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The impact of hot-melt extrusion on the tableting behaviour of polyvinyl alcohol. | There is evidence that processing techniques like hot-melt extrusion (HME) could alter the mechanical properties of pharmaceuticals, which may impede further processability (e.g. tableting). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if HME has an impact on the tableting behaviour of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-formulations. Mixtures of partially hydrolysed PVA grades (with a hydroxylation degree of 75 and 88%) and sorbitol (0, 10 and 40%) were extruded, (cryo-) milled and compressed into compacts of 350 ± 10 mg. Before compression all intermediate products were characterized for their solid-state (Tg, Tm, crystallinity) and material properties (particle size, moisture content, moisture sorption). Because both PVA-grades required higher extrusion temperatures (i.e. 180 °C), sorbitol was added to PVA as plasticizing agent to allow extrusion at 140 °C. Compaction experiments were performed on both physical mixtures and cryo-milled extrudates of PVA-sorbitol. By measuring tablet tensile strength and porosity in function of compaction pressure, tableting behaviour was compared before and after HME by means of the CTC-profiles (compressibility, tabletability, compactibility). A higher amorphous content in the formulation (as a result of HME) negatively influenced the tableting behaviour (i.e. lower tablet tensile strength). HME altered the mechanical properties towards more elastically deforming materials, thereby increasing tablet elastic recovery during decompression. The lower tensile strengths resulted from a combined effect of less interparticulate bonding areas (because of higher elastic recovery) and weaker bonding strengths per unit bonding area (between glassy particles). | Elastic recovery;Hot-melt extrusion;Immediate release;Oral drug delivery;Polyvinyl alcohol;Tableting | pubmed |
Contamination and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Lake Bed Sediment of a Large Lake Scenic Area in China. | The exposure of heavy metals to lake bed sediment of scenic areas may pose risks on aquatic ecosystems and human health, however very few studies on risk assessment have been reported for scenic areas. Accordingly, this study determined concentration levels, and assessed contamination characteristics and risks, of heavy metals in lake bed sediment of National Scenic Areas Songhuahu (NSAS) in China. The concentrations of Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu were determined in 29 bed sediment samples. Results showed that the mean values of Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu were 92.69, 90.73, 38.29, 46.77, and 49.44 mg/kg, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated that organic matter was a major factor influencing distribution of heavy metals. The results for enrichment factors indicated that contamination rates and anthropogenic inputs of single heavy metals decreased in the order Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Zn; results of Nemerow integrated pollution index suggested that 72.41% of sampling sites were exposed to low to moderately integrated pollution, and 27.59% of sampling sites were exposed to strongly integrated pollution. According to results for potential ecological risk index, ecological risks of single and all the heavy metals in bed sediment from all the sampling sites were low. Human risks were assessed with hazardous quotients, and the results suggested that exposure of heavy metals to bed sediment posed no or little risk to human health, and the pathway of ingestion significantly contributed to human health risks. | Songhua lake;bed sediment;ecological risk assessment;heavy metals;human health risk assessment | pubmed |
'He's still with these girls': exploring perceptions of HIV risk among men with behaviourally bisexual male partners. | Recent studies have called for more nuanced research into the relationships between behaviourally bisexual men and their sexual partners. To address this, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative study with self-identifying gay men; participants took part in timeline-based interviews and relationship diaries. We conducted a thematic analysis of verbatim transcripts to understand how relationship motivations, emotions and relationship dynamics influenced perceptions of HIV risk with behaviourally bisexual male partners. Participants described how partnership types (main and casual) and relationship dimensions (exclusivity, commitment, emotional attachment and relationship designation) strongly influenced perceptions of HIV risk and shaped their decisions to choose behaviourally bisexual male sex partners. Results reveal the crucial role relationship dynamics play in the shaping of HIV risk perceptions, sexual decision-making and HIV risk between partners, and provide potential insight on how to message HIV risk to gay men and their behaviourally bisexual male partners. It is imperative that HIV prevention is able to message key concepts of risk, decision-making and partner negotiation in a way that does not act to stereotype or create stigma against behaviourally bisexual men and their male partners. | Behavioural bisexuality;HIV risk;USA;gay men;sexual agreements | pubmed |
Obesity-induced lymphatic dysfunction is reversible with weight loss. | Obesity induces lymphatic leakiness, decreases initial lymphatic vessel density, impairs collecting vessel pumping and decreases transport of macromolecules. Obesity results in perilymphatic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and accumulation of T cells and macrophages. Deleterious effects of obesity on the lymphatic system correlate with weight gain. Weight loss restores lymphatic function in obese animals and decreases perilymphatic iNOS and inflammatory cell accumulation. Although clinical and experimental studies have shown that obesity results in lymphatic dysfunction, it remains unknown whether these changes are permanent or reversible with weight loss. In the current study, we used a mouse model of diet-induced obesity to identify putative cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced lymphatic dysfunction, determine whether there is a correlation between these deleterious effects and increasing weight gain, and finally examine whether lymphatic dysfunction is reversible with diet-induced weight loss. We report that obesity is negatively correlated with cutaneous lymphatic collecting vessel pumping rate (r = -0.9812, P < 0.0005) and initial lymphatic vessel density (r = -0.9449, P < 0.005). In addition, we show a significant positive correlation between weight gain and accumulation of perilymphatic inflammatory cells (r = 0.9872, P < 0.0005) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; r = 0.9986, P < 0.0001). Weight loss resulting from conversion to a normal chow diet for 8 weeks resulted in more than a 25% decrease in body weight and normalized cutaneous lymphatic collecting vessel pumping rate, lymphatic vessel density, lymphatic leakiness, and lymphatic macromolecule clearance (all P < 0.05). In addition, weight loss markedly decreased perilymphatic inflammation and iNOS expression. Taken together, our findings show that obesity is linearly correlated with lymphatic dysfunction, perilymphatic inflammation and iNOS expression, and that weight loss via dietary modification effectively reverses these deleterious effects. | lymphatic vessel function;obesity;weight loss | pubmed |
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Compliance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. | Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition in adults. In most cases, first-line therapy includes treatment with positive airway pressure devices. However, because of discomfort, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance is often poor. To determine the willingness of patients to use CPAP device, the relationship of demographic and polysomnographic variables with tolerance and the willingness to use CPAP, was evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, 120 OSA patients who were treated with CPAP in Baqiyatallah Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were selected by convenience sampling. Polysomnographic variables, willingness to use CPAP for short and long periods of time and possible complications were evaluated. One hundred-twenty cases with a mean age of 53±10.3 years were assessed. The mean Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was 11.9 ± 6.2 in CPAP users versus 11.8±6.1 in patients who did not use CPAP. The willingness to use CPAP for short-term was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.008). The average minimum oxygen saturation rate of patients was 75.21% in CPAP users versus 71.63% in non CPAP users. Also, the average desaturation index was higher in CPAP users (54.5 vs. 44.98). The mean ESS was 14.03 ± 6.19 in those who accepted long-term treatment versus 8.85 ± 4.89 (P=0.003). Skin wounds and rhinitis were reported in 4.1% and 4.1% of patients, respectively. It is concluded that high CPAP compliance rates are achievable through comprehensive CPAP therapy. | Compliance;Continuous Positive Airway Pressure;Sleep Apnea, Obstructive | pubmed |
Using a Mobile App to Promote Smoking Cessation in Hospitalized Patients. | The potential of interactive health education for preventive health applications has been widely demonstrated. However, use of mobile apps to promote smoking cessation in hospitalized patients has not been systematically assessed. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of using a mobile app for the hazards of smoking education delivered via touch screen tablets to hospitalized smokers. Fifty-five consecutive hospitalized smokers were recruited. Patient sociodemographics and smoking history was collected at baseline. The impact of the mobile app was assessed by measuring cognitive and behavioral factors shown to promote smoking cessation before and after the mobile app use including hazards of smoking knowledge score (KS), smoking attitudes, and stages of change. After the mobile app use, mean KS increased from 27(3) to 31(3) ( P<0.0001). Proportion of patients who felt they "cannot quit smoking" reduced from 36% (20/55) to 18% (10/55) ( P<0.03). Overall, 13% (7/55) of patients moved toward a more advanced stage of change with the proportion of patients in the preparation stage increased from 40% (22/55) to 51% (28/55). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that knowledge gains and mobile app acceptance did not depend on age, gender, race, computer skills, income, or education level. The main factors affecting knowledge gain were initial knowledge level ( P<0.02), employment status ( P<0.05), and high app acceptance ( P<0.01). Knowledge gain was the main predictor of more favorable attitudes toward the mobile app (odds ratio (OR)=4.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.1, 20.0)). Attitudinal surveys and qualitative interviews identified high acceptance of the mobile app by hospitalized smokers. Over 92% (51/55) of the study participants recommended the app for use by other hospitalized smokers and 98% (54/55) of the patients were willing to use such an app in the future. Our results suggest that a mobile app promoting smoking cessation is well accepted by hospitalized smokers. The app can be used for interactive patient education and counseling during hospital stays. Development and evaluation of mobile apps engaging patients in their care during hospital stays is warranted. | health literacy;hospital;mobile apps;patient engagement;smoking cessation | pubmed |
Evaluation of Antioxidant or Prooxidant Properties of Selected Amino Acids Using In Vitro Assays and in Oil-in-Water Emulsions Under Riboflavin Sensitization. | The antioxidant properties of selected amino acids were tested using in vitro assays and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions under riboflavin (RF) photosensitization. Headspace oxygen content, lipid hydroperoxides, and conjugated dienes were determined for the degree of oxidation. Riboflavin photosensitization was adapted as the oxidation driving force. In vitro assays showed that cysteine had the highest antioxidant properties followed by tryptophan and tyrosine. However, in O/W emulsions under RF photosensitization, tyrosine inhibited lipid oxidation whereas tryptophan acted as a prooxidant. Tryptophan accelerated the rates of oxidation in O/W emulsion without RF. The antioxidant properties of amino acids differed depending on the antioxidant determination methods, oxidation driving forces, and food matrices. | amino acid;antioxidant;in vitro assay;oil-in-water emulsion;oxidative stability | pubmed |
Appropriateness of diagnostics tests. | The evolution of the concept of 'appropriateness', in the three past decades, from 'no harm' and 'no waste' to 'medical decision-making' and 'determining outcomes' highlights two main points: its foundation is evidence-based medicine, and it is a quality of every phase of the total testing process, not only for the selection of tests. Nevertheless, appropriateness in Laboratory Hematology, as well as in Laboratory Medicine, is an elusive concept: 'Appropriateness' interplays with 'patient's safety', 'healthcare costs', 'clinical decision-making', and 'effectiveness', and the criteria for appropriateness, mainly adherence to clinical guidelines, are often not evidence-based and not always consensus-based. Moreover, practising appropriateness is a complex issue because of the ambiguity of the criteria and targets, the never-ending work of implementing guidelines and their audit, and the uniqueness of the clinical situation of the individual patient. Authors agree on some practical rules: establishing a multidisciplinary and multiprofessional team, choosing carefully clinical targets, finding or building evidences, sharing guidelines with clinicians, choosing adequate tools for changing, working hard on implementation, identifying the 'right' laboratory methods and processes, checking progress indefinitely, providing information, interpretations, and consultations, and promoting feedback and audits. The success depends on the 'right' combination of educational, operative, and reinforcing interventions. Competences in organization, in implementation science, and in interpersonal relationship management are essential as well as knowledge and experience in Hematology, not only in Laboratory Hematology. | Appropriateness;evidence-based laboratory medicine;laboratory hematology;total testing process | pubmed |
Health-related Quality of Life as Studied by EORTC QLQ and Voice Handicap Index Among Various Patients With Laryngeal Disease. | Patients with voice-related disorders are often treated by a multidisciplinary team including assessment by patient-reported outcome measures. The present paper aims at documenting the importance of including general health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures to clinical investigations. The participants (N = 80 larynx cancer, N = 32 recurrent palsy, N = 23 dysfunctional, N = 75 degenerative/inflammation, N = 19 various) were included consecutively at the laryngology clinic at Haukeland University Hospital. In addition, HRQoL data were included from one national group with laryngectomies (N = 105), one group with various patients formerly treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (N = 96), and one population-based reference group (N = 1956). Obtained were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ), the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) neuroticism scores. By analysis of variance, we have determined significant dependence of groups analyzing the sum global QoL/health index (F = 9.47; P <0.001), the functional HRQoL sum score (F<sub>5,2373</sub> = 7.14, P <0.001), and the symptom sum HRQoL scores (F<sub>7,2381</sub> = 8.13; P <0.001). In particular, patients with recurrent palsy and laryngeal cancer had lowered HRQoL. At the index levels, in particular dyspnea scores, were scored depending on larynx disease group (F<sub>7,2288</sub> = 24.4; P <0.001). The VHI score correlated with the EORTC H&N35 "speech" index with a common variance of 52%. VHI scores correlated with level of neuroticism with 8% common variance (P <0.001) and EORTC scores with 22% (P <0.001). In particular, among patients with voice-related disease, those with recurrent palsy and laryngeal cancer had lower HRQoL. Furthermore, the HRQoL and VHI scores were inversely tied to neuroticism. | EORTC QLQ;Norwegian;Voice Handicap Index;quality of life;voice disorders | pubmed |
A protein-repellent and antibacterial nanocomposite for Class-V restorations to inhibit periodontitis-related pathogens. | The objectives of this study were to develop a bioactive dental composite and investigate the effects of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) in Class V composite on mechanical properties, water sorption, protein adsorption, and inhibition of four species of periodontitis-related biofilms for the first time. The resin consisted of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) and pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM). DMAHDM, MPC and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were incorporated into the resin. Four species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were tested for biofilm colony-forming units (CFU), live/dead, metabolic activity, and polysaccharide production. The results showed that adding DMAHDM and MPC to the composite did not compromise the mechanical properties (p>0.1), with acceptable water sorption values. Composite with 3% MPC reduced protein adsorption to 1/9 that of a commercial composite (p<0.05). For all four species, the composite with 3% DMAHDM+3% MPC had much greater reduction in biofilms than using DMAHDM or MPC alone (p<0.05). Biofilm CFU was reduced by about 4 orders of magnitude via 3% DMAHDM+3% MPC, compared to control. The inhibition efficacy for the four species was: P. gingivalis>P intermedia=A. actinomycetemcomitans>F. nucleatum. In conclusion, a novel bioactive composite with 3% DMAHDM and 3% MPC achieved the greatest reduction in biofilm growth, metabolic activity and polysaccharide of four periodontal pathogens. The new composite is promising for Class V restorations especially with subgingival margins to inhibit periodontal pathogens, combat periodontitis and protect the periodontium. | Antibacterial;Calcium phosphate nanoparticle;Class V restoration;Dental composite;Periodontal pathogens;Protein repellent | pubmed |
Neural representations of novel objects associated with olfactory experience. | Object conceptual knowledge comprises information related to several motor and sensory modalities (e.g. for tools, how they look like, how to manipulate them). Whether and to which extent conceptual object knowledge is represented in the same sensory and motor systems recruited during object-specific learning experience is still a controversial question. A direct approach to assess the experience-dependence of conceptual object representations is based on training with novel objects. The present study extended previous research, which focused mainly on the role of manipulation experience for tool-like stimuli, by considering sensory experience only. Specifically, we examined the impact of experience in the non-dominant olfactory modality on the neural representation of novel objects. Sixteen healthy participants visually explored a set of novel objects during the training phase while for each object an odor (e.g., peppermint) was presented (olfactory-visual training). As control conditions, a second set of objects was only visually explored (visual-only training), and a third set was not part of the training. In a post-training fMRI session, participants performed an old/new task with pictures of objects associated with olfactory-visual and visual-only training (old) and no training objects (new). Although we did not find any evidence of activations in primary olfactory areas, the processing of olfactory-visual versus visual-only training objects elicited greater activation in the right anterior hippocampus, a region included in the extended olfactory network. This finding is discussed in terms of different functional roles of the hippocampus in olfactory processes. | Learning;Object knowledge;Semantic memory;fMRI | pubmed |
Relationship Between Aerobic Fitness, the Serum IGF-1 Profiles of Healthy Young Adult African American Males, and Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells. | The growth of prostate tumors is mediated by the bioavailability of androgens and insulin-like growth factors. This study tested the hypothesis that healthy young adult African American men exhibiting low aerobic capacity (fitness) have serum insulin-like growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and testosterone levels that promote growth of prostate cancer cells. A cross-sectional data research design was used to study groups of 18- to 26-year-old healthy men exhibiting low and moderate aerobic fitness, based on their peak oxygen consumption (VO<sub>2peak</sub>). The individual serum levels of IGF-1, IGF-1 binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and testosterone were measured. In vitro growth of androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate tumor cells was measured after incubation in culture medium fortified with each subject's serum. Aerobic capacity was significantly greater in the moderate-fitness group than in the low-fitness group without an intergroup difference in body mass index. The serum IGF-1 concentration was significantly higher in the low-fitness group in the absence of an intergroup difference in serum testosterone. The serum IGFBP-3 concentration was significantly lower in the low-fitness group. Prostate tumor cell growth was significantly greater in the cultures incubated in media containing the sera of the low-fitness group than in the sera of the moderate-fitness group. These findings suggest that moderate aerobic fitness in young adults may decrease the circulating levels of free IGF-1 and lower the potential to support growth of prostate cancer cells. | African Americans;IGF-1;IGFBP-3;aerobic capacity;prostate cancer;testosterone | pubmed |
Patient-centeredness and quality management in Dutch diabetes care organizations after a 1-year intervention. | More focus on patient-centeredness in care for patients with type 2 diabetes requests increasing attention to diabetes quality management processes on patient-centeredness by managers in primary care groups and outpatient clinics. Although patient-centered care is ultimately determined by the quality of interactions between patients and clinicians at the practice level, it should be facilitated at organizational level too. This nationwide study aimed to assess the state of diabetes quality management on patient-centeredness at organizational level and its possibilities to improve after a tailored intervention. This before-after study compares the quality management on patient-centeredness within Dutch diabetes care groups and outpatient clinics before and after a 1-year stepwise intervention. At baseline, managers of 51 diabetes primary care groups and 28 outpatient diabetes clinics completed a questionnaire about the organization's quality management program. Patient-centeredness (0%-100%) was operationalized in six subdomains: facilitating self-management support, individualized care plan support, patients' access to medical files, patient education policy, safeguarding patients' interests, and formal patient involvement. The intervention consisted of feedback and benchmark and if requested a telephone call and/or a consultancy visit. After 1 year, the managers completed the questionnaire again. The 1-year changes were examined by dependent (non) parametric tests. Care groups improved significantly on patient-centeredness (from 47.1% to 53.3%; <i>P</i>=0.002), and on its subdomains "access to medical files" (from 42.0% to 49.4%), and "safeguarding patients' interests" (from 58.1% to 66.2%). Outpatient clinics, which scored higher at baseline (66.7%) than care groups, did not improve on patient-centeredness (65.6%: <i>P</i>=0.54) or its subdomains. "Formal patient involvement" remained low in both care groups (23.2%) and outpatient clinics (33.9%). After a simple intervention, care groups significantly improved their quality management on patient-centeredness, but outpatient clinics did not. Interventions to improve quality management on patient-centeredness in diabetes care organizations should differ between primary and secondary care. | diabetes care;patient centered;patient involvement;patient-centeredness;quality management;self-management support | pubmed |
Long-term safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus: a 6-year follow-up study. | The aim of this study is to assess the long-term safety of allogeneic umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC MSCs) transplantation for patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nine SLE patients, who were refractory to steroid and immunosuppressive drugs treatment and underwent MSCs transplantation in 2009, were enrolled. One million allogeneic UC MSCs per kilogram of body weight were infused intravenously at days 0 and 7. The possible adverse events, including immediately after MSCs infusions, as well as the long-term safety profiles were observed. Blood and urine routine test, liver function, electrocardiogram, chest radiography and serum levels of tumor markers, including alpha fetal protein (AFP), cancer embryo antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 155 (CA155) and CA199, were assayed before and 1, 2, 4 and 6 years after MSCs transplantation. All the patients completed two times of MSCs infusions. One patient had mild dizzy and warm sensation 5 min after MSCs infusion, and the symptoms disappeared quickly. No other adverse event, including fluster, headache, nausea or vomit, was observed. There was no change in peripheral white blood cell count, red blood cell count and platelet number in these patients after followed up for 6 years. Liver functional analysis showed that serum alanine aminotransferase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin remained in normal range after MSCs infusions. No newly onset abnormality was detected on electrocardiogram and chest radiography. Moreover, we found no rise of serum tumor markers, including AFP, CEA, CA125 and CA199, before and 6 years after MSCs infusions. Our long-term observational study demonstrated a good safety profile of allogeneic UC MSCs in SLE patients. | Mesenchymal stem cells;Safety;Systemic lupus erythematosus;Umbilical cord | pubmed |
Biology-oriented drug synthesis (BIODS): In vitro β-glucuronidase inhibitory and in silico studies on 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl aryl carboxylate derivatives. | Current study is based on the biology-oriented drug synthesis (BIODS) of 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl aryl carboxylate derivatives 1-26, by treating metronidazole with different aryl and hetero-aryl carboxylic acids in the presence of 1,1'-carbonyl diimidazole (CDI) as a coupling agent. Structures of all synthetic derivatives were confirmed with the help of various spectroscopic techniques such as EI-MS, <sup>1</sup>H -NMR and <sup>13</sup>C NMR. CHN elemental analyses were also found in agreement with the calculated values. Synthetic derivatives were evaluated to check their β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity which revealed that except few derivatives, all demonstrated good inhibition in the range of IC<sub>50</sub> = 1.20 ± 0.01-60.30 ± 1.40 μM as compared to the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (IC<sub>50</sub> = 48.38 ± 1.05 μM). Compounds 1, 3, 4, 6, 9-19, and 21-24 were found to be potent analogs and showed superior activity than standard. Limited structure-activity relationship is suggested that the molecules having electron withdrawing groups like NO<sub>2</sub>, F, Cl, and Br, were displayed better activity than the compounds with electron donating groups such as Me, OMe and BuO. To verify these interpretations, in silico study was also performed, a good correlation was observed between bioactivities and docking studies. | In silico;In vitro;Structure-activity relationship;Synthesis;β-Glucuronidase | pubmed |
Head and neck sarcomas: A single institute series. | Sarcomas are tumours of mesenchymal origin, accounting for 1% of all malignancies. This is a retrospective analysis of 107 head and neck sarcoma cases, treated over a period of thirteen years. Fifty-four patients had with craniofacial bone sarcomas (BSs) (male: 33; female: 21) with high grade osteosarcoma being the most predominant type. The soft tissue sarcomas (STS) (53 patients; male: 28, female: 25) were histologically diverse with rhabdomyosarcomas and myxofibrosarcomas being the predominant types. The majority of BSs were managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, whereas in STSs treatment included predominantly surgery followed by radiotherapy. Overall survival estimates were 79% at 2years and 64% at 5years (mean follow-up period was 48months). The mesenchymal origin of sarcomas, the pattern of disease spread and the different extent of cancellous bone infiltration in contrast to epithelial tumours, dictate distinct principles for surgical clearance. | Head and neck;Mandible;Maxilla;Maxillofacial;Oncology;Oral;Osteosarcoma;Sarcoma | pubmed |
Prophylactic mesh placement to prevent parastomal hernia, early results of a prospective multicentre randomized trial. | Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common complication after colostomy formation. Recent studies indicate that mesh implantation during formation of a colostomy might prevent a PSH. To determine if placement of a retromuscular mesh at the colostomy site is a feasible, safe and effective procedure in preventing a parastomal hernia, we performed a multicentre randomized controlled trial in 11 large teaching hospitals and three university centres in The Netherlands. Augmentation of the abdominal wall with a retromuscular light-weight polypropylene mesh (Parietene Light™, Covidien) around the trephine was compared with traditional colostomy formation. Patients undergoing elective open formation of a permanent end-colostomy were eligible. 150 patients were randomized between 2010 and 2012. Primary endpoint of the PREVENT trial is the incidence of parastomal hernia. Secondary endpoints are morbidity, pain, quality of life, mortality and cost-effectiveness. This article focussed on the early results of the PREVENT trial and, therefore, operation time, postoperative morbidity, pain, and quality of life were measured. Outcomes represent results after 3 months of follow-up. A total of 150 patients were randomized. Mean operation time of the mesh group (N = 72) was significantly longer than in the control group (N = 78) (182.6 vs. 156.8 min; P = 0.018). Four (2.7 %) peristomal infections occurred of which one (1.4 %) in the mesh group. No infection of the mesh occurred. Most of the other infections were infections of the perineal wound, equally distributed over both groups. No statistical differences were discovered in stoma or mesh-related complications, fistula or stricture formation, pain, or quality of life. During open and elective formation of an end-colostomy, primary placement of a retromuscular light-weight polypropylene mesh for prevention of a parastomal hernia is a safe and feasible procedure. The PREVENT trial is registered at: http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2018 . | Colostomy;Hernia;Mesh;Parastomal hernia;Prevention | pubmed |
Identification of the Lymphatic Drainage Pattern of Esophageal Cancer with Near-Infrared Fluorescent Imaging. | Nodal status is one of the most important long-term prognostic factors for esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of near-infrared (NIR) light fluorescent imaging to identify the lymphatic drainage pattern of esophageal cancer. Patients with distal esophageal cancer or esophagogastric junction cancer scheduled for esophagectomy were enrolled in this study. Before surgery, an endoscopy was performed with submucosal injection of 2 cc of indocyanine green (ICG) around the tumor. Real-time NIR images from the surgical field were obtained for each patient to visualize the lymphatic ICG drainage. A total of nine patients were included in this study. Ivor Lewis esophagectomy was performed in all cases. ICG drainage was visualized to first drain along the left gastric nodes in eight patients (88.9%) and toward the diaphragmatic nodes in one patient (11.1%). The median number of resected nodes was 32. Three patients (33.3%) presented nodal involvement. All of them had positive nodes in the first nodal station identified with ICG. Evaluation of the lymphatic drainage pattern with real-time NIR light fluorescent technique is feasible. Distal and esophagogastric junction tumors showed to drain first in the left gastric nodes in most of the cases. | esophageal cancer;lymphatic drainage;near-infrared imaging | pubmed |
Phosphorylation of bovine papillomavirus E1 by the protein kinase CK2 near the nuclear localization signal does not influence subcellular distribution of the protein in dividing cells. | The bovine papillomavirus E1 helicase is essential for viral replication. In dividing cells, DNA replication maintains, but does not increase, the viral genome copy number. Replication is limited by low E1 expression and an E1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling mechanism. Shuttling is controlled in part by phosphorylation of E1 by cellular kinases. Here we investigate conserved sites for phosphorylation by kinase CK2 within the E1 nuclear localization signal. When these CK2 sites are mutated to either alanine or aspartic acid, no change in replication phenotype is observed, and there is no effect on the subcellular distribution of E1, which remains primarily nuclear. This demonstrates that phosphorylation of E1 by CK2 at these sites is not a factor in regulating viral DNA replication in dividing cells. | DNA replication;E1 protein;Kinase CK2;Papillomavirus;Protein phosphorylation | pubmed |
Buprenorphine Versus Methadone for Opioid Dependence in Pregnancy. | To evaluate maternal and neonatal safety outcomes for methadone and buprenorphine in the obstetric population. A literature search of PubMed (1966 to March 2016) and EMBASE (1973 to March 2016) was completed using the search terms buprenorphine, methadone, pregnancy, opioid, and neonatal abstinence syndrome Priority was given to randomized controlled trials and trials directly comparing buprenorphine and methadone during pregnancy. The bibliographies were reviewed for other relevant articles. All human studies published in English, that compared methadone and buprenorphine use in pregnancy were evaluated. Because of the limited number of obstetric studies, only 5 critical studies were found. Buprenorphine significantly improved or had similar outcomes to methadone for development of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), percentage of infants requiring treatment for NAS (20%-47% vs 45.5%-57%, respectively), total amount of morphine used to treat NAS (0.472-3.4 vs 1.862-10.4 mg, respectively), duration of NAS (4.1-5.6 vs 5.3-9.9 days, respectively), peak NAS (3.9-11 vs 4.9-12.8 score, respectively), infant hospital stay (6.8-10.6 vs 8.1-17.5 days, respectively), and gestational age at delivery (38.8-39.7 vs 37.9-38.8 weeks, respectively). No difference was found with other neonatal or maternal outcomes. Both methadone and buprenorphine are effective agents, with improved safety compared with continued nonmedical opioid use during pregnancy. There is evidence to suggest that buprenorphine should be considered as an equivalent option to methadone for use in pregnancy; however, larger studies are still needed to fully evaluate buprenorphine safety and advantages over methadone in the obstetric population. | alcohol;and substance abuse;drug;obstetrics/gynecology;pregnancy/drug effects;substance abuse;women’s health | pubmed |
Molecular biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia. | Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. The pathophysiology of this disease is just beginning to be understood at the cellular and molecular level, and currently cytogenetic markers are the most important for risk stratification and treatment of AML patients. However, with the advent of new technologies, the detection of other molecular markers such as point mutations and characterization of epigenetic and proteomic profiles, have begun to play an important role in how the disease is approached. Recent evidence shows that the identification of new AML biomarkers contributes to a better understanding of the molecular basis of the disease, is significantly useful in screening, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of AML, as well as the possibility of predicting each individual's response to treatment. This review summarizes the most relevant molecular (genetic, epigenetic, and protein) biomarkers associated with acute myeloid leukemia and discusses their clinical importance in terms of risk prediction, diagnosis and prognosis. | Acute myeloid leukemia;Biomarkers;DNA methylation;Gene mutations;Protein expression | pubmed |
Volumetric relationship between 2-hydroxyglutarate and FLAIR hyperintensity has potential implications for radiotherapy planning of mutant IDH glioma patients. | Gliomas with mutant isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) produce high levels of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG) that can be quantitatively measured by 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI). Current glioma MRI primarily relies upon fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity for treatment planning, although this lacks specificity for tumor cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between 2HG and FLAIR in mutant IDH glioma patients to determine whether 2HG mapping is valuable for radiotherapy planning. Seventeen patients with mutant IDH1 gliomas were imaged by 3 T MRI. A 3D MRSI sequence was employed to specifically image 2HG. FLAIR imaging was performed using standard clinical protocol. Regions of interest (ROIs) were determined for FLAIR and optimally thresholded 2HG hyperintensities. The overlap, displacement, and volumes of 2HG and FLAIR ROIs were calculated. In 8 of 17 (47%) patients, the 2HG volume was larger than FLAIR volume. Across the entire cohort, the mean volume of 2HG was 35.3 cc (range, 5.3-92.7 cc), while the mean volume of FLAIR was 35.8 cc (range, 6.3-140.8 cc). FLAIR and 2HG ROIs had mean overlap of 0.28 (Dice coefficients range, 0.03-0.57) and mean displacement of 12.2 mm (range, 3.2-23.5 mm) between their centers of mass. Our results indicate that for a substantial number of patients, the 2HG volumetric assessment of tumor burden is more extensive than FLAIR volume. In addition, there is only partial overlap and asymmetric displacement between the centers of FLAIR and 2HG ROIs. These results may have important implications for radiotherapy planning of IDH mutant glioma. | 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG);glioma;isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation;magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI);radiotherapy | pubmed |
Encapsulation of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate into liposomes and into alginate or chitosan microparticles reinforced with liposomes. | (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was encapsulated into liposomes that were further incorporated into alginate and chitosan microparticles. The stability of free and encapsulated EGCG in all three systems was evaluated at different pH values and in fruit nectar. Furthermore, the interactions between EGCG and the compounds of the microparticles were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). All three encapsulation systems showed high encapsulation efficiency (>97%) and sustained release; in 14 days, no more than 15% of EGCG was released. The encapsulation systems successfully protected EGCG against degradation at alkaline pH. For non-encapsulated EGCG, >70% was degraded after 14 days, while there was no significant degradation of encapsulated EGCG in these three systems. In fruit nectar, >30% of non-encapsulated EGCG was degraded in 14 days, while only 6% of EGCG encapsulated into liposomes or chitosan microparticles reinforced with liposomes was degraded at that time. The DSC and FTIR analyses showed that the main interactions occurred between the liposomes and the EGCG. This study demonstrates that liposomes as well as alginate and chitosan microparticles reinforced with liposomes have the potential to enhance EGCG stability in food products during storage. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. | (−)-epigallocatechin gallate;alginate;chitosan;encapsulation;liposomes | pubmed |
Breath-hold spin echosequence for assessing liver iron content. | To compare a multiple breath-hold, multiecho, multiplanar spin-echo (BHMEMPSE) magnetic resonance (MR) sequence with a TR of 300ms with a traditional multiecho, multiplanar spin-echo (MEMPSE) MR sequence for assessing liver iron content. This study was approved by the institutional review board; informed consent was waived. Liver R2 measurement was derived from the mono-exponential model by BHMEMPSE and MEMPSE MR sequences of a 1.5T MR machine in 30 thalassemia patients (9men, 21women, aged 27.7±6.8years). Hepatic iron contents were estimated using Ferriscan in all patients. The inter- and intra-observer agreement of the 2 MR sequences was also evaluated. MEMPSE R2 values significantly correlated with Ferriscan iron content values (r=0.895, p<0.001) and serum ferritin concentration (r=0.661, p<0.001). BHMEMPSE R2 values significantly correlated with Ferriscan values (r=0.914, p<0.001) and serum ferritin concentration (r=0.608, p<0.001). The distribution of MEMPSE R2 values against BHMEMPSE R2 values revealed an excellent linear relationship (r=0.978, p<0.001). The inter- and intra-observer agreement of the 2 MR sequences was excellent, with an interclass correlation coefficient exceeding 0.9. The distribution of Ferriscan against BHMEMPSE R2 values revealed a curvilinear relationship (r=0.935, p<0.001). The BHMEMPSE sequence exhibited comparable estimation for assessing liver iron content, comparable repeatability and a shorter acquisition time compared with the MEMPSE sequence. The BHMEMPSE sequence can serve as an adjunctive sequence to assess liver iron content. | Liver iron concentration;Magnetic resonance imaging;Spin echo;Thalassemia | pubmed |
Systems Biology and Noninvasive Imaging of Atherosclerosis. | atherosclerosis;cardiovascular diseases;inflammation;lipids;risk factors | pubmed |
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Budesonide + formoterol fumarate dihydrate for the treatment of asthma. | One of the most widely used fixed combinations in asthma management is dry powder budesonide+formoterol fumarate dihydrate which is commercially available as Symbicort Turbuhaler(®) (and generic products), Easyhaler Bufomix(®) and DuoRespSpiromax(®) inhaler. The aim of this paper was to review the fixed dry powder combination of inhaled budesonide+formoterol fumarate dihydrate for asthma treatment in adolescents and adults. A literature search using relevant search terms, reference lists for reviews and meta-analyses was performed. In symptomatic adolescent and adult patients with asthma maintenance and reliever therapy with a single-inhaler fixed combination of dry powder budesonide+formoterol fumarate dihydrate is an evidenced option. The combination treatment is convenient to patients. It reduces the number of exacerbations requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids. In some patients the strategy may also reduce the total intake of inhaled corticosteroids over time. Whether important outcome measures of asthma treatment, such as hospital admission and emergency room visit rates, may be reduced is less well documented since the published studies may have been influenced by publication bias. Non-pharmaceutical company-sponsored research evaluating such measures is needed. There is no evidence for the use of single inhaler fixed combinations of inhaled corticosteroids+long-acting β(2)-agonists in children (<12 years of age), and budesonide+formoterol fumarate dihydrate should not be prescribed to the age group. | Asthma;bioavailability;budesonide;formoterol;formoterol fumarate dihydrate;hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function;inhaled corticosteroids;inhaled steroids;long-acting β2-agonists;pharmacokinetics;short-acting β2-agonists;systemic activity | pubmed |
Diversification of ortho-Fused Cycloocta-2,5-dien-1-one Cores and Eight- to Six-Ring Conversion by σ Bond C-C Cleavage. | Sequential treatment of 2-C6 H4 Br(CHO) with LiC≡CR(1) (R(1) =SiMe3 , tBu), nBuLi, CuBr⋅SMe2 and HC≡CCHClR(2) [R(2) =Ph, 4-CF3 Ph, 3-CNPh, 4-(MeO2 C)Ph] at -50 °C leads to formation of an intermediate carbanion (Z)-1,2-C6 H4 {CA (=O)C≡CB R(1) }{CH=CH(CH(-) )R(2) } (4). Low temperatures (-50 °C) favour attack at CB leading to kinetic formation of 6,8-bicycles containing non-classical C-carbanion enolates (5). Higher temperatures (-10 °C to ambient) and electron-deficient R(2) favour retro σ-bond C-C cleavage regenerating 4, which subsequently closes on CA providing 6,6-bicyclic alkoxides (6). Computational modelling (CBS-QB3) indicated that both pathways are viable and of similar energies. Reaction of 6 with H(+) gave 1,2-dihydronaphthalen-1-ols, or under dehydrating conditions, 2-aryl-1-alkynylnaphthlenes. Enolates 5 react in situ with: H2 O, D2 O, I2 , allylbromide, S2 Me2 , CO2 and lead to the expected C-E derivatives (E=H, D, I, allyl, SMe, CO2 H) in 49-64 % yield directly from intermediate 5. The parents (E=H; R(1) =SiMe3 , tBu; R(2) =Ph) are versatile starting materials for NaBH4 and Grignard C=O additions, desilylation (when R(1) =SiMe) and oxime formation. The latter allows formation of 6,9-bicyclics via Beckmann rearrangement. The 6,8-ring iodides are suitable Suzuki precursors for Pd-catalysed C-C coupling (81-87 %), whereas the carboxylic acids readily form amides under T3P® conditions (71-95 %). | C−C activation;annulation;medium-ring compounds;ring expansion;synthetic methods | pubmed |
Allergies are still on the rise? A 6-year nationwide population-based study in Korea. | Some western countries recently have shown a slowdown in the incidence of allergic diseases after worldwide increasing trends, but there are few data from Asian populations concerning changing trend of allergic diseases. We evaluated the recent trends in the prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases in Korea. From the database of Korean National Health Insurance, a nationwide diagnostic data from 2009 to 2014 were extracted and the national prevalence was analyzed. The prevalence per 1000 people of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma in 2014 was 19.0, 133.1, and 36.3, respectively. The prevalence of three diseases was highest in the age group under 10 as, 95.0, 384.1, and 132.1 per 1000 people, while the prevalence in the over-10-year-group was only 11.6, 109.5, and 27.3, respectively. The prevalence of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis gradually decreased with older age, but the prevalence of asthma showed a re-increasing pattern from the age group 30-39 and reached another peak for the age group 70-79. During the study period, the prevalence of asthma and atopic dermatitis showed decreasing tendency. In contrast, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis steadily increased until 2013, especially in the age group under 10. The national prevalence of atopic dermatitis, and asthma did not show noticeable increase any more in Korea. However, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis still on the rise until recently, especially in the age group under 10. This is the first report in Asia suggesting a slowdown of the incidence of allergic diseases. | Allergic rhinitis;Asthma;Atopic dermatitis;Epidemiology;Prevalence | pubmed |
Distribution of the tryptophan pathway-derived defensive secondary metabolites gramine and benzoxazinones in Poaceae. | The Poaceae is a large taxonomic group consisting of approximately 12,000 species and is classified into 12 subfamilies. Gramine and benzoxazinones (Bxs), which are biosynthesized from the tryptophan pathway, are well-known defensive secondary metabolites in the Poaceae. We analyzed the presence or absence of garamine and Bxs in 64 species in the Poaceae by LC-MS/MS. We found that Hordeum brachyantherum and Hakonechloa macra accumulated gramine, but the presence of gramine was limited to small groups of species. We also detected Bxs in four species in the Pooideae and six species in the Panicoideae. In particular, four species in the Paniceae tribe in Panicoideae accumulaed Bxs, indicating that this tribe is a center of the Bx distribution. Bxs were absent in the subfamilies other than Pooideae and Panicoideae. These findings provide an overview of biased distribution of gramine and Bxs in Poaceae species. | Poaceae;benzoxazinones;gramine;secondary metabolism;tryptophan pathway | pubmed |
Sonochemical degradation of methyl orange in the presence of Bi2WO6: Effect of operating parameters and the generated reactive oxygen species. | The Bi2WO6 was prepared by the hydrothermal method and its sonocatalytic activity was studied in the degradation of methyl orange (MO) solutions. The effects of catalytic activity of Bi2WO6 on dye were inspected by the change in absorbance of dye with UV-vis spectrometer. The influences of operational parameters such as the addition amount of Bi2WO6, pH, the initial concentration of dyes, ultrasonic power and irradiation time on the degradation ratio were investigated. In addition, the obtained results indicated that the kinetics of sonochemical reactions of MO were consistent with the pseudo first-order kinetics and Bi2WO6 had excellent reusability and stability during the sonochemical degradation processes. The generation and kinds of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their influence on the sonochemical degradation of MO were determined by the methods of oxidation-extraction spectrophotometry and ROS scavengers. The results indicate that the degradation of MO in the presence of Bi2WO6 under ultrasonic irradiation is related to the generation of ROS, in which both singlet molecular oxygen ((1)O2) and hydroxyl radical (OH) play important roles in the sonochemical degradation of MO. These experimental results provide a sound foundation for the further development of Bi2WO6 as a sonocatalyst in wastewater treatment. | Bi(2)WO(6);Methyl orange;Reactive oxygen species;Sonochemical degradation;Ultrasonic irradiation | pubmed |
Colonic inflammation accompanies an increase of β-catenin signaling and Lachnospiraceae/Streptococcaceae bacteria in the hind gut of high-fat diet-fed mice. | Consumption of an obesigenic/high-fat diet (HFD) is associated with a high colon cancer risk and may alter the gut microbiota. To test the hypothesis that long-term high-fat (HF) feeding accelerates inflammatory process and changes gut microbiome composition, C57BL/6 mice were fed HFD (45% energy) or a low-fat (LF) diet (10% energy) for 36 weeks. At the end of the study, body weights in the HF group were 35% greater than those in the LF group. These changes were associated with dramatic increases in body fat composition, inflammatory cell infiltration, inducible nitric oxide synthase protein concentration and cell proliferation marker (Ki67) in ileum and colon. Similarly, β-catenin expression was increased in colon (but not ileum). Consistent with gut inflammation phenotype, we also found that plasma leptin, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α concentrations were also elevated in mice fed the HFD, indicative of chronic inflammation. Fecal DNA was extracted and the V1-V3 hypervariable region of the microbial 16S rRNA gene was amplified using primers suitable for 454 pyrosequencing. Compared to the LF group, the HF group had high proportions of bacteria from the family Lachnospiraceae/Streptococcaceae, which is known to be involved in the development of metabolic disorders, diabetes and colon cancer. Taken together, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that long-term HF consumption not only increases inflammatory status but also accompanies an increase of colonic β-catenin signaling and Lachnospiraceae/Streptococcaceae bacteria in the hind gut of C57BL/6 mice. | Cancer;Colonic inflammation;High fat;Microbiome;Obesity | pubmed |
Influence of genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase on the variability in stable warfarin maintenance dose in Han Chinese. | The aim of this study was to investigate whether any of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the POR gene were significantly associated with CYP activity and expression, and could contribute to the total variability in stable warfarin maintenance doses in Han Chinese. A total of 408 patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University were eligible for the study and had attained a stable warfarin maintenance dose at the start of the investigation. Demographics, warfarin maintenance doses, and concomitant medications were documented. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and genotyped for ten SNPs (CYP 2C9*2 and *3, CYP4F2 rs2108622, VKORC1 -1639C>T, and potential POR genes of rs10239977, rs3815455, rs41301394, rs56256515, rs1057868, and rs2286823) using the Sequenom MassARRAY genotyping system. A predictive model of warfarin maintenance dose was established and indicated that age, gender, body surface area, aspirin use, CYP2C9*3, CYP4F2 rs2108622, VKORC1 -1639C>T, and POR*37 831-35C>T accounted for 42.4 % of dose variance in patients undergoing anticoagulant treatment. The contribution of POR*37 831-35C>T to warfarin dose variation was only 3.9 %. For the first time, the SNP POR*37 831-35C>T was confirmed as a minor but statistically significant factor associated with interindividual variation in warfarin maintenance dose in Han Chinese. The POR*37 gene polymorphism should be considered in future algorithms for faster and more reliable achievement of stable warfarin maintenance doses. | Gene polymorphism;POR;Predictive formula of maintenance dose;Warfarin | pubmed |
Relationships between range access as monitored by radio frequency identification technology, fearfulness, and plumage damage in free-range laying hens. | Severe feather-pecking (SFP), a particularly injurious behaviour in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is thought to be negatively correlated with range use in free-range systems. In turn, range use is thought to be inversely associated with fearfulness, where fearful birds may be less likely to venture outside. However, very few experiments have investigated the proposed association between range use and fearfulness. This experiment investigated associations between range use (time spent outside), fearfulness, plumage damage, and BW. Two pens of 50 ISA Brown laying hens (n=100) were fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders (contained within silicone leg rings) at 26 weeks of age. Data were then collected over 13 days. A total of 95% of birds accessed the outdoor run more than once per day. Birds spent an average duration of 6.1 h outside each day over 11 visits per bird per day (51.5 min per visit). The top 15 and bottom 15 range users (n=30), as determined by the total time spent on the range over 13 days, were selected for study. These birds were tonic immobility (TI) tested at the end of the trial and were feather-scored and weighed after TI testing. Birds with longer TI durations spent less time outside (P=0.01). Plumage damage was not associated with range use (P=0.68). The small group sizes used in this experiment may have been conducive to the high numbers of birds utilising the outdoor range area. The RFID technology collected a large amount of data on range access in the tagged birds, and provides a potential means for quantitatively assessing range access in laying hens. The present findings indicate a negative association between fearfulness and range use. However, the proposed negative association between plumage damage and range use was not supported. The relationships between range use, fearfulness, and SFP warrant further research. | fearfulness;free-range;plumage damage;radio frequency identification;range use | pubmed |
Proteogenomics for the Comprehensive Analysis of Human Cellular and Serum Antibody Repertoires. | The vast repertoire of immunoglobulins produced by the immune system is a consequence of the huge amount of antigens to which we are exposed every day. The diversity of these immunoglobulins is due to different mechanisms (including VDJ recombination, somatic hypermutation, and antigen selection). Understanding how the immune system is capable of generating this diversity and which are the molecular bases of the composition of immunoglobulins are key challenges in the immunological field. During the last decades, several techniques have emerged as promising strategies to achieve these goals, but it is their combination which appears to be the fruitful solution for increasing the knowledge about human cellular and serum antibody repertoires.In this chapter, we address the diverse strategies focused on the analysis of immunoglobulin repertoires as well as the characterization of the genomic and peptide sequences. Moreover, the advantages of combining various -omics approaches are discussed through review different published studies, showing the benefits in clinical areas. | Antibody repertory;Immunoglobulin sequencing;Omics integration;Proteogenomics | pubmed |
Preparation, characterization, and anticancer efficacy of evodiamine-loaded PLGA nanoparticles. | Evodiamine (EVO) is a plant-derived indolequinazoline alkaloid with potential anticancer activity. However, low bioavailability caused by its poor water solubility limits it anticancer efficacy in clinic. To enhance the solubility and improve the bioavailability of EVO, a delivery system based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with EVO (EVO-PLGA NPs) for treating breast cancer was prepared in this study. The physicochemical characterization and in vitro antitumor evaluation of EVO-PLGA NPs were determined. EVO-PLGA NPs could persistently control the release of EVO for 180 h. 3-[4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assessment and colony formation assay showed that EVO-PLGA NPs could enhance the toxicity and the proliferation inhibition effect of EVO on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. EVO-PLGA NPs did not strengthen G2/M arrest effect of EVO-treated cells after 24h incubation. Meanwhile, EVO-PLGA NPs could increase the expression of cyclin B1 and decrease the expression of β-actin. Taken together, these results suggested that -PLGA NPs is promising for improving anticancer efficacy of EVO in breast cancer therapy. | Anticancer activity;PLGA nanoparticles;breast cancer;evodiamine;formulation | pubmed |
Unique albumin with two silent substitutions (540Thr→Ala and 546Ala→Ser): Insights into how albumin is recycled. | To determine the cause of an albumin abnormality detected by chance on electrospray time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) of whole plasma, and to assess its physiological consequences. Plasma was examined by TOF MS and tryptic mapping was used to locate mutation sites and determine the relative expression level of the variant and normal albumins. DNA sequencing was used to precisely define mutations. Whole protein electrospray TOF MS indicated a decrease of 14Da in the mass of albumin. Peptide mass mapping and DNA sequencing established the presence of two novel heterozygous point mutations (540Thr→Ala and 546Ala→Ser) whose combined mass changes (-30 and +16Da) indicated both mutations occurred on the same allele. Peptide ratios showed the variant albumin was present at a lower level than normal with an expression ratio of approximately 1:2 (variant:normal). Phylogenetic sequence alignments show Thr540 is highly conserved while Ala546 has wide species variation, suggesting 540Thr→Ala might compromise the protein. Both mutations occur close together in domain IIIB, a region involved in albumin scavenging and recycling. In particular, Thr540 is close to His535, a residue directly involved in pH-dependent binding and release of albumin from its recycling neonatal Fc receptor. Compromised receptor binding would explain the low albumin (34g/l) concentration and the diminished variant expression level. | Albumin mutation;Albumin structure;Half-life;Mass spectrometry;Neonatal Fc receptor | pubmed |
Conversion of Biowaste Asian Hard Clam (Meretrix lusoria) Shells into White-Emitting Phosphors for Use in Neutral White LEDs. | The increasing volume and complexity of waste associated with the modern economy poses a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. However, the remanufacturing and recycling of waste into usable products can lead to substantial resource savings. In the present study, clam shell waste was first transformed into pure and well-crystallized single-phase white light-emitting phosphor Ca₉Gd(PO₄)₇:Eu<sup>2+</sup>,Mn<sup>2+</sup> materials. The phosphor Ca₉Gd(PO₄)₇:Eu<sup>2+</sup>,Mn<sup>2+</sup> materials were synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and the carbothermic reduction process, and then characterized and analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The structural and luminescent properties of the phosphors were investigated as well. The PL and quantum efficiency measurements showed that the luminescence properties of clam shell-based phosphors were comparable to that of the chemically derived phosphors. Moreover, white light-emitting diodes were fabricated through the integration of 380 nm chips and single-phase white light-emitting phosphors (Ca<sub>0.979</sub>Eu<sub>0.006</sub>Mn<sub>0.015</sub>)₉Gd(PO₄)₇ into a single package of a white light emitting diode (WLED) emitting a neutral white light of 5298 K with color coordinates of (0.337, 0.344). | carbothermic reaction;near-UV;phosphor;shell waste;solid-state reaction | pubmed |
Test-Retest Reliability of Detection Time Data Measured Using a Masseter Electromyogram in Healthy Young Adults: Preliminary Analysis of Data. | Few studies have assessed test-retest reliability of flavor detection time in semisolid and solid foods. In this study, test-retest reliability was assessed in 16 healthy young adults (22.6 ± 5.5 years old) on the data collected using a masseter electromyography-based system between two experimental sessions approximately 35 days apart. The overall correlation coefficients were calculated across five test foods; the correlation coefficient for the entire sample was statistically significant. Five correlation coefficients were calculated for individual test foods, but only orange-flavored gummy candy was significantly correlated across the two sessions. These results suggested that flavor detection time measured by the electromyography-based system is basically reliable over time, with considerable variation among flavors. | detection time;electromyography;flavor | pubmed |
Sinus lift: 3 years follow up comparing autogenous bone block versus autogenous particulated grafts. | The aim of this prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare vertical bone gain and bone resorption after sinus graft procedures performed either with particulate or with autogenous bone block. Forty-one patients underwent sinus graft procedures with autogenous bone. They were randomly assigned to one group. The first group of 22 patients was treated with autogenous bone block with or without particulated bone, while in the second group of 19 patients sinus floor elevation was performed only with particulated autogenous bone. Linear measurements were recorded before surgery with a computed tomography scan at surgery and at 36 months after sinus lift grafting with a second computed tomography scan. To detect statistical differences Student <i>t</i> test was applied. Differences were considered significant if P values were < 0.05. There was a statistically significant difference in bone gain for the group treated with bone block grafts. As a general clinical guideline the clinician should prefer, wherever feasible, en-block bone grafts for sinus floor augmentation procedures. | autogenous bone graft;bone block;maxilla;particulated bone;sinus floor elevation | pubmed |
Speech Discrimination Difficulties in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder Are Likely Independent of Auditory Hypersensitivity. | Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), characterized by impaired communication skills and repetitive behaviors, can also result in differences in sensory perception. Individuals with ASD often perform normally in simple auditory tasks but poorly compared to typically developed (TD) individuals on complex auditory tasks like discriminating speech from complex background noise. A common trait of individuals with ASD is hypersensitivity to auditory stimulation. No studies to our knowledge consider whether hypersensitivity to sounds is related to differences in speech-in-noise discrimination. We provide novel evidence that individuals with high-functioning ASD show poor performance compared to TD individuals in a speech-in-noise discrimination task with an attentionally demanding background noise, but not in a purely energetic noise. Further, we demonstrate in our small sample that speech-hypersensitivity does not appear to predict performance in the speech-in-noise task. The findings support the argument that an attentional deficit, rather than a perceptual deficit, affects the ability of individuals with ASD to discriminate speech from background noise. Finally, we piloted a novel questionnaire that measures difficulty hearing in noisy environments, and sensitivity to non-verbal and verbal sounds. Psychometric analysis using 128 TD participants provided novel evidence for a difference in sensitivity to non-verbal and verbal sounds, and these findings were reinforced by participants with ASD who also completed the questionnaire. The study was limited by a small and high-functioning sample of participants with ASD. Future work could test larger sample sizes and include lower-functioning ASD participants. | auditory attention;auditory behavior questionnaire;auditory hypersensitivity;autism spectrum disorder;speech-in-noise discrimination | pubmed |
Protective Effects of Co-Enzyme Q10 on Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Damage and Its Correlation With Behavioral, Biochemical, and Pathological Factors. | Acute liver damage may be followed by biochemical, behavioral, and pathological alterations, which can result in serious complications and even death. In this experimental study we determined whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a common supplementary medicine known to have protective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects in cells, has any protective effect against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver damage and its related neurobehavioral alterations in rats. In this experimental study forty-eight Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups (n = 12): C1 was the control group; C2 received a single-dose of TAA (350mg/kg; intraperitoneally) without any other treatment; E1 received TAA + 5 mg/kg CoQ10 (intraperitoneally); and E2 received TAA + 10 mg/kg CoQ10. After sacrificing the rats, liver enzymes and plasma-ammonia (NH4) were measured and histopathological analyses of the livers were carried out. Elevated-plus-maze, open-field, and forced-swimming tests were also performed to investigate behavioral correlations. The serum levels of alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), and NH4 show significant increases (P < 0.05). The groups treated with CoQ10 were shown to have significantly lower clinical grade of encephalopathy (P = 0.001), higher locomotor activity (P = 0.000), and lower levels of depression (P = 0.000). Furthermore, it was also shown that CoQ10 treatment may lead to significant decreases in scores of centrilobular necrosis, apoptosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolization, and liver necrosis (P < 0.05). Overall, CoQ10 was determined to have positive effects on liver injury and its related behavioral and biochemical changes. | Acute liver Failure;Behavioral Symptoms;Coenzyme Q10;Hyperammonemia;Thioacetamide | pubmed |
The prevalence of childhood victimization experienced outside of the family: Findings from an English prevalence study. | There has been little research carried out in the United Kingdom (UK) aimed at providing a holistic exploration of the victim experiences of young people within the school and community environments (extrafamilial victimization). This study therefore examined the prevalence of 24 different types of extrafamilial victimization experienced by a sample of 730 young people, aged 13-16 years (mean 13.8 years), from one county in the UK. The findings show that the vast majority of young people experienced some form of extrafamilial victimization over their lifetime (84.1%) and past year (67.2%). Looking at individual categories of victimization experienced over the lifetime, 7 out of 10 young people witnessed or experienced indirect victimization, 1 in 3 experienced property victimization, more than 1 in 4 physical victimization, almost 1 in 2 experienced bullying, 1 in 28 dating violence and 1 in 7 experienced sexual victimization. The findings also suggest that victimization is not an isolated event; participants experienced an average 2.8 different types of victimization across their lifetime. These research findings are compared to those from national victimization surveys in the USA and UK to compile a picture of the victimization prevalence rates across studies. The findings highlight the importance of adopting a holistic approach to the exploration of extrafamilial victimization in future research, assessment of victim experiences, and prevention of extrafamilial victimization. | Child;Community violence;Extrafamilial victimization;Peer victimization;Poly-victimization;Prevalence | pubmed |
Incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers - a population-based cohort study. | Our study sought to estimate the association between race, gender, comorbidity and body mass index (BMI) on the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcer (PU) from a population-based retrospective cohort comprising 242 745 unique patient hospital discharges in two fiscal years from July 2009 to June 2010 from 15 general and tertiary care hospitals. Cases were patients with a single inpatient encounter that led to an incident PU. Controls were patients without a PU at any encounter during the two fiscal years with the earliest admission retained for analysis. Logistic regression models quantified the association of potential risk factors for PU incidence. Spline functions captured the non-linear effects of age and comorbidity. Overall 2·68% of patients experienced an incident PU during their inpatient stay. Unadjusted analyses revealed statistically significant associations by age, gender, race, comorbidity, BMI, admitted for a surgical procedure, source of admission and fiscal year, but differences by gender and race did not persist in adjusted analyses. Interactions between age, comorbidity and BMI contributed significantly to the likelihood of PU incidence. Patients who were older, with multiple comorbidities and admitted for a surgical diagnosis-related groups (DRG) were at greater risk of experiencing a PU during their stay. | Electronic health record;Epidemiology;Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer | pubmed |
Can Optimal Cerebral Perfusion Pressure in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Be Calculated Based on Minute-by-Minute Data Monitoring? | The concept of CPPopt, a variable cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) target based on cerebrovascular autoregulatory capacity in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), is promising. CPPopt calculation is based on the continuous plotting of the pressure reactivity Index (PRx) against CPP and requires processing of waveform quality data. The aim of this study is to investigate whether CPPopt can also be calculated based on minute-by-minute data. A low-resolution autoregulation index (LAx) was defined as the minute-by-minute intracranial pressure-mean arterial pressure correlation over varying time intervals. A matrix of LAx-CPP plots was built using different LAx values and varying time windows. CPPopt was calculated as the weighted average of the CPPopt values resulting from each plot. The method was assessed in a database of 21 patients with TBI with 60-Hz data. No significant difference was observed between PRx-based and LAx-based CPPopt values. The new method was able to issue a CPPopt recommendation throughout almost the entire monitoring time. The absolute difference between CPP and CPPopt was inversely associated with survival. CPPopt calculation based on standard resolution data compared well with PRx-based CPPopt and may represent a promising alternative method, avoiding the need for waveform quality data capture. Further validation of this new method is required. | Cerebral perfusion pressure;Pressure autoregulation;Traumatic brain injury | pubmed |
Can an ¹⁸F-ALF-NOTA-PRGD2 PET/CT Scan Predict Treatment Sensitivity to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma? | This study examined the value of a novel 1-step labeled integrin α(v)β3-targeting (18)F-AlF-NOTA-PRGD2 (denoted as (18)F-RGD) scan in assessing sensitivity to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Twenty-five patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled in this study 3-5 wk after surgical resection. All participants were investigated with (18)F-RGD PET/CT on baseline (T1) and at the third week (T2) after the start of CCRT. Tumor volume, maximal and mean standardized uptake value of the tumor (SUVmax, SUVmean), and tumor-to-nontumor ratios of the tumor volume were obtained. The MRI treatment response was assessed at the 11th week (T3). The change in the lesion volume from T1 to T3 on MRI was used as an endpoint to evaluate the predictive ability of (18)F-RGD PET/CT. With (18)F-RGD PET/CT imaging, we successfully visualized the residual lesions of GBM. Twenty-five and 23 (18)F-RGD PET/CT scans at baseline and the third week, respectively, were available for analysis. We found that (18)F-RGD PET/CT parameters, both pretreatment SUVmax on baseline (P< 0.05) and intratreatment SUVmax at the third week (SUV(maxT2)) (P< 0.05) and tumor-to-nontumor ratios at the third week (P< 0.05), were predictive of treatment sensitivity to CCRT. Additionally, the change of volume from T1 to T2 on MRI was also predictive (P< 0.05). According to receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis, the most significant parameter was SUV(maxT2) (area under the curve, 0.846). The threshold of SUV(maxT2) was 1.35, and its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 84.6%, 90.0% and 87.0%, respectively. (18)F-RGD PET/CT allows for the noninvasive visualization of GBM lesions and the prediction of sensitivity to CCRT as early as 3 wk after treatment initiation. | 18F-RGD;chemoradiotherapy;glioblastoma;positron emission tomography (PET);predict | pubmed |
Campylobacter jejuni-associated perimyocarditis: two case reports and review of the literature. | Campylobacter spp. are among the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis world-wide and mostly follow a benign course. We report two cases of Campylobacter jejuni-associated perimyocarditis, the first two simultaneous cases published to date and the third and fourth cases over all in Sweden, and a review of the literature. A previously healthy 24-yo male (A) presented at the Emergency Department(ED) with recent onset of chest pain and a 3-day history of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. The symptoms began within a few hours of returning from a tourist visit to a central European capital. Vital signs were stable, the Electrocardiogram(ECG) showed generalized ST-elevation, laboratory testing showed increased levels of C-reactive protein(CRP) and high-sensitive Troponin T(hsTnT). Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was normal, stool cultures were positive for C Jejuni and blood cultures were negative. Two days after patient A was admitted to the ED his travel companion (B), also a previously healthy male (23-yo), presented at the same ED with almost identical symptoms: chest pain precipitated by a few days of abdominal pain, fever and diarrhoea. Patient B declared that he and patient A had ingested chicken prior to returning from their tourist trip. Laboratory tests showed elevated CRP and hsTnT but the ECG and TTE were normal. In both cases, the diagnosis of C jejuni-associated perimyocarditis was set based on the typical presentation and positive stool cultures with identical strains. Both patients were given antibiotics, rapidly improved and were fully recovered at 6-week follow up. Perimyocarditis is a rare complication of C jejuni infections but should not be overlooked considering the risk of heart failure. With treatment, the prognosis of full recovery is good but several questions remain to be answered regarding the pathophysiology and the male preponderance of the condition. | Campylobacter jejuni;High-sensitive Troponin T;Perimyocarditis;ST-elevation | pubmed |
Neurologists can identify diagnostic linguistic features during routine seizure clinic interactions: results of a one-day teaching intervention. | The diagnostic distinction between epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can be challenging. Previous studies have demonstrated that experts in conversation analysis can identify linguistic and interactional features in transcripts and recordings of interviews with patients that reliably distinguish between epilepsy and PNES. In this study, ten senior neurology trainees took part in a one-day intervention workshop about linguistic and interactional differences in the conversation behavior of patients with epilepsy and those with PNES. Participants were familiarized with a 12-item questionnaire designed to capture their conversational observations immediately after talking to a patient with seizures. After the intervention, 55 initial outpatient visits of patients referred to seizure clinics were video and audio recorded. All medical diagnoses were confirmed two years after initial presentation on the basis of a chart review (including MRI and EEG findings) by a fully trained epilepsy expert. Postvisit questionnaires relating to patients confirmed to have epilepsy (n=20) or PNES (n=13) were analyzed. Doctors' mean responses to 6 of the 12 questions about linguistic and interactional observations differed significantly between the groups with epilepsy and PNES. Receiver operating curve analysis showed that a summation scale based on items demonstrating significant between-group differences correctly classified 81.8% of patients as having epilepsy or PNES. This study shows that a brief Conversation Analytic teaching intervention can enable neurologists to identify linguistic and interactional features supporting the differentiation of epilepsy and PNES as they take their patients' history in routine seizure clinic consultations, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy. | Conversation analysis;Doctor–patient communication;Epilepsy;Improving diagnostic accuracy;Intervention;Nonepileptic seizures | pubmed |
Programmed Death Ligand 1 Promotes Early-Life Chlamydia Respiratory Infection-Induced Severe Allergic Airway Disease. | Chlamydia infections are frequent causes of respiratory illness, particularly pneumonia in infants, and are linked to permanent reductions in lung function and the induction of asthma. However, the immune responses that protect against early-life infection and the mechanisms that lead to chronic lung disease are incompletely understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of programmed death (PD)-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 in promoting early-life Chlamydia respiratory infection, and infection-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and severe allergic airway disease in later life. Infection increased PD-1 and PD-L1, but not PD-L2, mRNA expression in the lung. Flow cytometric analysis of whole lung homogenates identified monocytes, dendritic cells, CD4(+), and CD8(+) T cells as major sources of PD-1 and PD-L1. Inhibition of PD-1 and PD-L1, but not PD-L2, during infection ablated infection-induced AHR in later life. Given that PD-L1 was the most highly up-regulated and its targeting prevented infection-induced AHR, subsequent analyses focused on this ligand. Inhibition of PD-L1 had no effect on Chlamydia load but suppressed infection-induced pulmonary inflammation. Infection decreased the levels of the IL-13 decoy receptor in the lung, which were restored to baseline levels by inhibition of PD-L1. Finally, inhibition of PD-L1 during infection prevented subsequent infection-induced severe allergic airways disease in later life by decreasing IL-13 levels, Gob-5 expression, mucus production, and AHR. Thus, early-life Chlamydia respiratory infection-induced PD-L1 promotes severe inflammation during infection, permanent reductions in lung function, and the development of more severe allergic airway disease in later life. | Chlamydia respiratory infection;PD-L1;airway hyperresponsiveness;asthma;infant | pubmed |
Water footprints of products of oil palm plantations and palm oil mills in Thailand. | The water footprint (WF) of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) from oil palm plantations and crude palm oil (CPO) from palm oil mills in southern and eastern Thailand were determined over 25 years. Climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and the characteristics of oil palm growth were considered. The WF of FFBs was 1063 m(3)/ton (t) on average. Green, blue, and grey waters comprised of 68, 18, and 14% of total WF, respectively. The oil palm plantations in Thailand required smaller amounts of indirect blue water. The average WF for producing a ton of CPO of seven mills was 5083 m(3). Most of the waters used in the mills originated from indirect green, blue and grey waters from the plantations. The direct blue water used in the mills had less impact on the total WF, lower than 1% of the total WF. Average percentages of green, blue, and grey waters of 69, 16, and 15% of total WF were determined for the mills, respectively. The water deprivation of the FFBs and CPO ranged from 0.73-12.9 and 3.44-58.3 m(3)H2Oeq/t, respectively. In 2013, the CPO production in Thailand including green, blue, and grey waters from plantation and blue water from mills required 11,343 million m(3) water. If the oil palm variety Suratthani 7 is used in the plantation, it would increase the yield from 15.2 to 22.8 t FFBs/ha-year and decrease the WF to 888 m(3)/t FFBs. The average value of the oil extraction rate (OER) of mills was 18.1%. With an increase in the OER of 1%, a reduction of the WF of 250 m(3)/t CPO or 5.1% of total WF could be obtained. | Crop water requirement;Crude palm oil;Fresh fruit bunches;Soil texture;Water deprivation | pubmed |
Brain glucose metabolism during hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes: insights from functional and metabolic neuroimaging studies. | Hypoglycemia is the most frequent complication of insulin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes. Since the brain is reliant on circulating glucose as its main source of energy, hypoglycemia poses a threat for normal brain function. Paradoxically, although hypoglycemia commonly induces immediate decline in cognitive function, long-lasting changes in brain structure and cognitive function are uncommon in patients with type 1 diabetes. In fact, recurrent hypoglycemia initiates a process of habituation that suppresses hormonal responses to and impairs awareness of subsequent hypoglycemia, which has been attributed to adaptations in the brain. These observations sparked great scientific interest into the brain's handling of glucose during (recurrent) hypoglycemia. Various neuroimaging techniques have been employed to study brain (glucose) metabolism, including PET, fMRI, MRS and ASL. This review discusses what is currently known about cerebral metabolism during hypoglycemia, and how findings obtained by functional and metabolic neuroimaging techniques contributed to this knowledge. | Brain metabolism;Cerebral blood flow;Hypoglycemia;Impaired awareness of hypoglycemia;Neuroimaging;Type 1 diabetes mellitus | pubmed |
Thrombopoietic status of patients on haemodialysis. | Thrombocytopenia is a potential dialysis-related treatment complication. Developments in bio-compatible dialyser membranes have decreased the occurrence of thrombocytopenia. We investigated whether thrombopoiesis is impaired in haemodialysis patients by measuring the thrombopoietin level and absolute immature platelet number (AIPN) in the blood of patients undergoing haemodialysis. Samples were collected from the dialysis tubing pre- and post- haemodialysis in a cohort of 45 well-characterized haemodialysis patients. Thrombopoietin levels and AIPN increased following haemodialysis, despite no change in platelet count. Observed increase in release of immature platelets from the bone marrow following haemodialysis indicates possible complement activation secondary to interaction between blood constituents and the dialysis membrane. | IL1A (IL1α);absolute immature platelet number;haemodialysis;immature platelet fraction;thrombopoietin | pubmed |
Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus and genotype distribution in immigrants crossing to Europe from North and sub-Saharan Africa. | The association between the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and immigration is rarely studied, particularly for the immigrants crossing to the resettlement countries. Most of the published data are confined to those immigrants who were resident in European countries and rarely immigrated before they reach the final destination. Libya is a large country in North Africa with the longest coast of the Mediterranean Sea facing the European Union. It has been considered as the main transient station for African immigrants to Europe. The objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the prevalence of HCV in African immigrants gathered in Libya from different African countries on their way to Europe and (2) HCV genotype distribution in these immigrants and its correlation with different demographic factors. A total of 14 205 serum samples were collected in a 3-year period (2013-2015) from different immigrants from North and sub-Saharan Africa who resided in the African immigrant campus, Tripoli, Libya. The participants were interviewed, and relevant information was collected, including socio-demographic, ethnic, and geographic variables. Each serum sample was tested for anti-HCV antibody using ELISA. The genotypes were determined and assigned using a specific genotyping assay and correlated with demographic and potential risk factors of the recruited individuals. Of the immigrants studied, 1078 (7.6%) were positive for HCV. The prevalence of HCV infection ranged from 1.4% to 18.7%; it was higher among individuals arriving from Nile river (3.6-18.7%) of North Africa, followed by those who arrived from the West African region (2.1-14.1%), Horn of Africa (HOA, 6.8-9.9%), and Maghreb countries (1.4-2.7%). The relative risk factor attributable to gender variation was not significant (95% Cl: 0.8513-1.2381). Five genotypes were detected in 911 African immigrants. Genotypic analysis showed that the predominant HCV genotypes in this group were genotypes 4, 1, and 2 that accounted for 329 (36.1%), 326 (35.8%), and 131 (14.4%) strains, respectively, followed by genotype 3 that accounted for 87 (9.5%) strains. Genotype 5 was isolated mainly from 18 HOA (2%) and 20 West African (2.2%) individuals. The prevalence of HCV is considered high with a unique disparate distribution among African immigrants crossing to Europe. This indicated that the prevalence of HCV is high among these immigrants and thus may be reflected on the HCV prevalence in the guest countries. The broad genetic heterogeneity of HCV genotypes detected here may impact the efficacy of prevention and control efforts for HCV in both Europe and North and sub-Saharan Africa; hence, an integrated global policy of actions is needed. | African Immigrants;Central Africa;HCV;Horn of Africa;North Africa;West Africa | pubmed |
Lower muscle density is associated with major postoperative complications in older patients after surgery for colorectal cancer. | Reduced muscle density is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. We examined the prognostic value of muscle density as a predictor of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Patients (≥70 years) who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer between 2006 and 2013 were selected from a prospective single centre database. The Hounsfield Unit Average (HUA or HU/mm<sup>2</sup>) of the psoas muscles at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was calculated on the scan. High and low muscle density groups were identified based on the lowest gender specific HUAC quartile. Major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo (CD) ≥3) within 30 days after surgery were retrospectively documented. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. A total of 373 patients (median age = 78 years) were included in this study. The mean muscle density score was 24.5 ± 4.3 HU/mm<sup>2</sup> for males and 26.3 ± 5.0 HU/mm<sup>2</sup> for females. The cut-off point for the lowest gender specific quartile was ≤22.0 HU/mm<sup>2</sup> for males and ≤23.5 HU/mm<sup>2</sup> for females. After multivariable regression, there was a statistically significant association between muscle density and CD ≥ 3 (OR = 1.84 (95% CI 1.11-3.06), p = 0.019). Anastomotic leakage in patients with a primary anastomosis (n = 287) occurred more often in patients with low muscle density (11.7% vs 23.3%, p = 0.016). The associations remained significant after correction for confounders. Low muscle density is associated with major postoperative complications in older patients who undergo surgery for colorectal cancer. | Colorectal cancer;Muscle density;Older adults;Postoperative complications;Surgery | pubmed |
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy a salvage treatment option for sudden sensorineural hearing loss? | To investigate of the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a salvage treatment after unsuccessful oral corticosteroid therapy. Case notes of patients who were followed up because of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss between 2005 and 2011 in a tertiary care centre were examined retrospectively. Audiograms from before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy were examined in terms of mean gains in pure tone average and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz. In addition, recovery according to Siegel's criteria was noted. Mean gain in pure tone average was 10.55 ± 13.56 dB. Mean gains at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz were 16.66 ± 18.43 dB, 16.94 ± 19.93 dB, 12.63 ± 16.71 dB, 7.36 ± 15.28 dB, 5.27 ± 11.58 dB and 2.91 ± 12.44 dB, respectively. Three patients had complete recovery, 1 had partial recovery, 5 had slight recovery and 25 had no improvement. Hyperbaric oxygen utilised as a salvage therapy after failed corticosteroid therapy may be beneficial in some patients. Studies with more patients are needed. | Sudden;Hearing Loss;Hyperbaric Oxygenation;Salvage Therapy | pubmed |
How to estimate heart rate from pulse rate reported by oscillometric method in atrial fibrillation: The value of pulse rate variation. | To evaluate whether the mean pulse rate (PR) from three oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurements provides an accurate estimation of electrocardiogram ventricular rate (HR) in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). BP and PR were measured with an oscillometric BP device for three times with one-minute interval. Simultaneously, one-minute electrocardiogram was also recorded for three times. The first PR and HR values were recorded as PR1 and HR1, and the averages of three PR and HR values as mean PR (mPR) and mean HR (mHR). Meanwhile, the differences between the highest and lowest values among the three PR and HR were calculated as ΔPR and ΔHR. Furthermore, the patients were stratified on ΔPR into the 0-15 and >15 subgroups. A moderate positive correlation existed between PR1 and HR1 or mPR and mHR, and Bland-Altman plot also showed quite wide 95% limits between them. Meanwhile, ΔPR was significantly higher than ΔHR (12.1±8.6 vs 3.6±2.5bpm, P<0.001). However, in the 0-15 subgroup, the correlation between mPR and mHR was high (R2=0.800), and the 95% limits were only from -11.3 to 14.2bpm with a difference of 1.4bpm. The coincidence (mPR-mHR<10bpm) rate was 93.9% when PR≤80bpm, 96.3% when PR 81-100bpm, and 88.9% when PR over 100bpm. The average of three PR values reported by an oscillometric BP device could provide a clinically accepted estimation of mean HR of 3min in AF patients with ΔPR 0-15bpm and mean PR ≤100bpm. | Atrial fibrillation;Electrocardiogram;Heart rate;Oscillometric method;Pulse rate | pubmed |
State-of-the-Art Imaging and Staging of Plasma Cell Dyscrasias. | Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is a clinically asymptomatic premalignant clonal plasma cell or lymphoplasmacytic proliferative disorder. Smoldering multiple myeloma, also called asymptomatic multiple myeloma, is an intermediate stage between MGUS and symptomatic multiple myeloma. As the name implies, extraosseous or extramedullary myeloma refers to the presence of myeloma deposits outside the skeletal system. Waldenström macroglobulinemia is a distinct subtype of plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in the bone marrow with an associated IgM monoclonal gammopathy. Amyloidosis is a condition characterized by extracellular deposition of fibrils composed of a variety of normal serum proteins. | Imaging;Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown clinical significance;Multiple myeloma;Plasma cell dyscrasias;Smoldering myeloma;Solitary plasmacytoma | pubmed |
Calcium-Based, Antibiotic-Loaded Bone Substitute as an Implant Coating: A Pilot Clinical Study. | <b>Background:</b> Implant-related infections remain a major complication after orthopaedic surgery. Antibacterial coating of implants may prevent bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. However, in spite of extensive preclinical research in the field, antibacterial coatings to protect orthopaedic implants in the clinical setting remain particularly few. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the safety of a calcium-based, antibiotic-loaded bone substitute as an antibacterial coating of cementless joint prosthesis. <b>Methods:</b> From March 2013 to August 2015, 20 consecutive patients scheduled for cementless or hybrid two-stage revision surgery for peri-prosthetic joint infection were included in this prospective, observational, pilot study. Cerament G or Cerament V, a gentamicin or vancomycin-loaded calcium-based resorbable bone substitute (60% calcium sulphate, 40% hydroxyapatite), was applied at surgery on the stem surface of hip (n=7) or knee (n=13) revision prosthesis. After surgery, all patients underwent clinical (HHS or KSS and SF-12 score), laboratory and radiographic evaluation at 3, 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. <b>Results:</b> At a minimum of 12 months follow-up, 19/20 (95%) patients showed no recurrence of infection and no signs of radiographic loosening of the stem. No adverse events were associated with the use of Cerament G or V. <b>Conclusions:</b> This is the first pilot clinical study on the short-term safety of using a calcium-based, gentamicin or vancomycin-loaded bone substitute as a surface coating on cementless prosthetic implants. If confirmed by larger studies and at longer follow-ups, these findings may open a new prospective to protect intra-operatively orthopedic implants from bacterial adhesion, through the use of resorbable, osteoconductive, antibiotic carriers. | Calcium sulphate;Coating;Hydroxyapatite.;Peri-prosthetic infection | pubmed |
Effect of the secondary process on mass point vibration velocity propagation in magneto-acoustic tomography and magneto-acousto-electrical tomography. | As two of the new biological electrical impedance tomography (EIT), magneto-acoustic tomography (MAT) and magneto-acousto-electrical tomography (MAET) achieve both the high contrast property of EIT and the high spatial resolution property of sonography through combining EIT and sonography. As both MAT and MAET contain a uniform magnetic field, vibration and electrical current density, there is a secondary process both in MAT and in MAET, which is MAET and MAT respectively. To analyze the effect of the secondary process on mass point vibration velocity (MPVV) propagation in MAT and MAET. By analyzing the total force to the sample, the wave equations of MPVV in MAT and MAET - when the secondary processes were considered - were derived. The expression of the attenuation constant in the wave number was derived in the case that the mass point vibration velocity propagates in the form of cylindrical wave and plane wave. Attenuations of propagation of the MPVV in several samples were quantified. Attenuations of the MPVV after propagating for 1 mm in copper or aluminum foil, and for 5 cm in gel phantom or biological soft tissue were less than 1%. Attenuations of the MPVV in MAT and MAET due to the secondary processes are relatively minor, and effects of the secondary processes on MPVV propagation in MAT and MAET can be ignored. | Magneto-acoustic tomography;linear damping;magneto-acousto-electrical tomography;wave equation of mass point vibration velocity | pubmed |
Are bidirectional associations of obesity and depression already apparent in childhood and adolescence as based on high-quality studies? A systematic review. | Our aim was to evaluate bidirectional associations of obesity and depression in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies with initial assessments in childhood or adolescence. The clarification of these relationships may support the development of innovative interventions, e.g. based on nutrition and mental health. A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE. Main inclusion criteria were (i) assessment of subjects <18 years at baseline, (ii) use of validated psychometric instruments and (iii) elicitation of objectively measured anthropometric data at least at one time point. Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. Out of 19, 14 cross-sectional studies confirmed a significant association of obesity and depression. Three out of eight longitudinal studies reported associations between obesity and subsequent depression in female children and adolescents only, and three out of nine studies obtained evidence in favour of the other direction with two studies revealing significant results only for female and one only for male children and adolescents. Evidence is mixed, and secure conclusions are hampered by the methodological variance of the included studies. Relationships are seemingly more readily detectable in female children adolescents and in the cross-sectional compared with the longitudinal analyses. Possibly, the joint development of obesity and depression in predisposed subjects accounts for the latter discrepancy. | Bidirectional;cross-sectional;longitudinal;population-based | pubmed |
The Behavioral Activation and Inhibition Systems: Implications for Understanding and Treating Chronic Pain. | Evidence from a number of sources supports the existence of two relatively independent neurophysiological systems that underlie avoidance- and approach-related emotions, cognitions, and behavior. There is considerable overlap between 1) the emotions, cognitions, and behaviors controlled by these two systems, and 2) the known effects of chronic pain. Here we propose a 2-factor model of chronic pain on the basis of these well established 2-factor models, and discuss the implications of the model for understanding the effects of pain and mechanisms of psychological pain treatments. The model makes specific hypotheses, which are unique to the proposed model, regarding the mechanisms underlying pain's negative influence and the benefits of psychological pain treatments. The model also provides an overarching framework that could enhance outcomes by 1) broadening the assessment of factors that may be influencing pain and its effect on individual patients, and 2) suggesting that specific techniques from different treatments may be combined to better target these factors. The 2-factor model presented in this report provides a framework for understanding the effects of psychological pain treatments, and makes specific a priori hypotheses regarding the specific mechanisms of those treatments. Clinical applications of the model have the potential for enhancing treatment outcomes. | Behavioral inhibition system;behavioral activation system;chronic pain;mechanisms;theory | pubmed |
Isolation and identification of Enterococcus faecalis membrane proteins using membrane shaving, 1D SDS/PAGE, and mass spectrometry. | Enterococcus faecalis is a significant nosocomial pathogen, which is able to survive in diverse environments and resist killing with antimicrobial therapies. The expression of cell membrane proteins play an important role in how bacteria respond to environmental stress. As such, the capacity to identify and study membrane protein expression is critical to our understanding of how specific proteins influence bacterial survival. Here, we describe a combined approach to identify membrane proteins of E. faecalis ATCC V583 using membranes fractionated by either 1D SDS/PAGE or membrane shaving, coupled with LC-ESI mass spectrometry. We identified 222 membrane-associated proteins, which represent approximately 24% of the predicted membrane-associated proteome: 170 were isolated using 1D SDS/PAGE and 68 with membrane shaving, with 36 proteins being common to both the techniques. Of the proteins identified by membrane shaving, 97% were membrane-associated with the majority being integral membrane proteins (89%). Most of the proteins identified with known physiology are involved with transportation across the membrane. The combined 1D SDS/PAGE and membrane shaving approach has produced the greatest number of membrane proteins identified from E. faecalis to date. These protocols will aid future researchers investigating changes in the membrane proteome of E. faecalis by improving our understanding of how E. faecalis adapts and responds to its environment. | 1D SDS/PAGE;Enterococcus faecalis;mass spectrometry;membrane shaving;proteomics | pubmed |
The relationship between parental mental illness and/or substance use disorder on adolescent substance use disorder: Results from a nationally representative survey. | This study examines the relationship between parental comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder (SUD) and adolescent SUD. Nationally representative parent-child data pooled over six years from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was utilized in this study. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine whether adolescents living with parents who have mental health disorders and/or substance use disorder are themselves more likely to have SUD while controlling for potential confounding variables. The results show that comorbid AMI-SUD in mothers is significantly associated with adolescent SUD after controlling for potential confounders. However, comorbid AMI-SUD in fathers is not associated with adolescent SUD when other controls are included in the model. The association of parental comorbid AMI-SUD with adolescent SUD indicates that parental behavioral health treatment may be a preventive measure to protect their children and may function as an important deterrent to adolescent SUD. | Adolescent;Comorbidity;Mental health;Substance-related disorders | pubmed |
New alkaline lipase from Rhizomucor variabilis: Biochemical properties and stability in the presence of microbial EPS. | A new strain of Rhizomucor variabilis producing an active extracellular lipase was identified and characterized in the present studies. The culture conditions were optimized and the highest lipase production amounting to 136 U/mL was achieved after 4 days of cultivation. The optimum pH (5.5) and temperature (28 °C) were determined as the best conditions for R. variabilis lipase production. The isolated enzyme preparation exhibited maximum activity at 40 °C and pH 8.0. Lipase from R. variabilis was stable up to 50 °C during 2 H retaining 80% of its initial activity. The enzyme was highly stable in the pH range of 7.0-9.0. Moreover, the addition of naturally obtained exopolysaccharides (EPS) significantly enhanced lipase activity. The presence of EPS derived from Ganoderma applanatum and Rhizobium leguminosarum enhanced the lipase activity, which was 22% and 31%, respectively, higher than that in the control experiments. Simultaneously, the pH activity profiles remained unchanged. The Michaelis-Menten constant and the turnover number of the enzyme for p-nitrophenyl palmitate in the standard assay conditions were estimated at a level of 0.631 mM and 0.674 Sec(-1) . In conclusion, the results obtained in this work present a newly isolated lipase preparation stabilized with EPS or without modification as a very effective tool for industrial application. | Rhizomucor variabilis;enzyme stability;exopolysaccharides;lipase | pubmed |
Long-term observation of neuronal degeneration and microgliosis in the gerbil dentate gyrus after transient cerebral ischemia. | Ischemic insults in the central nervous system evoke activation of microglia. In this study, we investigated long-term changes of neuronal damage and microglial activation in the gerbil dentate gyrus for 60 days after transient cerebral ischemia using immunohistochemistry and western blot. Neuronal damage or death was hardly found in the dentate gyrus after transient ischemia using cresyl violet staining and NeuN immunohistochemistry; however, neuronal degeneration was detected in the polymorphic layer of the dentate gyrus using Fluoro-Jade (F-J) B staining. F-J B-positive cells were significantly increased after ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) and peaked at 3 days post-ischemia, thereafter, F-J B-positive cells were decreased in a time-dependent manner and shown until 30 days post-ischemia; no F-J B-positive cells were observed 60 days after I-R. On the other hand, Iba-1-immunoreactive microglia were hypertrophied after I-R, and numbers of Iba-1-immunoreactive microglia were significantly increased along with the neuronal degeneration and highest 7 days after I-R, thereafter, numbers of Iba-1-immunoreactive microglia were decreased with time, although microglia activation lasted up to 60 days after I-R. In addition, Iba-1 protein level in the dentate gyrus after I-R was changed like immunohistochemical change. Our results, in brief, indicate that transient ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration in the dentate gyrus is maintained for about 30 days after I-R and that microglial activation lasts up to, at least, 60 days after I-R in the gerbil dentate gyrus after transient cerebral ischemia. | Dentate gyrus;Gerbil;Ischemia-reperfusion;Microglia activation;Neuronal degeneration;Polymorphic cells | pubmed |
Can Activities of Daily Living Predict Complications following Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy? | Activities of daily living provide information about the functional status of an individual and can predict postoperative complications after general and oncological surgery. However, they have rarely been applied to urology. We evaluated whether deficits in activities of daily living could predict complications after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and how this compares with the Charlson comorbidity index and the ASA(®) (American Society of Anesthesiologists(®)) classification. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy between March 2013 and March 2014. Those with complete assessment of activities of daily living were included in analysis. Perioperative outcomes, complications and hospital length of stay were examined according to the degree of deficits in daily living activities. Overall 176 patients underwent a total of 192 percutaneous nephrolithotomies. Deficits in activities of daily living were seen in 16% of patients, including minor in 9% and major in 7%. Complications developed more frequently in those with vs without deficits in daily living activities (53% vs 31%, p = 0.029) and length of stay was longer (2.0 vs 4.5 days, p = 0.005). On multivariate logistic regression activities of daily living were an independent predictor of complications (OR 1.11, p = 0.01) but ASA classification and Charlson comorbidity index were not. Activities of daily living are easily evaluated prior to surgery. They independently predict complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy better than the Charlson comorbidity index or the ASA classification. Preoperative assessment of daily living activities can help risk stratify patients and may inform treatment decisions. | activities of daily living;kidney calculi;nephrostomy, percutaneous;postoperative complications;risk | pubmed |
5-hydroxymethylcytosine marks postmitotic neural cells in the adult and developing vertebrate central nervous system. | The epigenetic mark 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a cytosine modification that is abundant in the central nervous system of mammals and which results from 5-methylcytosine oxidation by TET enzymes. Such a mark is suggested to play key roles in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene expression. However, its precise functions still remain poorly understood and information about its distribution in non-mammalian species is still lacking. Here, the distribution of 5hmC was investigated in the brain of adult zebrafish, African claw frog, and mouse in a comparative manner. We show that zebrafish neurons are endowed with high levels of 5hmC, whereas quiescent or proliferative neural progenitors show low to undetectable levels of the modified cytosine. In the brain of larval and juvenile Xenopus, 5hmC is also detected in neurons, while ventricular proliferative cells do not display this epigenetic mark. Similarly, 5hmC is enriched in neurons compared to neural progenitors of the ventricular zone in the mouse developing cortex. Interestingly, 5hmC colocalized with the methylated DNA binding protein MeCP2 and with the active chromatin histone modification H3K4me2 in mouse neurons. Taken together, our results show an evolutionarily conserved cerebral distribution of 5hmC between fish and tetrapods and reinforce the idea that 5hmC fulfills major functions in the control of chromatin activity in vertebrate neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:478-497, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | 5hmC;5mC;MeCP2;RRID: AB_10049650;RRID: AB_141372;RRID: AB_141607;RRID: AB_1977248;RRID: AB_2160651;RRID: AB_2572206;RRID: AB_2572207;RRID: AB_2572268;RRID: AB_477585;TET;amphibian;epigenetic;mammals;neurogenesis;teleost | pubmed |
Synthesis, in vitro antitumor activity, dihydrofolate reductase inhibition, DNA intercalation and structure-activity relationship studies of 1,3,5-triazine analogues. | A series of triazine-benzimidazoles with 4-fluoroaniline substitution has been designed and synthesized. These compounds were further substituted with different primary and secondary amines. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by (1)H, (13)C NMR, mass spectrometry and, in case of compound 18, by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated against 60 human tumor cell lines at one dose and five dose concentration levels. Compounds 7, 8 and 22 have been found to be the most active antitumor agents with GI50 values of 1.77, 1.94 and 2.87μM, respectively. The synthesized compounds were then evaluated for their inhibitory activity to mammalian dihydrofolate reductase. Compound 22 was depicted as the most active compound for the inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase with IC50 value of 2.0nM. DNA binding studies were also revealed strong interacting properties of triazine derivatives towards calf thymus-DNA. | Anticancer;Benzimidzole;DNA interaction;Dihydrofolate reductase;Structure–activity relationship;Triazine | pubmed |
Characteristics of isolated lactic acid bacteria and their effects on the silage quality. | Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from common vetch, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized, and their effects on the fermentation quality of Italian ryegrass (<i>Lolium multiflorum</i> Lam.) silage were studied. The four isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (G, <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> MTD-1) were evaluated using the acid production ability test, morphological observation, Gram staining, physiological, biochemical and acid tolerance tests. The five LAB strains were added to Italian ryegrass for ensiling at three different temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). All isolated strains (LCG3, LTG7, I5, and LI3) could grow at 5°C to 20°C, pH 3.0 to 8.0 and NaCl (3.0%, 6.5%). Strains LCG3, LTG7, I5, and LI3 were identified as <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i>, <i>Pediococcus acidilactici</i>, <i>Lactobacillus paraplantarum</i>, and <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> by sequencing 16S rDNA, respectively. All LAB inoculants significantly (p<0.05) increased lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid to acetic acid, and reduced pH and ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (AN/TN) compared with uninoculated silages at various temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). Compared to the commercial inoculant G, I5, and LI3 showed similar effects on improving the silage quality of Italian ryegrass at 10°C and 15°C, indicated by similar pH, LA content and AN/TN. All inoculants could improve the silage fermentation quality at various temperatures (10°C, 15°C, and 25°C). At the temperature of 10°C and 15°C, strain I5 and LI3 had similar effects with the commercial inoculant G on improving the silage quality of Italian ryegrass. | Isolation;Lactic Acid Bacteria;Low Temperature;Silage | pubmed |
"Less than a Vapor": Positioning Black lesbian women in history teacher education. | In this article, I discuss the possibilities and implications of centering Black lesbian identities and relationships in history teacher education through a case study with one straight Black woman preservice history teacher named Danitra. Danitra's understanding and navigation of historical research on Black lesbians are discussed in relation to core themes of lesbian historiography and emancipatory historiography. Though the literature on this group is limited, I argue that critical considerations of Black lesbians' interests and experiences help educators to conceive of and teach about history, citizenship, justice, and sexuality in more liberatory ways. I conclude by offering recommendations to history teachers and teacher educators who hope to draw on lesbian and emancipatory historiographies to challenge discourses of invisibility in history teacher education classrooms. | Black lesbians;critical historiographies;historical thinking;history teacher education | pubmed |
A single blind randomised controlled trial of the impact on patient-reported pain of arm elevation versus exsanguination prior to tourniquet inflation. | The aim of this study was to compare the pain caused by the application of a tourniquet after exsanguination of the upper limb with that occurring after simple elevation. We used 26 healthy volunteers (52 arms), each of whom acted as their own matched control. The primary outcome measure was the total pain experienced by each volunteer while the tourniquet was inflated for 20 minutes. This was calculated as the area under the pain curve for each individual subject. Secondary outcomes were pain at each time point; the total pain experienced during the recovery phase; the ability to tolerate the tourniquet and the time for full recovery after deflation of the tourniquet. There was a significant difference in the area under the pain curves in favour of exsanguination (mean difference 8.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0 to 13.7, p = 0.004). There was no difference between the dominant and non-dominant arms (mean difference -0.2; 95% CI -23.2 to 22.8, p = 0.99). The area under both recovery curves were similar (mean difference 0.7; 95% CI -6.0 to 4.6, p = 0.78). There was no statistical difference in recovery time, the actual mean difference being 30 seconds longer in the elevation group (p = 0.06). Many orthopaedic and plastic surgery procedures are done under local anaesthetic or regional block where a bloodless field and a motionless patient are essential. Optimising patient comfort during surgery with the tourniquet inflated is thus a priority. This study is useful in that it compares two common methods of preparation of the upper limb prior to tourniquet inflation and which have not previously been compared in this context. Following on the results of this study, we can confidently conclude that exsanguinating the upper limb before inflating a tourniquet is more comfortable than simply elevating the arm for patients undergoing a procedure under local or regional block, both during the procedure and in the recovery phase. Exsanguination rather than elevation is recommended in order to minimise patient discomfort and optimise the surgical field. | elevation;exsanguination;pain;pain score;tolerance;tourniquet;upper limb surgery | pubmed |
Cyanidation of Mercury-Contaminated Tailings: Potential Health Effects and Environmental Justice. | There is a variety of health and environmental issues associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which includes concerns regarding mercury pollution. In many countries, intervention programs and policies emphasized the importance of reducing mercury use by focusing on viable alternative methods to amalgamation that may include a transition to cyanidation. ASGM communities that now employ a combination of both methods may be increasing health and environmental risks by using mercury-contaminated tailings in the cyanidation process. This review provides a current overview of mercury and cyanide use in ASGM including the dangers of centralized processing centers that lack best practices. The combination of amalgamation and cyanidation has the potential to adversely affect many ASGM communities around the world and necessitates additional investigations to determine environmental and health impacts. | Amalgamation;Artisanal and small-scale gold mining;Cyanidation;Mercury | pubmed |
Crystal structure of the cohesin loader Scc2 and insight into cohesinopathy. | The ring-shaped cohesin complex topologically entraps chromosomes and regulates chromosome segregation, transcription, and DNA repair. The cohesin core consists of the structural maintenance of chromosomes 1 and 3 (Smc1-Smc3) heterodimeric ATPase, the kleisin subunit sister chromatid cohesion 1 (Scc1) that links the two ATPase heads, and the Scc1-bound adaptor protein Scc3. The sister chromatid cohesion 2 and 4 (Scc2-Scc4) complex loads cohesin onto chromosomes. Mutations of cohesin and its regulators, including Scc2, cause human developmental diseases termed cohesinopathy. Here, we report the crystal structure of Chaetomium thermophilum (Ct) Scc2 and examine its interaction with cohesin. Similar to Scc3 and another Scc1-interacting cohesin regulator, precocious dissociation of sisters 5 (Pds5), Scc2 consists mostly of helical repeats that fold into a hook-shaped structure. Scc2 binds to Scc1 through an N-terminal region of Scc1 that overlaps with its Pds5-binding region. Many cohesinopathy mutations target conserved residues in Scc2 and diminish Ct Scc2 binding to Ct Scc1. Pds5 binding to Scc1 weakens the Scc2-Scc1 interaction. Our study defines a functionally important interaction between the kleisin subunit of cohesin and the hook of Scc2. Through competing with Scc2 for Scc1 binding, Pds5 might contribute to the release of Scc2 from loaded cohesin, freeing Scc2 for additional rounds of loading. | HEAT repeat;X-ray crystallography;cohesin loading;cohesinopathy;transcription | pubmed |
Removal of triclosan via peroxidases-mediated reactions in water: Reaction kinetics, products and detoxification. | This study investigated and compared reaction kinetics, product characterization, and toxicity variation of triclosan (TCS) removal mediated by soybean peroxidase (SBP), a recognized potential peroxidase for removing phenolic pollutants, and the commonly used horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with the goal of assessing the technical feasibility of SBP-catalyzed removal of TCS. Reaction conditions such as pH, H2O2 concentration and enzyme dosage were found to have a strong influence on the removal efficiency of TCS. SBP can retain its catalytic ability to remove TCS over broad ranges of pH and H2O2 concentration, while the optimal pH and H2O2 concentration were 7.0 and 8μM, respectively. 98% TCS was removed with only 0.1UmL(-1) SBP in 30min reaction time, while an HRP dose of 0.3UmL(-1) was required to achieve the similar conversion. The catalytic performance of SBP towards TCS was more efficient than that of HRP, which can be explained by catalytic rate constant (KCAT) and catalytic efficiency (KCAT/KM) for the two enzymes. MS analysis in combination with quantum chemistry computation showed that the polymerization products were generated via CC and CO coupling pathways. The polymers were proved to be nontoxic through growth inhibition of green alga (Scenedesmus obliquus). Taking into consideration of the enzymatic treatment cost, SBP may be a better alternative to HRP upon the removal and detoxification of TCS in water/wastewater treatment. | Horseradish peroxidase;Soybean peroxidase;Triclosan;Wastewater treatment | pubmed |
Feel the force: Podosomes in mechanosensing. | Cells interact with their environment through highly localized contact structures. Podosomes represent a subgroup of cell-matrix contacts, which is especially prominent in cells of the monocytic lineage such as monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, but also in a variety of other cell types. Comparable to other adhesion structures, podosomes feature a complex architecture, which forms the basis for their extensive repertoire of sensory and effector functions. These functions are mainly linked to interactions with the extracellular matrix and comprise well known properties such as cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix degradation. A more recent discovery is the ability of podosomes to act as mechanosensory devices, by detecting rigidity and topography of the substratum. In this review, we focus especially on the molecular events involved in mechanosensing by podosomes, the structural elements of podosomes that enable this function, as well as the intra- and extracellular signals generated downstream of podosome mechanosensing. | Actin;Contractility;Formins;Invadosomes;Myosin;Podosomes;Rigidity;Topography | pubmed |
Dietary Flaxseed Reduces Central Aortic Blood Pressure Without Cardiac Involvement but Through Changes in Plasma Oxylipins. | In the year-long FlaxPAD clinical trial (Flaxseed for Peripheral Artery Disease), dietary flaxseed generated a powerful reduction in brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with peripheral artery disease. Oxylipins were implicated as potential mechanistic mediators. However, the ability of flaxseed to impact central aortic hypertension, arterial stiffness, or cardiac performance was not investigated. Additionally, the relationship between central blood pressure (cBP) and oxylipins was not elucidated. Therefore, radial tonometry and pulse wave analysis were used to measure cBP and cardiac function in the FlaxPAD population (n=62). Plasma oxylipins were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. In patients with high blood pressure at baseline, the average decrease in central systolic and diastolic blood pressures versus placebo was 10 and 6 mm Hg, respectively. Flaxseed did not significantly impact augmentation index or other cardiac function indices. Alternatively, the data support several specific oxylipins as potential mediators in the antihypertensive properties of flaxseed. For example, every 1 nmol/L increase in plasma 16-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid increased the odds of higher central systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 12- and 9-fold, respectively. Every 1 nmol/L increase in plasma thromboxane B2 and 5,6-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid increased the odds of higher cBP by 33- and 9-fold, respectively. Flaxseed induced a decrease in many oxylipins, which corresponded with a reduced risk of elevated cBP. These data extend the antihypertensive properties of flaxseed to cBP without cardiac involvement but rather through oxylipins. This study provides further support for oxylipins as therapeutic targets in hypertension. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00781950. | central blood pressure;flaxseed;hypertension;nutrition;oxylipins;peripheral vascular disease;pulse wave analysis | pubmed |
Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis with Locking Plates for Distal Tibia Fractures. | Distal tibia fractures are challenging injuries with multiple fixation options. Minimal invasive plating for distal tibia fracture is becoming more popular with documented good outcomes. To evaluate the functional and radiological results of fixation of distal tibia fractures with locking plates with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Fifty fractures of distal tibia without Intra-articular extension were operated with locking compression plating with MIPO technique. They were followed up at regular intervals. Functional and radiological results were evaluated at the end on one year. The fractures united in 48 (96%) patients with 2 (4%) cases of delayed union which took 30 weeks of time. Postoperatively, 2 patients developed superficial skin infection, 2 patients developed deep infection and 3 patients developed ankle stiffness due to loss of postoperative protocol and 4 patients had implant failure in form of screw breakage. Good amount of range of mobility of ankle joint was present in almost all patients. MIPO with locking plates for distal tibia fractures is associated with good functional outcomes and is an effective treatment for distal tibia fractures. Although, a larger sample of patients and longer follow up are required to fully evaluate this method of treatment, we strongly encourage its consideration in the treatment of such complex fractures. | Biological fixation;Distal tibia locking plates;MIPO for extraarticular fractures | pubmed |
Determination of salivary cotinine through solid phase extraction using a bead-injection lab-on-valve approach hyphenated to hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. | Cotinine, the first metabolite of nicotine, is often used as a biomarker in the monitoring of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure due to its long half-life. This paper reports on the development of an at-line automatic micro-solid phase extraction (μSPE) method for the determination of salivary cotinine followed by its analysis via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). The SPE methodology is based on the bead injection (BI) concept in a mesofluidic lab-on-valve (LOV) flow system to automatically perform all SPE steps. Three commercially available reversed-phase sorbents were tested, namely, Oasis HLB, Lichrolut EN and Focus, and the spherically shaped sorbents (i.e., Oasis HLB and Focus) provided better packing within the SPE column and hence higher column efficiency. An HILIC column was chosen based on its potential for achieving higher sensitivity and better retention of polar compounds such as cotinine. The method uses an isocratic program with acetonitrile:100mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 5.8 in 95:5 v/v ratio as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1). Using this approach, the linear calibration range was from 10 to 1000 ng which corresponded to 5-500 μg L(-1). The corresponding μSPE-BI-LOV system was proven to be reliable in the handing and analysis of viscous biological samples such as saliva, achieving a sampling rate of 6h(-1) and a limit of detection and quantification of 1.5 and 3μgL(-1), respectively. | Bead injection;Cotinine;Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography;Lab-on-valve;Saliva | pubmed |
Real-time single molecular study of a pretreated cellulose hydrolysis mode and individual enzyme movement. | The main challenges of large-scale biochemical conversion involve the high costs of cellulolytic enzymes and the inefficiency in enzymatic deconstruction of polysaccharides embedded in the complex structure of the plant cell wall, leading to ongoing interests in studying the predominant mode of enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, complete enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass substrates was visualized in situ and in real time by atomic force microscopy (AFM) topography and recognition imaging. Throughout the entire hydrolytic process, a hydrolysis mode for exoglucanase (CBH I) consisting of a peeling action, wherein cellulose microfibrils are peeled from sites on the pretreated cellulose substrate that have cracks sufficiently large for CBH I to immobilize. We quantitatively monitored the complete hydrolytic process on pretreated cellulose. The synergetic effect among the different enzymes can accelerate the cellulose hydrolysis rate dramatically. However, the combination of CBH I and β-glucosidases (β-G) exhibited a similar degradation capacity as did whole enzyme (contains the cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanase as its major enzyme components). We developed a comprehensive dynamic analysis for individual cellulase acting on single pretreated cellulose through use of functional AFM topography and recognition imaging. The single crystalline cellulose was divided into different regions based on the cracks on the substrate surface and was observed to either depolymerize or to peel away by the jammed enzyme molecules. After the exfoliation of one region, new cracks were produced for the enzyme molecules to immobilize. The fiber width may have a relationship with the peeling mode of the fibers. We performed a statistical height measure of the generated peaks of the peeled fibers. The height values range from 11 to 24 nm. We assume that the CBH I enzymes stop progressing along the cellulose microfibril when the peeled microfibril height exceeds 11 nm. The combination of CBH I and β-G can achieve an effective hydrolysis of the pretreated biomass substrates. The single-molecule study of the complete hydrolytic process indicates that the hydrolytic mode involves the peeling of the microfibrils and progressive depolymerization, which depend on the size of the cracks on the surface of the pretreated cellulose microfibrils. | AFM recognition imaging;Hydrolysis mode;Pretreated plant cell wall;Real-time;Single-molecule | pubmed |
Changing Attitude Toward Radiation Carcinogenesis and Prospects for Novel Low-Dose Radiation Treatments. | All procedures involving ionizing radiation, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, are subject to strict regulation, and public concerns have been raised about even the low levels of radiation exposures involved in diagnostic imaging. During the last 2 decades, there are signs of more balanced attitude to ionizing radiation hazards, as opposed to the historical "radiophobia." The linear no-threshold hypothesis, based on the assumption that every radiation dose increment constitutes increased cancer risk for humans, is increasingly debated. In particular, the recent memorandum of the International Commission on Radiological Protection admits that the linear no-threshold hypothesis predictions at low doses (that International Commission on Radiological Protection itself has used and continues to use) are "speculative, unproven, undetectable, and 'phantom'." Moreover, numerous experimental, ecological, and epidemiological studies suggest that low doses of ionizing radiation may actually be beneficial to human health. Although these advances in scientific understanding have not yet yielded significant changes in radiation regulation and policy, we are hopeful such changes may happen in the relatively near future. This article reviews the present status of the low-dose radiation hazard debate and outlines potential opportunities in the field of low-dose radiation therapy. | LNT;linear no-threshold hypothesis;low-dose;radiation carcinogenesis | pubmed |
Leveraging Citizen Science and Information Technology for Population Physical Activity Promotion. | While technology is a major driver of many of society's comforts, conveniences, and advances, it has been responsible, in a significant way, for engineering regular physical activity and a number of other positive health behaviors out of people's daily lives. A key question concerns how to harness information and communication technologies (ICT) to bring about positive changes in the health promotion field. One such approach involves community-engaged "citizen science," in which local residents leverage the potential of ICT to foster data-driven consensus-building and mobilization efforts that advance physical activity at the individual, social, built environment, and policy levels. The history of citizen science in the research arena is briefly described and an evidence-based method that embeds citizen science in a multi-level, multi-sectoral community-based participatory research framework for physical activity promotion is presented. Several examples of this citizen science-driven community engagement framework for promoting active lifestyles, called "Our Voice", are discussed, including pilot projects from diverse communities in the U.S. as well as internationally. The opportunities and challenges involved in leveraging citizen science activities as part of a broader population approach to promoting regular physical activity are explored. The strategic engagement of citizen scientists from socio-demographically diverse communities across the globe as both assessment as well as change agents provides a promising, potentially low-cost and scalable strategy for creating more active, healthful, and equitable neighborhoods and communities worldwide. | active living;citizen science;community;health equity;physical activity promotion;population health | pubmed |
Medical student attitudes toward kidney physiology and nephrology: a qualitative study. | Interest in nephrology among trainees is waning in the USA. Early perceptions and attitudes to subject matter can be linked to the quality of pre-clinical curricula. We wanted to explore these attitudes in the setting of modern curriculum redesign. We utilized Q methodology to understand first-year medical student attitudes after an innovative kidney physiology curriculum redesign that focuses on blending multiple learning methods. First-year medical students were invited to take a Q sort survey at the conclusion of a kidney physiology course. Students prioritized statements related to their understanding of kidney physiology, learning preferences, preferred course characteristics, perceived clinical relevance of kidney physiology, and interest in nephrology as a career. Factor analysis was performed to identify different student viewpoints. At the conclusion of our modified course, all students (n = 108) were invited to take the survey and 44 (41%) Q sorts were returned. Two dominant viewpoints were defined according to interest in nephrology. The Potentials are students who understand kidney physiology, perceive kidney physiology as clinically relevant, attend class sessions, utilize videos, and are willing to shadow a nephrologist. The Uninterested are students who are less satisfied with their kidney physiology knowledge, prefer to study alone with a textbook, avoid lectures, and are not interested in learning about nephrology. In an updated renal physiology course, students that use multiple learning methods also have favorable attitudes toward learning kidney physiology. Thus, modern curriculum changes that accommodate a variety of learning styles may promote positive attitudes toward nephrology. | Renal physiology;attitudes;medical education;medical student;nephrology | pubmed |
miR-29a suppresses growth and metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma by targeting AKT3. | MicroRNA-29a (miR-29a) has been reported to play important roles in tumor initiation, development, and metastasis in various cancers. However, the biological function and potential mechanisms of miR-29a in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain unclear. In the present study, we discovered that miR-29a was frequently downregulated in PTC tissues, and its expression was significantly associated with tumor size, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Functional assays showed that overexpression of miR-29a markedly suppressed PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted PTC apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. In vivo, miR-29a overexpression decreased tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-29a can directly bind to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of AKT3 in PTC cells. Overexpreesion of miR‑29a obviously decreased AKT3 expression, thereby suppressing phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway activation. We also confirmed that AKT3 expression was increased in PTC tissue and was inversely correlated miR-29a expression in PTC tissues. In addition, downregulation of AKT3 by siRNA mimicked the effects of miR-29a overexpression, and upregulation of AKT3 partially reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-29a. These results suggested that miR-29a could act as a tumor suppressor in PTC by targeting AKT3 and that miR-29a may potentially serve as an anti-tumor agent in the treatment of PTC. | AKT3;Papillary thyroid carcinoma;Proliferation;miR-29a | pubmed |
Post traumatic deafness: a pictorial review of CT and MRI findings. | Hearing loss is a common functional disorder after trauma, and radiologists should be aware of the ossicular, labyrinthine or brain lesions that may be responsible. After a trauma, use of a systematic approach to explore the main functional components of auditory pathways is essential. Conductive hearing loss is caused by the disruption of the conductive chain, which may be due to ossicular luxation or fracture. This pictorial review firstly describes the normal 2-D and 3-D anatomy of the ossicular chain, including the incudo-malleolar and incudo-stapedial joints. The role of 3-D CT in the post-traumatic evaluation of injury to the temporal bone is then evaluated. In the case of sensorineural hearing loss, CT can detect pneumolabyrinth and signs of perilymphatic fistulae but fails to detect subtle lesions within the inner ear, such as labyrinthine haemorrhage or localized brain axonal damage along central auditory pathways. The role that MRI with 3-D-FLAIR acquisition plays in the detection of inner ear haemorrhage and post-traumatic lesions of the brain parenchyma that may lead to auditory agnosia is also discussed. • The most common middle ear injuries are incudo-malleolar and incudo-stapedial joint luxation. • In patients with SNHL, CT can detect pneumolabyrinth or perilymphatic fistula • 3-D-FLAIR MRI appears the best sequence to highlight labyrinthine haemorrhage • Axonal damage and brain hematoma may lead to deafness. | CT scan;Ear ossicles;Magnetic resonance imaging;Temporal bone deafness;Trauma | pubmed |
Preclinical Evidence for the Use of Sunitinib Malate in the Treatment of Plexiform Neurofibromas. | Plexiform neurofibromas (pNF) are pathognomonic nerve and soft tissue tumors of neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), which are highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and associated with significant morbidity/mortality. Disruption of aberrant SCF/c-Kit signaling emanating from the pNF microenvironment induced the first ever objective therapeutic responses in a recent phase 2 trial. Sunitinib malate is a potent, highly selective RTK inhibitor with activity against c-Kit, PDGFR, and VEGFR, which have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of sunitinib malate in a preclinical Krox20;Nf1(flox/-) pNF murine model. Proliferation, β-hexosaminidase release (degranulation), and Erk1/2 phosphorylation were assessed in sunitinib treated Nf1(+/-) mast cells and fibroblasts, respectively. Krox20;Nf1(flox/-) mice with established pNF were treated sunitinib or PBS-vehicle control for a duration of 12 weeks. pNF metabolic activity was monitored by serial [(18)F]DG-PET/CT imaging. Sunitinib suppressed multiple in vitro gain-in-functions of Nf1(+/-) mast cells and fibroblasts and attenuated Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Sunitinib treated Krox20;Nf1(flox/-) mice exhibited significant reductions in pNF size, tumor number, and FDG uptake compared to control mice. Histopathology revealed reduced tumor cellularity and infiltrating mast cells, markedly diminished collagen deposition, and increased cellular apoptosis in sunitinib treated pNF. Collectively, these results demonstrate the efficacy of sunitinib in reducing tumor burden in Krox20;Nf1(flox/-) mice. These preclinical findings demonstrate the utility of inhibiting multiple RTKs in pNF and provide insights into the design of future clinical trials. | neurofibromatosis type 1;plexiform neurofibroma;preclinical mouse model;receptor tyrosine kinase;sunitinib malate;therapy | pubmed |
Tailoring LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interface Metallicity by Oxygen Surface Adsorbates. | We report an oxygen surface adsorbates induced metal-insulator transition at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interfaces. The observed effects were attributed to the terminations of surface Al sites and the resultant electron-accepting surface states. By controlling the local oxygen adsorptions, we successfully demonstrated the nondestructive patterning of the interface two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG). The obtained 2DEG structures are stable in air and also robust against general solvent treatments. This study provides new insights into the metal-insulator transition mechanism at the complex oxide interfaces and also a highly efficient technique for tailoring the interface properties. | 2DEG;adsorbates;charge transfer doping;oxide interfaces;surface states | pubmed |
Characteristics of uranium biosorption from aqueous solutions on fungus Pleurotus ostreatus. | Uranium(VI) biosorption from aqueous solutions was investigated in batch studies by using fungus Pleurotus ostreatus biomass. The optimal biosorption conditions were examined by investigating the reaction time, biomass dosage, pH, temperature, and uranium initial concentration. The interaction between fungus biomass and uranium was confirmed using Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), scanning electronic microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Results exhibited that the maximum biosorption capacity of uranium on P. ostreatus was 19.95 ± 1.17 mg/g at pH 4.0. Carboxylic, amine, as well as hydroxyl groups were involved in uranium biosorption according to FT-IR analysis. The pseudo-second-order model properly evaluated the U(VI) biosorption on fungus P. ostreatus biomass. The Langmuir equation provided better fitting in comparison with Freundlich isotherm models. The obtained thermodynamic parameters suggested that biosorption is feasible, endothermic, and spontaneous. SEM-EDX and XPS were additionally conducted to comprehend the biosorption process that could be described as a complex process involving several mechanisms of physical adsorption, chemisorptions, and ion exchange. Results obtained from this work indicated that fungus P. ostreatus biomass can be used as potential biosorbent to eliminate uranium or other radionuclides from aqueous solutions. | Bioremediation;Biosorption;Pleurotus ostreatus;Uranium | pubmed |
Autonomic correlations with MRI are abnormal in the brainstem vasomotor centre in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. | Autonomic changes are often associated with the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), but their pathogenetic role is unclear and brain imaging investigations are lacking. The vasomotor centre and, through it, nuclei in the midbrain and hypothalamus play a key role in autonomic nervous system regulation of steady state blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). In this exploratory cross-sectional study, BP and HR, as indicators of autonomic function, were correlated with volumetric and T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo (T1w and T2w) brain MRI in 25 CFS subjects and 25 normal controls (NC). Steady state BP (systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure) and HR in two postures were extracted from 24 h blood pressure monitoring. We performed (1) MRI versus autonomic score interaction-with-group regressions to detect locations where regression slopes differed in the CFS and NC groups (collectively indicating abnormality in CFS), and (2) MRI regressions in the CFS and NC groups alone to detect additional locations with abnormal correlations in CFS. Significant CFS regressions were repeated controlling for anxiety and depression (A&D). Abnormal regressions were detected in nuclei of the brainstem vasomotor centre, midbrain reticular formation and hypothalamus, but also in limbic nuclei involved in stress responses and in prefrontal white matter. Group comparisons of CFS and NC did not find MRI differences in these locations. We propose therefore that these regulatory nuclei are functioning correctly, but that two-way communication between them is impaired in CFS and this affects signalling to/from peripheral effectors/sensors, culminating in inverted or magnified correlations. This single explanation for the diverse abnormal correlations detected here consolidates the conclusion for a brainstem/midbrain nerve conduction deficit inferred earlier (Barnden et al., 2015). Strong correlations were also detected in isolated NC regressions. | 1s, 1 sample;2s, 2 sample;A&D, anxiety and depression;Anxiety and depression;Autonomic;BA, Brodmann Area;BP, blood pressure;Blood pressure;CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome;Cb, cerebellum;Chronic fatigue syndrome;CnF, cuneiform nucleus of the reticular formation;DLPF, dorsolateral prefrontal;FDR, false discovery rate;FWE, family wise error;GM, grey matter;HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale;HR, heart rate;Heart rate;Hypothalamus;MRI;Midbrain;NC, normal controls;Nerve conduction;PCC, posterior cingulate cortex;PHg, parahippocampal gyrus;POTS, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome;PP, pulse pressure;Posture;RAS, reticular activation system;Regression;SS, symptom score;VBIS, voxel based iterative sensitivity;Vasomotor centre;WM, white matter;ccP, corrected cluster P statistic;diaBP, diastolic blood pressure;sysBP, systolic Blood pressure;uvP, uncorrected voxel P statistic | pubmed |
Transition-Metal Substitution Doping in Synthetic Atomically Thin Semiconductors. | Large-area "in situ" transition-metal substitution doping for chemical-vapor-deposited semiconducting transition-metal-dichalcogenide monolayers deposited on dielectric substrates is demonstrated. In this approach, the transition-metal substitution is stable and preserves the monolayer's semiconducting nature, along with other attractive characteristics, including direct-bandgap photoluminescence. | band structure;chemical vapor deposition;electronic properties;monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides;transition-metal doping | pubmed |
Action potential amplitude as a noninvasive indicator of motor unit-specific hypertrophy. | Skeletal muscle fibers hypertrophy in response to strength training, with type II fibers generally demonstrating the greatest plasticity in regards to cross-sectional area (CSA). However, assessing fiber type-specific CSA in humans requires invasive muscle biopsies. With advancements in the decomposition of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals recorded using multichannel electrode arrays, the firing properties of individual motor units (MUs) can now be detected noninvasively. Since action potential amplitude (APSIZE) has a documented relationship with muscle fiber size, as well as with its parent MU's recruitment threshold (RT) force, our purpose was to examine if MU APSIZE, as a function of its RT (i.e., the size principle), could potentially be used as a longitudinal indicator of MU-specific hypertrophy. By decomposing the sEMG signals from the vastus lateralis muscle of 10 subjects during maximal voluntary knee extensions, we noninvasively assessed the relationship between MU APSIZE and RT before and immediately after an 8-wk strength training intervention. In addition to significant increases in muscle size and strength (P < 0.02), our data show that training elicited an increase in MU APSIZE of high-threshold MUs. Additionally, a large portion of the variance (83.6%) in the change in each individual's relationship between MU APSIZE and RT was explained by training-induced changes in whole muscle CSA (obtained via ultrasonography). Our findings suggest that the noninvasive, electrophysiological assessment of longitudinal changes to MU APSIZE appears to reflect hypertrophy specific to MUs across the RT continuum. | size principle;skeletal muscle fiber type;strength training;surface EMG decomposition | pubmed |
Occurrence and Distribution of Carbamate Pesticides and Metalaxyl in Southern Ontario Surface Waters 2007-2010. | Surface water sampling in 2007-2010 measured the occurrence of carbamates and metalaxyl during base flow conditions and wet weather events in southern Ontario surface waters. Carbaryl, metalaxyl and pirimicarb were the most frequently detected compounds. In 2008 these three compounds were detected in over 50 % of the samples. Overall mean concentrations of carbaryl and metalaxyl over the course of the study (2007-2010) were 15 and 18 ng/L, respectively. Elevated concentrations of carbaryl (~100 to ~950 ng/L) appeared associated with wet weather (high flow) events, while highest concentrations of metalaxyl (~20-1330 ng/L) were correlated with base flow conditions. We attributed these observations as the result of runoff of carbaryl from the watershed during rain events, while metalaxyl contamination may have resulted primarily from spray drift. | Carbamates pesticides;Carbaryl;Fungicides;Metalaxyl;Watersheds | pubmed |
Novel paravertebral block during single-incision thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. | Recently, the use of paravertebral block (PVB) during thoracic surgery has been re-evaluated, as it is not inferior to epidural anaesthesia for postoperative pain control, and has been associated with fewer complications (e.g., hematoma of epidural, hypotension, urinary retention, postoperative nausea and vomiting). No reports have described intraoperative catheterization for PVB during single-incision thoracoscopic surgery (SITS) as distinct from thoracotomy or multi-ports video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. We describe a case of SITS bullectomy using a chest wall pulley for lung excision to treat primary spontaneous pneumothorax and 25 catheterizations for PVB during SITS that have been performed since June 2013. Our novel technique is both easy and safe. It is ideal to combine PVB with SITS because both methods are less invasive. | Paravertebral block;Primary spontaneous pneumothorax;Single-incision thoracoscopic surgery | pubmed |
Intestinal immunostimulatory activity of neutral polysaccharide isolated from traditionally fermented Korean brown rice vinegar. | In this study, diverse intestinal immunostimulatory activities were demonstrated for polysaccharides (KBV-CP) isolated from Korean brown rice vinegar. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that KBV-CP was composed mainly of neutral sugar units, primarily glucose and mannose. In vitro, KBV-CP significantly augmented the productions of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgA-related cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, results of an in vitro co-culture system of intestinal Caco-2 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells suggested that KBV-CP is not only cytotoxic to Caco-2 cells but also capable of being transported across the small intestinal barrier. Oral administration of KBV-CP every other day for 20 days induced the IgA production by Peyer's patch cells as well as in intestinal fluid and fecal extract. In addition, the production of IgA-related cytokines such as TGF-β and IL-6, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor was triggered. | Peyer’s patch (PP);brown rice vinegar;immunoglobulin A;intestinal immune system;polysaccharide | pubmed |
Annexin A6 and Late Endosomal Cholesterol Modulate Integrin Recycling and Cell Migration. | Annexins are a family of proteins that bind to phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. Earlier studies implicated annexin A6 (AnxA6) to inhibit secretion and participate in the organization of the extracellular matrix. We recently showed that elevated AnxA6 levels significantly reduced secretion of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN). Because FN is directly linked to the ability of cells to migrate, this prompted us to investigate the role of AnxA6 in cell migration. Up-regulation of AnxA6 in several cell models was associated with reduced cell migration in wound healing, individual cell tracking and three-dimensional migration/invasion assays. The reduced ability of AnxA6-expressing cells to migrate was associated with decreased cell surface expression of αVβ3 and α5β1 integrins, both FN receptors. Mechanistically, we found that elevated AnxA6 levels interfered with syntaxin-6 (Stx6)-dependent recycling of integrins to the cell surface. AnxA6 overexpression caused mislocalization and accumulation of Stx6 and integrins in recycling endosomes, whereas siRNA-mediated AnxA6 knockdown did not modify the trafficking of integrins. Given our recent findings that inhibition of cholesterol export from late endosomes (LEs) inhibits Stx6-dependent integrin recycling and that elevated AnxA6 levels cause LE cholesterol accumulation, we propose that AnxA6 and blockage of LE cholesterol transport are critical for endosomal function required for Stx6-mediated recycling of integrins in cell migration. | SNARE proteins;annexin A6;cell migration;cholesterol;endosome;integrin;integrin recycling;syntaxin 6 | pubmed |
Early predictors of behavioural problems in pre-schoolers - a longitudinal study of constitutional and environmental main and interaction effects. | The early environment is important for child development and wellbeing. Gene-by-environment studies investigating the impact of the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphisms by life events on mental health and behaviour problems have been inconclusive. Methodological differences regarding sample sizes, study population, definitions of adversities and measures of mental health problems obstacle their comparability. Furthermore, very few studies included children. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between a broad range of risk factors covering pregnancy and birth, genetic polymorphism, experience of multiple life events and psychosocial environment, and child behaviour at age 3, using a comparably large, representative, population-based sample. A total of 1,106 children, and their mothers, were followed from pregnancy to age 3. Information on pregnancy and birth-related factors was retrieved from the Medical Birth Register. Questionnaires on depressive symptoms, child behaviour and child experiences of life events were filled in by the mothers. Child saliva samples were used for genotyping the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF Val66Met polymorphisms. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between psychological scales and genetic polymorphisms. Symptoms of postpartum depression increased the risk of both internalizing and externalizing problems. Experience of multiple life events was also a predictor of behavioural problems across the scales. No gene-by-environment or gene-by-gene-by-environment interactions were found. Children of immigrants had an increased risk of internalizing problems and parental unemployment was significantly associated with both internalizing and externalizing type of problems. This study shows the importance of the psychosocial environment for psychosocial health in preschool children, and adds to the literature of null-findings of gene-by-environment effects of 5-HTTLPR and BDNF in children. | Behaviour;Gene-by-environment;Longitudinal;SESBiC-study;Socio-environment | pubmed |
Farm level risk factors for fluoroquinolone resistance in E. coli and thermophilic Campylobacter spp. on poultry farms. | Data on husbandry practices, performance, disease and drug use were collected during a cross-sectional survey of 89 poultry meat farms in England and Wales to provide information on possible risk factors for the occurrence of fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant bacteria. Faeces samples were used to classify farms as "affected" or "not affected" by FQ-resistant (FQr) Escherichia coli or Campylobacter spp. Risk factor analysis identified the use of FQ on the farms as having by far the strongest association, among the factors considered, with the occurrence of FQr bacteria. Resistant E. coli and/or Campylobacter spp. were found on 86% of the farms with a history of FQ use. However, a substantial proportion of farms with no history of FQ use also yielded FQr organisms, suggesting that resistant bacteria may transfer between farms. Further analysis suggested that for Campylobacter spp., on-farm hygiene, cleaning and disinfection between batches of birds and wildlife control were of most significance. By contrast, for E. coli biosecurity from external contamination was of particular importance, although the modelling indicated that other factors were likely to be involved. Detailed studies on a small number of sites showed that FQr E. coli can survive routine cleaning and disinfection. It appears difficult to avoid the occurrence of resistant bacteria when FQ are used on a farm, but the present findings provide evidence to support recommendations to reduce the substantial risk of the incidental acquisition of such resistance by farms where FQ are not used. | Campylobacter;E. coli;Poultry;antimicrobial resistance;fluoroquinolone;risk analysis | pubmed |
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Prevalence: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). | We examined prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Neurocognitive Study. Beginning in June, 2011, we invited all surviving ARIC participants to undergo cognitive, neurological and brain imaging assessments to diagnose MCI or dementia and assign an etiology for the cognitive disorder. Of 10713 surviving ARIC participants (age range 69-88 yrs), we ascertained cognitive diagnoses in 6471 in-person, 1966 by telephone interviews (participant or informant) and the remainder by medical record review. The prevalence of dementia was 9.0% and MCI 21%. Alzheimer's disease was the primary or secondary etiology in 76% of dementia and 75% of MCI participants. Cerebrovascular disease was the primary or secondary etiology in 46% of dementia and 32% of MCI participants. MCI and dementia were common among survivors from the original ARIC cohort. Nearly 30% of the ARIC cohort received diagnoses of either dementia or MCI, and for the majority of these individuals (about 75%) the etiologic basis was attributed to Alzheimer's disease. | Alzheimer’s disease;cerebrovascular disease;dementia;epidemiology;mild cognitive impairment;prevalence | pubmed |
<i>In vitro</i> neuronal depolarization and increased synaptic activity induced by infrared neural stimulation. | Neuronal responses to infrared neural stimulation (INS) are explored at the single cell level using patch-clamp electrophysiology. We examined membrane and synaptic responses of solitary tract neurons recorded in acute slices prepared from the Sprague-Dawley rat. Neurons were stimulated using a compact 1890 nm waveguide laser with light delivered to a small target area, comparable to the size of a single cell, via a single-mode fiber. We show that infrared radiation increased spontaneous synaptic event frequency, and evoked steady-state currents and neuronal depolarization. The magnitude of the responses was proportional to laser output. | (140.3070) Infrared and far-infrared lasers;(170.0170) Medical optics and biotechnology;(170.1530) Cell analysis;(170.4090) Modulation techniques;(350.5340) Photothermal effects | pubmed |
Efficacy and safety of thoracoscopic pericardial window in patients with pericardial effusions: a single-center case series. | Pericardial effusion (PE) is a common finding in patients who had chronic cardiac failure, who had undergone cardiac surgery, or who had certain other benign and malignant diseases. PE ranges in severity from mild, asymptomatic effusions to cardiac tamponade. Although a thoracoscopic pericardial window (TPW) is a minimally invasive surgical option for patients with PE, there are few published data regarding the outcomes of TPW for PE. We investigated the contribution of the TPW to the treatment of PEs that are recurrent or difficult to drain percutaneously. We conducted a retrospective chart review of the indications for TPW that included data on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables; morbidity; recurrence; and survival. Fourteen consecutive patients with PE that was recurrent or difficult to drain percutaneously and who underwent treatment with a TPW were enrolled in this study. Trocars for passage of the thoracoscope and surgical instruments were introduced through two or three incisions. Mini-thoracotomy was also performed in patients with hemopericardium and loculated fibrinous effusions. All patients were evaluated by face-to-face interviews, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and chest radiography 3-6 months after the TPW was obtained. The mean age of the patients was 70 years (range 28-83 years). The operative time was 72.1 ± 29.5 min. Six patients had undergone open heart surgery during the month prior to their presentation with PE. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred, although PE had recurred in one patient. Two patients died of malignant disease several months after the TPW. The cardiothoracic ratio (determined on chest radiographs) and the ejection fraction ratio (determined using TTE) had improved at the 3- and 6-month follow-up evaluations (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.012, respectively). Some patients could discontinue diuretics after the procedure, as assessed by the cardiologist based on symptom alleviation, chest radiography, and TTE findings. For patients with PEs that are recurrent or difficult to drain percutaneously, TPW is an effective, safe surgical approach in terms of cardiac function and radiological findings. | Pericardial effusion;Pericardial window;Thoracoscopic surgery | pubmed |
The association of serotonin receptor 3A methylation with maternal violence exposure, neural activity, and child aggression. | Methylation of the serotonin 3A receptor gene (HTR3A) has been linked to child maltreatment and adult psychopathology. The present study examined whether HTR3A methylation might be associated with mothers' lifetime exposure to interpersonal violence (IPV), IPV-related psychopathology, child disturbance of attachment, and maternal neural activity. Number of maternal lifetime IPV exposures and measures of maternal psychopathology including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and aggressive behavior (AgB), and a measure of child attachment disturbance known as "secure base distortion" (SBD) were assessed in a sample of 35 mothers and children aged 12-42 months. Brain fMRI activation was assessed in mothers using 30-s silent film excerpts depicting menacing adult male-female interactions versus prosocial and neutral interactions. Group and continuous analyses were performed to test for associations between clinical and fMRI variables with DNA methylation. Maternal IPV exposure-frequency was associated with maternal PTSD; and maternal IPV-PTSD was in turn associated with child SBD. Methylation status of several CpG sites in the HTR3A gene was associated with maternal IPV and IPV-PTSD severity, AgB and child SBD, in particular, self-endangering behavior. Methylation status at a specific CpG site (CpG2_III) was associated with decreased medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) activity in response to film-stimuli of adult male-female interactions evocative of violence as compared to prosocial and neutral interactions. Methylation status of the HTR3A gene in mothers is linked to maternal IPV-related psychopathology, trauma-induced brain activation patterns, and child attachment disturbance in the form of SBD during a sensitive period in the development of self-regulation. | Attachment disorder;Epigenetics;Interpersonal violence;Maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD);Serotonin receptor;fMRI | pubmed |
Applied statistical training to strengthen analysis and health research capacity in Rwanda. | To guide efficient investment of limited health resources in sub-Saharan Africa, local researchers need to be involved in, and guide, health system and policy research. While extensive survey and census data are available to health researchers and program officers in resource-limited countries, local involvement and leadership in research is limited due to inadequate experience, lack of dedicated research time and weak interagency connections, among other challenges. Many research-strengthening initiatives host prolonged fellowships out-of-country, yet their approaches have not been evaluated for effectiveness in involvement and development of local leadership in research. We developed, implemented and evaluated a multi-month, deliverable-driven, survey analysis training based in Rwanda to strengthen skills of five local research leaders, 15 statisticians, and a PhD candidate. Research leaders applied with a specific research question relevant to country challenges and committed to leading an analysis to publication. Statisticians with prerequisite statistical training and experience with a statistical software applied to participate in class-based trainings and complete an assigned analysis. Both statisticians and research leaders were provided ongoing in-country mentoring for analysis and manuscript writing. Participants reported a high level of skill, knowledge and collaborator development from class-based trainings and out-of-class mentorship that were sustained 1 year later. Five of six manuscripts were authored by multi-institution teams and submitted to international peer-reviewed scientific journals, and three-quarters of the participants mentored others in survey data analysis or conducted an additional survey analysis in the year following the training. Our model was effective in utilizing existing survey data and strengthening skills among full-time working professionals without disrupting ongoing work commitments and using few resources. Critical to our success were a transparent, robust application process and time limited training supplemented by ongoing, in-country mentoring toward manuscript deliverables that were led by Rwanda's health research leaders. | Analysis;Capacity building;Capacity strengthening;Deliverable-driven;Evaluation;Research;Statistics | pubmed |
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