phenolic compounds than all control samples. This study elucidates the influence of SA, JA, and chitosan on the production of phenolic compounds and suggests that the treatment with optimal concentrations of chitosan and JA for an optimal time period improved the production of phenolic compounds in germinated buckwheat.

Park|Chang Ha|CH|
Yeo|Hyeon Ji|HJ|
Park|Ye Eun|YE|
Chun|Se Won|SW|
Chung|Yong Suk|YS|
Lee|Sook Young|SY|
Park|Sang Un|SU|

chitosan
jasmonic acid
germinated buckwheat
phenolic compounds
elicitors


Commissioning cranial single-isocenter multi-target radiosurgery for the Versa HD.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Brainlab's Elements Multiple Brain Mets SRS (MBMS) is a dedicated treatment planning system for single-isocenter multi-target (SIMT) cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treatments. The purpose of this study is to present the commissioning experience of MBMS on an Elekta Versa HD.

METHODS
MBMS was commissioned for 6 X, 6 FFF, and 10 FFF. Beam data collected included: output factors, percent depth doses (PDDs), diagonal profiles, collimator transmission, and penumbra. Beam data were processed by Brainlab and resulting parameters were entered into the planning system to generate the beam model. Beam model accuracy was verified for simple fields. MBMS plans were created on previously treated cranial SRS patient data sets. Plans were evaluated using Paddick inverse conformity (ICI), gradient indices (GI), and cumulative volume of brain receiving 12 Gy. Dosimetric accuracy of the MBMS plans was verified using microDiamond, Gafchromic film, and SRS Mapcheck measurements of absolute dose and dose profiles for individual targets. Finally, an end-to-end (E2E) test was performed with a MR-CT compatible phantom to validate the accuracy of the simulation-to-delivery process.

RESULTS
For square fields, calculated scatter factors were within 1.0% of measured, PDDs were within 0.5% past dmax, and diagonal profiles were within 0.5% for clinically relevant off-axis distances (<10 cm). MBMS produced plans with ICIs < 1.5 and GIs < 5.0 for targets > 10 mm. Average point doses of the MBMS plans, measured by microDiamond, were within 0.31% of calculated (max 2.84%). Average per-field planar pass rates were 98.0% (95.5% minimum) using a 2%/1 mm/10% threshold relative gamma analysis. E2E point dose measurements were within 1.5% of calculated and Gafchromic film pass rates were 99.6% using a 5%/1 mm/10% threshold gamma analysis.

CONCLUSION
The experience presented can be used to aid the commissioning of the Versa HD in the Brainlab MBMS treatment planning system, to produce safe and accurate SIMT cranial SRS treatments.

Knill|Cory|C| Sandhu|Raminder|R| Halford|Robert|R| Snyder|Michael|M| Seymour|Zachary|Z|

Versa HD
Elements Multiple Brain Mets SRS
SRS


Standardising analgesic administration for nurses: a prospective intervention study.

Abstract: Background Uncontrolled pain reduces quality of life, delays recovery from surgery and can potentially contribute to the development of chronic pain. Strategies to improve pain management are desirable in view of these detrimental outcomes, yet frequently they are predominately medically based despite nurses playing key roles in pain assessment and analgesic administration. Objective To develop an algorithm-based guidance addressing nurses' pain assessment and analgesic administration and investigating its impact on quality of pain management. Setting Two orthopaedic units in a university hospital. Method An interdisciplinary expert panel consisting of physicians, nurses and clinical pharmacists developed an algorithm-based guidance in analgesic administration for nurses. The guidance was based on current guidelines addressing the appropriate use of analgesics. In a prospective intervention study, clinical pharmacists acted as independent monitors who assessed nurses' pain assessment and analgesic administration before (control period: usual care without any further support) and after implementation of the algorithm-based guidance (intervention period). We evaluated patient-nurse contacts for guideline adherence. We predefined guideline adherence (main outcome) as fulfilling all three of the following criteria: (A) nurses' pain intensity assessment, (B) their assessment of the patients' need for analgesics, and (C) analgesic administration depending on patients' individual pain intensity (including choice of prescribed analgesics). Main outcome measure Adherence to pain management guidelines. Results We analysed 706 patient-nurse contacts with 162 patients in the control and 748 contacts with 168 patients in the intervention period. Without support, guidelines were followed in 6 % of the patient contacts. We achieved an increase to 54 % (p < 0.001) after guidance implementation (main outcome). Guideline adherence decreased with rising pain intensity (slope coefficient -0.763, p < 0.001). Conclusion Especially in patients suffering from severe pain, current guidelines were not strictly followed by nurses when administering analgesics. Guideline adherence improved eightfold by implementing an algorithm-based guidance.

Schiek|Susanne|S|
Moritz|Katharina|K|
Seichter|Stefanie J|SJ|
Ghanem|Mohamed|M|
von Salis-Soglio|Georg|G|
Frontini|Roberto|R|
Bertsche|Thilo|T|

Analgesics
Pain management
Hospital
Clinical pharmacists
Guideline adherence
Algorithms
Decision making
Germany
Nursing Staff


Naso-pharyngeal discharge: The first symptom of COVID-19 infection: Report two cases from Iran.

Abstract: Naso-pharyngeal discharge as the first symptom of COVID-19 infection is presented in two cases. Actually, based on the presented cases here we concluded that the early clinical symptoms of COVID-19 may be mimicked the common cold features. Appropriate diagnosis and isolation of the patients help reduce further transmission.

clinical symptom
COVID‐19
naso‐pharyngeal discharge: sinusitis


Strong Thermopower Enhancement and Tunable Power Factor via Semimetal to Semiconductor Transition in a Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide.

Abstract: Electronic band engineering is a promising approach to enhance the thermopower of thermoelectric materials. In transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), this has so far only been achieved using their inherent semiconducting nature. Here, we report the thickness-modulated band engineering of nanosheets based on semimetallic platinum diselenide (PtSe2) resulting in a thermopower enhancement of more than 50 times than that of the bulk. We obtained this by introducing a semimetal to semiconductor (SMSC) transition resulting in the formation of a bandgap. This approach based on semimetallic TMDCs provides potential advantages such as a large variation of transport properties, a decrease of the ambipolar transport effect, and a high carrier density dependence of the transport properties. Our observations suggest that the SMSC transition in TMDCs is a promising and straightforward strategy for the development of two-dimensional nanostructured thermoelectric materials.

thermopower
semimetal to semiconductor transition
transition-metal dichalcogenides
electronic band engineering
platinum diselenide


Sex differences in reward- and punishment-guided actions.

Abstract: Differences in the prevalence and presentation of psychiatric illnesses in men and women suggest that neurobiological sex differences confer vulnerability or resilience in these disorders. Rodent behavioral models are critical for understanding the mechanisms of these differences. Reward processing and punishment avoidance are fundamental dimensions of the symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Here we explored sex differences along these dimensions using multiple and distinct behavioral paradigms. We found no sex difference in reward-guided associative learning but a faster punishment-avoidance learning in females. After learning, females were more sensitive than males to probabilistic punishment but less sensitive when punishment could be avoided with certainty. No sex differences were found in reward-guided cognitive flexibility. Thus, sex differences in goal-directed behaviors emerged selectively when there was an aversive context. These differences were critically sensitive to whether the punishment was certain or unpredictable. Our findings with these new paradigms provide conceptual and practical tools for investigating brain mechanisms that account for sex differences in susceptibility to anxiety and impulsivity. They may also provide insight for understanding the evolution of sex-specific optimal behavioral strategies in dynamic environments.

Chowdhury|Tara G|TG|0000-0003-1948-4167
Wallin-Miller|Kathryn G|KG|
Rear|Alice A|AA|
Park|Junchol|J|
Diaz|Vanessa|V|
Simon|Nicholas W|NW|
Moghaddam|Bita|B|

Sex differences
Reward
Avoidance
Anxiety
ADHD
Addiction


Autogenous bone grafts in oral implantology-is it still a "gold standard"? A consecutive review of 279 patients with 456 clinical procedures.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
This study assessed the clinical outcomes of graft success rate and early implant survival rate after preprosthetic alveolar ridge reconstruction with autologous bone grafts.

METHODS
A consecutive retrospective study was conducted on all patients who were treated at the military outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral and Plastic Maxillofacial Surgery at the military hospital in Ulm (Germany) in the years of 2009 until 2011 with autologous bone transplantation prior to secondary implant insertion. Intraoral donor sites (crista zygomatico-alveolaris, ramus mandible, symphysis mandible, and anterior sinus wall) and extraoral donor site (iliac crest) were used. A total of 279 patients underwent after a healing period of 3-5 months routinely computer tomography scans followed by virtual implant planning. The implants were inserted using guided oral implantation as described by Naziri et al. All records of all the consecutive patients were reviewed according to patient age, history of periodontitis, smoking status, jaw area and dental situation, augmentation method, intra- and postoperative surgical complications, and surgeon's qualifications. Evaluated was the augmentation surgical outcome regarding bone graft loss and early implant loss postoperatively at the time of prosthodontic restauration as well a follow-up period of 2 years after loading.

RESULTS
A total of 279 patients underwent 456 autologous augmentation procedures in 546 edentulous areas. One hundred thirteen crista zygomatico-alveolaris grafts, 104 ramus mandible grafts, 11 symphysis grafts, 116 grafts from the anterior superior iliac crest, and 112 sinus lift augmentations with bone scrapes from the anterior facial wall had been performed. There was no drop out or loss of follow-up of any case that had been treated in our clinical center in this 3-year period. Four hundred thirty-six (95.6%) of the bone grafts healed successfully, and 20 grafts (4.4%) in 20 patients had been lost. Fourteen out of 20 patients with total graft failure were secondarily re-augmented, and six patients wished no further harvesting procedure. In the six patients, a partial graft resorption was detected at the time of implantation and additional simultaneous augmentation during implant insertion was necessary. No long-term nerve injury occurred. Five hundred twenty-five out of 546 initially planned implants in 259 patients could be inserted into successfully augmented areas, whereas 21 implants in 20 patients due to graft loss could not be inserted. A final rehabilitation as preplanned with dental implants was possible in 273 of the 279 patients. The early implant failure rate was 0.38% concerning two out of the 525 inserted implants which had to be removed before the prosthodontic restoration. Two implants after iliac crest augmentation were lost within a period of 2 years after loading, concerning a total implant survival rate after 2 years of occlusal loading rate of 99.6% after autologous bone augmentation prior to implant insertion.

CONCLUSIONS
This review demonstrates the predictability of autologous bone material in alveolar ridge reconstructions prior to implant insertion, independent from donor and recipient site including even autologous bone chips for sinus elevation. Due to the low harvesting morbidity of autologous bone grafts, the clinical results of our study indicate that autologous bone grafts still remain the "gold standard" in alveolar ridge augmentation prior to oral implantation.

Sakkas|Andreas|A| Wilde|Frank|F| Heufelder|Marcus|M| Winter|Karsten|K| Schramm|Alexander|A|

Gold standard
Donor site
Complications
Dental implants
Autologous bone augmentation
Intraoral bone grafts


Bariatric surgery decreased the serum level of an endotoxin-associated marker: lipopolysaccharide-binding protein.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have shown serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) is associated with obesity and related metabolic disorder. Bariatric surgery can significantly reduce weight, but reports about the change of LBP after bariatric surgery are limited. We investigated LBP concentration and its associations with clinical variables.

METHODS
We enrolled 178 obese patients receiving different bariatric surgeries and 38 normal weight individuals. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline in all and 1 year after surgery in obese individuals. The serum LBP concentration was measured.

RESULTS
The percentage of excess weight loss of mini-gastric bypass, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric band were 72.0±20.0%, 65.5±23.0%, 67.2±18.4%, and 16.1±14.3%, respectively. Serum LBP levels were higher in the obese participants than in the normal weight participants (49.9±15.7 versus 25.2±7.5 μg/mL; P<.001) at baseline and significantly decreased to 35.1±22.6 μg/mL after bariatric surgery (P<.001) in the obese group. In the bariatric participants, after multivariate analyses, preoperative LBP and the change of LBP with surgery were independently associated only with high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P<.001) and the change of hs-CRP (P = .012), respectively, while none of the postoperative variables was independently associated with LBP.

CONCLUSION
LBP is associated with body mass index and hs-CRP. Bariatric surgery significantly decreased the serum level of LBP. The relationship between LBP and hs-CRP disappeared after bariatric surgery.

Yang|Po-Jen|PJ| Lee|Wei-Jei|WJ| Tseng|Ping-Huei|PH| Lee|Po-Huang|PH| Lin|Ming-Tsan|MT| Yang|Wei-Shiung|WS|

D000209:Acute-Phase Proteins
D000328:Adult
D050110:Bariatric Surgery
D015415:Biomarkers
D015992:Body Mass Index
D002097:C-Reactive Protein
D002352:Carrier Proteins
D015331:Cohort Studies
D005260:Female
D005500:Follow-Up Studies
D005743:Gastrectomy
D015390:Gastric Bypass
D015391:Gastroplasty
D006801:Humans
D016014:Linear Models
D008297:Male
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins
D008875:Middle Aged
D015999:Multivariate Analysis
D009767:Obesity, Morbid
D011182:Postoperative Care
D011300:Preoperative Care
D011446:Prospective Studies
D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015431:Weight Loss


Neuropathic pain: a pathway for care developed by the British Pain Society.

Abstract: Neuropathic pain is a common chronic pain condition that can be challenging to treat, particularly for non-specialists. The development of the Map of Medicine care pathway for the management of neuropathic pain was led by the British Pain Society. Focusing on treatment by non-specialists, this pathway is based on new evidence, consensus, and the interests of service users. This paper presents the care pathway and accompanying evidence base, highlighting its salient features, and discussing important treatment points. After initial assessment, the pathway progresses through first-, second-, and third-line drug treatment, includes advice on topical treatment and opioids (in specific circumstances), and describes non-pharmacological approaches. Importantly, timely review of patients and referral to specialist secondary or tertiary care must be considered as vital components of the pathway. Although the emphasis was not on specialist treatment, advice is given on existing interventions, including neural stimulation and multi-disciplinary care. These, and other steps on the pathway, will be subject to further review as more evidence becomes available. In the meantime, the pathway represents a straightforward, valuable and accessible approach for healthcare professionals managing the distress and impact of neuropathic pain.

Smith|B H|BH|
Lee|J|J|
Price|C|C|
Baranowski|A P|AP|

D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation


The neural basis of understanding the expression of the emotions in man and animals.

Abstract: Humans cannot help but attribute human emotions to non-human animals. Although such attributions are often regarded as gratuitous anthropomorphisms and held apart from the attributions humans make about each other's internal states, they may be the product of a general mechanism for flexibly interpreting adaptive behavior. To examine this, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans to compare the neural mechanisms associated with attributing emotions to humans and non-human animal behavior. Although undergoing fMRI, participants first passively observed the facial displays of human, non-human primate and domestic dogs, and subsequently judged the acceptability of emotional (e.g. 'annoyed') and facial descriptions (e.g. 'baring teeth') for the same images. For all targets, emotion attributions selectively activated regions in prefrontal and anterior temporal cortices associated with causal explanation in prior studies. These regions were similarly activated by both human and non-human targets even during the passive observation task; moreover, the degree of neural similarity was dependent on participants' self-reported beliefs in the mental capacities of non-human animals. These results encourage a non-anthropocentric view of emotion understanding, one that treats the idea that animals have emotions as no more gratuitous than the idea that humans other than ourselves do.

Spunt|Robert P|RP|
Ellsworth|Emily|E|
Adolphs|Ralph|R|

anthropomorphism
emotion attribution
face perception
social cognition


Multi-centre field evaluation of the performance of the Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold HIV 1/2 rapid test as a first-line screening assay for gay and bisexual men compared with 4th generation laboratory immunoassays.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
The Trinity Biotech Uni-Gold HIV test (Uni-Gold) is often used as a supplementary rapid test in testing algorithms.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the operational performance of the Uni-Gold as a first-line screening test among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in a setting where 4th generation HIV laboratory assays are routinely used.

STUDY DESIGN
We compared the performance of Uni-Gold with conventional HIV serology conducted in parallel among GBM attending 22 testing sites. Sensitivity was calculated separately for acute and established infection, defined using 4th generation screening Ag/Ab immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot results. Previous HIV testing history and results of supplementary 3rd generation HIV Ab EIA, and p24 antigen EIA were used to further characterise cases of acute infection.

RESULTS
Of 10,793 specimens tested with Uni-Gold and conventional serology, 94 (0.90%, 95%CI:0.70-1.07) were confirmed as HIV-positive by conventional serology, and 37 (39.4%) were classified as acute infection. Uni-Gold sensitivity was 81.9% overall (77/94, 95%CI:72.6-89.1); 56.8% for acute infection (21/37, 95%CI:39.5-72.9) and 98.2% for established infection (56/57, 95%CI:90.6-100.0). Of 17 false non-reactive Uni-Gold results, 16 were acute infections, and of these seven were p24 antigen reactive but antibody negative. Uni-Gold specificity was 99.9% (10,692/10,699, 95%CI:99.9-100.0), PPV was 91.7% (95%CI:83.6-96.6) and NPV was 99.8% (95%CI:99.7-99.9), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
In this population, Uni-Gold had good specificity and sensitivity was high for established infections when compared to 4th generation laboratory assays, however sensitivity was lower in acute infections. Where rapid tests are used in populations with a high proportion of acute infections, additional testing strategies are needed to detect acute infections.

Keen|P|P|
Conway|D P|DP|
Cunningham|P|P|
McNulty|A|A|
Couldwell|D L|DL|
Davies|S C|SC|
Smith|D E|DE|
Gray|J|J|
Holt|M|M|
O'Connor|C C|CC|
Read|P|P|
Callander|D|D|
Prestage|G|G|
Guy|R|R|

Performance
p24 antigen
3rd generation immunoassay
4th generation immunoassay
Acute HIV infection
Rapid HIV test


Simultaneously detected parosteal osteoma and osteochondroma in the distal femur of a single patient.

Abstract: Parosteal osteoma arising from long tubular bone is an extremely rare bone tumor and should be distinguished from parosteal osteosarcoma, whereas osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor showing an outgrowth of medullary and cortical bone with a cartilaginous cap. This report describes simultaneously detected parosteal osteoma and osteochondroma arising from the distal femur in a single patient.

Yun|Seong Jong|SJ|
Jin|Wook|W|
Park|Yong Koo|YK|
Han|Chung Soo|CS|
Ryu|Kyung Nam|KN|
Park|Ji Seon|JS|
Park|So Young|SY|

Parosteal osteoma
Osteochondroma
Femur
Magnetic resonance imaging