Health screening, cardiometabolic disease and adverse health outcomes in individuals with severe mental illness.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Poor physical health in severe mental illness (SMI) remains a major issue for clinical practice.

AIMS
To use electronic health records of routinely collected clinical data to determine levels of screening for cardiometabolic disease and adverse health outcomes in a large sample (n = 7718) of patients with SMI, predominantly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

METHOD
We linked data from the Glasgow Psychosis Clinical Information System (PsyCIS) to morbidity records, routine blood results and prescribing data.

RESULTS
There was no record of routine blood monitoring during the preceding 2 years for 16.9% of the cohort. However, monitoring was poorer for male patients, younger patients aged 16-44, those with schizophrenia, and for tests of cholesterol, triglyceride and glycosylated haemoglobin. We estimated that 8.0% of participants had diabetes and that lipids levels, and use of lipid-lowering medication, was generally high.

CONCLUSIONS
Electronic record linkage identified poor health screening and adverse health outcomes in this vulnerable patient group. This approach can inform the design of future interventions and health policy.

Screening
physical health
schizophrenia
diabetes
antipsychotic medication


Viewing experience of 3DTV: An exploration of the feeling of sickness and presence in a shopping mall.

Abstract: The adoption and deployment of 3DTV can be seen as a major step in the history of television, comparable to the transition from analogue to digital and standard to high definition TV. Although 3D is expected to emerge from the cinema to peoples' home, there is still a lack of knowledge on how people (future end users) perceive 3DTV and how this influences their viewing experience as well as their acceptance of 3DTV. Within this paper, findings from a three-day field evaluation study on people's 3DTV experiences, focusing on the feeling of sickness and presence, are presented. Contrary to the traditional controlled laboratory setting, the study was conducted in the public setting of a shopping center and involved 700 participants. The study revealed initial insights on users' feeling of presence and sickness when watching 3DTV content. Results from this explorative study show that most of the participants reported symptoms of sickness after watching 3DTV with an effect of gender and age on the reported feeling of sickness. Our results further suggest that the users' previous experience with 3D content has an influence on how realistic people rate the viewing experience and how involved they feel. The particularities of the study environment, a shopping mall, are reflected in our findings and future research directions and action points for investigating people's viewing experiences of 3DTV are summarized.

Obrist|Marianna|M| Wurhofer|Daniela|D| Meneweger|Thomas|T| Grill|Thomas|T| Tscheligi|Manfred|M|

Viewing experience
3DTV
Feeling of sickness
Shopping mall
Field evaluation
Public setting
Feeling of presence
Methods
User experience


Intravascular Large B Cell Lymphoma of the Breast: A Rare Entity.

Abstract: Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare and high-grade disease of neoplastic lymphoid cells within the vascular lumina of small- to medium-sized vessels. The disease carries a grim prognosis despite robust treatment protocols. We discuss the case of a 58-year-old female who presented with mammographic screening abnormality which led to more investigations and ultimately to this diagnosis. The patient had no prior history of a lymphoma or in situ and invasive carcinoma of the breast. To our knowledge, IVLBCL of the breast is a very rare and an unusual location for this type of a lymphoma and so far, only five reported cases. Through our case report, we not only discuss the case but also review literature on this rare entity.

Intravascular
breast
B-cell lymphoma
non-Hodgkin


Chromogenic sensing of biological thiols using squarylium dye.

Abstract: A new highly selective probe for biothiols, squarylium dye (SQ), was designed and synthesized. The probe displayed a color change from blue to colorless upon reaction with biothilos such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). The competition experiments revealed that no obvious interference was observed by performing the titration with the mixtures of Cys and other amino acids. The results indicated that SQ was highly selective for Cys detection. Moreover, SQ could also serve as a "naked-eye" probe for Cys with a minimum detectable concentration of approximately 4 μM.

Squarylium dye
Biothiols
Cysteine
Homocysteine
Glutathione
Chemosensor


Pd-Catalyzed Regioselective Activation of gem-Difluorinated Cyclopropanes: A Highly Efficient Approach to 2-Fluorinated Allylic Scaffolds.

Abstract: An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed regioselective activation of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes induced by C-C bond cleavage is reported. It provides a general and efficient access to a variety of 2-fluoroallylic amines, ethers, esters, and alkylation products in high Z-selectivity, which are important skeletons in many biologically active molecules. In addition, the transformation represents the first general application of gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes as reaction partners in transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction.

Xu|Jun|J| Ahmed|Ebrahim-Alkhalil|EA| Xiao|Bin|B| Lu|Qian-Qian|QQ| Wang|Yun-Long|YL| Yu|Chu-Guo|CG| Fu|Yao|Y|

gem-difluorinated cyclopropanes
C(sp3)F activation
CC bond cleavage
fluorinated compounds
palladium


Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine on Resin Bond Strength and Mode of Failure Using Two Different Adhesives on Dentin: An In Vitro Study.

Abstract:
Aim
To evaluate the shear bond strength and failure mode of total-etch and self-etch bonding agents on human dentin with and without application of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX).

Materials and Methods
Eighty extracted premolars were chosen and stored in 10% formalin until use. Samples were mounted in cold cure acrylic resin and the occlusal enamel perpendicular to long axis of each tooth was removed using a low-speed diamond saw under water coolant. The prepared teeth were randomly divided into four groups of 20 samples each according to the adhesive system used. Groups 1 and 2 were the control group in which total-etch and self-etch adhesives were applied as per manufacturer's instructions, Groups 3 and 4 were the experimental groups in which 2% CHX was applied and blot dried prior to the application of total-etch and self-etch adhesives. A custom-designed rig was fabricated to place composite on samples. The customized rig comprised a cylindrical mold with height of 3 mm and internal diameter of 2.5 mm. Resin was placed in increments of 1 mm and was cured after each increments. After the composite placements, samples were placed in distilled water at 37°C for 24 h. The samples were then thermocycled between 5°C and 55°C in water with a dwell time of 30 s in each temperature to a total of 10,000 cycles. The shear test was performed using universal testing machine and fracture modes were evaluated using stereomicroscope.

Results
Both the experimental total-etch and self-etch groups showed better shear bond strength than the control groups, which was statistically significant, and also the least mode of failure at the adhesive interface was observed in both the experimental groups.

Conclusion
2% Chlorhexidine gluconate effectively improved the shear bond strength and helped maintaining the durability of adhesive interface in both total-etch and self-etch adhesives.

Rayar|Sreeram|S| Sadasiva|Kadandale|K| Singh|Prabath|P| Thomas|Preethee|P| Senthilkumar|Kumarappan|K| Jayasimharaj|Udayakumar|U|

Chlorhexidine
shear bond strength
failure modes
total-etch
self-etch


A quantitative method to detect human exposure to sulfur and nitrogen mustards via protein adducts.

Abstract: Sulfur and nitrogen mustards are internationally banned vesicants listed as Schedule 1 chemical agents in the Chemical Weapons Convention. These compounds are highly reactive electrophiles that form stable adducts to a variety of available amino acid residues on proteins upon exposure. We present a quantitative exposure assay that simultaneously measures agent specific protein adducts to cysteine for sulfur mustard (HD) and three nitrogen mustards (HN1, HN2, and HN3). Proteinase K was added to a serum or plasma sample to digest protein adducts and form the target analyte, the blister agent bound to the tripeptide cysteine-proline-phenylalanine (CPF). The mustard adducted-tripeptide was purified by solid phase extraction and analyzed using isotope dilution LC-MS/MS. Product ion structures were identified using high-resolution product ion scan data for HD-CPF, HN1-CPF, HN2-CPF, and HN3-CPF. Thorough matrix comparison, analyte recovery, ruggedness, and stability studies were incorporated during method validation to produce a robust method. The method demonstrated long term-stability, precision (RSD < 15%), and intra- and inter-day accuracies > 85% across the reportable range of 3.00-200 ng/mL for each analyte. Compared to previously published assays, this method quantitates both sulfur and nitrogen mustard exposure biomarkers, requires only 10 μL of sample volume, and can use either a liquid sample or dried sample spot.

Pantazides|Brooke G|BG|
Quiñones-González|Jennifer|J|
Rivera Nazario|Danisha M|DM|
Crow|Brian S|BS|
Perez|Jonas W|JW|
Blake|Thomas A|TA|
Johnson|Rudolph C|RC|

D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

Quantitative method
Nitrogen mustard
Sulfur mustard
LC-MS/MS
Cysteine adducts
Protein biomarker


The Evolving Role and Impact of Integrating Pharmacists into Primary Care Teams: Experience from Ontario, Canada.

Abstract: The movement to integrate pharmacists into a primary care team-based settings is growing in countries such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In the province of Ontario in Canada, almost 200 pharmacists have positions within interdisciplinary primary care team settings, including Family Health Teams and Community Health Centers. This article provides a narrative review of the evolving roles of pharmacists working in primary care teams, with a focus on evidence from Ontario, as well as drawing from other jurisdictions around the world. Pharmacists within primary care teams are uniquely positioned to facilitate the expansion of the pharmacist's scope of practice, through a collaborative care model that leverages, integrates, and transforms the medication expertise of pharmacists into a reliable asset and resource for physicians, as well as improves the health outcomes for patients and optimizes healthcare utilization.

chronic care management
comprehensive medication management
interprofessional collaboration
pharmacist-physician collaboration
primary care team pharmacist
team-based primary care


A case report of congenital temporal bone encephalocele presenting as a tumor in a child.

Abstract: An encephalocele may be congenital or acquired and is characterized by the herniation of cranial contents through a skull bone defect. Most congenital encephaloceles occur in the occipital area, and temporal bone encephaloceles in children are rare. Congenital encephaloceles can be diagnosed either prenatally or after birth. We describe the case of a congenital temporal bone encephalocele in a 2-month-old boy that was diagnosed after birth. The patient presented with seizures and a bulging mass in the right neck that was detected by his mother during the second month after birth. The combined results from brain magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of encephalocele. Although the surgical repair was offered, the family declined.

Ngoc|Doan-Van|DV|
Trung|Nguyen Ngoc|NN|
Duc|Le Anh|LA|
Sang|Nguyen-Van|NV|
Ninh|Tran Phan|TP|
My|Thieu-Thi Tra|TT|
Duc|Nguyen Minh|NM|

Temporal bone
Bone defect
Congenital encephalocele
Neural tube defect


Estimating the magnitude of cancer overdiagnosis in Australia.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
To estimate the proportion of cancer diagnoses in Australia that might reasonably be attributed to overdiagnosis by comparing current and past lifetime risks of cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
Routinely collected Australian Institute of Health and Welfare national data were analysed to estimate recent (2012) and historical (1982) lifetime risks (adjusted for competing risk of death and changes in risk factors) of diagnoses with five cancers: prostate, breast, renal, thyroid cancers, and melanoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Difference in lifetime risks of cancer diagnosis between 1982 and 2012, interpreted as probable overdiagnosis.

RESULTS
For women, absolute lifetime risk increased by 3.4 percentage points for breast cancer (invasive cancers, 1.7 percentage points), 0.6 percentage point for renal cancer, 1.0 percentage point for thyroid cancer, and 5.1 percentage points for melanoma (invasive melanoma, 0.7 percentage point). An estimated 22% of breast cancers (invasive cancers, 13%), 58% of renal cancers, 73% of thyroid cancers, and 54% of melanomas (invasive melanoma, 15%) were overdiagnosed, or 18% of all cancer diagnoses (8% of invasive cancer diagnoses). For men, absolute lifetime risk increased by 8.2 percentage points for prostate cancer, 0.8 percentage point for renal cancer, 0.4 percentage point for thyroid cancer, and 8.0 percentage points for melanoma (invasive melanoma, 1.5 percentage points). An estimated 42% of prostate cancers, 42% of renal cancers, 73% of thyroid cancers, and 58% of melanomas (invasive melanomas, 22%) were overdiagnosed, or 24% of all cancer diagnoses (16% of invasive cancer diagnoses). Alternative assumptions slightly modified the estimates for overdiagnosis of breast cancer and melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS
About 11 000 cancers in women and 18 000 in men may be overdiagnosed each year. Rates of overdiagnosis need to be reduced and health services should monitor emerging areas of overdiagnosis.

Glasziou|Paul P|PP|0000-0001-7564-073X
Jones|Mark A|MA|
Pathirana|Thanya|T|
Barratt|Alexandra L|AL|
Bell|Katy Jl|KJ|0000-0002-0137-3218

Cancer
Early detection of cancer
Mass screening
Quality of health care


DNA Barcode Authentication of Devil's Claw Herbal Dietary Supplements.

Abstract: Devil's claw is the vernacular name for a genus of medicinal plants that occur in the Kalahari Desert and Namibia Steppes. The genus comprises two distinct species: Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zeyheri. Although the European pharmacopeia considers the species interchangeable, recent studies have demonstrated that H. procumbens and H. zeyheri are chemically distinct and should not be treated as the same species. Further, the sale of H. zeyheri as an herbal supplement is not legal in the United States. Four markers were tested for their ability to distinguish H. procumbens from H. zeyheri: rbcL, matK, nrITS2, and psbA-trnH. Of these, only psbA-trnH was successful. A novel DNA mini-barcode assay that produces a 178-base amplicon in Harpagophytum (specificity = 1.00 [95% confidence interval = 0.80-1.00]; sensitivity = 1.00 [95% confidence interval = 0.75-1.00]) was used to estimate mislabeling frequency in a sample of 23 devil's claw supplements purchased in the United States. PCR amplification failed in 13% of cases. Among the 20 fully-analyzable supplements: H. procumbens was not detected in 75%; 25% contained both H. procumbens and H. zeyheri; none contained only H. procumbens. We recommend this novel mini-barcode region as a standard method of quality control in the manufacture of devil's claw supplements.

Diaz-Silveira|Genelle L|GL|
Deutsch|Joan|J|
Little|Damon P|DP|

Harpagophytum procumbens
psbA-trnH
mini-barcode
Harpagophytum zeyheri
Pedaliaceae


Prognostic impact of cancer stem cell markers ABCB1, NEO1 and HIST1H2AE in colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Colon cancer develops according to a defined temporal sequence of genetic and epigenetic molecular events that may primarily affect cancer stem cells. In an attempt to identify new markers of such cells that would help predict patient outcome, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of colon cancer stem cells and normal colon stem cells. We identified 162 mRNAs, either over- or under-expressed. According to Cox multivariate regression with our set of 83 colorectal cancers, low expression of ABCB1, NEO1, tumor size and the presence of distant metastases were predictive factors for overall survival. Combined expression of ABCC1 and NEO1 was a significant predictor for overall survival in our cohort, which was confirmed by external validation in 221 colorectal cancers from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal. Tumor size, lymph node involvement and HIST1H2AE expression were also independently correlated with disease-free survival. Taken together, our results suggest that molecular markers of colorectal cancers ABCB1, NEO1 and HIST1H2AE are prognostic factors in colorectal cancer patients. It can be proposed that surveying expression of these marker genes should help better characterizing CRC prognosis, and help selecting the best therapeutic options.

Badic|Bogdan|B|
Durand|Stéphanie|S|
El Khoury|Flaria|F|
De La Grange|Pierre|P|
Gentien|David|D|
Simon|Brigitte|B|
Le Jossic-Corcos|Catherine|C|
Corcos|Laurent|L|


Genetic architecture of fusarium head blight resistance in four winter triticale populations.

Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease that causes significant reductions in yield and quality in wheat, rye, and triticale. In triticale, knowledge of the genetic architecture of FHB resistance is missing but essential due to modern breeding requirements. In our study, four doubled-haploid triticale populations (N=120 to 200) were evaluated for resistance to FHB caused by artificial inoculation with Fusarium culmorum in four environments. DArT markers were used to genotype triticale populations. Seventeen quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FHB resistance were detected across all populations; six of them were derived from rye genome and located on chromosomes 4R, 5R, and 7R, which are here reported for the first time. The total cross-validated ratio of the explained phenotypic variance for all detected QTL in each population was 41 to 68%. In all, 17 QTL for plant height and 18 QTL for heading stage were also detected across all populations; 3 and 5 of them, respectively, were overlapping with QTL for FHB. In conclusion, FHB resistance in triticale is caused by a multitude of QTL, and pyramiding them contributes to higher resistance.


Promising diagnostic and prognostic value of E2Fs in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract:
Background
A growing body of evidence suggests that E2Fs, by regulating gene expression related to cell cycle progression and other cellular processes, play a pivotal role in human cancer. However, the distinct roles of each E2F in the development and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unknown. In the present study, the mRNA expression and prognostic value of different E2Fs in HCC are analyzed.

Materials and methods
Transcriptional and survival data related to E2F expression in patients with HCC were obtained through ONCOMINE and UALCAN databases. Survival analysis plots were drawn with Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The sequence alteration data for E2Fs were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and c-BioPortal. Gene functional enrichment analyses were performed in Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery.

Results
The mRNA expression levels of E2F1-E2F8 were all significantly upregulated in HCC patients, and high expression of each E2F was obviously related to poor prognosis. Similarly, the expression of E2Fs showed prognostic prediction value in HCC patients with different cancer stages and pathological grades. Moreover, the mutation rate of E2Fs was relatively high in HCC patients, and the DNA sequence alterations primarily occurred in E2F5, E2F3, and E2F6, which were associated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Network analysis confirmed that the expression levels of cell cycle-related genes were mostly affected by E2F mutations.

Conclusion
High expression of individual E2Fs was associated with poor prognosis in all liver cancer patients. E2Fs may be exploited as good prognostic targets for comprehensive management of HCC patients, but this notion should be further evaluated in clinical studies.

Huang|Yan-Lin|YL| Ning|Gang|G| Chen|Lu-Biao|LB| Lian|Yi-Fan|YF| Gu|Yu-Rong|YR| Wang|Jia-Liang|JL| Chen|Dong-Mei|DM| Wei|Huan|H| Huang|Yue-Hua|YH|

E2F
HCC
ONCOMINE
prognosis
Kaplan–Meier plotter


Joint Preservation Techniques in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Abstract:
CONTEXT
With increasing life expectancy, there is growing demand for preservation of native articular cartilage to delay joint arthroplasties, especially in younger, active patients. Damage to the hyaline cartilage of a joint has a limited intrinsic capacity to heal. This can lead to accelerated degeneration of the joint and early-onset osteoarthritis. Treatment in the past was limited, however, and surgical treatment options continue to evolve that may allow restoration of the natural biology of the articular cartilage. This article reviews the most current literature with regard to indications, techniques, and outcomes of these restorative procedures.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
MEDLINE and PubMed searches relevant to the topic were performed for articles published between 1995 and 2016. Older articles were used for historical reference. This paper places emphasis on evidence published within the past 5 years.

STUDY DESIGN
Clinical review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.

RESULTS
Autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral allografts (OCAs) for the treatment of articular cartilage injury allow restoration of hyaline cartilage to the joint surface, which is advantageous over options such as microfracture, which heal with less favorable fibrocartilage. Studies show that these techniques are useful for larger chondral defects where there is no alternative. Additionally, meniscal transplantation can be a valuable isolated or adjunctive procedure to prolong the health of the articular surface.

CONCLUSION
Newer techniques such as autologous chondrocyte implantation and OCAs may safely produce encouraging outcomes in joint preservation.

York|Philip J|PJ|
Wydra|Frank B|FB|
Belton|Matthew E|ME|
Vidal|Armando F|AF|

articular cartilage
autologous chondrocyte implantation
osteochondral allograft
meniscal transplantation


Carriage of Clostridium perfringens by benthic crabs in a sewage-polluted estuary.

Abstract: The Estuary of Bahía Blanca (EBB), Argentina, is an important wetland under intense sewage pollution. We investigated the occurrence of Clostridium perfringens (CP) in populations of two benthic crabs (Neohelice granulata and Cyrtograpsus angulatus) and in sediment from the EBB. CP was found in 49.1% of the crabs and all of the isolates were identified as type A. The alpha (cpa) and enterotoxin (cpe) encoding genes were identified. Genetic analyses identified 13 novel sequence types, and found no clustering among isolates, suggesting that CP is not part of the crabs' commensal flora. CP carriage was 51 times more likely in crabs from the area nearest sewage outfalls compared with crabs from a reference site. Our in vitro experiments suggest that the carriage of CP in crabs is transient. The use of these benthic crabs as monitoring organisms of sewage pollution in coastal habitats is proposed.

La Sala|Luciano F|LF|
Redondo|Leandro M|LM|
Díaz Carrasco|Juan M|JM|
Pereyra|Ana María|AM|
Farber|Marisa|M|
Jost|Helen|H|
Fernández-Miyakawa|Mariano E|ME|

Clostridium perfringens
Crabs
Sewage
Pollution
Monitoring organisms
Indicator bacteria


Long-term follow-up of a patient with venlafaxine-induced diurnal bruxism treated with an occlusal splint: A case report.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Bruxism is a jaw-muscle activity characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth. It can be divided into nocturnal bruxism and diurnal bruxism (DB). DB secondary to antidepressants is rare and refractory. Reports associated with antidepressant-induced DB are mostly anecdotal without long-term follow-up. The effect of drug intervention on antidepressant-induced DB is still contested. We herein report the first case of successful treatment of venlafaxine-induced DB with an occlusal splint.

CASE SUMMARY
This case report describes detailed 7-year follow-up of a patient with venlafaxine-induced DB treated with an occlusal splint. The patient who complained about involuntary daytime tooth grinding after taking venlafaxine for a period of 4 mo and was diagnosed with venlafaxine-induced DB. Subsequently, an occlusal splint with modified bilateral buccal-pterygoid pads was used to treat his tooth grinding and to protect the dental structures from tooth wearing. The patient reported remission of symptoms after several months of treatment. His grinding activity was gradually and stably controlled after 2 years, with an almost complete recovery from DB after 6 years.

CONCLUSION
The maxillary buccal-pterygoid splint can be used as a noninvasive approach to treat venlafaxine-induced DB.

Diurnal bruxism
Occlusal splint
Case report
Treatment
Tooth grinding
Venlafaxine
Movement disorders


Meaning of psychoses as perceived by patients, their relatives and clinicians.

Abstract: Making sense of psychoses supports insight and personal recovery. Relatives' and clinicians' different perspectives on psychoses might impede such processes e.g., in family interventions. This study compares the meaning of psychosis as perceived by patients, their relatives and clinicians and investigates factors associated with discrepancies between them. Meaning of psychosis was assessed in 70 interrelated patients, relatives and clinicians with the SUSE-questionnaire. Severity of disorder, therapeutic relationship and other clinical variables were analysed in patient groups with deviant SUSE-ratings compared to their relative or clinician respectively. The majority of patient-relative- and patient-clinician-dyads made equal ratings of meaning of psychosis. Relatives and clinicians tended to have a less optimistic view on long-term-effects than patients. Discrepancy in ratings between patients and relatives was best explained by the family relationship (i.e. not being a parent) and between patients and clinicians by the severity of positive symptoms. Strong consensus was found among patients, relatives and clinicians about a relatively positive, meaningful picture of psychosis. Sufficient opportunities to discuss experiences and understanding of psychosis help to make sense of it consensually. If clinicians' attitudes towards psychosis are negatively biased by symptomatology, they will struggle to see and support personal recovery.

Klapheck|Kristin|K|
Lincoln|Tania Marie|TM|
Bock|Thomas|T|

D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice

Recovery
Family interventions
Schizophrenia


Novel insights of dietary polyphenols and obesity.

Abstract: The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased over the past three decades both in the United States and worldwide. Recent studies have shown the role of dietary polyphenols in the prevention of obesity and obesity-related chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the impact of commonly consumed polyphenols, including green tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallates, resveratrol and curcumin, on obesity and obesity-related inflammation. Cellular studies demonstrated that these dietary polyphenols reduce viability of adipocytes and proliferation of preadipocytes, suppress adipocyte differentiation and triglyceride accumulation, stimulate lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation, and reduce inflammation. Concomitantly, the polyphenols modulate signaling pathways including the adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma activator 1-alpha, sirtuin 1, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, uncoupling proteins 1 and 2, and nuclear factor-κB that regulate adipogenesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. Animal studies strongly suggest that commonly consumed polyphenols described in this review have a pronounced effect on obesity as shown by lower body weight, fat mass and triglycerides through enhancing energy expenditure and fat utilization, and modulating glucose hemostasis. Limited human studies have been conducted in this area and are inconsistent about the antiobesity impact of dietary polyphenols probably due to the various study designs and lengths, variation among subjects (age, gender, ethnicity), chemical forms of the dietary polyphenols used and confounding factors such as other weight-reducing agents. Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to reconcile the discrepancies between preclinical efficacies and inconclusive clinic outcomes of these polyphenols.

Wang|Shu|S| Moustaid-Moussa|Naima|N| Chen|Lixia|L| Mo|Huanbiao|H| Shastri|Anuradha|A| Su|Rui|R| Bapat|Priyanka|P| Kwun|InSook|I| Shen|Chwan-Li|CL|

D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ

acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase

adipocyte P2 protein, which is also known as aFABP, the adipocyte fatty acid binding protein or FAPB-4

homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance

peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha

sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c

P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P U U U U U U U U U M U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U M M U M M U U M U M U U U U M M M M M M U U U M R M U M U U U U U M U U U M U U M U M U U M U U M U U


Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in lung diseases: emphasis on mitophagy.

Abstract: During mild stressful conditions, cells activate a multitude of mechanisms in an attempt to repair or re-establish homeostasis. One such mechanism is autophagic degradation of mitochondria or mitophagy to dispose damaged mitochondria. However, if stress persists beyond recovery then dysfunctional mitochondria can ignite cell death. This review article summarizes recent studies highlighting the molecular pathways that facilitate mitochondria to alter its morphological dynamics, coordinate stress responses, initiate mitophagy and activate cell death in relevance to pulmonary pathologies. Thorough understanding of how these signaling mechanisms get disrupted may aid in designing new mitochondria-based therapies to combat lung diseases.

mitophagy
mitochondria
apoptosis
pulmonary disease
reactive oxygen species


Neuronal rebound spiking, resonance frequency and theta cycle skipping may contribute to grid cell firing in medial entorhinal cortex.

Abstract: Data show a relationship of cellular resonance and network oscillations in the entorhinal cortex to the spatial periodicity of grid cells. This paper presents a model that simulates the resonance and rebound spiking properties of entorhinal neurons to generate spatial periodicity dependent upon phasic input from medial septum. The model shows that a difference in spatial periodicity can result from a difference in neuronal resonance frequency that replicates data from several experiments. The model also demonstrates a functional role for the phenomenon of theta cycle skipping in the medial entorhinal cortex.

D000109:Acetylcholine
D000200:Action Potentials
D000818:Animals
D003198:Computer Simulation
D018728:Entorhinal Cortex
D008959:Models, Neurological
D009474:Neurons
D013028:Space Perception
D013826:Theta Rhythm

grid cells
entorhinal cortex
head direction
place cells
rat
theta rhythm


Evaluation of 4D flow MRI-based non-invasive pressure assessment in aortic coarctations.

Abstract: Severity of aortic coarctation (CoA) is currently assessed by estimating trans-coarctation pressure drops through cardiac catheterization or echocardiography. In principle, more detailed information could be obtained non-invasively based on space- and time-resolved magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow) data. Yet the limitations of this imaging technique require testing the accuracy of 4D flow-derived hemodynamic quantities against other methodologies. With the objective of assessing the feasibility and accuracy of this non-invasive method to support the clinical diagnosis of CoA, we developed an algorithm (4DF-FEPPE) to obtain relative pressure distributions from 4D flow data by solving the Poisson pressure equation. 4DF-FEPPE was tested against results from a patient-specific fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation, whose patient-specific boundary conditions were prescribed based on 4D flow data. Since numerical simulations provide noise-free pressure fields on fine spatial and temporal scales, our analysis allowed to assess the uncertainties related to 4D flow noise and limited resolution. 4DF-FEPPE and FSI results were compared on a series of cross-sections along the aorta. Bland-Altman analysis revealed very good agreement between the two methodologies in terms of instantaneous data at peak systole, end-diastole and time-averaged values: biases (means of differences) were +0.4 mmHg, -1.1 mmHg and +0.6 mmHg, respectively. Limits of agreement (2 SD) were ±0.978 mmHg, ±1.06 mmHg and ±1.97 mmHg, respectively. Peak-to-peak and maximum trans-coarctation pressure drops obtained with 4DF-FEPPE differed from FSI results by 0.75 mmHg and -1.34 mmHg respectively. The present study considers important validation aspects of non-invasive pressure difference estimation based on 4D flow MRI, showing the potential of this technology to be more broadly applied to the clinical practice.

Saitta|Simone|S|
Pirola|Selene|S|
Piatti|Filippo|F|
Votta|Emiliano|E|
Lucherini|Federico|F|
Pluchinotta|Francesca|F|
Carminati|Mario|M|
Lombardi|Massimo|M|
Geppert|Christian|C|
Cuomo|Federica|F|
Figueroa|Carlos Alberto|CA|
Xu|Xiao Yun|XY|
Redaelli|Alberto|A|

Non-invasive pressure difference estimation


Impact of matrix metalloproteinase 9 rs3918242 genetic variant on lipid-lowering efficacy of simvastatin therapy in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Genetic variation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) gene polymorphism has been suggested to modulate coronary heart diseases (CHD), yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.

METHODS
We investigated the association of MMP9 rs3918242 single nucleotide polymorphism with inflammation and lipid-lowering efficacy after simvastatin treatment in Chinese patients with CHD. Fasting serum lipid profile and plasma inflammatory mediators were determined at baseline in 264 patients with CHD and 186 healthy control subjects, and after HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin treatment (20 mg/day) for 12 weeks in CHD subjects.

RESULTS
We found that plasma MMP-9, TNF-α and IL-10 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD compared to control subjects before treatment. The plasma MMP9 in CHD patients carrying rs3918242 CC, CT and TT genotypes were comparable. Interestingly, CHD patients carrying TT genotype had significantly higher level of triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than those carrying CC genotype (P <0.05). Simvastatin treatment significantly reduced LDL-C, TG and plasma inflammatory mediator levels in CHD patients. The reduction of LDL-C upon simvastatin therapy was significantly greater in patients carrying TT genotype than those carrying CC genotype (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
MMP9 rs3918242 TT genotype is associated with elevated serum TG and LDL-C, and enhanced LDL-C-lowering response upon simvastatin treatment in Chinese patients with CHD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
This study was retrospectively registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-17010971 ) on March 23rd 2017.

Xu|Yuanyuan|Y| Wang|Yan|Y| Zhi|Jixin|J| Qi|Lichun|L| Zhang|Tong|T| Li|Xueqi|X|

Coronary heart disease
MMP9
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor
Genetic polymorphism


Research on value co-creation with the participation of patients based on DART model – methodological remarks

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Derived from business practices co-creation theory indicates that patient can be a source of value and actively contribute to it.

METERIAL AND METHODS
DART model - most popular conceptualizing framework for value creation - was presented. Considering the multiplicity of perspectives of a large stakeholders group appearing in the healthcare system a direction of its development was also proposed.

AIM
The possibility of using quantitative methods to study value creation between empowered patients and selected stakeholders was tested as well as work of the questionnaire that was adapted from value creation research based on the DART model that was conducted among entrepreneurs.

RESULTS
Substantial number of inadequate questions in relation to the respondents’ experience was indicated on the other hand the need to include further groups of stakeholders was emphasized. The results signal the possibility of significant differences in the perception of meeting the requirements for co-creating value with patients by individual stakeholders, such as: doctors, state offices or pharmaceutical companies.

DISCUSSION
Different perception of value makes difficult to find universal tools for measuring it. However, the economic and humanitarian importance of the issue in the healthcare system necessitates such tools further development.

CONCLUSIONS
The tested tool has limited application in the healthcare system but may provide valuable information on the relationship between the patient and doctor or other stakeholder pairs as well as in selected contexts of co-creation.

D003695:Delivery of Health Care
D006801:Humans
D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires

value co-creation
DART model
empowered patient


Oligodendrocyte pathology in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Abstract: The pathology of fetal alcohol syndrome and the less severe fetal alcohol spectrum disorders includes brain dysmyelination. Recent studies have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying these white matter abnormalities. Rodent models of fetal alcohol syndrome and human studies have shown suppressed oligodendrocyte differentiation and apoptosis of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Ethanol exposure led to reduced expression of myelin basic protein and delayed myelin basic protein expression in rat and mouse models of fetal alcohol syndrome and in human histopathological specimens. Several studies have reported increased expression of many chemokines in dysmyelinating disorders in central nervous system, including multiple sclerosis and fetal alcohol syndrome. Acute ethanol exposure reduced levels of the neuroprotective insulin-like growth factor-1 in fetal and maternal sheep and in human fetal brain tissues, while ethanol increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor α in mouse and human neurons. White matter lesions have been induced in the developing sheep brain by alcohol exposure in early gestation. Rat fetal alcohol syndrome models have shown reduced axon diameters, with thinner myelin sheaths, as well as reduced numbers of oligodendrocytes, which were also morphologically aberrant oligodendrocytes. Expressions of markers for mature myelination, including myelin basic protein, also were reduced. The accumulating knowledge concerning the mechanisms of ethanol-induced dysmyelination could lead to the development of strategies to prevent dysmyelination in children exposed to ethanol during fetal development. Future studies using fetal oligodendrocyte- and oligodendrocyte precursor cell-derived exosomes isolated from the mother's blood may identify biomarkers for fetal alcohol syndrome and even implicate epigenetic changes in early development that affect oligodendrocyte precursor cell and oligodendrocyte function in adulthood. By combining various imaging modalities with molecular studies, it may be possible to determine which fetuses are at risk and to intervene therapeutically early in the pregnancy.

alcohol
fetal alcohol syndrome
dysmyelination
oligodendrocyte precursor cells
ethanol
myelin basic protein
fetal brain
development
neurodegeneration
oligodendrocyte injury


The growth inhibitory effect of gambogic acid on pancreatic cancer cells.

Abstract: Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths, is one of the most aggressive and devastating human malignancies with increasing incidence worldwide. To date, surgical resection is the only potentially curative therapy available for pancreatic cancer patients. Early diagnosis of pancreatic tumors is difficult, and hence, nearly 80% of patients cannot receive surgical resection. Natural products have always been a vital source for novel compounds for cancer treatment. The naturally occurring prenylated xanthone, gambogic acid, has been previously shown to exert potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, antiangiogenic, and antioxidant activities. However, to our knowledge, there have been no specific studies showing its effect on the whole-genome expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Here, the anticancer activity of gambogic acid toward a panel of pancreatic cancer cells with different differentiation stages has been evaluated. Additionally, a whole-genome transcription profiling study was performed in order to identify possible candidate players modulating the antitumor effect of gambogic acid on pancreatic cancer cells. Expression analysis results showed that the pancreatic adenocarcinoma signaling pathway was specifically affected upon gambogic acid treatment. Moreover, the growth inhibitory effect of gambogic acid on pancreatic cancer cells was modulated through up-regulation of DDIT3, DUSP1, and DUSP5 and down-regulation of ALDOA, TOP2A, and ATG4B. The present work is a starting point for the generation of hypotheses on significantly regulated candidate key player genes and for a detailed dissection of the potential role of each individual gene for the activity of gambogic acid on pancreatic cancer.

D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Gambogic acid
Pancreatic cancer
ALDOA
Microarray expression
Topoisomerase 2A


Effectiveness of Training and Use of Novasil Binder in Mitigating Aflatoxins in Cow Milk Produced in Smallholder Farms in Urban and Periurban Areas of Kenya.

Abstract: Aflatoxins, which commonly contaminate animal feeds and human food, present a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. After ingestion by cows, aflatoxin B1 is metabolized to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), some of which is excreted in milk. This study involved smallholder dairy farms in urban and periurban areas of Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of training and providing farmers with aflatoxin binder (NovaSil®) on AFM1 contamination in raw milk. A baseline survey was undertaken and 30 farmers whose milk had AFM1 levels above 20 ppt were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Of these, 20 farmers were part of the intervention, and were given training on the usage of the NovaSil® binder, while 10 served as a control group. All farmers were visited biweekly for three months for interviews and milk samples were collected to measure the AFM1 levels. The AFM1 levels were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The NovaSil® binder significantly reduced AFM1 concentrations in the raw milk produced by the farmers in the intervention group over the duration of the study (p < 0.01). The control farms were more likely to have milk with AFM1 levels exceeding the regulatory limit of 50 ppt compared to the intervention farms (p < 0.001) (odds ratio = 6.5). The farmers in the intervention group perceived that there was an improvement in milk yield, and in cow health and appetite. These farmers also felt that the milk they sold, as well as the one they used at home, was safer. In conclusion, the use of binders by dairy farmers can be effective in reducing AFM1 in milk. Further research is needed to understand their effectiveness, especially when used in smallholder settings.

aflatoxin M1
feed safety
milk production
mycotoxin binder
smallholder dairy farmer


Re-emergent Tremor in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of the Motor Cortex.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Parkinson's disease patients may show a tremor that appears after a variable delay while the arms are kept outstretched (re-emergent tremor). The objectives of this study were to investigate re-emergent tremor pathophysiology by studying the role of the primary motor cortex in this tremor and making a comparison with rest tremor.

METHODS
We enrolled 10 Parkinson's disease patients with both re-emergent and rest tremor. Tremor was assessed by spectral analysis, corticomuscular coherence and tremor-resetting produced by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the primary motor cortex. We also recorded transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked potentials generated by motor cortex stimulation during rest tremor, tremor suppression during wrist extension, and re-emergent tremor. Spectral analysis, corticomuscular coherence, and tremor resetting were compared between re-emergent tremor and rest tremor.

RESULTS
Re-emergent tremor showed significant corticomuscular coherence, causal relation between motor cortex activity and tremor muscle and tremor resetting. The P60 component of transcranial magnetic stimulation-evoked potentials reduced in amplitude during tremor suppression, recovered before re-emergent tremor, was facilitated at re-emergent tremor onset, and returned to values similar to those of rest tremor during re-emergent tremor. Compared with rest tremor, re-emergent tremor showed similar corticomuscular coherence and tremor resetting, but slightly higher frequency.

CONCLUSIONS
Re-emergent tremor is causally related with the activity of the primary motor cortex, which is likely a convergence node in the network that generates re-emergent tremor. Re-emergent tremor and rest tremor share common pathophysiological mechanisms in which the motor cortex plays a crucial role. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Leodori|Giorgio|G|
Belvisi|Daniele|D|
De Bartolo|Maria I|MI|
Fabbrini|Andrea|A|
Costanzo|Matteo|M|
Vial|Felipe|F|
Conte|Antonella|A|
Hallett|Mark|M|0000-0002-3180-6811
Berardelli|Alfredo|A|

tremor
Parkinson's disease
motor cortex
TMS-EEG
clinical neurophysiology


Real-time simultaneous shim and motion measurement and correction in glycoCEST MRI using double volumetric navigators (DvNavs).

Abstract:
PURPOSE
CEST MRI allows for indirect detection of molecules with exchangeable protons, measured as a reduction in water signal because of continuous transfer of saturated protons. CEST requires saturation pulses on the order of a second, as well as repeated acquisitions at different offset frequencies. The resulting extended scan time makes CEST susceptible to subject motion, which introduces field inhomogeneity, shifting offset frequencies and causing distortions in CEST spectra that resemble true CEST effects. This is a particular problem for molecules that resonate close to water, such as hydroxyl group in glycogen. To address this, a technique for real-time measurement and correction of motion and field inhomogeneity is proposed.

METHODS
A CEST sequence was modified to include double volumetric navigators (DvNavs) for real-time simultaneous motion and shim correction. Phantom tests were conducted to investigate the effects of motion and shim changes on CEST quantification and to validate the accuracy of DvNav motion and shim estimates. To evaluate DvNav shim and motion correction in vivo, acquisitions including 5 experimental conditions were performed in the calf muscle of 2 volunteers.

RESULTS
Phantom data show that DvNav-CEST accurately estimates frequency and linear gradient changes because of motion and corrects resulting image distortions. In addition, DvNav-CEST improves CEST quantification in vivo in the presence of motion.

CONCLUSION
The proposed technique allows for real-time simultaneous motion and shim correction with no additional scanning time, enabling accurate CEST quantification even in the presence of motion and field inhomogeneity.

Simegn|Gizeaddis L|GL|
Van der Kouwe|Andre J W|AJW|
Robertson|Frances C|FC|
Meintjes|Ernesta M|EM|
Alhamud|Ali|A|

double volumetric navigator
DvNav
CEST
glycogen
motion correction
B0 correction
chemical exchange saturation transfer


25-hydroxycholesterol-induced cell death via activation of ROCK/LIMK/cofilin axis in colorectal cancer cell spheroids.

Abstract: 25-Hydroxycholesterol (25OHC) induces anchorage-dependent programmed cell death, or anoikis, in colorectal cancer cells but the mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we found that 25OHC induced cofilin phosphorylation and promoted rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in spheroids of the colorectal cancer cell lines, DLD1 and HT29/WiDr. Cell death induced by 25OHC was inhibited by the actin polymerization inhibitor, cytochalasin D, and BMS-3, an inhibitor of LIMK, which phosphorylates and inactivates cofilin. In addition, we showed that cofilin phosphorylation induced by 25OHC was associated with caspase-3 activation, which can activate ROCK. Rho GTPase was directly activated by 25OHC. These results indicate that 25OHC affects actin dynamics through activation of the Rho/ROCK/LIMK/cofilin axis, eventuating in the cell death of colorectal cancer cell spheroids.

Hitsuda|Ayaho|A|
Dan|Reona|R|
Urakawa|Ayaka|A|
Hiraoka|Yasuna|Y|
Murakami|Chiho|C|
Yamamoto|Hideya|H|
Tanaka|Arowu R|AR|

LIMK cofilin spheroid 25-hydroxycholesterol anoikis caspase-3 Rho


Comparison of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Long-Term Secondary Prevention for Patients with Ischemic Stroke: A Systematical Analysis.

Abstract: Background: Keeping in view the high recurrence rate and risk of ischemic stroke, combinatorial therapy involving traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with conventional Western medicine (WM) is receiving wider scientific attention. Thus, a systematical analysis was made to explore the efficacy of TCM+WM in the long-term secondary prevention for patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: Qualified inclusion and exclusion criteria were set up beforehand, and two researchers independently read the articles, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included articles according to Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 5.1 method. For the sake of comprehensive data acquisition, seven databases from the time of their establishment to May 5, 2021, have been searched completely. Additionally, pairwise meta-analysis was made to compare TCM+WM vs. WM, and network meta-analysis was conducted by frequentist random effects models for the comparison of different kinds of TCM+WM via indirect evidence. The primary outcomes defined were recurrent stroke and NIHSS. Secondary outcomes were fibrinogen (Fib) fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). Safety outcomes were outlined as all-cause mortality and adverse events (AEs). Furthermore, Stata16.0 software was used to accomplish the systematical analysis and cluster analysis. Results: In total, 47 qualified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 10,732 patients were taken into consideration. Seven traditional Chinese medicines included in the study are Naoxintong capsule (NXT), Tongxinluo capsule (TXL), Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHW), Naomaitai capsule (NMT), Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSM), Naoshuantong capsule (NST), and Maixuekang capsule (MXK). With respect to their primary outcomes, all kinds of TCM+WM were significantly more effective than WM (e.g., NXT in recurrent stroke (OR=0.54, P<0.01), TXL in NIHSS (WM=-1.4, P<0.01)). Additionally, the outcomes of cluster analysis indicated that MXK+WM and NST+WM had relatively good preventive effects for recurrent stroke, NIHSS, and all-cause mortality. There was no significant difference in the comparisons of AEs; however, this may arise from the lack of sufficient data. Conclusion: According to our systematical analysis, MXK+WM and NST+WM had relatively good secondary prevention effects for patients with ischemic stroke regarding recurrent stroke, NIHSS, and all-cause mortality. Nevertheless, better, high-quality, large-sample randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are required to verify our conclusions in the future. Systematic Review Registration: [https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-5-0036/], identifier [INPLASY202150036].

Li|Jiali|J| Zhao|Xixi|X| Zhang|Yangyang|Y| Wan|Haitong|H| He|Yu|Y| Li|Xiaohong|X| Yu|Li|L| Jin|Weifeng|W|

traditional Chinese medicine
long-term
secondary prevention
ischemic stroke
systematical analysis
recurrent stroke
stroke risk factors


Hepatocellular injury and the mortality risk among patients with COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Clearly, infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is not limited to the lung but also affects other organs. We need predictive models to determine patients' prognoses and to improve health care resource allocation during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While treating COVID-19, we observed differential outcome prediction weights for markers of hepatocellular injury among hospitalized patients.

AIM
To investigate the association between hepatocellular injury and all-cause in-hospital mortality among patients with COVID-19.

METHODS
This multicentre study employed a retrospective cohort design. All adult patients admitted to Al-Azhar University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt and Abo Teeg General Hospital, Assiut, Egypt with confirmed COVID-19 from June 1, 2020, to July 30, 2020 were eligible. We categorized our cohort into three groups of (1) patients with COVID-19 presenting normal aminotransferase levels; (2) patients with COVID-19 presenting one-fold higher aminotransferase levels; and (3) patients with COVID-19 presenting two-fold higher aminotransferase levels. We analysed the association between elevated aminotransferase levels and all-cause in-hospital mortality. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by log-rank analysis.

RESULTS
In total, 376 of 419 patients met the inclusion criteria, while 29 (8%) patients in our cohort died during the hospital stay. The median age was 40 years (range: 28-56 years), and 51% were males (n = 194). At admission, 54% of the study cohort had liver injury. The pattern of liver injury was hepatocellular injury with an aspartate aminotransferase (AST) predominance. Admission AST levels were independently associated with all-cause in-hospital mortality in the logistic regression analysis. A one-fold increase in serum AST levels among patients with COVID-19 led to an eleven-fold increase in in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). Admission AST levels correlated with C-reactive protein (r = 0.2; P < 0.003) and serum ferritin (r = 0.2; P < 0.0002) levels. Admission alanine aminotransferase levels correlated with serum ferritin levels (r = 0.1; P < 0.04). Serum total bilirubin levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in the binary logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age and sex but lost its statistical significance in the fully adjusted model. Serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (P < 0.01). The probability of survival was significantly different between the AST groups and showed the following order: a two-fold increase in AST levels > a one-fold increase in in AST levels > normal AST levels (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION
Liver injury with an AST-dominant pattern predicts the severity of COVID-19. Elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with fatal outcomes.

Madian|Ali|A|
Eliwa|Ahmed|A|
Abdalla|Hytham|H|
Aly|Haitham A Azeem|HAA|

COVID-19
All-cause in-hospital mortality
Liver injury
Serum ferritin
Aspartate amino transferase
SARS-CoV-2


Organic Matter Regulates Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacterial and Archaeal Communities in the Surface Sediments of Ctenopharyngodon idellus Aquaculture Ponds.

Abstract: Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) play important roles in nitrogen removal in aquaculture ponds, but their distribution and the environmental factors that drive their distribution are largely unknown. In this study, we collected surface sediment samples from Ctenopharyngodon idellus ponds in three different areas in China that practice aquaculture. The community structure of AOB and AOA and physicochemical characteristics in the ponds were investigated. The results showed that AOA were more abundant than AOB in all sampling ponds except one, but sediment AOB and AOA numbers varied greatly between ponds. Correlation analyses indicated a significant correlation between the abundance of AOB and arylsulfatase, as well as the abundance of AOA and total nitrogen (TN) and arylsulfatase. In addition, AOB/AOA ratio was found to be significantly correlated with the microbial biomass carbon. AOB were grouped into seven clusters affiliated to Nitrosospira and Nitrosomonas, and AOA were grouped into six clusters affiliated to Nitrososphaera, Nitrososphaera sister group, and Nitrosopumilus. AOB/AOA diversity in the surface sediments of aquaculture ponds varied according to the levels of total organic carbon (TOC), and AOB and AOA diversity was significantly correlated with arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase, respectively. The compositions of the AOB communities were also found to be significantly influenced by sediment eutrophic status (TOC and TN levels), and pH. In addition, concentrations of acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase in surface sediments were significantly correlated with the prominent bacterial amoA genotypes, and concentrations of TOC and urease were found to be significantly correlated with the prominent archaeal amoA genotype compositions. Taken together, our results indicated that AOB and AOA communities in the surface sediments of Ctenopharyngodon idellus aquaculture ponds are regulated by organic matter and its availability to the microorganisms.

Dai|Lili|L| Liu|Chengqing|C| Yu|Liqin|L| Song|Chaofeng|C| Peng|Liang|L| Li|Xiaoli|X| Tao|Ling|L| Li|Gu|G|

organic matter
sediment
Ctenopharyngodon idellus
aquaculture pond
ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
ammonia-oxidizing archaea


Electrophysiological evidence of sublexical phonological access in character processing by L2 Chinese learners of L1 alphabetic scripts.

Abstract: While Chinese character reading relies more on addressed phonology relative to alphabetic scripts, skilled Chinese readers also access sublexical phonological units during recognition of phonograms. However, sublexical orthography-to-phonology mapping has not been found among beginning second language (L2) Chinese learners. This study investigated character reading in more advanced Chinese learners whose native writing system is alphabetic. Phonological regularity and consistency were examined in behavioral responses and event-related potentials (ERPs) in lexical decision and delayed naming tasks. Participants were 18 native English speakers who acquired written Chinese after age 5 years and reached grade 4 Chinese reading level. Behaviorally, regular characters were named more accurately than irregular characters, but consistency had no effect. Similar to native Chinese readers, regularity effects emerged early with regular characters eliciting a greater N170 than irregular characters. Regular characters also elicited greater frontal P200 and smaller N400 than irregular characters in phonograms of low consistency. Additionally, regular-consistent characters and irregular-inconsistent characters had more negative amplitudes than irregular-consistent characters in the N400 and LPC time windows. The overall pattern of brain activities revealed distinct regularity and consistency effects in both tasks. Although orthographic neighbors are activated in character processing of L2 Chinese readers, the timing of their impact seems delayed compared with native Chinese readers. The time courses of regularity and consistency effects across ERP components suggest both assimilation and accommodation of the reading network in learning to read a typologically distinct second orthographic system.

Yum|Yen Na|YN|
Law|Sam-Po|SP|
Mo|Kwan Nok|KN|
Lau|Dustin|D|
Su|I-Fan|IF|
Shum|Mark S K|MS|


Distribution, genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of clinically important bacteria from the environment of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Hospital environments are potential reservoirs of bacteria associated with nosocomial infections. In this study, the distribution of cultivable environmental bacteria of clinical importance from a Malaysian tertiary hospital was determined and their resistotypes and genotypes were investigated.

METHODS
Swab and fluid samples (n=358) from healthcare workers' hands, frequently touched surfaces, medical equipment, patients' immediate surroundings, ward sinks and toilets, and solutions or fluids of 12 selected wards were collected. Biochemical tests, PCR and 16S rRNA sequencing were used for identification following isolation from CHROMagar™ Orientation medium. Clinically important bacteria such as Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. were further characterised by disc diffusion method and rep-PCR.

RESULTS
The 24 Gram-negative and 19 Gram-positive bacteria species identified were widely distributed in the hospital environment. Staphylococci were predominant, followed by Bacillus spp. and P. aeruginosa. Frequently touched surfaces, medical equipment, and ward sinks and toilets were the top three sources of bacterial species. Nine S. aureus, four Acinetobacter spp., one K. pneumoniae and one Enterobacter spp. were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The ESKAPE organisms were genetically diverse and widely dispersed across the hospital wards. A MDR MRSA clone was detected in a surgical ward isolation room.

CONCLUSION
The large variety of cultivable, clinically important bacteria, especially the genetically related MDR S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacter spp., from various sampling sites indicated that the surfaces and fomites in the hospital were potential exogenous sources of nosocomial infection in the hospital.

Phoon|Hannah Y P|HYP|
Hussin|Hazilawati|H|
Hussain|Baizurah Mohd|BM|
Lim|Shu Yong|SY|
Woon|Jia Jie|JJ|
Er|Yi Xian|YX|
Thong|Kwai Lin|KL|

D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial

Genetic diversity
Antimicrobial resistance
Hospital environment
ESKAPE organisms


Proposed comprehensive ototoxicity monitoring program for VA healthcare (COMP-VA).

Abstract: Prevention and rehabilitation of hearing loss and tinnitus, the two most commonly awarded service-connected disabilities, are high priority initiatives in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). At least 4,000 Veterans, most with significant hearing loss, will receive cisplatin this year, with more than half sustaining permanent hearing shift and nearly 40% developing new tinnitus. With improved survivability following cancer treatment, Veterans treated with cisplatin are approached with the dual goals of effective treatment and preserved quality of life. This article describes COMP-VA, a comprehensive ototoxicity monitoring program developed for VA patients receiving cisplatin. The program includes an individualized pretreatment prediction model that identifies the likelihood of hearing shift given cisplatin dose and patient factors. It supports both manual and automated hearing testing with a newly developed portable audiometer capable of performing the recommended procedures on the chemotherapy unit during treatment. It also includes objective methods for identifying outer hair cell changes and predicting audiogram changes using distortion-product otoacoustic emissions. We describe this program of evidence-based ototoxicity monitoring protocols using a case example to give the reader an understanding of how this program would be applied, along with a plan for future work to accomplish the final stages of program development.

Konrad-Martin|Dawn|D|
Reavis|Kelly M|KM|
McMillan|Garnett|G|
Helt|Wendy J|WJ|
Dille|Marilyn|M|


Structure of the sirtuin-linked macrodomain SAV0325 from Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Cells use the post-translational modification ADP-ribosylation to control a host of biological activities. In some pathogenic bacteria, an operon-encoded mono-ADP-ribosylation cycle mediates response to host-induced oxidative stress. In this system, reversible mono ADP-ribosylation of a lipoylated target protein represses oxidative stress response. An NAD(+) -dependent sirtuin catalyzes the single ADP-ribose (ADPr) addition, while a linked macrodomain-containing protein removes the ADPr. Here we report the crystal structure of the sitruin-linked macrodomain protein from Staphylococcus aureus, SauMacro (also known as SAV0325) to 1.75-Å resolution. The monomeric SauMacro bears a previously unidentified Zn(2+) -binding site that putatively aids in substrate recognition and catalysis. An amino-terminal three-helix bundle motif unique to this class of macrodomain proteins provides a structural scaffold for the Zn(2+) site. Structural features of the enzyme further indicate a cleft proximal to the Zn(2+) binding site appears well suited for ADPr binding, while a deep hydrophobic channel in the protein core is suitable for binding the lipoate of the lipoylated protein target.

Appel|C Denise|CD|
Feld|Geoffrey K|GK|
Wallace|Bret D|BD|
Williams|R Scott|RS|

D001426:Bacterial Proteins
D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray
D000072417:Protein Domains
D037761:Sirtuins
D013211:Staphylococcus aureus
D015032:Zinc

macrodomain
SAV0325
Staphylococcus aureus
ADP-ribosylation
oxidative stress
ADP-ribose
SauMacro
lipoate
X-ray crystallography
adenosine diphosphate ribose
lipolyation


Replication - why we need to publish our findings.

Abstract: The pharmacology research sector is changing to accommodate a need for greater transparency and better standards. The themed articles contained herein explain how Pharmacology Research and Perspectives (PR&P) has responded to this agenda. This issue of PR&P contains three articles that consider the reliability of pharmacological research publications, and approaches to their improvement in this regard. This first article explains the importance of publishing findings that confirm or repudiate published findings (so called "replication" studies). It also emphasizes that PR&P actively encourages submission of such articles, and seeks to oppose the publication bias that favors publication of "positive" findings. The second paper explores some initiatives to publish "negative" clinical findings, including a PR&P initiative. The final paper elaborates a toolkit that can be applied to drug discovery research to facilitate the reliability of findings.

Curtis|Michael J|MJ|
Abernethy|Darrell R|DR|


Tellurium compound provides pro-apoptotic signaling in drug resistant multiple myeloma.

Abstract: Multiple Myeloma, effectively treated by chemotherapeutic drugs, relapses due to drug resistance. We tested here the capacity of mesenchymal stromal cells, from the bone marrow of patients or from adipose tissue of healthy individuals, to induce drug resistance in Myeloma cell lines. We show that drug resistance can be achieved by factors secreted by the various MSC's. Mass spectrometry analysis of MSC's conditioned media revealed that fibronectin, was particularly instrumental in providing anti-apoptotic signals to MM cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that SAS ([octa-O-bis-(R,R)tartarate ditellurane]), an immunomodulator Tellurium compound, is not only able of blocking the physical interaction between MM cells and fibronectin but is also capable of re-sensitizing the cells to the chemotherapeutic drugs. Finally, we show that this re-sensitization is coupled with the blocking of pAKT induction, in MM cells, by the MSC's. These results indicate that SAS may be useful in the treatment of drug resistant MM.

Zigman-Hoffman|Eti|E| Sredni|Benjamin|B| Meilik|Benjamin|B| Naparstek|Ella|E| Tartakovsky|Boris|B|

D001853:Bone Marrow
D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
D006801:Humans
D009101:Multiple Myeloma
D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
D013691:Tellurium

tellurium
drug resistance
Multiple myeloma
mesenchymal stromal cells
fibronectin


Modified-FOLFIRINOX in metastatic pancreatic cancer: A prospective study in Chinese population.

Abstract: FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy has shown remarkable responses in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC), and has significantly improved prognosis. However, FOLFIRINOX is currently not frequently applied in China because of its high incidence of adverse events, and there is no recognized optimization for this therapy in Chinese population. Modification of FOLFIRINOX may be better for its acceptance in China. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of modified-FOLFIRINOX in patients with MPC. A total of 62 MPC patients were treated with modified-FOLFIRINOX (no Fluorouracil bolus, 85% Oxaliplatin and 75% Irinotecan) between April 2014 and April 2017 in our institute. 40 of them were evaluated, with a response rate of 32.5% (13/40). The frequent grade 3/4 adverse events are neutropenia (29%) and alanine aminotransferase elevation (14.5%). No treatment-related death was observed. The median overall survival and median progression-free survival are 10.3 months and 7.0 months, respectively. In conclusion, modified-FOLFIRINOX had significantly improved tolerance with similar efficacy to FOLFIRINOX. These findings may provide evidence for the use of FOLFIRINOX in Chinese patients with MPC.

Li|Xiang|X| Ma|Tao|T| Zhang|Qi|Q| Chen|Yi-Gang|YG| Guo|Cheng-Xiang|CX| Shen|Yi-Nan|YN| Sun|Pei-Wei|PW| Li|Guo-Gang|GG| Gao|Shun-Liang|SL| Que|Ri-Sheng|RS| Lou|Jian-Ying|JY| Yu|Ri-Sheng|RS| Yuan|Ying|Y| Wei|Qi-Chun|QC| Wei|Shu-Mei|SM| Zhang|Yun|Y| Zheng|Lei|L| Bai|Xue-Li|XL| Liang|Ting-Bo|TB|

D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols

Metastatic
Pancreatic cancer
FOLFIRINOX
Chemotherapy
Dose modification


Plasticity of photosynthetic processes and the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants in response to monochromatic light environments: A review.

Abstract: Light spectra significantly influence plant metabolism, growth and development. Here, we review the effects of monochromatic blue, red and green light compared to those of multispectral light sources on the morpho-anatomical, photosynthetic and molecular traits of herbaceous plants. Emphasis is given to the effect of light spectra on the accumulation of secondary metabolites, which are important bioactive phytochemicals that determine the nutritional quality of vegetables. Overall, blue light may promote the accumulation of phenylpropanoid-based compounds without substantially affecting plant morpho-anatomical traits compared to the effects of white light. Red light, conversely, strongly alters plant morphology and physiology compared to that under white light without showing a consistent positive effect on secondary metabolism. Due to species-specific effects and the small shifts in the spectral band within the same color that can substantially affect plant growth and metabolism, it is conceivable that monochromatic light significantly affects not only plant photosynthetic performance but also the "quality" of plants by modulating the biosynthesis of photoprotective compounds.

Landi|Marco|M|
Zivcak|Marek|M|
Sytar|Oksana|O|
Brestic|Marian|M|
Allakhverdiev|Suleyman I|SI|

Light spectra
Phytochemicals
Chlorophyll fluorescence
Light-emitting diodes
Photoreceptors
Photosynthesis


Exploring the fabrication and transfer mechanism of metallic nanostructures on carbon nanomembranes via focused electron beam induced processing.

Abstract: Focused electron beam-induced processing is a versatile method for the fabrication of metallic nanostructures with arbitrary shape, in particular, on top of two-dimensional (2D) organic materials, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). Two methods, namely electron beam-induced deposition (EBID) and electron beam-induced surface activation (EBISA) are studied with the precursors Fe(CO)5 and Co(CO)3NO on SAMs of 1,1',4',1''-terphenyl-4-thiol (TPT). For Co(CO)3NO only EBID leads to deposits consisting of cobalt oxide. In the case of Fe(CO)5 EBID and EBISA yield deposits consisting of iron nanocrystals with high purity. Remarkably, the EBISA process exhibits a strong time dependence, which is analyzed in detail for different electron doses. This time dependence is a new phenomenon, which, to the best of our knowledge, was not reported before. The electron-induced cross-linking of the SAM caused by the cleavage of C-H bonds and the subsequent formation of new C-C bonds between neighboring molecules also seems to play a crucial role in the EBISA process. Previous studies showed that iron nanostructures fabricated on top of a cross-linked SAM on Au/mica can be transferred to solid substrates and grids without any changes, aside from oxidation. Here we demonstrate that iron as well as cobalt oxide structures on top of a cross-linked SAM on Ag/mica do change more significantly. The Fe(NO3)3 solution used for etching of the Ag layer also dissolves the cobalt oxide structures and causes dissolution and reduction of the iron structures. These results demonstrate that the fabrication of hybrids of metallic nanostructures onto organic 2D materials is an intrinsically complex procedure. The interactions among the metallic deposits, the substrate for the growth of the SAM, and the associated etching/dissolving agent need to be considered and further studied.

focused electron beam-induced processing


Psychiatric Features in Neurotic Excoriation Patients: The Role of Childhood Trauma.

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Neurotic excoriation is a psychodermatological disease of primary psychological/psychiatric genesis, responsible for self-induced dermatological disorders. Childhood traumatic events are closely related with self-injurious behaviors. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychiatric features of neurotic excoriation and to investigate the effect of childhood traumatic events on the disease.

METHODS
Thirty-eight neurotic excoriation patients who did not receive any psychiatric treatment within the past year and 40 healthy individuals having similar sociodemographic features were included in the study. For clinical evaluation, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form were applied to all the individuals.

RESULTS
In this study, we observed that 78.9% of neurotic excoriation patients were diagnosed with at least one Axis I psychiatric disorder, the most frequent diagnoses of which were major depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. The anxiety and depression levels were significantly higher in the patient group than in the healthy individuals. Regarding the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse subscales and weighted average total scores were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (p<.05).

CONCLUSION
Our study has shown a close relationship between neurotic excoriation and childhood traumatic events as well as the accompanying psychiatric problems. We suppose that early interventions by both dermatologists and psychiatrists and especially a detailed investigation of childhood traumatic events by establishing a therapeutic collaboration are highly important and that using psychotherapeutic interventions can result in better treatment outcomes in many patients.

Yalçin|Murat|M|
Tellioğlu|Evrim|E|
Yildirim|Deniz Uluhan|DU|
Savrun|B Mert|BM|
Özmen|Mine|M|
Aydemir|Ertuğrul H|EH|

Neurotic excoriation
childhood trauma
psychodermatology
psychogenic excoriation
skin picking


A new species of Chaetostoma (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Orinoco basin with comments on Amazonian species of the genus in Colombia.

Abstract: Chaetostoma chimu sp. nov. is described from 119 specimens collected in the Andean foothills of the Orinoco River in Colombia. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters, including shape of cheek odontodes, presence of a supraoccipital excrescence, sexual dimorphism characters and colour pattern. In addition, this species can be distinguished from the sympatric and geographically close congeners of the Orinoco that have curved cheek odontodes (i.e., Chaetostoma anale, Chaetostoma formosae and Chaetostoma joropo), by presenting a generally larger orbital diameter and interorbital distance, details of sexual dimorphism and colour pattern. The type locality of specimens collected by Kjell von Sneidern in the mid-twentieth century in the Colombian Amazon is also clarified. Chaetostoma alternifasciatum and Chaetostoma vagum are proposed as junior synonyms of C. anale. An identification key for the species of Chaetostoma from cis-Andean drainages in Colombia is provided. The new species is herein categorized as Vulnerable (Vu) B1a (i, iii), following the IUCN criteria.

Andes
Ancistrini
Serranía de la Macarena
northern South America
taxonomy


Nutrition Implications for Long-Term Survivors of Pancreatic Cancer Surgery.

Abstract: With slowly increasing survival rates in pancreatic cancer and international consensus guidelines recommending surgical resection of premalignant lesions, survival post-pancreatic resection is increasing. With longer survival time, the significant comorbidities of such major surgery have far-reaching effects on the nutrition status of the survivor of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the many nutrition-related side effects of pancreatic surgery, including the development of pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, micronutrient deficiencies, diabetes, fatty liver, and metabolic bone disease. Beyond causing additional medical problems, each of these can have significant effects on quality of life and functional status. The potential mechanisms, diagnosis criteria, and potential treatments of these conditions are described. Overall, little literature exists to fully describe the effects of these comorbidities, and even less is able to guide effective treatments for this population. Clinicians caring for these patients should begin incorporating goals for promotion of long-term health and reduction of these known and reported comorbidities in patients who have undergone pancreatic surgery. Treatment plans in this population remain understudied, and clinicians may need to consider recommendations for similar disease states when developing interventions for these patients.

pancreatic cancer
survival
nutrition assessment
pancreatectomy
pancreaticoduodenectomy
trace elements
vitamins


Possible influence of layer deformation and chiral segregation on dielectric modes in the dark conglomerate liquid crystal.

Abstract: Dielectric spectroscopy is used to investigate the structure, molecular dynamics, and relaxation phenomena in electric-field-induced switchable dark conglomerate (DC) phases in a bent-core liquid crystal. The DC phases are obtained by applying a high-frequency ac electric field in the B1rev phase or by cooling under a dc or an ac field from the isotropic phase. Although the DC phases exhibit good electro-optic switching properties, the dielectric parameters are different from those observed in typical lamellar SmCP phases and similar to those obtained in a non-switchable DC phase. We therefore propose that the dielectric response and reduced intensity of the relaxation modes may be a general feature in DC phases and may owe its origin to the deformed layer structure in which certain molecular motions are impeded. Further, we find that in the field-induced DC phases derived from the isotropic phase, the dielectric modes are affected by chiral segregation promoted by the applied field.

Bhat|Deepa G|DG|
Selvaraj|Radhika|R|
Kapanipathaiya|Sadashiva B|SB|
Ramarao|Pratibha|P|

layer deformation
chiral segregation
bent-core liquid crystals
dark conglomerate phase
dielectric studies


Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating the efficacy and application value of microwave ablation for adenomyosis.

Abstract:
Aim
This study aims to assess the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the evaluation of percutaneous microwave ablation (PMWA) of localized adenomyosis.

Materials and Methods
Sixty-six patients with single-onset adenomyosis who underwent PMWA at the Liaocheng Tumor Hospital of Shandong Province from January 2013 to February 2019 were enrolled. Venous CEUS and DCE-MRI examinations were performed before and 1-2 days after the surgery. The ablation rates calculated by CEUS and DCE-MRI were compared and analyzed for accuracy.

Results
After microwave ablation (MWA), CEUS showed that the volume and ablation rate of the ablated zone were 52.03 ± 28.39 cm3 and 90.90% ±6.61%, respectively. By DCE-MRI, the ablation volume and ablation rate of adenomyosis were 52.20 ± 28.65 cm3 and 90.88% ±6.32%, respectively. Dysmenorrhea was significantly relieved within 3 months of the operation, and nonmenstrual hemoglobin levels were significantly improved at 3 and 6 months after the operation (P < 0.05). All 66 cases of adenomyosis were treated using PMWA. Postoperatively, 17 patients reported a change in vaginal fluid; however, no special treatment was required as this disappeared 2-11 days after surgery.

Conclusions
CEUS can accurately evaluate the ablation rate of localized adenomyosis treated with MWA, which is consistent with DCE-MRI. It is convenient and easy to perform ablation of adenomyomas, with incomplete ablation and angiography, and is a method worthy of clinical promotion.

Xu|Chao|C| Tang|Yanyan|Y| Zhao|Yingying|Y| Li|Yongjie|Y| Feng|Qingliang|Q|

ultrasound
microwave ablation
Adenomyosis
magnetic resonance imaging
contrast agent


From organisational support to second victim-related distress: Role of patient safety culture.

Abstract:
AIM
This cross-sectional correlation study aimed to explore the associations among patient safety culture, organisational support, second victim-related distress, absenteeism and turnover intentions in the registered nurses (RNs) by using structural equation modelling.

BACKGROUND
Medical errors could cause RNs' second victim-related distress, which may either positively or negatively impact patient safety culture.

METHOD
The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) were used to investigate 267 RNs who were involved in direct patient care and medical errors within the previous year in China.

RESULTS
About half (45.3%) of nurses experienced psychological distress, and 26.6% of the nurses intended to leave. The model showed that 6 dimensions of patient safety culture have contributed to decreasing absenteeism and turnover intention via increased organisational supports and decreased second victim-related distress.

CONCLUSION
The second victim-related distress may be relieved, and organisational support may be enhanced through improvements in patient safety culture.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT
Strategies are needed to establish an environment where cooperation/cooperative relationships between the supervisor and the staff nurse can be ensured.

organisational support
second victim-related distress
patient safety culture
absenteeism
turnover intentions
structure equation modelling
second victim


Pharmacotherapeutic management of chronic noncancer pain in primary care: lessons for pharmacists.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
Describe the pharmacotherapeutic management of primary-care patients with chronic noncancer pain, assess their satisfaction with pain treatment, and identify the determinants of their satisfaction.

METHODS
A cohort study was conducted in Quebec (Canada). Patients reporting chronic noncancer pain with an average pain intensity of at least 4 on a 0-10 scale (10= worst possible pain) and having an active analgesic prescription from a primary-care physician were recruited. They completed a telephone interview and a self-administered questionnaire to document their pain, emotional well-being, satisfaction with treatment, and barriers/beliefs/attitudes about pain and its treatment. Information on pharmacotherapy was based on an administrative provincial database and pharmacies' charts. Determinants of patients' satisfaction were identified using multivariate linear regression models.

RESULTS
Four hundred and eighty six patients participated. Their mean age was 58.4 years and they had had pain for a mean of 11.7 years (standard deviation, ±11.1) at an average pain intensity of 6.5 in the past week. Although 90% reported adverse gastrointestinal effects, 36.4% and 54.4% of these patients took no over-the-counter or prescribed medication for constipation or nausea, respectively. On a scale from 0-100, the mean overall satisfaction score was 64.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] =63.5-65.9). Patient satisfaction was low, particularly regarding the "information about pain and its treatment" (mean 50.6; 95% CI =47.6-53.7) and "treatment efficacy" (mean 53.6; 95% CI =51.5-55.6) subscales. The overall treatment satisfaction score decreased with more pain disability, probable depression and anxiety, more barriers to pain treatment, higher incidence of nausea, and use of over-the-counter analgesics.

CONCLUSION
In primary care, patients' level of satisfaction with their pain treatment is not optimal. This study underlines how the expanded scope of practice of community pharmacists may allow them to play a pivotal role in providing information, discussing barriers to pain treatment, and monitoring pain disability, and by appropriately managing pharmacotherapy to optimize effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects.

Jouini|Ghaya|G| Choinière|Manon|M| Martin|Elisabeth|E| Perreault|Sylvie|S| Berbiche|Djamal|D| Lussier|David|D| Hudon|Eveline|E| Lalonde|Lyne|L|

primary care
cohort study
analgesic
pharmacotherapy
adverse effects
noncancer chronic pain


Novel Mutations in Sandhoff Disease: A Molecular Analysis among Iranian Cohort of Infantile Patients.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by β-hexosaminidase deficiency and accumulation of GM2 ganglioside resulting in progressive motor neuron manifestations and death from respiratory failure and infections in infantiles. Pathogenic mutations in HEXB gene were observed which leads to enzyme activity reduction and interruption of normal metabolic cycle of GM2 ganglioside in sandhoff patients.

METHODS
Six infantile index patients with typical biochemical and clinical picture of the disease were studied at the molecular level. After DNA extraction and amplification, probands and their parents, were evaluated by direct sequencing of amplicons.

RESULTS
We identified 7 different mutations among which 4 were novel. The most prevalent finding (50%) among our population was a 16 kb deletion including the promoter and exons 1-5. The other findings included c.1552delG and c.410G>A, c.362 A>G, c.550delT, c.1597C>T, c.1752delTG.

CONCLUSION
We conclude that Cys137Tyr and R533C mutations may be pathogenic because of changing amino acid and locating at the conserved region and also they have not been observed in hundred controls. Besides, four mutations including: Cys137Tyr, c.1552delG, c.1597C>T and c.550delT fulfilled almost criteria for pathogenic mutation.

Aryan|H|H| Aryani|O|O| Banihashemi|K|K| Zaman|T|T| Houshmand|M|M|

Sandhoff disease
Infantile patients
HEXB
Hexosaminidase activity
Motor neuron disorder


Effects of exercise-induced dyspnoea on the aspiration rate among patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract:
PURPOSE
To use radionuclide imaging to investigate silent aspiration among patients recovering from an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). We also evaluated the effects of exercise-induced dyspnoea on silent aspiration in COPD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Recovering AECOPD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between December 2013 and December 2015 were selected for the radionuclide aspiration test along with healthy volunteers of similar age. Aspiration-negative AECOPD patients were randomized into two subgroups. Patients in group A performed symptom-limited incremental cycle exercise test. Patients in group B were resting on the exercise bicycles. Aspiration-negative healthy volunteers performed symptom-limited incremental cycle exercise test (group C). Three groups performed a radionuclide aspiration test 30 min after exercise.

RESULTS
The silent aspiration rates among recovering AECOPD patients and healthy volunteers were 44.19% (57/129) and 0 (0/18) (P = 0.00). The aspiration rates in groups A and B were 33.33% (10/30) and 23.33% (7/30), (P = 0.39) and groups A and C were 33.33% (10/30) and 0% (0/12), (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION
Recovering AECOPD patients had significantly higher silent aspiration rates than healthy volunteers of similar age. The evidence is not strong enough to support the patients with exercise-induced dyspnoea-increased aspiration rate.

D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

acute exacerbation
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
dyspnoea aspiration


A pilot program to improve vaccination status for hospitalized children.

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES
Screening of immunization status at each health care encounter is recommended to improve immunization coverage rates but is often limited to primary care practices. A pilot intervention study was performed to ascertain the immunization status of hospitalized children and determine if development of an immunization plan before discharge would improve the vaccination status for such children.

METHODS
On the basis of power calculations estimated to detect an increase in immunization status from 60% to 70% with 80% power, 356 randomly selected children were enrolled between March 6, 2012 and June 14, 2012. Immunization records were obtained, immunization status determined, and parent/guardian informed if catch-up dose(s) were needed. If parent requested vaccine dose(s), they were administered before discharge.

RESULTS
Vaccination status was current per Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines in 73% of hospitalized children, and 27% children required catch-up dose(s) (200 doses for 95 children). Human papilloma virus vaccine (dose 1), varicella zoster vaccine (dose 2), and meningococcal conjugate vaccine were the most commonly identified dose(s) needed. Of those requiring catch-up dose(s), 25% were caught up, increasing vaccination status to 80% at 1-month post hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to determine the immunization status of hospitalized pediatric patients of all ages, including adolescents, providing new data on the immunization status of the inpatient pediatric population. A pilot intervention consisting of obtaining immunization records, determining immunization status, and discussing catch-up dose(s) before discharge resulted in improvement of immunization status, suggesting that the inpatient setting may be used along with many other national strategies to help address missed vaccination opportunities.

Pahud|Barbara|B|
Clark|Shannon|S|
Herigon|Joshua C|JC|
Sherman|Ashley|A|
Lynch|Daryl A|DA|
Hoffman|Amber|A|
Jackson|Mary Anne|MA|

vaccination hospitalized immunization inpatient


Identification of microRNAs for regulating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase expression in immature boar Sertoli cells in vitro.

Abstract: Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in cellular energy homeostasis and cell proliferation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in biological processes. It is unclear to whether miRNAs are involved in AMPK-regulated Sertoli cell (SC) proliferation. To further understand the regulation of miRNAs in the immature boar SC proliferation, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) was added to activate AMPK. By an Illumina small RNA deep sequencing, we obtained sequences and relative expression levels of 272 known mature miRNAs, among which 9 miRNAs were significantly upregulated whereas 16 miRNAs were downregulated following the AICAR treatment. The results identified 38 conserved miRNAs, with 8 significantly downregulated miRNAs whereas no upregulated miRNAs. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that miR-1285 was involved in many activities and pathways associated with cell proliferation via targeting on AMPKα2. We validated that AICAR significantly downregulated miR-1285 level in SCs. Transfection of miR-1285 mimic increased the SC viability and cell cycle progression but reduced AMPKα2 mRNA and protein levels, indicating that miR-1285 is involved in the immature boar SC proliferation via downregulating AMPKα2 expression.

Sertoli cell
AMPK
miRNA
sequencing
miR-1285


Pattern of ultrasonographic findings of disorders of the ankle joint complex in patients presenting with ankle pain at the department of diagnostic imaging, university of Nairobi.

Abstract:
Introduction
the ankle joint is a frequently injured joint. It is also affected by inflammatory, infectious and tumoral lesions. Ultrasound is a safe and cost-effective imaging tool when evaluating the ankle joint, as most structures are superficial and accessible. The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of ultrasonographic findings of disorders of the ankle joint complex in patients presenting with ankle pain.

Methods
a total of 43 consecutive patients with ankle pain referred for an ankle radiograph or ankle ultrasound were examined. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

Results
abnormalities were found in 60% of the examinations performed. The abnormalities were more common in female patients accounting for 61.4% of the abnormalities detected. The most common finding was synovial hypertrophy seen in 26% of the patients.

Conclusion
ankle ultrasound was able to identify a large number of pathologies. This demonstrates the usefulness of ultrasound in the evaluation of a patient with ankle pain.

Bashaeb|Muhammad Omar|MO|
Mutala|Timothy Musila|TM|
Muriithi|Ian Mathenge|IM|


Comparison of Efficacy among Three Radiofrequency Ablation Techniques for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was first introduced for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) in 2010 and has emerged as a minimally invasive treatment option. Three RFA techniques have been adopted for treating knee OA, including conventional, pulsed, and cooled RFA. However, the efficacy among different RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA is still unclear. Three electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant articles, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. A meta-analysis of articles that investigated the use of RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA was conducted to pool the effect size in pain before and after treatment. A total of 20 eligible articles (including 605 patients) were included for our meta-analysis. After treatment, the patients had significant improvements in pain for all three RFA techniques when compared with the baseline level for the 1, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups (p < 0.00001). However, there were no significant differences in the efficacy among the three RFA techniques for all follow-up visits (p > 0.05). The three RFA techniques demonstrated a significant improvement in pain for up to 6 months after treatment. Comparing the efficacy of the three RFA techniques in the treatment of knee OA, our results showed that no significant differences in pain relief among the three RFA techniques were observed at the 1-, 3-, 6, and 12-month follow-up visits.

Chou|Shih-Hsiang|SH| Shen|Po-Chih|PC| Lu|Cheng-Chang|CC|0000-0002-7194-9147 Liu|Zi-Miao|ZM| Tien|Yin-Chun|YC| Huang|Peng-Ju|PJ| Chou|Cheng-Ming|CM| Shih|Chia-Lung|CL|

D006801:Humans
D007719:Knee Joint
D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee
D010146:Pain
D059408:Pain Management
D000078703:Radiofrequency Ablation
D016896:Treatment Outcome

knee osteoarthritis
conventional radiofrequency
cooled radiofrequency
pulsed radiofrequency


Recycling of additively printed rare-earth bonded magnets.

Abstract: In this work, we describe an efficient and environmentally benign method of recycling of additive printed Nd-Fe-B polymer bonded magnets. Rapid pulverization of bonded magnets into composite powder containing Nd-Fe-B particles and polymer binder was achieved by milling at cryogenic temperatures. The recycled bonded magnets fabricated by warm compaction of ground cryomilled coarse composite powders and nylon particles showed improved magnetic properties and density. Remanent magnetization and saturation magnetization increased by 4% and 6.5% respectively, due to enhanced density while coercivity and energy product were retained from the original additive printed bonded magnets. This study presents a facile method that enables the direct reuse of end-of-life bonded magnets for remaking new bonded magnets. In addition to magnetic properties, mechanical properties comparable to commercial products have been achieved. This research advances efforts to ensure sustainability in critical materials by forming close loop supply chain.

Gandha|Kinjal|K|
Ouyang|Gaoyuan|G|
Gupta|Shalabh|S|
Kunc|Vlastimil|V|
Parans Paranthaman|M|M|
Nlebedim|Ikenna C|IC|

Recycling
Bonded magnets
Nd-Fe-B
Cryomilling
Additive manufacturing
Waste management