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29130575

A prospective investigation to evaluate risk factors for lower extremity injury risk in male youth soccer players.

There is an inherent risk of injury in male youth football; however, pertinent risk factors for injury have yet to be examined. This study used a prospective cohort design with 357 elite male youth football players (aged 10-18 years) assessed during the preseason period and then monitored during the season recording all non-contact lower extremity injuries. Screening tests included single leg hop for distance (SLHD); 75% of maximum hop and stick (75%Hop); single leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ); and the tuck jump assessment (TJ). Players were divided into subgroups based on chronological age. SLCMJ peak landing vertical ground reaction force (pVGRF) asymmetry was the most prominent risk factor (U11-U12s, OR 0.90, P = .04; and U15-U16s, OR 0.91, P < .001). Maturational offset (OR 0.58, P = .04), lower right leg SLCMJ pVGRF relative to body weight (OR 0.36, P = .03), and advanced chronological age (OR 3.62, P = .04) were also significantly associated with heightened injury risk in the U13-U14s, U15-U16s, and U18s, respectively. Univariate analyses showed combinations of anthropometric and movement screening risk factors were associated with heightened risk of lower extremity injury; however, there was variability across the different chronological age groups. Greater SLCMJ pVGRF asymmetry, lower right leg SLCMJ pVGRF %BW, later maturation, and advanced chronological age are potential risk factors for injury in elite male youth football players, although the strength of these relationships was often low to moderate. In addition, risk factors are likely to change at different stages of development.

['Read|P J|PJ|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1508-8602', 'Oliver|J L|JL|', 'De Ste Croix|M B A|MBA|', 'Myer|G D|GD|', 'Lloyd|R S|RS|']

2018

31980040

High-salt diet does not boost neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in a model of α-synucleinopathy.

AIM Pre-clinical studies in models of multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory disorders suggest that high-salt diet may induce activation of the immune system and potentiate inflammation. However, high-salt diet constitutes a common non-pharmacological intervention to treat autonomic problems in synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy. Since neuroinflammation plays an important pathogenic role in these neurodegenerative disorders, we asked here whether high-salt diet may aggravate the disease phenotype in a transgenic model of multiple system atrophy. METHODS Nine-month-old PLP-hαSyn and matched wildtype mice received normal or high-salt diet for a period of 3 months. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of high-salt diet on motor decline, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and α-synuclein accumulation in these mice. RESULTS Brain subregion-specific molecular and histological analyses showed no deleterious effects of high-salt diet on the level of microglial activation. Moreover, neuroinflammation-related cytokines and chemokines, T cell recruitment or astrogliosis were unaffected by high-salt diet exposure. Behavioral testing showed no effect of diet on motor decline. High-salt diet was not related to the deterioration of neurodegeneration or α-synuclein accumulation in PLP-hαSyn mice. CONCLUSIONS Here, we demonstrate that high-salt diet does not aggravate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in PLP-hαSyn mice. Our findings discard a deleterious pro-neuroinflammatory effect of high-salt diet in multiple system atrophy.

['Heras-Garvin|Antonio|A|', 'Refolo|Violetta|V|', 'Reindl|Markus|M|', 'Wenning|Gregor K|GK|', 'Stefanova|Nadia|N|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8188-639X']

2020

34260725

Incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in people with HIV, their parents and siblings in Denmark.

BACKGROUND People with HIV (PWH) may be at increased risk of several respiratory syndromes including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In matched cohort studies, we examined risk factors for COPD in PWH, their parents and siblings compared with population controls. METHODS Using data from national registries, competing risk regression models were constructed and used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for COPD. We evaluated the effect of HIV characteristics, smoking and educational attainment on COPD incidence in PWH. RESULTS A total of 226 PWH and 1029 population controls were diagnosed with COPD during 63,661 and 562,171 person years of follow up. PWH had increased risk of being diagnosed with COPD compared to controls (aHR 2.02 [95%CI: 1.75-2.33]). Parents and siblings of PWH were also more likely to be diagnosed with COPD compared to controls. CD4+ T-cell counts were not associated with COPD, but both unsuppressed viral replication, smoking status and educational attainment were associated with COPD in PWH. No COPD diagnoses were registered in PWH with high educational attainment and absence of smoking. CONCLUSIONS PWH have an increased risk of being diagnosed with COPD, as have their parents and siblings. This seems to be driven primarily by smoking and low socioeconomic status.

['Ronit|Andreas|A|0000-0002-8960-7524', 'Omland|Lars H|LH|', 'Kronborg|Gitte|G|', 'Pedersen|Gitte|G|', 'Nielsen|Lars|L|', 'Mohey|Rajesh|R|', 'Wiese|Lothar|L|', 'Obel|Niels|N|', 'Ahlström|Magnus G|MG|']

2021

32738517

Effects of infant motor problems and treatment with physiotherapy on child outcomes at school-age.

BACKGROUND Early motor coordination problems have previously been associated with various developmental outcomes at school-age. AIMS Investigate whether and how treatment with physiotherapy may alter associations between early motor problems and subsequent developmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN A prospective whole-population study. SUBJECTS 1374 children were followed from birth to 8 years. OUTCOME MEASURES Early motor functioning was determined with standard neurological examinations at birth and at 5 months. Information on receipt of physiotherapy was collected through parent interviews at 5, 20 and 56 months. Developmental outcomes at 6 and 8 years included motor skills, mental health, cognitive function, and attention regulation and were determined through standard tests, parent reports and observed behavior ratings. RESULTS Early motor problems were associated with lower motor skills, cognitive function, and attention regulation at school-age, but not with mental health. In addition to early motor problems, receipt of physiotherapy was independently and negatively related to outcomes at school-age. Accounting for imbalances in covariates, including initial motor scores, via propensity score matching attenuated the adverse effects of receipt of physiotherapy on school-aged outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Infant motor problems are associated with motor and cognitive outcomes at school-age. Early motor problems may represent a starting point of a trajectory of difficulties that may lead to a higher risk of problems in multiple developmental domains. No evidence for a beneficial effect of treatment with physiotherapy was found.

['Baumann|Nicole|N|', 'Tresilian|James|J|', 'Wolke|Dieter|D|']

2020

25970707

Oxygenation decreases elastin secretion from rat ductus arteriosus smooth muscle cells.

BACKGROUND The ductus arteriosus (DA), a fetal arterial connection between the main pulmonary artery and the descending aorta, normally closes immediately after birth. The oxygen concentration in the blood rises after birth, and in the DA this increase in oxygen concentration causes functional closure, which is induced by smooth muscle contraction. Previous studies have demonstrated that hypoxia and/or oxygenation affect vascular remodeling of various vessels. Therefore, we hypothesized that the rise in oxygen concentration would affect the vascular structure of the DA due to production of proteins secreted from DA smooth muscle cells (SMC). METHODS AND RESULTS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to comprehensively investigate the secreted proteins in the supernatant of rat DA SMC harvested under hypoxic conditions (1% oxygen) or under normoxic conditions (21% oxygen). We found that the rise in oxygen concentration reduced the secretion of elastin from DA SMC. On reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the expression of elastin mRNA was not significantly changed in DA SMC from hypoxic to normoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS Given that elastin forms internal elastic lamina and elastic fibers in the vascular muscle layers, and that a rise in oxygen concentration reduced the secretion of elastin, this suggests that the rise in blood oxygen concentration after birth reduces the secretion of elastin, and therefore may play a role in DA structural remodeling after birth.

['Kawakami|Shoji|S|', 'Minamisawa|Susumu|S|']

2015

31319795

Correlation of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody levels and long-term outcomes of juvenile myasthenia gravis in Taiwan: a case control study.

BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis is the most common disease affecting the neuromuscular junction. The most common etiology among patients with juvenile myasthenia gravis is the production of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor. However, the clinical outcome in relation to serum levels of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in juvenile myasthenia gravis has rarely been discussed. We aimed to analyze the correlation between the presence of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and outcome in juvenile myasthenia gravis. METHODS Patients diagnosed with juvenile myasthenia gravis younger than of 20 years of age were retrospectively recruited from January 1995 to February 2017 in a tertiary referral medical center. According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America outcome scale, the primary outcome was complete symptom remission and cessation of medications for at least 1 year measured 2 years after diagnosis. Secondary outcome was complete symptom remission at the last outpatient clinic. RESULTS A total of 54 patients were followed up for over 2 years. Nine patients (9/54, 16.7%) achieved complete remission without medication use at 2 years after diagnosis. Thirteen (24.1%) patients achieved complete remission during longer follow-up periods. Those with negative anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were more likely to achieve complete remission at 2 years (6/15 [40%] vs. 3/39 [7.7%], 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.670 to 38.323) and at the last outpatient clinic follow-up (8/15 [53.3%] vs. 5/39 [12.8%], 95% CI 2.367 to 20.704). Thirteen patients with comorbid autoimmune thyroid diseases were older than those without disease (11.8 ± 5.8 years old vs. 8.0 ± 6.3 years old, 95% CI 0.018 to 7.33). Moreover, patients negative for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were less likely comorbid with autoimmune thyroid disease (1/35 [2.9%] vs. 12/71 [16.9%], 95% CI 0.018 to 1.161). CONCLUSIONS Juvenile myasthenia gravis patients without anti-acetylcholine antibodies exhibited significantly increased complete remission rates and a reduced likelihood of comorbid autoimmune thyroid diseases compared with those with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies among Chinese.

['Chou|Cheng-Che|CC|', 'Su|I-Chen|IC|', 'Chou|I-Jun|IJ|', 'Lin|Jainn-Jim|JJ|', 'Lan|Shih-Yun|SY|', 'Wang|Yi-Shan|YS|', 'Kong|Shu-Sing|SS|', 'Chen|Yun-Ju|YJ|', 'Hsieh|Meng-Ying|MY|', 'Hung|Po-Cheng|PC|', 'Wang|Huei-Shyong|HS|', 'Chou|Min-Liang|ML|', 'Lin|Kuang-Lin|KL|', '|||']

2019

29255473

When a Plant Resistance Inducer Leaves the Lab for the Field: Integrating ASM into Routine Apple Protection Practices.

Plant resistance inducers, also called elicitors, could be useful to reduce the use of pesticides. However, their performance in controlling diseases in the field remains unsatisfactory due to lack of specific knowledge of how they can integrate crop protection practices. In this work, we focused on apple crop and acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), a well-known SAR (systemic acquired resistance) inducer of numerous plant species. We provide a protocol for orchard-effective control of apple scab due to the ascomycete fungus Venturia inaequalis, by applying ASM in combination with a light integrated pest management program. Besides we pave the way for future optimization levers by demonstrating in controlled conditions (i) the high influence of apple genotypes, (ii) the ability of ASM to prime defenses in newly formed leaves, (iii) the positive effect of repeated elicitor applications, (iv) the additive effect of a thinning fruit agent.

['Marolleau|Brice|B|', 'Gaucher|Matthieu|M|', 'Heintz|Christelle|C|', 'Degrave|Alexandre|A|', 'Warneys|Romain|R|', 'Orain|Gilles|G|', 'Lemarquand|Arnaud|A|', 'Brisset|Marie-Noëlle|MN|']

2017

27354294

Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling impacts lymphocyte migration, inflammation and infection.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingosine containing lipid intermediate obtained from ceramide. S1P is known to be an important signaling molecule and plays multiple roles in the context of immunity. This lysophospholipid binds and activates G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as S1P receptors 1-5 (S1P1-5). Once activated, these GPCRs mediate signaling that can lead to alterations in cell proliferation, survival or migration, and can also have other effects such as promoting angiogenesis. In this review, we will present evidence demonstrating a role for S1P in lymphocyte migration, inflammation and infection, as well as in cancer. The therapeutic potential of targeting S1P receptors, kinases and lyase will also be discussed.

['Tiper|Irina V|IV|', 'East|James E|JE|', 'Subrahmanyam|Priyanka B|PB|', 'Webb|Tonya J|TJ|']

2016

24445042

Curcumin inhibits lung cancer cell migration and invasion through Rac1-dependent signaling pathway.

Curcumin, a natural and crystalline compound isolated from the plant Curcuma longa with low toxicity in normal cells, has been shown to protect against carcinogenesis and prevent tumor development. However, little is known about antimetastasis effects and mechanism of curcumin in lung cancer. Rac1 is an important small Rho GTPases family protein and has been widely implicated in cytoskeleton rearrangements and cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis. In this study, we examined the influence of curcumin on in vitro invasiveness of human lung cancer cells and the expressions of Rac1. The results indicate that curcumin at 10 μM slightly reduced the proliferation of 801D lung cancer cells but showed an obvious inhibitory effect on epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor β1-induced lung cancer cell migration and invasion. Meanwhile, we demonstrated that the suppression of invasiveness correlated with inhibition of Rac1/PAK1 signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 protein expression by combining curcumin treatment with the methods of Rac1 gene silence and overexpression in lung cancer cells. Laser confocal microscope also showed that Rac1-regulated actin cytoskeleton rearrangement may be involved in anti-invasion effect of curcumin on lung cancer cell. At last, through xenograft experiments, we confirmed the connection between Rac1 and the growth and metastasis inhibitory effect of curcumin in vivo. In summary, these data demonstrated that low-toxic levels of curcumin could efficiently inhibit migration and invasion of lung cancer cells through inhibition of Rac1/PAK1 signaling pathway and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression, which provided a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of curcumin against lung cancer.

['Chen|Qing-yong|QY|', 'Zheng|Ying|Y|', 'Jiao|De-min|DM|', 'Chen|Fang-yuan|FY|', 'Hu|Hui-zhen|HZ|', 'Wu|Yu-quan|YQ|', 'Song|Jia|J|', 'Yan|Jie|J|', 'Wu|Li-jun|LJ|', 'Lv|Gui-yuan|GY|']

2014

33402355

Prioritising intubator safety in a pandemic: the details matter.

Our ED-intensive care unit has instituted a new protocol meant to maximise the safety of physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists involved with endotracheal intubation of patients known or suspected of being infected with the novel SARS-CoV-2. The level of detail involved with this checklist is a deviation from standard intubation practices and is likely unfamiliar to most emergency physicians. However, the two-person system used in our department removes the cognitive burden such complexity would otherwise demand and minimises the number of participants that would typically be exposed during endotracheal intubation. We share this checklist to demonstrate to other departments how adopting international airway guidelines to a specific institution can be achieved in order to promote healthcare worker safety.

['Barnicle|Ryan|R|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2100-3898', 'Bracey|Alexander|A|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0731-9527', 'Zahid|Bassam|B|', 'Davic|Alexandra|A|', 'Weingart|Scott|S|']

2021

33094472

Prognostic significance of incidental suspected transthyretin amyloidosis on routine bone scintigraphy.

BACKGROUND Transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an occasional incidental finding on bone scintigraphy. We studied its prognostic impact in elderly patients. METHODS The study population consisted of 2000 patients aged over 70 years who underwent bone scintigraphies with clinical indications in three nuclear medicine departments (Kymenlaakso, Jorvi and Meilahti hospitals) in Finland. All studies were performed using 99mTechnetium labeled hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (HMDP). ATTR was suspected in patients with ≥grade 2 Perugini grade uptake (grade 0-3). Heart-to-contralateral ratio (H/CL) of ≥ 1.30 was considered positive for ATTR. The overall and cardiovascular mortality were obtained from the Finnish National Statistical Service. RESULTS There were a total of 1014 deaths (51%) and 177 cardiovascular deaths (9%) during median follow-up of 4 ± 2 years. ATTR was suspected in 69 patients (3.6%) of which 54 (2.7%) had grade 2 and 15 (.8%) had grade 3 uptake and in 47 patients (2.4%) by H/CL ratio. In multivariate analyses age, bone metastasis, H/CL ratio and grade 3 uptake were independent predictors of overall and cardiovascular mortality. Grade 2 uptake was a predictor of cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS A suspected ATTR as an incidental finding on bone scintigraphy predicts elevated overall and cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients.

['Suomalainen|Olli|O|', 'Pilv|Jaagup|J|', 'Loimaala|Antti|A|', 'Mätzke|Sorjo|S|', 'Heliö|Tiina|T|', 'Uusitalo|Valtteri|V|']

2020

33612016

Assessing the impacts of ALAN and noise proxies on sleep duration and quality: evidence from a nation-wide survey in Israel.

Sleep is a reversible state that sustains physiological and psychological processes in humans. As well established, individual-level factors, such as stress, smoking, drugs, and caffeine intake, reduce sleep duration and quality. However, studies of the effect of environmental risk factors, such as artificial light at night (ALAN) and noise, on sleep have been infrequent. Using records obtained from the 2017 Social Survey of Israel and combined with ALAN satellite data and various proxies for traffic noise, the present study aimed to determine how the combination of ALAN and traffic noise impact sleep duration and quality in urban areas. The increase of road density at the place of residence reduces average sleep duration by ~4.5% (~18 min.) and increases the frequency of reported sleep difficulties by ~3.5%, all other factors held equal. Similarly, an increase in ALAN exposure reduces average sleep duration by ~3% (~12 min) and increases the frequency of reported sleep difficulties by ~11%. The study also reveals a significant interaction between the two environmental risk factors in question, with the adverse impact of ALAN on sleep quality especially pronounced in high noise exposure areas.

['Gabinet|Nahum M|NM|', 'Portnov|Boris A|BA|0000-0003-1537-0832']

2021

32534945

Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A national retrospective study.

BACKGROUND The global battle to contain the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rages on. Previous studies described the clinical characteristics of COVID-19, but knowledge gaps remain in the Middle East region. Identifying these features will help in mapping the disease and guiding pandemic management. A multi-center, retrospective cross-sectional study was initiated to describe the demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 cases across all the regions of Saudi Arabia. METHODS The analysis included all laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 patients from the 1st of March 2020 to 31st of March 2020 across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, incubation periods, laboratory findings, and patient outcomes data were retrieved from 1519 cases in the Health Electronic Surveillance Network Database. RESULTS The median age was 36 years and 54.3% (n = 825) of the patients were men. Patients working in health care facilities represented 12.5% of the cases (n = 190) and 9.3% of cases were asymptomatic. The median incubation period was 6 days. The most common symptoms were cough (89.4%), fever (85.6%), and sore throat (81.6%); 20.1% of the patients had underlying comorbidities. Hypertension was seen in 8.8% and diabetes in 7.6% of all the cases. The percentage of cases with temperatures >38֯C was 20.3% (n = 129), and 1.6% of patients had heart rates ≥125 beats/min and 4.7% of them had respiratory rates of >24 breaths/min. Lymphocytopenia occurred in 37.5% of cases. Overall, 71.6% of patients were admitted to hospitals and 4.7% required ICU treatment. We could not completely assess the clinical courses or final outcomes of COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION In this multi-center retrospective study, fever and cough were common symptoms. Special attention should be addressed toward asymptomatic carriers and workers in health care facilities as they play a key role in disease transmission.

['Alsofayan|Yousef M|YM|', 'Althunayyan|Saqer M|SM|', 'Khan|Anas A|AA|', 'Hakawi|Ahmed M|AM|', 'Assiri|Abdullah M|AM|']

2020

32566629

Nosocomial cross-infection of hypervirulent Listeria monocytogenes sequence type 87 in China.

Background To investigate the epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics and molecular relatedness of L. monocytogenes, which were cultured from the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples isolated from two neonates. Methods In the present case study, two infected neonates were interviewed and epidemiological investigation performed. The phenotypic characteristics and molecular relatedness of L. monocytogenes was characterized by serotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Results The field investigation found that the two neonates were born in the same hospital (Hospital B) and admitted to the neonatal department through different channels within half an hour by different nurses, where they were weighed and placed in different but adjacent incubators. Then they were cared for by the same group of nurses that evening. It is worth noting that there was no record of sanitation of the neonatal incubator of neonate-1. The serotype of the two isolated L. monocytogenes were 1/2b, with an indistinguishable pulsotypes and were sequence type (ST) 87. WGS showed that there were no core SNP differences identified. In order to explore the genomic traits associated with L. monocytogenes virulence genes, we identified the Listeria pathogenicity island 4 and found that the genome was devoid of any stress islands. There are no positive results from the environmental samples. Considering the genomic data together with epidemiological evidence and clinical symptoms, insufficient surface cleaning along with the nursing staff caring for these neonates was considered as cross-infection factors. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of a nosocomial cross-infection of L. monocytogenes ST87 between two neonates, which carries the recently identified gene cluster expressing the cellobiose-family phosphotransferase system (PTS-LIPI-4) between two neonates. The test results of environmental samples in the hospital indicate that strict sterilization and patient isolation measures cannot be emphasized enough in neonatal nursing.

['Li|Xin-Peng|XP|', 'Wang|Shi-Fu|SF|', 'Hou|Pei-Bin|PB|', 'Liu|Jing|J|', 'Du|Pengcheng|P|', 'Bai|Li|L|', 'Fanning|Séamus|S|', 'Zhang|Hua-Ning|HN|', 'Chen|Yu-Zhen|YZ|', 'Zhang|Yun-Kui|YK|', 'Kang|Dian-Min|DM|']

2020

30617553

Immune checkpoint blockade for Merkel cell carcinoma: actual findings and unanswered questions.

PURPOSE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the skin. We aimed to review and deal with some of the most relevant controversial topics on the correct use of immunotherapy for the treatment of MCC. METHODS The primary search was carried out via PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (until 31st May, 2018), while other articles and guidelines were retrieved from related papers or those referenced in these papers. Additionally, we performed an extensive search on ClinicalTrials.gov to gather information on the ongoing clinical trials related to this specific topic. RESULTS We performed an up-to-date critical review taking into account the results of both retrospective and prospective published studies evaluating these issues: Are there any predictive criteria of response to immunotherapy? What is the correct place of immunotherapy in the treatment algorithm of MCC? What is the best choice after immunotherapy failure? What to do with patients for whom immunotherapy is not been feasible or contraindicated? How long should immunotherapy be prolonged, and what follow-up should be offered after complete response? CONCLUSION The therapeutic landscape of MCC is rapidly evolving: many open issues will probably be resolved, and many other questions are likely to arise in the next few years. The results of ongoing prospective clinical trials and of several other studies on these issues are eagerly awaited.

['Gallo|Marco|M|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7166-0848', 'Guarnotta|Valentina|V|', 'De Cicco|Federica|F|', 'Rubino|Manila|M|', 'Faggiano|Antongiulio|A|', 'Colao|Annamaria|A|', '|||']

2019

34694236

Automated Virtual Reality Cognitive Therapy for People With Psychosis: Protocol for a Qualitative Investigation Using Peer Research Methods.

BACKGROUND Many people with psychosis experience difficulties in everyday social situations. Anxiety can make life challenging, leading to withdrawal. Cognitive therapy, using active in vivo learning, enables people to overcome fears. These treatments are not readily available to people with psychosis. Automated virtual reality (VR) therapy is a potential route to increase accessibility. The gameChange automated VR cognitive therapy is designed to help people overcome anxious avoidance and build confidence in everyday social situations. A virtual coach guides the person through the treatment. Understanding user experience is key to facilitating future implementation. Peer research methods, in which people with lived experience of the issues being studied are involved in collecting and analyzing data, may be useful in developing this understanding. This encourages researchers to draw on their lived experience to explore participant perspectives and co-create knowledge. OBJECTIVE The primary objective is to use a peer research approach to explore the participant experience of a novel automated VR therapy for anxious social avoidance. This includes understanding (1) the experience of anxious social avoidance in people with psychosis, (2) the experience of the gameChange automated VR cognitive therapy, and (3) any potential impact of the therapy in people's lives. This will inform future implementation strategies. The secondary objective is to explore how peer research can be used to co-create knowledge. METHODS Semistructured interviews will be conducted with approximately 25 people with psychosis participating in the gameChange trial (ISRCTN17308399). Participants will be recruited from the five trial centers based in National Health Service mental health trusts across England. Interviews will be conducted by two researchers. One is a peer researcher with similar lived experience to the trial participants. The other has lived experiences of mental health issues that do not directly overlap with those of the trial participants. Interview questions will focus on an individual's experience of anxious social avoidance, experiences of participating in the gameChange VR therapy, and any changes or impact following therapy. The interview schedule was developed in collaboration with the gameChange Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), comprising 10 project advisors with lived experience of psychosis. Interpretative phenomenological analysis and template analysis will be used to explore individual accounts. The LEAP will contribute to the analysis. RESULTS Data collection will be conducted from April to September 2021, and analysis will be conducted from June to October 2021. As of September 28, 2021, 20 participants had been interviewed, and coding is underway. CONCLUSIONS The study, employing a peer research approach, may provide a unique insight into the experiences of anxious social avoidance in people with psychosis and its treatment using automated VR therapy. This will inform potential future implementation of VR automated therapies in mental health services. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/31742.

['Bond|Jessica|J|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0685-3317', 'Robotham|Dan|D|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2968-2415', 'Kenny|Alexandra|A|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0162-9009', 'Pinfold|Vanessa|V|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3007-8805', 'Kabir|Thomas|T|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8908-0964', 'Andleeb|Humma|H|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5410-7725', 'Larkin|Michael|M|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3304-7000', 'Martin|Jennifer L|JL|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7392-1749', 'Brown|Susan|S|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3403-3180', 'Bergin|Aislinn D|AD|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4276-3466', 'Petit|Ariane|A|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6026-9616', 'Rosebrock|Laina|L|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4583-8435', 'Lambe|Sinéad|S|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9543-8109', 'Freeman|Daniel|D|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2541-2197', 'Waite|Felicity|F|https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2749-1386']

2021

32926192

Ablative fractional laser treatment of hypertrophic burn and traumatic scars: a systematic review of the literature.

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) following burns and other trauma and are associated with significant functional and psychosocial impairment. Ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) are increasingly being applied in the treatment of HTS supported by a rapidly expanding multidisciplinary base of literature. The multidisciplinary authors sought to evaluate existing literature, provide context and identify gaps, and make recommendations for a path forward. A systematic review was conducted to identify literature pertinent literature through September 2019. Retrospective cohort, randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, observational prospective cohort, or case series with five or more subjects with hypertrophic scars incurred from burns and related trauma were considered. Twenty-two of the 23 evaluated studies documented statistically significant and/or meaningful qualitative improvements in nearly all outcome measures. Adverse events were generally infrequent and minor. Significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies included in this systematic review, precluding metaanalysis of pooled data. There is abundant existing literature on the use of AFLs in the management of HTS but study heterogeneity limits generalizability. Future studies should prioritize standardized protocols including assessments of function and quality of life.

['Buhalog|Brittany|B|', 'Moustafa|Farah|F|', 'Arkin|Lisa|L|', 'Lee|Kachiu|K|', 'Siwy|Katherine|K|', 'Donelan|Matthias|M|', 'Hultman|C Scott|CS|', 'Shumaker|Peter R|PR|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8828-2203']

2021

27960367

Dopamine Modified Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Coating for Antimicrobial and Osteogenesis.

A hybrid coating composed of hydroxyapatite (HA), Ag nanoparticles (NPs), and chitosan (CS) was successfully prepared on a Ti substrate by a layer-by-layer assembly process. A polydopamine-assisted (PDA-assisted) coating showed a good bond with HA. Ag NPs were uniformly distributed into the hybrid coating through a solution method and ultraviolet light reduction. A CS nanofilm was deposited via spin-coating to control the release of Ag+ from the hybrid coating. The results disclosed that the 3-layer CS coating could efficiently control the release of Ag+ from the hybrid coating via the Fickian diffusion mechanism and that the PDA/HA/Ag/CS-1 coating exhibited antibacterial ratios of 63.0% and 51.8% against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, the normal structure of E. coli was obviously destroyed by two types of Ag doped coatings. The cell viability assay showed that CS effectively reduced the cytotoxicity of the hybrid coating after a 7 day incubation. The hybrid coating presented high ALP activities at days 3 and 14. The results reveal that hybrid coatings can endow Ti implants with good antibacterial capability as well as cell viability and osteogenic activity.

['Li|Man|M|', 'Liu|Xiangmei|X|', 'Xu|Ziqiang|Z|', 'Yeung|K W K|KW|', 'Wu|Shuilin|S|']

2016

31801379

Role of tagraxofusp in treating blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN).

Introduction: Advances and drug development in rare diseases, such as blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), has historically been limited by small numbers of patients in the target population. In recent years, the development of tagraxofusp (SL-401) (ELZONRIS, Stemline Therapeutics) for the treatment of adult and pediatric BPDCN has been a successful story that led to US FDA approval in December 2018.Areas covered: In this evaluation of tagraxofusp, we briefly review chemistry; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as we focus on the clinical experience and future directions.Expert Opinion: Tagraxofusp has been a welcome new addition and a successful initial development step in the targeted treatment of BPDCN. In phase I/II clinical trial, major responses were observed in 90% of treatment-naïve patients, with 72% of the responses observed as complete remissions. Limitations on the usage of tagraxofusp and strategies to handle those limitations were further explored in this review.

['Alfayez|Mansour|M|0000-0002-1314-2054', 'Konopleva|Marina|M|', 'Pemmaraju|Naveen|N|']

2020

24836182

Efficacy of bosentan, a dual ETA and ETB endothelin receptor antagonist, in experimental diabetes induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated dementia in rats.

The study was designed to investigate the efficacy of bosentan a dual endothelin (ETA and ETB) receptor antagonist in experimental diabetes induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated dementia. Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of a single dose (50mg/kg, i.p.) of streptozotocin (STZ). Drug treatment was started after 1 month of STZ administration and treatment was continued until the end of the study. Morris water maze (MWM) test was employed for testing spatial learning and memory. Endothelial function was measured on isolated aortic rings using student physiograph. Serum glucose, body weight, serum nitrite/nitrate, brain thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, and brain acetylcholinesterase activity were also tested. STZ treatment resulted in significant development of cognitive and vascular endothelial deficits, manifested in the terms of endothelial dysfunction, impairment of learning and memory, reduction in body weight and serum nitrite/nitrate levels along with increase in serum glucose, brain acetylcholinesterase activity, TBARS, and decreased GSH levels. Treatment of bosentan attenuated diabetes induced impairment of learning, memory, endothelial function, and various biochemical parameters. It may be concluded that bosentan has shown efficacy in STZ induced cognitive and vascular endothelial deficits. Thus, endothelin receptors can be considered as a potential pharmacological target for the management of experimental diabetes induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated dementia.

['Singh|Gurpreet|G|', 'Sharma|Bhupesh|B|', 'Jaggi|Amteshwar Singh|AS|', 'Singh|Nirmal|N|']

2014

27622319

Deconstructing IgG4-related disease involvement of midline structures: Comparison to common mimickers.

OBJECTIVE A series of destructive and tumefactive lesions of the midline structures have been recently added to the spectrum of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). We examined the clinical, serological, endoscopic, radiological, and histological features that might be of utility in distinguishing IgG4-RD from other forms of inflammatory conditions with the potential to involve the sinonasal area and the oral cavity. METHODS We studied 11 consecutive patients with erosive and/or tumefactive lesions of the midline structures referred to our tertiary care center. All patients underwent serum IgG4 measurement, flow cytometry for circulating plasmablast counts, nasal endoscopy, radiological studies, and histological evaluation of tissue specimens. The histological studies included immunostaining studies to assess the number of IgG4 + plasma cells/HPF for calculation of the IgG4+/IgG + plasma cell ratio. RESULTS Five patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), three with cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL), and three with IgG4-RD were studied. We found no clinical, endoscopic, or radiological findings specific for IgG4-RD. Increased serum IgG4 and plasmablasts levels were not specific for IgG4-RD. Rather, all 11 patients had elevated blood plasmablast concentrations, and several patients with GPA and CIMDL had elevated serum IgG4 levels. Storiform fibrosis and an IgG4+/IgG + plasma cell ratio >20% on histological examination, however, were observed only in patients with IgG4-RD. CONCLUSIONS Histological examination of bioptic samples from the sinonasal area and oral cavity represents the mainstay for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD involvement of the midline structures.

['Lanzillotta|Marco|M|', 'Campochiaro|Corrado|C|', 'Trimarchi|Matteo|M|', 'Arrigoni|Gianluigi|G|', 'Gerevini|Simonetta|S|', 'Milani|Raffaella|R|', 'Bozzolo|Enrica|E|', 'Biafora|Matteo|M|', 'Venturini|Elena|E|', 'Cicalese|Maria Pia|MP|', 'Stone|John H|JH|', 'Sabbadini|Maria Grazia|MG|', 'Della-Torre|Emanuel|E|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9192-4270']

2017

23690593

Surviving rapid climate change in the deep sea during the Paleogene hyperthermals.

Predicting the impact of ongoing anthropogenic CO2 emissions on calcifying marine organisms is complex, owing to the synergy between direct changes (acidification) and indirect changes through climate change (e.g., warming, changes in ocean circulation, and deoxygenation). Laboratory experiments, particularly on longer-lived organisms, tend to be too short to reveal the potential of organisms to acclimatize, adapt, or evolve and usually do not incorporate multiple stressors. We studied two examples of rapid carbon release in the geological record, Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (∼53.2 Ma) and the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ∼55.5 Ma), the best analogs over the last 65 Ma for future ocean acidification related to high atmospheric CO2 levels. We use benthic foraminifers, which suffered severe extinction during the PETM, as a model group. Using synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy, we reconstruct the calcification response of survivor species and find, contrary to expectations, that calcification significantly increased during the PETM. In contrast, there was no significant response to the smaller Eocene Thermal Maximum 2, which was associated with a minor change in diversity only. These observations suggest that there is a response threshold for extinction and calcification response, while highlighting the utility of the geological record in helping constrain the sensitivity of biotic response to environmental change.

['Foster|Laura C|LC|', 'Schmidt|Daniela N|DN|', 'Thomas|Ellen|E|', 'Arndt|Sandra|S|', 'Ridgwell|Andy|A|']

2013

28153274

Quantification of the 3α and 3β epimers of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in dried blood spots by LC-MS/MS using artificial whole blood calibration and chemical derivatization.

While the biological function of the 3α epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) remains unknown, its presence needs to be accurately captured and separated from the main 3β epimer, to avoid positive bias in vitamin D status analyses. Several recent LC-MS/MS assays for 25(OH)D3 successfully separate the 3α and 3β epimers by chromatography. Unfortunately, none of the existing LC-MS/MS assays, which utilize dried blood spots (DBS) as sampling/storage vessels, is able to quantify the individual epimers. DBS are often used for analysis of infant blood, however, and these samples are particularly likely to contain significant levels of interfering 3α epimer. Furthermore, proper calibration of DBS samples is much more difficult to achieve than for liquid serum or plasma samples. We addressed this important issue by creating an artificial vitamin D-free whole blood for calibration and then quantified 3α- and 3β-25(OH)D3 levels from DBS. After chemical derivatization, the vitamin D epimers were separated on a PFP column and concentrations determined by electrospray ionization LC-MS/MS on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Calibration with artificial whole blood showed improved precision over standard addition (7.6 versus 31.5% RSD for 3β-25(OH)D3). The limits of quantification for 3β-25(OH)D3 and for 3α-25(OH)D3 were 1.0 and 0.1ng/mL, respectively. Excellent intra/interday precisions between 2.1 and 2.2% CV (intra) and 4.4-5.3% CV (inter) were established for 3β-25(OH)D3 and 3α-25(OH)D3. For 3β-25(OH)D3, only small concentration-independent bias and deviation of <3.3ng/mL were seen between serum LC-MS/MS and DBS-LC-MS/MS measurements; analyses of 3α-25(OH)D3 showed deviations of <0.8ng/mL in all experiments.

['Müller|Miriam J|MJ|', 'Stokes|Caroline S|CS|', 'Volmer|Dietrich A|DA|']

2017

33716815

COVID-19 and Personality: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study of the Relationship Between Personality Factors and COVID-19-Related Impacts, Concerns, and Behaviors.

Background: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioral changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and beliefs among participants from different backgrounds and also to identify the relationships between personality factors and COVID-19-related changes and impacts. Methods: One thousand and three hundred nineteen participants (744 females and 575 males, mean age ± SD = 32.7 ± 11.6 years) completed a three-section survey collecting data regarding demographic information, personality factors [using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI)], and COVID-19-related issues (using the VAS scale). Findings: COVID-19 was associated with changes related to precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress and behavioral changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and beliefs (P < 0.05). Higher neuroticism scores were associated with more negative COVID-19-related changes and impacts (P < 0.05). Higher extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores were associated with more acceptance of COVID-19 containment measures as well as less COVID-19-related changes and impacts (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Personality factors were associated with COVID-19-related impacts. These findings demonstrate the importance of the relationship between personality factors and COVID-19-related changes.

['Al-Omiri|Mahmoud K|MK|', 'Alzoubi|Ibrahim A|IA|', 'Al Nazeh|Abdullah A|AA|', 'Alomiri|Abdallah K|AK|', 'Maswady|Mohannad N|MN|', 'Lynch|Edward|E|']

2021

31977171

Insights on Redox Properties of Sumanene Derivatives for High-Performance Organic Cathodes.

Despite the potential of large organic molecules for insoluble cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, they have attracted less attention owing to the penalty in the molecular weight. Herein, an advanced computational modeling approach is employed to comprehensively explore the electrochemical characteristics and theoretical charge/energy storage capability for a series of sumanene derivatives. It is highlighted from this investigation that the carbonyl moiety is generally beneficial to the improvement of the redox properties for the sumanenes. The sumanene with hexagon rings fully functionalized by six carbonyls particularly exhibits both the remarkably high redox potential (3.53 V vs Li/Li+) and performance parameters (454 mAh/g and 1129 mWh/g), implying its candidacy as high-potential organic cathodes. It is further demonstrated from a universal relationship of redox potential-electronic property-solvation property that a sumanene derivative would experience a two-stage discharging behavior. This indicates that the sumanene derivative would be cathodically inactive due to a sudden increase of solvation energy.

['Jung|Ku Hyun|KH|', 'Kim|Ki Chul|KC|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9359-9811']

2020

25866072

Factors influencing high school coaches' adoption of injury prevention programs.

OBJECTIVES Despite documented efficacy of injury prevention programs (IPPs) to reduce sport-related lower extremity injury risk, there is evidence of a lack of widespread IPP adoption by high school coaches. This study identified factors related to non-adoption of IPPs by assessing coaches' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to prevention programs and comparing attitudes between adopter and non-adopter coaches. DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS Head soccer and basketball coaches (n=141) from 15 Oregon high schools were invited to complete a web-based survey assessing their IPP-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. RESULTS Of the 66 coach respondents, 52% reported being aware of IPPs; 21% reported using an IPP with their team; and 9% reported having their student-athletes perform the IPP exactly as designed. No apparent differences in the attitudes toward the importance of injury prevention or the effectiveness of IPPs were identified between coaches that did and did not adopt an IPP. Perceptions that efficacious IPPs do not offer a relative advantage over coaches' existing practices, do not align with coaches' needs (compatibility), and are difficult to implement in their setting (complexity) emerged as key factors underlying coaches' decisions not to adopt a program. Of those that did report adopting an IPP, just 43% (6/14) reported implementing the program as designed. CONCLUSIONS Improving preventative practices of high school coaches requires more than improved dissemination to increase coach awareness. To improve the rate of IPP adoption and implementation fidelity, coach education should directly address issues related to relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity.

['Norcross|Marc F|MF|', 'Johnson|Samuel T|ST|', 'Bovbjerg|Viktor E|VE|', 'Koester|Michael C|MC|', 'Hoffman|Mark A|MA|']

2016

30514589

Immunocapture of Escherichia coli in a fluoropolymer microcapillary array.

This study presents novel experimental insights into the direct quantitation and immunocapture of bacteria cells in a fluoropolymer microcapillary array, using Escherichia coli as work model, a pathogen responsible for around 80% of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In spite of the current clinical demand for sensitive tests for rapid identification and quantitation of pathogens in human samples, portable diagnostic tests developed to date lack the specificity, limit of detection and speed for effective implementation in bacteria detection at point-of-care. The 'open microfluidic' approach presented in this work directly addresses those challenges. We report for the first time evidence of immunocapture of bacteria using polyclonal antibodies immobilized on the inner surface of an inexpensive 10-bore, 200 μm internal diameter FEP-Teflon® MicroCapillary Film, with a limit of detection (LoD) of at just 1 colony forming unit (CFU). In capillaries coated with less than a full monolayer of capture antibody, we observed a first order equilibrium, with bacteria captured (in CFUs/ml) linearly proportional to the CFU/ml in the incubated sample. We captured up to 100% of E. coli cells, with clear evidence of immunospecificity as demonstrated by testing with a different bacteria specie (in this case Bacillus subtillis). We noticed gravity settling of bacteria within the capillaries created a gradient of concentration which on the overall enhanced the capturing of cells up to 6 orders of magnitude beyond the theoretic full monolayer (∼4.5 × 104 CFUs/ml), with washings having an unnoticeable effect. Our data particularly highlights quantitatively the relevance of interrogation volume in respect to the miniaturisation of bacteria quantitation, which cannot be solved with the most sophisticated imaging equipment. A further set of continuous flow experiments at a flow rate of just ∼1 μl/min (corresponding to a wall shear rate of ∼101 s-1 and superficial flow velocity ∼53 μm/s) showed a degree of flow focusing, yet the mobility, antibody affinity capturing and gravity settling of bacteria cells enabled successful capturing in the microcapillaries. These results will inform the future development of effective microfluidic approaches for rapid point-of-care quantitation of bacterial pathogens and in particular rule-in of E. coli in UTIs.

['Alves|Isabel P|IP|', 'Reis|Nuno M|NM|']

2019

27574949

Long Noncoding RNA HOXC-AS1 Suppresses Ox-LDL-Induced Cholesterol Accumulation Through Promoting HOXC6 Expression in THP-1 Macrophages.

Atherosclerosis is a common pathological basis of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are newly studied non-protein-coding RNAs involved in gene regulation, but how lncRNAs exert regulatory effect on atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that lncRNA HOXC cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXC-AS1) and homeobox C6 (HOXC6) were downregulated in carotid atherosclerosis by performing microarray analysis. The results were verified in atherosclerotic plaques and normal arterial intima tissues by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of HOXC-AS1 induced HOXC6 expression at mRNA and protein levels in THP-1 macrophages. Besides, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) decreased expression of HOXC-AS1 and HOXC6 in a time-dependent manner. Induction of cholesterol accumulation by Ox-LDL could be partly suppressed by overexpression of HOXC-AS1.

['Huang|Chuan|C|', 'Hu|Yan-Wei|YW|', 'Zhao|Jing-Jing|JJ|', 'Ma|Xin|X|', 'Zhang|Yuan|Y|', 'Guo|Feng-Xia|FX|', 'Kang|Chun-Min|CM|', 'Lu|Jing-Bo|JB|', 'Xiu|Jian-Cheng|JC|', 'Sha|Yan-Hua|YH|', 'Gao|Ji-Juan|JJ|', 'Wang|Yan-Chao|YC|', 'Li|Pan|P|', 'Xu|Bang-Ming|BM|', 'Zheng|Lei|L|', 'Wang|Qian|Q|']

2016

34149977

A case report of cerebrospinal fluid leak secondary to inner ear malformation.

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is rare and may develop secondary to inner ear malformation. A possible diagnosis of CSF leak should be considered in any pediatric patient who presents with hearing impairment, rhinorrhea, or otorrhea. Temporal bone computed tomography should be performed in children with hearing impairments. We describe a case of congenital inner ear anomaly in a 12-month-old girl who presented with intermittent rhinorrhea after birth and detected hearing problems when she was 6 months. After diagnosis, the CSF leak was surgically repaired without complications.

['Ninh|Tran Phan|TP|', 'Dinh|Truong Quang|TQ|', 'My|Thieu-Thi Tra|TT|', 'Thao|Bui-Thi Phuong|BP|', 'Hieu|Bui Khac|BK|', 'Bang|Luong Viet|LV|', 'Duc|Nguyen Minh|NM|']

2021

27714956

Deficiency of plasminogen receptor, Plg-RKT , causes defects in plasminogen binding and inflammatory macrophage recruitment in vivo.

Essentials Plg-RKT is a novel integral membrane plasminogen receptor. The functions of Plg-RKT in vivo are not known. Plg-RKT is a key player in macrophage recruitment in the inflammatory response in vivo. Plg-RKT deficiency is not compatible with survival of the species. SUMMARY Background Plg-RKT is a novel integral membrane plasminogen receptor that binds plasminogen via a C-terminal lysine exposed on the cell surface and promotes plasminogen activation on the cell surface by both tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator. Objectives To evaluate the role of Plg-RKT in vivo we generated Plg-RKT-/- mice using a homologous recombination technique. Methods We characterized the effect of Plg-RKT deletion on reproduction, viability, health and spontaneous thrombosis and inflammation. Results Plg-RKT-/- mice were viable and fertile. Survival of Plg-RKT-/- mice and Plg-RKT+/+ littermates was not significantly different. However, quite strikingly, all pups of Plg-RKT-/- females died within 2 days of birth, consistent with a lactation defect in Plg-RKT-/- mothers. Additionally, there was a significant effect of Plg-RKT deficiency on the growth rates of female, but not male, mice. In experimental peritonitis studies, Plg-RKT-/- mice exhibited a marked defect in macrophage recruitment. As a contributing mechanism, the capacity of Plg-RKT-/- macrophages for plasminogen binding was markedly decreased. Conclusions These studies demonstrate that Plg-RKT is required for plasminogen binding and macrophage migration in vivo. In addition, Plg-RKT deficiency is not compatible with survival of the species, due to the death of all offspring of Plg-RKT-/- females. This new mouse model will be important for future studies aimed at delineating the role of cell surface plasminogen activation in challenge and disease models in vivo.

['Miles|L A|LA|', 'Baik|N|N|', 'Lighvani|S|S|', 'Khaldoyanidi|S|S|', 'Varki|N M|NM|', 'Bai|H|H|', 'Mueller|B M|BM|', 'Parmer|R J|RJ|']

2017

31380504

Juvenile ossifying fibroma in a Nigerian boy: a rare case report.

Cases of jaw masses abound in our environment which is a tropical one, with Burkitt lymphoma being the commonest aetiology. However rarer causes like juvenile aggressive ossifying fibroma should also be considered. It is a locally aggressive tumor with high recurrent potentials occurring in children and adolescent. Here we present the clinical features, physical findings and challenges in diagnosing and management of a 7-year-old boy who presented to the Paediatric unit of our institute with a right jaw mass.

['Animasahun|Barakat Adeola|BA|', 'Kayode-Awe|Gbenga|G|', 'Kusimo|Olusola Yejide|OY|']

2019

27785416

Physical activity and long-term mortality risk in older adults: A prospective population based study (NEDICES).

To analyze whether Physical activity (PA) reduces mortality risk at thirteen years' follow-up in a population-based cohort of Spanish older adults. The NEDICES (Neurological Disorders in Central Spain) is a prospective population-based survey of older adults (age ≥ 65 years) that comprised 5278 participants at baseline. A modified version of the Rosow-Breslau questionnaire was applied to categorize the PA (sedentary, light, moderate and high) and dates of death were collected from the Official Spanish Death Registry. Cox regression models adjusted for different covariates (age, sex, marital status, smoking, previous stroke, Parkinson disease, incident dementia, body mass index, comorbidity indexes and functional assessment) were used to evaluate the hazard of death at thirteen years' interval according to different levels of PA. 1710 deaths (52.9% men vs. 47.1% women) were identified among 3633 individuals at thirteen years' follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs) of the light, moderate, and high PA groups (vs. sedentary group) were 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.56, 0.72], p < 0.001), 0.61 (95% CI [0.53, 0.70], p < 0.001) and 0.48 (95% CI [0.41, 0.55], p < 0.001), respectively. Significant dose effects were observed between light versus the sedentary group and intense versus the moderate group. PA prevents long-term mortality in older Spanish adults, with the highest intensity levels being those related to the lowest risk of mortality. These findings indicate that health policies for old age care should include PA as one of the main targets.

['Llamas-Velasco|Sara|S|', 'Villarejo-Galende|Alberto|A|', 'Contador|Israel|I|', 'Lora Pablos|David|D|', 'Hernández-Gallego|Jesús|J|', 'Bermejo-Pareja|Félix|F|']

2016

34056972

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: A rare presentation of occult filariasis.

Parasitic infections do not usually present with rapidly progressive renal failure but can provoke glomerular lesions which are mostly proliferative. In filarial infection, glomerular involvement is usually mild and transient, and presentation with renal failure is rare. We report occult filariasis presenting as rapidly progressive renal failure due to immune-complex mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Our patient responded to treatment with diethylcarbamazine and a short course of steroid. This case highlights the importance of thorough workup to identify the cause and consideration of filariasis in an endemic area.

['Joshi|Parvati|P|', 'Nayak|Saurabh|S|', 'Ravina|Mudalsha|M|', 'Keche|Archana|A|', 'Rathore|Vinay|V|https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4315-5072']

2021

30614308

Analysis of hyaluronic acid in the endometrium of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Endometrium extracellular matrix provides a wide range of signals at different cellular levels, like cell death and proliferation, which can be important for regulating menses and reducing the proliferative processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate hyaluronic acid concentration, the enzymes of hyaluronic acid synthases in the endometrium of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and eumenorrheic women. A total of 60 endometrial samples from 30 patients with PCOS and 30 women with regular menstrual cycles in the proliferative phase, attended at Gynecology Division of Clinical Hospital of the FMUSP (HC-USP). Profile determination and the concentration of hyaluronic acid was performed by the biochemical method of the fluorimetric assay (ELISA-like). Its location in the endometrial tissue as well as the dosage of enzymes synthases (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) was done by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni test. Regarding hyaluronic acid synthases, there was a higher HAS1 and HAS2 reactivity and lower HAS3 reactivity in the PCOS endometrium compared to women with regular menstrual cycles in the proliferative phase. We suggest that PCOS patients have different composition of hyaluronic acid in relation to a regular cycle in the proliferative phase.

['Santos Simões|Ricardo|R|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5916-0015', 'Carbonel|Adriana Aparecida Ferraz|AAF|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8129-0318', 'Borges|Fernanda Teixeira|FT|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9790-0915', 'Baracat|Maria Cândida Pinheiro|MCP|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5827-4045', 'da Silva Sasso|Gisela Rodrigues|GR|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6583-1329', 'Simões|Manuel Jesus|MJ|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2770-8618', 'Serafini|Paulo Cesar|PC|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4303-947X', 'Soares|José Maria|JM|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0774-9404', 'Nader|Helena Bonciani|HB|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2757-084X', 'Baracat|Edmund Chada|EC|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0111-9030']

2019

34192347

DPP4 reduces proinflammatory cytokine production in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by increasing levels of proinflammatory cytokines. The ubiquitous enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26) regulates different immune disorders, although the effects of DPP4 in RA are uncertain. Here, we found lower levels of DPP4 in RA synovial tissues compared with normal tissues. DPP4 levels were also lower in a rat collagen-induced arthritis model than in control (healthy) rats. Overexpression of DPP4 or exogenous treatment of RA synovial fibroblasts with DPP4 reduced levels of proinflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-13, and increased anti-inflammatory IL-10 synthesis, while DPP4 inhibitors sitagliptin and vildagliptin increased proinflammatory cytokine production, indicating an enhanced risk of RA development. The evidence suggests that increasing DPP4 expression is a novel strategy for RA disease.

['Han|Chien-Kuo|CK|', 'Lee|Wei-Fang|WF|', 'Hsu|Chin-Jung|CJ|', 'Huang|Yuan-Li|YL|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3405-8863', 'Lin|Chih-Yang|CY|', 'Tsai|Chun-Hao|CH|', 'Huang|Chien-Chung|CC|', 'Fong|Yi-Chin|YC|', 'Wu|Min-Huan|MH|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6579-1515', 'Liu|Ju-Fang|JF|', 'Tang|Chih-Hsin|CH|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7113-8352']

2021

31266633

SIX4 acts as a master regulator of oncogenes that promotes tumorigenesis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells.

A number of homeobox genes are implicated in the malignancy of various cancers. Here, we investigated the role of the homeobox gene SIX4 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The sine oculis homeobox (SIX4) gene was found to be highly expressed at both mRNA and protein levels in NSCLC tumor tissues as compared with matching normal counterparts. In this study, the SIX4 gene of two human NSCLC cell lines (A549 and PC9) was overexpressed or silenced using the lentiviral system. We evaluated the malignancy-associated phenotype of transfected cells, which demonstrated that exogenous expression of the SIX4 gene greatly enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. The opposite was true in the SIX4-silenced cells. Transcriptomic profiling analysis revealed that the SIX4 gene modulated the expression of hundreds of downstream target genes in a cell context-dependent manner. Most notably, the SIX4 gene controls the expression of crucial genes with evidently oncogenic function. We conclude that SIX4 plays an oncogenic role and may be potentially utilized as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for NSCLC.

['Tang|Xiaoping|X|', 'Yang|Yingcheng|Y|', 'Song|Xueqin|X|', 'Liu|Xu|X|', 'Wang|Xiaoyan|X|', 'Huang|Fang|F|', 'Li|Yan|Y|', 'Chen|Feng|F|', 'Wan|Haisu|H|']

2019

25468845

Point-of-care cardiac ultrasound in acute medicine--the quick scan.

The optimum management of acute medical patients requires prompt and accurate diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. The clinical history and physical examination remain central to diagnosis, but often need supplementation by laboratory testing or imaging. Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac structure and function provides valuable information that can aid diagnosis and assess clinical progress. It has many advantages as an imaging modality, and recent technological advances have resulted in hand-held, battery-powered ultrasound devices that provide high-quality images. Three broad applications of cardiac ultrasound now exist: conventional echocardiography, focussed echocardiography and the quick-scan. A quick-scan using a hand-held ultrasound device is readily integrated into the bedside clinical assessment, providing information that can be used immediately in diagnostic reasoning; it can also guide pericardiocentesis. Hand-held ultrasound devices can also be used in acute situations, as well as geographically remote areas or special situations (eg disaster zones) where other imaging is not available. However, the diagnostic yield of echocardiography is user dependent, and training is required for its benefits to be realised, adding to the hardware costs. More data are needed on the incremental value of hand-held ultrasonography and a quick-scan over conventional methods of assessment, their impact on clinical outcomes, and cost effectiveness.

['Hothi|Sandeep S|SS|', 'Sprigings|David|D|', 'Chambers|John|J|']

2014

25831504

Continental erosion and the Cenozoic rise of marine diatoms.

Marine diatoms are silica-precipitating microalgae that account for over half of organic carbon burial in marine sediments and thus they play a key role in the global carbon cycle. Their evolutionary expansion during the Cenozoic era (66 Ma to present) has been associated with a superior competitive ability for silicic acid relative to other siliceous plankton such as radiolarians, which evolved by reducing the weight of their silica test. Here we use a mathematical model in which diatoms and radiolarians compete for silicic acid to show that the observed reduction in the weight of radiolarian tests is insufficient to explain the rise of diatoms. Using the lithium isotope record of seawater as a proxy of silicate rock weathering and erosion, we calculate changes in the input flux of silicic acid to the oceans. Our results indicate that the long-term massive erosion of continental silicates was critical to the subsequent success of diatoms in marine ecosystems over the last 40 My and suggest an increase in the strength and efficiency of the oceanic biological pump over this period.

['Cermeño|Pedro|P|', 'Falkowski|Paul G|PG|', 'Romero|Oscar E|OE|', 'Schaller|Morgan F|MF|', 'Vallina|Sergio M|SM|']

2015

32372324

Functional alterations and transcriptomic changes during zebrafish cardiac aging.

Aging dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in human. Animal models are of great value to study cardiac aging, and zebrafish have become a popular model for aging study recently. However, there is limited knowledge about the progression and regulation of cardiac aging in zebrafish. In this study we first validated the effectiveness of a panel of aging-related markers and revealed their spatial-temporal specificity. Using these markers, we discovered that cardiac aging in zebrafish initiated at mid-age around 24 months, followed by a gradual progression marked with increased DNA damage, inflammatory response and reduced mitochondrial function. Furthermore, we showed aging-related expression profile change in zebrafish hearts was similar to that in rat hearts. Overall, our results provide a deeper insight into the cardiac aging process in zebrafish, which will set up foundation for generating novel cardiac aging models suitable for large scale screening of pharmaceutical targets.

['Shao|Xuelian|X|', 'Fu|Yu|Y|', 'Ma|Jinmin|J|', 'Li|Xueyu|X|', 'Lu|Chenqi|C|', 'Zhang|Ruilin|R|0000-0002-6594-450X']

2020

30063252

Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis E evaluated in frozen-serum samples (2002-2003) of pregnant women compared with female blood donors in a Southern region of Brazil.

Hepatitis E has always been related to morbidity in pregnant women. Its epidemiology is not well understood in Brazil. Therefore, we tested sera from 209 pregnant women and 199 female blood donors, collected at a single center in Curitiba, Brazil. The Wantai assay was used for testing the anti-hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and an in-house polymerase chain reaction process for testing HEV RNA. Anti-HEV was detected in 22.5% of the total group, 19% in the pregnant women group, and 26% in the blood donor group (P = 0.11), a much higher prevalence when compared with other studies in Brazil. Demographical analysis showed that 92.4% were born in the South Region of Brazil, 4.9% in the Southeast, and 2.7% were distributed over other regions of the country. With respect to their origin, 99% were from the South, 0.7% from the Southeast, and 0.2% from the Central-West regions. Income, education, race, number of pregnancies, and abortion did differ significantly when comparing both the groups (P < 0.001). Age >30 (P = 0.012) and the number (>3) of pregnancies (P = 0.008) were related to anti-HEV positivity. All anti-HEV IgG-positive females were HEV RNA negative. In conclusion, HEV positivity was found in one out of five young women, which showed an urgent need for further epidemiological studies in Brazil.

['Hardtke|S|S|0000-0002-2913-9001', 'Rocco|R|R|', 'Ogata|J|J|', 'Braga|S|S|', 'Barbosa|M|M|', 'Wranke|A|A|', 'Doi|E|E|', 'da Cunha|D|D|', 'Maluf|E|E|', 'Wedemeyer|H|H|', 'Muzzillo|D|D|']

2018

25951902

Synaptic Cytoskeletal Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex Following Psychostimulant Exposure.

Addiction is characterized by maladaptive decision-making, a loss of control over drug consumption and habit-like drug seeking despite adverse consequences. These cognitive changes may reflect the effects of drugs of abuse on prefrontal cortical neurobiology. Here, we review evidence that amphetamine and cocaine fundamentally remodel the structure of excitatory neurons in the prefrontal cortex. We summarize evidence in particular that these psychostimulants have opposing effects in the medial and orbital prefrontal cortices ('mPFC' and 'oPFC', respectively). For example, amphetamine and cocaine increase dendrite length and spine density in the mPFC, while dendrites are impoverished and dendritic spines are eliminated in the oPFC. We will discuss evidence that certain cytoskeletal regulatory proteins expressed in the oPFC and implicated in postnatal (adolescent) neural development also regulate behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. These findings potentially open a window of opportunity for the identification of novel pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of drug abuse disorders in adults, as well as in drug-vulnerable adolescent populations. Finally, we will discuss the behavioral implications of drug-related dendritic spine elimination in the oPFC, with regard to reversal learning tasks and tasks that assess the development of reward-seeking habits, both used to model aspects of addiction in rodents.

['DePoy|Lauren M|LM|', 'Gourley|Shannon L|SL|']

2015

34632703

Discovery of Quinoline-Derived Trifluoromethyl Alcohols as Antiepileptic and Analgesic Agents That Block Sodium Channels.

The discovery of novel analgesic agents with high potency, low toxicity and low addictive properties remain a priority. This study aims to identify the analgesic potential of quinoline derived α-trifluoromethylated alcohols (QTA) and their mechanism of action. We synthesized and characterized several compounds of QTAs and screened them for antiepileptic and analgesic activity using zebrafish larvae in high thorough-put behavior analyses system. Toxicity and behavioral screening of 9 compounds (C1-C9) identified four candidates (C2, C3, C7 and C9) with antiepileptic properties that induces specific and reversible reduction in photomotor activity. Importantly, compounds C2 and C3 relieved the thermal pain response in zebrafish larvae indicating analgesic property. Further, using novel in vivo CoroNa green assay, we show that compounds C2 and C3 block sodium channels and reduce inflammatory sodium signals released by peripheral nerve and tissue damage. Thus, we have identified novel QTA compounds with antiepileptic and analgesic properties which could alleviate neuropathic pain.

['Williams|Ashley|A|', 'Villamor|Laurie|L|', 'Fussell|Jake|J|', 'Loveless|Reid|R|', 'Smeyne|Dylan|D|', 'Philp|Jack|J|', 'Shaikh|Abid|A|', 'Sittaramane|Vinoth|V|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7649-9501']

2021

34416280

Outcomes and predictors of mortality in a Belgian population of patients admitted with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and treated by open repair in the contemporary era.

BACKGROUND Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is a serious condition that results in extremely high mortality rates. Some improvements in outcome have been reported during the last 2 decades. The objective of the present study was to determine the overall and operative (by open repair) mortality related to ruptured AAA in the contemporary era and to identify preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative parameters associated with poor outcomes. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients admitted to our single institution with a diagnosis of ruptured AAA between 2004 and 2013. A total of 103 parameters, including demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical and biological parameters, cardiovascular risk factors, emergency level, diagnostic modalities, time from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, type of operative procedure and postoperative complications, were analyzed. The primary endpoint considered in this study was the cumulative incidence rate of mortality. The secondary endpoint was the identification, by logistic regression methods, of risk factors for overall mortality as well as for operative, and postoperative mortality. RESULTS Within our study period, 104 patients were admitted for a ruptured AAA. The majority of patients (84.6%) were male, and the AAA was known in 34.6% of the patients. Rupture occurred for a maximal diameter lower than 55 mm in 25% of the female population, compared to 5.7% of the male population (P = 0.030). The proportions of admitted patients who died before (preoperative mortality), during (intraoperative mortality) or after (postoperative hospital mortality) surgery was 17.3%, 16.3%, and 18.3%, respectively, yielding a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 51.9%. In the multivariate analysis, age ≥ 80 (P = 0.001), myocardial ischemia on the admission ECG (P = 0.046), and management by the physician response unit (P = 0.002) were the only preoperative parameters associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality. Four risk factors were found to be associated with a higher risk of postoperative mortality in the multivariate analysis, and all patients presenting with 3 or more of these risk factors (n = 5) died. CONCLUSIONS The overall mortality of ruptured AAA in a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent open repair remains high and does not seem to have decreased during recent decades. Ruptures occur at smaller diameters in women than in men, supporting a lower threshold for intervention in women with known AAA. We developed risk scores to predict the mortality of patients with rAAA at different times of their hospital course. The validity of these scores should be assessed in prospective clinical studies.

['Durieux|Rodolphe|R|', 'Lardinois|Marie-Julie|MJ|', 'Albert|Adelin|A|', 'Defraigne|Jean-Olivier|JO|', 'Sakalihasan|Natzi|N|']

2021

34507660

Impact of gynecologic hospitalist on patient waiting time at the emergency department in Korea: A retrospective pre-post cohort study.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify the impact of care and change in the consultation process given by a gynecologic hospitalist on patient waiting time in the emergency department (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a pre-post study that compared patients' length of stay at the ED ten months before and after intervention by the gynecologic hospitalist in 2018. The consultation process changed from ED staff contacting the gynecologic resident (pre-intervention group) to directly contacting the gynecologic hospitalist (post-intervention group). Times elapsed from gynecologic consultation to final disposition, from gynecologic consultation to discharge, and from arrival at ED to discharge were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Among 945 referrals at the ED during the study period, the number of daytime weekday gynecologic consultations were 68 and 187 cases in the pre-intervention and post-intervention groups, respectively. The time elapsed from gynecologic consultation to the final disposition, the time elapsed from gynecologic consultation to discharge and the time elapsed from arrival at ED to discharge were shorter in the post-intervention group than in the pre-intervention group (median values, 98 vs. 167.5 min, 205 vs. 311.5 min, and 419 vs. 497 min; P < 0.05), and extended length of stay more than 12 h at the ED was less common in the post-intervention group than in the pre-intervention group (9.6 vs. 19.1%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The waiting time of gynecologic patients upon admission and prolonged length of stay at ED significantly decreased after the establishment of the gynecologic hospitalist system.

['Yim|Ga Won|GW|', 'Park|Soo Jin|SJ|', 'Lee|Eun Ji|EJ|', 'Lee|Maria|M|', 'Chung|Hyun Hoon|HH|', 'Kim|Jae-Weon|JW|', 'Kim|Hee Seung|HS|']

2021

31548379

Intragenomic variability and extended sequence patterns in the mutational signature of ultraviolet light.

Mutational signatures can reveal properties of underlying mutational processes and are important when assessing signals of selection in cancer. Here, we describe the sequence characteristics of mutations induced by ultraviolet (UV) light, a major mutagen in several human cancers, in terms of extended (longer than trinucleotide) patterns as well as variability of the signature across chromatin states. Promoter regions display a distinct UV signature with reduced TCG > TTG transitions, and genome-wide mapping of UVB-induced DNA photoproducts (pyrimidine dimers) showed that this may be explained by decreased damage formation at hypomethylated promoter CpG sites. Further, an extended signature model encompassing additional information from longer contextual patterns improves modeling of UV mutations, which may enhance discrimination between drivers and passenger events. Our study presents a refined picture of the UV signature and underscores that the characteristics of a single mutational process may vary across the genome.

['Lindberg|Markus|M|', 'Boström|Martin|M|', 'Elliott|Kerryn|K|', 'Larsson|Erik|E|']

2019

29626830

Mediation effect of beliefs about pleasure and emotional experience between social anhedonia and prediction of pleasant events.

Few studies have examined whether there is a relationship between social anhedonia and prediction of future events and the role of beliefs about pleasure and emotional experience. In this study, 513 college students were recruited to complete a set of self-reported questionnaires, including the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (CSAS), the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), the Belief about Pleasure Scale (BAPS) and the Beck Depression Inventory. Moreover, a checklist of 100 daily life events was also administrated to all participants. Mediation analysis found that social anhedonia had a direct impact on prediction of pleasant events. Emotional experience partly mediated the relationship between social anhedonia and subjective prediction of pleasant events. However, beliefs about pleasure had no significant mediation effect between social anhedonia and prediction of pleasant events, but were shown to influence the subjective prediction of pleasant events completely through emotional experience. These findings suggest that beliefs about pleasure and emotional experience may be considered promising factors for interventions in individuals with anhedonia.

['Hu|Hui-Xin|HX|', 'Chu|Min-Yi|MY|', 'Yang|Yin|Y|', 'Wang|Ling-Ling|LL|', 'Zhang|Rui-Ting|RT|', 'Lui|Simon S Y|SSY|', 'Cheung|Eric F C|EFC|', 'Chan|Raymond C K|RCK|']

2018

31884923

The unity and diversity of the ciliary central apparatus.

Nearly all motile cilia and flagella (terms here used interchangeably) have a '9+2' axoneme containing nine outer doublet microtubules and two central microtubules. The central pair of microtubules plus associated projections, termed the central apparatus (CA), is involved in the control of flagellar motility and is essential for the normal movement of '9+2' cilia. Research using the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, an important model system for studying cilia, has provided most of our knowledge of the protein composition of the CA, and recent work using this organism has expanded the number of known and candidate CA proteins nearly threefold. Here we take advantage of this enhanced proteome to examine the genomes of a wide range of eukaryotic organisms, representing all of the major phylogenetic groups, to identify predicted orthologues of the C. reinhardtii CA proteins and explore how widely the proteins are conserved and whether there are patterns to this conservation. We also discuss in detail two contrasting groups of CA proteins-the ASH-domain proteins, which are broadly conserved, and the PAS proteins, which are restricted primarily to the volvocalean algae. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Unity and diversity of cilia in locomotion and transport'.

['Zhao|Lei|L|', 'Hou|Yuqing|Y|', 'McNeill|Nathan A|NA|', 'Witman|George B|GB|']

2020

28843642

The effect of glass fiber posts and ribbons on the fracture strength of teeth with flared root canals restored using composite resin post and cores.

PURPOSE This study evaluated the fracture strength and mode of failure of structurally compromised teeth with flared root canals restored using composite resin with four different systems. METHODS Sixty endodontically treated bovine teeth were uniformly shaped to simulate human mandibular premolars with flared root canals. The roots were divided into four groups of 15 specimens each based on the type of restoration: composite resin core only (control), glass fiber post, cylindroid glass fiber ribbons, and glass fiber post and ribbons. All specimens were loaded until fracture occurred using a universal testing machine. Average fracture loads were compared with a one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (α=.05). The modes of failure were observed and the Fisher exact test and Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The fiber post and ribbon group (1035.70N) and the fiber ribbon group (881.77N) showed significantly higher fracture strength than the controls (567.97N) (p<.05). The fiber post and ribbon group also showed significantly higher fracture strength than the fiber post group (769.40N). Almost all specimens showed unrestorable root fractures (p<.008). The control group had a significantly higher ratio of core sectional fractures (p<.017). CONCLUSIONS Cylindroid glass fiber ribbons significantly increased the fracture strength of the composite resin post and cores in the case of the dentin within the thin root canal wall. Based on the results, this study recommends the combined use of glass fiber post and ribbons.

['Kubo|Mariko|M|', 'Komada|Wataru|W|', 'Otake|Shiho|S|', 'Inagaki|Tasuku|T|', 'Omori|Satoshi|S|', 'Miura|Hiroyuki|H|']

2018

29402646

Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: III. Others.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The use of psychotropic medication and cardiovascular medication has been associated with an increased risk of falling. However, other frequently prescribed medication classes are still under debate as potential risk factors for falls in the older population. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the associations between fall risk and nonpsychotropic and noncardiovascular medications. METHODS AND DESIGN A systematic review and meta-analysis. A search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase. Key search concepts were "falls," "aged," "medication," and "causality." Studies were included that investigated nonpsychotropic and noncardiovascular medications as risk factors for falls in participants ≥60 years or participants with a mean age ≥70 years. A meta-analysis was performed using the generic inverse variance method, pooling unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) estimates separately. RESULTS In a qualitative synthesis, 281 studies were included. The results of meta-analysis using adjusted data were as follows (a pooled OR [95% confidence interval]): analgesics, 1.42 (0.91-2.23); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 1.09 (0.96-1.23); opioids, 1.60 (1.35-1.91); anti-Parkinson drugs, 1.54 (0.99-2.39); antiepileptics, 1.55 (1.25-1.92); and polypharmacy, 1.75 (1.27-2.41). Most of the meta-analyses resulted in substantial heterogeneity that did not disappear after stratification for population and setting in most cases. In a descriptive synthesis, consistent associations with falls were observed for long-term proton pump inhibitor use and opioid initiation. Laxatives showed inconsistent associations with falls (7/20 studies showing a positive association). CONCLUSION Opioid and antiepileptic use and polypharmacy were significantly associated with increased risk of falling in the meta-analyses. Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and opioid initiation might increase the fall risk. Future research is necessary because the causal role of some medication classes as fall-risk-increasing drugs remains unclear, and the existing literature contains significant limitations.

['Seppala|Lotta J|LJ|', 'van de Glind|Esther M M|EMM|', 'Daams|Joost G|JG|', 'Ploegmakers|Kimberley J|KJ|', 'de Vries|Max|M|', 'Wermelink|Anne M A T|AMAT|', 'van der Velde|Nathalie|N|', '|||']

2018

26208293

A caffeic acid mediated facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles with powerful anti-cancer activity.

Green synthesis, especially in biological processes, has gained more attention with increasing application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in biomedical fields. However, the biologically synthesized AgNPs have been to be anomalous in size and shape in most cases, as well as exhibiting certain difficulties when used in therapy. We used caffeic acid, a naturally plant polyphenol, to prepare the AgNPs in the current study and also evaluated their anti-cancer activity against the human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Results showed that the AgNPs could rapidly and simply be synthesized using caffeic acid as both a reducing agent and stabilizer. The synthesized AgNPs possessed characteristics of having small size, narrow distribution and high surface negative charge, as well as being stable in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the AgNPs could enter cells and effectively inhibit viability of tumor cells via induction of apoptosis. In conclusion, a caffeic acid mediated facile method was successfully developed to prepare the AgNPs as a potential alternative agent for human hepatoma therapy.

['Guo|Dawei|D|', 'Dou|Dandan|D|', 'Ge|Lin|L|', 'Huang|Zhihai|Z|', 'Wang|Liping|L|', 'Gu|Ning|N|']

2015

33265525

Solutions of a Two-Particle Interacting Quantum Walk.

We study the solutions of an interacting Fermionic cellular automaton which is the analogue of the Thirring model with both space and time discrete. We present a derivation of the two-particle solutions of the automaton recently in the literature, which exploits the symmetries of the evolution operator. In the two-particle sector, the evolution operator is given by the sequence of two steps, the first one corresponding to a unitary interaction activated by two-particle excitation at the same site, and the second one to two independent one-dimensional Dirac quantum walks. The interaction step can be regarded as the discrete-time version of the interacting term of some Hamiltonian integrable system, such as the Hubbard or the Thirring model. The present automaton exhibits scattering solutions with nontrivial momentum transfer, jumping between different regions of the Brillouin zone that can be interpreted as Fermion-doubled particles, in stark contrast with the customary momentum-exchange of the one-dimensional Hamiltonian systems. A further difference compared to the Hamiltonian model is that there exist bound states for every value of the total momentum and of the coupling constant. Even in the special case of vanishing coupling, the walk manifests bound states, for finitely many isolated values of the total momentum. As a complement to the analytical derivations we show numerical simulations of the interacting evolution.

['Bisio|Alessandro|A|', "D'Ariano|Giacomo Mauro|GM|0000-0003-0602-5519", 'Mosco|Nicola|N|0000-0001-6091-2130', 'Perinotti|Paolo|P|0000-0003-4825-4264', 'Tosini|Alessandro|A|']

2018

25386295

Narrowband UVB-induced lichen planus pemphigoide.

Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is an autoimmune disease characterised by evolution of subepidermal blisters on normal and lichen planus affected skin. We describe a case of LPP in a 54-year-old Chinese woman. The patient presented with psoriasiform plaques and was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy was commenced, and she experienced a generalised eruption of violaceous papules, bullae over the lower limbs, and Wickham's striae over the buccal mucosa. Histology from a plaque revealed interface dermatitis, while a specimen from a blister showed subepidermal bulla. Direct immunofluorescence showed linear deposition of IgG and C3 along the basement membrane. A diagnosis of LPP was made on clinicopathological grounds. This is the first case report of NBUVB alone in unmasking LPP. In this case report, we describe the pathological mechanism of NBUVB in the development of LPP and key features distinguishing LPP from bullous lupus erythematosus, bullous lichen planus, bullous pemphigoid, and psoriasis.

['Mandy Chan|Wai Man|WM|', 'Lee|Joyce Siong See|JS|', 'Thiam Theng|Colin Seng|CS|', 'Chua|Sze Hon|SH|', 'Boon Oon|Hazel Hwee|HH|']

2011

30565102

Perception of Hunger/Satiety and Nutrient Intake in Women Who Regain Weight in the Postoperative Period After Bariatric Surgery.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the perception of hunger and satiety and its association with nutrient intake in women who regain weight in the postoperative period after bariatric surgery. METHODS Cross-sectional study of adult women divided into three groups: weight regain (n = 20), stable weight (n = 20) (both at least 24 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery), and non-operated obesity (n = 20). A visual analogue scale measured hunger/satiety perception while fasting, immediately after finishing a test meal, and 180 min after finishing the test meal. The incremental area above or under the curve was calculated. Food intake was analyzed by 3 days of food recall and adjusted for intraindividual variation. To make between-group comparisons, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and independent-samples T tests and Pearson's correlation were used. RESULTS There were no between-group differences in incremental areas of hunger/satiety, but protein intake was significantly lower among patients who regained weight compared with those who had stable body weight (0.99 ± 0.23 g/kg body weight vs. 1.17 ± 0.21 g/kg body weight, p = 0.047). In the group that regained weight, satiety was correlated positively with usual dietary protein density (r = 0.541; p = 0.017) and negatively with usual carbohydrate intake (r = - 0.663; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Women who regained weight presented similar perceptions of hunger/satiety to those of patients without weight regain and with non-operated obesity. In patients who regained weight postoperatively, satiety perception was correlated positively with usual dietary protein density and inversely with usual carbohydrate intake.

['Vieira|Flávio Teixeira|FT|', 'Faria|Silvia Leite Campos Martins|SLCM|http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7683-9521', 'Dutra|Eliane Said|ES|', 'Ito|Marina Kiyomi|MK|', 'Reis|Caio Eduardo Gonçalves|CEG|', 'da Costa|Teresa Helena Macedo|THM|', 'de Carvalho|Kênia Mara Baiocchi|KMB|']

2019

25693450

Solvatochromic shifts of Br₂ and I₂ in water cages of type 5¹², 5¹²6², 5¹²6³, and 5¹²6⁴.

Despite the relatively small size of molecular bromine and iodine, the physicochemical behavior in different solvents is not yet fully understood, in particular when excited-state properties are sought. In this work, we investigate isolated halogen molecules trapped in clathrate hydrate cages. Relativistic supermolecular calculations reveal that the environment shift to the excitation energies of the (nondegenerate) states 3Πu and 1Πu lie within a spread of 0.05 eV, respectively, suggesting that environment shifts can be estimated with scalar-relativistic treatments. As even scalar-relativistic calculations are problematic for excited-state calculations for clathrates with growing size and basis sets, we have applied the subsystem-based scheme frozen-density embedding, which avoids a supermolecular treatment. This allows for the calculation of excited states for extended clusters with coupled-cluster methods and basis sets of triple-zeta quality with additional diffuse functions mandatory for excited-state properties, as well as a facile treatment at scalar-relativistic exact two-component level of theory for the heavy atoms bromine and iodine. This simple approach yields scalar-relativistic estimates for solvatochromic shifts introduced by the clathrate cages.

['Middendorf|Nils|N|', 'Krause|Katharina|K|', 'Höfener|Sebastian|S|']

2015

33473058

ErbB2 copy number gain is associated with adverse outcome in canine mammary carcinoma.

Copy number gain (CNG) and/or protein overexpression of ErbB2 have been observed in human breast cancer patients and are associated with poor prognosis. Similarly, ErbB2 overexpression has also been observed in canine mammary carcinoma; however, data on ErbB2 copy number is limited. The purposes of this study were to evaluate ErbB2 copy number in dogs with mammary carcinoma and to investigate associations of ErbB2 CNG with ErbB2 expression, histological and clinical characteristics, and survival. DNA samples were isolated from 59 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded canine mammary gland tissues (34 carcinoma, 14 adenoma, and 11 normal). Using a digital PCR assay, the ErbB2 copy number in these samples was determined as compared to a reference gene on canine chromosome 8. ErbB2 CNG was detected in 14/34 (41%) carcinomas and 2/14 (14%) adenomas. ErbB2 overexpression was observed in 3/34 (9%) carcinomas but not in adenomas. Neither ErbB2 CNG nor ErbB2 overexpression were detected in the normal controls. There was no significant association of the ErbB2 CNG with histological and clinical characteristics such as age, neutered status, histological grade, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and clinical stage in the dogs with mammary carcinoma. The presence of ErbB2 CNG, but not ErbB2 overexpression, was significantly related to the shorter overall survival. These findings suggest that ErbB2 CNG is a prognostic factor in dogs with mammary carcinoma.

['Sakai|Kosei|K|', 'Chambers|James Ken|JK|', 'Uchida|Kazuyuki|K|', 'Nakagawa|Takayuki|T|', 'Nishimura|Ryohei|R|', 'Yonezawa|Tomohiro|T|', 'Maeda|Shingo|S|']

2021

34732252

Dysregulated expression levels of APH1B in peripheral blood are associated with brain atrophy and amyloid-β deposition in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND The interaction between the brain and periphery might play a crucial role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Using blood transcriptomic profile data from two independent AD cohorts, we performed expression quantitative trait locus (cis-eQTL) analysis of 29 significant genetic loci from a recent large-scale genome-wide association study to investigate the effects of the AD genetic variants on gene expression levels and identify their potential target genes. We then performed differential gene expression analysis of identified AD target genes and linear regression analysis to evaluate the association of differentially expressed genes with neuroimaging biomarkers. RESULTS A cis-eQTL analysis identified and replicated significant associations in seven genes (APH1B, BIN1, FCER1G, GATS, MS4A6A, RABEP1, TRIM4). APH1B expression levels in the blood increased in AD and were associated with entorhinal cortical thickness and global cortical amyloid-β deposition. CONCLUSION An integrative analysis of genetics, blood-based transcriptomic profiles, and imaging biomarkers suggests that APH1B expression levels in the blood might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD.

['Park|Young Ho|YH|0000-0002-2756-1786', 'Pyun|Jung-Min|JM|', 'Hodges|Angela|A|', 'Jang|Jae-Won|JW|', 'Bice|Paula J|PJ|', 'Kim|SangYun|S|', 'Saykin|Andrew J|AJ|', 'Nho|Kwangsik|K|0000-0002-7624-3872', '|||']

2021

26871983

Influence of a Brazilian wild green propolis on the enamel mineral loss and Streptococcus mutans' count in dental biofilm.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the anti-demineralizing and antibacterial effects of a propolis ethanolic extract (EEP) against Streptococcus mutans dental biofilm. DESIGN Blocks of sound bovine enamel (n=24) were fixed on polystyrene plates. S. mutans inoculum (ATCC 25175) and culture media were added (48 h-37 °C) to form biofilm. Blocks with biofilm received daily treatment (30 μL/1 min), for 5 days, as following: G1 (EEP 33.3%); G2 (chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12%); G3 (ethanol 80%); and G4 (Milli-Q water). G5 and G6 were blocks without biofilm that received only EEP and Milli-Q water, respectively. Final surface hardness was evaluated and the percentage of hardness loss (%HL) was calculated. The EEP extract pH and total solids were determined. S. mutans count was expressed by log10 scale of Colony-Forming Units (CFU/mL). One way ANOVA was used to compare results which differed at a 95% significance level. RESULTS G2 presented the lowest average %HL value (68.44% ± 12.98) (p=0.010), while G4 presented the highest (90.49% ± 5.38%HL) (p=0.007). G1 showed %HL (84.41% ± 2.77) similar to G3 (87.80% ± 6.89) (p=0.477). Groups G5 and G6 presented %HL=16.11% ± 7.92 and 20.55% ± 10.65; respectively (p=0.952). G1 and G4 differed as regards to S. mutans count: 7.26 ± 0.08 and 8.29 ± 0.17 CFU/mL, respectively (p=0.001). The lowest bacterial count was observed in chlorhexidine group (G2=6.79 ± 0.10 CFU/mL) (p=0.043). There was no difference between S. mutans count of G3 and G4 (p=0.435). The EEP showed pH 4.8 and total soluble solids content=25.9 Brix. CONCLUSION The EEP seems to be a potent antibacterial substance against S. mutans dental biofilm, but presented no inhibitory action on the de-remineralization of caries process.

['Cardoso|Julia Gabiroboertz|JG|', 'Iorio|Natalia Lopes Pontes|NL|', 'Rodrigues|Luís Fernando|LF|', 'Couri|Maria Luiza Barra|ML|', 'Farah|Adriana|A|', 'Maia|Lucianne Cople|LC|', 'Antonio|Andréa Gonçalves|AG|']

2016

31920533

Structural Insights Into TDP-43 and Effects of Post-translational Modifications.

Transactive response DNA binding protein (TDP-43) is a key player in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have gathered and presented structural information on the different regions of TDP-43 with high resolution structures available. A thorough understanding of TDP-43 structure, effect of modifications, aggregation and sites of localization is necessary as we develop therapeutic strategies targeting TDP-43 for neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss how different domains as well as post-translational modification may influence TDP-43 overall structure, aggregation and droplet formation. The primary aim of the review is to utilize structural insights as we develop an understanding of the deleterious behavior of TDP-43 and highlight locations of established and proposed post-translation modifications. TDP-43 structure and effect on localization is paralleled by many RNA-binding proteins and this review serves as an example of how structure may be modulated by numerous compounding elements.

['François-Moutal|Liberty|L|', 'Perez-Miller|Samantha|S|', 'Scott|David D|DD|', 'Miranda|Victor G|VG|', 'Mollasalehi|Niloufar|N|', 'Khanna|May|M|']

2019

29303021

Therapeutic effect of acetazolamide, an aquaporin 1 inhibitor, on adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by inhibiting NF-κB signal pathway.

OBJECTIVES Previous studies have shown that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is up-regulated in synovium and cartilage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and that AQP1 may be involved in joint swelling and synovial inflammation. This study was aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of acetazolamide (AZ, an AQP1 inhibitor) on rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and explore its related mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rat AIA was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. The effect of AZ on rat AIA was evaluated by secondary hind paw swelling, arthritis index, TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels and histological examination of ankle joint. Proteoglycans expression and mRNA levels of type-II collagen (COII) and aggrecan in cartilage were measured by alcian blue staining and real-time PCR, respectively. The protein levels of AQP1, IκBα, phospho-IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in synovial tissues were detected by western blot. RESULTS AZ treatment could inhibit secondary hind paw swelling and arthritis index, reduce serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, and ameliorate pathological changes of ankle joint in AIA rats. AZ increased proteoglycans production and mRNA levels of COII and aggrecan in cartilage tissues. Moreover, AZ decreased AQP1 protein level and suppressed the activation of NF-κB pathway in synovium, indicated by inhibiting the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα and reducing p-NF-κB p65 protein level. CONCLUSIONS AZ as an AQP1 inhibitor has a powerful therapeutic effect on rat AIA via inhibiting NF-κB activation, suggesting AQP1 inhibition might be of potential clinical interest in RA treatment.

['Cai|Li|L|', 'Chen|Wei-Na|WN|', 'Li|Rong|R|', 'Hu|Cheng-Mu|CM|', 'Lei|Chao|C|', 'Li|Chun-Mei|CM|']

2018

32964348

"I Live in This Neighborhood Too, Though": the Psychosocial Effects of Gentrification on Low-Income Black Men Living in Washington, D.C.

Gentrification-the process by which middle-class individuals (often White) move into lower-income neighborhoods (often Black), consequently displacing existing residents and changing the neighborhood's social character-is a relatively new and rapid phenomenon in Washington, DC. From 2000 to 2010, DC had the second fastest rate of gentrification in the USA. Gentrification is a major and disproportionate source of disadvantage for low-income Black DC residents. In light of the relative dearth of psychological research focused on gentrification, this study sought to answer the following research questions: What are Black men's experiences with gentrification in DC and how are Black men psychosocially affected by the gentrification of their neighborhoods? Data used in this study were obtained in Fall 2013 via nine semi-structured focus groups from nine DC neighborhood clusters. Participants were 83 self-identified Black men between the ages of 18 and 48 (M = 29.96, SD = 6.90) who reported predominantly low socioeconomic status. Black men's experiences with gentrification in DC included experiencing changing demographics and spaces, being discriminated against by police, blaming the Black community for gentrification and displacement and recognizing the positives of gentrification. Gentrification had negative psychosocial effects on participants, including race-based social exclusion, restricted mobility, reduced social cohesion and sense of community belonging, loss of control, and internalized blame. It is imperative that psychologists and other health professionals recognize and further explore the psychosocial and health consequences of gentrification on longtime Black residents and promote solutions to reduce the stress associated with this understudied driver of racial/ethnic health inequities.

['Holt|Sidney L|SL|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9315-7423', 'Del Río-González|Ana María|AM|', 'Massie|Jenné S|JS|', 'Bowleg|Lisa|L|']

2021

28731842

Role of Pepsin and Oropharyngeal pH-Monitoring to Assess the Postoperative Outcome of Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Results of a Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of salivary pepsin and oropharyngeal pH-monitoring to assess the surgical outcome of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty consecutive patients with LPR despite proton pump inhibitor treatment received laparoscopic antireflux surgery. Twenty-four hour esophageal pH-monitoring (multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring [MII]-pH) and esophageal manometry (high-resolution manometry) data were documented preoperatively and at 3-month follow-up. An ears, nose and throat (ENT) examination was performed, including assessment of Belafsky Reflux Finding Score (RFS). Clinical symptoms were evaluated with the Belafsky Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Simultaneous to the MII-pH and collection of saliva samples, detection of oropharyngeal reflux events was performed. Treatment failure was defined as postoperative pathologic RFS or RSI score and improvement of GIQLI of <10 points, despite showing a normal DeMeester score. RESULTS At baseline, all patients had a pathological ENT examination, RSI score, and MII-pH data. All patients showed postoperatively a normal DeMeester score (mean 6.39 ± 4.87). Five patients were defined as treatment failures with a change of pepsin concentration from median 157.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0-422) to 180.7 (95% CI: 0-500). In patients defined as treatment success, median pepsin value decreased from 206.3 (95% CI: 89-278) to 76.0 (95% CI: 55-205); (P = .093). Oropharyngeal pH-monitoring data showed no significant change in both groups. CONCLUSION Salivary pepsin could be a marker for treatment success, while oropharyngeal pH-monitoring seems to be inadequate in these terms. However, larger studies are required to reach firm conclusions.

['Weitzendorfer|Michael|M|', 'Pfandner|Richard|R|', 'Antoniou|Stavros A|SA|', 'Langsteger|Werner|W|', 'Witzel|Kai|K|', 'Emmanuel|Klaus|K|', 'Koch|Oliver O|OO|']

2017

33389028

Pre-procedural predictive factors of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after thrombectomy in stroke.

OBJECTIVE Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) is a common complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) associated with limited treatments and poor outcomes. We aimed to identify predictive factors of sICH in patients with AIS following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in a real-world setting. METHODS Patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with MT were consecutively included in a prospective monocentric cohort. Clinical, biological, and radiological parameters were collected to identify pre-procedural predictors for sICH. RESULTS 637 patients were included in our study. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on most patients (86.7%). sICH occurred in 55 patients (8.6%). 428 patients (67.2%) were treated with intravenous thrombolysis. After multivariate analysis, prior use of antiplatelet therapies (odd ratio (OR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-3.32), high C-reactive protein (OR per standard deviation (SD) increase 1.28, 95% 1.01-1.63), elevated mean arterial blood pressure (OR per 10 mmHg increase 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.44), hyperglycemia (OR per one SD-log increase 1.38, 95% CI 1.02-1.87), and low ASPECTS (OR per 1-point decrease 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.80) were found to be independent predictive factors of sICH. The pre-procedural predictors did not change when the absence of successful recanalization was considered as a covariate. Patients with strokes of unknown onset time were not especially vulnerable for sICH. CONCLUSION sICH after MT was associated with several pre-procedural risk factors: prior use of antiplatelet therapies, high C-reactive protein and hyperglycemia at baseline, elevated mean arterial blood pressure, and low ASPECTS.

['Venditti|Laura|L|', 'Chassin|Olivier|O|', 'Ancelet|Claire|C|', 'Legris|Nicolas|N|', 'Sarov|Mariana|M|', 'Lapergue|Bertrand|B|', 'Mihalea|Cristian|C|', 'Ozanne|Augustin|A|', 'Gallas|Sophie|S|', 'Cortese|Jonathan|J|', 'Chalumeau|Vanessa|V|', 'Ikka|Leon|L|', 'Caroff|Jildaz|J|', 'Labreuche|Julien|J|', 'Spelle|Laurent|L|', 'Denier|Christian|C|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2087-5563']

2021

32063239

Outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Ghana, 2015: degree of losses and outcomes of time-course outbreak management.

This retrospective study highlights the degree of losses and time-course through which the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Ghana were managed. A total of 102 760 birds from 35 farms across five regions in Ghana included in this study were affected. Out of this, 89.3% was from the Greater Accra region. Majority of the birds were culled (94.2%). Adult layers were most affected and destroyed (64.0%), followed by broilers (13.7%). Event initiation to reporting averaged 7.7 ± 1.3 days (range: 1-30 days). Laboratory confirmation to depopulation of birds averaged 2.2 ± 0.5 (0-15) days while depopulation to disinfection took 2.2 ± 0.7 (0-20) days. Overall, some farms took as long as 30 days to report the outbreak to the authorities, 15 days from confirmation to depopulation and 20 days from depopulation to disinfection. On average, outbreak management lasted 12.3 (2-43) days from event initiation to depopulation. The study reveals a significant number of avian losses and delays in HPAI reporting and management by the authorities in Ghana during the 2015 outbreak. This poses a high risk of spread to other farms and a threat to public health. Awareness creation for poultry farmers is necessary for early reporting, while further study is required to set thresholds for the management of such outbreaks by veterinary departments.

['Tasiame|W|W|', 'Johnson|S|S|', 'Burimuah|V|V|', 'Akyereko|E|E|', 'El-Duah|P|P|', 'Amemor|E|E|', 'Emikpe|B O|BO|', 'Owiredu|E W|EW|0000-0003-4499-0678']

2020

27698067

Cardiac Consequences of Autonomic Dysreflexia in Spinal Cord Injury.

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD), which describes episodic hypertension, is highly prevalent in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). In non-SCI, primary hypertension depresses cardiac contractile reserve via β-adrenergic mechanisms. In this study, we investigated whether AD contributes to the impairment in cardiac contractile function that accompanies SCI. We induced SCI in rodents and stratified them into sham, SCI, or SCI plus repetitive induction of AD. At 6-week post-SCI, we assessed cardiac function using in vivo (speckle-tracking echocardiography), ex vivo (working heart), and molecular approaches (Western blot). We also provide unique translational insight by comparing the relationship between the number of daily AD events and cardiac function in 14 individuals with cervical SCI. We found SCI and SCI plus repetitive induction of AD exhibited a reduction in left ventricular dimensions at 6-week post-SCI versus preinjury (P<0.049). Compared with sham, SCI exhibited a reduction in peak radial strain along with a down and rightward shift in the Starling curve (P<0.037), both of which were further depressed in SCI plus repetitive induction of AD (P<0.042). In response to β-adrenergic stimulation, SCI plus repetitive induction of AD exhibited an attenuated increase in contractile indices (P<0.001), despite no differences in β-receptor expression within the left ventricle. Our clinical data confirm our experimental findings by demonstrating significant associations between the number of daily AD events and markers of systolic and diastolic function along with left ventricular mechanics. Here, we provide the first evidence from a translational perspective that AD exerts insidious effects on cardiac function in rodents and humans with SCI.

['West|Christopher R|CR|', 'Squair|Jordan W|JW|', 'McCracken|Laura|L|', 'Currie|Katharine D|KD|', 'Somvanshi|Rishi|R|', 'Yuen|Violet|V|', 'Phillips|Aaron A|AA|', 'Kumar|Ujendra|U|', 'McNeill|John H|JH|', 'Krassioukov|Andrei V|AV|']

2016

30339981

Methylsulfonylmethane (organic sulfur) induces apoptosis and decreases invasiveness of prostate cancer cells.

A major challenge in the management of prostate cancer (PC) is to limit tumor growth and metastases. Targeted therapies applying natural compounds might be potentially useful in PC treatment. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as organic sulfur, is a dietary supplement used for various clinical purposes, mostly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the effect of MSM on PC cells LNCaP, PC3 and DU-145 which represent different in vitro models of PC. We observed that MSM decreases the viability and invasiveness of PC cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 cell cycle phase. Moreover, MSM in a low dose (200 mM) is able to reduce the migration and invasion of PC cells. Considering the low overall body toxicity and insignificant side effects of MSM, its apoptosis-inducing properties might be used in PC treatment in the future.

['Kowalska|Karolina|K|', 'Habrowska-Górczyńska|Dominika Ewa|DE|', 'Domińska|Kamila|K|', 'Urbanek|Kinga Anna|KA|', 'Piastowska-Ciesielska|Agnieszka Wanda|AW|']

2018

33968105

Comparative Genomics and Transcriptomics of the Extreme Halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora Provides Insights Into Salinity Tolerance Differentiation Between Halophytes and Glycophytes.

Halophytes and glycophytes exhibit clear differences in their tolerance to high levels of salinity. The genetic mechanisms underlying this differentiation, however, remain unclear. To unveil these mechanisms, we surveyed the evolution of salinity-tolerant gene families through comparative genomic analyses between the model halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora and glycophytic Gramineae plants, and compared their transcriptional and physiological responses to salinity stress. Under salinity stress, the K+ concentration in the root was slightly enhanced in P. tenuiflora, but it was greatly reduced in the glycophytic Gramineae plants, which provided a physiological explanation for differences in salinity tolerance between P. tenuiflora and these glycophytes. Interestingly, several K+ uptake gene families from P. tenuiflora experienced family expansion and positive selection during evolutionary history. This gene family expansion and the elevated expression of K+ uptake genes accelerated K+ accumulation and decreased Na+ toxicity in P. tenuiflora roots under salinity stress. Positively selected P. tenuiflora K+ uptake genes may have evolved new functions that contributed to development of P. tenuiflora salinity tolerance. In addition, the expansion of the gene families involved in pentose phosphate pathway, sucrose biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis assisted the adaptation of P. tenuiflora to survival under high salinity conditions.

['Guo|Rui|R|', 'Zhao|Long|L|', 'Zhang|Kaijian|K|', 'Lu|Huiying|H|', 'Bhanbhro|Nadeem|N|', 'Yang|Chunwu|C|']

2021

27386385

Strong convergence theorems for a common zero of a finite family of H-accretive operators in Banach space.

The aim of this paper is to study a finite family of H-accretive operators and prove common zero point theorems of them in Banach space. The results presented in this paper extend and improve the corresponding results of Zegeye and Shahzad (Nonlinear Anal 66:1161-1169, 2007), Liu and He (J Math Anal Appl 385:466-476, 2012) and the related results.

['He|Huimin|H|', 'Liu|Sanyang|S|', 'Chen|Rudong|R|']

2016

34567298

Model-based iterative reconstruction in paediatric head computed tomography: a pilot study on dose reduction in children.

Purpose To evaluate the potential of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR) on dose reduction and image quality in children undergoing computed tomography (CT) head examinations. Material and methods This prospective study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 88 children (age range of 5 to 16 years) with a history of seizures underwent contrast-enhanced CT scan. Forty-one children underwent CT study according to the MBIR technique, while 47 children underwent CT of the head with the non-MBIR protocol. Images were reviewed by 2 blinded paediatric radiologists in a random order. Mean dose-length product, CT dose index (CTDI) volume, and mean effective dose were recorded for both groups. Image quality, image noise, and diagnostic acceptability of 2 image sets were also recorded. Results In the MBIR group, the mean dose-length product was reduced by 79.8%; the mean CTDI volume was reduced by 88.5%, while the mean effective dose was reduced by 81% when compared to the non-MBIR group. No significant difference was seen in diagnostic acceptability, image noise, and image quality between the 2 groups. Conclusions MBIR technique is highly effective in reducing radiation dose in paediatric head CT examinations without any significant difference in image quality, image noise, and diagnostic acceptability.

['Atri|Pardeep K|PK|', 'Sodhi|Kushaljit S|KS|', 'Bhatia|Anmol|A|', 'Saxena|Akshay K|AK|', 'Khandelwal|Niranjan|N|', 'Singhi|Pratibha|P|']

2021

31626890

Behavioral and physiological responses to stocking density in sea bream (Sparus aurata): Do coping styles matter?

Stocking density is considered a stress factor for fish and is therefore one of the numerous concerns about fish welfare in an aquaculture context. Stress coping styles (SCS) are defined as a coherent set of individual physiological and behavioral differences in stress responses that are consistent across time and context and appear to be promising for improving fish welfare in aquaculture. The aim of the present study was to describe the physiological and zootechnical performances of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) at different stocking densities (low density, LD: 15 kg/m3 and high density, HD: 30 kg/m3), depending on individual SCS. To do so, the fish SCS were first screened by measuring boldness (prior to the experiment). Three consecutive samplings were performed over the experiment to measure several blood parameters, including hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBCC), hemoglobin (Hb), cortisol, adrenalin, noradrenalin, glucose, lactate, and lysozyme, to infer the consequence of the SCS profile on the welfare condition in response to stocking density. Finally, swimming activity was recorded in a subsample of individuals (9 BOLD and 9 SHY individuals per density), and BOLD individuals displayed higher swimming activity than SHY ones at HD, while the opposite pattern was observed at LD. According to principal component analysis, physiological parameters are linked to the SCS profile, mostly at the beginning of the experiment, while density effects on physiology remain during the entire experiment duration. In conclusion, regarding all the variables observed, fish SCS appeared to be promising criteria to select the most adaptive individuals relating to rearing conditions and therefore improve welfare.

['Carbonara|Pierluigi|P|', 'Alfonso|Sebastien|S|', 'Zupa|Walter|W|', 'Manfrin|Amedeo|A|', 'Fiocchi|Eleonora|E|', 'Pretto|Tobia|T|', 'Spedicato|Maria Teresa|MT|', 'Lembo|Giuseppe|G|']

2019

34802783

Longitudinal associations between objective and perceived healthy food environment and diet: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION Research examining the influence of neighborhood healthy food environment on diet has been mostly cross-sectional and has lacked robust characterization of the food environment. We examined longitudinal associations between features of the local food environment and healthy diet, and whether associations were modified by race/ethnicity. METHODS Data on 3634 adults aged 45-84 followed for 10 years were obtained from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index at Exam 1 (2000-2002) and Exam 5 (2010-2012). We assessed four measures of the local food environment using survey-based measures (e.g. perceptions of healthier food availability) and geographic information system (GIS)-based measures (e.g. distance to and density of healthier food stores) at Exam 1 and Exam 5. Random effects models adjusted for age, sex, education, moving status, per capita adjusted income, and neighborhood socioeconomic status, and used interaction terms to assess effect measure modification by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Net of confounders, one standard z-score higher average composite local food environment was associated with higher average AHEI diet score (β=1.39, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.73) over the follow-up period from Exam 1 to 5. This pattern of association was consistent across both GIS-based and survey-based measures of local food environment and was more pronounced among minoritized racial/ethnic groups. There was no association between changes in neighborhood environment and change in AHEI score, or effect measure modification by race/ethnicity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that neighborhood-level food environment is associated with better diet quality, especially among racially/ethnically minoritized populations.

['Gao|Xing|X|', 'Engeda|Joseph|J|', 'Moore|Latetia V|LV|', 'Auchincloss|Amy H|AH|', 'Moore|Kari|K|', 'Mujahid|Mahasin S|MS|']

2021

31476717

Self-assembled "bridge" substance for organochlorine pesticides detection in solution based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering.

Pesticide residues pose a great threat to human health, and it is an urgent matter to realize fast and accurate detection of pesticide. SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering), as a nondestructive detection technology, performs a prominent role in fast detection field due to the strong surface plasmon resonance from short range effect between analyte and nanoparticle. Therefore, in order to solve the incompatibility between organochlorine pesticides molecules and noble metal nanoparticles, this paper proposed a concept of "bridge" substances acting as an interconnect function role to achieve a binding model (object-binder-metal (OBM)) and developed a droplet concentration method to enhance Raman signals. Both combination mode of pesticide molecules to bridge molecules and energy transfer of SERS experiment may relate to the compound ring according to the changes of peaks based on surface plasmon resonance. The selectivity and stability of different bridge substances interacting with pesticides molecules were illumined via binding energy of these two substances obtained by DFT calculations. A droplet can capture nanoparticles and analytes, which is conducive to SERS performance. Chloride ions in the solution contribute to rearrangement of nanoparticles and can validly promote surface activation of Ag nanoparticles to improve energy transfer efficiency of plasma resonance, resulting in superior SERS effect.

['Zhang|De||', 'Liang|Pei|P|', 'Yu|Zhi|Z|', 'Xia|Jing|J|', 'Ni|Dejiang|D|', 'Wang|Dan|D|', 'Zhou|Yongfeng|Y|', 'Cao|Yu|Y|', 'Chen|Jie|J|', 'Chen|Jinlei|J|', 'Jin|Shangzhong|S|']

2020

33683500

Rapamycin synergizes the cytotoxic effects of MEK inhibitor binimetinib and overcomes acquired resistance to therapy in melanoma cell lines in vitro.

Objective The problem of drug resistance to BRAF-targeted therapy often occurs in melanoma treatment. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the mechanisms of acquired resistance and a potential target for treatment. In the current research, we investigated that dual inhibition of mTOR and MEK synergistically reduced the viability of melanoma cells in vitro. Methods A combination of rapamycin (a macrolide immunosuppressant, mTOR inhibitor) and binimetinib (an anti-cancer small molecule, selective inhibitor of MEK) was studied using a panel of melanoma cell lines, including patient-derived cells. Results It was found, that combinatorial therapy of rapamycin (250 nM) and binimetinib (2 μM) resulted in 25% of cell viability compared to either rapamycin (85%) or binimetinib alone (50%) for A375 and vemurafenib-resistant Mel IL/R cells. The suppressed activation of mTOR and MEK by combined rapamycin and binimetinib treatment was confirmed using Western blot assay. Cell death occured via the apoptosis pathway; however, the combination treatment significantly increased the apoptosis only for Mel IL/R cells. The enhanced cytotoxic effect was also associated with enhanced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Conclusion In general, we provide the evidence that dual inhibition of mTOR and MEK could be promising for further preclinical investigations.

['Ryabaya|Oxana O|OO|0000-0001-6295-3497', 'Abramov|Ivan S|IS|', 'Khochenkov|Dmitry A|DA|', 'Akasov|Roman|R|', 'Sholina|Nataly V|NV|', 'Prokofieva|Anastasia A|AA|']

2021

34568108

Working on dreams, from neuroscience to psychotherapy.

Within the current clinical practice, the debate on the use of dream is still very topical. In this article, the author suggests to address this question with a notable scientific and cultural openness that embraces either the psychoanalytic approach (classical, modern and intersubjective), and the neurophysiological assumptions and both clinical research and cognitive hypotheses. The utility of dream - in the clinical work with patients - is supported by the author with extensive bibliographic references and personal clinical insights, drawn from his experience as a psychotherapist. Results: From an analysis of recent literature on this topic, the dream assumes a very different function and position in the clinical practice: from 'via regia to the unconscious' of Freudian theories - an expression of repressed infantile wishes of libidinal or aggressive drive nature - it becomes the very fulcrum of the analysis, a fundamental capacity to be developed, a necessary and decisive element for the patient's transformation. The dream can also be use with the function of thinking and mentalization, of problem solving, of adaptation, as well as an indicator of the relationship with the therapist in the analytic dialogue or of dissociated aspects of the self. Finally, the author proposes a challenging reading of the clinical relevance of dream: through listening to the dream, the clinician can help the patient to stand in the spaces of his own self in a more open and fluid way and therefore to know himself better, to regulate his affects, to think and to integrate oneself. A dream which is not interpreted is like a letter which is not read (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Berakhòt, folio 55a) A man is shown [a dream] only from the thoughts of his heart (Babylonian Talmud, tractate Berakhòt, folio 55b).

['Caviglia|Giorgio|G|']

2021

29033513

The Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS3-786T>C) Genetic Polymorphism in Chronic Heart Failure: Effects of Mutant -786C allele on Long-term Mortality.

BACKGROUND Nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of basal vascular tone and cardiac myocyte function. We investigated the NOS3-786T>C polymorphism in chronic heart failure (CHF) and its effects on long-term mortality. METHODS Ninety-one patients with CHF who were referred to the Department of Cardiology of Siyami Ersek Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Center for cardiopulmonary exercise testing between April 2001 and January 2004 and 30 controls were enrolled in this study. Patient were followed prospectively for a period of 1 to 12 years. RESULTS Patients and controls were divided into three groups: TT, TC and CC, according to their NOS3-786T>C polymorphism. We noted that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution between patients and controls. There was also no significant difference in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism between ischemic HF and nonischemic HF. During the follow-up period, 61 (67%) deaths occurred. The nonsurvivor group had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.01), reduced peak oxygen consumption (p = 0.04) and were of older age (p = 0.001). Age, LVEF, peak oxygen consumption and genotype were found to be predictors of mortality (p < 0.05). Additionally, mortality was significantly increased in -786CC genotype patients compared to TT genotype patients (hazard ratio = 2.2; p = 0.03). By multivariate analysis, age and eNOS genotype were determined to be significant independent predictors of death. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that homozygote -786C genotype was associated with an increased risk of death (χ2 = 4.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that the NOS3-786T>C polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with CHF.

['Terzi|Sait|S|', 'Emre|Ayşe|A|', 'Yesilcimen|Kemal|K|', 'Yazıcı|Selçuk|S|', 'Erdem|Aysun|A|', 'Sadik Ceylan|Ufuk|U|', 'Ciloglu|Figen|F|']

2017

32772378

Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector PITG20303 targets a potato MKK1 protein to suppress plant immunity.

Pathogens secret a plethora of effectors into the host cell to modulate plant immunity. Analysing the role of effectors in altering the function of their host target proteins will reveal critical components of the plant immune system. Here we show that Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector PITG20303, a virulent variant of AVRblb2 (PITG20300) that escapes recognition by the resistance protein Rpi-blb2, suppresses PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) and promotes pathogen colonization by targeting and stabilizing a potato MAPK cascade protein, StMKK1. Both PITG20300 and PITG20303 target StMKK1, as confirmed by multiple in vivo and in vitro assays, and StMKK1 was shown to be a negative regulator of plant immunity, as determined by overexpression and gene silencing. StMKK1 is a negative regulator of plant PTI, and the kinase activities of StMKK1 are required for its suppression of PTI and effector interaction. PITG20303 depends partially on MKK1, PITG20300 does not depend on MKK1 for suppression of PTI-induced reactive oxygen species burst, while the full virulence activities of nuclear targeted PITG20303 and PITG20300 are dependent on MKK1. Our results show that PITG20303 and PITG20300 target and stabilize the plant MAPK cascade signalling protein StMKK1 to negatively regulate plant PTI response.

['Du|Yu|Y|0000-0002-3512-0200', 'Chen|Xiaokang|X|', 'Guo|Yalu|Y|', 'Zhang|Xiaojiang|X|', 'Zhang|Houxiao|H|', 'Li|Fangfang|F|', 'Huang|Guiyan|G|', 'Meng|Yuling|Y|', 'Shan|Weixing|W|0000-0001-7286-4041']

2021

25179930

Quality assurance study of caries risk assessment performance by clinical faculty members in a school of dentistry.

The goal of this quality assurance study was to explore the decision making of clinical faculty members at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry predoctoral dental clinic in terms of caries risk level assignment using the caries risk assessment (CRA) as part of the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) concept. This research was done in part to determine if additional training and calibration were needed for these faculty members. The study tested the reliability and reproducibility of the caries risk levels assigned by different clinical teachers who completed CRA forms for simulated patients. In the first step, five clinical teachers assigned caries risk levels for thirteen simulated patients. Six months later, the same five plus an additional nine faculty members assigned caries risk levels to the same thirteen simulated and nine additional cases. While the intra-examiner reliability with weighted kappa strength of agreement was very high, the inter-examiner agreements with a gold standard were on average only moderate. In total, 20 percent of the presented high caries risk cases were underestimated at caries levels too low, even when obvious caries disease indicators were present. This study suggests that more consistent training and calibration of clinical faculty members as well as students are needed.

['Rechmann|Peter|P|', 'Featherstone|John D B|JD|']

2014

33742298

Influence of microphytobenthos on the sedimentary organic matter composition in two contrasting estuarine microhabitats.

The influence of microphytobenthic community on the composition of sedimentary organic matter was evaluated in two Bahía Blanca estuary microhabitats contrasting in vegetation and hydrodynamic conditions; namely, S1 located in a Sarcocornia perennis saltmarsh with macroscopic microbial mats and S2 in a mudflat without macroscopic microbial mats or vegetation. Moisture, organic matter, chlorophyll a, phaeopigments, carbohydrates (CH), proteins (PRT), and abundance and structure of microphytobenthic community were evaluated in surface sediments. Higher moisture was observed at S2 and was related to the proximity of this site to the subtidal zone and the effect of the environmental variables temperature and rain. No significant differences were found in organic matter content between sites; however, at S1, a higher concentration was registered during winter and early spring associated to the period of higher microphytobenthic biomass. Chlorophyll a and phaeopigments were higher at S1, attributed to the higher microphytobenthos abundance at this site. Differences in microphytobenthos were observed not only in quantity but also in community structure since at S1 filamentous cyanobacteria dominated the community, whereas at S2, higher abundance of centric diatoms and the absence of cyanobacteria were observed during most of the study. S1 showed higher concentration of proteins and carbohydrates which could be attributed to the higher production of fresh organic matter by microphytobenthos. The total protein and carbohydrate concentrations allowed us to classify both microhabitats into the meso-oligotrophic category, contrasting with the classification made by other authors using water column proxies.

['Fernández|Carolina|C|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2193-0536', 'Lara|Rubén J|RJ|', 'Parodi|Elisa R|ER|']

2021

33707187

Somatic GNAQ R183Q mutation is located within the sclera and episclera in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome.

AIMS To determine the correspondence between GNAQ R183Q (c.548G＞A) mutation in abnormal scleral tissue of patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma and explore the role of GNAQ R183Q in glaucoma pathogenesis. METHODS Episcleral tissues were obtained from 8 patients: SWS secondary glaucoma (n=5) and primary congenital glaucoma (PCG, n=3). Scleral tissues were obtained from 7 patients: SWS secondary glaucoma (n=2), PCG (n=1) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (n=4). GNAQ R183Q mutation was detected in scleral tissue by droplet digital PCR. Tissue sections from SWS were examined by immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of p-ERK. RESULTS The GNAQ R183Q mutation was present in 100% of the SWS abnormal sclera. Five cases were SWS patient-derived episcleral tissue, and the mutant allelic frequencies range from 6.9% to 12.5%. The other two were deep scleral tissues and the mutant frequencies were 1.5% and 5.3%. No mutations in GNAQ R183 codon were found in the sclera of PCG and juvenile open-angle glaucoma. Increased expression of p-ERK and p-JNK was detected in the endothelial cells of SWS abnormal scleral blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS GNAQ R183Q occurred in all abnormal scleral tissue of SWS secondary glaucoma. Increased expression of p-ERK and p-JNK in endothelial cells of blood vessels was detected in the abnormal scleral tissue. This study suggests GNAQ R183Q may regulate episcleral vessels of patients with SWS through abnormal activation of ERK and JNK, providing new genetic evidence of pathogenesis of glaucoma in SWS, and the dysplasia of scleral tissue in anterior segment may be used as an early diagnostic method or treatment targets to prevent the development and progression of glaucoma in patients with SWS.

['Wu|Yue|Y|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1929-4462', 'Peng|Cheng|C|', 'Huang|Lulu|L|', 'Xu|Li|L|', 'Ding|Xuming|X|', 'Liu|Yixin|Y|', 'Zeng|Changjuan|C|', 'Sun|Hao|H|', 'Guo|Wenyi|W|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1340-455X']

2021

26515929

Circadian clock-related genetic risk scores and risk of placental abruption.

INTRODUCTION The circadian clock plays an important role in several aspects of female reproductive biology. Evidence linking circadian clock-related genes to pregnancy outcomes has been inconsistent. We sought to examine whether variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of circadian clock genes are associated with PA risk. METHODS Maternal blood samples were collected from 470 PA case and 473 controls. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Cardio-MetaboChip platform. We examined 119 SNPs in 13 candidate genes known to control circadian rhythms (e.g., CRY2, ARNTL, and RORA). Univariate and penalized logistic regression models were fit to estimate odds ratios (ORs); and the combined effect of multiple SNPs on PA risk was estimated using a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS). RESULTS A common SNP in the RORA gene (rs2899663) was associated with a 21% reduced odds of PA (P < 0.05). The odds of PA increased with increasing wGRS (Ptrend < 0.001). The corresponding ORs were 1.00, 1.83, 2.81 and 5.13 across wGRS quartiles. Participants in the highest wGRS quartile had a 5.13-fold (95% confidence interval: 3.21-8.21) higher odds of PA compared to those in the lowest quartile. Although the test for interaction was not significant, the odds of PA was substantially elevated for preeclamptics with the highest wGRS quartile (OR = 14.44, 95%CI: 6.62-31.53) compared to normotensive women in the lowest wGRS quartile. DISCUSSION Genetic variants in circadian rhythm genes may be associated with PA risk. Larger studies are needed to corroborate these findings and to further elucidate the pathogenesis of this important obstetrical complication.

['Qiu|Chunfang|C|', 'Gelaye|Bizu|B|', 'Denis|Marie|M|', 'Tadesse|Mahlet G|MG|', 'Luque Fernandez|Miguel Angel|MA|', 'Enquobahrie|Daniel A|DA|', 'Ananth|Cande V|CV|', 'Sanchez|Sixto E|SE|', 'Williams|Michelle A|MA|']

2015

26364710

Development of self emulsifying lipid formulations of BCS class II drugs with low to medium lipophilicity.

Lipid-based formulations can be effective drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble chemical entities, provided they are designed with careful selection of the excipients, based on their role in the delivery system and in relation to drug properties. The primary factor leading to increased bioavailability is the administration of the drug in a pre-dissolved state thereby avoiding the dissolution limiting step. All model drugs tested (piroxicam, curcumin and nifedipine) belong to the same chemical space--small BCS class II molecules with logP ranging from 2 to 3. These drugs, exhibiting low to medium logP, are not soluble in lipophilic lipid-based excipients (e.g., vegetable oils). Water-soluble and water-dispersible surfactants are able to dissolve the target dose of each drug in the dosage form and efficiently keep it in solution during dispersion. In vitro digestion testing was necessary to discriminate formulations and enable selection of the most robust one. For each molecule, the system with the best performance during dispersion/digestion tests did not comprise the surfactant which delivered the highest solvent capacity for the drug. This study demonstrates the potential of surfactant-based formulations - i.e., Type IV systems from the lipid formulation classification system - for this type of hydrophobic drug.

['Jannin|Vincent|V|', 'Chevrier|Stéphanie|S|', 'Michenaud|Matthieu|M|', 'Dumont|Camille|C|', 'Belotti|Silvia|S|', 'Chavant|Yann|Y|', 'Demarne|Frédéric|F|']

2015

29058177

Cross tolerance in beet armyworm: long-term selection by cadmium broadens tolerance to other stressors.

Long lasting exposure of animals to stressing factor may lead to the selection of population able to cope with the stressor at lower cost than unexposed individuals. The aim of this study was to assess whether 130-generational selection of a beet armyworm to cadmium in food might have induced tolerance also to other stressors. The potential tolerance was assessed by means of unspecific stress markers: HSP70 concentration, DNA damage level, and energy budget indices in L5 larval instars of beet armyworm. The animals originated from Cd-exposed and control strains exposed additionally in a short-term experiment to high/low temperature or pesticide-spinosad. The application of the additional stressors caused, in general, an increase in the levels of studied parameters, in a strain-dependent manner. The most significant increase was found in HSP70 level in the individuals from the Cd-strain exposed to various spinosad concentration. Therefore, multigenerational contact with cadmium caused several changes that enable the insect to survive under a chronic stress, preparing the organism to the contact with an additional, new stressor. This relationship may be described as a sort of cross tolerance. This may, possibly, increase the probability of population survivorship and, at the same time, decrease the efficiency of pesticide-based plant protection efforts.

['Augustyniak|Maria|M|', 'Tarnawska|Monika|M|', 'Babczyńska|Agnieszka|A|', 'Kafel|Alina|A|', 'Zawisza-Raszka|Agnieszka|A|', 'Adamek|Bogumiła|B|', 'Płachetka-Bożek|Anna|A|']

2017

25411321

Applying compositional data methodology to nutritional epidemiology.

The purpose of epidemiological studies of nutrition and disease is to investigate the effects of specific dietary components regardless of total energy intake, but this is sometimes hampered by the compositional nature of dietary data. Compositional data are those that measure parts of a whole, such as percentages or proportions, and particular methodologies have been developed to allow their statistical analysis and theoretical and practical applications in various sciences. This paper describes the use of a compositional data perspective for statistical analyses in the field of nutritional epidemiology. The approach is based on isometric log-ratio transformation and has been previously proposed for the construction of regression models using compositional explanatory variables. The new isometric log-ratio variables allow full inferences about each element of dietary composition and adjustment by total energy intake. Using data from an Italian population-based study, logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the effects of the intake of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) on the odds of having metabolic syndrome in middle-aged subjects.

['Leite|Maria Léa Corrêa|ML|']

2016

31133357

LncRNA MALAT1 Promotes Lung Cancer Proliferation and Gefitinib Resistance by Acting as a miR-200a Sponge.

INTRODUCTION Lung cancer is a major public health problem, as the second causes of cancer related death worldwide, with relatively low survival rates, and accessible drug resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been identified as activator in lung cancer with elusive mechanisms. We aimed to detect the regulation of LncRNA MALAT1 in the proliferation and gefitinib resistance in lung cancer cells. METHODS MALAT1 in A549 and HCC 1299 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines was silenced by shRNA or overexpressed using plasmid, and the cell viability and cell proliferation were evaluated by MTT assay and soft agar colony formation assay. RNA levels were detected by RT-PCR, and the protein expression was measured by western blot. The binding between MALAT1 and miR-200a was validated by luciferase reporter assays using pSi-Chech 2 vectors. RESULTS The cell viability and proliferation of A549 cells transfected with MALAT1 shRNA were significantly lower than the control. The MALAT1 expression in gefitinib resistant A549 cells was upregulated. miR-200a significantly inhibited the fluorescence of pSi-Check 2 vector with MALAT1 gene, suggesting the direct binding between MALAT1 and miR-200a. In addition, LncRNA MALAT1 promotes ZEB1 expression in A549 cells. CONCLUSION Our study showed that MALAT1 promoted the proliferation and gefitinib resistance of lung cancer cells by sponging miR-200a, which regulates expression of ZEB1 in the A549 cells. This MALAT1/miR-200a axis could serve as new therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.

['Feng|Changjiang|C|', 'Zhao|Yi|Y|', 'Li|Yunjing|Y|', 'Zhang|Tong|T|', 'Ma|Yongfu|Y|', 'Liu|Yang|Y|']

2019

28766133

Prognostic significance of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratios in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are rare neuroendocrine pulmonary malignancies with poor survival. Towards the goal of identifying a useful prognostic marker for LCNEC, we examined the prognostic significance of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in LCNEC patients after complete resection. The NLR is a potential predictive indicator in other cancers and can be easily determined at low cost. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative clinical and laboratory data of patients who underwent complete resection for LCNEC between 1995 and 2014. Correlations between the preoperative NLR and clinicopathological parameters were determined to assess its prognostic significance. RESULTS Our study consisted of 26 patients, most of whom were men (88.5%) with a median age of 68.8 years. The median follow-up time was 54.4 months. Univariate analysis identified 3 clinically significant overall survival predictors: serum albumin level [≥4.0 g/dL (5-year overall survival rate; 80.0%) vs. <4.0 g/dL (30.0%), p = 0.048], pathological T stage [T1 and T2 (79.6%) vs. T3 and T4 (0%), p = 0.001], and preoperative NLR [<1.7 (90.9%) vs. ≥1.7 (51.7%), p = 0.012]. In a multivariate analysis, the NLR was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 8.559, 95% confidence interval 1.783-80.230, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS The preoperative NLR inversely correlates with post-resection survival rates in patients with LCNEC and thus is a viable prognostic marker in LCNEC.

['Okui|Masayuki|M|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0931-3321', 'Yamamichi|Takashi|T|', 'Asakawa|Ayaka|A|', 'Harada|Masahiko|M|', 'Saito|Makoto|M|', 'Horio|Hirotoshi|H|']

2017

29424193

Changes in quality of life and functional capacity after lung transplantation: A single-center experience.

Lung transplantation (LT) increases the life expectancy of patients affected by end stage pulmonary disease; specifically, its ultimate aims are to improve survival and health related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present longitudinal study was to determine the HRQoL trajectory and changes in functional capacity from time of entry in the waiting list for LT to 2 year after LT. The study included sixty-nine outpatients enrolled in a single medical center when they entered the waiting list for LT and who subsequently received it. They were then followed up over 2 years after LT. HRQoL was assessed by the physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Psychological distress was evaluated with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and functional capacity was investigated using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Patients showed low SF-36 PCS (30.5±7.8) and SGRQ total (61.8±17.5) scores at entry in the waiting list, but exhibited significant changes over time after LT (p<0.001). Furthermore, patients who showed an increase of at least 50% in SF36 PCS and SGRQ scores at 6 months survived longer. Both FEV1 and 6MWT distance as well as GHQ scores significantly changed over time, with improvements occurring in the first 6 months after LT but no major changes thereafter. Out of the 69 patients enrolled, 32 died over a median follow-up of 51 months. Although mortality tended to be slightly higher for patients with lower HRQoL at the baseline assessment, this difference was not statistically significant. HRQoL evaluations appear critical in the follow-up of LT candidates, in particularly SGRQ, because of its specificity in targeting respiratory symptoms and functional wellbeing.

['Ricotti|Susanna|S|', 'Martinelli|Valentina|V|', 'Caspani|Patrick|P|', 'Monteleone|Serena|S|', 'Petrucci|Lucia|L|', 'Dalla Toffola|Elena|E|', 'Klersy|Catherine|C|']

2017

33546512

Zinc Based Metal-Organic Frameworks as Ofloxacin Adsorbents in Polluted Waters: ZIF-8 vs. Zn3(BTC)2.

Two different zinc-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were investigated to remove one of the most used fluoroquinolone antibiotic, Ofloxacin (OFL), from polluted water. The most common zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and the green Zn(II) and benzene-1,3,5-tri-carboxylate (Zn3(BTC)2) were prepared through a facile synthetic route and characterized by means of Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses. The two MOFs were compared in terms of both adsorption and kinetic aspects under real conditions (tap water, natural pH). Results showed that OFL was adsorbed in remarkable amounts, 95 ± 10 and 25.3 ± 0.8 mg g-1 on ZIF-8 and Zn3(BTC)2, respectively, following different mechanisms. Specifically, a Langmuir model well described the ZIF-8 profile, while for Zn3(BTC)2, cooperative adsorption occurred. Moreover the kinetic results were quite different, pseudo-second-order and sigmoidal, respectively. The suitability of ZIF-8 and Zn3(BTC)2 as adsorbent phases for water depollution was tested on tap water samples spiked with OFL 10 µg L-1. The obtained removal efficiencies, of 88% for ZIF-8 and 72% for Zn3(BTC)2, make these materials promising candidates for removing fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) from polluted waters, notwithstanding their limited reusability in tap water, as demonstrated by in-depth characterization of the two MOFs after usage.

['Capsoni|Doretta|D|0000-0002-1064-7196', 'Guerra|Giulia|G|', 'Puscalau|Constantin|C|', 'Maraschi|Federica|F|0000-0002-7895-5291', 'Bruni|Giovanna|G|0000-0003-1958-2998', 'Monteforte|Francesco|F|', 'Profumo|Antonella|A|0000-0001-5697-9260', 'Sturini|Michela|M|0000-0002-8122-6188']

2021

26357000

IL-31 and IL-33 circulating levels in allergic contact dermatitis.

Enhanced IL-31 expression in skin biopsies is present in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). IL-33 expression is induced in keratinocytes and in skin of ACD patients. This overexpression is present in both allergic and irritant conditions. The aim of this work was to test the systemic involvement of IL-31 and IL-33 in ACD. IL-31 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls. IL-33 serum levels, on the contrary, were similar in patients and controls. This work shows a possible systemic involvement of IL-31 and the absence of a systemic involvement of IL-33 in ACD. IL-31 levels do not seem related to the allergen involved, and did not change on the strength of the allergen involved. More likely, IL-31 levels are related to the itch. IL-33, instead, is secreted from damaged or inflamed tissue and might function as an early warning system at the site of skin damage. In the future, IL-31 could be a possible therapeutic target of all pruritic skin diseases resistant to conventional therapies.

['Guarneri|F|F|', 'Minciullo|P L|PL|', 'Mannucci|C|C|', 'Calapai|F|F|', 'Saitta|S|S|', 'Cannavò|S P|SP|', 'Gangemi|S|S|']

2015

34024133

Stress minimization for lattice structures. Part I: Micro-structure design.

Lattice structures are periodic porous bodies which are becoming popular since they are a good compromise between rigidity and weight and can be built by additive manufacturing techniques. Their optimization has recently attracted some attention, based on the homogenization method, mostly for compliance minimization. The goal of our two-part work is to extend lattice optimization to stress minimization problems two-dimensionally. The present first part is devoted to the choice of a parametrized periodicity cell that will be used for structural optimization in the second part of our work. In order to avoid stress concentration, we propose a square cell microstructure with a super-ellipsoidal hole instead of the standard rectangular hole often used for compliance minimization. This type of cell is parametrized two-dimensionally by one orientation angle, two semi-axis and a corner smoothing parameter. We first analyse their influence on the stress amplification factor by performing some numerical experiments. Second, we compute the optimal corner smoothing parameter for each possible microstructure and macroscopic stress. Then, we average (with specific weights) the optimal smoothing exponent with respect to the macroscopic stress. Finally, to validate the results, we compare our optimal super-ellipsoidal hole with the Vigdergauz microstructure which is known to be optimal for stress minimization in some special cases. This article is part of the theme issue 'Topics in mathematical design of complex materials'.

['Ferrer|A|A|', 'Geoffroy-Donders|P|P|', 'Allaire|G|G|']

2021

24690066

Quetiapine XR-induced neutropenia: is a clozapine trial still possible for treatment-resistant schizophrenia? A case report.

AIM Our case report addresses the use of clozapine in patients who have a history of quetiapine XR-induced neutropenia. There are no current guidelines for this situation. METHODS We present the case of a young woman treated with clozapine at a first-episode psychosis clinic after a moderate quetiapine XR-induced neutropenia (0,5-1,0 × 10(9)  L(-1) ). RESULTS The patient was successfully treated with clozapine and lithium, with less psychotic symptoms and a better level of functioning. The neutrophil count remained normal during the treatment period, which has been longer than a year. CONCLUSION The outcome of this case supports the notion that clinicians could consider introducing clozapine in treatment-refractory patients who have a history of quetiapine XR-induced neutropenia, with close blood monitoring. Lithium co-administration may play a role in maintaining a normal neutrophil count.

['Crépeau-Gendron|Gabrielle|G|', "L'Heureux|Sophie|S|"]

2015

30840541

Stability and flexibility in multisensory sampling: insights from perceptual illusions.

Neural, oscillatory, and computational counterparts of multisensory processing remain a crucial challenge for neuroscientists. Converging evidence underlines a certain efficiency in balancing stability and flexibility of sensory sampling, supporting the general idea that multiple parallel and hierarchically organized processing stages in the brain contribute to our understanding of the (sensory/perceptual) world. Intriguingly, how temporal dynamics impact and modulate multisensory processes in our brain can be investigated benefiting from studies on perceptual illusions.

['Casartelli|Luca|L|']

2019

34546634

Coherent Evolution of Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange in Two Alternating Fields (alt-SABRE).

Parahydrogen (pH2 ) is a convenient and cost-efficient source of spin order to enhance the magnetic resonance signal. Previous work showed that transient interaction of pH2 with a metal organic complex in a signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) experiment enabled more than 10 % polarization for some 15 N molecules. Here, we analyzed a variant of SABRE, consisting of a magnetic field alternating between a low field of ∼1 μT, where polarization transfer is expected to take place, and a higher field >50 μT (alt-SABRE). These magnetic fields affected the amplitude and frequency of polarization transfer. Deviation of a lower magnetic field from a "perfect" condition of level anti-crossing increases the frequency of polarization transfer that can be exploited for polarization of short-lived transient SABRE complexes. Moreover, the coherences responsible for polarization transfer at a lower field persisted during magnetic field variation and continued their spin evolution at higher field with a frequency of 2.5 kHz at 54 μT. The latter should be taken into consideration for an efficient alt-SABRE. Theoretical and experimental findings were exemplified with Iridium N-heterocyclic carbene SABRE complex and 15 N-acetonitrole, where a 30 % higher 15 N polarization with alt-SABRE compared to common SABRE was reached.

['Pravdivtsev|Andrey N|AN|', 'Kempf|Nicolas|N|', 'Plaumann|Markus|M|', 'Bernarding|Johannes|J|', 'Scheffler|Klaus|K|', 'Hövener|Jan-Bernd|JB|', 'Buckenmaier|Kai|K|0000-0002-9676-443X']

2021

31204796

Iranian Herbalists, But Not Cooks, Are Better at Naming Odors Than Laypeople.

Odor naming is enhanced in communities where communication about odors is a central part of daily life (e.g., wine experts, flavorists, and some hunter-gatherer groups). In this study, we investigated how expert knowledge and daily experience affect the ability to name odors in a group of experts that has not previously been investigated in this context-Iranian herbalists; also called attars-as well as cooks and laypeople. We assessed naming accuracy and consistency for 16 herb and spice odors, collected judgments of odor perception, and evaluated participants' odor meta-awareness. Participants' responses were overall more consistent and accurate for more frequent and familiar odors. Moreover, attars were more accurate than both cooks and laypeople at naming odors, although cooks did not perform significantly better than laypeople. Attars' perceptual ratings of odors and their overall odor meta-awareness suggest they are also more attuned to odors than the other two groups. To conclude, Iranian attars-but not cooks-are better odor namers than laypeople. They also have greater meta-awareness and differential perceptual responses to odors. These findings further highlight the critical role that expertise and type of experience have on olfactory functions.

['Casillas|Marisa|M|', 'Rafiee|Afrooz|A|', 'Majid|Asifa|A|']

2019

31608478

The association between, depression, anxiety, and mortality in older people across eight low- and middle-income countries: Results from the 10/66 cohort study.

OBJECTIVES Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders in later life. Few population-based studies have investigated their potential impacts on mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study is to examine the associations between depression, anxiety, their comorbidity, and mortality in later life using a population-based cohort study across eight LMICs. METHODS This analysis was based on the 10/66 cohort study including 15 991 people aged 65 years or above in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, China, and India, with an average follow-up time of 3.9 years. Subthreshold and clinical levels of depression were determined using EURO-D and ICD-10 criteria, and anxiety was based on Geriatric Mental State (GMS)-Automated Geriatric Examination for Computer Assisted Taxonomy (AGECAT). Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to estimate how having depression, anxiety, or both was associated with mortality adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors. RESULTS Participants with clinical depression (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45; 95% CI, 1.24-1.70) and subthreshold anxiety (HR: 1.26; 95% CI, 1.15-1.38) had higher risk of mortality than those without the conditions after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and health conditions. Comorbidity of depression and anxiety was associated with a 30% increased risk of mortality but the effect sizes varied across countries (Higgins I2  = 58.8%), with the strongest association in India (HR: 1.99; 95% CI, 1.21-3.27). CONCLUSIONS Depression and anxiety appear to be associated with mortality in older people living in LMICs. Variation in effect sizes may indicate different barriers to health service access across countries. Future studies may investigate underlying mechanisms and identify potential interventions to reduce the impact of common mental disorders.

['Wu|Yu-Tzu|YT|0000-0002-0874-4448', 'Kralj|Carolina|C|', 'Acosta|Daisy|D|0000-0002-5196-8578', 'Guerra|Mariella|M|0000-0001-8923-349X', 'Huang|Yueqin|Y|0000-0001-5493-5838', 'Jotheeswaran|Amuthavalli T|AT|', 'Jimenez-Velazquez|Ivonne Z|IZ|0000-0002-9943-1657', 'Liu|Zhaorui|Z|0000-0002-6536-7503', 'Llibre Rodriguez|Juan J|JJ|0000-0002-8215-3160', 'Salas|Aquiles|A|0000-0003-4687-2448', 'Sosa|Ana Luisa|AL|0000-0003-3930-3618', 'Alkholy|Rasha|R|0000-0002-0283-9569', 'Prince|Martin|M|0000-0003-1379-7146', 'Prina|A Matthew|AM|0000-0001-6698-3263']

2020

27542318

Basal ganglia impairments in autism spectrum disorder are related to abnormal signal gating to prefrontal cortex.

Research on the biological basis of autism spectrum disorder has yielded a list of brain abnormalities that are arguably as diverse as the set of behavioral symptoms that characterize the disorder. Among these are patterns of abnormal cortical connectivity and abnormal basal ganglia development. In attempts to integrate the existing literature, the current paper tests the hypothesis that impairments in the basal ganglia's function to flexibly select and route task-relevant neural signals to the prefrontal cortex underpins patterns of abnormal synchronization between the prefrontal cortex and other cortical processing centers observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We tested this hypothesis using a Dynamic Causal Modeling analysis of neuroimaging data collected from 16 individuals with ASD (mean age=25.3 years; 6 female) and 17 age- and IQ-matched neurotypical controls (mean age=25.6, 6 female), who performed a Go/No-Go test of executive functioning. Consistent with the hypothesis tested, a random-effects Bayesian model selection procedure determined that a model of network connectivity in which basal ganglia activation modulated connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and other key cortical processing centers best fit the data of both neurotypicals and individuals with ASD. Follow-up analyses suggested that the largest group differences were observed for modulation of connectivity between prefrontal cortex and the sensory input region in the occipital lobe [t(31)=2.03, p=0.025]. Specifically, basal ganglia activation was associated with a small decrease in synchronization between the occipital region and prefrontal cortical regions in controls; however, in individuals with ASD, basal ganglia activation resulted in increased synchronization between the occipital region and the prefrontal cortex. We propose that this increased synchronization may reflect a failure in basal ganglia signal gating mechanisms, resulting in a non-selective copying of signals to prefrontal cortex. Such a failure to prioritize and filter signals to the prefrontal cortex could result in the pervasive impairments in cognitive flexibility and executive functioning that characterize autism spectrum disorder, and may offer a mechanistic explanation of some of the observed abnormalities in patterns of cortical synchronization in ASD.

['Prat|Chantel S|CS|', 'Stocco|Andrea|A|', 'Neuhaus|Emily|E|', 'Kleinhans|Natalia M|NM|']

2016

24917902

Changing patterns of bacterial strains in adults and children with otitis media in korean tertiary care centers.

OBJECTIVES Otitis media (OM) is an infectious disease that affects all age brackets. Aural discharge is a typical symptom, occurring in all subtypes of OM. We have compared the identity and antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from aural discharges of adults and children with various types of OM, including acute OM (AOM), OM with effusion (OME), chronic OM (COM), and cholesteatomatous OM (CSOM). METHODS The study involved 2,833 patients who visited five tertiary hospitals between January 2001 and December 2010 and were diagnosed with AOM, OME, COM, or CSOM. The patients were divided into a pediatric group and an adult group, and the distribution of cultured bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity were compared in the two groups. RESULTS Bacterial detection rates were higher in adults than in children with OME and COM (P=0.000 each). The majority of the bacteria cultured from patients with AOM and OME bacteria were methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacteria cultured from children were more susceptible to antibiotics (P=0.002) and had higher antibiotic sensitivity (P=0.001) than were bacteria cultured from adults. The majority of bacteria culture from patients with COM and CSOM were MSSA and pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was significantly higher in adults than in children, and more strains of bacteria isolated from adults were sensitive to the antibiotics septrin, vancomycin, and teicoplanin. CONCLUSION Bacteria cultured from children were more susceptible to antibiotics and had higher antibiotic sensitivity than did bacteria cultured from adults.

['Lee|Jun Seok|JS|', 'Kim|Myung Gu|MG|', 'Hong|Seok Min|SM|', 'Na|Se Young|SY|', 'Byun|Jae Yong|JY|', 'Park|Moon Suh|MS|', 'Yeo|Seung Geun|SG|']

2014

31958882

Impact of treatment variability and clinicopathological characteristics on survival in patients with Epstein-Barr-Virus positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Patients with EBV-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (EBV+ DLBCL (NOS)) recurrently present with advanced age and reduced performance status. They are therefore insufficiently represented in clinical trials and treatment is likely to differ. Here we assess clinicopathological characteristics, therapeutic variability and clinical outcome in the largest consecutively diagnosed EBV+ DLBCL (NOS) cohort published to date (n = 80; median age 70 years; range 19-90). Centralized and systematic haematopathological panel review was performed. By immunohistochemistry 60/80 patients were CD30-positive. Further, we identified nine EBV+ DLBCL (NOS) patients with associated or composite peripheral T cell lymphoma at diagnosis or relapse (preceded by clonal T cell populations within the initial DLBCL biopsy in 4/5 cases). Most patients (80%) were treated with R-CHOP-type therapy and 16 patients received none or less intensiveprotocols. Upon univariate analysis both R-CHOP-type therapy (OS: P < 0.0001; PFS: P = 0.0617) and negativity for CD30 (OS: P = 0.0002; PFS: P = 0.0002) showed a protective 66 effect, maintained upon multivariate analysis. In a propensity-score matched analysis with a cohort of non-EBV+ DLBCL (NOS) patients, balanced for all revised-international prognostic index factors, we found an EBV-association to hold no significant impact on progression-free and overall survival whilst exhibiting a trend favouring EBV-negativity (OS: P = 0.116; PFS: P = 0.269). Our findings provide insight into the clinical course of EBV+ DLBCL (NOS), highlight the ramifications of CD30-expression and underline the superior therapeutic efficacy of R-CHOP immunochemotherapy. Alternative therapies, incorporating tumour biology (e.g. CD30 directed therapies) need to be explored in EBV+ DLBCL (NOS) patients. Moreover our data advert to the close relationship between EBV+ DLBCL (NOS) and peripheral T cell lymphomas.

['Witte|Hanno M|HM|0000-0001-5767-7125', 'Merz|Hartmut|H|', 'Biersack|Harald|H|', 'Bernard|Veronica|V|', 'Riecke|Armin|A|', 'Gebauer|Judith|J|', 'Lehnert|Hendrik|H|', 'von Bubnoff|Nikolas|N|', 'Feller|Alfred C|AC|', 'Gebauer|Niklas|N|0000-0003-0566-4554']

2020

26709312

Measuring Networks beyond the Origin Family.

Studies of social mobility typically focus on the associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of individuals and families in one generation and those same characteristics for the next generation. Yet the life chances of individuals may be affected by a wider network of kin than just the nuclear family, including grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, and even more remote kin. In planning new studies of intergenerational social mobility, researchers should consider the ways that more remote kin may affect socioeconomic success and hardship and design data collection strategies for collecting data on wider kin networks. Administrative record linkage and survey research have complementary advantages for identifying kin networks. Successful implementation of these approaches holds the promise of a much richer set of studies of intergenerational social mobility than most researchers have attempted thus far.

['Mare|Robert D|RD|']

2015

26188300

Silk sericin loaded alginate nanoparticles: Preparation and anti-inflammatory efficacy.

In this study, silk sericin loaded alginate nanoparticles were prepared by the emulsification method followed by internal crosslinking. The effects of various silk sericin loading concentration on particle size, shape, thermal properties, and release characteristics were investigated. The initial silk sericin loadings of 20, 40, and 80% w/w to polymer were incorporated into these alginate nanoparticles. SEM images showed a spherical shape and small particles of about 71.30-89.50 nm. TGA analysis showed that thermal stability slightly increased with increasing silk sericin loadings. FTIR analysis suggested interactions between alginate and silk sericin in the nanoparticles. The release study was performed in acetate buffer at normal skin conditions (pH 5.5; 32 °C). The release profiles of silk sericin exhibited initial rapid release, consequently with sustained release. These silk sericin loaded alginate nanoparticles were further incorporated into topical hydrogel and their anti-inflammatory properties were studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema assay. The current study confirms the hypothesis that the application of silk sericin loaded alginate nanoparticle gel can inhibit inflammation induced by carrageenan.

['Khampieng|Thitikan|T|', 'Aramwit|Pornanong|P|', 'Supaphol|Pitt|P|']

2015

31904926

Surface-Conformal Triboelectric Nanopores via Supramolecular Ternary Polymer Assembly.

A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is of tremendous interest owing to its high energy efficiency with a simple device architecture and applicability to various materials. Most previous topological surface modifications introduced for further improving the performance of a TENG are detrimental because they require expensive and/or harsh (e.g., high temperature and acidity) postetching processes, which limit the material choice and design of its components. Herein, we demonstrate an one-step route for developing rapid wet-processable surface-conformal triboelectric nanoporous films (STENFs). Our method is based on a simple supramolecular assembly of a ternary polymer blend suitable for various conventional solution processes such as spin-, bar-, spray-, and dip-coating. The one-step wet process of a ternary solution produces thin large-area films in which self-assembled, ordered nanopores of approximately 33 nm in diameter are developed even without an additional etching process. The study reveals that the small amount of amine-terminated poly(ethylene oxide) added to the binary blend of sulfonic-acid-terminated poly(styrene) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) efficiently activates the formation of spontaneous nanopores as a pore-generating agent. Our STENF significantly enhances the open-circuit voltage up to 1.5 times higher than that of a planar one, leading to an improved power density of approximately 77 μW/cm2. The suitability for diverse conventional coating processes offers a convenient approach for fabricating high-performance STENFs not only on flat substrates such as metals, polymers, and oxides but also on topological ones including wrinkled, roughened surfaces, textile fibers, natural leaves, and fabrics over a large area.

['Park|Chanho|C|', 'Koo|Min|M|', 'Song|Giyoung|G|', 'Cho|Suk Man|SM|', 'Kang|Han Sol|HS|', 'Park|Tae Hyun|TH|', 'Kim|Eui Hyuk|EH|', 'Park|Cheolmin|C|http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6832-0284']

2020

33938389

Completion of the gut microbial epi-bile acid pathway.

Bile acids are detergent molecules that solubilize dietary lipids and lipid-soluble vitamins. Humans synthesize bile acids with α-orientation hydroxyl groups which can be biotransformed by gut microbiota to toxic, hydrophobic bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA). Gut microbiota can also convert hydroxyl groups from the α-orientation through an oxo-intermediate to the β-orientation, resulting in more hydrophilic, less toxic bile acids. This interconversion is catalyzed by regio- (C-3 vs. C-7) and stereospecific (α vs. β) hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDHs). So far, genes encoding the urso- (7α-HSDH & 7β-HSDH) and iso- (3α-HSDH & 3β-HSDH) bile acid pathways have been described. Recently, multiple human gut clostridia were reported to encode 12α-HSDH, which interconverts DCA and 12-oxolithocholic acid (12-oxoLCA). 12β-HSDH completes the epi-bile acid pathway by converting 12-oxoLCA to the 12β-bile acid denoted epiDCA; however, a gene(s) encoding this enzyme has yet to be identified. We confirmed 12β-HSDH activity in cultures of Clostridium paraputrificum ATCC 25780. From six candidate C. paraputrificum ATCC 25780 oxidoreductase genes, we discovered the first gene (DR024_RS09610) encoding bile acid 12β-HSDH. Phylogenetic analysis revealed unforeseen diversity for 12β-HSDH, leading to validation of two additional bile acid 12β-HSDHs through a synthetic biology approach. By comparison to a previous phylogenetic analysis of 12α-HSDH, we identified the first potential C-12 epimerizing strains: Collinsella tanakaei YIT 12063 and Collinsella stercoris DSM 13279. A Hidden Markov Model search against human gut metagenomes located putative 12β-HSDH genes in about 30% of subjects within the cohorts analyzed, indicating this gene is relevant in the human gut microbiome.

['Doden|Heidi L|HL|', 'Wolf|Patricia G|PG|0000-0003-4779-7910', 'Gaskins|H Rex|HR|', 'Anantharaman|Karthik|K|', 'Alves|João M P|JMP|', 'Ridlon|Jason M|JM|0000-0001-5813-099X']

2021